Reborn and Swapped Marriages, Marrying into the Marquis Mansion as Matriarch

In her previous life, Gu Qianluo was manipulated by her stepmother into replacing her legitimate sister to marry the Second Prince for a propitious marriage to ward off illness.

She spared no...

Chapter 135 Rivals Meet

She is the daughter of Chu Qiang, the Great General of the Great Yue Kingdom. She is naturally beautiful, gentle and virtuous.

Although her appearance was not as charming as Gu Qianxue's, she had a unique temperament.

Her words and actions exuded the elegance of a well-bred lady, which greatly pleased the Empress.

For some reason, the Empress, as her mother-in-law, disliked Gu Qianxue from the bottom of her heart.

After all, the wife she wanted before was Gu Qianluo.

Gu Qianxue secretly climbed up to the Second Prince, which forced him to marry her.

The Empress absolutely adored Chu Li.

Time flies, and on a bright and sunny morning, Li Zhiyan became the Crown Prince of the Great Yue Kingdom, a true heir apparent.

According to the calculations of the Imperial Astronomical Bureau, Chu Li and Li Zhiyan's wedding will be held in three days.

Because Chu Qiang's general's mansion was quite far from the palace, the empress specially set up a new courtyard in the palace for Chu Li to live in.

Although Li Zhiyan deeply loves Gu Qianxue, the Empress is able to see through all of Gu Qianxue's intentions.

From the day she plotted to fall into the water and was rescued by Li Zhiyan, the Empress became increasingly wary of this woman.

"Li'er, this is the wedding dress I prepared for you. From now on, you will be the Crown Princess."

The crown prince was stubborn and inflexible.

Although you haven't yet entered his heart.

But if you are patient and considerate of him, you can achieve your goals.

What man isn't swayed?

Chu Li's eyes shone brightly as she politely accepted the magnificent wedding dress, bowing slightly in thanks.

"Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty!"

However, His Highness already has someone in his heart; the Empress's hopes will likely be dashed!

“Li’er, you are different from Gu Qianxue. That girl is pretentious and affected, trying to win over men.”

And you, gentle, beautiful, dignified and generous, once you enter the Crown Prince's residence, all you need to do is show the Crown Prince your most authentic and outstanding side.

I believe that he will treat you sincerely in the near future.

Then, you will forever reside in the Crown Prince's heart.

Previously, Gu Qianxue knew that Liu Xiaolan was sent by the Empress, but she deliberately lured her into the trap, which ultimately led to Liu Xiaolan being driven out of the mansion.

Even the clever and quick-witted Liu Xiaolan was outmaneuvered by her, and the Empress grew increasingly disgusted with Gu Qianxue.

This shows just how deep Gu Qianxue's scheming and cunning are.

This Chu Li is inextricably linked to the stability of imperial power.

No matter what Gu Qianxue does, the Crown Prince cannot divorce Chu Li.

Seeing how much the Empress valued her, Chu Li couldn't help but feel a surge of joy.

She was a young lady from a secluded family, and ever since she saw the handsome and dashing Li Zhiyan that day, she had already fallen in love with him at first sight.

"Your Majesty, rest assured, Chu Li will certainly do her best to assist the Crown Prince."

"Hmm, that's a good girl! It's getting late, I'll send someone to take you back to Lijing Pavilion."

"Thank you, Your Majesty. This humble woman takes her leave!"

Under the escort of the Imperial Guards, Chu Li safely returned to Lijing Pavilion.

As soon as she stepped into the gate of Lijing Pavilion, two loving figures appeared before her eyes like a blinding light.

When Gu Qianxue learned that Chu Li had been summoned by the Empress, she, despite being pregnant, begged the Crown Prince to bring her over.

Chu Li held the bright red dress in her hands, looked up at the woman nestled against the prince's chest like spring sunshine, and a bitter look appeared in her eyes.

