I Won't Let Go

"Father, I'm not living in misery, but this kind of life is not what I want."

Although I always joke that if my husband gave me a million a month, I could take care of his mistress during her postpartum period.

But when things actually happen, you realize that you still have some integrity that treats money like dirt.

--It's not like she can't make money, why should she put up with this?

One should never be burdened by other people's money in one's lifetime.

She's not jealous or envious right now; she knows it's good to have powerful backers, and she knows she can be a parasite in the Marquis's Residence.

However, the education she received from a young age prevented her from choosing to depend on others with a clear conscience.

"Independence" is an indelible mark on my bones.

"I don't dislike the Marquis. Marquis's more reasonable than many others." Gu Wanning lowered her eyes. "I might be the unreasonable one, but I just don't want to continue this."

Her life could have had other possibilities.

Instead of being confined to the backyard.

Just because she's not suffering from the infighting among wives and concubines now doesn't mean she'll always be at ease.

The four concubines now are not vying for power or influence; what about the new concubines?

Jiaoniang and didn't cause her any trouble, but what about the child in Linglong's belly?

In short, there's too much trouble.

Moreover, Xu Weibei could turn on her so easily, and the feeling of helplessness she experienced was enough to bring her to her senses.

"You don't need to explain, your father understands." Gu Yuanshi sighed deeply. "Your father used to admire him, thinking he was invincible, a young hero, but I never imagined he would turn out like this..."

"So childish..." Gu Wanning added with a smile to herself.

But actually, she understands very well.

They've already excelled exceptionally in their own field of expertise, so why would they need to be an all-rounder?

"Father, no one is perfect, and the Marquis is already quite good," Gu Wanning said sincerely. "The Marquis lost his parents at a young age, and although he was raised by the Grand Princess, there are still shortcomings. Moreover, the Marquis has devoted himself to studying military strategy since childhood and has to practice martial arts every day. It's really not a big deal that he lacks social skills."

Xu Weibei was a genius, but not a polymath.

Upon hearing this, Xu Weibei felt as if his heart had been struck a heavy blow.

The person who was most forgiving towards him was actually Gu Wanning.

He never really understood why he suddenly felt an overwhelming and inseparable affection for her.

But now, he suddenly understood, as if struck by a thunderbolt.

--Because it's relaxing, because being with her makes me feel so relaxed.

She is actually very kind and doesn't make too many demands on others.

Other women hope for their husbands to rise in status and bring them honor, but she only wants to do things herself and secure her own livelihood.

She treats people like human beings.

She is considerate of those of lower status than her, but she does not idolize those of higher status.

In her heart, everyone has joys and sorrows, strengths and weaknesses, and she respects and tolerates them all.

"Marquis were to find a virtuous wife, she could manage the household, raise the children, and you would live a very good life."

Gu Wanning felt that, from the perspective of being a husband, Xu Weibei was better than the Prince of Qin.

In times of danger, he would rush to the front; although he had many concubines, he would not allow any woman to act presumptuously in front of him, and he would not favor his concubines over his wife; he had a bad temper, but he could calm himself down and was easy to fool.

Instead of being like Gu Wanqing who married the Prince of Qin, all show and no substance, carrying countless grievances in her heart.

"Father, it's because I don't fit in."

It's not Xu Weibei's fault.

Xu Weibei had given her a level of indulgence that no other man could provide.

However, there is a huge difference in their values between them, which cannot be bridged.

The disagreement between them wasn't between her and Xu Weibei, but between her and the world.

Therefore, Gu Wanning wouldn't even tell Gu Yuanshi that she couldn't tolerate her husband having other people around him, that she didn't want to put her husband first, and that she didn't want to serve her in-laws...

Every single one of them is utterly treasonous.

"Father, you don't need to deliberately protect or target the Marquis my sake," Gu Wanning said sincerely. "There's no grudge or entanglement between the Marquis and me; we're just not compatible."

"In the end, it's because I raised you outside that you've become so depressed." Gu Yuanshi sighed deeply. "There's nothing your father can do for you; at most, I can only let you be. But Gu Wanning, listen to your father, this matter is really not as easy as you think."

"Where is it not difficult?"

"You said you planted a piece of land outside the city, but the yield is still unknown. Even if the weather is favorable and the harvest is bountiful, it will only give the Emperor hope."

Gu Wanning fell silent.

That's absolutely true.

She said the harvest was bountiful, and the Emperor could see it.

She said it could be widely implemented and benefit many people, but where's the evidence?

Her sample size is actually still too small.

"Gu Wanning, wait another year. Give your father a year. If the Corn can truly be promoted and harvested in many places as you say, then the Emperor will surely grant your request for divorce."

Gu Wanning bit her lip.

A year is too long.

In this process, she and Xu Weibei will have countless clashes of ideas.

However, Gu Yuanshi is right.

She now presents it to the Emperor, who is pleased and full of expectations. However, the result is not impressive enough. After all, it is the best Estate on the outskirts of the Capital, with fertile land and meticulous cultivation, so the yield is less convincing.

Then let's wait and keep making money while we wait.

If anything unexpected happens, then she should just run.

"There's one more thing your father wants to discuss with you..."

Chapter 86 I Won't Let Go

"You said."

"Although you've heard that Corn is high-yielding and easy to grow, the actual situation is unknown. Gu Wanning, promoting it is a risky undertaking..."

"So, are we going to be afraid of the risks and not promote it? Dad, I'll prove it this year, I..."

"No." Gu Yuanshi raised his hand to interrupt her, his gaze gentle. "Father believes you. If the yield is truly as you say, Father thinks it's worth the risk of promoting it. It's just that you shouldn't bear this risk."