Gu Yan Chen narrowed his eyes. His father's words today carried hidden meanings.
He smiled and said, "In my son's opinion, any status or assistance is secondary. What's truly important is the maiden's birth date and hour. If we can find someone as auspicious and beneficial to her husband as my wife, why would you need to worry about your younger sons' futures? Father, I think rather than selecting based on status, you should select based on birth charts. Since the spring imperial examinations haven't begun yet, it's best to find a master to cast a divination." Kuai Shu Ge
Gu Rong: ...
How did his good son become like a street scammer?
This topic couldn't continue. He waved his hand helplessly, "Forget it, you can go back first."
"Father, your son has more to say."
"Hm?"
"Why didn't Father go to the Marquis of Pingning's residence today? Everyone is spreading rumors that our household doesn't favor my wife."
Gu Rong's expression slowly cracked, "So, you've come to accuse me?"
Gu Yan Chen said, "Accusation is too strong a word. I just don't understand why Father would embarrass my wife like this. If she can't hold her head up outside, then I also lose face."
Gu Rong had a flash of inspiration and scoffed, "She's not someone of high status. Son, with your current standing, what kind of woman can't you marry? If you put the word out, though marrying a princess might be difficult, daughters of dukes and daughters of cabinet ministers are all yours to choose from. Their assistance would be far greater than that of the Marquis of Pingning's household."
"Father, have you had too much to drink?" Gu Yan Chen looked as if he had seen a ghost, even reaching out to touch his father's forehead, "There's no smell of alcohol, why are you talking such nonsense?"
Gu Rong cursed, "How dare you speak to me like that? Am I not doing this for your own good?"
"Even if it's for my own good, you can't be dreaming. Dukes and cabinet ministers aren't crazy enough to let their daughters be my concubines." Back then, when he married Lu Nian Fu, even Ouyang Wen said he had the luck of burning high incense.
"Who said concubine? Of course, it would be as the main wife."
"Then what about my wife?"
"Well, divorcing her would seem rather heartless of our family. How about making her a concubine?"
The veins on Gu Yan Chen's forehead twitched a few times, "Impossible."
"Why not? You've been married for over two years, but she hasn't given you any children yet. Not having offspring is a reason for divorce. We've already been considerate by demoting her to a concubine. We've treated her well enough." Gu Rong was resigned. He knew his son wouldn't listen.
But with this happening, he would have more confidence when reporting to the Emperor next time. After all, he had asked.
It was his son who refused to cooperate.
Gu Yan Chen certainly wouldn't cooperate, and he was very angry. "Not having offspring is grounds for divorce, but there are also the Three Not to Be Divorced. Those who were poor before the wealthy cannot be divorced. Father, if you mention this again, I will move out immediately. As for those noble ladies, you should help my second and third brothers seek them out. I don't need them."
He turned and left, fearing that if he stayed any longer, he might lose control and physically assault his own father. Did anyone wish for their son's marriage to be disharmonious?
Gu Rong wiped the sweat from his brow, feeling like a truly miserable father.
Gu Yan Chen returned to his room, and of course, he didn't mention the idea of demoting his wife to a concubine to Lu Nian Fu. However, his mood was noticeably worse than before. Lu Nian Fu couldn't help but ask, "Did your conversation with Father not go well?"
"That old rascal is utterly wicked. You shouldn't pay attention to him from now on."
Lu Nian Fu: ...
After more than a month, Meng Chang Dong and Song Ming finally returned to the capital.
When they returned, they brought two little followers with them. The daughter of Prefect Feng was dignified and beautiful, dressed in mourning clothes. She had not applied any makeup, and as she alighted from the carriage, her face showed a hint of bewilderment, making her quite pitiable.
Mao Peng Yi, on the other hand, was different. Upon seeing Gu Yan Chen, he rushed over and hugged his leg, crying out, "Boss, the officialdom is truly dark! I almost never saw you again."
Gu Yan Chen: ...
He unceremoniously kicked him away, "Get up quickly! You're about to pull off my pants. Aren't you afraid Miss Feng will laugh?"
Meng Chang Dong and Song Ming covered their mouths and laughed, then jointly dragged him aside.