“How could that be?” Concubine Yun subtly shifted her eyes, yet her face wore an expression of deep confusion. “Prime Minister Su is your father-in-law. How could he stand by and watch you be punished? Could it be that you’ve misunderstood, Master?”
Gu Yuanyao snorted coldly. “What misunderstanding could there be? Those two from the Su Family didn’t say a single word in my defense today. And they’re supposed to be my father-in-law and brother-in-law, holding such high positions. If they had just spoken a little on my behalf today, perhaps this punishment could have been avoided. It seems to me the Su Family is utterly devoid of affection at their core.” Wasn’t his wife and daughter just the same, never truly regarding him as the head of the household?
Seeing that she had successfully stirred Gu Yuanyao’s resentment towards the Su Family, Concubine Yun then brought up her own matter: “Master, Lian’er didn’t mean to push the Eldest Miss into the water. I’ve already scolded her severely in private. The Eldest Miss also ordered Lian’er to be beaten with dozens of strokes. By all accounts, her anger should have subsided. But a few days ago, the Eldest Miss, outside the manor and in front of so many people, claimed Lian’er pushed her into the water on purpose. This is completely ruining Lian’er’s reputation. How will Lian’er ever be able to show her face in public again? The Eldest Miss is of noble birth, and I have always held her in the highest respect, but my heart aches for my Lian’er.”
Gu Yuanyao looked at the woman he had doted on for so many years, her eyes reddened, weeping with a pitiful, rain-drenched pear blossom look. His heart instantly ached, and he stepped forward to gently pull Concubine Yun into his embrace. Yet his tone was harsh as he said, “It’s all that unfilial daughter Gu Nanyin’s fault. So young and already so vicious. Lian’er grew up with her since childhood, always so close to her elder sister. And what does she do? Lian’er merely accidentally pushed her, and she retaliates by having her beaten and then goes out to tarnish Lian’er’s reputation, showing not a shred of sisterly affection. I should have strangled her at birth.”
Leaning against Gu Yuanyao’s chest, Concubine Yun concealed the triumph in her eyes. No matter how illustrious Madam Gu’s background was, she still couldn’t win the Master’s favor. Even Gu Nanyin was now despised. She wanted to see just how much longer this mother-daughter pair could remain so arrogant.
She dried her tears and withdrew from Gu Yuanyao’s embrace. “Master, earlier you mentioned being isolated in court. I fear this might affect your standing in the Crown Prince’s eyes.”
Gu Yuanyao was well aware of what Concubine Yun was saying. He sighed, his voice weary. “I am deeply worried about this as well. But the Crown Prince is the heir apparent. What can we do besides currying favor and flattery?”
Concubine Yun had been waiting for Gu Yuanyao to say exactly this. She offered a considerate smile. “Master, I actually have an idea.”
“Oh?” Gu Yuanyao was somewhat surprised. “Let’s hear it.”
“Lian’er is reaching the age for marriage. I’ve always hoped she could find a man she truly connects with, to spend her life with. I don’t care about family background or power; I only want Lian’er to be happy. But since you are facing difficulties now, as your daughter, Lian’er naturally should share your burdens. Lian’er has a gentle temperament. What if she could marry the Crown Prince? Then wouldn’t you and the Crown Prince become family? At that time, you would be the Crown Prince’s father-in-law. And when the Crown Prince ascends the throne as Emperor, you would become the Emperor’s father-in-law. Why would you ever fear isolation from the ministers again?”Gu Yuanyao looked at Concubine Yun with delighted surprise. He hadn’t expected that while he was still at a loss for ideas, his beloved concubine had already devised a plan for him. He showed some hesitation on his face: “But would Lian’er be willing?” In his eyes, his Lian’er was a woman who neither fought nor contended, nor coveted wealth and status. If she were forced to marry someone she didn’t like for his sake, wouldn’t that make him, as a father, seem too heartless?
Seeing that Gu Yuanyao did not object, Concubine Yun secretly rejoiced, but her expression remained calm: “What are you saying, Master? Lian’er has been close to you since she was little. For your sake, she would do anything.”
“Good, good.” Gu Yuanyao laughed heartily a few times, “But this matter still needs careful consideration. It’s a major event; we must take it slowly.”
Concubine Yun glanced at Gu Yuanyao with a shy and timid look, saying in a soft voice, “I’ll listen to whatever you say, Master.” Gu Yuanyao felt his bones melt under Concubine Yun’s gaze. A woman should be as gentle as water. How could he take interest in someone as rigid and formal as Madam Gu? Gu Yuanyao stepped forward and embraced Concubine Yun, feeling her soft and boneless body, and immediately his mind began to wander. Unable to wait until nightfall, they indulged in a passionate encounter.
Gu Qinglian only received the news the next day. Overwhelmed with joy, she didn’t even bother with breakfast and hurried into Concubine Yun’s room, where Gu Yuanyao had already left: “Mother, did Father really agree to let me marry the Crown Prince?”
Concubine Yun had just gotten up, her voice still carrying a hint of seductiveness: “Yes, but in front of your father, you mustn’t appear so happy. Remember, you are marrying the Crown Prince out of necessity, to help your father solve his troubles. Understand?” In life and actions, one must maximize benefits. This way, she could fulfill her own wishes while also earning Gu Yuanyao’s favor. Why not?
Gu Qinglian, having been taught by Concubine Yun since childhood, had fully absorbed her mother’s cunning. Without needing further explanation, she understood her mother’s meaning: “Don’t worry, Mother. Your daughter naturally understands. As a daughter, sacrificing personal feelings to share her father’s burdens is only right.”
Concubine Yun gave her a satisfied look before speaking earnestly: “Lian’er, you must understand that getting your father’s agreement is only the first step. The most important thing is how you will win the Crown Prince’s heart. As the heir apparent, the Crown Prince will naturally have countless women fawning over him. If you cannot make him care for you, even if you marry him, you will only ever be an ordinary woman in his Eastern Palace, destined to live a humble and lonely life until death. Do you understand?”
Gu Qinglian clenched her fingers, her expression turning serious: “Mother, your daughter understands. I will not disappoint you.” If her mother could capture her father’s heart despite being only a concubine, she would surely not fall short. No matter how noble the Crown Prince was, wasn’t he still just a man? She refused to believe the Crown Prince wouldn’t like her.
“Miss, you truly have foresight. Minister Gu has indeed run into great misfortune.” Qin Xue had just returned from the Prince’s residence and rushed in excitedly to tell Gu Nanyin.
“Suspended from duty? Fined?” Gu Nanyin listened to the news Qin Xue brought back, feeling deeply satisfied.
“The Prince said it was just a small punishment, barely enough to vent some of your anger on your behalf. The rest, he said, you can personally demand later.” Qin Xue did not forget to relay Yuan Jue’s words.”I never imagined the Prince would be so understanding.” Gu Nanyin had indeed been harboring her own thoughts, which was why she hadn’t yet moved against Gu Yuanyao. Her father had deceived her for a lifetime, causing her to lose her life in the end. She couldn’t let this go lightly; she needed to carefully consider how to repay him.