novelden Chapter 168 A Passionate Person
Chapter 168 A Passionate Person
Yan Daoxiu, who was standing to the side, spoke softly, saying, "Minister Chu, you should think carefully about this marriage. You should know that she is the legitimate daughter of the Prime Minister. Even the powerful Protector General Xiao, who wanted to marry the daughter of the Duke of Chu, failed to do so. The Duke of Chu was unwilling to marry off his legitimate daughter and had to marry a concubine's daughter instead."
In truth, Yan Daoxiu's trip had a clear purpose. Her sharp eyes were fixed on Chu Liangchen, as if trying to see through his thoughts. She knew that marriage was undoubtedly the most direct and effective way to gain Yu Jin's complete trust in Chu Liangchen. Mentioning Xiao Jinyan was, in effect, a reminder to Chu Liangchen not to act on emotion and to remember his mission.
He Songzhi, who was standing to the side, seemed to be affected by this marriage as well, and slowly said, "Yes, Minister Chu, even someone of Xiao Jinyan's noble status could only settle for the second best and marry the illegitimate daughter of the Duke of Chu. This time you are marrying a legitimate daughter, such a blessed match, what is there to hesitate about?"
Chu Liangchen's brows revealed an indescribable sorrow as he said, "Duke of Chu, it is not that I am unwilling to marry your daughter, but rather that my heart is still grieving. My wife has just passed away, and if I were to marry another at this moment, wouldn't that be a great disrespect to her spirit? I cannot find peace in my heart."
Upon hearing this, Yu Jin said in an almost mocking tone, "Minister Chu, you are mistaken. All things in the world are constantly being reborn. Since you have lost your beloved wife, and my daughter is of marriageable age, why not help her find a new partner? Life is short, why be bound by these outdated customs and traditions?"
Yan Daoxiu, holding a feather fan, nodded and echoed, "That's right. Minister Chu is far too pedantic. As the ancients said, the dead are gone, but the living remain. Do you really intend to stay by your deceased wife's memorial tablet and live out your life alone? I'm afraid you've read all those Confucian classics and forgotten them. You don't even understand the most basic principles of human relations."
He Songzhi then interjected, "Of the three unfilial acts, the greatest is to have no descendants. Liangchen, as the only son of the Chu family, if you disregard your family bloodline for a moment of emotion, it is not only a personal fault, but also a great act of filial impiety against your ancestors. If you do not marry, how will you have children and grandchildren to enjoy your company?"
Faced with this series of questions and persuasion, Chu Liangchen's expression grew even more solemn. He slowly raised his head, took a deep breath, and said, "Duke of Chu, gentlemen, the longing I feel for my deceased wife is beyond words. Although she has passed away, her deep affection remains with me like a shadow, impossible to sever. I implore you all to understand my feelings and grant me some time, until my grief subsides, before making a decision."
Yu Jin's expression was solemn and dignified: "Liangchen, I wish to betroth my beloved daughter to you. It should be a marriage between two families, a beautiful story of a contract being made in one hall. Yet you keep making excuses. Could it be that you find my daughter's appearance insufficient and unworthy of your attention?"
Upon hearing this, Chu Liangchen felt a mix of emotions. He quickly stood up, cupped his hands in a respectful bow, and said sincerely, "Duke of Chu, Liangchen had no such intention. Your daughter is renowned far and wide, and possesses both talent and virtue. She is someone we all look up to."
Upon hearing this, Yu Jin's brows furrowed in displeasure: "Hmph, Minister Chu, are you not looking down on me with these words? If you have no such intention, why pretend to flatter me and pledge allegiance to me? Could it be that you have other plans in mind?"
Yan Daoxiu, standing to the side, had a calculating glint in his eyes. He coughed lightly and said, "Minister Chu, what are you still hesitating about? This is a marriage alliance that so many people dream of. How can you miss such a good opportunity? Hurry up and agree to this marriage, and make it a beautiful story!"
