dognovel Chapter 120 Parents meeting
Chapter 120 Parents meeting
As night fell the previous night, the Gu family mansion was brightly lit, filled with a warm and harmonious atmosphere. Gu Wanfeng earnestly discussed meeting his parents and negotiating the marriage. Upon hearing this, his parents' faces immediately lit up with joy, and they readily agreed without hesitation. Not only that, the two elders also planned ahead, instructing the housekeeper to prepare delicious snacks and a sumptuous feast, ensuring that they would welcome their future daughter-in-law and her family with the warmest and most thoughtful hospitality.
Meanwhile, Gu's mother, overjoyed, took her son shopping, hoping to add a festive atmosphere to the upcoming meeting. They strolled through the bustling market, carefully selecting gifts suitable for Chestnut Girl's grandmother. In the end, Gu's mother chose several finely crafted garments and a few lustrous bracelets for the elderly woman, hoping these gifts would express the Gu family's sincere goodwill towards the marriage.
Meanwhile, on the other side, Chestnut Girl was also busy helping her loving grandmother. The two first went to the bathhouse, enjoying a relaxing hot bath to wash away their fatigue and change into brand-new, bright clothes. Afterwards, they enthusiastically went to the hair salon, asking a skilled stylist to give their hair a neat trim. After this careful makeover, both of them looked clean, refreshed, and radiant, as if they had become several years younger.
Judging from the various efforts made by both families to prepare for this meeting, it is clear that everyone attaches great importance to it and hopes that this beautiful marriage will soon come to fruition.
On this special night, laughter filled the Zhou family home. With the women of the household out busy, Zhou Dong and his brother-in-law, Yang Yuxuan, enjoyed a rare moment of "freedom." Without the women's supervision, the two brothers, like wild horses, excitedly headed towards the bustling night market. The air was filled with enticing aromas, and a dazzling array of delicious foods made their mouths water. Zhou Dong eagerly ordered a bowl of steaming wontons and devoured them; Yang Yuxuan, on the other hand, chose a spicy and flavorful bowl of rice noodles, eating with relish. The two brothers chatted and laughed as they savored the delicious snacks, fully enjoying this carefree and joyful moment.
Then, as night fell and the lights came on, the bustling night market came into view. For boys, nothing is happier than shopping! Zhou Dong excitedly wandered between the stalls, his eyes finally drawn to a beautiful lantern. The lantern had a unique shape and vibrant colors; although it wasn't very practical, its beautiful appearance made it irresistible. So, without hesitation, he bought it.
Meanwhile, Yang Yuxuan wasn't idle either; he'd taken a fancy to a peach wood sword. The sword was carved with mysterious runes, and the hilt was inlaid with gemstones, making it look imposing. Yang Yuxuan brandished the sword a few times, then solemnly told Zhou Dong, "This is a divine weapon that can protect us brothers!"
The two continued their stroll, and before they knew it, they had arrived outside the brothel. Zhou Dong looked at her brother-in-law with a face full of curiosity, blinking her big eyes and asking, "Brother-in-law, have you been here before? What's it like inside?" Yang Yuxuan smiled slightly and replied, "I've been here a few times before, but since I married your sister, I haven't been to a place like this again. Since we have some free time today, I'll take you in to see for yourself!"
Hearing this, Zhou Dong nodded excitedly and kept praising, "Great! Brother-in-law is the best!" After saying that, he ran like a happy little rabbit, closely following behind his brother-in-law, eager to enter the brothel and find out what was going on.
Some were overjoyed, while others were filled with sorrow; such is the way of the world. Like Princess Wan'er, who, when the Imperial Physicians came to examine her a few days ago, was pleasantly surprised to learn she was pregnant. The entire palace was abuzz with excitement, everyone saying the princess was about to welcome her little one, and even Princess Wan'er herself was filled with joy and anticipation.
However, fate seems to love playing tricks on people. Just recently, when Princess Wan'er underwent another examination by the imperial physician, she was told that the previous diagnosis was wrong, and that her supposed pregnancy was nothing but a false alarm; she was not actually pregnant. This sudden turn of events struck Princess Wan'er like a bolt from the blue, plunging her from the heights of happiness to the depths of despair.
Princess Wan'er stared intently at the imperial physician with a worried expression, her voice trembling slightly as she asked, "Why am I experiencing the same symptoms of morning sickness and loss of appetite as other pregnant women? Could these be just my imagination?"
Faced with the princess's anxious questioning, the imperial physician dared not be negligent in the slightest and hurriedly replied respectfully, "Your Highness, your condition is due to excessive anxiety. As long as you can relax, maintain a good attitude, and adjust your daily routine appropriately, I believe your appetite will naturally improve before long."
Upon hearing the imperial physician's words, Princess Wan'er nodded slightly, forcing a smile as she said, "In that case, I'll trouble you, Imperial Physician." After saying this, she gestured to the maid beside her to take out a silver ingot as payment for the consultation and handed it to the imperial physician. She then instructed the steward to escort the imperial physician out of the palace.
Despite learning she wasn't pregnant, Princess Wan'er was even more worried because her husband wasn't by her side. She remembered how the official He Shuiqing had cheated on her during their marriage, ultimately leading to their separation. Because of this, Princess Wan'er feared her husband would follow the same path. So, anxious and distraught, she rushed to the palace without much thought, intending to bid farewell to the Empress and then leave to find her husband.
Night had fallen, and all was quiet, the entire palace enveloped in tranquility. However, at that moment, a soft footstep broke the silence. Princess Wan'er tiptoed into the Empress Dowager's chambers.
