"Your Highness." Another eunuch in his forties in blue clothes hurried over, breaking the delicate atmosphere and respectfully reminded, "It's almost time, it's time to take your seats."

Chu Yi smiled slightly, still holding Gu Yanfei's hand, and said with a smile: "Let's go."

Gu Yanfei adjusted his mood in a very short time and has now returned to normal.

She also smiled, and then called Wei Jiaoniang, Lu Qin and others.

"Please follow me to the Huagai Palace." The eunuch in green walked in front with a smile, leading the way.

Not only this side, but everyone else in the palace was also walking towards the Huagai Hall in the center of the palace, like a hundred birds paying homage to the phoenix.

Gradually, they met other acquaintances and inevitably talked about the emperor's oral order. Sometimes they talked about Zeng Ya, sometimes about Li Zhaodi, sometimes about Li Yun'er's life experience, and sometimes about King Kang.

Almost everyone knew that Gu Yunmeng had changed her name to "Li Yunmeng".

For those people from aristocratic families, this news was like a thunderclap in the sky, making their ears buzz.

For hundreds of years, these noble families have attached great importance to bloodline.

Aristocratic families have always intermarried with each other, and they would marry their daughters to these upstarts in the court out of necessity.

Now King Kang is going to marry a slave girl and a housewife.

This is already challenging the bottom line of these families.

Before the banquet started, Chu You was stopped in a pavilion outside the Huagai Palace by Chief Minister Xiao, Wang Kangyin and others. These people took turns to persuade Chu You.

"Your Majesty, you must not marry Li Yunyan!"

"Your Highness, given Li Yunyan's background, how can she rule the country and win the support of the people in the future?"

"Your Highness, your mother's family is the Yuan family of Yangzhou, which has been around for three hundred years. There are countless people in the family who have become officials and have noble bloodlines. But what about Li Yunyan? Her bloodline is too humble!"

"A child born by a house-born child is also a house-born child. Li Yunyan is a house-born child. When she and the prince give birth to a child in the future, this child will also have my bloodline. Can he inherit the throne?!"

"Your Majesty, you can't ignore the overall situation just for Li Yunyan!"

Officials from aristocratic families, including Chief Minister Xiao, used a combination of soft and hard tactics, from persuasion to threats.

Taizu was born in the grassroots, and it was not their wish for a noble family to bow down to him.

Will they be forced to bow down to a family-born child in the future? Just thinking about it made these children from aristocratic families feel chilled, and their tone became tough, almost threatening.

But no matter who tried to persuade him, Chu You remained silent. Instead, he turned around and begged the emperor at the Hundred Flowers Banquet to marry him and Li Yunyan as soon as possible.

Xiao Shoufu and others were extremely disappointed with this. Prince Kang was stubborn and insisted on marrying a daughter of a noble family as his principal wife, which disrupted the hierarchy and tarnished the bloodline of the aristocratic family.

But before they could object in public, the emperor readily agreed.

So, when he arrived in Beijing that day, Chu You did not go back to the palace, but rushed to the imperial prison of the Northern Pacification Office to pick someone up.

All members of the Gu family were imprisoned in the prison. When they saw Chu You, Gu Yunmeng was surprised, while Gu Jian and other members of the Gu family were delighted, as if they had seen a savior.

"Your Majesty!"

"My Lord, are you here to save us?"

In the cell, Gu Jian, Wang, Gu Xiao and others shouted excitedly one after another, and everyone in the Gu family looked at Chu You with hope.

However, Chu You didn't even spare a glance to the Gu family. He walked straight up to Gu Yunmeng and said, "Men'er, I'm here to pick you up."

This sentence poured a bucket of cold water on Gu Jian and others, and the fire in their eyes dimmed.

The Jinyiwei immediately unlocked the cell door.

"Your Highness..." Gu Yun'er called out emotionally, with a mist in her eyes, looking very touching.

She looked thinner and more haggard than the last time we met, with none of her former vigor and vitality.

Her jet-black hair was tied up in a simple bun, without any jewelry. Her hair was a little messy, and her bright red dress was a little wrinkled, but still clean.

"Mian'er." Chu You's burning gaze lingered greedily on Gu Yunmeng's beautiful little face, and he wished he could engrave her in his heart.

The moment he saw her, his heart, which had been restless for the past few days, finally found a home and he felt at ease.

As long as Meng'er is fine, any price he pays is worth it.

Chu You eagerly grabbed Gu Yunyan's fair little hand and held it tightly, "Let's go."

