Without Gu Zhan needing to say anything, Gu Lin already knew he had joined Liu Kang’s cuju team.
After finishing the meal, Gu Lin asked, “So you’ve taken an interest in cuju?”
Gu Zhan put down his chopsticks, a hint of excitement in his tone. “Because I found that I’m actually quite good at cuju.”
Gu Lin’s expression softened. “If that’s the case, then go ahead and do it. Do you need any help from me?”
Gu Zhan shook his head. “Not for now. If I ever do need Big Brother’s help, I definitely won’t hold back.”
The Old Royal Consort gently scolded, “Don’t trouble your elder brother with trivial matters.”
Gu Lin and Gu Zhan were both her sons. Although she favored the younger one slightly, she also deeply cared for Gu Lin. He was busy every day, so she naturally did not want Gu Zhan to disturb him over small issues.
Gu Lin waved his hand. “It’s fine. It’s rare that Zhan’er has found something he likes. I will support him.”
Being pampered by his elder brother felt quite good. Gu Zhan’s lips curled up slightly.
“Mother, don’t worry. I know my limits. I won’t trouble Big Brother over unimportant matters.”
Hearing this, the Old Royal Consort laughed without giving him any face. “I didn’t expect Zhan’er to actually know what ‘limits’ are.”
Even though she doted on him, she knew very well that the words “having limits” had nothing to do with Gu Zhan.
Gu Lin did not laugh, but his expression clearly agreed with her.
Seeing this, Gu Zhan slumped his shoulders, looking resentful as he silently cursed the original owner of this body.
The Old Royal Consort laughed even more at his reaction, showing no intention of comforting him at all.
Gu Zhan secretly made up his mind. He would definitely improve his cuju skills and change the impression the original owner had left behind.
What had originally been a casual pastime suddenly ignited a strong sense of ambition in him. The next morning, he went straight to Liu Kang and asked him to quickly investigate which noble and official youths in the capital had good cuju skills but no team.
The sooner their team was formed, the sooner they could begin training and build coordination.
Main Hall of the Marquis Yong’an Residence
Ever since returning from court, Marquis Yong’an had not stopped smiling. After dinner, he finally said, “After court today, the Prince of Cheng stopped me and discussed the marriage between our two families. He hopes the wedding between Yunyue and Second Master can be set as soon as possible.”
No wonder he was in such a good mood. As long as Wen Yunyue successfully married into the Prince’s Estate, he would be able to form a connection with Gu Lin. Between Gu Lin and the King of Lang, he clearly favored Gu Lin more.
Moreover, he had already been stuck in a minor position in the Ministry of Works for over a decade and wanted a change. With the current relationship between their families, Gu Lin would not refuse him.
After he finished speaking, the expressions of those in the hall varied.
Wen Sixin’s eyes flashed with jealousy. She was about to speak, but Jiang Yiniang stopped her.
Marquis Yong’an’s wife asked, “Has the Prince of Cheng decided on a date?”
“He consulted the Imperial Observatory. The sixth day of the second month next year is an excellent date.”
It was already June, so there were only a little more than six months left until next February. It seemed like a long time, but the Marquis household still had many things to prepare for Wen Yunyue’s marriage, so time was actually tight.
Marquis Yong’an’s wife did not expect him to postpone it, so she asked, “How should Yunyue’s dowry be prepared?”
She would naturally add her own dowry for Wen Yunyue, but the Marquis household would also need to contribute.
Without hesitation, Marquis Yong’an said, “Yunyue is my only legitimate daughter. Her dowry should naturally be generous.”
Since Wen Yunyue was marrying into the Prince’s Estate, her dowry represented the face of the Marquis household. He would not be stingy.
Hearing this, Jiang Yiniang’s expression twisted for a moment before returning to normal. She smiled sweetly. “What the Marquis says is right. The eldest miss’s dowry should indeed be carefully prepared.”
Endure for now in order to achieve greater goals. To ensure her son could successfully inherit the marquis title, she had to make certain sacrifices.
Wen Yunyue could not speak on the matter, so she lowered her head slightly and quietly listened as they discussed her marriage.
Her marriage to Gu Zhan had been her own choice, so hearing the wedding date confirmed did not surprise her.
Compared to Wen Yunyue’s calmness, Gu Zhan’s reaction was far more intense.
As soon as he returned to the residence, Gu Lin called him to the study.
