Chapter 234: Crazy Fun

Chapter 234: Crazy Match-3 Game

Yunniang: That sounds familiar.

"Even if he were the king of the world, it wouldn't matter."

Lu Mingchao, who arrived late: This commotion is so intriguing that even a stray dog would stop to gawk.

In the heart of spring, drowsiness weighs heavily.

She indulged in a lazy nap, thinking of having Xie Yan deal with Gu Huai.

Never expected such a commotion.

"Mom." Lu Mingchao gently pulled the eager Yunniang, softly saying, "He's engaged to Lu Miao, and he has a clear and proper relationship with Xie Yan, nothing inappropriate."

Yunniang suddenly realized, murmuring in disbelief, "A heartless man who'd let someone die?"

"A greedy man who pretends he's not?"

Gu Huai: A bullseye.

Lu Mingchao nodded solemnly, "That's him."

Hearing this, Yunniang glared at Gu Huai, "You leave!"

"Our family does not welcome you."

Gu Huai took two steps back, bowing humbly and politely, "Madam, there are many misunderstandings between me and A Chao."

Yunniang stood in front of Lu Mingchao, like a mother hen protecting her chicks, baring her teeth, "Shut your filthy mouth."

"If you dare to call Chao Chao by her nickname so casually again, I'll rip your mouth off."

Seeing curious glances from the alleyway, Lu Mingchao sighed softly, "Let's step inside and talk."

The bamboo forest was tranquil, with the wind whispering through the leaves.

Yunniang leaned back against a bamboo pole, arms crossed, glaring daggers at Gu Huai.

Xie Yan set Xie Jingyi down on the ground, knelt down, and gently patted her back, murmuring softly, "Sanbao, go play with Ru'an, sweetie."

"Daddy." Xie Jingyi tiptoed, leaning close to Xie Yan's ear, growling fiercely, "He's a bad uncle."

"Ever since he showed up, mom's been upset, dad's been upset, and even grandma's been upset."

"Sanbao really doesn't like him."

Xie Yan tweaked the little bun on Xie Jingyi's head, "Go on."

Xie Jingyi toddled away, glancing back every few steps.

Finally, she stuck her tongue out at Gu Huai from afar.

Gu Huai awkwardly touched his nose, pretending nothing happened as he sat on the stone bench.

With Yunniang guarding nearby, Gu Huai was somewhat restrained.

"A..."

"Hmm?" Yunniang suddenly spoke, her hands pressed against the corners of her mouth, mimicking a pulling gesture.

Gu Huai seemed to deflate as if he had met his match.

No matter how arrogant and aloof he was, he couldn't bring himself to spout nonsense in front of A Chao's mother.

"Miss Lu, His Majesty has called me back to the capital."

Lu Mingchao: "Safe travels."

Gu Huai's gaze was like ink spreading in water, filled with layers of emotion.

It was complex and subtle.

Lu Mingchao thought to herself, this look could make even a dog look lovestruck.

Unaware of Lu Mingchao's thoughts, Gu Huai put on a pitiful and sorrowful act, saying, "Do you know why His Majesty suddenly issued this decree?"

"His Majesty knows I am already engaged, yet he has arranged a marriage between me and Princess Qingyu. The wedding date is set for both brides to be married simultaneously."

Yunniang's heart skipped a beat—marrying a princess?

Wouldn't that make him a royal consort?

A noble heir and a royal consort—if this heartless, pretentious man were to forcefully take her daughter, could she, as a mother, protect A Chao?

Facing Gu Huai's intense gaze, Lu Mingchao remained unmoved, resting her chin on her hand. She first offered congratulations, then countered seriously, "Heir Gu, are you questioning His Majesty's wisdom?"

"Heir Gu, such disrespectful thoughts are not acceptable."

Hmm, Xie Yan isn't being disrespectful; he's setting things right. They can't be compared.

"Heir Gu, watch your words. Don't drag innocent people into this."

Gu Huai felt as if his throat was clogged with water-soaked cotton, choking him.

The once pure and warm Lu Mingchao, who was as gentle as the moon and as passionate as blooming flowers, had shed her elegance and docility, becoming sharp-tongued and unyielding, often leaving him speechless.