Gu Yun'er also looked at Chu You infatuatedly.

He was also thinner and more haggard.

He must have suffered a lot because of her.

Gu Yunyan had many questions she wanted to ask Chu You, but she thought this was not the right place, so she kept her mouth shut.

"Your Highness, you must save us. We are innocent. It is the Lei family who wronged us." Gu Jian in the next room quickly cheered up from his depression and told himself in his heart that since Prince Kang could rescue Gu Yunmeng, he must have a way to save them.

"That's right, we were wronged." Gu Xiao tightly grasped the wooden bars of the cell and shouted at Chu You with red eyes, his voice hoarse as if it had been honed by sand and gravel.

"Second girl, you must tell the prince to save us..." Wang shouted excitedly, tears streaming down her face.

Her hair was disheveled, her eyes were panic-stricken, and she was too panic-stricken to control herself. She really couldn't stay in this hellhole any longer. The past ten days were like an endless nightmare to her.

However, no matter how they called out, Chu You said nothing, as if he didn't hear anything.

Gu Yunyan calmed down and said softly to Gu Jian in the next cell: "Father, please take good care of grandma..."

"Are you leaving or not?" The Imperial Guard rudely interrupted Gu Yunmeng's words. Even when facing the dignified King Kang, he still looked awe-inspiring.

Gu Yun'er frowned slightly and subconsciously looked at Chu You. The dim light cast a shadow on his face, making his features look deep and cold.

But his big palm was so hot, holding her hand tightly, his body temperature was frighteningly high, and he only said two words: "Let's go."

He took Gu Yun'er's thin little hand forcefully but gently and walked out.

When the Jinyiwei holding lanterns left with Chu You and Gu Yunmeng, the lights also faded away, and the surroundings became darker and darker, swallowing them up bit by bit.

Darkness brings uneasiness, fear and anxiety.

Looking at Chu You's back as he walked away, Gu Jian suddenly felt as if the other person would never look back, and his heart began to beat uncontrollably.

He swallowed, looked at the old lady Gu in the cell opposite with sweat on his forehead, and said anxiously: "Mother, what if..."

What if even King Kang couldn't save the Gu family? Would their entire family be beheaded or exiled three thousand miles away?

Old Mrs. Gu looked ten years older, with a streak of silver hair on her temples.

She tightly grasped the Buddhist beads in her hand, as if to comfort her son, or to comfort herself, and said in a deep voice: "The second girl is a child with conscience. If Prince Kang can save her, she will also let Prince Kang save us."

Upon hearing this, hope rekindled in the dark and gloomy eyes of Gu Jian, Wang and others.

She kept telling herself: That's right, Gu Yunyan will definitely ask Prince Kang to save them, they are her family. If the whole family of Princess Kang is convicted, where will her face be, and where will Prince Kang's face be!

This was the last straw that broke the camel's back.

The lights faded away, and the prison became dark again. There was silence except for the faint sound of sobbing.

Gu Yunyan followed Chu You in silence all the way out of the imperial prison and the Northern Pacification Office. Even until she got on the carriage of the palace, she still felt a little unreal.

The carriage moved forward slowly, the sound of its wheels echoing all around. There were only Chu You and Gu Yun'er in the carriage.

Chu You held Gu Yunyan tightly in his arms and let her head rest on his chest.

The two of them were like lonely travelers who had been walking for a long time and finally met each other when they were exhausted, warming each other and snuggling up to each other.

After the carriage turned the corner, the carriage shook slightly.

"Your Highness, will the Emperor let me go?" Gu Yunzhen raised her head from his arms, her eyes slightly red, her voice trembling slightly, and one hand subconsciously grasped his collar.

Even if she didn't ask, she knew in her heart that Prince Kang must have paid a huge price to get her out of the imperial prison.

She was touched, but at the same time felt sorry for what he had done for her.

Chu You lowered his head slightly and kissed her gently on the top of her head. His hot breath blew on her ears, and his iron arms held her in his arms even more tightly. Her empty heart felt warm and full again.

"Aun'er, you don't have to worry about anything. Our wedding will be in three days."

"You will be Princess Kang."

"No one will laugh at you."

His last words were very soft, almost a whisper, almost an oath.

Gu Yun'er was completely confused and didn't understand what Chu You meant.

Chu You did not send her back to Gu's house in Luwei Hutong, but sent her to the door of a small house in Tongluo Hutong in the west of the city.

