As soon as they stepped out, Ouyang Wen apologized, "Little Yan Yan, should I have mentioned the Wanhua Tower in front of my sister-in-law just now?"
Gu Yan Chen looked at him coldly, then punched him in the stomach. "What do you think?"
There was still a quilt separating them in bed now, and if this night wasn't handled well, he might end up sleeping on the floor. He suspected Ouyang Wen was trying to set him up.
"Hiss, that hurt." Ouyang Wen doubled over, clutching his stomach like a shrimp. "Little Yan Yan, you've changed. You hit me for a woman."
Gu Yan Chen waggled his fist. "Stop that affectatious behavior of yours, it's making my hands itch."
Ouyang Wen immediately straightened up. "Hey, sister-in-law seemed very magnanimous, so don't worry. I know it's not easy for you to fall for a woman. It was fine when you were only with her in Yangzhou, but what about when you return to the capital? Your stepmother will surely try to stuff people into your chambers. Speaking of which, does your stepmother know you're getting married?"
"A betrothed is a wife, a concubine is a lover. Without my parents' consent, how could I dare marry someone into my home? Don't worry, I informed my father long ago, and he replied."
"He just sent a letter, but no betrothal gifts?"
Gu Yan Chen spread his hands.
Ouyang Wen was so angry he could have spat fire from all seven orifices, yet he couldn't help but be curious. "Your father didn't give money, so how did you manage to marry her?"
"There was still about a hundred taels of silver."
Ouyang Wen was taken aback and gave him two thumbs up.
Brother, you're amazing. You managed to snag a rich wife with a hundred taels. Little Yan Yan's charm is truly invincible.
The cold wind swirled fallen leaves. Qing Ya, after washing up, carried a lamp towards Jiyue Xuan. It was her turn to keep watch tonight. However, upon entering the outer room, she discovered that all the lights inside were out.
"No way, did young lady sleep this early today?"
"Hmm, maybe she's angry."
Qing Ya sighed with concern.
But what could be done? Nowadays, even butchers with a little money wanted concubines to enjoy the pleasure of multiple women. As an official, how could the son-in-law possibly only have one woman? Alas, just consider it early adaptation. Hopefully, the son-in-law won't only see new smiles and ignore old tears.
Alas, being a woman is truly difficult.
She felt she could be young lady's lifelong maid.
It was still early, and Qing Ya couldn't sleep, so she couldn't help but pull out a storybook from under her pillow and start reading. However, she was sensible enough not to make any noise. Young lady was already sad enough, and as a mature maid, she naturally couldn't disturb her at this time.
After turning a couple of pages, a sound of footsteps came from outside.
Martial arts practitioners have keen hearing. Although Qing Ya was only half-trained, the sound of boots landing on the ground was quite different from embroidered shoes. She immediately recognized whose footsteps they were.
"Didn't the son-in-law go to the Wanhua Tower for a banquet? Could he be back so early?"
She put away the storybook, suspiciously got up, and opened the door. Just then, she saw Gu Yan Chen approaching, carrying the chill of the night.
"Son-in-law, son-in-law, why are you back so early?"
Gu Yan Chen looked at her strangely. "Do you expect me to spend the night in that hellhole? Quickly have someone prepare hot water, I'm about to be suffocated."
"Yes, right away." Qing Ya was overjoyed. Although she didn't know why the son-in-law would act like a gentleman who refused a tempting offer, it was a great thing for the young lady. Qing Ya happily went to the kitchen.
Lu Nian Fu lay in bed, thinking a lot, and successfully comforted herself.
Initially, she had gone for Gu Yan Chen's status. A dignified prince, let alone concubines, he had two secondary consorts. She had never thought of getting entangled in his harem disputes. She only planned to leave when the time came, whether through amicable separation or divorce, she would let go without hesitation and not hinder him from marrying a noble lady. She only hoped he would remember their past affections and protect her under his wing, allowing her to live well in Yangzhou with the family property left by her father.
But this thought had unknowingly taken on some other emotions.
Gu Yan Chen was truly a very, very good person. Facing such a man, it was hard for her not to be moved.
Fortunately, today's incident served as a reminder.
If they were destined to part, she should withdraw her heart as early as possible. But if the heart could be controlled at will, why would there be so many lovesick men and women in the world? The pain was still going to be felt.