She was once the moon, but now she was the scorching sun.

Even more dazzling and radiant than before.

"Miss Lu, if you are willing, I can vouch for the Yongning Marquis and his wife. You will still be the esteemed daughter of the marquis's household, living in luxury with servants at your command."

Yunniang: Not only is he trying to steal Xie Yan's wife, but also her daughter?

How shameless can he be!

Lu Mingchao didn't hesitate: "I refuse."

In the Yongning Marquis's household, the original host would rise at dawn, learning etiquette, music, chess, calligraphy, embroidery, and cooking. She would serve her elders morning and night, constantly reminded by the marquise of her engagement.

Her sole purpose was to cling to Gu Huai, hoping to one day become the matriarch of the Duke's household and support the marquis's family.

From beginning to end, no one told the original host that plans could change, that life could hold other possibilities.

When Lu Minghui was recognized as the true daughter, the original host became a discarded pawn.

If the original host didn't go mad, who would?

Lu Mingchao raised her eyelids slightly, "By the way, I can live in luxury and have a host of servants on my own, so there's no need for Young Master Gu to worry."

"Commerce is a lowly profession," Gu Huai said, enunciating each word.

Lu Mingchao chuckled, "Those who belittle others belittle themselves, and the belittled are lowly."

"Young Master Gu, the Emperor's decree to marry you to the princess is a great honor. You should be thrilled and return to the capital to prepare for the wedding."

"If I remember correctly, a prince consort cannot take concubines at will."

Lu Mingchao's smile widened.

Gu Huai's voice grew heavy, "Are you really so heartless that you won’t return to the capital with me?"

Lu Mingchao gave a slight bow, "May your journey be smooth, and I wish you a happy wedding."

Gu Huai gritted his teeth, "You’ll regret this!"

"The Young Master should be careful with his words and actions," Xie Yan said coldly.

The one on the throne must have some grievances against the Duke’s household.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have issued such an absurd and humiliating marriage arrangement.

Gu Huai stood up abruptly, flicked his sleeves, took two steps forward, and then stopped, "If you resent the Yongning Marquis and his wife, that’s understandable, but are you also going to ignore your brother, Lu Minghua?"

"Lu Minghui has been acknowledged by her family, and Lu Minghua is far away at the academy, unaware of the full story and your desperate behavior. Later, he received a letter and hurried home, defending you and offending the Yongning Marquis, which led to him being punished to kneel for three days without food or water, catching a chill in the cold ancestral hall."

"When he learned that Zhenzhen had gone to Changhe to visit you, he dragged his sick body to visit in person and repeatedly told Zhenzhen to make sure you were well, and told her to keep it a secret and never tell you."

"Before I left the capital for inspection, the relationship between Lu Minghua and Lu Minghui remained cold and distant, unlike siblings."

"His wedding date with Miss Qin is set. As Lu Minghua’s beloved sister, aren’t you going to do anything?"

Gu Huai's back was turned, and Lu Mingchao couldn't see his expression, but she could hear the arrogance in his voice.

Lu Mingchao was furious, her expression changed, and she grabbed a teacup from the stone table, hurling it at Gu Huai, "Gu Huai, how dare you say that?"

"Lu Minghua has been friends with you for many years, treating you with sincerity."

"And you?"

"What really happened at the Qin family's flower banquet, you know very well."

"Lu Minghui thought she had everything figured out, but she didn't know you were the one who benefited."

"Can you honestly say you didn't know in advance that Lu Minghua would be caught in a room with Miss Qin?"

"Lu Minghui has no great abilities, just a bunch of petty cleverness and schemes. She has been blocked everywhere in the noble ladies' circle of the capital, and with you repeatedly rejecting the marriage, she deliberately tried to climb up to the rising Miss Qin."

"The Qin family's legitimate daughter, Qin Fuxi, looked down on her petty behavior and treated her coldly."

"Failing to curry favor, Lu Minghui turned her attention to the Qin family's illegitimate daughter, Qin Wanrou."

"I’ll wait for your return."