Helpless, Chen Yu could only nod. She had slandered Yan Wang as a concubine; Hong Yu had deceived the Empress, which could cost her her head.
Which is more important? She chose to save Hongyu's life.
In the end, Hongyu and Gu Xiaoliu became great philanthropists, while Chenyu became the one who slandered Yan Wang.
The three girls stood side by side before the Empress, who knew perfectly well what was going on: Shen Yu was upright and wise, not only daring to expose Prince Yan's peculiarities but also considering the bigger picture. Only a woman like her could control Prince Yan; why not bring Shen Yu and Prince Yan together?
Prince Yan knelt down before the Empress: "Mother, I wish for Hongyu to accompany me. Please grant me permission."
The Empress was furious. If Hongyu were simple-minded, it would be acceptable.
Hongyu went to great lengths to fabricate and make the deception seem real. Although she covered up Yan Wang's shameful deeds, it also proved that Hongyu was cunning and had an improper character.
Such a sycophantic woman staying by Yan Wang's side would be harmful to him and bring him no benefit.
Moreover, Hongyu has ulterior motives.
Just now, when Chenyu and Hongyu went out, Grand Tutor Zhang came and said... Hongyu is the eldest daughter of the Zhang family. She broke off her relationship with Grand Tutor Zhang because of the matter of being married in place of him. Grand Tutor Zhang asked the Empress to find a good family for Hongyu as soon as possible. He did not ask for great wealth and honor, but only for peace and happiness.
The Empress was shocked. She hadn't expected Hongyu to be not only scheming but also heartless. She thought it better to go along with Grand Tutor Zhang's wishes and find Hongyu a husband as soon as possible to prevent her from harming Prince Yan.
The Empress did not allow Prince Yan to stand up. Instead, she waved for Hongyu to step forward and speak. "Hongyu is now a free woman and has no one to rely on. Therefore, I will find a good family for Miss Hongyu... Jia Liangyu is still unmarried..."
"Your Majesty, please rescind your decree..."
Hongyu refused. Jia Liangyu was deeply in love with Gu Xiaoliu, and if she married him, she would definitely be neglected. Besides, the Jia family was only the maternal family of the Duchess of the State, and in terms of power and status, they were far inferior to Prince Yan.
Seeing that Hongyu refused, the Empress thought of Gu Dalang again. "Gu Dalang is a man of upright character, gentle and refined, unlike other young masters who spend their days fooling around. By the way, Gu Dalang is Chenyu's older brother. Chenyu, do you think Hongyu and your older brother are a good match?"
The Empress widened her eyes and stared at Chen Yu, waiting for her approval.
Shen Yu was stunned. She had broken off her engagement with Bai Yehua, and Madam Mu had decided after careful consideration to let her marry Gu Dalang.
Gu Dalang is also Master Mu's apprentice. Although his official position is not as high as Bai Yehua's, he treats Shen Yu very well. It is just unknown whether their birth charts are compatible.
Even if the marriage between the Gu and Mu families doesn't happen, she doesn't want Hongyu to marry into the Gu family.
If Hongyu were still that harmless little girl, she would be a good match for Gu Dalang.
But now... Hongyu is cunning and ruthless. If she marries Gu Dalang, she will surely cause chaos in the Gu family.
She avoided eye contact and shook her head slightly, "Your Majesty, I, Chenyu, am unaware."
In the end, the Empress had no choice but to postpone Hongyu's marriage and return to the palace with Prince Yan.
Hongyu actually followed Gu Xiaoliu into the Gu family's sedan chair? Chenyu hurriedly chased after her.
Inside the sedan chair.
Hongyu and Gu Xiaoliu stood close together. Having gone through this ordeal, the two became sworn brothers, chatting and laughing arm in arm, completely ignoring Chenyu across from them.
“Hongyu, you are a few months younger than me, so call me older sister from now on.”
"Sister Xiaoliu, Hongyu will be staying in your courtyard from today onwards. I hope you will take good care of her."
"No problem, no problem."
Shen Yu's straightforwardness kicked in again. She glared at Hong Yu and demanded, "Since you don't want to marry my older brother, why are you staying at the Gu family's house? Aren't you deliberately trying to cause misunderstandings?"
Seeing Shen Yu's anger, Hong Yu was also unhappy. She didn't want to move into the Gu family. She just wanted to find out more about Yan Wang from Gu Xiaoliu because she wanted to set up a scheme, a scheme to curry favor with Yan Wang.
------
Ten days later.
Yan Wang led Liu Yu into an ordinary courtyard. The courtyard was not large, with only four rooms. There was a stone table in the center of the courtyard. Yan Wang's two attendants closed the gate and stood guard outside.
As the two walked to the center of the courtyard, four graceful men ran out of the house, their long skirts flowing, their manners both delicate and alluring, and they pounced on Yan Wang and Liu Yu in pairs.
Liu Yu was filled with doubt and pushed away the two men who rushed at him.
"Cousin, who arranged this? Could it be a trap?"
"You've become paranoid after your serious illness. As long as Mu Chenyu isn't around, no one will expose me."
When the topic of Chen Yu came up, Liu Yu and Yan Wang exchanged a glance, their faces immediately darkening as they fell silent.
Originally, it was agreed that Prince Yan would ask the Empress to bestow a marriage upon Liu Yu and Chen Yu, but... the Empress discovered that Prince Yan had a fondness for male concubines, so she changed her mind and thought that Chen Yu should keep Prince Yan in check. This is why, even after ten days, the Empress has not yet bestowed a marriage upon Liu Yu and Chen Yu.
The Prince Yan felt guilty. “Yu Lang, I have granted your permission to marry. It was the Empress Dowager who forbade it. Please do not blame me.”
Frustrated and irritable, Liu Yu pushed the two men wrapped around his arms toward Yan Wang again, saying, "Don't bother me, go and serve my cousin."
Seeing Liu Yu's behavior, King Yan was even more displeased. It was true that he disliked women, but he was also a man of deep affection. From childhood to adulthood, Liu Yu had taken great care of him and indulged his every whim, but now, Liu Yu's heart was no longer with him!
His heart was breaking, and he let the four men help him into the room.
Liu Yu was taking a nap alone on the stone table in the courtyard. After some time, with a loud bang, the gate was kicked open. Liu Yu was startled and stood up. He saw a group of guards rushing in. Judging from their clothes, they were the Empress's people.
Before Liu Yu could run inside to report the news, the Empress came over with Chen Yu.
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