I've Got This Cannon Fodder Trope Covered!

Chapter 49

He could save the family of cannon fodder destined for tragedy in the original story, ensuring that her two cousins would not be implicated by their uncle and avoid the same fate as Xinrou.

At that moment, Wei Hanzhang felt that this man was truly omnipotent.

The surrounding Imperial Guards, along with officials from the Dali Temple like Chen Zishu, kept their distance, having not heard their conversation, but seeing His Highness speaking so softly with an unknown young lady left them in shock.

Who didn't know that their Highness was cool and reserved, showing no interest in even the most beautiful of women standing before him?

Whose daughter was this!

Even if Wei Hanzhang's face was covered by a veil, they wouldn't dare raise their eyes out of respect to satisfy their curiosity.

It remained quiet all the way to the carriage, and only once they were inside did Wei Hanzhang confirm with him, "My uncle's two daughters, and my aunt, truly don't need to enter Jiaofangsi?"

"No," Xiao Junzhan sat opposite her, reluctantly letting go of her hand as he spoke gently, "The family members of officials entering Jiaofangsi are merely for the sake of warning, to alert other officials to remain vigilant and understand how to be clean and good officials for the people."

"This practice has been around since the previous dynasty and continues to exist in this dynasty. It's not a method thought up by the Crown Prince."

Worried that this girl might view him as a vengeful tyrant who wouldn't spare even women and children, Xiao Junzhan explained in detail, adding, "Jiang Zixiu's crimes haven't reached the level of execution. I promise you, his family will not enter Jiaofangsi."

His promise truly brought comfort, especially after witnessing his care for her grandparents today. Wei Hanzhang's trust in him reached new heights.

Overwhelmed with emotions, she couldn't bear to meet his gentle gaze, constantly turning her head to avoid him, her hands clenched tightly into fists hidden in her sleeves.

She repeatedly told herself that he was a widower, a notorious rake known for his charm and lack of feelings, just enough to stabilize her emotions.

Yet deep inside, Wei Hanzhang couldn't help but think, what if...

What if he wasn't a scoundrel who flirted with her just half a year after his wife's death? What if he didn't have those flirtatious women in his courtyard...

Then she might have fallen for him.

The story of a hero saving a damsel in distress has been passed down through the ages, continuing to thrive even in the culturally prosperous era of her past life. There must be a reason for this.

Whether it's due to the admiration of strength or something else, at least in Wei Hanzhang's view, when she felt helpless and couldn't find another way to save the Jiang family, it was this Young Master Xiao who steadfastly helped her.

It seemed that as long as he was there, all problems could be effortlessly resolved. The sense of security he provided gradually increased within Wei Hanzhang without her even realizing it, chipping away at her defenses bit by bit.

After all, people are not made of stone; who can remain indifferent forever?

Moreover, this man had truly been gifted with a handsome appearance. Calm, self-possessed, and gentlemanly, he maintained a cool, aloof distance from others, appearing unattainably high, yet toward her alone, he showed warmth and indulgence, with an impeccable temperament...

Wei Hanzhang pressed her lips tightly together, saying nothing as she fought to resist the fluttering in her heart.

This was ancient times, where a woman could not afford to make even the slightest misstep, and matters of marriage could not be treated lightly. She couldn't let herself fall in love simply because she was moved.

If Gu Yunran, who had secretly taken two concubines, was already not a good match, then this prince, with a courtyard full of beautiful concubines, was even more unsuitable.

_____

Gu Residence, Main Courtyard.

When Gu Xulin returned home last night, it was already late. Early this morning, he rose again to go to the palace and submit his report, only stepping back into his home by afternoon.

As soon as he reached the front courtyard, a maid stationed at the door by Madam Gu called him to the main courtyard.

Looking at the pale-gold marriage proposal card on the table and listening to his wife's careful explanation, Gu Xulin felt as though he were hearing a strange language.

"My madam, you're saying..." Gu Xulin frowned, skeptical. "The daughter of Princess Changle has taken a fancy to our Yunran and wants to marry into our family?"

"That's right!" Madam Gu's face was bright with joy. She picked up the marriage card from the table, saying, "This was delivered last night from Duke Qi's residence—they're clearly very eager about the matter..."

Gu Xulin raised his hand, stopping her repeated chatter. "Who delivered it? And what was said? Repeat every word to me."

He looked so serious that Madam Gu was momentarily taken aback. She quickly gathered herself and, after a moment of thought, said, "The person introduced himself as the head steward of Duke Qi's residence. It was already late at night. He handed over the marriage card, saying that Princess Changle intends to marry her daughter to our family and expects our family to propose within three days."

"Three days?" Gu Xulin was taken aback. Even for a princess, marriage arrangements were rarely this hasty—was there something unspeakable behind the rush?

Trying to stop his wandering thoughts, Gu Xulin frowned and asked, "Has anything significant happened recently in the Qi family? And has Yunran done anything... improper?"

Madam Gu chuckled at the implication. "Don't you know your son? His heart is entirely devoted to that girl from the Wei family. He even sent away the two maids I chose for him, refusing to touch them. He wouldn't have had any contact with other girls."

"But..." Madam Gu paused. "Something did happen with the Qi family yesterday."

She recounted how Princess Chengyi was publicly slapped and stripped of her title. "But the Crown Prince, her uncle, surely won't stay angry at his niece for long. Even if he stripped her of her title temporarily, it's likely only a matter of time..."

Gu Xulin agreed with this reasoning. The Emperor had few children, with only Princess Changle and the Crown Prince as full siblings, so they were exceptionally close. The Qi family's daughter had an esteemed status. Though he didn't know what had upset the Crown Prince yesterday, in the end, they were still family...

This young woman was a far more prestigious match than the girl from the Wei family, and now she had feelings for his son. For some unknown reason, Duke Qi's household was urgently pushing for this marriage.

But his family already had a verbal agreement with the Zhongyong Marquis household for an engagement. Both families had been clear about their intentions, awaiting the formal proposal—how could he turn around and accept a higher offer and betray their word?

Gu Xulin felt troubled. His family had just arrived in the capital, and their first marriage arrangement was bound to be the subject of scrutiny. Should they openly dismiss the engagement with the Wei family, they would face disdain.

On the other hand, refusing the request from Princess Changle and Duke Qi would mean offending both the princess and the royal duke's family, which would only obstruct his and his son's futures.

Compared to the power of Duke Qi and Princess Changle, the Zhongyong Marquis household held far less weight. If he severed ties with the Wei family, it might slightly tarnish his family's reputation, but as Princess Changle's son-in-law, his son would have the support of his wife's family, his career all but assured—a smooth path to success.