Chu Liangchen's gaze darted between the two, his mind calculating the potential consequences of each step. He knew all too well that agreeing would mean betraying Princess Xincai.
However, refusing might offend the powerful Duke of Chu, making it impossible to gain his trust. He took a deep breath and finally spoke: "Duke of Chu, please allow Liangchen to reconsider. I will have a clear answer in three days."
Yu Jin stared at Chu Liangchen, and after a moment of silence, he slowly nodded and said, "Alright, Chu Liangchen, I'll give you three days. I hope you can make a wise choice and not let me find out that you're just going through the motions."
The following day, in the main hall of the Duke of Qi's residence.
The sunlight slanted into the main hall of the Duke of Qi's mansion, the golden glow reflecting off the antique furnishings, yet seemingly unable to dispel the oppressive and somber atmosphere in the air.
Xiao Jinyan, the usually composed and calm head of the Xiao family, was pacing back and forth in the main hall, his brows furrowed and his face so dark it seemed to drip water. His steps were rapid and forceful, each step seemingly an expression of his inner displeasure and anxiety.
On the side, Yu Xin'er and Guan Lingxuan looked at each other, their eyes filled with confusion and worry.
Yu Xin'er wore an elegant embroidered long dress, with a few simple white magnolias adorning her hair. She parted her lips slightly and spoke softly, "Husband, what happened? Seeing you so worried, I am also very uneasy."
Before he could finish speaking, Xiao Jinyan suddenly stopped and slammed the letter he was holding onto the table like a hot potato. The envelope curled up slightly from the impact, revealing the yellowed paper inside.
This action instantly froze the already tense atmosphere to an extreme.
"Madam, see for yourself!"
Xiao Jinyan's eyes flashed with barely concealed anger.
Yu Xin'er's heart tightened. She slowly reached out her hand, her fingertips gently touching the envelope, as if she could feel the heavy contents inside.
She carefully took out the letter and read it word by word. Yan Daoxiu's secret report was clear and concise: Chu Liangchen, in the Duke of Chu's mansion, had rejected Yu Jin's marriage proposal without hesitation.
After reading the letter, Yu Xin'er gently closed her eyes, her long eyelashes fluttering like butterfly wings. When she opened them again, her eyes were filled with understanding and complexity.
"Husband, so it was because Chu Liangchen refused to marry me..."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Jinyan became even angrier, his face turning ashen, his fists clenching involuntarily until his knuckles turned white from the force.
"That Chu Liangchen! How could he act so impulsively at such a crucial moment! This marriage alliance is aimed at winning over Yu Jin, eliminating Wei Wuji, and working together for a great cause. His refusal has completely disrupted our plans!"
Yu Xin'er parted her lips slightly, her eyes filled with a complex mix of emotions and helplessness, and slowly said, "My husband, to be honest, my elder sister, Yu Zhen'er, is usually very proud and arrogant. Few men in the world can catch her eye. And Chu Liangchen was one of those rare few. Unfortunately, fate played a cruel trick on us. Chu Liangchen was ultimately chosen by Princess Xincai to be her husband. Since then, a thorn has been planted in my sister's heart that is hard to remove, and she feels resentful whenever the night is quiet."
Upon hearing this, Guan Lingxuan sighed softly and echoed, "Yes, my husband, if Yu Zhen'er hadn't been so proud and her infatuation hadn't always lingered on the figure of Minister Chu, how could she still be single at the age of twenty, unwilling to easily entrust her life to him?"
Upon hearing this, Xiao Jinyan's eyes flashed, and a deep smile appeared on his lips. He had already made up his mind.
He tapped the table lightly, his voice steady and firm: "Since Yu Zhen'er is so fond of Chu Liangchen, why doesn't Chu Liangchen grant her wish and simply agree to the marriage? This opportunity will not only appease Yu Zhen'er, but also allow us to gain Yu Jin's trust. The Yu family is powerful; with their assistance, dealing with the cunning Wei Wuji will undoubtedly be much easier. Why not?"