Chapter 1643: Chapter 1643 Questioning
The young gentlemen invited today all know that the flower banquet is for the future prince consort, so their gaze has been fixated here, relieved by the future prince consort’s retort.
Zhuo Guyu felt uneasy. Recently, because of the Crown Prince, he had received quite a bit of attention, even at home, the other cousins in the other branches had become much more restrained.
The future prince consort was disgusted by Zhuo Guyu’s unreasonable demeanor, snorted, and said to Gu Sheng, "Shall we go to the lake?"
Gu Sheng didn’t want to leave the future prince consort. Today, there were no poor scholars present; he was the only one, subtly scrutinized, and he didn’t want to stay and have people dig into his background, "Sure."
Mr. Du fanned himself leisurely, waiting for the future prince consort to walk away before speaking, "I really underestimated Gu Sheng. First, there was the Marquis Zhou’s youngest son, now there’s the future prince consort. I also heard he has been frequently entering the palace lately."
Zhuo Guyu’s expression didn’t change, but his eyes were cold. He and Gu Sheng were competitors. He failed to suppress Gu Sheng, leading to today’s situation. He wasn’t ruthless enough; if only he had listened to his grandfather, Gu Sheng wouldn’t have risen.
On the women’s side, Zhulan said to Yu Wen and Lin Xi, "You two don’t stay by me, go enjoy the flower banquet!"
The princess had already been escorted to the garden; now indoors, only the elders remained, making Yu Wen and Lin Xi the focus of attention.
Yu Wen stood up, "Grandmother, I’m going out with my cousin."
Lin Xi was wondering when her cousin would go to the garden; she couldn’t see Mr. Gu without going there. She thought she had guessed wrong until finally proved correct.
Both young ladies had titles, and they didn’t gather around the princess, deciding it was not the time to make enemies.
Yu Wen and Lin Xi had just stepped outside, and after a few steps, they saw the princess with a young gentleman. Lin Xi said, "It’s the future prince consort."
Yu Wen looked over; the future prince consort was also quite handsome. Whatever he said made the princess laugh happily, showing he had a good personality. The eyes don’t deceive people; the prince consort had a pair of bright eyes.
Lin Xi tugged her cousin’s sleeve, "Mr. Gu."
Yu Wen looked over; Mr. Gu was in front of Mr. Du. She didn’t know what had happened, but several young gentlemen were watching with amusement.
Lin Xi came back to her senses; her cousin had already crossed the small bridge. There were several young ladies nearby admiring the flowers, so Lin Xi hurried to catch up.
Mr. Du said, "After Mr. Gu was made Tanhua, he’s rejected many proposals. I thought he had principles. Now, it seems I was wrong. Mr. Gu is clearly seeking out better marriage ties."
He didn’t believe Ji Deming said Marquis Zhou favored Gu Sheng differently; he preferred to believe Gu Sheng wanted to cling to the Zhou family. Even if Gu Sheng wasn’t, he wanted to solidify Gu Sheng’s reputation as a climber.
Gu Sheng wasn’t flustered and looked directly at Mr. Du, "I have always wondered why you target me?"
"I’m curious too, could you enlighten us, Mr. Du?"
At the sudden female voice, they all looked over to Yu Wen and Lin Xi.
Mr. Du was stunned, "Magistrate Anhe."
Lin Xi spoke, "Am I invisible?"
Mr. Du’s tone became more respectful, "Commandery Princess."
He couldn’t afford to offend Magistrate Anhe, let alone the only daughter of Prince Qin.
Yu Wen smiled, "I overheard some of your conversation. Mr. Du, please clear up my confusion?"
Mr. Du forced a smile, "I wasn’t targeting Mr. Gu; I was just seeking confirmation today."
Yu Wen toyed with her fan, "I remember last winter, Mr. Gu stood outside the Du Residence for a long time. It was only when I passed by and had a young servant knock on the door that he was let in. Mr. Du, are you sure you haven’t forgotten?"
