I became the God Brother of the Regent King after Transmigration!-Chapter 207 - 40: Devoted Young Master Gu (Part 2)

Chapter 207: Chapter 40: Devoted Young Master Gu (Part 2)

"It seems you intend to force this marriage upon me," Gu Lan said in a low voice.

"This... the Young Master’s great joy is a matter worthy of celebration. Our house congratulates you, Young Master, and will return to report," Little Xu said with a trembling voice.

The next moment, Gu Lan stepped forward, grabbing Little Xu by the collar, pressing the hilt of a sword against his chest, lowering his voice even further, he asked, "How soon is ’as soon as possible’?"

In the dead of winter, sweat appeared on Little Xu’s forehead. He replied nervously, "Naturally, the sooner the better. My... my servant has heard that the third day of next month is an exceptionally auspicious day."

The third day of next month was only seven days away from today.

Even rushing for a funeral wouldn’t be this urgent.

It seemed that both the Empress Dowager and the Emperor feared that, with the news of Marquis Gu’s future victories spreading through the Capital City, unexpected changes might occur. Thus, they were desperate to have the matter settled immediately.

Gu Lan’s eyes darkened as he stated each word deliberately:

"I hold no official position, possess no talents or beauty, and yet fancy men. Does Lord Lu truly wish to marry the Second Miss to me?"

Her voice, clear and resonant, reached the ears of the onlooking commoners, bringing an abrupt silence to the surroundings.

Little Xu: ....

The commoners widened their eyes, barely believing their ears.

To set aside the self-deprecating words of the Young Master... Gu Lan, did she just openly admit to liking men?

Is this not a mere rumor from the streets? Could it possibly be true?

Little Xu looked at Gu Lan, teary-eyed, not knowing how to answer the question.

He had thought that delivering the imperial decree of marriage to the Dingyuan Marquis Mansion was a rare and fortunate task, hence why he had scrambled for the opportunity to come, not expecting the Young Master to dare defy the decree.

"Alright, I understand," Gu Lan glanced at Little Xu’s expression, shaking her head helplessly, her voice tinged with a choke of unrequited affection, "The Emperor’s edict cannot be defied, I will marry as ordered..."

The young man, dressed in plain white, lowered his brows slightly, clenched his fists, his silhouette forlorn and sorrowful.

This despairing expression, this voice choked with loss, truly moved those who heard it to tears and those who saw it to heartache.

The commoners, seeing Gu Lan in this state, shook their heads and felt pity welling in their hearts.

Alas, what does it matter if he is a noble descendant? In the matter of marriage, he is still subject to manipulation, unable to marry the one he loves, a man.

At that moment, the Old Madam Gu emerged, leaning on her stick.

"Greetings, Old Madam," Little Xu hurriedly paid his respects.

The Old Madam’s eyes glinted with a sharp light as she spoke:

"The Empress Dowager wants Lan to marry whom he will naturally marry, but... the Marquis wrote earlier saying that come spring, he will ask His Majesty to bestow the title of heir of Duke Dingyuan upon Lan. Should a Heir Consort of the Dingyuan Marquis Mansion be matched with a woman of no renown?"

Gu Lan was taken aback; she herself was unaware of being designated as an heir.

Little Xu, hearing the Old Madam’s words, seemed to see a beacon of hope.

As long as the decree is accepted, it doesn’t seem difficult given the Old Madam’s tone, it’s just a matter of securing a title for the future grandchild’s spouse, discontented by the Lu Family’s lack of prominence.

"You’re right. Once I return to the palace, I will report everything faithfully to the Empress Dowager, ensuring the Marquis Mansion’s satisfaction," Little Xu said with a sanguine smile.

"Grandmother, do you truly want me to marry Lu Feifei?" Gu Lan turned her head, incredulously looking at the Old Madam, her eyes brimming with tears, her impeccably handsome face growing even redder.

Old Madam Gu: "Grandson, bestowed marriage by the Empress Dowager is a joyous affair and a great honor for our Mansion. You should be happy."

"But I have someone I love," Gu Lan said, seemingly unwilling to comply.

Old Madam Gu hardened her face, tapping her cane, "Would you have the Dingyuan Marquis Mansion’s lineage end over a mere man?"

"So what if it does, I would rather not be an heir at all."

"Nonsense, you must marry the Second Miss Lu!"

The two began arguing.

After a while, the Old Madam seemed to realize discussing such matters in public would damage the Marquis Mansion’s dignity, so she ordered the doors to be closed.

"Eunuch Xu, hurry back and report. I am old and not as mobile, so I won’t see you off."

Without waiting for Little Xu to offer polite remarks, the Marquis Mansion’s doors slammed shut with a "bang," nearly hitting his nose.

"Impudent!" Little Xu spat quietly, rushing back to the palace to report.

Inside, the recently heartbroken and confrontational Young Master Gu was now having his hair tousled by the Old Madam.

"Grandmother, you’ll make me bald."

"It’s alright, Grandmother knows when to stop."

The Old Madam’s eyes crinkled into slits as she smiled, enjoying herself so much that all Gu Lan could do was silently be a machine void of emotions as her hair was ruffled.

She always indulged the elderly a bit more, yet if it were Madam Zhou messing with her hair, she would... she would run.

The Old Madam then said, "As word spreads of how you just were, all the sentimental young men and women in the Capital City will surely be moved. If Rong Heng learns that you refused the Empress Dowager’s decree for his sake, he’ll be deeply touched by your affection. Coupled with the ensuing rumors, resisting you would be difficult.

My dear grandson, you have indeed used your wits."

Old Madam Gu saw through Gu Lan’s act, yet she didn’t mind her grandson becoming the most affectionate man in all of Capital City.

How dare Rong Heng refuse her dear grandson, whether male or female, she would help her grandson win him over.

Gu Lan: ...

Nibbling at a piece of preserved fruit, her face slightly flushed, she explained, "Grandmother, I was doing this for myself, hoping that the Lu Family would back off, especially Lu Feifei realizing that a forced union bears no sweetness... Also, please stop tousling my hair, it won’t grow tall otherwise."

"Oh right, Grandmother was wrong. My dear grandson must grow tall, even taller than Rong Heng," the Old Madam said, suddenly realizing something and swiftly releasing him.

Then she looked at Gu Lan with a mischievous glint, asking, "My dear, whisper to Grandmother, between you and Rong Heng, who is more dominant?"

Gu Lan: ...

Why did the Old Madam accept her grandson’s being gay so readily?

Does this even make sense?

She gritted her teeth, forcing out, "Of course, I am more dominant."