Chapter 660, The second Zhang Xiaoying
At this moment, Gu Yangdao's face was strange, and no longer twisted with the previous disdainful and cold expression. Instead he sat there lifeless, looking inexplicably awkward.
After a pause, his mouth was slightly opened again, but as though he was frozen again, he restrained the words that had sprung to his lips.
On the other side, when Madam Gu saw that the situation was not too good, she felt a tightness at her chest. At this time she must not let these people know they were here to withdraw from the marriage, and must quickly remedy the situation.
She had no time to care about the Luo family's thoughts at that time, hurriedly and shamelessly she added, “Haha, yes, yes, yes, husband has always boasted that his son-in-law is young and talented and has a promising future ahead of him. Also, he is especially loyal and righteous. He treats his fiancèe Zhenzhen really well, that is called a deep affection. Today, our family came here to discuss a wedding date with the Luo family, so our Zhenzhen can hurry and marry and take care of her parents-in-law, and be a good wife, haha...”
Madam Gu was beaming with joy, a wide smile across her face, as though everything that had come out of her mouth had really happened.
The acrimony and aggression that she had towards Luo Yi's parents ten minutes before had disappeared, and was replaced with an expression of great appreciation for Luo Yi, as if she had been really satisfied with her son-in-law all along.
During the gap in her speech, her phoenix eyes were flickering and furtively blinking at father Luo and mother Luo, hoping that the other side could understand her meaning and not expose her in front of everyone.
“Yes... discuss the marriage... marriage...” Gu Yangdao still looked a bit embarrassed, but his wife's way of defusing the awkward situation was exactly what he wanted. The Luo family also was unable to refute, perhaps there really was room to turn the situation around?
With this thought, a glimmer of hope surfaced in Gu Yangdao's heart. He took a glimpse at his beautiful, gifted, and intelligent daughter, perhaps Luo Yi still had strong admiration for Zhenzhen and that his withdrawal from the marriage arrangement was only said to vent his anger.
“Oh, I see...” Zheng Wenxuan, the housekeeper of the Right Minister’s residence, hesitated slightly, but then nodded.
On the other side, the Chief Steward of the Golden Apex Prince, Li Fu, had a ruminative expression across his face.
These were the shrewd and powerful characters in charge of all the matters of the the Snow capital's influential authorities’ residence, and they all had extraordinary status in the capital and possessed extraordinary minds.
They instantly captured the expression on Gu Yangdao's face, but no matter what was the reason for that look, these housekeepers and important people would not open their mouth to get to the heart of the matter. After all, their main purpose of coming today was to congratulate Luo Yi on behalf of their Masters.
Only the core people of the events today had a strange look in their eyes. The young Luo Yi wore an indifferent expression, and there was a hint of imperceptible coldness in his eyes towards the Gu family.
“Madam Gu must have forgotten, just moments ago did you not say you came to break off the marriage arrangement?” Luo Yi gently brushed his silver wrist guard, as if there was something in the wrist guard that could bring him a steady stream of warmth and confidence.
“Break off the marriage arrangement?!”
The Right Mnister’s housekeeper Zheng Wenxuan's and the Left Minister’s brilliant student Ke Xianju's eyes were wide with shock, almost screaming out loud.
On the other side, Deputy General Zhao Hongjie’s and the Prince's Chief Steward Li Fu's face were also filled with disbelief
These clever and shrewd people, who had always made sure that not a single drop leaked out whenever they dealt with a matter or a person, had also suspected the reason why Gu Yangdao was inadvertently displaying an awkward expression.
But they had never thought that the Gu family would, on the day that Luo Yi was promoted to work in Light City and become the personal attendant of the Lord of the Light Palace, come to find the Luo family to break off the marriage arrangement.
Only Gu Zhenzhen, who had been keeping her head low and not saying a single word, at this time had mixed feelings towards the situation. What she had said was just like poured out water and cannot be taken back. Her words before were so ruthless and humiliating to Luo Yi, yet her parents expect that they could redeem the situation with just a few words…
“Uh... actually it was just a joke...” Madam Gu was a little flustered, waving her hand about, “It was a misunderstanding...”
“Yes, yes, it was a misunderstanding.” Gu Yangdao could no longer maintain the last hint of his haughty expression, smiling apologetically, and then turned to his former son-in-law Luo Yi with an awkward and gentle gaze.
Originally, Luo Yi was selected into the [Blazing Flame Battalion], became a member of the Crown Prince's direct imperial army, and promoted to captain. Among the younger generations of the Snow Empire's imperial army he was already considered to have a little fame, and as Luo Tiezheng's immediate superior, he was the first one to grab at this marriage.
Now, this promising son-in-law was to be transferred to the Light Palace Lord's side, and become the bodyguard of the most famous man of the entire Snow Empire. His fame after the promotion could easily be imagined.