The Crown Prince's gaze swept briefly over Gu Qianxue's pregnant belly, his large hand gently stroking it as he softly comforted her.

"That child is so naughty! When he gets out, I'll definitely help you get revenge!"

Upon hearing this, Gu Qianxue's eyes showed a hint of relief, and she buried her head deeply in the Crown Prince's arms.

"How could my husband bear to part with me? He's just deceiving me!"

The two were deeply in love when Chu Li coughed lightly and slowly walked towards them.

"This humble woman greets Your Highness the Crown Prince and Consort Gu."

Upon hearing this, Li Zhiyan's gaze fell on Chu Li's pretty face, and joy welled up in his heart.

"Chu Li, you're back!"

"I was unaware of Your Highness's late-night visit. I apologize for not being able to greet you properly."

"Do not feel guilty. My visit tonight is at the behest of my beloved concubine."

She always says she wants to see what you look like so she can get along with you in the future.

After Li Zhiyan finished speaking, Gu Qianxue slowly stepped forward, tightly grasped Chu Li's hand, and said joyfully.

"Sister Chu Li is so beautiful. It is an honor for you to take care of the Crown Prince with her."

"Consort Gu is being too serious."

Consort Gu is the Crown Prince's most beloved concubine; how dare Chu Li steal his favor?

"Sister, you're too modest. What man wouldn't be moved by a gentle woman like you?"

After saying that, Gu Qianxue looked at Li Zhiyan in the distance, "Husband, don't you think so?"

Li Zhiyan was startled and suddenly met Gu Qianxue's gaze. He quickly pulled himself back from his turbulent thoughts and said in a deep voice,

“My dear consort is right. From now on, we are all family.”

Upon hearing this, Gu Qianxue's heart sank, and her expression gradually darkened. She could only force a smile and say jokingly,

"Did you hear that, little sister? From now on, we're all family!"

You need to take good care of yourself these next few days.

Three days later, I will be the most beautiful bride in the entire capital.

This is a gift I specially picked out for my younger sister, and I was worried that she might not like it.

Now that I've met you, I know you'll definitely like it.

Gu Qianluo picked up a pearl and gold hairpin from the table and pinned it to Chu Li's hair.

"It's so beautiful!"

"Thank you, Consort Gu! I will cherish this opportunity."

"Well, it's getting late, and I'm a little tired."

"My husband, let's go back."

"Chu Li, we're leaving now!"

Upon hearing that Gu Qianxue was exhausted, Li Zhiyan immediately ran over and took her arm.

"I'll see Your Highness out."

"No need! You should get some rest!"

Li Zhiyan waved to her, then his gaze fell on Gu Qianxue.

Chu Li already understood that Li Zhiyan refused her because she was worried that Gu Qianxue would be displeased.

"Xue'er, why did you give the hairpin I gave you to Chu Li?"

“My lord, she is the daughter of the Grand General who protects the country, and her position as Crown Prince is closely related to you. How could I possibly neglect her?”

"Our Xue'er is so magnanimous. The women in other families are all vying for jealousy, but our Xue'er is the one who knows how to think of her husband the most."

"It's good that my husband understands. Xue'er doesn't ask for the position of Crown Princess, she only asks for my husband's eternal health and to be by your side. Xue'er is already content."

Hearing the sweet nothings exchanged between Gu Qianxue and Li Zhiyan, Chu Li felt a pang of sadness in her heart.

Although Chu Li was not yet married, she occasionally heard gossip from her close sisters.

Chu Li knew a little about how this Consort Gu had entered the Second Prince's residence.

Today was Chu Li's first meeting with Gu Qianxue, and for some reason, she had a bad feeling.

In her distress, the maid brought her bath water. "Miss, the bath water is ready."

"No need, I haven't practiced my sword yet today!"

"Miss... Miss!"

Before the maid could finish speaking, a cold light flashed behind her, and instantly the entire courtyard was filled with falling petals, creating a dazzling spectacle.