Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 888 - 724: My Fault

"Ahem! Madam, I know all of this. It’s just that I am entirely focused on the court now and haven’t considered marriage at all."

Gu Chengyu shook his head, looking indifferent, which made the couple’s heart tighten even more.

"Jinyu! There’s nothing we can’t say between teachers and students. Do you perhaps, hmm, have someone in mind?"

Liang Zhirui still hadn’t grasped Gu Chengyu’s intention; he wanted to ask if Gu Chengyu had the "Long Yang" preference.

But he couldn’t quite bring himself to ask that directly, so he had to settle for a different approach.

"Why would the teacher ask such a thing? Every day after court duties, I either return home or come to your and Senior Brother’s mansion. How could I have someone in mind? I hardly ever see any girls."

Gu Chengyu scratched the back of his head, looking confused. The question sounded strange.

Only now did Gu Chengyu realize that ever since arriving in this ancient era, he hadn’t paid any attention to the matters between men and women!

Liang Zhirui and Mrs. Ning exchanged a glance, surprised. According to Gu Chengyu’s meaning, could it be that he hasn’t awakened to this?

"Ahem! Since you don’t have someone in mind, what do you think of Xian?"

Seeing the old man hesitating to ask directly, Mrs. Ning couldn’t wait any longer and simply asked him.

"Your mistress means that since you don’t have someone in mind, Xian has a gentle temperament and a pure mind. We’re insiders, let’s be frank. If you feel Xian suits you without lowering your standards, we’re willing to make it happen."

Liang Zhirui saw his wife had spoken directly, so he continued along the same line.

Once a topic is raised, the rest follows smoothly.

Mrs. Ning cast a sidelong glance at her husband; he was being overly modest. Their Xian is beautiful, gentle, and an ideal wife and mother. 𝗳𝗿𝐞𝕖𝘄𝗲𝕓𝗻𝚘𝚟𝕖𝐥.𝚌𝕠𝕞

Furthermore, Xian’s status is not low; she more than matches Gu Chengyu.

"Jinyu! Actually, it wasn’t appropriate for us to ask you about this; it’s more suitable to talk to your parents directly. But the teacher respects your opinion, afraid you might have someone in mind, which is why he’s asking for clarity. We know you have your own ideas, afraid you’ve already made plans. The teacher fears that acting on our own could affect your student-teacher relationship."

Mrs. Ning forced a smile, though she felt it was completely unnecessary to inform Gu Chengyu.

As long as they approached Gu Chengyu’s mother and hinted, if the Gu Family agrees, everyone would be happy.

If the Gu Family isn’t interested, it wouldn’t affect Xian’s reputation.

Marriage is originally decided by parental arrangement and matchmaker’s words; who isn’t bound by elders’ decisions?

Why does it seem like Xian is somehow inferior now? But the old man insists, wanting Gu Chengyu’s opinion.

Mrs. Ning was helpless and could only comply with the old man’s wishes.

Gu Chengyu was troubled; he had never considered marriage before.

In his past life, he was a woman; in this life, he wondered if he could live harmoniously with a woman, let alone for a lifetime.

But how could he refuse the teacher here? If he really rejected, claiming it wouldn’t harm their student-teacher relationship—that was impossible.

Even if the teacher forgives him, what about the mistress?

In others’ eyes, Yao Mengxian is the legitimate daughter of the Duke Mansion, while he is merely a farmer’s descendant.

Even if he’s now a Sixth-rank Official, it doesn’t change his lack of foundation.

They would only see it as him climbing too high; if he refused, they might think he’s unappreciative.

Seeing Gu Chengyu’s hesitation, Liang Zhirui felt a pang in his heart.

He should have noticed; the two have met, but as far as he’s observed, they haven’t developed mutual feelings.

Would he be mismatching them? What about Xian? Would she agree?

Liang Zhirui was confused, unsure if what he was doing was right or wrong.

"Teacher, Miss Yao is naturally good, but I’m worried I might not be good enough for her. I just want to ask, have you asked her opinion? Does she agree? And what about Duke Zhen’s Mansion? Would they consent?"

Gu Chengyu hadn’t made up his mind yet and could only find reasons to stall for now.

He was certain the teacher hadn’t asked Yao Mengxian; it’s likely she hadn’t even considered this aspect.

Strictly speaking, he could barely be considered her elder.

"We will speak to Xian, but right now, we’re asking about your thoughts."

Seeing Gu Chengyu’s hesitation, Mrs. Ning’s heart sank, and she quickly spoke.

"I’m feeling a bit hungry; go call the kitchen to prepare some food for me." Liang Zhirui suddenly interrupted Mrs. Ning, intending to send her off.

Mrs. Ning was somewhat anxious, her gaze toward Liang Zhirui filled with urgency. But seeing Liang Zhirui shake his head at her, she could only sigh and go along.

"I’ll go stew some Eight Treasure Soup; you two can have some." Mrs. Ning stood up, forced a smile, and walked towards the main room’s exit.

Once Mrs. Ning’s figure disappeared from their sight, Liang Zhirui looked at the silent Gu Chengyu and spoke.

"Jinyu! The teacher knows it’s somewhat like asking for gratitude at this critical moment by saying these things."

Gu Chengyu hurriedly explained, "Teacher, I’ve never thought of it like that..."

Liang Zhirui waved his hand, "Let me finish!"

"You have talent; regardless of who comes to power in the future, you won’t have any worries. You only lack a distinguished background! If you could marry a wife beneficial to you, your official path might be even more smooth. It’s the teacher’s selfishness, wanting you to marry Xian."

Liang Zhirui sighed deeply, his eyes filled with unspeakable sorrow.

"It’s not that Xian isn’t good; not to boast, Xian is noble, gracious, and lovely, except the misfortune of having a stepmother. Otherwise, I wouldn’t need to worry about her marriage as her grandfather. But her mother couldn’t let go and left early."

At this point, Liang Zhirui’s eyes were brimming with tears.

"It’s my fault; I raised her too proud. It’s normal for men to have multiple wives, but she just couldn’t accept it. Because I’ve never taken a concubine all these years, it made her feel that men and women should be lifelong partners."

Gu Chengyu handed a handkerchief to Liang Zhirui, who trembled as he wiped his tear-streaked face.

"All of this is in the past; let’s talk about the present. You must know the kind of life Xian leads at Duke Mansion. If you marry her, it won’t greatly benefit your official path. Because those at Duke Mansion might recognize Prince Jing as a son-in-law but won’t value you. You may even offend Prince Jing, bringing constant trouble."

After saying so much, seeing Gu Chengyu still expressionless, Liang Zhirui was uncertain.

"To put it simply, marrying Xian is more disadvantageous than advantageous. The teacher only wishes to clarify matters for you. If you don’t want to marry, the teacher won’t force you; we’ll maintain our previous relationship. I won’t hold any grudges, so you can rest assured. As for the mistress, I’ll speak to her; after all, she’s someone who understands delicate matters."