lcionline Chapter 85 The Feast at Hongmen
Chapter 85 The Feast at Hongmen
Gu Peiyan went to the Zhao family with Gu Song.
When they arrived, Zhao Anmin chatted with the father and son for quite a while.
They didn't mention a word about what happened yesterday.
They even arranged for Zhao Xinyi to personally serve tea to the two of them.
"Why isn't Peiyan's young mistress here with you?" Zhao Anmin asked with a smile.
His eyes were filled with kindness.
If Zhao Xinyi hadn't pulled that stunt yesterday, Gu Peiyan would have actually believed that he cared about them.
Gu Peiyan composed herself and gave the excuse she had prepared: "A-Ning caught a bit of a cold yesterday, so I didn't let her come along. It wouldn't be good if it got worse. A-Ning also asked me to apologize to my uncle for not being able to come and wish you a Happy New Year in person. Once she's fully recovered, my husband and I will definitely visit you again."
As for whether it's true or false?
Of course it's fake.
The Second Prince has already begun investigating Zhao Anmin's case, and there will likely be results in a couple of days.
By then, the weather will be cold and Zhao will be broken.
"Haha, that's nothing. The important thing is for her to get well." Zhao Anmin laughed twice, then asked, "You two have been married for two months now, right? When are you planning to give your father a grandson? Your family has few descendants, so we need you to have more children."
Zhao Xinyi wanted to speak, but Zhao Anmin silenced her with a look.
Before Gu Peiyan could answer, Gu Song spoke up from the side: "I've also figured it out in the last two years. Children and grandchildren have their own blessings. It's not too late for them to have children after they've thought it through."
Zhao Anmin immediately chimed in, "Yes, Brother Gu is right. Sigh, I'm quite worried about my Xinyi right now. She's almost an old maid and still hasn't settled down. Back then, I had my eye on Peiyan as my son-in-law, so we could become even closer relatives. But I never expected that the Emperor's marriage decree would tie your family and the Wei family together."
Gu Song replied casually, "Miss Zhao is a good girl. I'm looking forward to attending her wedding."
Zhao Xinyi's gaze remained fixed on Gu Peiyan the entire time.
Gu Peiyan seemed oblivious, continuing to sip her tea.
After going around in circles, Zhao Anmin brought up the topic again: "I heard that Peiyan's new wife has always been a lively person. Peiyan must be having a hard time, right? If you ask me, you should marry a virtuous wife. Peiyan should find a virtuous wife to take care of you."
Gu Song also had reservations about Gu Peiyan's marriage.
In his opinion, Wei Dongning was indeed not within the scope of his consideration for a daughter-in-law.
But after they got married, Gu Song's impression of this girl gradually changed.
Now he feels that thanks to the Emperor arranging this marriage, the Gu family is no longer as lifeless as before.
Seeing that the father and son didn't respond, Zhao Anmin didn't feel embarrassed and continued, "I've always taught Xinyi that after marriage she must respect her husband and not be petty. I just don't know which young man will be lucky enough to marry her."
As he said this, his eyes kept glancing at Gu Peiyan.
The implication is self-evident.
Yesterday, Zhao Xinyi offended the Second Prince, and his past actions may be brought to light in a few days.
He knew he couldn't escape unscathed, but he didn't want his precious daughter, whom he had raised with such care, to suffer along with him.
If Zhao Xinyi could marry Gu Peiyan as a secondary wife, or even a concubine, she could be protected.
Whether he is ultimately sentenced to death or exile, it will not affect his married daughter.
“Miss Zhao will surely find her ideal husband.” Gu Peiyan’s expression remained unchanged, as if she hadn’t understood his implication.
Gu Song echoed, "Yes, there are countless talented men in the capital. There's bound to be one suitable for Miss Zhao."
Zhao Xinyi looked at Zhao Anmin with some anxiety.
Zhao Anmin silenced him with a look.
"Then I'll accept your kind words. Xinyi, serve the dishes."
The servants carried food trays and lined up to place the plates containing exquisite dishes on the table.
Zhao Xinyi took the initiative to stand up and pour a glass of wine for the people present.
When pouring wine for Zhao Anmin, she nodded at him.
After returning to her seat, Zhao Xinyi raised her wine glass: "Yesterday at Guangning Temple, I offended you in many ways. I apologize to Young Master Gu and hope that Madam Gu will be magnanimous and forgive me this time."
“If Miss Zhao sincerely wanted to apologize to my wife, she should have said it to her directly yesterday, instead of having me convey it to her today.”
"Yes, yes, I will punish myself with a drink and will definitely come to apologize another day."
With that, Zhao Xinyi downed the wine in her glass in one gulp.
Gu Peiyan couldn't refuse to give her any face in this situation, so she also picked up her wine glass and took a sip.
Throughout the meal, Zhao Anmin did most of the talking.
From his diligent studies in his youth to his current great achievements.
The wine was also drunk glass after glass.
Even if Gu Peiyan didn't want to, she had no choice but to drink two glasses with him.
After finishing his second glass of wine, Zhao Xinyi got up and poured him another one.
Whether intentionally or not, Zhao Xin's hand trembled, and most of the wine in the pot spilled onto Gu Peiyan's robe.
"Oh dear, I'm so sorry, it's all my fault. Let me clean it for you."
Gu Peiyan frowned unhappily and stepped aside: "No need."
A glint flashed in Zhao Anmin's eyes: "Xinyi, take Peiyan to change into a clean set of clothes."
"Yes."
She put something on Gu Peiyan's wine glass, guessing it would take effect soon.
When she took him to change clothes, she would make it a done deal, so she wouldn't have to worry about not being able to marry into the Gu family in the future.
Unexpectedly, Gu Peiyan flatly refused: "No need. Thank you for your kindness, Uncle Zhao."
Gu Song's expression was also not good. He slammed his chopsticks on the table and said, "What kind of behavior is this! Hurry up and go home, lest others mistake you for an alcoholic."
"Yes, Father. I'm sorry, Uncle Zhao, I must go ahead. Please enjoy your meal."
"Never mind, I'll go back with you." Gu Song noticed that something was wrong with Gu Peiyan and, fearing that something might happen to him, decided to go with him. "I'm sorry, Brother Zhao, I'll invite you to my residence for a get-together next time."
Forcing herself to walk out of the Zhao residence, Gu Peiyan could no longer maintain her composure and coldly ordered Qian Rong, "Return to the residence."
Gu Song frowned as he looked at his son, whose eyes were already bloodshot: "Can he still hold on? Let's go to the clinic first."
He hadn't expected the Zhao father and daughter to be so bold as to drug him in broad daylight.
"No need, I can still manage. It should just be a regular aphrodisiac."
The carriage sped along, finally arriving back at the Gu residence. Gu Peiyan stumbled and staggered to her usual bathing room, leaving Gu Song behind.
Qian Rong had prepared a bucket of ice water as instructed, and Gu Peiyan, disregarding everything else, stepped inside.
Stimulated by the ice water, Gu Peiyan regained some of her senses.
Wei Dongning and Xiao Wu had been keeping an eye on Wei Xiuming's situation. When they heard someone enter the bathroom, they thought it must be Gu Peiyan returning, so they got up to go and check on her.
Unexpectedly, upon entering, he was met with Gu Peiyan's bloodshot eyes and his heavy breathing: "Get out."
"Uh..." Wei Dongning may not have eaten pork, but she's at least seen pigs run: "You've been poisoned?"
"Okay, you can go out first."
"Do you... need any help?"