Whether the marriage could continue to go ahead or not was not the matter that Gu Yangdao was most concerned about now. He was most worried that Luo Yi would bear grudges against him, his wife, and his daughter due to their attitude and actions just now. And if that reaches that person's ear, then the official position that he had tried to sit firmly in could be lost overnight.
As thoughts were roaming around his mind, Gu Yangdao's expression became more humble towards his subordinate Luo Tiezheng and Luo Yi.
“What is going on?” Li Fu, the housekeeper of the Prince's residence, sighed slightly.
He really couldn't understand what was going on. Previously, there were rumours that many matchmakers representing the daughters of aristocrats and merchants had come to the door of the Luo residence to propose a marriage arrangement, and finally the flower fell onto the Gu family, which was considered a well-matched pair.
In particular, Luo Yi was transferred to the Light Palace, which was a godsend opportunity that many people hoped for. According to logic, Gu Yangdao should instead be grateful, and even more satisfied with this son-in-law.
“Haha, Lord Gu heard the news from somewhere that I was struck off from the [Blazing Flame Battalion], and also offended Her Highness Crown Prince, so he hurriedly came to break off the arrangement, and severed all relationships...” Luo Yi revealed a faint smile, recounting what had happened in the hall.
Except for mother Luo and father Luo who were shaking their heads and sighing unceasingly, the other people all had understanding dawning on their faces.
At this moment, the expression that everyone looked at Gu Yangdao with became strange.
The Right Minister’s housekeeper cast a glance at the icy-cold expression on Luo Yi's face, then at the embarrassed Gu Yangdao who did not know what to say, and could only smile helplessly.
Previously, they had also heard about Gu Yangdao, the deputy minister of the Imperial Security Department.
Although he did not have any severe military discipline problems, but his style of doing things was indeed different according to one’s status.
In his Imperial Security Department, there were some young generals who had a lot of criticism with Gu Yangdao's actions, and although they had not openly expressed this, rumors still began to spread by word of mouth.
When their withdrawal from the marriage arrangement came out, and from Luo Yi's icy cold attitude, it was obvious that the Gu family had completely offended the Luo family.
In fact, to the housekeepers that were accustomed to the sight of games between the influential authorities, offending the Luo family was nothing.
But if this incident were to reach Luo Yi’s new superior, the Light Palace Lord Ye, who even the imperial family had to treat respectfully, Gu Yangdao had really dug himself a hole.
Deputy General Zhao Hongjie glanced at the stiffened Gu Yangdao, and the pale Gu Zhenzhen and the embarrassed Madam Gu behind him who were too ashamed to lift their heads up. He also slightly shook his head.
He had long heard of Gu Yangdao's military path. The reason he was able to sit in the position he had today was from Deputy Minister Gu currying favor. Today's withdrawal from the marriage was certain to spread like wildfire tomorrow, and the Crown Prince Her Highness was bound to receive the news.
In particular, it was well known that the Crown Prince of the Snow Empire has a close relationship with Palace Lord Ye, Those who offended the Light Palace Lord, also offended Her Highness.
Even if the Crown Prince had always been fair on the military and government matters of the empire, but a scheming military person like Gu Yangdao, who had always flattered those above him and bullied those below him, would most likely have a difficult path in the future.
The Left Minister’s student Ke Xianju exchanged a glance with the Prince's Chief Steward Li Fu with a lamentable expression.
The Gu family and the Luo family’s engagement was originally Gu Yangdao's intentional doing, but in the end his reckless act, his one bad move, had made them unable to climb up the tall branch of the Luo family, and instead angered the Luo family. This time they really ended up worse off than before.
Once the incident of the withdrawal from the marriage spreads, the other high-ranking military officers and important ministers would consider it over and over again, and from then on, it would be incredibly difficult for Gu Yangdao's only daughter Gu Zhenzhen to marry into a prestigious family.
Gu Yangdao had also thought about what the several important people present would think.
His words and actions today and the withdrawal from marriage had offended the Luo family, as well as indirectly offended the Lord of the Light Palace and the Crown Prince Her Highness. His military future, and his daughter's future happiness, could be described as dismal.
“Brother Tiezheng... there may have been a misunderstanding between us before...” Gu Yangdao, seeing that Luo Yi's attitude was so cold and resolute, turned to his subordinate Luo Tiezheng, hoping that he would help speak out for him considering the fact that he was his superior.
Luo Tiezheng glanced at the snobby and arrogant Gu Yangdao who was now humble and embarrassed, slightly hesitated, then gently let out a sigh and was a little swayed, “Yi'er ah, how about...”
“Father, you shouldn't persuade me, I have decided.” Luo Yi looked at his father firmly, slightly shaking his head, motioning his father not to talk him out of it.
