Chapter 1206 - 1042: What a Waste of That Face
Chapter 1206: Chapter 1042: What a Waste of That Face
Kong Shuhuan steadied herself and bowed slightly to Gu Chengyu, "Mr. Gu!"
Upon hearing the voice, Gu Chengyu immediately recognized it as Kong Shuhuan, Zhu Pang’s wife. He had met Kong Shuhuan before and had heard her speak, so he wouldn’t forget. He quickly returned the courtesy, "Sister-in-Law!"
After the two exchanged greetings, Gu Chengyu smiled and said to Zhu Pang, "It’s inconvenient to stand at the door, let’s go upstairs to catch up!"
Zhu Pang carefully supported Kong Shuhuan, a demeanor that did not escape Gu Chengyu’s notice. Observing that she moved with more caution than the average person, he realized she was pregnant.
He hadn’t caught up with Zhu Pang in some time. After returning from the Jiangnan disaster relief, he had changed government offices and needed to familiarize himself with the duties and responsibilities of the Dali Temple. Therefore, they had only had a brief meeting without an in-depth conversation.
Moreover, matters of a woman’s pregnancy were not something Zhu Pang would discuss with him, being a man, especially concerning household affairs.
"Third Young Master! You chat; I will rest in the private room next door."
Kong Shuhuan was truly a lady from a distinguished family. Although she was now married, she still had to adhere to etiquette and could not sit with a man at the same table, even if it was her husband.
Only then did Gu Chengyu realize that as a woman, Kong Shuhuan naturally couldn’t be in the same room with him and Zhu Pang.
"Very well! Wait for me for a bit; I’ll come over soon." Zhu Pang nodded. Even though he thought Jinyu wasn’t an outsider, since his wife insisted, he decided to comply.
"My oversight! Ming Mo, please escort Third Young Madam Zhu to the private room next door for a rest."
"Yes!"
Seeing that Kong Shuhuan had already entered the private room next door, Gu Chengyu then invited Zhu Pang inside. As soon as they entered the private room, Zhu Pang couldn’t help but voice his question.
"Jinyu! Why are you here? I heard that you’ve recently been tasked by the Crown Prince to search for assassins. Could those assassins be hiding nearby?"
Zhu Pang was very puzzled. As soon as he sat down, without even taking a sip of tea, he began asking about the assassins.
Gu Chengyu poured a cup of tea for Zhu Pang, during which he glanced at him. He observed that Zhu Pang’s expression was natural as he accepted the teacup, showing no sign of unusual behavior.
"The possibility is greater in this area, so I’m here to oversee things. What about you? During this National Mourning period, why are you out with Sister-in-Law?" Gu Chengyu picked up his tea bowl and asked with a smile.
"Huan’er is pregnant, and her appetite has been a bit off lately. Because of the pregnancy, her mood swings are frequent. She wanted to stay at her parental home for a few days, so I’m taking her there today."
Zhu Pang spoke lightly, but in Gu Chengyu’s ear, the reason seemed somewhat far-fetched.
Mr. and Mrs. Kong Ji were likely in the palace for condolences too. Even if Kong Shuhuan went back to the Kong Mansion, with her parents not home, what difference would it make compared to staying at the Zhu Mansion? Why the rush to return to the Kong Mansion?
Moreover, from the Zhu Mansion to the Kong Mansion, there’s no need to pass through the South City.
"Congratulations to the Zhu Mansion on the impending addition! However, with Sister-in-Law pregnant, Cong Guang should spend more time with her instead of sending her back to the Kong Mansion. I’ve heard that a husband’s company is what a pregnant woman needs the most."
Gu Chengyu took a sip of tea and suddenly felt it was somewhat inappropriate. He was a man, after all, and saying such things seemed a bit out of line.
Indeed, as he placed the tea bowl down, he saw Zhu Pang across the table scrutinizing him intently.
"Tsk tsk! Jinyu, who would’ve thought you’d read such trivial books?" Zhu Pang clicked his tongue, looking at Gu Chengyu with a gaze full of disbelief.
Gu Chengyu, slightly embarrassed by the look, had only casually offered advice. Zhu Pang, being a father, should indeed be more experienced than Gu Chengyu, who had been single for two lifetimes.
"But you can’t really grasp the intricacies of relationships between men and women just by reading books. As someone unmarried and unacquainted with the opposite sex, could you possibly be more knowledgeable than me, a married and fathering man?"
Zhu Pang cast a contemptuous glance at Gu Chengyu, who immediately felt at a loss for words, realizing he had spoken out of turn.
Could we not elevate the conversation to such lofty heights? Gu Chengyu felt a bit overwhelmed and hurriedly raised his tea bowl to mask his embarrassment.
"Jinyu! As your friend for so many years, there’s something I don’t understand."
Zhu Pang looked at Gu Chengyu with a peculiar expression, making Gu Chengyu furrow his brow.
Seeing that expression, Gu Chengyu knew Zhu Pang wasn’t about to ask anything serious, so he sought to change the subject.
But Zhu Pang, not waiting for a response from Gu Chengyu, continued, "Jinyu! We have been friends for years. You’re already sixteen, yet you don’t have a concubine. Being so virtuous to such an extent is simply inconceivable."
Gu Chengyu’s face instantly darkened, realizing nothing good would come from Zhu Pang starting a conversation.
"Such a pity for your handsome face and good physique, such a fine young man, yet still a virgin. Is it that you look in the mirror every day, so used to your own enchanting appearance that all women seem unsightly to you?"
Zhu Pang took a bite of the plum cake on the table, glanced at Gu Chengyu’s figure, and teased.
"A gentleman should be virtuous and, moreover, as an official of the court, I must regulate my conduct, not indulging in women."
Good physique? What does that mean? Gu Chengyu felt like rolling his eyes but his self-restraint didn’t allow it.
"Who are you fooling? What man doesn’t love beauty? You probably disdain those ordinary women. However, I heard that recently, Miss Xi Yan from Tianxiang Pavilion frequently attends poetry gatherings, much more than before. Perhaps she’s considering finding a soulmate to marry?"
Gu Chengyu rubbed his forehead, feeling both laughter and tears, "That’s not how you use ’fallen petals and willow.’ You need to read more books."
As for this Miss Xi Yan, he had only seen her twice two years ago and had almost forgotten her. But she did once help him with a favor, and he still owed her a debt of gratitude.
"Are you not tempted? Miss Xi Yan unveiled her veil last year, revealing her beautiful face. Ordinary women might not catch your eye, but Miss Xi Yan would surely please you."
Gu Chengyu felt a bit helpless; could we not talk about such topics? He felt like Zhu Pang was acting as a matchmaker.
"Am I that shallow, judging solely by appearance? Besides, I am already engaged; how can I act carelessly? Alright, let’s get back on topic. Recently, the Capital is under lockdown, as those assassins have yet to be caught. It’s best you stay in the mansion and avoid wandering around. Right now, with no Monarch sitting in court, the Crown Prince is set to ascend the throne, but it requires waiting for the Vassal Kings to arrive in the Capital. Once the Crown Prince ascends, the chaos in the Capital will hopefully settle."
Upon hearing the serious matters, Zhu Pang’s expression grew solemn, and he promptly agreed.