The return of the son-in-law

Guo Xiantong was the first to enter the room, bypassing Liu Pianpian who was trying to salute him with a flattering expression, and sat down with a displeased expression.

The smile on Liu Pianpian's face became more and more embarrassing, and she quickly asked the maid at the side to make tea for Guo Xiantong, while she walked to Guo Xiantong's side and asked, "What is the important thing that the master said?"

Guo Xiantong glanced at Liu Pianpian coldly, and said eccentrically, "Who dares to bother my wife, it's just trivial matters, there is no need for my wife to be distracted."

Liu Pianpian's heart skipped a beat, she knew that Guo Xiantong was really angry this time, but if the emperor or concubine Fu knew about Princess Rongfu leaving the palace and going to the Guo Mansion without permission, then concubine Liu would not be able to protect herself, let alone her.Now that Guo Zhan'an and others are still in the house, she really can't tell Guo Xiantong the truth, so she can only swallow the bitter fruit alone, turn around and take the tea cup from the handmaid beside her, and present it to Guo Xiantong with her own hands: "Master, bring Zhan An over here today , but Zhan An wants to get married?"

It’s okay if you don’t talk about it, but Guo Xiantong couldn’t hold back the fire in his stomach when he talked about it: “It’s just what you did!” He glanced at Guo Zhan’an, and said impatiently, “You tell her yourself.”

Seeing Guo Xiantong's appearance, Liu Pianpian stopped making fun of herself, turned to Guo Zhan'an, and asked with a smile, "Has Zhan'an made up his mind?"

Guo Zhan'an nodded and said: "Think it over, thank you Madam for your kindness, but I can't agree to this marriage."

Liu Pianpian's face froze, and she hurriedly asked: "What did you say? The rumors about the two of you have been spread outside the world. Miss Xia's reputation has already been hooked on you. Now that you refuse, don't you want to be forced Is Miss Xia dead?"

After hearing this, Guo Zhan'an almost laughed out loud, and said, "What does Miss Xia's reputation have to do with me? As for the rumors from the outside world, they are just some idle people's leisure time, and they can't be counted."

How could it be so easy for Liu Pianpian to let Guo Zhanan fulfill her wish? She put on the airs of a wife and said, "Zhan'an, this marriage has always been ordered by the parents and the words of the matchmaker. The master and I are considerate of your biological mother's early death, and do not want to wrong you , I will give you some time to think about it. To put it bluntly, as your stepmother, even if I find a business girl for you, you will not be able to resist. Miss Xia is a lady from the official family, with a docile temperament and a gentle personality. The quality is good, I also heard that she has helped Mrs. Xia deal with the big and small household things at home, and she presumably is a good hand of the housekeeper. How can you refuse such a person? "

Guo Zhan'an didn't bother to waste time talking with Liu Pianpian, he just said: "Thank you for your understanding, madam, since you gave me time to think about it, I've thought about it now, please don't worry about my marriage anymore."

Liu Pianpian's face turned cold, and she scolded: "Nonsense! This Miss Xia family is the master and I have taken a fancy to. She is your good match. How can you refuse it? As the saying goes, rumors from the outside world may not be without reason. Fabricate it, otherwise why would you and Miss Xia be the only ones to pass it on, and not anyone else?"

Guo Zhan'an said with a smile: "My wife hasn't been out these two days, right? The wind outside has already turned, and everyone is saying that the Xia family is greedy for my family's glory and wealth, so I invited some people to insist that I saved Miss Xia. As for the truth, Nanny Jia in my yard had already explained to my father that I had never been out of the yard that day, and I had never seen Miss Xia. If my wife still doesn't believe me, I can tell Nanny Jia in my yard and see the yard The two young servants called over and asked a question."

Liu Pianpian said disdainfully: "They are all from your yard. If you want them to say something, they will naturally say something. Zhan An, I really don't understand why you insist on rejecting this marriage. I have worked so hard to find a good match for you. If I miss this store, I won’t go to the next village. You are still young, so I don’t blame you. You can go back first. As for this marriage, don’t worry. I will definitely not wrong you."

Of course Guo Zhan'an would not leave so easily, he asked abruptly: "My wife is so concerned about my marriage, and she only takes a fancy to Miss Xia, is there any reason for that? After all, what is a person's character and temperament? It's not all that can be seen from a plum appreciating feast. As for Miss Xia's every move at home, where did the wife know? The wife has been a housekeeper for so many years, so how should she know that seeing is better than seeing? "

Liu Pianpian's face became more and more ugly: "I don't understand what Zhan An said, do you think I have other selfish intentions, not for your own good?"

Guo Zhan'an neither admitted nor denied it, but said flatly: "My wife knows the truth best in her heart."

