Chapter 910 - 746: A Step Too Late

Chapter 910: Chapter 746: A Step Too Late

Unexpectedly, their plans were useless. The younger sister had already given her heart secretly, and to a Sixth Rank official of farmer origin.

"Then why can’t the candidate be changed to Gu Chengyu? He’s still just a Sixth Rank official. Surely our grandfather wouldn’t fear him. Besides, he is talented, and if he climbs to a high position in the future, the benefits to our mansion are obvious."

Qin Yingyuan understood that Gu Chengyu’s background was indeed inferior, but apart from this point, there was really nothing to fault.

"Which young master in the Capital can match his abilities? When those people were his age, they were either holding books and reciting the Four Books and Five Classics, or chasing chickens and dogs outside and making a nuisance of themselves."

She didn’t care if her elder brother would scold her and was willing to lose face to fight for herself.

Qin Min was so irritated by his own sister that he stood up from the chair, "You’re a young lady from the inner chamber, have you no shame? It’s all talk about other men, as if without him, the world has no good lads."

But then he thought, his sister was quite right. He previously heard the Second Prince speak of Gu Chengyu, with words of admiration.

He even said that if they could get this person’s help, they would have a better chance at competing for the throne in the future.

Although it was just a few words, they were already undisguised praise. The Second Prince had previously asked him to interact more with this person, ideally pulling him into his camp; if not, they must not become enemies.

So he’s been worried these past few days! His mother had previously offended Gu Chengyu on her visit to Bao En Temple.

There was a rumor that Gu Chengyu, immediately after his promotion, hurried to request the Emperor for an imperial mandate to honor his mother, showing he was very filial.

But not only did his mother offend Gu Chengyu that day, she also offended that old lady, and they might hold a prejudice against their mansion.

So when he learned that Ying was interacting with that old lady, he did not stop her, all to ease relations.

"Ying, it’s not that your brother won’t help you, but you’re ultimately too late!"

Qin Min sighed. Actually, he wasn’t so opposed to his sister marrying Gu Chengyu. A hero shouldn’t be judged by their birth; as long as Gu Chengyu has the ability, shouldn’t Ying have good days ahead?

Moreover, when the old master and old lady from the Gu Mansion return to their ancestral home, his sister could be in charge, which is much freer than being an aristocratic family’s wife.

Furthermore, his sister’s status is there, and the Gu Mansion can’t afford to disrespect her; they might even need to respect and support her.

When Gu Chengyu becomes his brother-in-law, they could explain to the Second Prince. But they are ultimately too late, and Ying won’t be able to have her way.

Qin Yingyuan felt a bad premonition arise within her and anxiously asked, "What does this mean, brother?"

"Today, Gu Chengyu’s teacher Liang Zhirui submitted a request to enter the palace, probably regarding his granddaughter’s marriage."

Suddenly realizing his sister wasn’t like the typical young ladies of the inner chamber and had unique insights, Qin Min decided to properly discuss this matter with his sister.

"Are you saying his teacher wishes to marry Yao Mengxian to Gu Chengyu?" Qin Yingyuan’s eyes widened, feeling furious.

"That seems to be the intention. Previously, the heir’s wife from Duke Zhen’s Mansion publicly announced plans to vie for the Princess Jing position. Liang Zhirui probably heard and rushed to the palace to cancel this marriage, right? Given his character, he likely wouldn’t want that Princess Jing position."

Qin Min nodded. Although matters from the Imperial Study Room didn’t reach his ears, he believed his earlier analysis likely true.

If Liang Zhirui really wanted his granddaughter to become Princess Jing, he wouldn’t need to enter the palace, just ignore and remain silent.

Because the Second Prince had said that Prince Jing also wanted Gu Chengyu to assist him, Mrs. Ke was involved due to this.

Upon hearing Mrs. Ke, Qin Yingyuan sneered, particularly disliking that woman of humble family background.

What’s wrong with that girl? If she were treated better, found a good marriage in the future, would she have ill will towards her family?

If her family treated her well, the girl wouldn’t stand by if her family faced troubles in the future.

Even if one disliked an heir’s legitimate daughter left behind, it shouldn’t be done so openly, making all the aristocratic families in the Capital laugh.

The ridiculous part is Mrs. Ke still thinks she’s clever, as if others don’t know, but aren’t everyone’s eyes sharp in the Capital?

"Since Prince Jing chose Yao Mengxian, how could grandfather possibly agree to let Gu Chengyu marry her?"

Qin Yingyuan was desperate to know the outcome. From what her brother said, had grandfather agreed?

"That’s the talk, but who can guess grandfather’s intentions? Would he be comfortable letting Prince Jing marry that girl?"

Seeing Qin Yingyuan’s pale face, Qin Min felt sympathy but believed the Emperor would ultimately agree to Liang Zhirui.

For Prince Jing, the Emperor would certainly offer compensation.

"Has grandfather agreed?"

Qin Yingyuan felt all her strength drain away, sinking into the chair, her eyes blankly staring at the green jade paperweight on the desk.

The agreement was obvious, whether the marriage was bestowed today or tomorrow.

Compared to giving Yao Mengxian to Prince Jing, she believed the Emperor inclined towards marrying her to Gu Chengyu.

"Not yet, but I think it will be within these two days." Qin Min shook his head, unsure how to comfort his sister.

"So it’s not settled yet. Does brother have any means to help me?" Qin Yingyuan didn’t want to watch Gu Chengyu marry someone else.

Qin Min was momentarily speechless, then frowned deeply. Was Yingying still not willing to give up?

"You know grandfather’s nature; what he’s decided is hard to change. The Emperor’s words are not easily taken back. And mother won’t agree to this matter, so you should give up this idea!"

Qin Min didn’t expect his sister to be so stubborn, much like their mother’s temperament.

Qin Yingyuan gave her brother a disappointed look, then stood up to leave.

"I’ll be going to the palace tomorrow." Leaving behind this statement, Qin Yingyuan turned and walked away.

Watching his sister’s lost look, Qin Min felt bad. But this matter was impossible, and he wouldn’t gamble for Gu Chengyu, risking angering their grandfather.

He opened his mouth wishing to advise more, but ultimately sighed, staying silent.

The next day, Gu Chengyu still went to the Hanlin Academy as usual.

Upon entering the room, Chou Yifan came over.

"Jinyu, have you heard? This time, Mr. Fang might not make it; Dali Temple has found considerable evidence against him, likely he’ll face bad outcomes."

Chou Yifan shook his head with a sigh, his face showing regret and acutely upset.