Chapter 365: I Will Not Let You Be Wronged

Shen Qingluan stared blankly at the Guardian Lady, unsure if she had misunderstood her mother’s meaning.

The Guardian Lady said unhurriedly, "Prince Qi only has two sons. Although Xiao Yu has been named the Princely Heir for now, if something were to happen to him, wouldn’t the title of Princely Heir fall to the eldest son?"

Shen Qingluan’s breathing grew ragged, her fingers twisting a handkerchief. "But—"

The Guardian Lady chuckled lightly. "Of course, there are no guarantees. But even if that doesn’t happen, Consort Lin mentioned that Prince Qi plans to request a title for his eldest son and will grant him a fiefdom in the future. That way, he’ll have both substance and prestige."

She patted Shen Qingluan’s hand. "Don’t you worry. If you do end up marrying the eldest son, Mother will definitely not let you be wronged."

"Mother will have Consort Lin move the memorial tablet of the eldest son’s first wife out of the Prince Mansion. I certainly can’t have you performing the rites of a concubine before a dead person."

"Besides, you’re my only daughter. No matter who you marry, Mother will certainly do everything in her power to support you both."

Shen Qingluan’s mind was in turmoil. She shook her head. "Mother, let me think about it some more."

The Guardian Lady smiled and stroked her face. "Alright. My child, there’s no need to rush. Take your time and think it over. Tell Mother once you’ve made up your mind. If you’re unwilling, Mother won’t force you. We’ll just look for other fine young gentlemen in the capital."

"At worst, Mother will go to the capital with you."

Shen Qingluan looked at her mother and suddenly threw herself into her arms. "Mother, you’re so good to me."

The Guardian Lady sighed softly. "Silly girl. You’re my only daughter. Everything Mother does is for your sake."

"I can only be happy when you are."

She held Shen Qingluan in her arms, stroking and patting her. After a long while, she rose. "It’s getting late. You should get some rest. There’s no rush with those things. Take your time to think, and tell Mother when you’ve decided." The Guardian Lady gave her daughter a look full of loving affection before she left.

Shen Qingluan slowly lay down on the chaise lounge, the image of a young man appearing in her mind.

His features were striking, his bearing heroic and extraordinary. Ever since her mother told her she would be the Heir’s wife, he had often appeared in her dreams.

She had imagined countless times what it would be like after marrying him—how, once she became the Princess Consort, she would be high above all others, enjoying ultimate glory and honor.

But that beautiful dream had been shattered in a single day.

Shen Qingluan gritted her teeth and sat up abruptly. The Princess Consort and her son had humiliated her so. If she simply accepted it, she would become a laughingstock.

Everyone in the city knew she was supposed to become the Heir’s wife. How could she possibly swallow this insult?

’In that case, Mother is right. Since I can’t be the Heir’s wife, then why not just change who becomes the Princely Heir!’

...

Gu Fei rode Er Lang’s cart into the city first thing in the morning.

Lian’er was an early riser. She had just opened the shop when Gu Fei arrived.

She looked over Gu Fei’s new outfit. "This looks beautiful! Miss, you should have dressed like this long ago. Why do you always dress like one of us?"

Gu Fei pinched her cheek. "My, your silver tongue is getting sharper."

Lian’er giggled. "I just learned it from you, Miss."

Gu Fei laughed heartily and went inside, pleased. She thought about what Lian’er was like when they first met. Now, she could even joke around. ’Time really is the best medicine.’

After breakfast, the silk shop next door also opened its doors.

Gu Fei moseyed over and saw Old Huang sitting behind the counter, working his abacus.

Gu Fei chuckled. "Mr. Huang, business seems to be booming for you lately, sir."