Jiang Wan felt a wave of embarrassment when she saw Gu Chenzhou again.
“Well, I’m so sorry. I had no idea things would turn out like this. But thank you. If it weren’t for your loyalty, I wouldn’t have known what to do.”
She had no intention of getting married. Bringing up the engagement earlier was merely to fend off the Cheng family’s proposal.
Who knew the Emperor would decide to join the fray?
She had no idea what the Emperor was thinking, daring to make her the Crown Princess! Wasn’t he afraid that if the Crown Prince somehow angered her one day, she might, in a fit of emotion, crush the Crown Prince to death?
And speaking of the Crown Prince…
Although the Crown Prince was now quite accomplished in both literary and martial arts, having grown up with him, she couldn’t forget the pitiful appearance of the little bean.
In her heart, Little Bean was a friend, a playmate, a younger brother, but never a husband, and certainly not a husband she would have to compete for with a harem of women.
The mere thought of that scene made her clench her fists.
And Gu Chenzhou’s willingness to cooperate with her family to solidify the engagement, which was not to be taken seriously, before the imperial decree arrived, was no small matter.
Angering the Emperor could have unpredictable consequences.
Even the Cheng family, ordinarily, might not dare to help with such a matter.
Therefore, Jiang Wan was truly grateful for Gu Chenzhou’s willingness to help.
Gu Chenzhou said calmly, “It’s nothing. Consider it my thanks for helping me get my revenge.”
He knew in his heart how much he owed Jiang Wan.
When killing Zhao Jingyun, if Jiang Wan hadn’t deliberately given him the opportunity and held back the two great masters with Erlang, he would never have been able to kill Zhao Jingyun.
Jiang Wan felt a little embarrassed, “But you’ve already given the credit to my brother, so we’re even.”
Erlang’s kingship had greatly benefited from Zhao Jingyun’s head.
Gu Chenzhou replied, “In my heart, that credit is nothing compared to the deep-seated hatred for the blood of my Gu family’s more than three hundred souls.”
Jiang Wan couldn’t help but ask, “And now?”
She felt truly uneasy, fearing Gu Chenzhou might say it wasn’t enough.
Gu Chenzhou gave a soft “Mm.”
Jiang Wan was full of questions. So, were they even now?
However, seeing Gu Chenzhou’s reluctance to say more, she didn’t press further, only saying, “We don’t need to actually get married. After the engagement is solidified, we’ll find a way to postpone the wedding date for a while. Once the Crown Prince marries his official consort, we can then cancel the engagement. This way, it won’t tarnish your reputation.”
“Oh, and please secretly take back the betrothal gifts later. I’m worried I won’t be able to keep them safe and might damage them if they’re left with me.”
She wondered where he had gotten so many valuable items to use as betrothal gifts overnight.
Gu Chenzhou said, “Leave them at the Jiang residence for now. We’ll deal with it when the engagement is dissolved.”
Jiang Wan nodded and said, “Oh.”
As they were talking, someone from the front hall suddenly announced that someone from the palace had arrived.
Could it be an imperial decree?
Jiang Wan gritted her teeth and took a breath. Fortunately, they had acted quickly! Gu Chenzhou’s betrothal gifts and the imperial decree from the palace arrived less than half an hour apart.
By a narrow margin, she wouldn’t have had a chance to turn the situation around.
Thinking of this, Jiang Wan couldn’t help but perform a deep bow to Gu Chenzhou, “Brother Gu, thank you!”
Seeing her look of immense relief, a hint of a smile flashed in Gu Chenzhou’s eyes, but his face remained ice-cold, “No need for pleasantries. Let’s go to the front. This matter is likely not that simple.”
This action was tantamount to slapping the Emperor’s face, and the Emperor might find other excuses to target them.
Jiang Wan felt a headache coming on.
When her family was poor, she only wished for them to live a better life. Later, when they became wealthy, she realized that without power, it was still not enough, so she worked hard to ensure her family gained influence.
Now, she realized that even the greatest influence was as fragile as a paper kite in the face of imperial power.
If the Emperor was truly angry and held a grudge, how could she protect her family?
Her family had spared no effort to protect her, even resorting to such a trick against the Emperor. If the Emperor were to blame them, would she be capable of protecting everyone?
The Jiang family, from the masters to the servants, numbered two to three hundred people. It wouldn’t be a problem for her to lead her family to escape, but what about the innocent servants?
And Gu Chenzhou’s family; if the Emperor decided to target her, he naturally wouldn’t let Gu Chenzhou off the hook.
He had avenged himself so desperately and vindicated the Gu family. Was it possible that because of this matter, the Gu family would once again bear some unfounded accusations?
Jiang Wan’s head was spinning.
A voice suddenly came from beside her, “Don’t worry. If things turn out for the worst, you take your family and leave first. I will handle the rest.”
Jiang Wan exclaimed, “Ah? That doesn’t seem right. This matter originally had nothing to do with you, and I’m already sorry for dragging you into it. How can I just leave the trouble to you?”
Gu Chenzhou replied, “We are already known as engaged couples throughout the capital. It’s fine for you to leave first while I cover your retreat. Only by getting them away first will you have a chance to come back and save me.”
Jiang Wan turned her head to look at him, “Gu Chenzhou, do you know my…” secret.
“I know nothing.”
Gu Chenzhou’s expressionless face looked particularly unfeeling.
But Jiang Wan couldn’t help but curve her lips.
Although this fellow had become cold and distant, his heart was still the same as when he was a child.
The two walked side by side to the front hall, where everyone from the Jiang family had already gathered.
A middle-aged palace attendant, holding a whisk, spoke in a high-pitched voice, “His Majesty has decreed that Prince Gu and Princess Jiang be summoned to the palace for questioning.”
Jiang Wan secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Fortunately, it wasn’t a direct decree to confiscate their Jiang family’s property.
Being summoned to the palace meant there was a chance for a turnaround.
So, the two acknowledged the palace attendant and quickly prepared to go to the palace.
Chen Yuezhi and Jiang Pan also wanted to accompany them.
Jiang Wan stopped them, “Father, Mother, His Majesty did not summon you. Please wait at home. Don’t worry, nothing will happen. His Majesty is a wise ruler and will not make things difficult for a junior like me.”
Her parents doted on her so much. She worried that if the Emperor were to make things difficult for her, her parents might not be able to resist talking back to the Emperor.
If that happened, she would truly have to take the entire family and flee.
Chen Yuezhi was filled with worry and turned to Gu Chenzhou, saying, “Chenzhou, Wanwan is young and not always careful in her words and actions. After entering the palace, please bear with His Majesty for her.”
Gu Chenzhou nodded, “Aunt, please rest assured.”
The carriage took the two into the palace.
Outside the imperial study, a young palace attendant gave them a knowing look, signaling them to be extremely careful, as the Emperor was very angry.
This young palace attendant was someone from the Empress’s faction.
Jiang Wan, unusually nervous, stumbled on something as she was being ushered into the imperial study.
Gu Chenzhou, with quick reflexes, steadied her.
Just as Gu Chenzhou was about to let go, Jiang Wan held onto his hand tightly.
Big hand, let me absorb some energy, recharge!