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墨書 Inktalez
After Gu Yanran left Qiushui Garden, she had someone invite Doctor Zhang over. She couldn't believe that Gu Wanning was so heartless as to take something like this out so easily.
Xianglan nodded in agreement.
Gu Yanran stormed in, her anger palpable, and after barely half a cup of tea, she rushed out again to verify the item in her hand. Gu Wanning knew that it wasn't enough for Gu Yanran to be pregnant; taking advantage of the current turmoil among the court officials, she had to seize this opportunity to let everyone know that she had no choice but to break off the engagement.
"Tell me what you need me to do," said Shi Zimo, looking at Gu Wanning.
The request for marriage from His Highness the Second Prince was merely because he coveted the military power held by her father and brother. If her father and brother lost their military authority, would the Second Prince still insist on marrying me?
Gu Wanning spoke calmly. Her father and sister had previously mentioned that the Second Prince initially sought to marry her sister. However, her father publicly rejected his proposal, and not long after, King Jing intercepted him and became her true brother-in-law.
The Second Prince's determination to marry Gu Changqing's daughter was solely for the sake of her family's military power, aiming to pull her father into his camp and gain leverage in the struggle for succession.
After a long silence, Shi Zimo felt that this plan was unwise. At such a critical moment of turmoil at the border, the emperor would consider the greater good and would not temporarily move against the Gu family's military. Many people in the capital coveted the Gu family's power, not just Pei Zhirui.
Once the military authority held by Gu Changqing was handed over, there would be no capable generals on the front lines to deter the enemy. Although the current emperor was suspicious, he wasn't foolish enough to pursue the Gu family's military power at this crucial juncture.
"We should think of other methods; we should avoid strategies that harm ourselves while trying to damage our enemies," Shi Zimo advised. Coming from a merchant background, he understood that political risks were far greater than those in business. One misstep could lead to disastrous consequences.
"Miss, Miss Zhang has arrived," Hongling reported hurriedly as she entered.
Following behind Hongling was Zhang Yiwen, who anxiously wrung her handkerchief as she came in. Upon seeing Shi Zimo, she looked him up and down before speaking. "Wanning sister, this is..."
Zhang Yiwen recognized Shi Zimo from their previous encounters and felt curious about his sudden appearance in Gu Wanning's courtyard without any clear identity.
At that moment, Gu Wanning remembered that Zhang Yiwen did not know Shi Zimo. She replied, "Oh, this is my cousin from my maternal family, the Shi family by the Huai River."
She turned and smiled at Shi Zimo, saying, "Cousin, this is my brother's beloved, the granddaughter of Grand Tutor Zhang, Sister Zhang."
Zhang Yiwen shyly glanced at Gu Waning, while Shi Zimo bowed slightly in greeting.
Zhang Yiwen quickly changed the subject, saying, "I've heard about your situation. Grandfather also thinks it's inappropriate and sent me to check on you. It's unfortunate that Grand Tutor has been worried; it's not your fault, Waning."
Gu Waning felt a bit embarrassed. After the recent fire incident, she had been quite despondent, especially since there had been no news from Gu Qingning, which only added to her anxiety. She never expected to cause so much concern for others; it made her feel guilty.
"What are you talking about? You are our dear Waning sister; everyone cares for you. Isn't that how it should be? Don't overthink it," Zhang Yiwen gently took Gu Waning's hand and reassured her.
Since she was very young, the wife of Duke Zhongyuan, Shi Min, had passed away. Coupled with her own health issues, Gu Waning had always felt somewhat inferior.
"Don't worry! The officials from the Ministry of Rites won't dare to oppose you; you can rest assured," Zhang Yiwen knew these words were merely comforting. The Emperor's decree had already been issued and would not be retracted.
Disobeying a royal decree was a grave offense punishable by death.
Gu Waning realized that her situation was indeed a deadlock; every move seemed like a losing one. Historically, royal decrees were never rescinded.
She understood that she could not let the current Emperor lose face; the only thing she could do was to resist the decree and find a way out.
Zhang Yiwen sighed and said, "It truly looks like a deadlock."
The air suddenly fell silent.
In desperate situations, one might find unexpected opportunities.
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