She had not been happy to see Officer Zhao making a proposal to Gu Chaoyan. She was the prettiest girl, with both looks and intelligence, in the whole city – why was Gu Chaoyan the ugly girl able to marry the son of an officer of the Ministry of Revenue whilst she was marrying the Prince of Duke Changning who had no actual power?!
Now, hearing that someone better was making a proposal, Gu Ruxue got excited and then turned to her father.
Mrs. Gu was pleased too, to hear that a better marriage arrangement was around the corner. “Old Master, is it a son of some important ministers?”
Mrs. Gu started to consider which young masters of those families were at a proper age.
Seeing Mrs. Gu’s inquiring look as well as his daughter’s… Gu Zhenkang felt that for the first time in his life, he was considered great in the whole mansion. He could not help but feel proud. He shook his head and said, “No.”
“No?” Mrs. Gu looked surprised and mumbled confusedly. “What else could it be?”
Gu Ruxue’s expectant face sank.
Seeing his daughter’s disappointment, Gu Zhenkang gave up his intention of keeping the matter concealed. He said proudly, “It is Lord Ling!”
Flop… a teacup was dropped to the ground.
Gu Ruxue took a step forward over the broken teacup and grabbed Gu Zhenkang’s sleeves, asking excitedly, “Is that true, dad? You are not lying to me, are you?!”
Lord Ling! Lord Ling was the King’s son! He was a lord!
Oh god, Gu Ruxue was having such great luck!
Lord Ling was falling for her?! So she was going to the Princess, or even the potential Queen?!
Gu Ruxue’s hands were shaking as she thought about the promising future awaiting for her.
Mrs. Gu’s eyes were open wide. She still could not believe what happened. She asked after a long while, “Is that true?!”
“Of course.” Gu Zhenkang appeared calm, even though he was excited too. “Madame Gu said that we are hiring some mentors to teach you zither, chess, calligraphy and painting as well as the imperial manners.”
“…”
“You are also taking the Saint College examination too.”
“…”
“It would look good if you are studying at Saint College. We did not think it was necessary, but now we think it is a step to take.”
As he was speaking… Gu Zhenkang suddenly thought of something.
Ruxue and Prince had been hanging out these days, and he was worried that Ruxue would not understand the importance because of the affection they had developed.
Therefore, he reminded her. “Ruxue, you are never to meet Prince, got it?”
“Of course.” Gu Ruxue said with a firm tone, “Dad, I am not stupid. If I can marry Lord Ling, I will never ever see Prince again.”
Hearing these words, Gu Zhenkang was quite assured.
That was what his daughter should be like, someone who thought thoroughly and discreetly, and who could tell the good from the bad.
He let out a sigh of relief.
Gu Zhenkang looked at Mrs. Gu and Gu Ruxue with satisfaction on his face.
It had been a good choice to marry Mrs. Gu.
If his wife had been the unimportant Mrs. Lin, Lord Ling would never marry Gu Zhenkang’s daughter. After all, Lord Ling was never going to like a girl born in a business family.
At this time, he showed a joyful look at Mrs. Gu. Her father might have a minor position in the court, but at least it was a position in the court! He said to Mrs. Gu with a gentle tone, “I will join you in the yard tonight.”