There is neither a plaque nor a lantern hanging on this house, and no one knows which family it belongs to.

The carriage stopped quietly at the gate of the house for nearly a cup of tea before the door at the rear of the carriage was pushed open from the inside.

Gu Yunyan was wearing a brand new bright red cloak. She was helped down from the carriage by Chu You himself. She looked dazed and almost sprained her ankle when she landed.

Fortunately, Chu You supported her in time.

Gu Yun'er's face was three shades paler than when she came out of the imperial prison. It seemed as if countless bees were buzzing in her head, making it impossible for her to think rationally. The only words that Chu You had just said to her kept echoing in her mind over and over again.

"Second girl!"

Behind the open door, a middle-aged man in a gray robe rushed towards her with joy and excitement, his spirits high and his steps vigorous.

Behind the man was a whole family, including a white-haired old woman, a young woman in her twenties in blue clothes, and a boy of eight or nine years old with two streams of pus running from his nose. They all shouted "granddaughter", "second sister", and "second elder sister" in unison.

They all looked at her with burning eyes, their faces revealing a mixture of flattery, greed, fawning, envy, humility and other emotions, as if they were looking at a golden Buddha.

Gu Yunmeng was stunned as if he was struck by lightning.

"Your Highness!" Father Li took two steps towards Chu You and saluted him respectfully and attentively, his eyes surprisingly bright.

His daughter is so capable, he will soon have a son-in-law who will be a prince! The Li family will soon be prosperous.

The other members of the Li family were simply intimidated by Chu You's imposing aura and did not dare to look him in the eye. They just bowed and saluted.

Chu You said coldly, "No need to be polite," and didn't bother to say a word to them.

"Second sister," the boy Li Hao sniffed his nose, grabbed Gu Yunyan's sleeve with his greasy and dirty hands, and asked as a matter of course, "Did you bring any delicious snacks or candied fruits?"

"Second girl, Daddy finally sees you... You've grown so big."

"Granddaughter, why did you come to see grandma just now?"

“…”

Their voices buzzed into her ears, and the smiles on their faces were exaggerated and flattering, surrounding her in a circle.

Yellow teeth were visible between Mr. Li's lips, and an indescribable smell emanated from his body; Li Hao's snot was almost dripping onto his lips; Aunt Li's palms were rough and cracked like old tree bark, with black patches between her nails, and the right hand that was stretched out to her had two thick gray nails.

"..." Gu Yun'er was completely unable to look at them directly. It was as if her throat was being strangled. She couldn't utter a word. She was so scared that she took several steps back.

She grew up in the Marquis' Mansion. No matter when Gu Ce was alive or later when she was raised in Cihetang, she was always pampered and treated with great respect. She had never seen such a humble family.

She couldn't help but bite the tip of her tongue. It hurt, and the pain told her that all this was real.

These were her blood relatives.

From then on, she was no longer Gu Yunmeng, but Li Yunmeng.

In the past, she felt that her name and surname were not important. She was herself, unique, and her name was just an external thing...

She never felt that she owed Gu Yanfei anything. It was Su Niang who swapped the two babies, and it was not her wish.

But just now when Chu You told her in the carriage that she would return to the surname Li and would marry out of the Li family, she felt as if the sky was falling and the earth was splitting, as if she was instantly drawn into an abyss of misfortune, and as if huge waves were surging in her body.

From today on, she is Li Yunyan!

It was not until this moment that she realized this deeply.

Her heart began beating uncontrollably, her breathing became choked, and even a patch of cold sweat broke out on her back.

She opened her mouth slightly and turned to look at Chu You. Her eyes were full of water and she looked helpless. Her stiff limbs were full of rejection.

She didn't want to stay here, and she didn't want to be with these people.

Chu You felt extremely distressed, and glared coldly at Father Li and the others, and said, "Back off."

The two words were as powerful as thunder, intimidating without even being angry. The imposing aura of a superior was fully revealed in the shouting.

Frightened, Father Li quickly picked up his son, called his mother and eldest daughter, and stepped back far away.

As Li Zhaodi walked, she couldn't help but look back. She saw that Chu You, who had a cold face just now, became infinitely gentle and considerate when facing Li Yunmeng, and asked Li Yunmeng about her well-being.

Is this Prince Kang?! He looks even more noble than the British prince Fang Mingfeng. He is born to be a noble person that people look up to...

Her sister was about to marry the emperor's brother, but what about her? The man she married was just a small merchant who ran a shop. He was vulgar and died early. She became a widow just two years after her marriage, and her in-laws even scolded her for bringing bad luck to her husband.

