Chapter 427: Utilities (2)
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
From Chu You’s standpoint, if this marriage was successful, it meant that Chu Yi would receive support from the State of Yue.
Fortunately, Chu Yi rejected her.
It seemed like Chu Yi liked Gu Yanfei more than expected.
Alright!
It was a good opportunity for the civil and military officials of the court and the commoners of the world to see how Chu Yi was unwilling to marry into the State of Yue for his own selfish reasons.
Chu You explained the pros and cons to Gu Yunrong in detail. Finally, he said, “Once the matter blows up, if His Majesty wants to appease the dissatisfaction of the court, he has no choice but to give in.”
Chu You would never let Chu Yi marry the Princess of the State of Yue. Therefore…
“The best outcome would be for His Majesty to choose a n.o.ble lady from the aristocratic families to be his official consort.”
“Unless Chu Yi doesn’t want the country for a beauty.”
Chu You smiled mockingly.
Gu Yunrong sighed and said softly, “Then can my second sister only be a concubine?”
Gu Yunrong couldn’t help but feel a sense of joy that surged from the bottom of her heart.
She had already advised Gu Yanfei…
Her eyes were very complicated. They were filled with sympathy and deep disapproval.
Chu You looked up at the plaque with only the words “Gu Mansion” in front of him and sneered disdainfully. “Is she worthy of being the prince’s wife?”
“She’s not like you.”
Gu Yunrong followed his gaze and said softly, “That’s true.”
Things were different now. The Gu family no longer had a n.o.ble t.i.tle and was only a fourth-grade general’s residence. There were countless such residences in the capital. With Gu Yanfei’s current status, how could she be worthy of the position of the Eldest Prince’s consort?!
It was ironic. In order to take revenge, Gu Yanfei deliberately caused the Gu family to lose their t.i.tle. She wondered if she had ever thought that she would end up like this?
One couldn’t be too utilitarian. Marriage should be about mutual feelings and shouldn’t be used as a bargaining chip.
It would be fine if Gu Yanfei provoked someone else. If she didn’t want to be a concubine, it was just a matter of words, and no one could force a girl from an official family to be a concubine.
However, in order to compete with her, Gu Yanfei insisted on getting close to the Eldest Prince and provoked the royal family. It wasn’t up to her to decide if she was willing to be a concubine. After all, the Eldest Prince wasn’t someone she could casually abandon.
Originally, Gu Yanfei could have married into a good family of equal status and become the first wife.
“Rong’er, you’re just too soft-hearted.” Chu You lowered his head and looked at her fair face. His heart was burning.
At this moment, the last box was carried out by two servant boys with poles. The box was so heavy that even the poles were bent.
Worried, Madam w.a.n.g instructed the servant to take it and put it gently. After confirming that the box had been safely placed in the last carriage, she heaved a sigh of relief.
Gu Jian, Madam w.a.n.g, and his wife walked over, surrounded by a few nannies and servant girls. Gu Jian smiled and said to Chu You eagerly, “I’m really ashamed to have specially troubled Your Highness to pick us up today.”
“We’re done here. We can leave now.”
Gu Jian was born and grew up in this residence. He got married and had children. He had lived here for more than 30 years. Now that he had to move out, he was naturally reluctant and even more unwilling.
However, at this moment, when he faced Chu You, he couldn’t show it at all. He was afraid that Chu You would hate him.
No matter what, Chu You was already giving the second branch a lot of face by coming here on account of Gu Yunrong.
Chu You replied politely, “We’re all family.” Then, he personally helped Gu Yunrong into the second carriage. As for Gu Jian and Madam w.a.n.g, they got into the first carriage at the front.
Chu You personally escorted them to the residence in the reed alley in the west of the city. He knew that they were busy tidying up the new residence and packing the boxes and cages, so he didn’t stay long.
He came and went in a hurry.
Next, Chu You instructed his subordinates to find out why Imperial d.u.c.h.ess Wei and the others had gone to the Gu Mansion.
The secret guards sent by Chu You watched in front of the Gu Mansion for a few days. In the end, they didn’t find anything. They only watched as the Eldest Prince Chu Yi personally came to the Gu Mansion to pick Gu Yanfei up and send her out.
Chu Yi picked Gu Yanfei up and sent her to a royal villa in the suburbs of Beijing.
The two of them rode westward on horseback, and the picturesque scenery of the early spring countryside was beautiful. Wildflowers and gra.s.ses were blooming wildly, giving off a sense of serenity akin to the lines ‘The disorderly flowers gradually tempt the eye, while the shallow gra.s.s can barely hide the horse’s hooves.’
The Imperial Villa was located at the foot of the Westridge Mountains, about 20 miles away from the capital. It was surrounded by mountains and rivers. Not only did the Imperial Villa contain dozens of acres of fertile land, but there was also a river around the field at the foot of the mountain. Water rippled, and one could see the continuous mountains behind the manor at a glance. It was lush, beautiful, and refreshing.
The manager of the Imperial Villa was a middle-aged eunuch in his 4.0s. He had long received instructions in advance and knew that the Eldest Prince was coming today. Hence, he had brought a group of servants and girls to wait at the entrance of the villa early in the morning.
As soon as Chu Yi and Gu Yanfei arrived, the middle-aged eunuch welcomed them attentively. He bowed to the two people on the horse with a smile. “Eldest Prince, Miss Gu, please come in.”
The middle-aged eunuch instructed someone to settle the horses and personally led the two of them into the manor.
Compared to the vastness and magnificence outside, the manor was another grotto-heaven. The layout and design were unique and creative. The layout was magnificent, with green walls, black tiles, and clear flowers.
As Gu Yanfei walked, she casually looked around. She was extremely relaxed and happy from head to toe. Her bright eyes were full of kindness, and she looked radiant and lively.
Chu Yi’s clear voice suddenly sounded in her ear. “It’s still early. Shall we go to the sparrow forest at the back first?”
Gu Yanfei turned to look at him. The long purple headband flew up and happened to brush past his raised right hand. He grabbed the headband between his fingers.
The headband was a bright purple, which contrasted with his fair and slender fingers. It had a soul-stirring beauty.
He clearly didn’t touch her, but Gu Yanfei had an inexplicable feeling. It was as if this headband had become a part of her, and his ears were slightly hot..