Chapter 192: Chuanbo Meets Gu Huai

Chapter One Hundred and Ninety-Two: Chuanbo Meets Gu Huai

The Duchess pondered for a moment, "Then let's consider our earlier discussion as an initial exchange. I would appreciate it if you could relay the Duke's family's intentions to the Yongning Marquis."

"Another day, the Duke and I will pay a visit to discuss the matter of annulment."

"Does the Duke also agree?" The Yongning Marquis Madam asked, unwilling to give up.

Everyone in the capital knows that the Duke values his promises above all, his word is as good as gold, unchangeable even in the face of life or death.

The Duchess smiled slightly, "A virtuous wife spares her husband from troubles. No matter how much he values his promises, he cannot disregard the future of the Duke's family."

Yongning Marquis Madam: ...

This was a blatant accusation that Minghui was neither virtuous, benevolent, kind, nor respectful.

If such rumors spread, Minghui would never be able to marry into a good family.

Her Minghui, why must her fate be so bitter?

After enduring so many years of hardship in the countryside, finally acknowledged by her family, only to face the disgrace of annulment.

"I will relay Madam Gu's intentions."

"However, I have no sway over the Marquis's decision."

"Forming a marriage requires mutual consent, and annulment also requires mutual agreement. I hope Madam Gu understands."

The Duchess maintained a calm and composed smile, "The Duke will find a way to persuade the Yongning Marquis, so there's no need for us to concern ourselves."

The Yongning Marquis Madam was overwhelmed with helplessness.

She could tell that the Duchess was determined to annul the marriage.

"Let's conclude here for today," the Duchess stood up and said indifferently.

Gu Huai bowed, "Madam Marquis, Miss Lu, I bid you farewell."

Lu Minghui, blinded by anger, blurted out, "Is Heir Gu so eager to annul our engagement because he wants to rekindle his old flame with Lu Mingchao?"

"She's already married!"

The Duchess's smile faded, and she said coldly, "Such fine upbringing, truly remarkable."

"Madam Yongning Marquis, you ought to teach your daughter some manners."

"Gu Huai is a descendant of the Duke's family and the Wu Xing Shen family, he doesn't need his wife's lineage to bring him glory. Even if my son wishes to rekindle his old flame with Lu Mingchao, so be it!"

"Lu Mingchao's only shortcoming is being a second wife, but what about you?"

"Miss Lu!"

"Huai, let's go!"

Gu Huai did not stop, following closely behind the Duchess as they walked further away.

Lu Minghui slid to the ground, powerless, her fists clenched tightly, nails digging deep into her palms, pain and sorrow intertwined.

She sobbed uncontrollably, consumed by grief.

Since her rebirth, the thing she wanted most was to marry Gu Huai.

But now, Gu Huai wants to break off the engagement!

Lu Minghui was furious!

Summer Cicada and Winter Snow kept their eyes down, not daring to breathe.

She felt a mix of relief and fear.

Karma.

Madam Yongning raised her hand wearily. "You two, wait outside under the eaves."

"Mother, we can't call off the engagement!" Lu Minghui desperately clung to Madam Yongning, sobbing and repeating incessantly.

"I don’t want to call off the engagement."

Madam Yongning patted Lu Minghui's back, part heartbroken, part exasperated.

"Mother, I wish Lu Mingchao were dead!"

If Lu Mingchao dies, Gu Huai will change his mind.

Madam Yongning: ...

One wrong step leads to many.

They should have insisted on keeping Lu Mingchao, letting Minghui marry into the Duke’s household together!

"Minghui, the Marquis must decide this."

"Don’t worry, even if we have to agree to call off the engagement, Mother will secure the best terms for you, ensuring the Duke’s household supports you, and no one will mock you!"

Lu Minghui sobbed, "But, daughter just wants to marry Gu Huai."

A brief encounter in her past life was like a seed, taking root in her heart the moment it fell, growing into a towering tree.