Luo Yi's parents looked at each other and eventually kept quiet.
At first, Luo Tiezheng was worried that his son's firm attitude would anger the Gu family, and subsequently affect his future.
But then, after another thought, his son had become the personal attendant of the Palace Lord of the Light Palace. Although his rank was not high, but his status was several times higher than that of Gu Yangdao. In other words, Luo Yi no longer needed to be afraid of the Gu family.
“Luo Yi, you and Zhenzhen suit each other perfectly, if you two were to marry it would be a match made in heaven. Our previous words and actions may have offended you, please don't keep it in mind..." A benign smile spread over Madam Gu's face, tightly pinching the spotless white square handkerchief in her hand.
“Madam Gu, the withdrawal from marriage is an established fact, spilt water cannot be retrieved, what's done is done and can't be reversed, please do not say any more.” Luo Yi looked elsewhere, but his attitude was still as resolute.
Gu Zhenzhen, who had not said a word since the beginning, had been staring down at her cotton dress, her mouth slightly pursed up, but no one had noticed that her hands inside her flowing sleeve were clenched into fists, and her fingers had become white, trembling slightly.
For a moment, the atmosphere was somewhat quiet and awkward.
The important men who had come to congratulate them had also gone quiet at this time.
Luo Tiezheng glanced at the influential people sitting in the hall. Today was Luo Yi's first day of becoming the bodyguard of the Lord of the Light Palace. If he were to be affected by the marriage, it may not necessarily be a good thing for Luo Yi's reputation. After all, he had just transferred to Light City.
“Lord Gu, today's withdrawal from marriage has become an established fact. It could only mean that they are not fated to be together. I hope that in the future, Miss Gu can find a husband who matches up to her. At that time, our Luo family must prepare a generous gift and personally come to your door to congratulate you.” Luo Tiezheng smiled, his words tactful, but his attitude was resolute. It was evident that the matter of the marriage engagement can't be turned around anymore.
“In that case, it is too bad...” The Prince's Chief Steward Li Fu hurriedly carried on the conversation, trying to mediate the situation, “Originally, we planned to go to the Luo residence's wedding feast but Luo Yi, no need to be too sad, I know a lot of aristocrats’ daughters in the capital. In the future, if you have a girl that you like then just let me know, I will personally go to their door to match make for you. Haha...”
“Yes, yes, now you have transferred to the Light Palace. In the future, you most likely won’t need us to match make for you. The doorstep of the Luo residence is going to be trampled by matchmakers again, haha...” The Right Minister's housekeeper Zheng Wenxuan also added, his manner kind and gentle.
“That's right, Luo Yi is still young, he has boundless prospects, especially since he is now working for the Lord of the Light Palace. In the future, you will be dazzled by so many choices!” Left Minister’s brilliant student Ke Xianju gently put down the white porcelain teacup and smiled to Luo Tiezheng and his wife.
Deputy General Zhao Hongjie also nodded in agreement. “I can see the day that we have to personally come to help you two select a remarkably beautiful and intelligent woman for Luo Yi.”
Luo Tiezheng and his wife looked at each other and smiled. It was clear that they were not accustomed to the friendly manner of the influential people of the imperial city.
But based on this matter, the manner and the words of the trusted aides of the important authorities of the imperial court had amply illustrated Luo Yi’s special status, which made them treat him differently.
And at this moment, Gu Yangdao also clearly understood the one-sided situation before him. Even if he was unwilling, he knew that the cancellation of the marriage engagement cannot be reversed anymore.
Gu Zhenzhen hung her head low so that people couldn't see her expression. Her eyes were already red with unwillingness, annoyance, and hidden bitterness.
When Gu Zhenzhen heard her parents try to remedy the situation with a low voice and humble attitude several times, yet Luo Yi was still so heartless, she couldn’t help cursing inwardly.
Don't tell me that Luo Yi, just because he had skyrocketed, looks down on the Gu family?
At this moment, the atmosphere in the hall of the Luo residence had become unusually awkward again.
Gu Yangdao ran his eyes across the other people who were eagerly exchanging conversations, and then looked at his family who were completely ignored. Suddenly he understood that he and his wife and daughter no longer had the face to stay in the Luo residence.
“Brother Tiezheng... and several Lords... it's getting late, we should leave...” Gu Yangdao slowly stood up, there was a hint of regret and embarrassment on his face.
“This... why don't..." Madam Gu hurriedly put down the teacup, attempting to urge her husband to continue fighting for a bit longer.
Gu Yangdao, without a sideways glance, already understood his wife's meaning. He slightly shook his head, and was the first to step out of the hall.
“Sigh...” Madam Gu sighed, and then slightly bowed to everyone as she got up from the chair.
Then she hurriedly dragged Gu Zhenzhen and caught up with Gu Yangdao.
Outside the Luo residence.
