Chapter Ninety-Two: The Era of Relying on One's Father

“Ah, I did not expect you to come all this way; I must apologize for my lack of proper reception. Truly, it is my fault.” Gu Qingyang continued his act, showing great respect to the other party. After all, this man was his future father-in-law; he had to put on a good front.

“Heh, no trouble at all. That girl, Lin’er, she slipped out on her own, causing her mother and me quite a worry. Later, I thought perhaps she was looking for you, so I came here today to find you.” Jiang Qihong no longer dared to suggest that his daughter marry Lin Dahuo. Now, he was eager for Gu Qingyang to marry Lin’er immediately—a wealthy and promising son-in-law like him was a treasure; refusing would be foolish.

Lin Dahuo, left standing aside, grew annoyed. He had worked hard to come with Jiang Qihong to find Lin’er, yet Jiang’s demeanor made it seem as if he had forgotten their purpose. Lin Dahuo turned to Lin’er and said, “Lin’er, you are already my fiancée. Come with me quickly and get married.” He had already presented the betrothal gifts to the Jiang family, and their acceptance was an acknowledgment of the engagement, so to him, Lin’er was unquestionably his betrothed.

Lin’er nearly gagged at the thought of being his fiancée. Lin Dahuo already had a harem of concubines at home and still wanted to marry her—truly nauseating. She said angrily, “Lin Dahuo, don’t talk nonsense. When did I ever become your fiancée?”

Gu Qingyang shot Lin Dahuo a cold glare that almost made the latter's legs go weak. His imposing presence was beyond that of this corpulent man obsessed with pleasures. However, believing himself to be in the right, Lin Dahuo braced himself and said, “Lin’er, your father has accepted my betrothal gifts, which means this engagement is recognized. You can’t back out.” Lin’er was the town’s most beautiful maiden; he could not bear to give her up. Even with Gu Qingyang’s wealth, Lin Dahuo was determined to fight for her.

“Father, how can you do this? I told you I don’t want to marry that fat fool. Why did you accept his betrothal gifts?” Lin’er’s eyes reddened with anger. Her father had arranged her marriage without her consent—it was heartbreaking.

Jiang Qihong had indeed accepted the gifts and knew he was in the wrong. Even if Gu Qingyang was good, he had no choice now. After all, he wanted to return to town and could not afford to offend the town lord. He said, “Lin’er, marriage has always been a matter of parents’ decision and matchmakers’ arrangements. When did your consent become necessary?”

Gu Qingyang’s tone was icy. “Lin Dahuo, you and Lin’er have not yet completed the wedding ceremony, right? The betrothal gifts can be returned. If Lin’er is your fiancée, don’t speak carelessly in the future, lest it tarnish her reputation.” He emphasized “my Lin’er” deliberately, wishing he could throw Lin Dahuo out. The lascivious look Lin Dahuo gave Lin’er made Gu Qingyang wish he could gouge out his eyes.

Lin Dahuo shivered at Gu Qingyang’s coldness. Having witnessed Gu Qingyang’s strength in Jiangnan, he dared not challenge him now and instead turned to Jiang Qihong. “Master Jiang, you promised well that day. You can’t go back on your word. Marriage is no trivial matter; once agreed upon, it cannot simply be withdrawn.” Lin Dahuo relied on his father, the town lord, confident Jiang Qihong would not renege.

Gu Qingyang glanced at Jiang Qihong and said firmly, “Master Jiang, Lin’er and I are mutually in love. I hope you will consent. Lin’er is your biological daughter, right? Look at Lin Dahuo—his house is full of concubines. Can you bear to see your daughter walk into a fire?”

Jiang Qihong found himself in a dilemma, unsure how to proceed. In his heart, he accepted Gu Qingyang—handsome, wealthy, and an exceptional martial artist, truly an ideal son-in-law. Lin Dahuo, on the other hand, was a lecherous man with numerous concubines and no ambition—utterly useless. But as the town lord’s son, Jiang dared not offend him.

Zhan Yan had observed everything clearly and understood Jiang Qihong’s wavering, held back only by fear of Lin Dahuo’s father. Since Lin Dahuo’s father was the town lord, Jiang feared retribution and risked being ostracized. Now, the problem to solve was Lin Dahuo. It seemed she had to lend him a hand. Zhan Yan stepped outside and quietly instructed Qingyun, who stood guard at the door. Whatever was said was known only to the two of them. Qingyun nodded repeatedly and then left.

At that moment, Jiang Qihong was still at a loss when Qingyun returned, leading the Prince of Zhen Nan. Qingyun raised her voice upon seeing Zhan Yan: “Miss, the Prince of Zhen Nan has arrived.”

