The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

Who is the An Yang Marquis Mansion? It is the natal home of the current Empress, a family of imperial relatives. Currently, the An Yang Marquis is the Empress’s own father, Gongsun Zhiquan. The Gongsun Family is also a distinguished lineage; during the Xia Country era, they began to dwindle, passing down the family line singularly for five generations. After the founding of the Great Qing, Gongsun Quan broke the single inheritance trend and had two sons and a daughter in one go.

The daughter is Empress Gongsun, designated as a daughter-in-law by the late emperor. The eldest son, Gongsun Guang, is the empress’s own brother and has one son and two daughters, while the younger son, Gongsun Yao, has two sons and one daughter.

Although Gongsun Zhiquan is honored as an imperial relative, he maintains a low profile and mostly disciplines the younger family members. Gongsun Guang and his brother hold positions at court, but only idle posts, while the legitimate eldest grandson, Gongsun Chengzhang, is studying at the Imperial College.

In short, even though the An Yang Marquis Mansion is an imperial relative, it is not conspicuous. However, precisely because of this, they are greatly valued by Emperor Chu, often receiving generous rewards. It is not an exaggeration to say that they possess great wealth.

Such a family was recommended by Song Zhiyuan to Duke Dingguo. Gongsun Yao’s legitimate daughter, why mention any other family, but this Gongsun family?

Duke Dingguo paused his steps, eyes flickered.

Song Zhiyuan is not one to make aimless statements. This might be a hint that the Emperor favors it.

Could it be that the Emperor favors the legitimate prince as the Crown Prince?

For a moment, Duke Dingguo’s heart pounded, as if something was stirring within, surging unstoppably.

”You are here, why are you not entering the door yet? Do I have to invite you?”

Madam Guan, supported by Guan Shuyan, appeared at the doorway, smiling and teasing him.

Duke Dingguo set aside the tumultuous thoughts in his mind and smilingly approached them, entering the inner room of the west side to speak.

Guan Shuyan courteously served tea to both parents. After hesitating for a while, she couldn’t hold back her embarrassment and curtsied to the two, saying, ”Father, Mother, I’ll return to my courtyard now.”

”Won’t you listen to your Uncle Song’s purpose?” Madam Guan laughed in amusement.

Guan Shuyan’s face flushed, she stomped her foot and pouted, ”Mother!”

Duke Dingguo sipped a bit of tea and said, ”You are already betrothed, and he is your future father-in-law. Sit down and listen, there’s no harm.”

Guan Shuyan bit her lip, and following his words, sat down next to Madam Guan.

Duke Dingguo looked at his youngest daughter, whose complexion was rosy, his eyes full of affection, and said, ”Song Yunzhi arriving at the door is not a good thing in this father’s view. I think you all know at heart, he wants to bring Huaiyan’s Sixth Daughter back home soon, is that good?”

Guan Shuyan’s face instantly turned as red as a shrimp, she shook Madam Guan’s hand, ”Mother, look at Father, he’s always joking about me.”

Madam Guan patted her hand, smiled, and said, ”Your father is not wrong. For us, those who come to propose are like wanting to pick flowers, but as parents, how could we bear to part with them?”

Before Guan Shuyan could speak, the tone changed, ”But a man should marry, and a woman should wed. As much as we cannot bear it, when the girl reaches the right age, we can only send you off to marry.”

”That’s right, I’ve already agreed with your Uncle Song. If Huaiyan passes the Scholar exam and returns this time, then you two will marry next year.”

Guan Shuyan blurted out with a red face, ”What if he doesn’t pass this time?”

As the words came out, Madam Guan and Duke Dingguo’s gaze both fell on her. Only then did she realize her slip, she was so embarrassed that she cried out and buried her head in Madam Guan’s shoulder.

Such a shame!

Madam Guan laughed out loud, ”A grown girl cannot be kept at home; ours indeed is not staying longer.”

Duke Dingguo also laughed and said, ”If Song Huaiyan saw this, I’m afraid he’d say you’re eager to marry.”

”Father!”

Duke Dingguo knew his daughter’s skin was thin, so he lightly coughed and said, ”Alright, I won’t tease you. The Song Family’s urgency also has a reason.”