I've Got This Cannon Fodder Trope Covered!

Chapter 50

That very moment, a servant entered and knelt, announcing, "Master, madam, Princess Changle and her prince consort are here; they're waiting in the front hall."

Gu Xulin and his wife were both taken aback. After delivering the marriage card last night and urging them to propose within three days, why had they come again already, just one night later?

Princess Changle, though past thirty, looked no older than twenty-seven or twenty-eight due to excellent care. Her features were strikingly elegant, with a noble, dignified air. Unlike her younger brother, the Crown Prince, who had a refined appearance, she had a majestic, mature beauty.

Now, she sat in the seat of honor in the Gu Residence's reception hall, her expression cool and slightly fatigued, the dark circles under her eyes just barely concealed by powder. She scrutinized the Gu couple openly, with no attempt to hide her gaze.

The Gu family was a prominent lineage from Xuzhou, Jiangnan, thriving for over a century, producing refined descendants. Even at over forty, Gu Xulin still struck a fine, elegant figure, exuding a distinguished demeanor.

Madam Gu was also a rare beauty from Jiangnan. Her family background was naturally prominent enough for her to enter the Gu family as a principal wife. Even in the presence of a royal princess, she maintained her composure, her bearing steady and dignified.

Princess Changle, observing this, felt a slight relaxation in her previously tense disposition.

With parents like these, she reasoned, that Gu Yunran who'd bewitched her daughter must be of decent character as well.

As for family status, while the Gu family's lineage might fall short compared to other noble families in the capital, it wasn't an issue. Gu Xulin, in his prime and wielding considerable power, had emerged unscathed from the murky waters of Jiangnan. Furthermore, he had earned the favor of her brother, the Crown Prince, who'd arranged his return to the capital—a feat that proved he was no ordinary man. If things went smoothly, he was bound to be of great use to the court and had a promising future.

Moreover, her brother the Crown Prince had personally mentioned wanting Xiao'er to marry into the Gu family, hinting that there might be something more to it. Though her younger brother had a naturally aloof disposition, he wouldn't normally trouble himself with the younger generation's matters. Although she didn't know why Xiao'er might have upset him, Princess Changle trusted that as her daughter's uncle, he wouldn't cause her harm in such a significant matter as marriage.

With these thoughts, she smiled faintly and said, "I heard that Lord Gu has returned to the capital, so my husband and I came uninvited. Surely, Lord Gu will not hold it against us?"

"Of course not," Gu Xulin, seated below her, stroked his beard and replied with a smile. "As a guest of honor, Princess, I only fear my reception may not meet your expectations."

Noticing his reserved demeanor, Princess Changle smiled to herself but didn't beat around the bush. She spoke directly, "I trust you already know the reason my husband and I have come in person today, Lord Gu. So, what is your family's stance on marrying into Duke Qi's household?"

Gu Xulin's heart skipped a beat; he never expected the princess to be so forward about marriage.

"Why?" Princess Changle raised her brows, displeased at his hesitation. "Does this mean the Gu family isn't willing?"

"Not at all," Madam Gu interjected, "but perhaps the princess doesn't know that our son is already..." She paused as Princess Changle waved her hand dismissively.

"This matter is known to me—it's merely a verbal agreement. And even if it were formally set, that's not a problem. A betrothal can be broken. You're not using that as an excuse to refuse marriage with Duke Qi's family, are you?"

Her words silenced the room.

Such a domineering statement—even Duke Qi's heir, seated below the princess, looked briefly taken aback, let alone the Gu family members.

It was unheard of—a royal princess practically forcing an official to marry her daughter, as if no one would take her otherwise.

Yet, due to her noble status, no one dared to contradict her.

Princess Changle was already in a foul mood after the ridicule her daughter suffered across the capital yesterday and being rebuffed by the Emperor when she went to complain. Seeing the hesitation on the Gu couple's faces as they refused to agree to the marriage, she grew even more furious.

"Xiao'er is my only beloved daughter, cherished since childhood. Whatever she wants, I spare no effort to obtain for her. I will not stand for her being humiliated," Princess Changle said coldly. "I've set aside my pride to come personally and arrange this marriage. Consider carefully—are we forming a family bond or a vendetta?"

Duke Qi's heir sat below his wife, maintaining a serene expression, as if the matter being discussed had nothing to do with his daughter's future.

Though the summer weather had grown stifling, Gu Xulin and his wife felt as if a chill wind had swept over them, their faces drained of color.

Even Madam Gu, who had initially felt flattered by the princess's daughter's attention toward her son, now felt a sinking chill.

Looking at the princess's domineering attitude, she wondered what kind of temperament her daughter could have.

Recalling the frequent visits from Qi Yuxiao over the past days, Madam Gu had found her polite and kind; but now she suspected it might have been a calculated act. If the daughter of the Duke of Qi were to marry into their family, with such a fierce princess as her backer, Madam Gu wondered how she could maintain any authority as the mother-in-law, likely having to tiptoe around her daughter-in-law daily.

What happened to the saying that daughters-in-law could eventually become mother-in-laws? This marriage felt like the opposite.

And marrying a shrewd wife would doom her son to a lifetime of trouble.

At that moment, both of the Gu couple's thoughts turned to their eldest son. Although marriage was traditionally arranged by parents, it was ultimately the children who lived together.

Princess Changle might be a mother who doted on her daughter, but Gu Xulin was also a father who cared about his son. Knowing his son's heart was set on Miss Wei, he feared denying him this wish would create a lifelong regret.

More so, he didn't want his son to suffer in a stifling marriage.

In that instant, as the clan leader of the Gu family and a Third Rank official of the court, Gu Xulin steeled himself. What did it matter if he offended the princess or Duke Qi's household?

He stood up and was about to offer a polite rejection, when he glanced up and saw Princess Changle produce a dagger from her sleeve.

She slowly traced her fingers over its sheath, her voice soft. "Perhaps, being new to the capital, you don't know that this dagger was a gift from my father when I married. His Majesty said that should anyone ever show me disrespect, no matter their rank or title, I..."

She looked at the uneasy Gu Xulin and added with a smile, "...may deal with them first and inform him later."

This dagger was given by the Emperor, who had feared that forcing Duke Qi's heir into marriage might lead him to resent his daughter and mistreat her in the future. He'd presented it before the Qi family and made this decree.

At the time, this caused a major stir, and nearly every noble family in the capital was aware of it. It had been the foundation of Princess Changle's growing brazenness over the years.

But as time passed, few people thought to bring up this old matter, so the newly arrived Gu family had no idea that a princess who didn't participate in court affairs still held the right to "deal first, report later." They were utterly shocked.

Seeing the murderous intent in Princess Changle's eyes, Gu Xulin had no doubt that if their Gu family did not agree to the marriage with Duke Qi's Mansion today, the princess would really dare to let the dagger in her hand see blood.

Gu Xulin and his wife felt a chill in their hearts.