Sitting in the center of the main hall, Lin Zhenxian listened to Fatty Wang’s words and responded indifferently, “What surprise? Nonsense.”
Hearing this, the other officials immediately became interested. “Young Master, what surprise is it?”
“Come on, tell us!” “Yes, let’s have some fun too!”
Lin Zhenxian waved his hand and said, “Ah, it’s all Zhen’er’s idea. Young people making some noise in the bridal chamber is one thing, but for us old folks to join would be undignified.”
“Young Master, that’s not right! Even sages say to keep a childlike heart. What’s wrong with us joining the bridal chamber fun?” “Exactly, it’s all our own family, joining the merriment is fine.”
Gu Yunting, the current Right Prime Minister, walked over from the neighboring table, reeking of alcohol, “Young Master, what fun are you all talking about now?”
Lin Zhenxian didn’t like this political opponent much, but since he was here for the wedding, he couldn’t embarrass him and said, “Zhen’er said he wants us old guys to crash the bridal chamber.”
Gu Yunting’s eyes lit up. He suddenly thought that seeing Lin Zhen make a fool of himself in front of everyone would be a great thing. After all, the worse Lin Zhenxian’s reputation became, the stronger his own faction would be.
“That’s a good thing! Nowadays young people don’t like playing with us old fellows. Since we have this chance, we absolutely can’t miss it!”
He kept signaling Liu Hanyang with his eyes. Liu Hanyang immediately understood and stood up, saying, “Young Master, I agree with Prime Minister Gu. Since Zhen’er is so thoughtful, we can’t refuse his goodwill! Let’s go crash the bridal chamber, then come back and drink more!”
Everyone was eager to go, and Lin Zhenxian couldn’t say anything else. “Fine then, let’s see what trick that rascal is playing now.”
…
Liu Shuyao, dressed in a red wedding gown, had already removed her veil, revealing her peerlessly beautiful face, her skin like jade, delicate enough to break at a touch, making anyone who saw her feel pity.
She looked at the handsome and refined man in front of her, a tear sliding down her cheek. “Why are you here…”
This man was none other than Gu Beichen, son of Gu Yunting, the Right Prime Minister.
He slightly raised his chin, his tone carrying undeniable dominance as he said, “Other than me, no one is worthy of being your husband.”
“What’s the use of saying this now? I’m already Lin Zhen’s wife…”
Liu Shuyao gently shook her head, tears falling like broken pearls, her delicate and sorrowful appearance making one feel tender-hearted.
Gu Beichen felt his heart ache even more. He stepped forward and shouted, “No! That bastard is not worthy of you!”
“Shuyao, come with me!” Gu Beichen suddenly grabbed her hand, but she shook it off.
“No!” Liu Shuyao still held on to a shred of clarity, “Gu Lang… if I leave, what about the Liu family? The Lin family holds immense power, deeply rooted in the court. They won’t spare my family.”
“Fool.” Gu Beichen showed his domineering yet gentle side. “His Majesty has granted me the authority to supervise all officials. If Lin Zhenxian dares to speak against us, I’ll expose his embezzlement of military funds! His Majesty will definitely side with me. By then, not only will your Liu family be safe, but you’ll rise even higher!”
“Really?” Liu Shuyao was momentarily fooled by his words. Gu Beichen indeed touched on a sore point. Back then, Lin Zhenxian, in order to give more compensation to the fallen soldiers’ families, had withheld some military funds. Though he later filled the hole from his own pocket, the Empress didn’t know about it. If she found out, she would surely be enraged and target the Lin family even more harshly.
Gu Beichen looked at Liu Shuyao and spoke firmly, “Of course it’s true! So, Shuyao, come with me. From now on, no one will ever force you to do anything you don’t want to do!”
“Mm! Gu Lang, I believe you, but…”
“What are you still hesitating about? Can’t bear to part with that little dog Lin Zhen?”
Knowing he was referring to the simp Lin Zhen, Liu Shuyao stood up and shook her head, “Of course not, it’s just…”
“Shuyao!” Gu Beichen pulled Liu Shuyao up and held her tightly. He buried his head in her neck, her fragrance and body scent mingling, invading his nostrils and stimulating every cell in his body. “Shuyao, trust me. In this life, I will treat you well! Come with me!”
“Mm…”
Liu Shuyao let out a soft, shy response like a mosquito, but at that moment, the door was suddenly kicked open.
“Bang.”
“Darling! I’m back!” “Brothers, let’s crash the bridal chamber!!”
“Charge!”
“Today, I must drink a cup with sister-in-law!”
A dozen playboys rushed into the room and saw Liu Shuyao and Gu Beichen embracing!
Liu Shuyao screamed in fright and immediately hid behind Gu Beichen.
“Ah!”
“Sister-in… huh?”
“Gu Beichen!? Why are you here?”
Lin Zhen rushed forward and saw Gu Beichen shielding Liu Shuyao behind him. He cried out in pain, “Shuyao!”
Then he rolled his eyes and fainted into the arms of several playboys.
No wonder he was considered a future leadership talent—his acting was far better than those young actors.
“Brother Lin!”
“Heir!”
“Quick, call the doctor!”
Seeing Lin Zhen faint, everyone became even more outraged.
“Gu Beichen, why are you here?”
“Are you committing adultery with the young madam of the Lin family?”
“Bastard, how could you do such a disgraceful thing when His Majesty favors you so much!”
“Trash like you is unworthy to be among us!”
Gu Beichen never expected so many people would break into his good deed. He hurriedly shouted, “Brothers, listen to my explanation!”
“Explanation my ass! We saw it clearly when we came in. You two were embracing!”
“Gu Beichen, I really misjudged you!”
“Someone like you is unfit to be our big brother!”
Even the followers who used to side with Gu Beichen now turned against him, glaring at him angrily.
Gu Beichen was dumbfounded.
How could this be… weren’t they supposed to be drinking now?
Crashing the bridal chamber should have been after midnight.
Why did they suddenly barge in?
Could it be that Lin Zhen had set this up?
He knew he was here?
Impossible. Lin Zhen, that useless playboy who only knew how to eat, drink, visit brothels, and gamble, couldn’t have that kind of brain.
Then what exactly was going on?
Though Gu Beichen’s face was full of shock, he quickly calmed down. He composed himself and explained, “Brothers, this is all a misunderstanding. I heard that Brother Lin was getting married, so I came to congratulate him. I was tricked into coming here, and just as I was explaining to sister-in-law, you all barged in.”
“Nonsense! Who would trick you into coming here?”
“Yeah, stop making excuses!”
“You know best why you were hugging sister-in-law!”
Lin Zhen, seeing the timing was right, slowly got up, his eyes filled with blood as he pointed at Gu Beichen and shouted, “Gu Beichen, you broke into my bridal chamber in the middle of the night and humiliated my wife! I’ll kill you!”
Saying that, Lin Zhen grabbed the wine pot from the round table and smashed it toward Gu Beichen’s head. But he deliberately pretended to be drunk, moving slowly and swaying, easily stopped by the people behind him.
“Brother Lin! Calm down. Let the Young Master judge this matter!”
“Yes, brother, if you kill him, even if we’re right, we’ll end up being wrong!”
“Let go of me! I’ll kill this adulterer!”