Liu Pianpian suddenly laughed out loud, and thumped her thigh while laughing: "It's ridiculous, it's ridiculous. I've been married to the Guo family for so many years, how have I ever wronged you? The biggest yard is assigned to you, pity my An'er You are so big, but you still live in such a small courtyard. Four years ago, you were demoted to be the county magistrate of Tonghua County, and I even appointed my personal servant girl to follow you to Tonghua County, just in case you were alone. I was wronged in terms of food, clothing, housing and transportation. I won’t say much about the rest. It’s just that I have done so much, do you still think I am a vicious stepmother in your heart?”

Liu Pianpian's confession was full of tears, and even Guo Xiantong, who had been keeping a straight face beside him, was moved by it, but Guo Zhan'an looked at Liu Pianpian without any emotion, and said: "Madam is too worried. It's just that I think Miss Xia is inappropriate and I just want to reject this marriage, how can I dislike my wife?"

Liu Pianpian raised her hand to wipe away her tears, which happened to cover the corners of her raised lips, and continued, "Zhan'an, you're still young, and you don't have a bed warmer by your side. I'm afraid you haven't figured it out yet." Speaking of this, Liu Pianpian covered her mouth with her backhand, laughed softly for a while, and continued: "Tell me, what is Miss Xia that dissatisfies you?"

She had a very good plan in her mind, thinking that Guo Zhan'an didn't want this marriage, either because the rumors from the outside world were too much, which made him bored; or because she was worried that Miss Xia would not look good, so she didn't want to; or Disgusting Xia Zhiyuan is just an eighth-rank official, and it doesn't help him in his official career.Over and over again, in the end, they couldn't escape the three items of fame, wife and official career.

Liu Pianpian is very confident, she has already thought of thousands of arguments, only Guo Zhan'an can't think of, there is nothing she can't refute.

Seeing Liu Pianpian's confident face, Guo Zhan'an said, "I'm afraid my wife doesn't know that this Miss Xia is famous far and wide among the junior and eighth rank officials."

Before Liu Pianpian could react to these words, Guo Xiantong on the side was furious: "Where did you hear that?"

Guo Zhanan then told the truth: "I was received by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince a few days ago, and His Highness the Crown Prince told my son at that time. Father, I don't dislike Miss Xia's family background or anything else. I can't accept it."

Liu Pianpian's smile was about to froze, and she forced a smile and said, "Zhan'an, this rumor cannot be taken seriously. The girl is a rich girl, and she usually stays out of the door, so how can you trust the words of outsiders at will? Woolen cloth?"

Guo Zhan'an smiled and said: "Didn't my wife say it earlier, there may be no reason for it. And my wife doesn't want me to reject this marriage, isn't it because of the rumors outside?"

"It's the same thing, how can it be confused?" Liu Pianpian said with a cheeky face, "It is rumored that you are a hero to save the beauty. If you refuse, what will you let the girl do?"

Guo Zhanan bowed and said: "My wife does not want others to be wronged, so she wants to force me to death? It is also a rumor from the outside world. Theirs is not counted. I have to bear the responsibility. What is the reason for this? I, Guo Zhanan His reputation may be worthless in the eyes of his wife, but I cherish it very much. By the way, maybe because Xia Zhiyuan is a relative of his wife who gave birth to Wufu, and I am only the son of Mrs. Guo Fuxian, and I have no blood relationship with my wife. That's why the wife is particularly partial to her relatives."

Hearing that Guo Zhan'an revealed his relationship with Xia Zhiyuan, Liu Pianpian almost screamed.She hurriedly said in a loud voice: "Your words are going too far. Even if you were not born by me, isn't it enough that I have raised you for so many years? If you don't want this marriage, you can say anything. Listen to yourself, what does it mean to be partial to your relatives? You are my son, how can I not favor you?"

Guo Zhanan took advantage of the situation and asked: "Madam, if such rumors spread between Miss Xia and the second brother, would the wife be willing to let the second brother marry Miss Xia for the sake of Miss Xia's reputation?"

Liu Pianpian was secretly happy, that Xia Keqing and Guo Feng'an had never had any contact, so even if she said she was willing now, it was just talking about it, and she couldn't lose a piece of flesh.

"Of course I am willing. The reputation of a girl's family is the most important thing." Liu Pianpian said immediately, "And that Miss Xia has a good temper, good character, and a good family background. But Zhan An, it is rumored that the young master of the Guo family and Miss Xia, there is nothing wrong with the second young master of the Guo family."

"Madam is really fair," Guo Zhanan praised, took out the letter from the prince from his arms, and handed it to Guo Xiantong with both hands, "Father, His Royal Highness the Prince heard about this, so he inquired about the family background of the Xia Mansion for me. It's all in this letter. It's inconvenient for my son to say more, so I ask my father to read it before making a decision."

