Zheng Dinglian's face grew increasingly grim. He hurriedly took a step back to keep his distance from her and sternly rebuked her, "What nonsense are you spouting here! How dare a woman say such self-degrading things? Your parents' upbringing is truly appalling!"
Mei Yun had not expected him to say such harsh words, and her eyes instantly reddened: "Your Highness! We met on the battlefield and went through life and death together. Don't you have any feelings for me at all?"
Zheng Dinglian's chill intensified: "Of course not. In my eyes, you are no different from other soldiers, and to me, you are just a nuisance. If you put away your filthy thoughts, I can still save you some face. But if you continue to be foolish, I will no longer care about your brother's entrustment."
As soon as he finished speaking, he turned to look at Gu Qinlan, who was observing the situation calmly, and a surge of anger rose in his heart: "She is so stupid, why do you have to follow her and act recklessly?"
Gu Qinlan smiled slightly, her expression calm: "I'm not acting recklessly; I'm expressing my position with utmost seriousness. I won't stop anyone from becoming your concubine, but I also won't take the initiative to find you a concubine like other women do. All the power is in your hands. If you're willing, I will definitely give you a grand welcome for the newcomer."
Zheng Dinglian trembled with rage: "Gu Qinlan, do you have no conscience at all? I, Zheng Dinglian, swore to heaven and earth that I would only marry you in this life, and even if you were alive, I would remain faithful to you until the end!"
These extremely indignant words shocked everyone in the room.
Including Gu Qinlan.
She never truly believed Zheng Dinglian's vows.
How many promises from men can be trusted?
However, at this moment, her heartbeat experienced a subtle fluctuation.
Mei Yun could not accept the reality before her. She crawled several steps on her knees, her emotions running high, until she reached Zheng Dinglian. Her trembling arms reached out eagerly, trying to grab Zheng Dinglian's hand.
However, Zheng Dinglian nimbly dodged aside as if avoiding something filthy, hiding behind Gu Qinlan. His face was as cold as ice, and he said in a stiff tone, "Miss Mei, you only need to speak, there's no need to lay a hand on me. You may not care about your reputation, but Zheng Dinglian still needs to consider it."
Tears welled in Mei Yun's eyes, her face showing hurt: "Your Highness, you promised my brother you would take good care of me..."
Zheng Dinglian's voice carried a hint of anger: "I did promise your brother that I would take care of you, but that was all I promised. Please be merciful and don't put me in an unjust position."
Meiyun looked puzzled: "Your Highness, why do you say that?"
Zheng Dinglian said solemnly, "Although I am not a person of high moral character, nor have I ever claimed to be a gentleman, I can at least be upright. I do not want to become a laughing stock in the world, saying that I take care of my brothers' sisters even to their bedside."
"Many brothers, like your brother, have entrusted their families to me, but none of my brothers' families have ever caused me as much trouble as yours. I am confident that I have treated you and your siblings with utmost kindness and generosity. Please be more considerate and do not cause any rift between me and my wife, or damage my reputation."
"If you remain obstinate, I will have no choice but to break my promise to your brother and send you back to your hometown. From then on, your life and death will have nothing to do with me."
His words were cruel and merciless, leaving Meiyun no room for illusion. Her face was as pale as paper, her lips trembled slightly, but she was speechless.
Gu Qinlan couldn't bear to look any longer and turned to Fuyu, saying, "Take Miss Mei back."
At this moment, Fuyu was no longer angry as before, but instead had a smug look on her face. She and Xiaoman stepped forward together, helped Meiyun up, and almost dragged her away.
Only Zheng Dinglian and Gu Qinlan remained in the room.
Zheng Dinglian asked cautiously, "Madam, are you... angry?"
Gu Qinlan glanced at him with a smile: "Do you want me to be angry, or do you want me not to be angry?"
Zheng Dinglian pondered for a moment, then said earnestly, "If you are angry, it means you care about me. If you are not angry, it means you trust me."
Gu Qinlan couldn't help but laugh out loud: "You really know how to make excuses for yourself."
Then, gazing at him, she said in a serious tone, "I'm not angry. At first, I didn't care. But now, it's because I trust you."
She was not a heartless person. Although she did not believe in romantic love, she could feel Zheng Dinglian's sincerity towards her.
Since he treated her so sincerely, she should naturally respond accordingly. "Your behavior just now made me feel satisfied, at ease, and even a little happy."
Zheng Dinglian ignored her indifference and only chose to hear what he wanted to hear, which made him feel much better.
"Regarding Meiyun's matter, I will have to trouble you, Madam. If she is willing to marry, then find her a suitable match. If she has no intention of marrying, then let her leave the mansion and find her a place to settle down so that she can support herself. I will not concern myself with anything else, lest I interfere too much and make enemies, which would be a loss."
Zheng Dinglian pondered to himself, Meiyun's brother died on the battlefield, which was certainly a contribution to the country, but what did it have to do with him, Zheng Dinglian? The reason he agreed to take care of her was entirely out of camaraderie between comrades.
If he were to let such a burden that doesn't belong to him affect the harmony of his family, then he would be incredibly foolish!
Gu Qinlan admired him even more.
So she chose an opportune moment to go to Meiyun's courtyard.
Meiyun, devastated by the attack, sat listlessly in the courtyard, her eyes vacant.
It was just past the first month of the lunar calendar, and the cold wind was biting. Mei Yun's lips had turned purple from the cold, and her face was slightly pale.
Gu Qinlan gently placed the warm hand warmer into Mei Yun's palm, then gestured for Fu Yu to go inside and fetch a soft cloak, which she carefully draped over Mei Yun's shoulders.
Mei Yun's eyes suddenly welled up with tears, and a strange sense of inferiority surged within her. She turned her face to the side and asked in a slightly trembling voice, "What is the purpose of your trip? Did you come to witness my embarrassment and make fun of me?"
Gu Qinlan smiled gently, shook her head slightly, and said earnestly, "I have never thought this was a ridiculous thing. Miss Mei, you should already know the prince's feelings for you, so why not put aside your prejudice against me?"
"The purpose of my trip is to give you one last piece of advice. Your medical skills are extraordinary and your courage is commendable. Even without the support of others, you are capable of being independent and self-reliant. You do not need to bury your talents in some man's private courtyard. No man is worth sacrificing yourself for."
"Calm down and think carefully about your future, and plan your life path. Once you make a decision, whether it's marriage or other life plans, I will support you wholeheartedly."
As soon as she finished speaking, Gu Qinlan turned to leave.
At this moment, Meiyun suddenly asked, "Am I not good enough?"
Gu Qinlan turned around, met her gaze firmly, and answered sincerely and directly: "You are very good. Your beauty, courage and talent surpass many women. However, the prince already has me by his side, and you deserve a good husband who loves you wholeheartedly."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
