Princess Duan's expression turned serious upon hearing this. She knew Zheng Huiyi was right, but she had always felt it was inconvenient to bring up such matters herself. After a moment's thought, she nodded and said, "Yi'er, you're right. We should indeed arrange for them to consummate their marriage as soon as possible."
Zheng Huiyi breathed a sigh of relief when she saw her mother agree.
After speaking, Princess Duan got up and walked towards the backyard, with Zheng Huiyi following closely behind.
Inside the brightly lit and decorated new house, Hongye and her maids sat in a corner, their faces filled with worry.
Hongye bit her lip and whispered, "I don't know when the young master will return. Miss must be very sad."
Gu Qinlan smiled slightly, gently patted Hongye's hand, and said, "Hongye, you don't need to worry about me. This is the Crown Prince's duty. He must protect the peace of the country. We just need to wait for him to return at home."
At this moment, Princess Duan pulled Zheng Dinglian into the bridal chamber in a hurry, her expression serious. She looked around, her gaze falling on the maids, and said coldly, "All of you, go out. I have something to say to the Crown Princess."
The maids all left the bridal chamber. Hongye hesitated for a moment, wanting to say something, but Gu Qinlan gave her a look, so she had no choice but to leave.
Only Zheng Dinglian and Gu Qinlan remained in the bridal chamber. Princess Duan immediately closed the door and left, ordering the old woman to hang up the copper lock.
Princess Duan stood outside the door and said to Zheng Dinglian through the crack in the door, "Lian'er, do you know your mother's intentions?"
Zheng Dinglian looked at Princess Duan with a puzzled expression and said, "Mother, I don't understand."
Princess Consort Duan sighed and said, "Lian'er, you are now an adult, it's time for you to settle down and start a family. Gu Qinlan has already gone through the wedding ceremony with you and is now your wife. You two should consummate your marriage as soon as possible and have children so that the foundation of the Duan Prince's Mansion can be passed on to future generations."
Zheng Dinglian was stunned. He had never thought about this question before. Looking at Gu Qinlan, a hint of panic and embarrassment flashed in his eyes.
The flickering red candlelight illuminated the faces of Gu Qinlan and Zheng Dinglian.
Gu Qinlan's eyes were clear as water, while Zheng Dinglian's gaze was unfathomable. The slight panic and embarrassment he had just felt had long been replaced by calm.
Gu Qinlan gently bit her lower lip, breaking the silence: "Dinglian, thank you for helping me with my mother's dowry. I know it wasn't an easy task for you."
Zheng Dinglian nodded slightly, his tone calm: "No need to be so polite, it's just my duty."
After she finished speaking, the bridal chamber fell silent once more. Gu Qinlan looked at Zheng Dinglian, a question creeping into her mind: how did this man truly perceive her? He didn't seem aloof at all, so why was he so silent in her presence?
Thinking of this, Gu Qinlan turned around and went to the dowry chest, opening it and rummaging through it. Finally, she took out a gorgeous gold-threaded soft armor from the bottom of the chest. In the sunlight, the gold threads shimmered, making it exceptionally dazzling.
She carefully held the gold-threaded soft armor in her hands and walked up to Zheng Dinglian.
Hearing footsteps, Zheng Dinglian looked up and was stunned when he saw the golden silk armor in Gu Qinlan's hand.
Gu Qinlan stepped forward, gently placed the gold-threaded soft armor on the table, and said softly, "Your Highness, this is a thank-you gift I specially prepared to express my gratitude for helping me handle my mother's dowry. Please accept it."
Zheng Dinglian looked at the gold-threaded soft armor, a hint of surprise and emotion flashing in his eyes. He picked up the armor and said softly, "Princess Consort, this gift of gratitude is far too precious. How could I dare to accept it?"
Gu Qinlan smiled and said, "Your Highness misunderstands. Although this gold-threaded soft armor is valuable, it is nothing compared to what you have done for me. Please accept it; it is a small token of my appreciation."
Looking at Gu Qinlan's sincere expression, Zheng Dinglian felt a surge of warmth in his heart. He stood up, placed the private seal and a bag of silver on the table, and said, "Since that's the case, then I'll accept it without further ado. Princess Consort, I accept your gift. This is my private seal, and these silver coins. Please keep them safe for any eventuality."
Gu Qinlan took the private seal, looked at Zheng Dinglian, and felt a surge of warmth in her heart. She said softly, "Your Highness, although I don't intend to use your private seal and money, I appreciate your kindness. From now on, we are even."
Zheng Dinglian smiled and said, "Princess Consort, you're too kind. There's no need for us to be so formal."
The two looked at each other and smiled, creating a harmonious atmosphere.
Gu Qinlan gazed steadily at Zheng Dinglian and said softly, "Swords have no eyes on the battlefield, Your Highness must be careful."
Upon hearing this, Zheng Dinglian smiled slightly and nodded, saying, "I know. Don't worry, I will definitely come back safely."
She paused, then coughed lightly, and said, "However, if I really don't come back, don't be too sad. You... you can remarry."
Gu Qinlan was slightly taken aback, a hint of hesitation flashing in her eyes, but she quickly concealed it and smiled gently: "What nonsense are you talking about, Your Highness? Of course I hope Your Highness can return safely. But life and death are predestined. If it really comes to that, then we'll talk about it then."
Just then, outside the door, guard Ling Ji knocked and reminded him, "Young Master, it's getting late, it's time to set off for the Northern Frontier."
"Understood." Zheng Dinglian nodded, then turned to Ling Ji outside and said, "Pass down the order: depart immediately!"
Zheng Dinglian kicked open the locked door and strode out.
Seeing this, Gu Qinlan hurriedly picked up the golden silk armor from the ground and followed closely behind. They walked through the long corridor and arrived at the gate of the Prince Duan's mansion.
At this time, the sun was already setting in the west, and the sunlight shone brightly on the red walls and green tiles of the Prince's Mansion.
Guard Ling Qi was already waiting there. When he saw Zheng Dinglian and Gu Qinlan approaching, he immediately went to greet them.
"Your Highness, the carriage and horses are ready," Ling Qi said respectfully.
Zheng Dinglian nodded slightly, indicating his satisfaction.
When the guests learned that Zheng Dinglian was leaving, they all came out of the palace gates to see him off. Some looked reluctant to part, some had solemn expressions, and some were full of worry.
Zheng Dinglian bowed deeply to the guests and said in a low voice, "Gentlemen, I will take my leave first. If there is any inadequacy in my hospitality, I hope you will forgive me."
The guests responded earnestly: "Your Highness, there's no need for such formalities. We all understand. We wish you a speedy return and await good news from you here."
Zheng Dinglian lifted his battle robe, mounted his horse, and was greeted by Princess Duan, Zheng Huiyi, and Zheng Dinglian's three children. Princess Duan, with tears in her eyes, tightly grasped Zheng Dinglian's battle robe and said in a trembling voice, "Lian'er, be careful, you must come back safely."
Zheng Dinglian looked at his mother, a hint of reluctance flashing in his eyes. He gently patted her hand and comforted her, "Mother, I will be careful. When I come back, our family will be reunited."
Zheng Huiyi stepped forward, her eyes filled with worry for her brother, her voice choked with emotion: "Brother, you must come back safely. We are all waiting for you at home."
Zheng Dinglian's three children, a ten-year-old daughter, an eight-year-old son, and a six-year-old son, also gathered around, their eyes filled with affection and reluctance.
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