lcionline Chapter 68 Marrying her means becoming the prince's brother-in-law?
Chapter 68 Marrying her means becoming the prince's brother-in-law?
Chu Ruohan also thought Yingqing was a good fit, and immediately went to discuss it with him.
In the courtyard, Yingqing was wiping his sword. Sunlight shone on his resolute face, outlining his rugged features.
Chu Ruohan coughed lightly, and Ying Qing immediately turned around alertly. Seeing that it was her, she bowed respectfully: "Young Madam, what are your orders?"
Chu Ruohan waved her hand slightly, indicating that he did not need to be so polite, and then carefully said, "Yingqing, as you know, now that the Duke of Wei's mansion has come to propose marriage, my parents were really forced to do so, and had to lie and say that Yue Shu was already engaged."
"The matter is urgent, and after much thought, I have no choice but to ask you for help."
"This is just a temporary measure. Once you and Yue Shuruo find someone you like, you can break off the engagement. It won't delay your marriage."
She looked at Yingqing with a hint of anticipation, but also with some trepidation, wondering if Yingqing would agree to this.
Ying Qing was not particularly moved by these words. To him, this was merely a formal engagement, not a real marriage proposal.
He was an orphan, and it was the eldest princess who saved his life. Over the years, he has devoted himself to serving the crown prince and has never had much thought about marriage.
Moreover, he really didn't want to see the second young lady of the Chu family harmed by a scumbag like Wei Qiming.
So he nodded slightly and said in a deep voice, "Don't worry, young mistress, Yingqing understands. In that case, Yingqing is willing."
Chu Ruohan looked delighted: "That's good, Yingqing, thank you for this."
All of this was observed by Gu Junze, who was not far away.
A thought struck him: Yingqing had always been by his side, serving him, but now that she was thirty, there was still no one to care for her.
Although he didn't say it, Gu Junze knew in his heart that Ying Qing didn't not want to get married, she just hadn't met the right person yet.
If this matter can be brought to fruition, it's possible that the fake story could become a real one.
Ying Qing put away his sword and walked to the corridor when he saw Gu Junze looking at him from the doorway with a smile on his face.
"Yingqing, this second young lady of the Chu family is a pure and kind girl."
Yingqing scratched his head somewhat embarrassedly: "Young Master, please don't tease me. This is just to help the Chu family out of this predicament."
A smile appeared in Gu Junze's eyes. "That's true, but who can say for sure about fate? You should start thinking about the rest of your life."
Yingqing lowered her head, lost in thought.
If he really marries the second young lady of the Chu family, wouldn't he become the brother-in-law of the heir apparent?
As soon as the thought popped into her head, Ying Qing hurriedly shook her head vigorously, as if trying to completely dispel this absurd idea from her mind.
How foolish! I was merely helping the Chu family out of a sense of righteousness, how could I have such improper thoughts?
He will always be the Crown Prince's bodyguard; the Princess's mission for him is to protect the Crown Prince...
Inside Zuixianlou, the largest restaurant in the capital, a group of纨绔公子弟 (playboys) were drinking and making merry in a private room on the second floor.
Suddenly, a man with a pointed mouth and monkey-like face rushed in from outside, his face showing an excited gossip.
"Ladies and gentlemen! Have you heard? The Duke of Wei's mansion has twice come to the Chu family to propose marriage, but the Chu family has actually betrothed their daughter to a mere guard!" He said, gesturing with his hands as he spoke.
"What? This happened?"
The young master in a brocade robe, fanning himself with a folding fan, raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Has the Chu family gone mad? Why would they abandon the prestigious Duke's mansion to choose a mere guard?"
"Haha, I think the Chu family looks down on that good-for-nothing Wei Qiming!"
“Wei Qiming spends his days indulging in debauchery and is utterly useless. His reputation is already ruined. How could the Chu family be willing to push their daughter into a fire pit?”
The crowd burst into laughter and began whispering among themselves.
"But speaking of which, who exactly is that guard?"
"Who cares! In short, this has become the biggest joke in Beijing. Wei Qiming has really lost face this time, and he probably won't be able to show his face in our circle anymore!"
The news spread like wildfire among the wealthy young men of the capital.
Wei Qiming thus became the laughing stock of everyone.
"This is a blatant slap in my face!" Wei Qiming paced back and forth in his study, his face ashen and veins bulging on his forehead, roaring at his trusted servant.
The servant cautiously replied, "Your Highness, this matter has already spread throughout the capital. They are all laughing at you, saying you are not even as good as a guard..."
"Shut up!" Wei Qiming slammed his hand on the table, causing the teacups to jump and spill tea all over the table.
"You dare to try and steal my person?"
"And that Chu family, they won't listen to reason, they'll have to suffer the consequences. I, the young master, will make them know what happens when they offend me," Wei Qiming said through gritted teeth.
Initially, Wei Qiming was only attracted to Chu Yueshu's looks. However, being humiliated like this completely ignited the impure desires in his heart.
The more unattainable something is, the more you want to get it.
Chu Yueshu had transformed from a target he simply wanted to possess into a "prey" he absolutely had to get his hands on.
Meanwhile, the Marquis of Anyang's residence and the Earl's residence became lively due to the return of Gu Jingchuan, the third master of the Gu family.
Gu Jingchuan is the third son of the old Earl, and the younger brother of the current Marquis of Anyang and the Earl. Although he was born out of wedlock, he is a capable man.
Gu Jingchuan made a meritorious contribution and was transferred back to the capital to serve as the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, a high-ranking official of the third rank with generous salary, which was naturally the envy of many.
Moreover, the position of Vice Minister of Revenue was in charge of the nation's finances and taxes, making it a truly lucrative post.
The emperor also bestowed upon him a three-courtyard house as a sign of his favor.
Gu Jingchuan had served as an official in other places for many years. This time, he returned to the capital and was reunited with his relatives from the Gu family after a long separation.
To celebrate this joyous occasion and to reminisce with his relatives, he specially hosted a banquet at his new home.
In no time, the mansion was brightly decorated and bustling with activity, as relatives and friends from the clan arrived with gifts.
Although the Marquis of Anyang held a title, he did not have the same real power as the Vice Minister of Revenue. He harbored a desire to befriend his third brother, whom he had not seen for a long time.
"Third brother, it's been so many years! You've finally returned home in glory! I'm truly happy from the bottom of my heart."
As soon as Marquis Anyang saw Gu Jingchuan, he quickly stepped forward, warmly grasped his hand, patted it vigorously, and his smile almost overflowed.
Gu Jingchuan replied with a smile, "Second Brother is too kind. My achievements today are entirely due to the Emperor's trust and favor. I will certainly be diligent and conscientious in my duties upon my return to repay His Majesty's grace."
As he spoke, he subtly withdrew his hand from the other person's grasp, while simultaneously adjusting his sleeves without making a sound.
His gaze remained consistently calm and polite, making it difficult to discern his true inner thoughts.
Marquis Anyang looked at his empty hands, feeling somewhat dissatisfied. His third brother was still the same as before, lacking any sense of social etiquette...
After exchanging greetings, Chu Ruohan subtly observed Gu Junze's third uncle. In her memory, he was a self-disciplined and public-spirited official who was extremely meticulous and upright in his conduct, a rare and excellent official.