An’an: …She wanted to say that her sister-in-law didn’t seem to be a member of the Song family, as there was no bloodline connection. She had meant to mention it earlier but kept forgetting.
She felt like knocking on her own little head.
Upon hearing this, Song Qingxi suddenly lifted her veil, tears welling in her eyes. Xu Tinglan walked over to her side and whispered, “Our Gu family would never do anything to betray His Majesty. You can rest assured.”
Thinking that Song Qingxi was upset about the Song family cutting ties with her, she was surprised when Song Qingxi shook her head.
Dressed in her wedding attire, Song Qingxi picked up a brush and signed without a moment’s hesitation.
Leaning on Zhe Zhi’s hand, Song Qingxi laughed and cried at the same time: She had finally waited for this day!
All the guests were caught off guard by this sudden turn of events, glancing back and forth between the Gu family and the Song family.
What on earth was going on?
“Excellent! Minister Song’s noble act of righteousness leaves me no choice but to make a fair judgment!”
The Crown Prince, who had remained silent for a long time, looked at the crowd and spoke slowly.
“Your Highness is wise!” Song Shang and Yang Yan spoke in unison, unable to hide the smiles on their faces. Witnessing the Gu family being imprisoned was truly a joyous occasion!
“Your Highness, our Gu family…” Apart from Gu Mingshan, the Gu family panicked and were about to plead their case.
But the Crown Prince’s next words made everyone’s expressions change.
“Guards! Arrest the Song family and Yang Yan and throw them into prison. Conspiring with remnants of the previous dynasty—what crime do you think this is?” the Crown Prince roared angrily.
The Crown Prince was truly disappointed. Song Shang was still the Grand Tutor, yet this was how he behaved?
Before Song Shang could even retract his smug expression, he heard the Crown Prince’s words. Looking up at the Crown Prince, he still refused to give up: “Your Highness, have you made a mistake? Wasn’t this evidence found in the Gu family’s possession?”
“That’s right, Your Highness. Although Old General Gu achieved a great victory earlier, the evidence is irrefutable…” Yang Yan chimed in.
The Crown Prince sneered coldly: “Hah, I’ve just witnessed quite the spectacle! I never said this evidence was found in the Gu family’s possession!”
“It seems Minister Song is quite familiar with the former Crown Prince of the previous dynasty!” the Crown Prince’s cold voice made Song Shang collapse to the ground.
Looking at the secret letter in the Crown Prince’s hand, Song Shang thought to himself: It’s over!
Yang Yan still wanted to argue, but the Crown Prince had no intention of listening further. With a wave of his hand, both men were taken away.
What awaited them was severe interrogation.
The current Emperor had long been investigating the whereabouts of the former Crown Prince of the previous dynasty, a lingering concern for him. Unexpectedly, a big fish had suddenly been caught.
Now, all that remained was to slowly pry open his mouth.
Before anyone could recover from the shock, they saw the Crown Prince help Gu Mingshan to his feet: “Thanks to Old General, otherwise we wouldn’t have succeeded so smoothly.”
Gu Mingshan smiled.
After discovering the secret letter hidden in the jewelry, Gu Mingshan thought it over and decided to inform the Emperor.
It was a risky move, but fortunately, the current Emperor was wise and understanding, so they collaborated to stage this act.
“However, I have disrupted the wedding banquet of the eldest son of the Gu family. As an apology, I shall present a generous gift,” the Crown Prince said with a smile.
“We dare not accept…” Before the Gu family could finish their refusal, they saw the Crown Prince take out an imperial decree from his robes.
Everyone knelt in unison once again.
The Gu family exchanged glances, even Gu Mingshan looking surprised.
“By the decree of Heaven and the mandate of the Emperor: General Gu Mingshan of Zhenyuan is of steadfast and sincere character, having previously achieved a great victory over the barbarians, his might shaking the four directions. Therefore, he is hereby specially enfeoffed as the Marquis of Anyuan, awarded one thousand taels of gold and one hundred bolts of silk, with the marquis title to be inherited by his descendants for generations. It is hoped that henceforth he will devote his loyalty and strength, upholding the heart of a subject in service to the sovereign. So it is decreed!”
As soon as the imperial edict was proclaimed, everyone in the Gu family was stunned.
The Crown Prince smiled and said, “Marquis of Anyuan, you may now express your gratitude.”
Only then did Gu Mingshan react: “Your servant kowtows in gratitude for His Majesty’s gracious favor!”
All members of the Gu family expressed their gratitude together, their faces still dazed.
“Very well, Marquis of Anyuan, proceed with the wedding. This is my gift to the newlyweds, wishing the eldest young master and Miss Song a harmonious union for a hundred years.”
