Chapter 880 - 716: Which Lady Do You Fancy?

Chapter 880: Chapter 716: Which Lady Do You Fancy?

"How could it be so fast? The two families have just exchanged the betrothal letters and matched the birthdates. However, the auspicious date has already been fixed, and after the engagement, the wedding date will be set. Zheng Lun is not young anymore, and that young lady will have her coming-of-age ceremony in a month, so the wedding won’t be far off."

The two chatted for a bit more, and only then did Zhu Pang decide to get up and leave.

As Zhu Pang reached the study’s door, he suddenly turned around and earnestly said to Gu Chengyu, "Jinyu! It’s really good that you’re okay!"

After speaking, Zhu Pang walked away without looking back.

Gu Chengyu smiled, and his eyes couldn’t help but moisten.

After Zhu Pang left, Gu Chengyu thought about it and still planned to visit his teacher to inquire about Yao Mengxian’s marriage after seeing the Emperor tomorrow.

"Sir, those two want to see you!" Ming Mo entered the study from outside and reported.

Gu Chengyu nodded, "Let them come in!"

"This humble one greets Mr. Gu!"

Gu Chengyu turned around, looked at the two kneeling on the ground, and smiled, asking them to rise.

"This humble one still wants to thank Sir for the life-saving grace. Without you, Sir, this humble one would surely be dead and buried."

Zhi Lian looked at Gu Chengyu standing by the bookcase, filled with gratitude.

Rong Mian stood aside, not daring to speak. He didn’t expect Mr. Gu could get him out of the Yi Mansion.

He felt like he was dreaming now and was somewhat dazed.

"Although you couldn’t deliver the treasure map to me and didn’t complete our transaction, saving your life was something I couldn’t ignore with a cold heart. Now that you’ve escaped hardship, what are your plans for the future?"

Gu Chengyu looked at Zhi Lian, who was brimming with melancholy, and didn’t want to take him under his wing.

After experiencing such events, Zhi Lian might want to find a place to live in seclusion!

Yet, Zhi Lian’s answer surprised Gu Chengyu.

"I beg Sir to take me in. Although I don’t have much skill, when the family was relatively well-off, I was literate and could read ledgers. I only wish to follow Sir for the rest of my life!"

Zhi Lian had already considered it on his way here. He originally wanted to go to a place where no one knew him and start his new life.

But Mr. Gu had shown him kindness, and how could he just walk away?

Besides, Mr. Gu is a good person; following him, Zhi Lian would feel he still had some use and wouldn’t become a useless person.

In the future, he wouldn’t marry and would follow Mr. Gu for a lifetime.

"If you’re worried about the household registration, there’s no need! This matter isn’t difficult; I can handle it for you. As for repaying kindness, let’s forget about it. I don’t help others expecting a return; it’s unnecessary for you to do so."

Zhi Lian hurriedly knelt to the ground, "Sir knows my past sufferings. I ask for nothing but for Sir to keep me. I will be loyal and do my utmost to share your burdens in the future."

Ming Mo and Ming Yan knew about Zhi Lian’s experiences and felt a surge of sympathy for him.

Having lost both parents, Zhi Lian had nowhere to go either.

It would be better for Sir to keep Zhi Lian, as Sir is Zhi Lian’s savior, and considering Zhi Lian’s past, he likely would remain unmarried for life.

Such a person would undoubtedly be loyal to Sir for life.

Gu Chengyu naturally understood this reasoning, "In that case, you can stay for now! However, since you’ve decided to stay, you must work diligently. If you don’t perform well, I won’t keep you."

Amidst Zhi Lian’s tears of joy, Gu Chengyu turned his gaze to Rong Mian, standing by the side.

...

"Prince! It’s truly a pity to have withdrawn our people so quickly. Who knows which faction the treasure map has fallen into."

Hu Maoshen sighed, not daring to imagine what it would mean if the treasure map fell into the hands of another Prince, as it would only intensify their woes.

"I was already prepared for this outcome. Gu Chengyu went to Hejian Prefecture; do we still have any hope for the treasure map?"

Prince Jing chuckled, seemingly indifferent to the outcome.

As long as the treasure map didn’t end up in another Prince’s hands, he had nothing to worry about.

"What? Prince, are you suggesting that the treasure map ended up with Gu Chengyu?"

Hu Maoshen was a bit surprised, looking at Prince Jing, not knowing why the Prince was so certain.

"Just wait and see! His Majesty is about to promote Gu Chengyu in rank again," Prince Jing said calmly.

Hearing this, Hu Maoshen frowned, "So, you mean that the treasure map is indeed in Gu Chengyu’s possession, which isn’t really surprising."

Hu Maoshen still believed in Gu Chengyu’s capabilities.

"It’s a pity about the treasure map, though, as it would be greatly beneficial to us if we could acquire it."

"Gu Chengyu certainly has the ability, but is the Emperor really overestimating him by promoting him so quickly? Does the Emperor truly expect him to counter Xia Qing?"

During the late Emperor’s reign, there were extraordinary individuals like Xue Haozhen. But Gu Chengyu is younger and more scheming than Xue Haozhen.

No matter whether it’s talent or political maneuvering, he excels at both.

"Why not? Let’s end this matter here. Otherwise, it will be hard to explain to the Emperor."

"Understood!" Hu Maoshen nodded, deeply understanding the reasoning.

"Regarding that marriage, it’s not an undue compromise for your family’s daughter. Although Zheng Lun is a legitimate son of the secondary line of Dingnan Marquis Mansion, he is diligent and has become a scholar at a young age, with a promising future with your support."

This marriage was something Prince Jing hinted at in front of the heir’s wife of Duke Zhen’s Mansion; otherwise, Mrs. Ke wouldn’t have been the matchmaker.

The intention is naturally self-evident.

Zheng Lun and Gu Chengyu are close friends, and if Zheng Lun can influence Gu Chengyu to join their ranks, he would achieve his goal.

Although Zhu Pang has a closer relationship with Gu Chengyu, Zhu Pang is already married.

"Once you’re connected as in-laws, you can encourage him to interact more with Gu Chengyu so that their relationship remains strong."

To Prince Jing, Hu Maoshen was merely sacrificing an unimportant concubine’s daughter, which he wasn’t worried would cause Hu Maoshen’s resentment.

"Yes! The two are close friends, so they naturally need to stay in touch often."

Hu Maoshen stroked his beard and nodded.

He originally thought that, despite Prince Jing’s cunning, his influence was still too weak.

If Gu Chengyu could assist him, he would be greatly relieved.

So, he didn’t oppose Prince Jing’s arrangements.

Since they had made up their mind, of course, they needed to plan for Prince Jing, which was also for his own benefit and the Hu family’s.

"I will register Si Ya as my wife’s legitimate daughter on her coming-of-age day, so that Dingnan Marquis Mansion can see our sincerity."

Hu Maoshen had thought about these things carefully. He knew Si Ya was too ordinary, fearing Zheng Lun wouldn’t be satisfied.

Therefore, he wanted to compensate with her status and provide a larger dowry so that they could become closer as in-laws.

"Your method is good; let’s do it this way!" Prince Jing was very pleased, feeling that Hu Maoshen handled matters properly.

"Prince, regarding the candidates His Majesty has given you, which family do you favor?"