si-mexico Chapter 143 Happy to be a father
Chapter 143 Happy to be a father
Before they knew it, the fame of the Gu family's two outstanding sons had spread throughout the capital.
The banquet arranged by the Marquis of Anyang's residence lacked any festive atmosphere; some even said that the Marquis of Anyang was being too low-key.
Even the Emperor praised him highly in court, saying that Gu Junze was a rare talent and truly worthy of being the son of the Eldest Princess.
After the court session, several officials who were on good terms with the Marquis of Anyang immediately surrounded him.
Minister Liu smiled broadly, "Congratulations, Your Excellency! Your son is truly exceptionally talented; like father, like son!"
"Yes, Your Excellency's method of raising your son is truly admirable," the Supervising Historian chimed in.
Marquis Anyang agreed with a forced smile, but his heart felt like it was being burned by a raging fire.
"Thank you all for your kind words. My son was just lucky to pass the exam, it's nothing to brag about."
"Your Excellency is too modest. What family could possibly have two outstanding individuals?"
“Yes…yes!” The other adults echoed in agreement.
"You'd better treat us to a couple of drinks to celebrate!"
Marquis Anyang forced a smile, "Of course, I hope all of you will grace us with your presence."
However, his heart was in turmoil, filled with resentment.
Gu Junze, that bastard son, managed to win first place, and he's even throwing a huge banquet for him...
Back at the Marquis's residence, Marquis Anyang sat alone in his study, toying with a jade pendant in his hand, a complex emotion in his eyes.
He thought of Gu Junze's mother, Princess Anyang, the woman he had both loved and hated.
He was originally just an unfavored illegitimate son in the Earl's mansion, suppressed by his stepmother and disliked by his father. He was only able to turn his life around after he got close to the eldest princess.
But the princess wanted him to be the father of the child in her womb.
The eldest princess shines like the sun and moon, while he is of lowly status. Isn't he just an unwitting father?
But he's been wearing this green hat for so many years...
Gu Chengyan is also a disappointment...
"My lord, the banquet arrangements are all complete." The steward's voice came from outside the door, interrupting the Marquis of Anyang's thoughts.
He put down the jade pendant in his hand, took a deep breath, and said, "I understand, you may leave."
After the steward left, Marquis Anyang stood up, walked to the window, and gazed at the setting sun gradually sinking in the west, secretly making plans in his heart.
He knew that this banquet was unavoidable, and he had to appear proud of Gu Junze in front of everyone.
But he absolutely could not allow a bastard to inherit his title...
Red silk ribbons were hung high in front of the Marquis of Anyang's mansion, and firecrackers were set off, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.
The servants scattered baskets of copper coins outside the door, attracting passersby to scramble for them, with cheers rising and falling.
Aunt Li, dressed in tattered clothes, was thin and covered in filth. She was picking up coins from the crowd with her head down.
His face was full of resentment and bitterness, hating those people for not succeeding.
The men in black who ambushed Chu Ruohan and Gu Junze last time were led by Aunt Li.
Those people came for that little brat...
Aunt Li now hates not only Gu Yun, but also Chu Ruohan. She can adopt other people's children if she wants to, and discard them like worn-out shoes if she doesn't.
If Chu Ruohan hadn't been so ruthless, she wouldn't be in this predicament now.
A thousand men ride on a ten-thousand-person pillow, and they all contract a dirty disease.
Those people won't let Gu Yun go. Chu Ruohan, you just wait, you'll go to hell with that little brat...
The Marquis's mansion was brightly decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers, and guests came in an endless stream.
Many high-ranking officials and prominent families from the capital came to offer their congratulations, and the threshold of the Marquis of Anyang's residence was almost worn down by the crowds.
Aunt Zhao was merely a concubine, so naturally she couldn't be in charge of such an occasion.
Chu Ruohan wore a gorgeous brocade dress with exquisite embroidered patterns on the hem. As she walked, the dress swayed gently, like a blooming peony, beautiful and charming.
Weaving among the women, this was the first time she had faced such an occasion in both her past and present lives.
This kind of scene is a required course for the matriarch of the household.
"Your Highness, you look absolutely radiant today!"
Fortunately, an old man from the Marquis's mansion reminded her, "This is the wife of Lord Zhang from the Censorate."
Chu Ruohan said with a smile, "Mrs. Zhang, you flatter me. Please have a seat here."
After they were seated, the maidservant immediately served tea.
"The young master is exceptionally talented, and even His Majesty praises him highly. With such an outstanding successor, the Marquis of Anyang's mansion is sure to have an even brighter future."
Madam Zhang took a sip of tea, her eyes filled with envy, and her words carried a hint of flattery.
Chu Ruohan bowed slightly, her demeanor dignified, a perfectly timed smile playing on her lips.
"Madam Zhang is too kind. The young master's achievements today are entirely due to his diligence and hard work. It is also a blessing for the family to gain the Emperor's approval."
Chu Ruohan's words were humble and appropriate, neither appearing overly arrogant nor obsequious.
The ladies were all properly settled, and they sat together, laughing and chatting. The atmosphere was very harmonious.
While everyone was talking, Chu Nanxin arrived uninvited, clutching her pregnant belly.
She deliberately wore an orange-red silk dress and bowed slightly, saying, "Greetings, ladies. My husband is Gu Chengyan."
She deliberately emphasized the word "husband," a hint of barely perceptible smugness in her eyes.
The hall fell silent for a moment as everyone looked at each other, their eyes filled with doubt and curiosity.
"So it's the Third Madam. Judging by her belly, you must be pregnant with good news?"
An older Mrs. Zhu broke the silence first, her tone somewhat polite.
Chu Nanxin smiled and gently stroked her belly, her face beaming with happiness. "It's only been a little over a month. I should be resting in the room, but my husband's success in the imperial examination is a joyous occasion, and I couldn't contain my joy, so I decided to come out and join in the fun."
However, a young woman in the crowd said, "Isn't Young Master Gu still unmarried? How come he suddenly has a wife?"
These words were like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, drawing everyone's attention back to Chu Nanxin, their eyes now filled with scrutiny.
Chu Nanxin's smile froze instantly. She stood there, her hands unconsciously clenching the hem of her clothes. She had deliberately wanted people to misunderstand.
What made it even more embarrassing for her was that no one present offered her a seat.
Chu Ruohan watched all of this with a cold eye, a faint smile on her lips.
"Ladies, please don't misunderstand. My husband and I have indeed not yet had a wedding ceremony." Chu Nanxin gave herself a way out.
"So she's just a concubine. How dare she come to a place like this? She has no manners at all," someone in the crowd said.
Chu Nanxin's face turned pale and then red in an instant. A hint of anger and resentment flashed in her eyes, but it was quickly replaced by helplessness.
She gritted her teeth, straightened her back, and said loudly, "Although I am of humble birth, the child in my belly is the eldest grandson of the Marquis of Anyang."
However, the crowd's reaction was not what she had hoped for. Some of the ladies merely glanced at her indifferently before continuing their conversations with their heads down.
Some of the ladies even wore expressions of disdain...