“Zhan’er, you will reach your coming-of-age ceremony this August. After that, it will be time for marriage. The Imperial Observatory has calculated that the sixth day of the second month next year is an excellent auspicious date. I have already discussed it with Marquis Yong’an. You and the Wen family’s eldest miss will be married on that day.”
To Gu Zhan, this news was like a bolt from the blue. He suddenly looked up at Gu Lin, forcing a stiff smile.
“Big Brother, why are we in such a hurry?”
“You are not young anymore. It is time to marry.”
“But… Big Brother is not yet married either?”
Normally, younger brothers should not marry before their elder brother.
Gu Lin patted his shoulder. “There are not so many rules. Since you like Miss Wen, wouldn’t it be better to marry early?”
His own marriage involved too many political factors and was not something he could decide freely.
In truth, arranging Gu Zhan’s marriage early was also a way to prevent others from manipulating it for political gain.
Wen Yunyue was chosen by Gu Zhan himself, and with Master Hui’s reading of their compatibility, Gu Lin was even more determined to proceed quickly.
Gu Zhan said softly, “Actually… I don’t like Miss Wen that much anymore.”
He did not dare say he liked her not at all.
Gu Lin immediately understood that he was reluctant.
“Zhan’er, you are grown now. You cannot always act on impulse. Since the engagement is already settled, marriage is only a matter of time. If you do not want it next year, then tell me when do you want to marry?”
Gu Zhan’s expression fell. He had never thought about this question. In either his past life or this one, he was still young. Marriage felt very far away.
And he had never truly considered marrying Wen Yunyue, so he could not answer at all.
Since he could not give an answer, Gu Lin decided for him.
“Since you cannot decide, it is settled. In a few days, I will send people to deliver betrothal gifts to the Marquis household. You will go as well.”
Gu Zhan’s eyes widened. “Brother, I don’t want—”
Gu Lin’s expression immediately turned cold.
Seeing this, Gu Zhan’s heart tightened and he did not dare say more.
From the original owner’s memories, he knew very well that although Gu Lin doted on him, he was extremely decisive when it came to important matters and would not tolerate refusal.
With no success in resistance, Gu Zhan left the study dejectedly and then turned toward the Old Royal Consort’s Jing’an Hall.
As soon as he entered, he asked directly, “Mother, did Big Brother tell you about the marriage date?”
The Old Royal Consort took a sip of tea. “He mentioned it last night.”
Helpless, Gu Zhan said, “Why didn’t you tell me?”
It left him completely unprepared.
The Old Royal Consort set down her teacup. “Your marriage will be decided by me and your elder brother. You only need to show up when it is time to marry.”
Gu Zhan was indeed deeply favored by her, but that also meant she always treated him like a child and never discussed decisions with him.
He had no words in response. It had always been like this he never needed to worry about anything.
But this was his marriage, and he was the last one to know. It felt terrible.
“Mother… must I really marry Miss Wen?”
The Old Royal Consort nodded. “Yes.”
After learning that the King of Lang was trying every possible way to stop the marriage, she became even more determined to proceed. The sooner the better, to avoid complications.
For Gu Lin to contend for the throne, capable allies were essential. The Marquis household was not enough, but the Wen family absolutely was.
As for Wen Yunyue’s personality, she believed it could be shaped after marriage.
Gu Zhan’s hopes were shattered once again.
Back at Yifeng Residence, he lay on his bed, still unable to understand.
This marriage had originally been something the original owner desperately fought for. So why was it so hard for him to cancel it now?
Liu Kang looked at Gu Zhan’s listless expression. “Second Master didn’t rest well last night?”
Gu Zhan lay slumped over the table. “It’s not that I didn’t rest well. I didn’t sleep at all.”
“Did something happen?”
“I’m getting married.”
Liu Kang suspected Gu Zhan might just be showing off. After all, he still had no marriage prospects himself.
Gu Zhan sighed and turned his head to the other side, still looking miserable.
Liu Kang tried to comfort him. “I think Miss Wen is gentle and proper. Even after marriage, she probably won’t restrict Second Master too much.”
He assumed Gu Zhan was worried about losing freedom.
Gu Zhan shook his head and said nothing.
This was not something he could explain to Liu Kang.
In truth, he had already resigned himself to fate.
He had once thought the marriage was the original owner’s own wish, but after hearing Gu Lin’s words last night, he faintly felt things were not that simple.
Gu Lin only ever interfered when it came to major decisions.