FBC – Chapter 277 Persuasion

Wang Heng sat as if on pins and needles; there was no way he could speak freely in front of the old madam.

Gu Hua held no grudge against him for what happened earlier. Her expression was gentle as she politely said, “Lord Wang, you must be tired from traveling such a long way.”

“An imperial order is above all. How could I call it tiring?”

Wang Heng had no choice but to bow and say, “Old Madam, this humble official has an unreasonable request. I beg your forgiveness.”

The old madam raised a brow. “Oh? Please speak, my lord.”

“Because it concerns His Majesty’s instructions, I must speak with Madam Mu alone.”

The old madam stood up. “You wish for me to avoid the conversation? Fine, I’ll leave right away. No need for Lord Wang to feel troubled.”

Yiniang supported the old madam as she left.

Wang Heng then looked at Zhao Luoxuan.

Zhao Luoxuan quickly waved her hand. “Lord Wang, I am one with Madam Mu. My fief is in Juzhou—anything in Juzhou concerns me.”

Wang Heng frowned slightly, but he truly couldn’t think of any good reason to force Zhao Luoxuan to leave.

The atmosphere in the room grew heavy, like the silence before a storm.

Wang Heng sat upright on a carved sandalwood chair, expression solemn, but his eyes were filled with calculation.

Trying to persuade Gu Hua to remarry—specifically to marry into Dali, the country that killed her husband—was indeed difficult to justify.

But Gu Hua was merely a weak woman; Wang Heng did not feel the task would be that hard.

He quickly assessed her.

The delicate young girl from years ago had transformed.

She sat upright across from him, showing no trace of grief or haggardness from widowhood. Instead, after giving birth, she carried a fuller, more mature beauty unique to young women entering motherhood.

Her already lovely face was even more striking now, glowing with an alluring radiance.

A sudden thought struck him—was it because Prince Duan had seen her and been captivated by her beauty, thus insisting on making her the bride of the alliance?

Unable to help himself, he looked at Gu Hua again. Indeed, she was extremely beautiful.

No wonder Mu Junyan had risked everything for her.

“Madam Mu, it has been a long time. Have you been well?” Wang Heng was the first to break the silence, his face carrying an awkward semblance of concern.

Gu Hua found it amusing.

His smile was stiff.

She sighed lightly and spoke pitifully, “Thank you for your concern, my lord. I am merely lingering on, one breath at a time.”

Wang Heng secretly let out a breath.

As long as she felt her life was difficult, things would be easier.

His expression turned serious. “Madam Mu, to speak frankly, I am here today to discuss with you a matter concerning the stability of the realm.”

Gu Hua gave a soft “oh.” “Lord Wang, I am just a weak woman. How could any great matter concern me?”

Wang Heng’s gaze locked onto hers as he spoke word by word, “You know of Jiang Ruoxi’s situation. Now the King of Dali has learned of it as well. Jiang Ruoxi is no longer suitable for the marriage alliance. Today, the Dali envoys came to me—according to them, the King of Dali… has met you before and greatly admires your courage. Therefore, they feel you are the most suitable candidate for the alliance marriage. The envoys asked me to submit a memorial to His Majesty. I felt I should speak with you first.”

“Lord Wang!”

Zhao Luoxuan shot to her feet. “How could you insult Madam Mu like this!”

Wang Heng replied, “County Princess, how is this an insult? This is a fortunate event.”

Zhao Luoxuan snapped back immediately, “Fortunate? If it’s so fortunate, why don’t you send your own wife to the marriage alliance!”

Gu Hua watched her with amusement.

Back when she came to Dali to prepare for an alliance marriage, she had been an inexperienced girl—calm on the outside but frightened inside.

After staying in Juzhou for so long, she’d become much bolder.

Wang Heng’s face turned green then white.

Yet he had no grounds to refute her.

Gu Hua had already heard this from Duan Yu’s own lips, so hearing it now didn’t anger her. Instead, she wondered why Duan Yu mentioned it to Wang Heng and even asked him to write a memorial to the emperor.

What was Duan Yu planning?

But in front of Wang Heng, she had to act.

Gu Hua’s hands tightened, her knuckles turning pale from the force.

She acted as though she was struggling to suppress anger and shock. “You must be joking, my lord. I am a widow, and I have two infants still in swaddling clothes. How could I shoulder such a heavy responsibility?”

Wang Heng clearly expected this and replied calmly, “Madam Mu, you have never been a conservative person.”

