Chapter 369 Uninvited Guest
"I don't know what Miss Gu usually likes, so Ruoyun has chosen two things that she likes herself. Please don't find them offensive, Miss Gu."
Sun Ruoyun's voice was melodious and pleasant, and as soon as she spoke, the whole room fell silent.
"Miss Sun, you're too kind. Miss Sun made a special trip for me, how could Shuyan find it distasteful?"
Gu Shuyan smiled as she spoke, but she didn't really care what gift Sun Ruoyun had given her.
Gu Shuyan had other intentions in inviting these two people. As long as she could achieve her goal, that was enough. She didn't really care about those so-called gifts.
With Sun Ruoyun's arrival, Luo Yuying felt it was inappropriate to dwell on the previous topic, so the three of them tacitly avoided all sensitive topics and chatted casually.
As time went by, the guests invited by the Marquis's mansion gradually filled the living room, and Ji Shi also returned from the main courtyard to the living room to help greet the guests.
"The Third Prince has arrived!"
Just as everyone was having a great time chatting, a sudden voice interrupted their laughter.
Everyone looked towards the gate and saw Lu Youming, dressed in a purple brocade robe, being led slowly into the courtyard by a servant of the Marquis's residence.
Originally, the Marquis of Yi'an's residence had not invited many people today, and most of them were unmarried young ladies. Even the occasional male guest was accompanied by his younger sister or mother. The appearance of the Third Prince made everyone curious.
"It seems Miss Gu and the Third Prince are quite familiar with each other!"
Luo Yuying had already suspected that her brother was murdered by Lu Youming and Gu Shuyan. Now that she saw Lu Youming appear at Gu Shuyan's birthday banquet, her suspicions became even more certain.
The questioning gaze fell on Gu Shuyan's face, and Sun Ruoyun couldn't help but take another look at Gu Shuyan, carefully observing the changes in Gu Shuyan's expression.
But in the end, she disappointed them. Meeting their gazes, Gu Shuyan simply smiled and said, "Miss Luo is really persistent."
Gu Shuyan did not directly answer Luo Yuying's question, but her persistent words only made people more curious.
Sun Ruoyun's gaze swept over the two of them, and while she smiled knowingly, she couldn't help but look at Lu Youming not far away.
In her memory, Lu Youming was never one to join in the fun, and over the years, she had never seen him deliver a birthday gift to any official's daughter on his own. She was afraid that his visit today was a ploy to achieve his goal.
With a slight upward curve of her lips, Sun Ruoyun maintained her faint smile, as if Lu Youming's appearance had no effect on her whatsoever.
What Sun Ruoyun didn't know was that while she was sizing up others, Gu Shuyan was also subtly sizing her up.
"Greetings, Your Highness!"
Ji Shi clearly did not expect Lu Youming to appear at the Marquis's residence. Upon seeing him enter, she immediately led everyone in the living room to greet him.
"Madam, there's no need for such formalities. I heard it's Miss Gu's birthday today. I hope you won't mind that I've come uninvited?"
Lu Youming was as easy to talk to as ever, especially with his warm and friendly demeanor, which made many of the young ladies present blush.
Gu Shuyan looked at his pretentious manner and inwardly scorned him. He knew perfectly well no one would dare blame him, yet he still said those things on purpose—he really had no conscience.
"Your Highness's kindness is deeply appreciated."
Upon hearing this, Madam Ji bowed again before hurriedly gesturing for Gu Shuyan to step forward and express her gratitude to Lu Youming.
"Thank you, Your Highness."
Gu Shuyan inwardly grumbled, but her face remained impassive. In particular, her unfathomable eyes revealed nothing of her thoughts when she looked at Lu Youming.
Lu Youming saw Gu Shuyan as soon as he entered the door. Her appearance today was unlike anything he had ever seen before. He originally thought that marrying Gu Shuyan was just an appetizer, but only today did Lu Youming realize that Gu Shuyan was also incredibly beautiful.
Lu Youming's mood improved even more after seeing Gu Shuyan's stunning beauty, and his eyes were filled with even more affection.
Little did she know, Gu Shuyan almost vomited on the spot when he looked at her like that. However, she had prepared a big gift for him today, hoping that Lu Youming wouldn't be too embarrassed.
"I was unaware of Your Highness's presence. Please forgive me."
Gu Jin had arrived from the study at some point. Upon seeing Lu Youming, Gu Jin hurriedly went up to him and led him towards the male guests.
"Your Excellency is too kind. It is I who have come uninvited and disturbed your esteemed residence."
As Lu Youming passed by Gu Shuyan, he unconsciously lingered his gaze on her for a while longer before leaving with Gu Jin.
On the male guests' side, the maid had already prepared tea. After serving Lu Youming a cup, Gu Jin asked, seemingly casually, "I wonder what made Your Highness decide to come to my residence today?"
Gu Jin didn't hear the conversation between Lu Youming and Ji Shi, but even a fool could guess Lu Youming's purpose for coming today.
Today is Gu Shuyan's birthday. Anyone in the capital would know that the Marquis of Yi'an's mansion had invited acquaintances to celebrate Gu Shuyan's birthday.
Despite seeing so many carriages parked outside, Lu Youming still entered the mansion, even bringing gifts. It was obvious that he had deliberately taken this opportunity to visit.
When Gu Jin asked Lu Youming a question, he picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and then looked at Gu Jin with a serious expression.
"To be honest, Your Highness, I have come here today to ask you for a favor."
Gu Jin, a person trusted by the emperor, was not someone easily fooled. Rather than hiding his intentions, it was better to state his purpose directly.
Seeing that Lu Youming was so direct, Gu Jin didn't know what to say, and simply said, "Your Highness, please speak freely."
Upon seeing this, Lu Youming clapped his hands, and a guard, upon receiving the order, turned around and walked outside. A short while later, the guard returned with a woman dressed in brightly colored clothes, who appeared to be around fifty years old.
Gu Jin knew this woman because Gu Renjie had invited her to the Ouyang residence to propose marriage.
"Your Highness, what is this?"
Gu Jin was somewhat taken aback. He looked at the familiar matchmaker and stood up from the stool.
Seeing Gu Jin's expression, the matchmaker immediately stepped forward with a beaming smile, "Has Your Excellency forgotten me? It was I who arranged the marriage for your second young master!"
Although the Emperor personally decreed Gu Yingjie's marriage, according to custom, the Marquis of Yi'an's residence still sent a matchmaker to propose marriage, to show the Gu family's respect for the woman.
"Of course I remember, of course I remember, but I wonder what brings the matchmaker here today?"
Gu Jin's question was rather funny. What else could a matchmaker come to your door for?
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