Chapter 385 A Perfect Match
“If I still disagree, you’ll cause a huge uproar. Not only does Grandmother agree, but she’s also willing to do everything in her power to make this marriage happen. However, you’ve gone too far before, and you’ve even lost your official position. So, Grandmother isn’t too sure if it can be done. Ultimately, it depends on your own efforts.”
To her own disbelief, she had previously refused to agree to their relationship. Now, however, she was eagerly pushing for it to happen, leaving the old woman feeling both helpless and filled with regret.
Little did she know that the third Miss Meng was dignified and well-mannered, while her own grandson was a good-for-nothing. If this marriage didn't go through, the Meng family would be unaffected, but her Gu family would be thrown into chaos and rarely have any peace.
Seeing Gu Yan so happy he didn't know what to do, the old lady Gu reached out and beckoned him closer, took his hand and said earnestly.
"Everything should be done in moderation. You've gone too far this time in trying to pressure your grandmother. Even if Miss Meng has feelings for you and believes in you, her family is definitely disappointed in you. Take my advice and pull yourself together as soon as possible to gain Miss Meng's family's approval. As for your official career and future prospects, don't be too anxious. As long as you repent and work hard, I believe you will definitely have your day."
Her voice was weary, but her eyes were full of love and expectation.
“Grandmother.” Gu Yan nodded, unable to hold back his sobs, “It is my fault for being unfilial. I have caused you so much worry and fear these past few days.”
"You naughty boy." The old lady smiled as she saw her beloved grandson finally return, her eyes filled with tears.
"You've put all your cunning into your grandmother. Now that your grandmother has granted your wish, you realize how worried and fearful she's been these past few days. If your grandmother still didn't comply with your wishes, she might have died of anger, and you'd still be out there causing trouble. You can't do this anymore, you can't bully your grandmother like this anymore, do you hear me?"
“I heard you. Grandmother, from this day forward, Yan’er will never go to those bad places again.”
Gu Yan stroked his grandmother's hands solemnly.
As long as he could be with Meng Xiyao, he would have no other reason to deceive or hurt his grandmother.
Now that his grandmother knows how good Miss Meng is, she has forgiven him. As long as he behaves well, he will be able to marry the woman he loves and the whole family will be happy.
Knowing that his grandmother was still saddened and grieved by his dismissal, Gu Yan raised his eyebrows and said earnestly.
"Grandmother, rest assured. The current emperor appoints people based on merit and has set up a martial arts competition in the military camp. The winner can be directly appointed as an official. What I have done is not a heinous crime. As long as I can win five consecutive matches, I will have the opportunity to return to the military camp as a general. Although it is impossible to be promoted to general in a short time, it will definitely be no problem to become a minor official of the fifth or sixth rank."
"That's good, that's good."
The elderly woman nodded repeatedly with satisfaction.
"As long as you live up to expectations, I will leave your marriage to your grandmother. I will definitely persuade the Meng family to agree to marry Miss Meng to you. No matter how many unreasonable demands Meng Xingyuan and the Empress make because of the previous misunderstanding, I will do my best to make amends as long as I can."
Gu Yan nodded: "Thank you, Grandmother. I will go to the military camp to register later. I will rely on you for the marriage arrangements."
Meng Xingyuan and the Empress were both aware of the situation, and Gu Yan knew they wouldn't make things difficult for her grandmother.
But if his grandmother were to arrange the marriage for him, the Meng family would be more at ease marrying Meng Xiyao to him after seeing her sincerity.
Seeing her grandson's positive attitude and beaming smile, the old woman's last bit of reservation about the marriage disappeared.
Whether she was forced by Gu Yan or tricked by someone, as long as it could improve things for Gu Yan and the Gu family, it was a good thing.
As long as the result is good, there's no need to delve into the reasons. It's good to be a little oblivious in life; the more serious you are about it, the less likely you are to achieve the desired outcome.
Gu Yan had practiced martial arts for many years, and his skills were already unmatched in the military camp. In addition, he had previously been a general in the military camp. After a few days of recuperation, his general's prestige and awe-inspiring aura returned, making others fear him. Winning five consecutive victories was just a natural outcome.
Half a month later, Gu Yan was awarded the title of Xiaoji Xiaowei (Valiant Cavalry Captain) by the Emperor for his outstanding combat skills in the martial arts competition, and was given the official rank of the fifth grade.
Although he was far inferior to his previous third-rank general, he was undoubtedly still the youngest and most promising rising star among the military officers in the capital.
The old lady and everyone in the Gu family originally thought that the foolish things Gu Yan had done would make the Gu family unable to hold their heads high for a long time, and that it would be impossible for the Gu family to return to its former glory in less than three to five years.
The old lady even doubted whether she would live to see the Gu family regain its former glory, or whether she would have the chance to stand tall and speak in front of others.
To their utter surprise, after Gu Yan was appointed as a cavalry captain, many speculations about Gu Yan's recent unusual behavior began to circulate in the streets and alleys of the capital, and one astonishing rumor after another spread.
Among these rumors, one is the most widely known, closest to the truth, and most readily believed.
It is said that the Lone Captain and the third daughter of the Meng family were in love and pledged their lives to each other.
However, the old lady was very particular about rules and did not want a girl who had once been a concubine to be her granddaughter-in-law. The old lady wanted to break up the couple, but the captain was determined to marry no one but Miss Meng.
As a result, the Commandant Gu was unable to choose between his grandmother and his beloved, and was tormented by this matter, which led to his despair, depression, and loss of his official position and the century-old reputation of the Gu family.
The old woman tried her best to persuade him, but to little avail. In desperation, she sought help from Miss Meng, who was furious with her lover and became despondent, but ultimately could not bear to sever their relationship.
He then wrote a letter to the Commandant, saying that if the Commandant reformed himself and regained his official rank, there might still be a chance for the two of them; otherwise, he could marry whomever he pleased and they would have nothing to do with each other anymore.
Upon receiving the news, the captain suddenly realized his mistakes and reformed. He practiced martial arts day and night without rest, and finally achieved excellent results in the martial arts competition, winning the heart of the beauty once again.
The old lady, through her interactions with Miss Meng, was impressed by her demeanor and manners. She not only stopped opposing the marriage but also grew very fond of Miss Meng.
In short, the lonely captain was so infatuated with love that he fell ill, but eventually he realized his mistake and returned to the right path, and it was not too late for him.
Miss Meng is self-respecting and prioritizes reason. A letter saved her lover and earned her the appreciation of an old, widowed woman.
No matter how strict the old lady was, she couldn't overcome the bond of blood ties. Her relentless pressure led to repeated defeats, but a single concession brought a glimmer of hope.
Meng San's family did not interfere in the matter from beginning to end, waiting patiently for the flowers to bloom and the clouds to rise, which showed both their trust in Meng San's ability to handle things and their clear-headed and insightful understanding.
No one bothered to investigate the shameful things the captain had done; they only knew that he was a man of real skill.
You can lose everything for love, or you can regain success for love.
When discussing this matter, there are very few who ridicule or belittle it, but many who admire and respect it.
When others saw the elderly woman, they felt not only respect but also a touch of friendliness. Perhaps it was because she no longer spoke of strict rules and etiquette, or perhaps it was because the elderly woman they had heard about seemed more human and relatable.
With these widely circulated rumors, Gu Yan and Meng Xiyao had become a well-known couple in the capital.
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