Worthy of the Marquis

"But Father sees that you and that Third Concubine get along very well, like sisters..."

"Because I don't like the Marquis, I won't be jealous," Gu Wanning said softly. "But what I care about, I'll be meticulous about, just like when I first came back, with my eldest sister..."

She didn't continue speaking.

Some things are best left unsaid.

"Gu Wanning, we're sorry."

"Father, there's no point in saying that," Gu Wanning said. "I'm very grateful that you're willing to help me get a divorce; but if you want to persuade me to Three Obediences and Four Virtues, then there's no need for that."

Her attitude was that direct and straightforward.

Gu Yuanshi said, "Father understands. Don't worry, Father's promise to you still stands. Even if Father is gone, you still have your elder brother. I'll make sure you live a fulfilling life."

Gu Wanning felt a pang of sadness in her heart. "It's your birthday today, please don't say anything unlucky."

"From the day I decided to implement the reforms, I had already disregarded life and death. I'm not worried about your three older brothers, only about you and Wanqing. Wanqing is a sensible and magnanimous child; she can manage on her own. It's just you... If anything were to happen to me, I'm afraid it would be unfair to you."

"Father, don't worry about me. I'll be fine. I don't understand the reform process, so I won't interfere. Just take things slowly and don't overwork yourself."

She paused, then continued, "My eldest sister is much better off than me, and she and her husband are very loving. But the inner court of the Prince's Residence's mansion is never as simple as the inner court of the Gu family. Father, when you have time, you should pay more attention to my eldest sister."

Otherwise, we'll all suffer the same fate.

She planned to remind Gu Anqi about the matter of selling calligraphy and paintings.

Chapter 72 As expected of Marquis

Neither father nor daughter said anything more.

Gu Wanning found an opportunity to pull Gu Anqi into the courtyard and speak quietly.

Xu Weibei was already impatient and eager to go home. He was sitting in the flower hall with his eyes fixed on Gu Wanning.

The Prince of Qin joked, "Xu Weibei and his sister are truly a loving couple; they can't bear to be apart for even a quarter of an hour."

Xu Weibei completely ignored him.

Seeing this, Gu Anfang looked down on Xu Weibei, but dared not act rashly—who wouldn't be afraid of the double pressure from their own father and elder brother!

He made small talk with the Prince of Qin, saying, "Brother-in-law, I was on duty last night. Did you go to the palace?"

"Yes," the Prince of Qin said, appreciating his brother-in-law's kindness, "My mother caught a cold, and I was worried about her, so I went to see her last night."

Gu Wanqing listened intently to the commotion outside, and upon hearing this, hurriedly said to Wei Shi, "Mother, you must take your medicine on time..."

Wei Shi wasn't deaf yet; her gaze was serious. "Wanqing, where exactly did An Ge'er go?"

If the Empress had truly caught a cold, she would not have allowed her young grandson to come near her.

Therefore, Gu Wanqing lied.

Gu Wanqing's eyes dimmed slightly, but she knew she could no longer hide it, so she whispered, "Her Majesty the Empress forbade me to bring An Ge'er back. She said that the outcome of the reform is unknown, and getting too close to his maternal family might not be a good thing for An-ge."

Actually, Gu Wanqing felt very wronged by this.

She felt that her mother-in-law, the Empress, was bullying her.

The Empress knew that regardless of whether An-ge came or not, the Gu family would treat An-ge well.

However, she showed no consideration whatsoever for Gu Yuanshi and his wife's longing for An-ge.

Wei Shi was taken aback, then said, "Her Majesty the Empress is right."

"Mother--"

"I know your heart," said Wei Shi. "But we're all doing this for An-ge good, so don't worry about so much. Wanqing, remember, An-ge is your hope for the next life. There are some things in the manor that can't be done as planned, so just take good care of An-ge and teach him to be successful, understand?"

Gu Wanqing's eyes welled up with tears, but she hesitated to speak.

She actually wanted to tell her mother that she felt the Prince of Qin seemed to have changed.

What she actually wanted to say was...

After marriage

Many things were completely different from what she had imagined.

She also feels suppressed and upset, and wants to find someone to listen to her.

But she knew that no matter what she said, her mother would ultimately advise her to be magnanimous.

The mother was not wrong; it was her fault. She wanted too much.

She can't let her mother worry anymore; she can manage.

Gu Wanqing then said, "Mother, what my second sister said about Xiaoxiao just now, although a bit harsh, was the truth."

"I know, that girl is really too restless. I didn't expect her to have such obvious intentions, it really makes me blush."

"Mother, don't delay any longer. Arrange her marriage as soon as possible. It would be best if she could leave the capital with her husband."

"Hmm. I'll discuss this with your older brother; your father can't."

"Um."

At the same time, Gu Wanning was talking to Gu Anqi about Gu Wanqing.

She couldn't be too specific, only vaguely saying, "I feel that my eldest sister isn't as happy as she seems. It's just that we've always had a grudge, so I can't say much. When I was going through a difficult time, I thought about pawning the calligraphy and paintings that Father gave me, but a concubine in the manor reminded me, so I thought of my eldest sister as well. My eldest brother also reminded her not to let Father's calligraphy and paintings circulate, lest they become a handle for others to use against Father in the future."

She did her best.

As for the other aspects that her First Concubine mentioned, she would look into it later and see if she could find a solution.

It also depends on her relationship with the Gu family.

At the moment, they don't really like each other, but neither of them can stand by and do nothing while their family members are being bullied.

"Okay, I understand. I'll remind her. It's rare that you think so much. Don't worry about Xiaoxiao thing; I'll arrange for her to get married and leave the Capital as soon as possible."

Gu Anqi's idea coincided with Gu Wanqing's.

Seeing the brother and sister whispering endlessly, making him feel like an outsider, Xu Weibei lost his desire for tea and put the teacup down on the table. "It's getting late, we should take our leave."

Gu Wanning replied, "It's time to go home."

They were leaving, so the Prince of Qin and Gu Wanqing went with them.