Xu Weibei Arrived (Continued)

Meng He didn't refute Gu Wanning's words, but instead started... gossiping?

"I had heard before that the Marquis and his wife had a tense relationship, even to the point of being on the verge of conflict, but why has their relationship improved so rapidly in just a few months?"

Why?

Because you're blind.

Which eye of yours saw our relationship progress rapidly?

"Maybe it's because I'm good-looking," Gu Wanning said expressionlessly.

Meng He paused for a moment, then laughed, "I think I understand."

Gu Wanning: You don't understand anything.

"... Madam is calm and composed in the face of danger, and has a great sense of humor. Being with her must be very relaxing."

Gu Wanning silently thought to herself, "Don't fall in love with me, I'm a legend."

"Do you still hate the Central Plains?" she asked suddenly, looking at Meng He.

"Hate? I wouldn't say." Meng He looked up slightly at the cloudless sky. "The victor is king, the loser is villain; a gamble is a gamble, that's all. If you want to ask why I helped the Qiang State, then I can tell you—"

"Because I grew up there, I feel deep down that I'm just like everyone else in the Qiang State."

"Don't you want to avenge your grandfather and the others?"

"I have neither the idea nor the ability. It's already quite an achievement that I can live well on my own," Meng He laughed. "Besides, Madam is thinking a bit too much..."

"What?"

"It's alright. Madam, think about it. I've been in the Qiang State since I was old enough to understand things, growing up on horseback just like everyone else around me. How much affection could I possibly have for those relatives I've never met?"

Gu Wanning thought about it and realized that it did make sense.

If Meng He had witnessed the family's decline, the tragic deaths of his relatives, and the collapse of the great building overnight when his family was destroyed, the hatred in his heart would have been beyond words—a hatred so intense it would have been earth-shattering and suicidal.

But he might just be an infant... and most likely he's not even acknowledged by the Meng family, Gu Wanning boldly guessed; otherwise, how could this slip through the net?

For some reason, Gu Wanning thought of Linglong was waiting to give birth outside.

If Xu Weibei were executed by the Emperor, and his entire family were exterminated... Oh, no, his grandmother is the Grand Princess; at most, his wife and children would be implicated. Wouldn't the child in Linglong's belly suffer the same fate as Meng He?

"Pah, pah, pah! "Gu Wanning quickly spat in her mind twice.

She had to hope Xu Weibei would do well, because she was the one most likely to be implicated...

The relationships between people are built on spending time together.

For her, an outsider, the Meng family's suffering could only evoke sighs and lamentations.

But in reality, Meng He's feelings are probably not much different from hers.

Gu Wanning also understood Meng He's unspoken assessment of her; he probably thought she was immature.

Unfortunately, she didn't grow up in this environment, and much of her knowledge about ancient times comes from TV dramas.

In TV dramas, the hatred for one's father is irreconcilable; otherwise, the plot cannot progress.

But thinking about it carefully, didn't Shangguan Wan'er still serve Wu Zetian as before?

There are many more examples of families that have experienced misfortune, but after a decade or so, some of their descendants have become successful and outstanding.

What could they do? Rebel? That was unrealistic.

Of course, I thank Your Majesty for your great kindness.

Meng He doesn't harbor deep hatred for the Central Plains. Everything he's doing now stems from his stronger identification with the Qiang State, who he considers his homeland, the one with whom he shares the same breath and destiny.

"What if," Gu Wanning said, "the Central Plains could offer you a place to stay? Would you be willing to come back?"

Meng He smiled slightly, a hint of understanding in his dark eyes. "Does Madam wish to recruit me?"

Gu Wanning remained calm despite being exposed, saying without changing her expression, "I don't have that right. I just thought that you are ultimately of Central Plains blood. If possible, wouldn't it be better for you to acknowledge your ancestors and return to your clan?"

"It's good to acknowledge one's ancestors, but I won't force you." Meng He's lips curved into a faint smile. "Staying in the Central Plains is fine. In the Qiang State, there is someone I love, my lifelong love."

Ouch.

Gu Wanning was startled by his sudden, heartfelt confession, even though it wasn't directed at her.

Unexpectedly, Meng He was quite the romantic.

Moreover, he dared to say it.

He doesn't seem like an ancient person at all.

In ancient times, people spoke of feelings in a reserved and subtle way, and they wouldn't openly express whether they loved someone or not.

Perhaps it's because they are from a different race?

Gu Wanning simply couldn't imagine her father, brothers, and Xu Weibei saying "I love you" so openly in front of so many people.

But actually, women really need it.

The woman Meng He cherishes is truly blessed.

"Because I also have someone in my heart, I am willing to travel thousands of miles for her, even at the cost of my life... I think the Marquis feels the same way about his wife."

Gu Wanning: "No, you grew up in the Qiang State. Who taught you about Central Plains culture?"

As a barbarian, is it really okay for you to be so pedantic?

"My mother."

Gu Wanning said "Oh," and was too embarrassed to ask any more questions.

You can't exactly ask, "Was your mother a mistress? Is that why she was able to run away with you?"

Then Gu Wanning belatedly scoffed inwardly. Just because he had someone he loved, did he think Xu Weibei felt the same way about her?

This is pure conjecture.

She's really not that important.

"Are we waiting for the Marquis to arrive?" Gu Wanning asked.

"Yes, besides the Marquis, I've also sent someone to invite Chief Grand Secretary Gu."

Gu Wanning: "..."

You're really afraid I won't die fast enough, so you'll have my own father finish me off.

Gu Wanning fell silent. Having asked what she wanted to know, she and Meng He had nothing else to talk about.

She was already very clear about her situation.

Let's talk about it when Xu Weibei arrives.

When Xu Weibei arrived, Gu Wanning's legs were a little sore from standing.

But my good Marquis, what brings you here all alone?

We're playing on home turf, so you should at least bring a hundred or two hundred men to overwhelm them with sheer force!