Chapter 43

Across from them, many sons of prestigious families had already taken their seats, even Prince Duan and Prince Shu were already seated in their respective places.

Prince Shu was the senior prince, while Prince Duan was the crown prince. One sat below the dragon throne of the Emperor, the other sat beside Concubine Wan. Astute people could clearly see that while the Emperor doted on Concubine Wan, he was still very wary of Prince Duan's status as crown prince. In occasions like this, he gave Prince Duan full face.

Beside Prince Shu was the Zhenguo Duke Manor, and the cold prince who looked like the King of Hell, Zhao Changdu, was currently seated in his place.

He wore his usual jet black long robe, the cuffs lightly folded, embroidered with the arrogant black python on the cuffs. The gold threaded cloud patterned cape dragged on the floor, cold and casual.

He wore a jade belt around his waist, paired with an engraved dagger set with colored glaze.

His dark hair was tied up high in a white jade crown, with some stray strands coming loose, adding a touch of charm.

He was born with outstanding looks, a chiselled handsome face so beautiful it was excessive, as if he was the prideful masterpiece of the Creator, who had just given birth to this handsome fairy.

But his exquisite slender brows and eyes were deep and gloomy, brimming with a hint of cold. Looking closely, they seemed to give off chills, as if anyone who displeased him would have to see blood before he was satisfied, with just a blink from this King of Hell.

Many women looked over at him with longing, faces flushed with attraction.

But he didn't even glance their way, completely ignoring everyone. His aloofness was like the purest snow atop a mountain, impossible to approach.

Su Huanfeng sat right next to him, also dressed in a bright red brocade robe today, cinched with a silver belt at the waist, his hair half down, looking free and easy.

Jiang Yin sat a bit further away, together with the newly selected top scholar and second placed scholar, occasionally chatting and laughing with the others. When no one was looking, his gaze would unconsciously drift towards Gu Ying's side. Seeing that Gu Ying was completely ignoring him, the corners of his taut handsome face tightened, and for some reason his chest filled with anger.

He knew, she liked him in her heart. With Gu Jia not around, she shamelessly smiled towards them to attract his favor and attention.

He quickly composed himself inconspicuously, avoiding her gaze and putting on the indifference of a gentleman, unmoved like a mountain.

Yet Gu Ying was completely oblivious to Jiang Yin. She lightly coughed and collected herself, her cheeks slightly flushed. "I saw uncle and cousin over there."

Gu Shuang looked over curiously, and indeed saw Ye Imperial Censor and two of the Ye sons sitting opposite them.

"Second sister, aren't you on bad terms with uncle's family?"

Gu Ying's heart tightened with discomfort. She replied lightly, "Yes, so today I want to find a chance to properly apologize to uncle..."

If it wasn't for Gu Jia and Lady Liu's provocations, how could she have declared cutting ties with her maternal grandfather and uncle's families?

After mother passed away, she rarely interacted with the Ye family anymore, truly believing that her maternal family didn't love her mother, that they were the reason for her mother's death.

Uncle tried to send aunt over to the manor to see her many times, but she rejected them at the door. Later when she married Jiang Yin, and the Ye family found out he mistreated her, they submitted a harsh petition to the Emperor, angering Jiang Yin.

Jiang Yin was a cruel man. In just a few years after rising to become a top minister, the first family he targeted was the Ye family.

She knew she had hurt uncle and aunt's hearts. She no longer had the face to ask for their forgiveness.

But she also knew that once Gu Jia or Jiang Yin gained power, they would deal with the Ye family. So she had to do her best in this life to mend ties with her relatives, and protect them well...

Moreover, she had another intention.

Her mother's clan, the Ye family, was a prestigious clan over a hundred years old. Her maternal grandfather was the leader of the righteous ministers of the court. The men of the family were raised with strict teachings that they must not take concubines if the main wife had not committed any wrongdoing. If the main wife passed away without leaving any children, only then could they remarry.

Her uncle Ye Zhuohua held an Imperial Censor position, upright and just, with brilliant judgement.

Her cousin Ye Qingchi was even more gentle and refined...

If she remembered correctly, in Eastern Li, noblemen were usually proud to have three wives and four concubines. Yet coincidentally, among such an environment, there were three young men in Bianjing who were different from the other men. One was her cousin Qingchi, who only had one wife, and the couple were affectionate and harmonious after marriage.

Another was Qingchi's companion Cousin Guanlan, the son of a branch of the Ye family who lived in Bianjing while studying for the imperial exam next year. He also only married one woman in his past life. After she passed away young, he never remarried, remaining faithful to her memory as a widower.

The third was Fu Xunzhi, currently a fifth-rank Court Gentleman, still young, ordinary looking, but of a gentle and honest character. He doted on his sole wife.

It was well known in Bianjing that he was a "henpecked husband" who was extremely fearful of his wife.

Not only did he dote on his wife, he also respected and cherished her greatly.

When his wife of humble birth wanted to travel, he let her travel. When she wanted to do business, he let her do business. He never said a harsh word to her. He even took out all his savings for his wife to open a restaurant.

After being reborn, Gu Ying had thought for a long time during her leisure.

After experiencing a husband like Jiang Yin, she no longer held fantasies about a blissful marriage.

But she still had a chance to find a husband who respected her and cherished her.

He didn't need to be of too prestigious a background, just similar to hers.

He didn't need to be too good looking either, to avoid attracting flowers and butterflies that would bring unnecessary trouble.

So after careful consideration, she had already picked out her three most suitable candidates.

Of course, the one she was most interested in now was this ordinary yet modest and gentle Fu Xunzhi.

Gu Ying glanced at Fu Xunzhi's seat again, the corners of her lips turning up into what she thought was a sweet smile appealing to men. "Fourth sister, do you know him?"

Gu Shuang looked over and saw Fu Xunzhi sitting there reading a book in the cold wind, unlike the other young masters drinking and chatting. She smiled and said, "I've heard father mention him a few times. He loves reading the most, keeps himself virtuous, and is an extremely good and gentle person. Second sister, why do you ask about him?"

Gu Ying smiled demurely. What a shame, that bookworm didn't even glance her way.

It looked like she would have to find a good chance to get acquainted with him.