Chapter 362: Swift Action

That evening, Xiao Yu went to the Princess Consort’s rooms to greet her. The Princess Consort said with a broad smile, “Yu’er, come here. Mother has something to show you.”

Nanny Xu, knowing exactly what the Princess Consort meant, presented Xiao Yu with the poem she had put away earlier.

At first, Xiao Yu was baffled. But after reading the poem and seeing the signature at the end, the tips of his ears turned red. He clutched the paper tightly and asked, “Mother, where did you get this?”

The Princess Consort smiled triumphantly. “Didn’t the Guardian Lady hold a poetry gathering in her new garden today? Miss Gu went to deliver a phoenix hairpin to Miss Shen, wrote this poem, and even won first prize. I didn’t expect Miss Gu to be so accomplished.”

Xiao Yu thought to himself, ‘Of course, everything about her is wonderful. Her scholarly talent is one thing, but her martial skills are truly remarkable.’

When the Princess Consort saw him clutching the poem without letting go, she knew she had made the right move. She smiled again. “I already turned down the Guardian Lady’s offer today. After your birthday passes and you are wed, how about I arrange for you to take Miss Gu as a concubine?”

As she spoke, she carefully observed Xiao Yu’s expression.

Xiao Yu hesitated for a moment. “Mother, Miss Gu swore a harsh oath last time. I fear she won’t be willing to enter the residence anytime soon. For now, you don’t need to concern yourself with this matter. I have my own plans.”

The Princess Consort nodded. ‘Yu’er didn’t say he was unwilling, which means he is. It seems my son has truly developed feelings for that Miss Gu.’ “Very well,” she said. “Don’t worry, Yu’er. When we bring Miss Gu into the residence in the future, I will be sure to treat her well.”

Wanting to please Xiao Yu, she offered a few words of praise for Gu Fei. “Speaking of which, that Miss Gu is talented and beautiful, and she even knows how to do business. I imagine she’d be excellent at managing a household, too. It’s just that her birth is too low. Otherwise, she could even be the Heir’s wife.”

Xiao Yu’s heart stirred. He was about to say something, but bit his tongue.

He shifted uncomfortably in his chair for a moment before standing up. “Mother, I’ll head back to my room now. You should also rest early.”

The Princess Consort smiled and waved him off. “Go on, then. You must be tired from going to the military camp every day.”

As soon as Xiao Yu was out the door, the Princess Consort smiled at Nanny Xu. “Did you see that? He took the poem without a word. That child… he’s finally grown up. He’s thinking about a wife.”

“Sigh, practicing those damned martial arts really delayed things. Otherwise, I’d be holding my grandson by now.”

Just as she was speaking, a maid outside lifted the curtain. “Princess Consort, Shuncai is at the second gate. He says he has something to report.”

The Princess Consort raised a hand. “Let him in.”

A moment later, Shuncai came in, knelt on the floor, and said in a low voice, “Princess Consort, half an hour ago, I saw Consort Lin quietly leave the residence. I had someone secretly follow her, and it turns out Consort Lin went to Luan Garden.”

The Princess Consort’s expression changed slightly. She waved her hand, and Shuncai retreated.

In the next moment, she sneered, “That bitch works fast!”

Nanny Xu leaned in. “Princess Consort, what should we do?”

The Princess Consort waved her hand dismissively. “We’ll just watch for now. The Guardian Lady won’t necessarily agree.”

Nanny Xu frowned. “Before today, the Guardian Lady certainly wouldn’t have agreed. But today, you rejected the marriage proposal to her face. I’m afraid they might have a lapse in judgment and agree instead.”

The Princess Consort shook her head. “There’s nothing we can do for the time being. We’ll just have to wait and see.”

Meanwhile, in a courtyard in Luan Garden, the Guardian Lady and Consort Lin sat in the seats of honor, one on the left and one on the right. After tea was served, the Guardian Lady said impatiently, “Consort Lin, you’ve come so late at night. What important matter brings you here?”

Consort Lin glanced at the servants waiting on either side. The Guardian Lady waved a hand, and all the maids in the room withdrew, leaving only an old nanny by her side.