Upon arriving at the palace where the Empress Dowager resided, Princess Wan'er straightened her clothes, took a deep breath, and then gracefully entered the palace. Seeing the Empress Dowager seated on the phoenix throne, Princess Wan'er quickly bowed and performed a perfect curtsy, softly saying, "Greetings, Empress Dowager! May Your Majesty enjoy boundless blessings and peace!"
"What are you doing here so late?" The Empress Dowager frowned slightly and asked with a hint of reproach.
Princess Wan'er lowered her head and slowly walked to the Empress, saying softly, "Wan'er has two important matters to report to you." Her voice sounded somewhat dejected, and there was not a trace of a smile on her face.
Seeing this, the Empress Dowager put away her reproachful expression and smiled at Princess Wan'er, saying, "Speak, child, I'm listening attentively."
Princess Wan'er raised her head, her eyes flickering uncertainly. After hesitating for a moment, she slowly said, "Today, the imperial physician came to examine me and found out... that the pregnancy symptoms I had before were all false."
Upon hearing this news, the Empress Dowager's eyes widened in shock. The teacup she had just picked up slipped from her grasp, spilling the tea inside. Her face filled with astonishment, she asked incredulously, "How could this be? Does the Prince Consort know about this?"
Princess Wan'er gently shook her head, a hint of confusion and helplessness in her eyes. After a moment of silence, she finally mustered the courage to speak her true feelings: "Mother, I want to find my husband, reunite with him, and help him manage the household affairs. Although this pregnancy was just a misunderstanding, I feel it's also an opportunity to deepen our relationship." Having said this, Princess Wan'er looked at the Empress with anticipation, hoping to gain her support and approval.
"What are you going there for? How can the food, clothing and daily necessities in that small town compare to our prosperous capital? Why don't you just stay at home peacefully?" The Empress Dowager sat on the soft couch, gently waving an exquisite round fan in her hand, and replied unhurriedly.
"But...but Mother, I am truly worried about my husband. As the days go by, I fear that if this continues, he may change his mind." Princess Wan'er clutched the handkerchief tightly in her hand, her eyes slightly red, and her voice trembled as she expressed her deepest concerns.
Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager's expression instantly turned serious: "Princess Wan'er, your worries are completely unnecessary. You must know that with your noble status, that consort is incredibly fortunate to have married you; he is the one who is marrying above his station. If he truly dares to betray you and have affairs, I will have your father immediately remove him from his post without hesitation!"
Just then, Princess Wan'er suddenly knelt down before the Empress Dowager with a thud, tears streaming down her face. She prostrated herself on the ground, pleading sobbing, "Please! Your Majesty! Please allow me to reunite with my husband! I'm all alone in this vast princess's residence, spending my days either in a daze or doing nothing. I'm so bored! Please have mercy and allow me to go to town!"
The Empress Dowager looked at Princess Wan'er, who was crying her eyes out, and frowned slightly. She said with a hint of reproach, "Alright, alright, stop crying! You are a married woman now, how can you still act like a child and cry at the drop of a hat? Where is the dignified demeanor that a princess should have? Fine, fine, since you are so unwilling to stay in the capital to enjoy wealth and honor, and only want to go to that town to accompany your husband, then go! But remember to come back to the palace to visit your father and me often."
"Thank you, Your Majesty! Long live Your Majesty!" Princess Wan'er bowed to the Empress with a joyful expression, then obediently and slowly retreated from the palace.
After much persistent pleading and cajoling, Princess Wan'er finally got her wish and could move out of the princess's residence to live with her husband in town. Knowing how hard-won this was and fearing any unforeseen circumstances, she immediately began packing upon returning to her residence. She quickly opened the wardrobe, neatly folding and placing her magnificent clothes into trunks; she also carefully packed the jewelry from the dressing table drawer into brocade boxes. Her personal maidservant bustled about, helping her mistress organize her belongings. In no time, the two had prepared everything they needed to take.
Night fell, and the moonlight was as clear as water. Princess Wan'er, without hesitation, boarded the carriage with her personal maid and urged the driver to speed up the horse and travel to the town that very night. The wheels rolled, raising a trail of dust.
Meanwhile, in this very place, the prince consort was leisurely drinking and chatting happily with a group of yamen runners inside the government office. The table was laden with sumptuous food and wine, the aroma filling the air. Not only that, but a group of graceful and beautiful young women were also singing and dancing lightly beside them, adding to the joyful atmosphere of the gathering.
Just as the prince consort was immersed in the lively and joyous scene, he suddenly felt a sharp gaze shooting straight at him. He subconsciously turned his head and his eyes widened instantly—it was Princess Wan'er who had arrived! For a moment, he was stunned and stammered, "Wan... Wan'er, why are you here?!"
Upon hearing the prince consort's exclamation, everyone stopped what they were doing and turned to look at the doorway. When they recognized the person as the esteemed princess, they quickly rose and bowed, greeting her: "Greetings, Your Highness! May Your Highness be blessed!"
Princess Wan'er slightly raised her hand and said softly, "No need for formalities!" Then, her face turned ashen, her eyes sharp as knives as she stared directly at the驸马爷 (the驸马爷), and she questioned him sternly, "Su Muyang, does it mean that just because I'm not by your side, you've become arrogant and don't know your own worth?"
"I... I really didn't mean anything by it. It was just a meal with colleagues today, darling, please don't overthink it," Su Muyang hurriedly explained, looking flustered. As he spoke, he frantically waved his hands, signaling the dancers who were gracefully performing to quickly leave.