The moonlight was cold and the formation lanterns on both sides of the street were burning brightly. The blue and gold stone slate under the candle flames emitted bursts of orange-yellow light.
Seeming to be full of grievances, Gu Zhenzhen finally broke down into tears as though all the emotions that she held back had finally gotten released. Two streams of tears constantly trickled down her cheeks.
“It's all your fault... I blame you all!” Gu Zhenzhen was sobbing bitterly as she grumbled. “If you had not trusted the rumours and took me here to withdraw from the marriage, I won't be so humiliated today... How can I marry others in the future...”
“Exactly, it's all your fault!” Madam Gu also seemed to have been enduring for a long while. Ignited by Gu Zhenzhen's sobbing and complaining, she also began howling to Gu Yangdao, “Where did you hear the rumours, our daughter's happiness is ruined by you!”
Standing on the blue and gold pavement, Gu Yangdao's complexion was extremely gloomy, “You guys are blaming me, if you had not said something so hurtful before, would Luo Yi's attitude be so resolute?”
“Right! It's mother's fault... your words were too ruthless... it angers people... and you have such an overbearing look... Can the Luo family not blame us?” Gu Zhenzhen was like a child who had lost her beloved toy, choking with sobs.
“Be quiet, you're still blaming your mother, why don't you think about your previous attitude to Luo Yi, that is the root of the cause for Luo Yi having no attachment to you!” Gu Yangdao seemed to be furious, his sword-like brows were raised, his chest heaving up and down and his face was bright red.
“Can you not think of something now... to redeem the situation... after all, Luo Yi has risen to the sky, if Zhenzhen were to marry him, in the future..." Madam Gu trembled slightly with a crying voice and her eyes a little red.
“What else can I do!” Gu Yangdao interrupted in a loud voice. How would he not know that her daughter would live happily if she were to marry a young talented man like Luo Yi. But what he needed to consider was not just the thoughts of the two women in front of him.
He greatly suppressed the anger in his heart, his voice weak when he said, “Did you not see the attitude of Luo Yi just now? We have completely offended Luo family, let alone redeem the marriage engagement, I only hope that the Luo family do not hate me for this, and affect my official career...”
“This... what to do...” Madam Gu also suddenly understood. She knitted her brows in a worried frown.
If one were to say that he was previously rather annoyed by the matters of his daughter's marriage, now it concerned Gu Yangdao and his family’s status and prospects in the imperial capital, it was only then that he was truly remorseful for what he had done before.
“Let's go, let's go... we've been standing at the door of the Luo residence clamouring. Do you think I have not been humiliated enough?” Gu Yangdao sighed, tightly clenching the sandalwood beads in his hands, and walked down the street in large strides.
Gu Zhenzhen turned around to take a final glance at the Luo residence sign. At this moment, the unwillingness and regret in her eyes had turned into a steady stream of tears, wetting her lapel, and her footsteps seemed to be hesitant and reluctant to leave.
“Sigh, am I going to be the second Zhang Xiaoying? I... don't want to.” She seemed to have suddenly thought of something, and her crying voice was full of sorrow.
“You mean the daughter of the Zhang family who broke a promise of marriage, abandoned the son of the Li family, Li Changkong, and married one of the [Thirteen Cold-blooded Eagles]? And in the end, because of that war half a year ago, she had become a widow? Girl, don't think too much about it.” Madam Gu dabbed the corners of her eyes with a handkerchief as she approached her daughter.
“Sigh... That year, Zhang Xiaoying suddenly tore up the marriage contract, remarried, and left Li Changkong deeply hurt. The [Thirteen Cold-blooded Eagles] played dirty tricks and his family deteriorated as a result. From a well-known young master of an aristocratic family he became a noble living in poverty, and finally he hid in the Light City to pass his days. In the end, the Light Palace unexpectedly rose again because of the appearance of the new Palace Lord, and Li Changkong's status all of a sudden skyrocketed, becoming one of the mighty figures of the imperial capital that no one dares approach, a hero known to everyone. While that Zhang Xiaoying, who had hurt him deeply back then, is now a laughing stock of the imperial capital..." Gu Zhenzhen gazed into the hazy moon, her eyes filled with sadness and regret.
No matter how good the moonlight was, dawn would eventually come.
And when the new daylight sprinkles over the imperial capital, the news of her withdrawing from the marriage arrangement will spread, spread all over the entire city...
By then... Gu Zhenzhen will have already became the next Zhang Xiaoying.
Madam Gu, looking at the upset face of her daughter, felt her heart aching unceasingly.
This daughter who she had been spoiling since she was born, originally could leap up to become a phoenix and live a prosperous life, but because of one bad move from her and her husband, she had become a laughing stock in the end. With this thought, a flood of tears finally gushed down Madam Gu's cheeks...