Guo Xiantong heard that it was the prince's letter, he quickly took it with both hands, opened it, and read it carefully.

Liu Pianpian stood aside, and when she heard that it was the prince's letter, she felt puzzled, wondering why the majestic prince would get involved in this matter.

"Okay, okay!" After reading the letter, Guo Xiantong pointed to Liu Pianpian and said, "What a Mrs. Guo, she really took care of my Guofu! Even if An'er can't get the Guofu, find a lady from a relative's family to come The head of the family, this Guo mansion is still in the hands of your Liu family, right? The Liu mansion is really capable, and relatives who are so far away can find it, I will be willing to bow down, Mrs. Guo!"

Liu Pianpian was at a loss, crying and shouting: "I don't understand what the master said."

Guo Xiantong was being irritated by Liu Pianpian one after another today, and now he couldn't bear it any longer. He got up and gave Liu Pianpian a slap, cursing: "Poison woman! My Guo family is almost defeated by you!"

Liu Pianpian fell to the ground, and many maids around her exclaimed. Qiuju and Qiuxiang wanted to help Liu Pianpian, but Guo Xiantong kicked him in a rage, and they both fell beside Liu Pianpian.

"Then Xia Zhiyuan's daughter is indiscreet herself, and she was famous far and wide before she got married. Is this what you mean by meek nature, good character, and clean family background?" Guo Xiantong pointed at Liu Pianpian and scolded, "I tell you, I want to marry You let Liu Wenhua and their sons marry, such a woman, don't even think about entering my Guo Mansion!"

In fact, Li Shaojun's letter only stated that Xia Zhiyuan's great-great-grandfather and Liu Pianpian's great-great-grandfather were brothers of the same father and mother. After a hundred years, the descendants have lost contact.But Guo Xiantong was cautious and suspicious by nature. After reading this letter, combined with Liu Pianpian's insistence on this marriage, he thought that Liu Pianpian was instructed by Liu Wenhua—or even Liu Yuanheng—to make the Guo family completely change his surname to Liu.

In fact, Liu Pianpian was unlucky, who made her think that her son was going to be a son-in-law a few days ago, and she kept showing off the power of Concubine Liu and the Liu family in front of Guo Xiantong, which made Guo Xiantong feel better?

Guo Xiantong married Di Wanyan before, and the members of Di's family were always kind to him, but Guo Xiantong still felt that he could not hold his head high in front of others.After General Di and others died in battle and the Di family fell, Guo Xiantong completely ignored Di Wanyan and accelerated Di Wanyan's death.

Although Guo Xiantong will follow his influence, he absolutely does not allow people with foreign surnames to intervene in the affairs of the Guo family.Therefore, this time Liu Pianpian completely angered Guo Xiantong.

Guo Zhanan didn't speak at the side, just looked down at the little ground under his feet.After Guo Xiantong had a fit, he found that his eldest son was still standing beside him, looking very docile.

He somewhat felt sorry for this son, so he said: "Don't worry, I absolutely disagree with this marriage. If their Xia family dares to make their minds on our family, I will definitely not spare their family!"

Guo Zhanan bowed and said: "Thank you, father, for your compassion. It's just that I'm really scared. Without the Xia family, what if there are three families in spring, autumn and winter? The Liu family is prosperous and has many relatives. Even if His Royal Highness is willing to help every time It may not be guaranteed to find out every time.”

Guo Xiantong was silent for a moment, and finally said: "My wife will not interfere with your marriage anymore."

After hearing this, Liu Pianpian sat on the ground and looked at Guo Xiantong in disbelief, and wailed, "Master!"

"Shut up!" Guo Xiantong scolded, "Put away all your filthy thoughts and shut your doors to think about your mistakes!"

Guo Zhan'an paid homage again: "Thank you father for your compassion, my son will retire first."

Guo Xiantong waved his hands and said wearily: "Go."

He didn't want to stay here any longer. After Guo Zhan'an left, he turned his head and said to his servant: "Pass the order, my wife is not in good health these days and needs to rest. No one is allowed to disturb my wife. Let all the managers do it." Take care of your own affairs, if there is anything you can’t decide for yourself, come to me.”

The boy took the order and hurried down to deliver the order.

Liu Pianpian looked at Guo Xiantong weakly, and asked hoarsely, "Master, are you trying to force me to death?"

Guo Xiantong looked at Liu Pianpian both regretfully and angrily: "It is you who are pressing every step of the way. I have always turned a blind eye to what you did in this family, but what you did this time It's too much. You have to remember, this is my mansion, Guo Xiantong, and I can only be surnamed Guo forever, and you are Guo Liu."

