TFWYH – Chapter 507 No Room for Maneuver

What Mu Qingfeng wanted to say wasn’t anything major—just that Yuanyuan had bought a pleasure boat and named it Qingyuan Elegant House.

Yes!

Instead of opening a brothel on land, she had set it up on the water.

Its location was at one of the capital’s most famous scenic spots—Bibo Lake.

One end of the lake connected to the pleasure district, while the other led to another well-known attraction in the capital—the Peach Blossom Grove, a place where young masters and ladies of noble families often went for outings.

After getting the address, Tang Wan ladled out a very small bowl of fish soup for Mu Qingfeng.

How small?

It wasn’t even a proper bowl—it was more like a dipping dish.

Even when filled, it was just a single mouthful.

That’s how small it was!

Mu Qingfeng was so depressed he nearly wanted to cut ties with Tang Wan.

Tang Wan’s response: drink it or don’t—if not, give it back!

Mu Qingfeng: …

Truly ruthless!

After getting Yuanyuan’s address, Tang Wan changed into Ling Yu’s clothes, disguised herself, and went out.

As for the fish soup, she kept it warm, planning to drink it together with her handsome husband when he returned.

…

At this moment, Ling Yu had come face to face with his maternal grandfather!

The head of civil officials in the empire—Prime Minister Gu Hengcang!

He was about the same age as Grand Tutor Yi, but unlike Yi Taishi’s easygoing demeanor, Gu Hengcang carried an air of authority. His sharp, calculating eyes revealed him to be a deeply scheming man.

Ling Yu glanced at him briefly, then lowered his gaze and cupped his hands respectfully. “Greetings, Prime Minister Gu.”

Gu Hengcang said casually, “Raise your head. Let me have a look at you.”

Ling Yu complied and lifted his head, meeting his gaze directly.

The moment Gu Hengcang saw his face, his brows twitched, and shock flashed across his expression. “You…” How could he look like this?

Upon closer inspection, he resembled Huangfu Yi—but even more like his own disappointing grandson!

Ling Yu knew what he wanted to say but pretended not to understand. “Prime Minister, what were you about to say?”

“Nothing…” Gu Hengcang suppressed his surprise and said casually, “Truly a fine young man. I hear you’re from Weng City?”

“Not exactly—just a small town under Weng City.”

“…That’s practically the same thing!”

Looking at Ling Yu, Gu Hengcang felt a surge of complicated emotions.

This—this was exactly the kind of grandson he had always hoped for!

His daughter, who married the Second Prince, had only one son. In terms of looks, the two were quite similar.

But their temperaments were completely different!

His own grandson spent his days indulging in women, cockfighting, and idle amusements—completely useless.

Ling Yu, on the other hand, was like a lofty flower on a high peak, carrying an aloof and refined aura. Clearly, he was no ordinary man!

Just like Huangfu Yi in his youth!

They say appearance reflects the heart. Though they looked alike, their temperament made them entirely different.

If Gu Hengcang had only briefly considered forming a marriage alliance before, now he was completely set on it.

This young man was no ordinary person—given time, he would surely soar to great heights!

With that thought, Gu Hengcang’s expression softened, and he probed, “I’ve heard you’re already married?”

If Ling Yu had ambitions to climb higher, this would be the moment to deny it.

That would make his intentions clear.

But Ling Yu didn’t hesitate at all. He nodded. “I am indeed married.”

Gu Hengcang caught the implication, and the smile on his face faded. “A man can have multiple wives and concubines—it’s nothing unusual…”

“Prime Minister,” Ling Yu interrupted directly, not bothering with polite evasions, “others may have multiple wives and concubines, but I cannot.”

“My mother has set the family rules—men of the Ling family may only take a concubine at forty if they have no heirs. And when I pass into the underworld, only my wife who shared hardship with me may accompany me.”

Gu Hengcang’s expression turned completely cold.

He had originally thought that if Ling Yu didn’t want to abandon his current wife, he could at least demote her to a concubine and marry his own granddaughter as the principal wife.

After all, for men, multiple wives and concubines were normal.

But Ling Yu refused.

His meaning was clear—he would not take concubines, and would only keep his current wife.

Even if he took a concubine at forty due to having no heirs, she would never be allowed into the Ling family ancestral tomb.

The only woman who could enter it would be his current wife.

This young man… truly left no room for compromise.