Jiang Qihong and Lin Dahuo were stunned. The Prince of Zhen Nan? What a high-ranking official that must be!

A man in his thirties entered, resplendent in brocade robes and jade belt, handsome and imposing, radiating an aura of nobility—clearly a person of wealth or high status.

Zhan Yan paid no heed to their stunned expressions and walked out to greet the prince personally, affectionately saying, “Father, why are you up so early? It’s rare that the emperor grants you leave these days. Why not sleep a little longer?”

Zhan Tianyi looked at Zhan Yan indulgently. “Yan’er, what hour is it now? It’s still early. I must return to the capital today; there are many affairs to handle.”

Seeing two strangers, he feigned surprise. “Yan’er, do we have guests?”

Zhan Yan smiled. “Yes, Father. This is Lin’er’s father, and that is said to be the son of the town lord from Lin’er’s town.”

Zhan Tianyi approached Jiang Qihong. “You are Lin’er’s father? What a fortunate day for you to come. I was just about to write to you about my son Qingyang. Look at these two children—they are well matched. I look forward to celebrating their wedding soon.”

“You… you are a prince?” Jiang Qihong stammered. He had never seen such a high official in his life.

Zhan Tianyi raised an eyebrow. “Master Jiang, do you doubt my identity? Would you like me to show you my token?”

“No… no need. Qingyang is your son?” Good heavens, he had misjudged. A prince’s son—even a nephew—was formidable, let alone a real son.

“Yan’er is my daughter, Qingyang is her senior brother at the academy. By that reckoning, Qingyang is like my son.” Zhan Tianyi spoke as if Jiang’s question were foolish. Though not his biological son, Qingyang was like family.

Lin Dahuo sat down abruptly, stunned. A prince! And his own father was only a minor town lord—not even worthy of a finger, not to mention a strand of hair, compared to that. How could he compete?

Jiang Qihong glanced at Lin Dahuo awkwardly. “Young Master Lin, I think it’s best to forget about the engagement with Lin’er. When we return, I will return your betrothal gifts.”

Lin Dahuo dared not refuse and nodded blankly. Such a powerful figure was not to be crossed; offending him might cost even his father’s official position.

Seeing Lin Dahuo withdraw, Zhan Tianyi’s eyes gleamed with pride. He thought, “I am not useless after all. Yan’er knew to bring me here.” Then, with a kindly smile, he said to Jiang Qihong, “Dear father-in-law, you have come from afar and have not been properly entertained. I will order preparations for a feast to welcome you.”

“Not at all, not at all,” Jiang Qihong said with trembling respect. A prince hosting a welcome banquet for him was an immense honor. Returning to town and telling others would surely inspire envy. He felt quite elated.

Zhan Tianyi chuckled. “It is only right.”

Jiang Qihong said nervously, “Prince, I did not know Qingyang was your son before. I was truly blind. Since Qingyang likes Lin’er, then this marriage should be settled.”

Gu Qingyang gave Jiang Qihong a disdainful look. “Master Jiang, you are not blind. In fact, I am not the prince’s son.”

Jiang Qihong was momentarily stunned. “Prince, what do you mean?”

Zhan Tianyi smiled. “Dear father-in-law, although Qingyang is not my biological son, he is my daughter’s senior at the academy and regarded as her brother. I treat him as my own.”

Jiang Qihong understood then. Though Qingyang was not the prince’s biological son, having such a connection was impressive. He could not ask for more and said, “I understand, as long as Qingyang treats Lin’er well, I am satisfied.”

“Father-in-law, you need not worry. Qingyang will not disappoint.” Zhan Tianyi assured.

“Yes, yes, Your Highness,” Jiang Qihong stammered.

When Zhongli Yu returned home, he found a strange scene: a man around forty, staring at Zhan Tianyi with admiration, his mouth curved awkwardly, lost in thought; nearby, a young, chubby man sat dumbfounded as if frightened into silence.

“Your Highness, welcome back,” the servants greeted Zhongli Yu quickly.

Lin Dahuo saw yet another prince arrive, younger and more handsome than the first, radiating noble aura. How could anyone doubt his status? What kind of family was this? Two princes at once—surely royal kin. The shock was too much; he hurriedly stood and fled without even saying goodbye.

Zhan Yan almost laughed at Lin Dahuo’s panicked escape. Zhongli Yu noticed his wife struggling not to laugh, his future father-in-law chatting casually with the stranger, while Gu Qingyang and Lin’er happily admired jewelry inside. He thought to himself, “I seem to have missed some good entertainment.”

Zhongli Yu approached Zhan Yan and whispered, “Wife, aren’t you going to tell me what drama just unfolded?”

