Chapter 888: Chapter 724: My Fault
"Ahem! Madam, I know all of this. Itâs just that I am entirely focused on the court now and havenât considered marriage at all."
Gu Chengyu shook his head, looking indifferent, which made the coupleâs heart tighten even more.
"Jinyu! Thereâs nothing we canât say between teachers and students. Do you perhaps, hmm, have someone in mind?"
Liang Zhirui still hadnât grasped Gu Chengyuâs intention; he wanted to ask if Gu Chengyu had the "Long Yang" preference.
But he couldnât quite bring himself to ask that directly, so he had to settle for a different approach.
"Why would the teacher ask such a thing? Every day after court duties, I either return home or come to your and Senior Brotherâs mansion. How could I have someone in mind? I hardly ever see any girls."
Gu Chengyu scratched the back of his head, looking confused. The question sounded strange.
Only now did Gu Chengyu realize that ever since arriving in this ancient era, he hadnât paid any attention to the matters between men and women!
Liang Zhirui and Mrs. Ning exchanged a glance, surprised. According to Gu Chengyuâs meaning, could it be that he hasnât awakened to this?
"Ahem! Since you donât have someone in mind, what do you think of Xian?"
Seeing the old man hesitating to ask directly, Mrs. Ning couldnât wait any longer and simply asked him.
"Your mistress means that since you donât have someone in mind, Xian has a gentle temperament and a pure mind. Weâre insiders, letâs be frank. If you feel Xian suits you without lowering your standards, weâre willing to make it happen."
Liang Zhirui saw his wife had spoken directly, so he continued along the same line.
Once a topic is raised, the rest follows smoothly.
Mrs. Ning cast a sidelong glance at her husband; he was being overly modest. Their Xian is beautiful, gentle, and an ideal wife and mother.
Furthermore, Xianâs status is not low; she more than matches Gu Chengyu.
"Jinyu! Actually, it wasnât appropriate for us to ask you about this; itâs more suitable to talk to your parents directly. But the teacher respects your opinion, afraid you might have someone in mind, which is why heâs asking for clarity. We know you have your own ideas, afraid youâve already made plans. The teacher fears that acting on our own could affect your student-teacher relationship."
Mrs. Ning forced a smile, though she felt it was completely unnecessary to inform Gu Chengyu.
As long as they approached Gu Chengyuâs mother and hinted, if the Gu Family agrees, everyone would be happy.
If the Gu Family isnât interested, it wouldnât affect Xianâs reputation.
Marriage is originally decided by parental arrangement and matchmakerâs words; who isnât bound by eldersâ decisions?
Why does it seem like Xian is somehow inferior now? But the old man insists, wanting Gu Chengyuâs opinion.
Mrs. Ning was helpless and could only comply with the old manâs wishes.
Gu Chengyu was troubled; he had never considered marriage before.
In his past life, he was a woman; in this life, he wondered if he could live harmoniously with a woman, let alone for a lifetime.
But how could he refuse the teacher here? If he really rejected, claiming it wouldnât harm their student-teacher relationshipâthat was impossible.
Even if the teacher forgives him, what about the mistress?
In othersâ eyes, Yao Mengxian is the legitimate daughter of the Duke Mansion, while he is merely a farmerâs descendant.
Even if heâs now a Sixth-rank Official, it doesnât change his lack of foundation.
They would only see it as him climbing too high; if he refused, they might think heâs unappreciative.
Seeing Gu Chengyuâs hesitation, Liang Zhirui felt a pang in his heart.
He should have noticed; the two have met, but as far as heâs observed, they havenât developed mutual feelings.
Would he be mismatching them? What about Xian? Would she agree?
Liang Zhirui was confused, unsure if what he was doing was right or wrong.
"Teacher, Miss Yao is naturally good, but Iâm worried I might not be good enough for her. I just want to ask, have you asked her opinion? Does she agree? And what about Duke Zhenâs Mansion? Would they consent?"
Gu Chengyu hadnât made up his mind yet and could only find reasons to stall for now.
He was certain the teacher hadnât asked Yao Mengxian; itâs likely she hadnât even considered this aspect.
Strictly speaking, he could barely be considered her elder.
"We will speak to Xian, but right now, weâre asking about your thoughts."
Seeing Gu Chengyuâs hesitation, Mrs. Ningâs heart sank, and she quickly spoke.
"Iâm feeling a bit hungry; go call the kitchen to prepare some food for me." Liang Zhirui suddenly interrupted Mrs. Ning, intending to send her off.
Mrs. Ning was somewhat anxious, her gaze toward Liang Zhirui filled with urgency. But seeing Liang Zhirui shake his head at her, she could only sigh and go along.
"Iâll go stew some Eight Treasure Soup; you two can have some." Mrs. Ning stood up, forced a smile, and walked towards the main roomâs exit.
Once Mrs. Ningâs figure disappeared from their sight, Liang Zhirui looked at the silent Gu Chengyu and spoke.
"Jinyu! The teacher knows itâs somewhat like asking for gratitude at this critical moment by saying these things."
Gu Chengyu hurriedly explained, "Teacher, Iâve never thought of it like that..."
Liang Zhirui waved his hand, "Let me finish!"
"You have talent; regardless of who comes to power in the future, you wonât have any worries. You only lack a distinguished background! If you could marry a wife beneficial to you, your official path might be even more smooth. Itâs the teacherâs selfishness, wanting you to marry Xian."
Liang Zhirui sighed deeply, his eyes filled with unspeakable sorrow.
"Itâs not that Xian isnât good; not to boast, Xian is noble, gracious, and lovely, except the misfortune of having a stepmother. Otherwise, I wouldnât need to worry about her marriage as her grandfather. But her mother couldnât let go and left early."
At this point, Liang Zhiruiâs eyes were brimming with tears.
"Itâs my fault; I raised her too proud. Itâs normal for men to have multiple wives, but she just couldnât accept it. Because Iâve never taken a concubine all these years, it made her feel that men and women should be lifelong partners."
Gu Chengyu handed a handkerchief to Liang Zhirui, who trembled as he wiped his tear-streaked face.
"All of this is in the past; letâs talk about the present. You must know the kind of life Xian leads at Duke Mansion. If you marry her, it wonât greatly benefit your official path. Because those at Duke Mansion might recognize Prince Jing as a son-in-law but wonât value you. You may even offend Prince Jing, bringing constant trouble."
After saying so much, seeing Gu Chengyu still expressionless, Liang Zhirui was uncertain.
"To put it simply, marrying Xian is more disadvantageous than advantageous. The teacher only wishes to clarify matters for you. If you donât want to marry, the teacher wonât force you; weâll maintain our previous relationship. I wonât hold any grudges, so you can rest assured. As for the mistress, Iâll speak to her; after all, sheâs someone who understands delicate matters."