His words carried unmistakable sarcasm.

Gu Hua pulled back Zhao Luoxuan, who was about to scold him again. “Lord Wang carries His Majesty’s orders. He has his difficulties. Let us listen.”

Zhao Luoxuan had to swallow her anger to avoid punching him.

Wang Heng didn’t want to waste time arguing with two women and went straight to the point. “This alliance marriage is, in truth, a great honor for you. Once you marry into Dali, you will be the consort of its king—your status will be unmatched. Better than remaining a widow, isn’t it? Besides, Dali is rich, beautiful, and prosperous. You will live in comfort with a young and handsome king.”

Zhao Luoxuan couldn’t hold it in. “Utter nonsense!”

“County Princess.” Gu Hua pulled her back.

Inside, she sneered, but her face remained calm. She decided to test Wang Heng’s limits and said softly, “My lord speaks well, but I’ve heard that the Dali court suffers from severe internal strife. A widowed woman like me would be of no help to Great Liang. Wouldn’t that disappoint His Majesty?”

Wang Heng frowned but quickly replied, “You need not worry. Our court will negotiate with Dali to ensure your safety. And since their king personally wishes to marry you, he will naturally treat you well.”

Gu Hua asked, “Then why me, a widow? Great Liang is a grand empire with countless young noblewomen far more suitable. You know my background clearly, my lord. If I truly marry into Dali, it brings you no benefit. What did the King of Dali offer you?”

Wang Heng almost rolled his eyes.

You’re the daughter of a collateral branch of the Wang clan—your status is indeed mediocre.

You should be grateful to marry a king!

He was out of patience. “The marriage alliance is His Majesty’s will. If you refuse, the Mu family may suffer. Are you not afraid the Mu Army will be implicated because of you? Or that the old madam or your two children will suffer?”

Gu Hua suddenly smiled. “My lord, His Majesty hasn’t issued an edict yet. You can’t threaten me.”

Wang Heng’s eyes shifted. “Fine, I’ll be direct. I doubt Prince Duan insists on you specifically. It’s just that he vowed not to marry a woman he doesn’t like, and he wants a consort who can aid him. A marriage alliance is the best way to maintain peace in the southern borders. There are no princesses of suitable age, and the other noblewomen are too distant or uncertain. What if they don’t suit him? Wouldn’t that make matters worse?”

“The memorial has already been sent to the capital. I believe His Majesty will approve. Since that’s the case, it’s better if you agree willingly. You’ll gain His Majesty’s favor and even earn benefits. His Majesty will certainly reward you.”

Gu Hua frowned with hesitation. “If I remarry, the generals of the Mu Army will be angered.”

Wang Heng hurriedly assured her, “You don’t need to worry about that. As long as you agree, the old madam has no grounds to stop your pursuit of happiness. You have left behind a pair of heirs for the Mu family—you have already done your duty.”

Gu Hua looked troubled. “I must discuss this with Mother. I cannot decide alone.”

Seeing her soften, Wang Heng rejoiced.

“Discuss with her, yes—but it is merely out of respect. Once His Majesty’s edict arrives, she cannot stop it.”

Gu Hua was tired of dealing with him. She rose to dismiss him. “My lord, I cannot keep you longer. Allow me some time to consider.”

Wang Heng stood as well. “Very well. The Dali envoys expect an answer in two days. I will return then.”

“Very well.”

Zhao Luoxuan remained silent, frowning.

Once Wang Heng left, she grabbed Gu Hua’s arm.

“Duan Yu has met Sister before?”

Gu Hua nodded. “Did you forget? That day at the restaurant—the one who saved me with you was him.”

Zhao Luoxuan froze. “It was him? Why was he there?”

“That I do not know.”

Gu Hua did not want to mention the matter between Duan Yu and Brother Ji—it would be dangerous for the Mu Army.

If anyone used it to accuse the Mu Army of treason or collusion, that would be disastrous.

“Then, Sister… do you think Duan Yu simply wants someone more useful than Jiang Ruoxi? A noblewoman from Great Liang who can help him? Or… does he truly like you?”

Gu Hua shot her a look. “I am a widow with two children. Duan Yu isn’t blind.”

Zhao Luoxuan slowly nodded. “True. He could have any woman he wants.”

She fell into thought.

Gu Hua patted her hand softly. “Don’t mind this matter. Focus more on the affairs of the prefecture office.”

“Mm. Sister, don’t worry.”