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...
After Chen Jinheng's words, who would dare say that his heart wasn't with Gu Qianluo?
Before coming to the Gu family, he had inquired with the official about Gu Qianluo's experiences there.
He rushed over in such a hurry because he wanted to stand up for her.
Aunt Fang and Aunt Mai from the Gu family had just returned from toasting the old lady when they witnessed this scene.
Aunt Fang gasped in disbelief, pulling on the aunt beside her for confirmation.
"Aunt Mai, you, you must look quickly! Who is that handsome man next to Luo'er?"
"Isn't that our son-in-law? I saw him when we went to pick up the bride that day."
His looks were definitely among the best in the capital. It's a pity he's such a brute.
Aunt Mai tiptoed and looked towards Chen Jinheng, unable to suppress the upward curve of her lips.
"Aunt Mai, are you sure you didn't see wrong? Didn't they say the eldest son-in-law wasn't coming today?"
"How could I be mistaken about such a handsome young man as my son-in-law?"
Since entering the Gu family, Aunt Fang has been taken in as a confidante by Madam Lu.
Having received many benefits from the Lu family, he aligned himself with them in every way.
This matter put Gu Qianlu in a favorable position, which naturally displeased her, Aunt Fang, whose face was full of displeasure.
"If Xue'er hadn't made a mistake, how could she have gotten such a handsome husband?"
Aunt Mai pursed her lips. "You know what, Luo'er is indeed much prettier than before after she got married."
Aunt Fang said with a disdainful look, "What's the use of being pretty?"
I've heard that the second young master of the Marquis of Zhongyong's mansion is completely preoccupied with his mistress; he has no interest in her at all.
However, Aunt Fang was soon slapped in the face by reality.
Gu Qianlu glanced at him sideways, her brows furrowing slightly at the cloak that exuded a strong masculine aura.
An urge to throw it away suddenly welled up inside me!
She was very pleased that the man appeared at the right time.
But he was oblivious to her feelings and draped a sweat-smelling cloak over her clean, fragrant dress.
My initial positive feelings towards him immediately dropped by half.
Although Gu Qianluo felt somewhat disgusted, in this world where husbands are everything.
On the surface, she still had to maintain her gentle and virtuous image.
"Someone, prepare a set of bowls and chopsticks for the son-in-law."
"My husband is really something. He clearly has important matters to attend to in the army, yet he still made a special trip to accompany me back to my parents' home today."
Didn't I tell you I didn't need you to come with me? Why did you still come all this way?
My husband is so good to me!
When saying the word "good," Gu Qianlu deliberately emphasized it.
This was a real slap in the face for the Lu family and Gu Qianxue.
The man keenly saw through her feigned affection, and his lips twitched involuntarily. He then echoed her sentiments.
"Of course, now that Luo'er has married me, I must accompany her on such an important day as her homecoming."
Upon hearing this, Gu Qianluo's lips curled up slightly, thinking to herself that this man was quite adept at spouting fake sweet nothings!
Madam Lu pursed her lips, forcing a smile, and said politely,
"Don't be shy, son-in-law. Eat as much as you like and make yourself at home."
Upon hearing this, Chen Jinheng looked at the person speaking with a puzzled expression, as if asking, "Who are you?"
Chen Jinheng didn't respond, and Gu Qianluo gave her the cold shoulder, causing Lu Shi's smile to freeze awkwardly.
After a long silence, Gu Qianluo solemnly introduced Chen Jinheng.
"My husband, I forgot to introduce you. This is my mother, and this lady beside me is my younger sister, Gu Qianxue."
This is Aunt Fang, and this is Aunt Mai.
Upon hearing this, Chen Jinheng frowned slightly, his gaze becoming deep, and a handsome smile appeared on his lips as he politely greeted everyone at the table.
"I would like to thank everyone for taking care of Luo'er in the past."
I guarantee that Luo'er will live just as well in the Marquis's mansion as she did in the Gu family.
Upon hearing this, Madam Lu quickly changed the subject, saying, "The eldest son-in-law has a lot of work to do, yet he still took the time to come over. He really values our Gu family!"
Chen Jinheng lowered his eyes and smiled faintly, "It is precisely because I value Luo'er that I put aside my important matters to come to this banquet today."
The implication is that Chen Jinheng values Gu Qianluo as a person, not the Gu family.
Lu misunderstood.
Gu Qianlu raised an eyebrow, a hint of joy rising in her heart, and she couldn't help but think to herself,
"How could I have a good life in the Gu family?"
However, this man was very tactful and spoke eloquently, which earned me a lot of face.
Sitting opposite, Gu Qianxue stared intently at the couple. The man she once deeply loved felt a knife cutting into her heart as he watched them show affection.
In her previous life, she tried everything she could, but still couldn't win his heart.
Gu Qianluo had only spent two days with him, yet she had already received his utmost affection.
Gu Qianxue could hardly suppress her anger. She picked up a glass of wine from in front of her and slowly walked to Chen Jinheng.
"Brother-in-law, to thank you for taking care of my sister, I'd like to offer you a toast."
Gu Qianluo narrowed her eyes slightly, her heart sank, and she couldn't help but look at the man beside her.
Chen Jinheng was startled at first, then casually took the wine glass from Gu Qianxue and took a small sip.
"Sister, what are you saying? Your sister is my wife, and it is my responsibility to take care of her."
As Chen Jinheng finished speaking, Gu Qianxue's eyes grew even colder, and she downed the wine in her glass in one gulp.
Then, Gu Qianxue took a cup of wine from the maid behind her and handed it to Gu Qianluo.
"This glass is for my sister. It's a toast to our deep sisterly bond!"
Sisterly affection? Gu Qianluo rolled her eyes at her upon hearing this.
She wasn't good at drinking; she was the type who couldn't hold her liquor for more than one drink. Gu Qianxue was well aware of this.
She did this simply to embarrass Gu Qianluo in front of everyone.
Although Gu Qianluo felt sad, she reached out and took the teacup without changing her expression.
Just as she was about to put the drink to her lips, her hand was suddenly empty. Chen Jinheng quickly snatched the glass from her and said gently,
"Luo'er can't hold her liquor, so I'll drink this glass for her."
Gu Qianxue was stunned. She could have embarrassed Gu Qianluo.
This time, she didn't expect her ex-husband to see through her plan, which made her even more frustrated.
"My older sister is really talented!"
It's amazing that you were able to win over the legendary cold-faced general, making him so devoted and doting on you.
"I wonder what skills you've used, elder sister? Could you perhaps share some of your experience with me?"
After making a sarcastic remark, Gu Qianxue, emboldened by the alcohol, swayed and walked between Gu Qianluo and Chen Jinheng.
She stumbled and lost her balance, about to throw herself into Chen Jinheng's arms.
Lu's eyes flashed, revealing a sly smile. She thought to herself, "My daughter is a beauty of unparalleled grace, and she's had a little to drink. Any man would be tempted."
As the beauty approached, Chen Jinheng's eyes darkened. He raised his hand, opened the jade fan in his hand, and pressed it against Gu Qianxue's back.
Upon seeing this, Gu Qianluo exclaimed, "Sister, be careful!"
Taking advantage of the situation, she raised her hand to steady Gu Qianxue's waist, pulled her closer to herself, and helped her stand up straight.
Gu Qianxue's eyes dimmed, and her face suddenly darkened.