Chapter Eighty: Set in Stone
“Third Brother, I’ve heard Gu Changqing is not only handsome and dashing, but also remarkably strong and unmatched in battle…”
“Yes! I watched the competition at the grand ceremony. Father immediately announced he’d be my brother-in-law—I absolutely support it with both hands!”
“But Big Brother and Second Brother seem to…”
“Third Brother, just ignore those two ingrates.”
“Last time, the four great families even tried to send this princess to a rival nation for a marriage alliance. Big Brother didn’t hesitate to agree, and Second Brother always follows his lead… Hmph!”
“Oh right, Third Brother, I heard from the palace maids that Gu Changqing went to the Imperial Study to see Father. It must be about me, right?!”
“Why don’t you go eavesdrop? … Come back and tell your little sister?”
“Wouldn’t that be inappropriate?”
“What’s inappropriate? Your little sister is practically being thrown away like water from a spilled bucket! Can’t you at least feel sorry for me?”
“Uh… The new Prince Consort’s residence is just next to the palace, not far at all…”
…
Within the Imperial Study, the contest of words was fierce.
“Your Majesty, such an important matter as marriage—shouldn’t you have consulted me first?”
“You dare ask for my princess’ hand and still expect me to seek your approval beforehand?!”
“Shouldn’t there be freedom to choose whom one loves? Besides, I haven’t even met your princess! What if…”
“A marriage arranged by parents and matched by a go-between! I already sent envoys to your sect, the Ethereal Sect, to meet your elder. According to the jade slip they sent back, your elder seemed quite pleased.”
“I suppose your family will reach out to you about this matter soon.”
“And your master, Wuying—he’d never object to this marriage, not a chance.”
“Besides, my youngest daughter is clever and as beautiful as a celestial maiden… Frankly, she’s a step above you, and you dare complain?!”
“Unless you wish to be known as unfaithful and unfilial…”
“Frankly, I don’t care what you think. I announced it before tens of thousands—the marriage is set, you’ll marry her whether you want to or not!”
“Otherwise, where would that leave the royal family’s dignity?!”
“No doubt, as I speak, all the noble houses inside and outside the imperial capital are preparing wedding gifts.”
“No! I refuse!”
“As for your royal dignity, what does that have to do with me? Do as you please.”
“First you used me to sow discord among the four great families and win over the Murong clan, then you had me take the blame. During the grand ceremony, you used me to oust the Nine Counties, and claimed 180,000 troops for yourself. Now you’re scheming against me again… I’d rather die than agree!”
…
At that moment, Emperor Zi Qiankun was sparing no effort in haggling with his great contributor, Gu Xiaopang.
After all, this young man was simply too outstanding. If he could be won over to the royal family’s side, it was foreseeable that once he matured, he’d become the strongest trump card of the Purple Gold Royal Court. Then, who throughout the southern realms, among all nations and sects—even the entire Windswept Continent—would dare look down on the Zi family again?
Standing to the side, the elderly eunuch, Song Wuji the governor, and Wuying, all feigned indifference, watching the rare spectacle unfold.
In the midst of this heated exchange, Gu Xiaopang suddenly received a message from Gu Fifth Elder via jade slip: the entire upper echelon of the Ethereal Sect had unanimously approved of him becoming the prince consort and were quite pleased with the arrangement.
Inside the Imperial Study, as they watched Gu Xiaopang’s crestfallen expression, the three onlookers struggled to suppress their laughter, while Zi Qiankun laughed boisterously, thoroughly delighted.
…
“Boy, the surprise I mentioned to you before the county competition was this very matter. Cheer up—once you meet Her Highness the princess, I guarantee you’ll be so happy you won’t know what to do with yourself.”
At last, as Gu Xiaopang, defeated like a plucked rooster, tried to leave the Imperial Study, Governor Song Wuji shamelessly added fuel to the fire.
“Ouch!”
Just as Gu Xiaopang opened the door, a young man in splendid attire stumbled in by accident.
“Lingyun, what did you overhear outside, hmm?!”
“Father… well, about that…”
“Enough with the excuses. Hurry up and show your brother-in-law around the palace.”
“Ah? Yes! As you command, Father.”
…
“Come on, dear brother-in-law, let your third brother take you out for a stroll.”
With that, Third Prince Zi Lingyun, after stepping across the threshold, casually draped an arm around Gu Xiaopang’s shoulders and steered him away.
Despite Gu Xiaopang’s stubborn resistance, Zi Lingyun had no choice but to lead him toward the imperial city’s main gate, where they happened to run into the Crown Prince and Second Prince…
A new round of intrigue began brewing.
“Brother-in-law, what a pity you haven’t yet met my goddess-like little sister. When you have time, you must come to the palace often!”
Amid Zi Lingyun’s constant bantering, Gu Xiaopang hurried off through the city gates without looking back.