Chapter 889: Chapter 725: That Girl Is Really Pretty!
Liang Zhirui spoke with heartfelt sincerity, largely because Gu Chengyu was his most cherished student.
Gu Chengyu, with his intelligence, could figure out this analysis himself.
However, Liang had his own considerations. He wanted to discuss the pros and cons upfront and had no intention of forcing Gu Chengyu to marry Xian.
If Gu Chengyu was unwilling, Liang believed he wouldnât spread rumors that would ruin Xianâs reputation.
In reality, saying that Gu Chengyu marrying Xian would bring more disadvantage than advantage is a nicer way to put it; frankly, thereâs no real benefit.
The only thing gained would be the title of marrying into an aristocratic family, which would bring some social prestige.
"Teacher, letâs not talk about Miss Yao for now. I never expected my wife to come from an aristocratic family. I pursue an official career not reliant on connections. Iâm hesitant, not because of her family background, but because I feel itâs necessary to ask Miss Yaoâs opinion. Maybe she has her own thoughts. Teacher, youâre open-minded; otherwise, you wouldnât have come to ask me, so please ask Miss Yao first."
Gu Chengyu hesitated but decided to take things one step at a time.
This was the biggest dilemma he faced after reincarnation, unrelated to Yao Mengxian, but concerning his own marriage.
He knew he would eventually get to this point. After all, he had been reborn as a man. Wouldnât it be odd if he didnât marry?
Moreover, would his parents really let him be? They would certainly pressure him to marry. Thinking of this, Gu Chengyu was deeply troubled.
"You have your considerations, and they are reasonable. Indeed, I should ask Xianâs opinion. But today, I wanted to first understand your thoughts. What do you say?"
Liang Zhirui was moved by Gu Chengyu and agreed that he needed to ask his granddaughterâs opinion.
He wouldnât want Xian to be uninterested in Gu Chengyu and then his good intentions turn into bad outcomes.
"Teacher, to avoid creating a pair of resentful partners, I think itâs better for you to ask Miss Yao first."
Gu Chengyu was in a turmoil of emotions, needing to quiet himself down and contemplate how to face his current identity in the future.
Noticing Gu Chengyuâs resistance, Liang Zhirui felt a tinge of guilt.
He knew even if the young disciple disagreed, he wouldnât force the issue, nor would he be angry.
But even bringing it up; how was it any different from coercion?
"This is my fault, you shouldnât think too much of it. We shouldnât let this create distance in our master-apprentice relationship."
Liang Zhirui held Gu Chengyuâs hands, feeling ashamed for his indirect coercion.
Seeing the guilt in his teacherâs eyes, Gu Chengyu sighed softly.
"Teacher, if Miss Yao is unwilling, Iâll think of another way with Prince Jing. If she is willing, it would be a great honor for me."
Gu Chengyu took a deep breath, unsure how much courage it took to utter those words.
Liang Zhirui, hearing this, felt both relieved and filled with guilt.
It was his own selfish desire to match Xian with the young disciple, having watched Gu Chengyu grow up and understanding his character.
If Gu Chengyu married Xian, he would certainly treat her well. The young disciple was compassionate and would not disappoint.
"But about the Duke Zhenâs Mansion, do you have a way to make them agree?" Gu Chengyu thought those people would surely look down on his background. How could they possibly agree?
Behind his back, they might even mock him as a toad wanting to eat swan meat! He chuckled self-deprecatingly.
"Since I proposed this idea, I can make it happen. You donât need to worry."
When the starry night filled the dark sky, Gu Chengyu returned to the mansion.
He looked towards the main courtyard, unsure if he should talk to his mother about it.
"Master! Itâs late, damp with dew and the weather is chilly. This late at night, donât catch a cold standing here!"
Nanny Liang came over with a young maid, finding it odd to see Gu Chengyu standing still, looking in the direction of the main courtyard.
Gu Chengyu snapped out of it, "Hmm! Are the elderly asleep?"
"Not yet. She mentioned you hadnât returned yet and sent me to welcome you!"
Nanny Liang smiled, seemingly in a good mood.
"Oh! Does Mother want to see me?" It wasnât unusual for him to return late, yet his mother seemed overly anxious this time.
"I donât know! Will you go over now?" Nanny Liang nodded, asking respectfully.
"Letâs go!" Gu Chengyu discarded his distracting thoughts and headed toward the main house.
"Mother! You and Father havenât slept yet!" Gu Chengyuâs face brightened as he saw Mrs. Lv half-reclined on the imperial concubineâs couch, and Mr. Gu sitting nearby smoking a long pipe.
"We were waiting for you! Have you had dinner?" Mrs. Lv stood up from the imperial concubineâs couch and quickly went to sit by Gu Chengyu.
Only when Mrs. Lv asked did Gu Chengyu recall he had forgotten to eat. Yet, to avoid worrying his mother, he replied, "Yes, Iâve eaten!"
"You came back quite late today, are there too many affairs to deal with at the government office?"
Seeing her sonâs slightly thin face, Mrs. Lv touched Gu Chengyuâs cheek with heartache.
"Why does it seem like youâve lost more weight? Going out without someone to tend to you, how can those boys take care of you properly?"
Mrs. Lv thought of Gu Chengyuâs two young followers, about the same age as Xiao Bao, and wondered how they could care for Xiao Bao adequately.
"Mother! I go out for official duties; bringing so many people isnât practical."
Gu Chengyu felt warmed, looking at Mrs. Lvâs loving face, and couldnât help but think how wonderful it was to have a mother.
"Caiyun! Go ask the kitchen to prepare a bowl of chicken noodle soup for Xiao Bao. Losing so much weight, we must nourish and replenish his body properly!"
Gu Chengyu didnât object, knowing it was his motherâs way of caring.
"Xiao Bao! Your mother recently went to Bao En Temple to offer incense and met a girl. That girl is truly beautiful!"
Mrs. Lv always spoke straightforwardly with Gu Chengyu; as mother and son, there was no need for pretense.
"Mother! I..." Gu Chengyu hesitated to bring up the matter with his mother, besides, Yao Mengxian hadnât given a definite answer yet.
"I know you arenât ready to discuss marriage for now, but that girl is truly good. Not only is she beautiful, but her temperament is also exceptionally polite."
Despite being reluctant to part with her son, Mrs. Lv knew he had to eventually marry, and the girlâs respectable status would be a suitable match.
"Mother! Which familyâs girl are you speaking of?" Gu Chengyu suddenly recalled what Lichun said this morning. Could it be his mother had taken a liking to Princess Rong Jia?
"Itâs that Commandery Princess. These past few days Iâve observed her carefully. Sheâs gentle, respectful to elders, speaks sweetly, and might just match you."
Mrs. Lv smiled as she spoke, indicating a good rapport with Princess Rong Jia.
Yet, he couldnât help but remind her, didnât she mind how the Eldest Princess had treated them before? That wasnât like his motherâs nature!
Or did his mother not know that Princess Rong Jia was the Eldest Princessâ daughter? Could it be that Dumb Granny and Nanny Liang hadnât informed her mother?
"Mother! Didnât you know she is the Eldest Princessâ daughter?"