Gu Chen immediately accepted it, and Song Qingxi also bowed in gratitude.
The guests once again grew lively, offering endless congratulations and praise. The general had now been enfeoffed as the Marquis of Anyuan—today’s events truly showed that the general, or rather, the now Marquis of Anyuan, was indeed the center of attention!
Everyone inwardly marveled: Just a few days ago, people were saying that without the general, the Gu family would be finished. But now, as long as the descendants did not cause trouble, given the current Emperor and Crown Prince’s attitude toward the Gu family, they would likely remain secure for generations!
Those with daughters all began eyeing the Gu family’s sons. Gu Chen was now married, so he was no longer a prospect, but it seemed the Gu family still had a few of marriageable age—plans could certainly be made.
Thus, the quick-witted women began approaching Xu Tinglan to chat, but she said little and politely declined them all.
Just as they were about to resume the wedding, the elderly Lady Lin tottered over.
The Lin family had served as the Crown Prince’s tutor when the current Emperor was still the Crown Prince. Though long retired, the Emperor held them in great respect. The Lin family had only one son and one daughter. The son had joined the military and went missing in a previous major battle, his fate still unknown.
The daughter had been kidnapped by villains during the Lantern Festival several years ago and had also disappeared without a trace.
The elderly couple had searched day and night, but hope was slim.
“Lady Lin, what is the matter?” Xu Tinglan asked, having someone support her.
The old lady wept bitterly, looking at Song Qingxi beside Xu Tinglan, and asked, “Good child, do you remember what your mother looked like?”
Xu Tinglan was startled, and everyone turned their gaze to Song Qingxi.
Suddenly faced with so many piercing stares, Song Qingxi grew nervous. Just then, the hand clutching her handkerchief was gently patted. Turning her head, she saw Gu Chen’s gentle smile.
Song Qingxi steadied herself, shook her head at Lady Lin, and pointed to her throat, indicating she could not speak.
Lady Lin burst into tears and embraced Song Qingxi. “My poor granddaughter, you have suffered so much!”
Everyone’s hearts skipped a beat.
Wasn’t Miss Song the daughter of Song Shang? Even though they had signed a severance document, how could she now be from the Lin family?
Caught off guard by the sudden embrace, Song Qingxi did not know how to react.
It was Xu Tinglan who reacted quickly, immediately having someone calm Lady Lin’s emotions and soothingly saying, “Lady Lin, let us proceed with the wedding first. The children are all startled now. We can discuss this slowly afterward.”
Realizing her loss of composure, Lady Lin apologized, and the Gu family resumed the wedding amidst lively festivities.
“Escort the newlyweds to the bridal chamber—”
Upon reaching the bridal chamber, Song Qingxi was in a daze. It was supposed to be her wedding day, yet so many unexpected events had occurred.
Her eyes brightened as Gu Chen lifted the veil.
The young man smiled gently. “It might be late today. If you’re hungry, have Zhe Zhi prepare something for you. If you’re tired, rest first. You’ve worked hard today.”
Song Qingxi nodded, her face slightly flushed.
Zhe Zhi giggled quietly beside them.
The bridal chamber fell silent, and Zhe Zhi couldn’t resist teasing, “Miss, the eldest young master of the Gu family treats you so well!”
Song Qingxi shot Zhe Zhi a glare, but Zhe Zhi wasn’t afraid at all!
She was genuinely happy for her mistress. After all the suffering they endured in the Song family, they had finally found sweetness after hardship!
Although Gu Chen had said she could rest first, Song Qingxi remained uneasy, her heart tense with nervousness.
After what felt like an eternity, the door suddenly opened.
It was Gu Chen.
Seeing Song Qingxi still sitting there, Gu Chen smiled. “You must be tired. Let’s rest.”
At these words, Song Qingxi jolted. What was she supposed to do?
Even though she had read about it, she was still nervous.
Seeing Song Qingxi’s nervousness, Gu Chen thought for a moment and understood the reason. He felt a bit helpless: while he was capable, his current leg condition made things difficult. Besides, with everything that had happened today, he hadn’t given it much thought.
Song Qingxi lay stiffly on the bed, the young man’s slightly elevated body temperature beside her making her feel as though her heart might leap out of her chest.
Suddenly, an arm reached out from beside her, pulling her into an embrace. A reassuring voice sounded near her forehead, “It’s been a long day. Sleep.”
Song Qingxi felt a sudden release of tension and gradually drifted into a deep slumber.
Gu Chen gazed at the peaceful sleeping face nestled in his arms, her soft breaths tickling his chest.
Blushing, Gu Chen closed his eyes as well.