Chapter 896: Chapter 732: Arrogant and Unrestrained
Gu Chengyu put down the teacup and walked to the window. He and Yao Mengxian sat facing each other, giving an invisible pressure to the other person.
In ancient times, it was just like this; women were naturally at a disadvantage.
The women from aristocratic families rarely saw men from outside. For someone like him, who was still somewhat a familiar stranger to be so close, it would be difficult for her to express any objection.
"I heard from my maternal grandfather that Mr. Gu agreed, so I want to make something clear to Mr. Gu. Itâs rare for marriage to be based on mutual affection, but neither side should harbor any grudges. Otherwise, how could two people live their days together if theyâre just putting on a show?"
Yao Mengxianâs voice was somewhat wavering, but Gu Chengyu understood her meaning.
Was she saying that he was being forced by his teacher to marry her, that a thorn was stuck in his heart, and he would regret it in the future?
It was fairly normal for Yao Mengxian to have such concerns, after all, very few women from aristocratic families experienced separation or were abandoned.
Once a woman bore her husbandâs surname, she was naturally a person of his family in life, and a ghost of his family in death.
In such a situation, Yao Mengxian could be said to be doing her best for herself by raising doubts beforehand.
"Haha!" Gu Chengyu chuckled lightly, and Yao Mengxian thought he was actually laughing at her, causing her face to blush a deep red.
Lianxin had already known about this matter since being at the Liang Mansion earlier, and in fact, she also thought that Prince Jing was not a suitable match.
Mr. Guâs character needed no words; no matter why Mr. Gu agreed to marry her own lady, as long as he agreed, he would treat her well in the future.
"I know Miss Yao has concerns, but the teacher should know my character. If I were truly unwilling, even the teacher couldnât force me."
To ease Yao Mengxianâs mind, Gu Chengyu thought he should explain a couple of things.
Actually, he had thought it through carefully; it wasnât that he wanted to marry, but his parents wouldnât let him be!
Rather than marrying a girl he didnât know, at least he was acquainted with Yao Mengxian.
In conclusion, it didnât really matter to him who his future bride would be.
It couldnât be denied that Liang Zhirui was his mentor who had helped him greatly. Once a teacher, always a father.
Since Liang Zhirui had spoken, there was no room for him to object.
The biggest reason for agreeing to marry Yao Mengxian was because of Liang Zhirui, and as for Prince Jing, Gu Chengyu really hadnât given it much thought.
If Yao Mengxian were to truly marry Prince Jing, he couldnât possibly tie himself to Prince Jing just because of Yao Mengxian either.
At most, he would just ensure Yao Mengxianâs safety in the future and provide her with a prosperous life.
"As long as Mr. Gu has no concerns in his heart, thatâs good. I have one more question,"
Yao Mengxian finally felt relieved at this moment and became slightly more at ease in front of Gu Chengyu.
In fact, for Gu Chengyu to arrange a private meeting with her today already showed a lot of consideration for her.
Moreover, Gu Chengyu put himself in a low posture, ready to marry her if she was willing. If she wasnât willing, Gu Chengyu was capable of coming up with a solution.
Yao Mengxian, of course, knew that this was out of consideration for her maternal grandfather; otherwise, why would Gu Chengyu be so attentive to her marriage matters?
Gu Chengyu raised an eyebrow and turned to look at the young girl in front of him, who was nervously twisting a handkerchief, trying to calm herself down.
"Please, Miss Yao!"
"Does Mr. Gu have someone he fancies?" Yao Mengxianâs heart flashed with a bright shadow as she looked into Gu Chengyuâs eyes with an extremely serious expression.
That day, she noticed Princess Rong Jia had definite intentions towards Mr. Gu when he drew Qionghua for her.
She didnât know when they had met, nor did she care about what Princess Rong Jia felt for Gu Chengyu.
She just wanted to know Gu Chengyuâs intentions; if he hesitated even slightly, she would refuse the marriage proposal.
She didnât wish to ruin anyoneâs romance, and although Gu Chengyu was indeed a good match, she wouldnât go as far as breaking others apart to achieve her own goals.
Gu Chengyu found it a bit odd. He was initially stunned before countering, "Then what about Miss Yao?"
He had thought she was just an ordinary noble lady, but todayâs conversation made him feel this girl was somewhat different.
Just based on her calmness and candor, it was worthy of praise.
Yao Mengxian blushed, her cheeks turning a shade so red it seemed they would bleed as she glared at Gu Chengyu, "Of course not."
Gu Chengyu walked to the table and sat down, "Then why does Miss Yao ask such a question? Ever since ancient times, marriages have been arranged by parental order and matchmakerâs word. Where does the notion of having someone one fancies fit in?"
Gu Chengyu spoke quite casually, yet Yao Mengxian found herself a bit uncertain.
She had some doubt about Gu Chengyuâs moment of hesitation earlier. But his attitude now made her think these were the facts.
She believed that Gu Chengyu would disdain to lie about such matters. After all, there was no need to inconvenience himself for her, right?
"I suppose Mr. Gu has already heard from my maternal grandfather that marrying me isnât beneficial to you, wonât you regret it in the future?"
Yao Mengxian couldnât help it, confirming once again. After all, it concerned her major life decision, and naturally she had to be cautious.
Gu Chengyu set down the teapot, looking at Yao Mengxian with a bit of helplessness.
He didnât want to answer this question again, "Who could know now if weâll regret it in the future? As long as we donât regret it now, itâs fine. And since Iâve made my decision, I wonât easily go back on it."
Seeing Yao Mengxian frown, Gu Chengyu continued, "Besides, with my talent, I can easily advance on my own without relying on family connections, so the matter of regretting doesnât exist. Therefore, who I marry makes no difference to me."
Gu Chengyuâs words carried a bit of arrogance, but Yao Mengxian didnât think he was boasting, for Gu Chengyu did indeed have such capabilities.
However, the latter part about there being no difference whom he marries did sting her slightly.
Yet, it also indicated that Gu Chengyu had no intention towards Princess Rong Jia, so even if she agreed, it wouldnât matter.
Gu Chengyu looked at the sky outside and noticed it was getting late.
"Today, Miss Yao has understood my intentions. How to decide is up to you. I believe you have seen my sincerity. The sky is getting dark, so Iâll have Ming Yan escort Miss Yao back to the Liang Mansion."
Gu Chengyu thought of how girls in ancient times were quite reserved, and perhaps in front of him, she might be embarrassed to give an answer.
So it would be fine to discuss the matter directly with the teacher; after all, he would be informed in the end anyways.
"Ming Yan! Please escort Miss Yao back to the mansion." Gu Chengyu picked up his teacup, focusing on the tea leaves in front of him.
Yao Mengxian stood up, ultimately saying nothing before putting on her cloak and leaving through the door.
She hadnât noticed before, but she hadnât anticipated that Mr. Guâs nature, besides being considerate, also had a touch of dominance. Perhaps it was due to holding office and being accustomed to issuing orders.
Has he only been in office for a short time, and already started presenting an officialâs authority? Yao Mengxian secretly rolled her eyes.
Nonetheless, for him to consider her so much was already quite rare.
Lianxin watched the girl ahead, wanting to speak but holding back.