Li Zhaodi felt sour and bitter in her heart. She stared at Li Yunmeng blankly. Gu Yanfei and the eldest prince came to her mind again. She just glanced at the eldest prince from a distance.

The eldest prince is as handsome as a painting, and Prince Kang is noble and dignified. They both have their own strengths and are both outstanding people.

Jealousy gnawed at her heart like a poisonous insect.

Chu You raised his hand and gently touched Li Yunmeng's temples, his eyes full of tenderness and his voice was even more affectionate, "Mian'er, it will be soon, you only need to stay here for a few days."

Three days later, they got married.

After the wedding, she would be his princess, and no one could take her away from him.

"I know, I've wronged you..." Chu You said as he looked around the narrow courtyard. The ground in the courtyard was paved with stone slabs, and there was a loquat tree planted in the northwest corner. The rude shouting and cursing of the neighbors could be heard next to the courtyard wall...

Chu You frowned deeply, his face as hard as a piece of cold iron.

Because Li Yunyan was going to marry out of the Li family, Chu You originally wanted them to live in the house under the name of Prince Kang's mansion, but Fang Mingfeng firmly disagreed, saying: "Yunyan has been imprisoned in the imperial prison these days and has suffered enough grievances. We can't let her have such a humble wedding."

"Do you want her to marry into the Kangwang Palace from the Kangwang Mansion?! What will others say about Mengmeng? If they say that the Li family is the illegitimate children of the Kangwang Palace, how will Mengmeng deal with it?!"

"No, absolutely not!"

"Since you are Mengmeng's future husband, why can't you stand in her shoes and consider her more!"

Under Fang Mingfeng's insistence, Chu You compromised and allowed Fang Mingfeng to rearrange the current house for the Li family.

The house was neither big nor small, with only two entrances. It was barely clean and tidy, and Fang Mingfeng also arranged for a few servants to serve.

This two-entry house is considered quite good for an ordinary family, but in Chu You's eyes, it is really not up to par with the standard. Even the servants in the palace live better than here.

When Chu You thought about his princess having to live in such a shabby and small house for three days, he felt as if his heart was broken and he felt that it was really unfair to his princess.

He really wanted to take Li Yunyan back to the palace right now.

Li Yun'er's face remained pale, with mixed feelings in her heart. After the initial embarrassment and shock, she began to calm down, carefully sorting out the little emotions in her heart, and her breathing gradually became steady.

She gently released Chu You's wrist and said considerately, "Your Majesty, please go first. I'm fine."

"Mian'er..." Chu You hadn't seen Li Yun'er for several days. His heart was filled with longing for her and he wanted to spend more time with her.

Li Yunyan smiled tiredly and said, "Your Highness, I just came out of the imperial prison, and I also want to wash up and rest for a while."

She looked at Chu You without blinking, her smile as bright as ever.

Only she herself knew how uneasy she felt. Her heart was beating fast and she had to use up all her strength to keep her eyes from looking away.

She didn't want King Kang to stay here and didn't want him to see this despicable family again.

They made her feel as if her fig leaf had been torn off and she couldn't hold her head up.

How could she have such a relative! Li Yunyan felt as if there was a hard object in her chest, making it hard for her to breathe. She really wanted to dig a hole in the ground and crawl into it.

But she couldn't let King Kang notice anything unusual, so she could only smile as if nothing had happened.

Chu You was reluctant to leave, so he caressed her delicate cheek tenderly with his right hand and said softly, "I'll leave first, you have a good rest, and I'll come to see you tomorrow morning."

Chu You patiently gave Li Yunyan some instructions, then reluctantly left and got on the carriage he had come in.

Only after the carriage disappeared at the entrance of the alley did Li Yun'er turn around and return to the house. The Li family was still standing under the loquat tree not far away.

Father Li looked at Li Yun'er eagerly. Aunt Li took out an oil-paper bag from her bosom and gave it to her precious grandson, but Li Hao didn't want it at all and pushed Aunt Li away rudely.

Li Zhaodi hurriedly supported the staggering Aunt Li, but was scolded by Aunt Li instead.

Li Yunmeng couldn't even look at this family.

Li Yunyan suppressed the nausea in her heart, slowly walked up to them, and asked calmly, "Where is my room?"

Her eyes and her expression seemed to be looking at a stranger.

It's the end of the month, please give me a monthly ticket~ 　　 　 (End of this chapter)