Chapter 231 might just be Jiang Yu's whetstone.

Lu Yifang's eyes lit up when she heard what the Lady of Anyuan Marquis said. How come she hadn't thought of that before?

Lu Xiaowu is good-looking, has a likable personality, and a sweet tongue. Although he's a bit playful and not very capable, he's never done anything outrageous. Someone like him is perfect for her daughter!

Just imagine her daughter coming home from court to find someone pleasing and talkative to make her happy—it couldn't be better.

So she immediately said, "I think it's great. Xiao Wu has been a likable child since he was little."

Jiang Yu: "......"

She thought about what Lu Xiaowu looked like, and an image appeared in her mind of a boy with big, shy eyes who called her "cousin".

“I have no plans to get married right now,” Jiang Yu said. “If the Emperor really has that idea, I believe I have the ability to change his mind.”

The current emperor is not a foolish ruler, and he is over fifty years old, past his hormonal peak. He believes the emperor will listen to the facts and reason.

People can use many things to achieve their goals, but Jiang Yu doesn't want to use her marriage and relationships, even if she may never get married again in her life.

Since Jiang Yu became the Duke of Chu, she has always been a woman of her word. After she said this, neither Lu Yifang nor the Marquis of Anyuan and his wife said anything more.

After chatting for a while, Marquis Anyuan and his wife got up to leave, as they needed to return to their residence to prepare for the palace banquet. Jiang Yu escorted them to the gate of the residence, and before Marquis Anyuan got into his carriage, he said to her, "Don't worry too much. You are not an ordinary woman. You are the Duke of Chu, and behind you stands all the connections of the Duke of Chu's mansion."

“I know,” Jiang Yu said.

The person spreading the rumors didn't aim to bring her into the harem, but rather to cause her to break with the emperor. Even if it came to that, it wouldn't be a dead end. If this emperor is unsuitable, then a different one can be chosen. Although it might be difficult to implement, things can be done with effort.

Marquis Anyuan patted her on the shoulder approvingly, "Go back and prepare."

Jiang Yu nodded in agreement and reached out to help Marquis Anyuan onto the carriage. The carriage rumbled along, and Marquis Anyuan's wife sighed, "This child, Zhu'er, is truly facing difficulties at every turn."

Marquis Anyuan snorted, "All that they've done might just be Jiang Yu's whetstone."

"Do you think the Emperor might...?"

"It's hard to say," said Marquis Anyuan. "However, we misunderstood before. Jiang Yu is the Duke of Chu, so she doesn't need to say she has a marriage contract like ordinary women who don't want to enter the harem. If the Emperor really brings it up, the old Duke of Chu, myself, and the Duke of Wei will all object. I don't believe the Emperor can force us. Besides, there's also the Empress Dowager."

Lady Anyuan nodded, "Yes, if all else fails, I will plead with the Empress Dowager."

After saying that, she sighed again, "I don't know when Xiao Wu developed feelings for Zhu'er. It didn't work out. I wonder how heartbroken he will be."

Marquis Anyuan frowned. "You've spoiled him too much. It's not a bad thing for a man to experience some setbacks."

Lady Anyuan nodded, but her face still showed worry.

...

Jiang Yu returned to her courtyard, changed her clothes and put on makeup, preparing to attend today's palace banquet. Since it wasn't court or duty, there was no need to wear official robes. Jiang Yu chose a long robe in autumn green and cloud orange, paired with a full head of gilded headdress. Just standing there, her imposing presence was enough to make people dare not look directly at her.

Especially at times like these, Jiang Yu didn't want to keep her attire low-key; she wanted to face all the storms head-on.

Everything was ready when Granny Feng arrived, saying that Lu Yifang and the others were also prepared. Jiang Yu led Dongxue and Xiahe towards the gate of the mansion, where Lu Yifang and the others were already waiting. Jiang Chengye was also there, his eyes filled with worry as he looked at Jiang Yu.

Jiang Yu smiled at him, "I'm fine."

Jiang Chengye nodded and carefully reached out to help Lu Yifang into the car. Because it was at the door, Lu Yifang didn't shake him off, and Jiang Chengye's face showed a hint of smugness.

Jiang Yu saw everything. She helped Xia He into the carriage, deciding not to get involved in her parents' affairs.

The carriage began to rumble along. Jiang Chengye tried to speak to Lu Yifang several times, but no words came out. After a while, Lu Yifang's voice rang out, "You should know what happened to Zhu'er this time. Someone might make things difficult for her at today's palace banquet. Don't say anything rash then."

Jiang Chengye nodded, "I know, I won't cause her any trouble."

He has now completely found his place.

Lu Yifang felt relieved after hearing him say that, and then said, "Now you know how difficult it was for Zhu'er, right?"

"Stop talking, I know I made mistakes before." Jiang Chengye said with a remorseful look, "Yifang, please give me a chance to make amends?"

Lu Yifang closed her eyes, as if she hadn't heard him. Jiang Chengye let out a long sigh.

When the carriages of the Duke of Chu's mansion arrived at the palace gate, there were already many carriages lined up there. As soon as they got off, many eyes turned to them, filled with gossip and scrutiny.

Jiang Yu shook Lu Yifang's hand and raised her head to exchange pleasantries with the officials. Her expression was calm and her gaze open, as if she were unaware of the rampant rumors. This made those who had initially wanted to see her make a fool of herself reconsider.

At this moment, Jiang Hongsheng and his family got off the carriage. Jiang Hongsheng saw Jiang Yu exchanging pleasantries with someone from afar, glared fiercely at Jiang Lihui, and then walked towards Jiang Yu with a smile.

"Duke of Chu," Jiang Hongsheng called out with a smile.

Jiang Yu turned around, saw it was him, and her smile remained unchanged. "Lord Jiang."

Jiang Hongsheng cupped his hands to Jiang Yu, saying, "My unfilial son offended the Duke of Chu a few days ago due to his lack of manners. Please forgive him."

"Oh, you mean the time we disagreed when we were discussing official business?" Jiang Yu said with a smile, "Disagreements during work are perfectly normal, I didn't take it to heart."

“But…” Jiang Yu’s smile widened, “I’m afraid your son might be upset because of that matter…”

She didn't say what came next, but it was meaningful.