Mr. Du’s expression shifted slightly, not because Magistrate Anhe knew of his mistreatment of Gu Sheng, but because he had a bad feeling. Could Ji Deming’s words be true?
Zhuo Guyu, not far away, also looked uneasy. What kind of person was Zhou Yuwen? Although seemingly approachable, in reality, she was distant and cold. Yet, she defended Gu Sheng, not just once either!
Lin Xi watched her cousin intently. Her cousin’s tone hadn’t changed and still carried a smile on her face. Why did she feel like her cousin was especially unapproachable!
Gu Sheng pinched his fingertips. This was the second time. If Magistrate Anhe weren’t so young, he might have suspected ulterior motives. He refocused his mind and mentally chided himself, "Don’t get any ideas."
Mr. Du couldn’t admit it, so he awkwardly laughed. Fortunately, someone familiar with him came over, mentioned something to attend to, and Mr. Du left apologetically.
Yu Wen didn’t speak further; she nodded at Gu Sheng.
Gu Sheng stepped forward, "Mr. Gu thanks the Magistrate."
Yu Wen smiled, "My uncle and father have spoken highly of you. I trust their judgment. Don’t overthink it; I spoke up for my uncle and father. I won’t allow anyone to doubt their judgment."
Gu Sheng’s smile was more relaxed. He thought there had to be a reason for the Magistrate to speak, not just for him alone, "Still, I must thank the Magistrate."
Yu Wen said, "Please carry on, young sir."
With that, Yu Wen and Lin Xi walked away, without fear of others noticing anything.
Because of Yu Wen’s words, those speculating exchanged knowing glances. Marquis Zhou is famously protective in the capital, having stirred up trouble at the Duke of Yongan’s Residence for the sake of the Magistrate. It’s natural for her to speak out for her father and uncle, such protectiveness runs in the family!
Zhuo Guyu’s expression turned even uglier; this time, he could feel the subtle scrutiny directed his way.
The future prince consort had returned at some point, clicking his tongue twice and laughing.
Gu Sheng, "..."
The future prince consort really dislikes Zhuo Guyu!
The commotion in the garden drifted into the room. After hearing it, Zhulan said a few sentences on behalf of her granddaughter, "That girl was pampered by her father from a young age, who wouldn’t let anyone speak ill of him. Her protective nature is very much like the elder at our home."
The Qi Clan chimed in, "You have a good granddaughter."
Everyone joined in the conversation, and just like that, this episode passed.
In the garden, Lin Xi asked, "Was it really for the sake of Uncle Fourth and Little Uncle?"
Yu Wen seriously said, "I do fancy Gu Sheng, but I won’t use father and uncle as excuses. I could think up other reasons, but I won’t, because I want people to know that the Zhou Residence is protective, and not just anyone can drag the Marquis Residence into matters."
Today, Mr. Du wanted to label Gu Sheng as a climber. How would father and uncle’s judgment be viewed tomorrow? How would rumors outside spread?
Lin Xi rarely saw her cousin this serious and laughed, "I knew my cousin would remain calm."
Yu Wen, "If I wasn’t calm, in your eyes, would I be ignoring family for a man?"
Lin Xi swung her cousin’s arm, "I’m just worried, isn’t that all?"
Yu Wen didn’t hold it against her. Her cousin was very protective of the Marquis Residence. If she really did something foolish for a man, well, she believed her cousin would use a whip on her!
In Ningzhou Province, Ming Hui followed Yu Yueyang to the Yu family clan, "The Yu clan really has a large population."
Yu Yueyang, "Mm, do you want to visit the clan school?"
Ming Hui asked, "Is that possible?"
Yu Yueyang smiled, "Of course it is."
Ming Hui wanted to know how the Yu clan’s school differed from the Zhou clan’s school, thanking Yu Yueyang for the opportunity.