Liu Pianpian let out a long sigh, wanted to cry but found that she couldn't.It's ridiculous that she has won the initiative in front of Guo Xiantong countless times over the years by pretending to cry, but now she can't shed even a drop of real tears.

In the end, it was Qiuju and Qiuxiang who helped her up from the ground and put her on a chair beside her.

Seeing Liu Pianpian's dull eyes, Qiu Ju and the others were very worried, and cried and said, "Madam, you, you should just say something."

"It's gone, it's gone." Liu Pianpian shook her head dully, repeating these words over and over again.

Qiuxiang pushed the little maid beside her, and scolded: "What are you still doing, why don't you hurry up and fetch a pot of hot water, don't you see that your wife's face is dirty! Call Qiaoer in, and comb your wife's hair!"

Several little maids woke up like a dream, some went to fetch hot water, some took new clothes from the cabinet in Liu Pianpian's bedroom, and some brought over the jewelry box on the dressing table.

Qiao'er came in, saw Liu Pianpian's disheveled appearance, and hurriedly asked, "What's the matter?"

Qiu Ju scolded: "There is no place for you to inquire about this, come quickly and comb your wife's hair."

Qiaoer remained silent, not daring to ask any more questions, nor did she dare to take a second look, she walked behind Liu Pianpian with her head down, swiftly took off the crooked steps on Liu Pianpian's head, and let down her long hair , took the comb and combed Liu Pianpian into a ponytail again.

Qiuxiang took the veil, soaked it in hot water, wrung it dry, and then carefully wiped it for Liu Pianpian.On the other hand, Qiu Ju picked out a set of clothes from the hands of several maidservants, held them herself, and changed them for Liu Pianpian after Qiao'er finished combing her hair.

After all this was done, Qiuju and Qiuxiang stood beside Liu Pianpian respectively, and comforted them: "Ma'am, the master is angry and cannot be counted."

Liu Pianpian cried out suddenly: "How can this be too much to do? I have passed on the word, and from now on I will rest in this yard."

Qiu Xiang hurriedly said: "Madam, think about the Second Young Master, think about Concubine Liu in the palace! Today Princess Rong Fu went out of the palace privately to find her wife, she clearly likes the Second Young Master. When the Second Young Master becomes a concubine , you are the princess's mother-in-law and a serious relative of the royal family, who in the family will dare to show you face?"

"Yes, yes, I still have An'er!" Liu Pianpian grasped Qiu Xiang's arm tightly as if waking up from a dream, and said, "An'er is going to be the son-in-law, the son-in-law!"

When Guo Zhanan returned to his yard, Huo Yu had been waiting for him a long time ago: "Brother is back, how is it?"

Guo Zhan'an put away the letter he had brought back from Liu Pianpian's yard before, and said with a smile: "Of course I refused. Not only that, Liu Pianpian will never want to interfere in my marriage again."

Huo Yu was very happy when he heard that, "That's really great."

"Isn't that right?" Guo Zhanan waved his hand, signaling Fuquan and others to leave.

When Fuquan closed the door, he wrapped his arms around Huo Yu, squeezed Huo Yu's cheek, and said in a deep voice: "You are not a daughter-in-law who can please her, if she interferes with me again marriage, when can I really marry you in?"

Huo Yu was taken aback, and he didn't even have time to be shy, and said, "Brother wants to marry me? No, no, that's not okay. If this gets out and others know, it will hurt my brother's reputation and career. no."

Although he knew Huo Yu's thoughtfulness for a long time, Guo Zhan'an was still happy and distressed when he heard it, and said, "Don't worry, even if it doesn't work now, I will always make you a real wedding in the future."

Huo Yu simply hugged Guo Zhan'an's back with both hands, rested his head on Guo Zhan'an's shoulder, and said, "It's okay, I understand what brother means."

Guo Zhan'an turned his head and kissed Huo Yu's cheek, but didn't say anything after all.

However, before Guo Zhan'an and Huo Yu could catch their breath for two more days, an angel suddenly came to the palace and asked Guo Zhan'an to enter the palace to face the saint.

In front of the palace gate, Guo Zhan'an, Angel and two other attendants got out of the carriage, and the guards on duty searched them before allowing them to enter on foot.

After walking for about a stick of incense, the angel led Guo Zhan'an and the others to stop, and said, "Master Guo, wait here for a while, let me report to the emperor."

When the angel left that day, one of the closest attendants behind Guo Zhanan suddenly spoke, and said in a voice that only the two of them could hear: "Master Guo, His Royal Highness, please don't be nervous. After you go in, you will kill him if you haven't seen Princess Rongfu." yes."

Guo Zhanan's heart trembled, he didn't know when he got involved with Princess Rongfu who had never been masked before.