Chapter 625 Those Who Curry Favor with the Powerful
The atmosphere inside the tent was too strange, and he was afraid that if he stayed any longer, he would be inexplicably affected.
“Young Master, Miss has come for a reason. Please don’t try to send her back.” Yu Fei couldn’t help but step forward and say.
"Yes, Lord Ji, the lady did not come to Suzhou on a whim, and besides, she has a servant to protect her closely!"
Wuyin wasn't usually a talkative person, but this time she couldn't help but speak up.
Seeing this, Yun Yichen finally reacted, saying, "Shushu must be tired from traveling all this way, so go and rest first!"
Yun Yichen's words were like a lifeline to Gu Shuyan, and she immediately nodded and left with her two maids to rest.
After the three left, Ji Wenjin looked at Yun Yichen and said, "You spoil her too much."
Yun Yichen just smiled after hearing this and gestured for Ji Wenjin to sit down again.
The two talked for a long time inside the tent, and no one knew what they said, but the news of Ji Wenjin and Gu Shuyan's argument spread throughout the entire camp.
Because Gu Shuyan's identity is still unclear, various versions of rumors have emerged.
The next morning, after Gu Shuyan had rested, she was summoned to Yun Yichen's tent.
As soon as Gu Shuyan entered, she saw a group of people. Lu Yuanbin and Lu Changqing both knew Gu Shuyan, so when they saw her come in, they knew who the person who had been the subject of the rumors yesterday was.
But the local officials didn't know!
Their gazes were fixed on Gu Shuyan as soon as she appeared.
Seeing this, Gu Shuyan smiled at everyone and then slowly walked over at Yun Yichen's beckoning.
In front of so many people, Yun Yichen took Gu Shuyan's hand without hesitation and introduced her to everyone: "I'm sure you've all heard about what happened yesterday. The reason I called you all here today is to formally introduce my wife to you."
As Yun Yichen spoke, he looked at Gu Shuyan, who immediately bowed to everyone and said, "This humble woman, Yun Gu Shi, greets all of you gentlemen."
As soon as Gu Shuyan finished speaking, all the adults greeted her.
Only one person, He Bi, staggered and almost fell when he heard Yun Yichen mention "Madam".
He still remembered what happened outside the city yesterday. Although he didn't show it so obviously at the time, as a man, he believed that Yun Yichen must have seen through his thoughts.
If He Biyou felt relieved when he learned that Gu Shuyan might be a member of the Ji family, he now only wanted to slap his past self a few times.
Thinking back to Gu Shuyan's mention of searching for relatives in Suzhou, and then saying that her relatives weren't from Suzhou, coupled with Gu Shuyan's luxurious carriage, how come he hadn't thought of that before!
In truth, the reason why He Biyou was so unguarded was largely thanks to Gu Shuyan's non-authentic Beijing accent.
Because she grew up in Yuzhou, even after living in the capital for many years, her accent still unconsciously carried a local flavor.
That's why He Biyou thought without a second thought that Gu Shuyan's family were businessmen who traveled all over the country.
"Lord He!"
They say what you fear most is what will happen. Why be afraid that Yun Yichen will notice him now? But Yun Yichen really did call him.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
He felt his legs trembling slightly.
Even though he had previously tripped up Yun Yichen and even dared to embezzle Yun Yichen's documents, he was still somewhat afraid as he faced Yun Yichen face to face.
"Speaking of which, my wife and Lord He are related by some twist of fate. Lord He's daughter married my wife's second uncle, so by that logic, my wife should call Lord He 'grandfather-in-law'!"
Yun Yichen believed he remembered what happened yesterday: an old man, quite old, trying to trick a young girl.
Unfortunately, this young girl was his wife, how could Yun Yichen tolerate it?
"You flatter me, sir. The young lady of the Marquis's mansion is of noble birth. How could I possibly be worthy of such a title?"
He couldn't possibly let Gu Shuyan call him "grandfather-in-law." What kind of family was the Marquis of Yi'an's mansion? It was the most powerful noble family in the capital. His father and brothers were deeply trusted by the emperor, and even his husband was the top-ranking prime minister.
If he agrees today, he will be branded as a sycophant to the powerful and wealthy before tomorrow.
Of course, He Biyou doesn't not want to curry favor with the powerful and wealthy, but there are so many ways to do so, and making it public knowledge is the least desirable thing.
"Well, if I say you can take responsibility, then you can. The Marquis's mansion is kind and generous, so naturally we will still acknowledge you as a poor relative."
Even when Yun Yichen was mocking people, he didn't forget to praise the Marquis of Yi'an's mansion.
In an instant, everyone understood. Regardless of Madam Yun's age and character, just by looking at Yun Yichen's attitude, it was clear that Madam Yun must be important in the Prime Minister's heart.
He wanted to refute Yun Yichen's words, but he couldn't very well say that the Marquis's family was not like what Yun Yichen said at all, and that they simply didn't recognize their poor relatives!
“You’re right, sir. The Marquis’s family has always been generous and kind, so naturally they would not disown their relatives.”
Under the threat of power, He Biyou could only follow Yun Yichen's words.
Gu Shuyan held Yun Yichen's hand and felt him squeeze her hand. The corners of her lips immediately turned up.
"I was wondering why this grandfather looked so familiar. Turns out he's my great-aunt's husband! My great-aunt took my second aunt to the capital and they stayed at the Marquis's mansion for quite a while! Speaking of which, that's when my second aunt and second uncle met, and that's how they ended up together!"
Gu Shuyan looked as if she had just realized something, and given her youthful appearance, no one would doubt her intentions.
It was no secret among the official families of Suzhou that He Yin had married into a prominent family in the capital. However, no one expected that He Yin would use such means to marry into the Marquis's mansion.
It's one thing to stay at someone else's house for a long time, but to do it with the intention of climbing the social ladder is another.
Suddenly, those officials who had always followed He Biyou's lead began to despise him.
Why feel stifled upon seeing this, yet one can only forcefully suppress a smile on the surface?
"I didn't expect that you and my wife are so familiar with each other. I should have my wife come over to keep you company another day, so that I can show you some hospitality."
Why bother with self-deception and refusing to argue? Just imply that everything was arranged by that old woman in the house.
"Then I'll have to trouble you, sir."
Gu Shuyan directly changed the address to "Grandpa," making He Biyou, who was already quite old, sound even older.
Why must one be so angry that one's beard bristles and eyes widen, yet still have to suppress it?
Seeing that He Biyou had no shame, Yun Yichen looked at everyone and said, "Now that the city defenses are almost finished, let's discuss the city's planning and see how the streets should be designed."
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