It couldn’t be uprooted, nor should it.

Madam Yongning sighed.

She too wished for Minghui to marry Gu Huai, but Gu Huai doesn’t want it!

"Mother, please help me, won’t you?"

Madam Yongning: ...

She’s not a genie in a bottle; she can’t grant every wish.

Outside the Yongning residence, Gu Huai encountered Chuanbo, who had come again to beg for Lu Minghui.

The gatekeeper rudely shoved Chuanbo aside, leaving him lying on the ground, disheveled.

Gu Huai didn’t want to meddle at first, but the man stepped in his way.

"Are you Heir Gu from the Duke’s household?"

Chuanbo was desperately seeking help.

His entire family was exiled to the estate in Shunhe County, and if he couldn't secure aid from the Eldest Young Master Sun, his family would be doomed.

The eldest daughter of the Yongning Marquis avoided meeting him, and he knew this path was likely impassable!

The Duchess of the Duke's household frowned, "Do you know him?"

Gu Huai's eyes flickered, and he nodded almost involuntarily, "Mother, head back to the mansion first. I'll catch up soon."

The Duchess of the Duke's household: Ever since Lu Mingchao left the capital, Huai'er has been acting more and more peculiar.

In the past, Huai'er would never have let someone so disheveled and ragged get close to him.

People who are emotionally unstable are hard to predict.

The Duchess of the Duke's household, assisted by a maid, gracefully stepped into the carriage.

Gu Huai led Chuanbo to the nearest teahouse.

"Who are you?"

Chuanbo knelt on the floor and hurriedly replied, "This humble commoner is Chuanbo from Changhe County, a subordinate of Sun Zhiye, the eldest son of the Sun family."

Gu Huai frowned, fingering the jade belt at his waist, "You're quite bold."

"And why did you block this Young Master's path?"

Next spring, he was scheduled to assume his post in Changhe County.

The village where Lu Mingchao lived fell under the jurisdiction of Changhe County.

Chuanbo bowed his head, silently rehearsing his words.

Tiandong's letter mentioned that the Eldest Young Master suspected Lu Mingchao and Xie Yan were merely a couple in name, and had specifically ordered Hong Biao to come to the capital to find the old palace maid who had been dismissed for inspection.

But he waited and waited, and there was no trace of Hong Biao.

Hong Biao seemed to have disappeared without a trace.

It's a gamble!

If he couldn't get help from the daughter of the Yongning Marquis, he would directly appeal to the Young Master of the Duke's household.

Lu Mingchao was once the fiancée of the Young Master of the Duke's household, and the inherent flaw of men is that they always crave what they cannot have.

Someone like Lu Mingchao, even the noble Young Master of the Duke's household might not be able to let go of.

Chuanbo remembered the hidden portrait in the Eldest Young Master's study.

"Young Master, I beg you, save the Eldest Young Master's life."

Gu Huai's expression showed intrigue.

Had word of his past with Lu Mingchao reached as far as Changhe?

For some reason, Gu Huai felt inexplicably pleased, and his features subtly relaxed.

"This Young Master has never met him and has no connection to him. Don't you think your request is both excessive and inexplicable?"

Chuanbo raised his head, "Young Master, perhaps you should first hear the news this humble commoner brings."

Gu Huai became somewhat interested. "Go on, tell me."

No wonder he was in such a good mood today!

"Their grand wedding might’ve been a sham—they never consummated it."

At those words, Gu Huai’s eyes widened, and his heart raced.

He was stunned, but then it made perfect sense.

Lu Mingchao, a pampered princess raised in luxury, was head over heels for him. With him around, why would she settle for some rough hunter?

This was definitely good news.

Two reasons to celebrate.

"Tell me about your Eldest Young Master Sun."

Good news is always worth its weight in gold.

So, he was willing to give Chuanbo a bit more time.

The bearer of good tidings.