Chapter 58 You'll Regret It One Day
Gu Nanxiao could tolerate the mediocre king criticizing and scolding him, but he absolutely could not tolerate his father wrongly accusing Yunxi.
The fact that his mother fell ill was clearly caused by his decision to move out of the manor. As for the fact that his two half-brothers were knocked unconscious, Yunxi was the real victim. And yesterday, it was also because he acted rashly and left them outside the city; how could he not go to their rescue?
But his father wouldn't listen to these reasons, so Gu Nanxiao coldly replied, "Not only will I not sell Yunxi, but I will also marry her as my principal wife."
Upon hearing this, Prince Yong was even more furious. He pointed at Gu Nanxiao's nose and shouted, "How dare you! I think you've really lost your mind. She's just a lowly servant girl, and you want to marry her as your legal wife?"
I will not acknowledge a daughter-in-law of such low birth. Besides, is your marriage your own decision? You already have a principal wife bestowed upon you by imperial decree, and the Empress Dowager has chosen a concubine for you.
How dare you bypass those two and choose your own wife? Do you intend to defy the imperial decree for that lowly servant girl? If you truly dare to do such a thing, I will immediately throw you out!
Gu Nanxiao stared at Yong Wang with a blank expression throughout. After he finished speaking, he still said firmly, "No matter what the cost, I will definitely marry Yunxi."
As for whether Father still acknowledges me as his son, after you abandoned me in the military camp when I was twelve years old, I stopped valuing the bond between father and son so much.
Besides, you have two beloved sons born out of wedlock; it's true that having one more or one less won't make a difference."
As soon as Gu Nanxiao finished speaking, the Prince Yong's slap landed. A crisp cracking sound rang out in the study, and the guards outside the courtyard gate could hear it clearly.
In his youth, Prince Yong was a general who led troops into battle. Having come from a military background, his strength was naturally not to be underestimated. In addition, he was furious at the moment, and he did not care about the force he used.
When Gu Nanxiao turned his head, revealing the bright red five-finger mark on his cheek and the bloodstains at the corner of his lips, Yong Wang regretted hitting him too hard.
Over the years, too many things have stood between them, father and son, and things are no longer the same as before. It's just that lately, he seems to be getting old, or something else entirely.
He longs to experience the joy of being surrounded by his children and grandchildren. And he has already begun trying to mend their strained father-son relationship.
But recent events have driven the father and son further and further apart. He did believe the story of his son's concubine being humiliated last time, but for the sake of his two illegitimate sons' reputation, he had no choice but to pin the blame on the concubine.
How could his two sons have such a huge stain? The younger brother coveting his elder brother's woman—if this were to spread, it would bring shame to the entire Yongwang Mansion.
That's why he was so angry. Why couldn't Xiao'er understand his good intentions? Is a mere servant girl more important than the reputation of his two younger brothers and the honor of the Yong Prince's Mansion?
Thinking of all this, the Prince Yong's heart, which had just softened, hardened again. He felt that Xiao'er was becoming increasingly stubborn and unruly, unlike his two half-brothers who were more sensible.
Gu Nanxiao could roughly guess his father's thoughts by observing his changing expressions. His father must think that he was ignorant, lacked common sense, and did not understand his good intentions.
But his father didn't understand. He couldn't lose Yunxi, and he couldn't let Yunxi be sad. Instead of trying to persuade each other in vain, they should talk about how to solve the problem.
Gu Nanxiao raised his hand to wipe the blood from the corner of his mouth and said solemnly, "Father, you don't need to worry about your son's affairs. I will also handle things with the Emperor and Grandmother myself."
As for Father's suggestion to expel me from the residence, I am ready to leave at any time once you have made up your mind. However, I hope you can wait a few days until after Mother's birthday celebration before you decide what to do with me.
After speaking, Gu Nanxiao turned and left without waiting for Yong Wang's permission.
Looking at his son's unfamiliar yet resolute back, King Yong felt that something between them had been completely severed.
He slumped back into his chair, his mind replaying the image of his eldest son playing around him when he was young.
He once loved this son dearly. Why has he become like this? Did he make a mistake by sending his son to the army for training?
But soon, King Yong dismissed the idea. He had not done anything wrong, because no one knew better than him that the person above him still held a grudge about what happened back then.
Even if the two illegitimate sons are mediocre and incompetent, it doesn't matter; they can be raised as pampered young masters. Even if they die a violent death in the future, they've enjoyed many years of good fortune, so it won't be a loss for them.
However, his eldest son, on whom he placed high hopes, must not be mediocre; at the very least, he must have the ability to fight for his own survival when disaster strikes.
After leaving Prince Yong's place, Gu Nanxiao was about to head to his own courtyard when he was stopped by a servant sent by the princess and invited to Qingfeng Garden.
The princess originally wanted to scold her son, but after seeing the bright red five-finger mark on his face, she felt only heartache.
The princess ordered someone to fetch an ice-cold cloth and personally applied it to his face. She then earnestly advised him, "From now on, you should learn from those two illegitimate sons and be more obedient to the prince. Why are you so stubborn? You'll only suffer if you're the one who suffers."
Gu Nanxiao listened silently without saying a word. In his youth, he had tried his best to be a tool for winning the emperor's favor, as his mother had requested.
But he only realized when he grew up that what you beg for won't last. A real man should strive for what he wants, fight for it, and fight for it, instead of groveling and waiting for handouts.
Seeing that he didn't respond and was clearly unyielding, and recalling the rumors circulating in the mansion, the princess also became angry. She questioned him with great displeasure:
"Do you know what's being said in Kyoto right now? They're saying your concubine didn't come home all night and has already lost her virginity."
You, on the other hand, are described as a foolish and dissolute young master who disregards the laws of the Great Yan Dynasty, forcibly breaks into the palace, and skips court for no reason because of a maid.
Some even wrote your story into a storybook overnight, which was sung in teahouses, making fun of you for your anger over a woman.
I bet you'll be ruined by that vixen sooner or later. You have such a lovely girl like Jiaojiao, and you're always chasing after that vixen. You'll regret it one day!
Seeing that the princess had also started scolding Yunxi, Gu Nanxiao interrupted, saying, "Mother, please don't say those things anymore. I don't like hearing them."
Yunxi is the woman I truly love. Even if Mother Consort cannot love her as much as I do, she should at least consider my feelings for her son and not join outsiders in humiliating her.
Besides, she has been diligently preparing the birthday banquet for her mother these past few days. Even if she hasn't done anything particularly outstanding, she has certainly put in a lot of effort.
Yesterday's incident was caused by my son's unreasonable behavior. He abandoned her outside the city, and when I went to find her, she had almost been devoured by wild animals.
As for my cousin Shen, I have already told you all that I have no romantic feelings for her. I hope that Mother will not bring this up again, lest it tarnish her reputation and be detrimental to her future marriage prospects.”
After hearing Gu Nanxiao's words, the princess was not moved at all; instead, she was so angry that her chest heaved. She pointed at Gu Nanxiao and questioned him:
"What kind of spell did that bitch cast on you, making you disobey your own mother time and time again for her sake?"
At this moment, Shen Yujiao slowly walked out of the room. She first helped the princess to sit down on a soft couch. Then she turned to Gu Nanxiao and advised him:
"Cousin, please don't upset Aunt again. She's been having headaches lately and needs to drink a calming soup to fall asleep."
My cousin, even out of gratitude for being raised, should heed my aunt's advice and get rid of that maid; otherwise, the family may face unrest.
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