Zhan Yan smiled. “Nothing much, just that nowadays, it’s all about who has the stronger father.”

“Stronger father? What does that mean?” Zhongli Yu asked, suspecting it was a new phrase from his wife’s previous life.

“It means comparing whose father is more powerful and influential,” Zhan Yan patiently explained.

“Oh? Who was competing just now?” Zhongli Yu asked with interest.

Zhan Yan gladly recounted the earlier events, growing more amused as she spoke. Zhongli Yu gently tapped her nose and said, “You’re quite a mischief.” Only this little woman could devise such a plan that left someone fleeing in disgrace.

“I’m not mischievous! I was just helping my second brother and Lin’er,” she protested. “That man, fat as a pig and greasy-faced, is repulsive to look at. Worse, he has a harem and wastes his days in debauchery. Look at his unsteady steps—he’s obviously indulged too much. How could he be worthy of Lin’er?” Her voice unintentionally rose.

Zhongli Yu rubbed his forehead in frustration. How could his wife speak so casually about ‘indulging too much’? Didn’t she realize others were present?

Sure enough, the other four turned and stared at Zhan Yan as if she were a monster.

This woman was stunningly beautiful and elegant—how could she say such vulgar things? Jiang Qihong thought.

Zhan Tianyi frowned, realizing he hadn’t properly disciplined his daughter over the years, leading to her loose tongue today. He felt deep guilt.

Lin’er blushed deeply; she was still a maiden and naturally embarrassed to hear such words.

Gu Qingyang suppressed his laughter, noting Zhongli Yu’s expression of headache. He was no longer surprised by his sister’s sharp tongue—he had known her long enough.

Seeing the varied reactions, Zhan Yan silently thought, “Such prudish old-fashioned people. ‘Indulging too much’ is a perfectly normal phrase. As if I said something scandalous—how boring.”

Zhongli Yu sighed softly, then rose gracefully. He bent down and lifted Zhan Yan into his arms, whispering, “Yan’er, you usually take a nap at this hour. It’s time for your rest now. Let me carry you.”

“I can walk myself!” Zhan Yan nearly screamed, startled, then quickly wrapped her arms around his neck to avoid falling.

“I know you can walk. I’m just worried you’ll tire with your condition.” Turning to Zhan Tianyi, he said, “Father-in-law, since Yan’er is pregnant, she has developed the habit of napping at this hour. I’ll take her back to rest. You all can continue your chat.”

Zhan Tianyi nodded approvingly, delighted to see his son-in-law care for his daughter.

Zhongli Yu left, using lightness skills to swiftly return to Lixiang Courtyard. He laid Zhan Yan on the bed and instructed the servants not to disturb the princess during her nap before closing the door.

Zhan Yan felt like a piece of meat on a chopping block, waiting to be devoured. “Husband, what are you planning?”

“To try what it means to indulge too much,” he said solemnly.

Zhan Yan’s face darkened; she almost choked on her spit. What kind of man was this to say such things so seriously? Still, she reminded him, “Husband, I’m pregnant now. It’s not suitable to indulge too much.”

Zhongli Yu tilted his head, thought for a moment, and nodded with difficulty. “You’re right, Yan’er. We’ll wait until after the baby is born to try.”

Zhan Yan breathed a sigh of relief, only for Zhongli Yu to add, “For now, we’ll just do it normally—not indulging excessively.” Then he pressed his lips to hers. Zhan Yan let out a timid moan and fell silent. Soon, soft cries and heavy breaths came from inside the canopy.

After their union, Zhan Yan felt deeply troubled and annoyed. She thought bleakly, “I really must watch my words from now on. Today, I didn’t consider the setting, so Zhongli Yu punished me this way.” She blushed deeply. The ancient times were truly cruel—a phrase perfectly normal in modern times became scandalous here. She sighed repeatedly, forgetting that she herself was a native of these ancient days.

“Zhongli Yu, you’re so old-fashioned,” Zhan Yan pouted affectionately while gazing at the man she loved.

“Oh? How am I old-fashioned?” Zhongli Yu asked with interest, waiting for her scolding.

“You’re old-fashioned because I said a perfectly normal word, and you punished me like this!” She pouted cutely. If not for the baby, Zhongli Yu might have playfully teased her again.

“I didn’t punish you, Yan’er. I just wanted to experience what ‘indulging too much’ really feels like,” he smiled.

Zhan Yan was speechless.

Zhongli Yu laughed softly, a sound like ice pearls falling into a basin, melodious and charming. “Yan’er, I really want to try it someday. After the baby is born, we definitely will, okay?”