Embrace

"It's all fate. I have no complaints about what happened between me and the Marquis," Gu Wanning said.

They've already achieved a happy ending; if she complains any further, God will say she's greedy.

"My only worry is that things won't work out between you and the Marquis like this," Gu Yuanshi said. "Wait a minute, let me finish—"

Gu Wanning swallowed her words.

"If you can be together happily, why bother with all this pointing fingers and gossip? It's ultimately uncomfortable. Most of the time, it's better to just blend in with the crowd."

Gu Wanning admitted that what he said made sense.

But the Grand Princess was there, wanting her to compromise and give in, which she couldn't agree to.

Not demeaning oneself and being good to oneself is her unchanging principle.

"I know the Grand Princess and you don't get along, I'll go see her," Gu Yuanshi said. "I'll tell her to treat you well. She's a smart woman, I can persuade her."

"No need," Gu Wanning refused again, "It's not just because of her."

It was also because of her pessimism about the future.

She believed in Xu Weibei's sincerity towards her; she truly believed it and genuinely wanted to spend her life with him.

But she really dared not predict what would happen in the future.

For her, marriage was a shackle.

She feared that if the other person changed their mind, she would lose the freedom to gracefully walk away.

Is divorce something like playing house, happening again and again?

The greatest significance of marriage that she could see was simply its legality, giving the child a legal status.

As for the two parties entering into a contract, she felt there was absolutely no need for it.

Whether someone's heart has changed or not has nothing to do with that marriage certificate.

Even at the height of her love, Gu Wanning always made sure she had a way out.

She loved Xu Weibei so much that she was willing to risk everything for him, even to die for him, just as he would do for her.

Reciprocating love with love is the greatest sincerity she can show to this relationship.

She gave her heart and her body, yet she always protected the independence and integrity of her soul.

Oh, Xu Weibei doesn't need her to give up her body.

"I understand your good intentions and thank you, but this is completely unnecessary."

Gu Wanning's attitude was firm.

She herself didn't want to be beholden to the Grand Princess, let alone expect others to bow down for her sake.

"I am deeply grateful for your tolerance of my recklessness," Gu Wanning said solemnly.

If Gu Yuanshi were truly a rigid man, he would probably strangle her to save face for her, given her rebellious and unconventional nature.

"Since that's what you think, then so be it," Gu Yuanshi said. "Just remember, if you change your mind in the future, come and tell me anytime. I don't know how many more years I can stay in this position, but even without me, you still have your three older brothers, none of them will abandon you."

Gu Wanning thought to herself, "My eldest and second brothers are indeed reliable."

But let's forget about the third brother.

She and Gu Anfang were naturally at odds.

However, thinking of Gu Anfang, she couldn't help but ask on behalf of her Third Concubine, "Father, how did you know about Third Brother's feelings for Hua Ying?"

And it seems that Gu Yuanshi doesn't object?

He came to me himself and told me.

Gu Wanning was surprised.

Unexpectedly, Gu Anfang is so responsible.

He wasn't afraid of having his legs broken.

What surprised her even more was that Gu Yuanshi didn't seem to object?

However, for Hua Ying's sake, she asked one more question.

"Father, you won't mind that she was once the Marquis's concubine, will you? Given the Marquis's health, nothing really happened..."

Suddenly I feel a little grateful to Xu Weibei for failing.

This preserved the reputations of the four concubines, sparing them from gossip.

"He's not a child anymore; he should be responsible for his own marriage," Gu Yuanshi said. "As long as it's a decent girl, I won't interfere."

Gu Wanning sincerely said, "On behalf of Hua Ying, I thank you for your open-mindedness."

If the Third Concubine could marry the third brother, it would be a good choice.

This isn't based on Gu Anfang's fiery personality, but rather on the Gu family's family background.

If your mother-in-law and sisters-in-law are easy to get along with and the family has a clean and upright atmosphere, you can probably guarantee a decent standard of living for the rest of your life.

As for men, let them be. Whether they're capable or not, whether they'll change their minds, who knows?

Chapter 278 Embrace

In ancient times, it was extremely difficult for women without family support.

In this society, talking about independence is the most luxurious thing.

If it weren't for the Marquis's Residence and the Gu family, even opening a clinic would have been difficult for Third Concubine.

For her, Gu Anfang was probably the best support she could find in reality.

Gu Anfang impulsive, but he was also genuine.

They shouldn't be completely without principles.

Even if things really don't work out in the future, it's better to part amicably than to torment each other.

Gu Wanning's only worry now is about what her Third Concubine went through, and she wonders if Gu Anfang will mind.

Let alone this era, even in modern society, no man can say he doesn't care...

Let them handle this themselves.

Gu Wanning decided to tell her Third Concubine about Gu Yuanshi's attitude.

This must be what the Third Concubine was most worried about.

The father-daughter conversation basically ended here.

Xu Weibei has come looking for us.

Judging from his expression, Gu Wanning felt that his conversation with Physician Bian must not have been very pleasant.

However, she believed that it was Physician Bian who had "sentenced Xu Weibei to death."

Gu Yuanshi didn't linger with them, but said earnestly, "You're young and easily swayed by emotions, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. Just remember, both thunder and rain are acts of imperial favor..."

Perhaps fearing they were too dense to understand, Gu Yuanshi added, "Serving a ruler is like serving a tiger. Having served him for half my life, I've engraved this saying in my heart, and I never dare to forget it."

Gu Wanning understood now.