novelden Chapter 169 It's not unusual for a man to have three wives and four concubines.
Chapter 169 It's not unusual for a man to have three wives and four concubines.
With complex emotions flickering in her eyes, Yu Xin'er said softly, "Husband, you must never forget that Princess Xincai is still alive, and her image still lingers in our lives."
Beside her, Guan Lingxuan softly echoed, "Yes, my husband, Princess Xincai is still alive. It's just that Yu Jin and Yu Zhen'er mistakenly believe that the princess has passed away. Such things in this world are often so unpredictable."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Jinyan's brows furrowed with disdain. He gently put down his teacup and said, "So what? Life is like a play, and a play is like life. The world is unpredictable. What can the princess's life or death change? Besides, it's common for men in this world to have multiple wives and concubines. What's wrong with Chu Liangchen taking another wife?"
Upon hearing this, Yu Xin'er gently shook her head: "Husband, you may not have truly experienced the profound affection between Chu Liangchen and the princess. I have long heard that their feelings for each other are deep, as unyielding as a rock, and unbreakable by wind and rain. This kind of affection is perhaps beyond the comprehension and reach of us ordinary mortals."
Guan Lingxuan paused for a moment, then continued, "Husband, have you ever considered that if Chu Liangchen still has a place for the princess in his heart, then he will naturally hesitate about this marriage and find it difficult to agree easily? How can we easily resolve this emotional entanglement with a simple 'What's wrong with marrying another wife?'?"
Xiao Jinyan gently put down her teacup, a mocking smile playing on her lips: "This Chu Liangchen is truly a complete bookworm, his mind filled with the words of sages, utterly pedantic. To conspire with him for this great cause of the world, wouldn't I, Xiao Jinyan, be blind and have gone astray?"
Upon hearing this, Yu Xin'er gently raised her hand and said softly, "Husband, please don't let a moment of anger ruin our harmony. I think that although Chu Liangchen is immersed in books, he is remarkably loyal and devoted. His unwavering devotion to love is like a pine tree in the cold winter, steadfast and unyielding. Given this, if we can guide him, he will naturally become devoted to you and become a great asset to us."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Jinyan's eyes flickered, as if he was weighing something. After a moment, he slowly said, "If it is as Madam says, then it would indeed be a wonderful thing."
Guan Lingxuan's eyes sparkled, and a playful smile appeared on her lips as she interjected, "Indeed, it was precisely because of his unwavering loyalty to love that Minister Chu resolutely refused the marriage alliance with Yu Zhen'er. Such dedication is not something everyone can achieve. Unlike you, my husband, with three wives and four concubines in your household, you fall in love at the sight of any beauty. What a dashing and romantic man."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Jinyan's eyes flashed with a hint of mockery, and he deliberately drew out his words, "Madam, it makes me seem rather cold-hearted. However, from what you're saying, you quite admire this Chu Liangchen?"
Guan Lingxuan made no attempt to hide her feelings and readily admitted, "Yes, I admire him quite a bit. How many people in this world are as devoted to love as he is, unmoved by power or influence?"
Upon hearing this, Xiao Jinyan's eyes suddenly sharpened, and a meaningful smile appeared on her lips: "How about I give you to Chu Liangchen as... as a concubine? Let's see if he can truly remain unmoved by your presence and uphold that so-called fidelity."
Upon hearing this, Guan Lingxuan put her hands on her hips, her lips slightly upturned, with a hint of coquettishness and helplessness.
"Husband, you're just talking nonsense, you're absolutely wicked!"
The sound was clear and melodious, like the tinkling of a mountain spring, yet it also possessed a unique feminine charm.
Before she finished speaking, Guan Lingxuan had already floated to Xiao Jinyan's side like a gentle breeze, her slender hands deftly slipping under his armpits, beginning a sudden "tickling battle." Her movements were quick and precise, with a touch of childlike playfulness, catching Xiao Jinyan off guard, leaving him only able to laugh and beg for mercy repeatedly.
"Alright, Xuan'er, I won't joke like that with you anymore!"
Xiao Jinyan's laughter was hearty and warm, and his eyes sparkled with doting affection.
Upon hearing this, Guan Lingxuan paused in her movements, a smug smile spreading across her face: "Then I'll let you off for now. But if you ever make this kind of joke again, see how I deal with you!"
Upon seeing this, Xiao Jinyan felt a surge of warmth in his heart. He slowly reached out and gently embraced Guan Lingxuan, as if he wanted to merge her into his own body.
"I was just kidding. Xuan'er is my precious darling. How could I bear to give her away?"
Guan Lingxuan nestled against Xiao Jinyan's chest, listening to his strong heartbeat, and a happy smile appeared on her lips: "Hmph, that's more like it."
Xiao Jinyan frowned, his tone tinged with helplessness and worry. He then slowly said to Yu Xin'er beside him, "Madam, how should we properly handle the matter of Chu Liangchen to ensure that the overall situation is not affected?"
Upon hearing this, Yu Xin'er gently put down the embroidered handkerchief in her hand, her eyes sparkling with wisdom. She said softly, "Husband, since this matter concerns the greater good, it is only right and proper for us to accept this marriage. What do personal feelings matter when it comes to the greater good of the nation? Only by sacrificing the individual can we achieve the greater good."
Xiao Jinyan sighed softly, her brows still furrowed with worry: "But this Chu Liangchen is so pedantic and stubborn. I'm really worried that he might ruin our carefully planned grand scheme in a moment of impulsiveness."
Yu Xin'er smiled slightly and said, "Husband, don't be anxious. It's not that simple. I will personally go to the Duke of Chu's mansion to persuade him with reason and emotion, and convince Chu Liangchen to accept this marriage. Perhaps there will be a turning point. After all, people are all made of flesh and blood. As long as we are sincere enough, why should we worry about not being able to move him?"
Upon hearing this, Xiao Jinyan's eyes flashed with a hint of relief and anticipation: "Very well, Madam's trip will be a good opportunity to visit her parents and also give Chu Liangchen a good talking-to. Once this marriage is arranged, it will not only solidify our alliance, but Madam will also deserve the greatest credit."
Yu Xin'er nodded gently, her eyes sparkling with confidence and determination: "Don't worry, my husband, I know what I'm doing. I will be careful and consider the overall situation on this trip, and I will not fail your trust."
Xiao Jinyan's gaze was deep as he murmured softly, "Then I'll have to trouble you, Madam."
Before she finished speaking, a series of light footsteps faded into the distance, and Yu Xin'er's figure disappeared through the gates of the mansion, leaving behind an unfinished love story that slowly drifted away in the air.
As he turned around, Xiao Jinyan's gaze was drawn to a gentle light—Guan Lingxuan had quietly approached him at some point. She leaned lightly against his chest, her voice trembling slightly: "Husband, you just said you were going to give me away, it scared me to death."
Xiao Jinyan's heart tightened, and he quickly embraced the beauty in his arms tightly. The warm touch filled him with tenderness: "My lady, I wasn't joking with you, it's just..."
Before she could finish speaking, Guan Lingxuan interrupted her. Her eyes were already brimming with glistening tears, sparkling like starlight, as if they might fall at any moment.
"Husband, you mustn't make jokes like that again. It hurts my feelings."
Guan Lingxuan's voice carried a hint of grievance and resentment, but more than anything, it reflected her deep appreciation and reluctance to let go of this relationship.
Xiao Jinyan tenderly wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes with his thumb, the movement gentle and delicate, as if he were treating the most precious treasure in the world: "Madam, why are you so sad? It was just a joke."