Chapter 179: Stop Scheming Against Her

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In fact, Lin Sangqian had suspected this before. After all, as soon as the war broke out, Guan Yanqing left. Then, people began to talk about the young war god general. Yet she felt, how could such a coincidence really happen in this world? Now it seemed it actually did.

“I also learned about him on the battlefield,” Lin Hongda said as he cracked open a crab and handed the roe to Liao Shuxia. “He comes from the Guan family in the capital. His father is a first-rank military marquis, and since he was twelve, he has followed his father into battle countless times. Though the title ‘War God’ was bestowed by the Emperor himself, it is recognized throughout the realm.”

“What is he like on the battlefield?” Lin Sangqian asked with curiosity.

Lin Hongda smiled, “Completely different from how you see him normally. I can’t quite put it into words.”

Lin Sangqian couldn’t help but imagine: on the battlefield, two armies facing off, a young general draws his sword, and the enemy is instantly terrified, scattering without order.

She realized it might be a bit exaggerated and laughed softly to herself.

...

At the same time, in the Yu Mansion, in a certain room.

Gu Zhinan lazily lay on the bed when the door opened and two maids entered carrying food.

“Oh, finally something to eat! I’m starving!” Gu Zhinan jumped off the bed and sat at the table, beginning to devour the food voraciously.

But as he ate, he frowned.

In recent days, he had been pestering Lin Sangqian to prepare special meals for him, so he had eaten quite a few dishes made by her.

Compared to Lin Sangqian’s cooking, these dishes were utterly unappetizing.

He ate only half before putting down his chopsticks.

Footsteps sounded, and Gu Zhinan looked up to see Guan Yanqing entering.

“Not to your taste?” Guan Yanqing asked, glancing at the half-eaten food.

“Definitely not,” Gu Zhinan sighed. “Far inferior to Lin Sangqian’s cooking.”

Guan Yanqing's eyes darkened slightly.

After a moment, he said, “In time, I will send you back to the capital.”

“No,” Gu Zhinan replied irritably, “Guan Yanqing, I never expected you to come here. If I had known you were coming, I would have died rather than choose this place to settle!”

He paused, then added, “But meeting Lin Sangqian was still worth it.”

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Guan Yanqing’s tone gradually turned cold: “The Emperor is very worried about you.”

Gu Zhinan’s expression changed abruptly. The lazy demeanor vanished, replaced by a surge of anger: “He’s worried about me? Don’t be ridiculous! When he ordered my mother’s death, did he say he was worried about me?”

“He said that, to this day, you are still the most suitable candidate for Crown Prince in his eyes.”

“No thanks, I don’t care!”

“An imperial decree cannot be disobeyed.”

Gu Zhinan sneered, “Don’t make me laugh. Don’t you know me? If there’s something you don’t want to do, does the Emperor have the power to force you? Even if your Guan family were to rebel openly, he would be powerless to resist.”

The Guan family wielded immense power, controlling the military and deeply loved by the people.

To be honest, the Great Yao Dynasty was more theirs than the imperial family’s.

“Guan Yanqing, I watched my mother die right before my eyes. I swore I would never forgive him in this lifetime. Even if you can’t empathize, you should at least understand that.”

Guan Yanqing fell silent upon hearing this.

“We grew up playing together, so I hope you can help me this once—don’t send me back to the capital.”

After a moment, Guan Yanqing said, “The families you took from before have already been pacified by officials sent by the court.”

“Hm. What about my brothers?”

“They were once your household soldiers. I won’t harm them. For now, they are all settled here at the Yu Mansion.”

At that moment, An Yu’s voice came from outside the door: “Young master, Third Prince, a girl surnamed Zhang has come, saying she wishes to see the Third Prince.”

“Do you know her?” Guan Yanqing asked.

“Surnamed Zhang? Oh, Zhang Qianqian, right? Why would she want to see you? There’s no reason. Just give her a hundred taels of silver and tell her thank you for helping us cook all this time.”

“I understand.”

“That girl, why does she keep pestering me?” Gu Zhinan muttered, “I’m not interested in her... It would be better if it were Lin Sangqian.”

“You’ve mentioned Lin Sangqian three times since I came in,” Guan Yanqing said expressionlessly.

“She really is great! Her cooking is delicious, and she’s so beautiful,” Gu Zhinan smiled. “If I get the chance in the future, I’d really like to marry her.”

No sooner had he spoken than a chill swept over the room.

Before Gu Zhinan could react, Guan Yanqing was already in front of him, his hand clamping tightly around Gu Zhinan’s neck.

“Guan Yanqing! What are you doing—”

“I can agree to everything else, but her, don’t even think about it,” Guan Yanqing said coldly.

Gu Zhinan’s face turned pale.

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At that moment, Guan Yanqing released him.

Gu Zhinan coughed twice, then asked in confusion, “Could it be that you like her? But you’ve been fighting on the frontlines these past few years. When did you even meet her?”

“That’s none of your business,” Guan Yanqing said coldly, then left.

Gu Zhinan frowned, watching his retreating figure as his fingers clenched tighter.

Whoever his rival was, why did it have to be Guan Yanqing?

How could he possibly stand a chance?

...

Guan Yanqing stepped out of the room. An Yu immediately sensed the murderous aura emanating from him and quickly bowed his head, afraid to speak further.

What on earth did the Third Prince say to the young master? Why did it make him so angry?

“Young master, that Zhang girl has already been sent away.”

“Hm.”

An Yu wanted to mention how pitifully she had cried but figured Guan Yanqing wouldn’t care about such things, so he changed the subject: “Are you going to the Lin family?”

“Yes.”

“I’ll go prepare the carriage.”

“Are you the eldest son of the Guan family?” A gentle voice suddenly spoke.

Guan Yanqing turned to see a young woman approaching.

He had corresponded with Yu Jingxiao over the years and knew that Yu Jingxiao was married.

Presumably, this woman was Yu Jingxiao’s wife.

Though he was in a bad mood, since she was a close friend’s wife, he nodded slightly in greeting.

“I’m Jingxiao’s wife. You can call me Erliu,” Qi Erliu said with an innocent smile. “I’ve heard so much about you from Jingxiao. He said you were accomplished and formidable at a young age. Today, I finally get to meet you in person.”

After speaking, she stepped closer, but Guan Yanqing unexpectedly took two steps back.

“Madam Yu, please restrain yourself.”

Qi Erliu was taken aback, then said with a hint of grievance, “Did you misunderstand me? I just thought since you and Jingxiao are so close, you must be family to us.”

“Jingxiao and I have been friends for many years, but that doesn’t mean I have any relation to you,” Guan Yanqing said coldly. “Also, Madam Yu, maybe Jingxiao is impressed by you, but it won’t work on me.”