Enter Through the Main Gate

!

Shangguan Yunying jerked her head up. The color instantly drained from her face, only to rush back in a fiery flush. She opened her mouth but could not utter a single sound. Her eyes were wide and perfectly round, filled with shock and embarrassment.

Gu Chengyin was also slightly taken aback. He had not expected this madam to be so... bold.

Madam Jiang continued on her own, Mainly, I think you are quite a fine young man.

She looked Gu Chengyin up and down, as if appraising a newly forged precious sword. You have handsome features and a steady demeanor. You are neither haughty nor humble, and despite your young age, you have earned His Highness's deep trust. Most importantly...

She paused, a flash of approval in her eyes. Yuanyuan told me everything about what happened at the morning court after he came back. To be able to turn the tide in such a desperate situation and save a collapsing building... Beautiful! Truly beautiful!

Your intellect and courage are top-notch. You suit my tastes perfectly, far better than those young masters who only know how to eat, drink, and play around!

Gu Chengyin blinked, digesting the information in her words.

It was not surprising that Madam Jiang knew about the morning court, but who was Yuanyuan?

This term of endearment... made him involuntarily shift his focus for a moment.

Who was Yuanyuan? Could it be... Shangguan Yuan?

Thinking of that slick and worldly Minister of Revenue, combined with the affectionate nickname... Yuanyuan.

Gu Chengyin felt his perception of the world take a slight hit.

Thinking about it carefully, didn't it actually match Shangguan Yuan's round, edgeless, and slippery impression rather well?

By this time, Shangguan Yunying had recovered a sliver of rationality. Seeing her mother's words becoming increasingly outrageous, she grew so anxious that she forgot her embarrassment. She hurriedly ran to Madam Jiang's side, tugged at her sleeve, and whispered urgently, Mother! Please stop talking! It's not what you think! Director Gu and I are really just...

Just what? Colleagues? Or half master and apprentice?

Madam Jiang cast a sidelong glance at her daughter, interrupting her mercilessly. Yun'er, do you think your mother doesn't know your temperament?

Since you were little, when have you ever cared so much about any man? Would you risk sneaking over late at night just to spy because you were worried he wouldn't get along with your father?

I noticed it during dinner. You weren't eating properly, and your eyes kept drifting to the side. I thought you were looking at your father, but it turned out to be someone else.

With every word she spoke, Shangguan Yunying's face grew a shade redder, and her head dropped lower, almost burying into her chest.

Madam Jiang patted her daughter's hand, signaling her to calm down. Her gaze locked back onto Gu Chengyin, sharp as a sword, yet carrying the scrutiny and expectation of an elder.

Young Master Gu, what do you say? Give me an answer.

Although our Shangguan family is not a top-tier noble house, we still have a solid foundation. Even though Yun'er has a somewhat cold personality, her character, appearance, and talent are second to none.

Both you and she are capable right-hand aides to His Highness. You share the same goals. If you are willing, our Shangguan family will never treat you unfairly.

These words were almost an explicit declaration. It was no longer a simple matter of liking someone or not, but a formal proposal involving a family alliance and future prospects.

The pressure instantly shifted to Gu Chengyin.

After pondering for a moment and organizing his thoughts, he raised his head to meet Madam Jiang's burning gaze, his tone sincere and cautious.

I am deeply humbled by your great favor, Madam. Master Yunying... is pure-hearted, intelligent, and possesses both beauty and talent. To earn her affection is my profound honor.

However.

Changing the subject, Gu Chengyin's expression became solemn. A great man born into this world must know what he should do and what he should not do.

Today, the court and the country seem peaceful on the surface, but undercurrents are surging. His Highness has only just returned, yet there are already endless storms and conflicts.

He glanced at Shangguan Yunying beside him, who had raised her head because of his words, and continued, I believe that right now, we should prioritize His Highness's great cause and focus on cleansing the court.

When everything is settled, wouldn't it be more wonderful for Madam to discuss this with me then?

Madam Jiang listened quietly. Her eyes, capable of seeing through people's hearts, carefully observed every subtle change in Gu Chengyin's expression, catching the emotional fluctuations in his tone.

A moment later, she suddenly burst into laughter. Her clear and hearty laughter broke the heavy atmosphere in the courtyard.

She leaned back against the stone bench, lightly swinging her crossed leg.

I understand.

Madam Jiang looked at her daughter with a smile, her tone carrying teasing and helplessness. Yun'er, do you see? It's not that your mother isn't helping you; it's that you are too introverted! If you like someone, you have to be like how I was when I chased your father...

Mother!

Hearing her mother about to recount her glorious deeds again, Shangguan Yunying was scared out of her wits and quickly interrupted, You are getting off track! We are talking about serious business!

If she didn't interrupt, she was truly afraid her mother would spill all the details of how she engineered chance encounters and forced a marriage with Shangguan Yuan back in the day. If that happened, she really wouldn't be able to show her face ever again.

Alright, alright, I won't say it, I won't say it.

Madam Jiang held her tongue and looked back at Gu Chengyin, her gaze now holding a bit more appreciation and understanding.

Young Master Gu, I know what you want to say. Her tone softened, no longer as aggressive as before.

Yuanyuan also gave me a rough idea of what you talked about in the study.

She paused, her expression turning a bit more serious. Indeed, these are troubled and unusual times. Since you and Yun'er are in the thick of it, it is only right to be cautious.

Madam Jiang gently wrapped an arm around her daughter's shoulders, her eyes still fixed on Gu Chengyin.

I won't force you on matters of the heart. Although a forced melon can be sweet, since you say the time is not right, we will wait until the time is ripe.

Her tone shifted, and her eyes suddenly became sharp, instantly transforming from a gentle elder into the Foundation Establishment late-stage daughter of the Azure Sword Sect's Sect Master.

But, Young Master Gu, listen well.

Yun'er is my only daughter. She is the apple of her father's and my eye. We have held her in the palms of our hands and raised her to this age, not for her to suffer grievances.

Madam Jiang looked straight into Gu Chengyin's eyes, her tone commanding.

If anyone dares to bully her and make her cry tears of sorrow...

She did not finish her sentence, but that chilling aura belonging to a powerful cultivator and a mother explained everything.

Gu Chengyin's heart skipped a beat. He immediately cupped his hands and answered resolutely, his attitude incredibly solemn.

Rest assured, Madam! Absolutely no one will bully Master Yunying in the slightest! Not even myself!

His words were powerful and resonating, serving as both a promise and a declaration of his stance.

Madam Jiang stared at him for a few seconds, as if confirming the sincerity in his words.

After a long while, a smile reappeared on her face. She returned to her previous gentleness, now with an added touch of satisfaction.

Good. With your words, I can put my mind at ease.

She patted Shangguan Yunying's shoulder. Yun'er, it's getting late. See Young Master Gu back to his room to rest.

Remember, use the main entrance.

After Madam Jiang finished speaking, her fingertip casually flicked.

From the direction of the east wing's door came a faint click.

The lock opened.