Chapter 142

Gu Ying shook her head, "Young Master, you must calm down."

The marriage decree Emperor had granted to her and Zhao Changdu, how could it possibly be changed?

"I can't calm down!" Su Huanfeng was provoked, his heart felt as if it was crushed. He shouted angrily, "Why can't I decide my own marriage? I finally found someone I like, why must it be ruined?"

Gu Ying was stunned by his shout, taken aback.

Even the gentle little white rabbit can be frightening when angry.

Su Huanfeng realized his actions and hastily apologized, "I'm sorry, Gu Ying, I didn't mean to yell at you... I'm just...just too upset..."

Seeing his pitiful look, Gu Ying was not bothered. She smiled, "Young Master, what do you like about me?"

Su Huanfeng became strangely quiet, staring at Gu Ying's snowy cheeks. Recalling her free spirit at the winter hunt, her bright eyes when she was up to no good, his handsome face inexplicably turned red, "Don't you think you're quite likable?"

Gu Ying was puzzled, subconsciously asked, "I'm likable?"

How could she be likable?

No one had ever said they liked her, she always thought she was unlikable.

Grandmother didn't like her, eldest aunt and uncle didn't either, nor her sisters at home.

Then there was Jiang Yin, he told her with their cold and indifferent marriage, that even if she was peerlessly beautiful, even if she gave her all to him, he would not like her.

But away from these people, turned out there were still people who liked her.

People who specially gifted her coming-of-age ceremony, people who travelled thousands of miles just to accompany her coming-of-age ceremony.

Although the Young Master was spoiled, his words warmed her heart.

Su Huanfeng scratched his head, "Yeah...forget it for now...I'm going back to ask my father!"

After saying that, the man fled as if escaping. Gu Ying smiled helplessly, shaking her head.

This would be difficult, she wondered if she should ask the guard Hua An stationed outside the Duke manor to inform the Heir, afraid the Young Master would make too big a fuss.

An army deserter sneaking back to the capital, would not bode well for the Duke manor if Emperor found out.

But Li Mama was standing not far behind watching her.

She could only return to Twilight Snow Studio to think of something.

...

Zhenguo Duke Manor.

The night was cold again, the chill was oppressive. Tonight, the large family was having dinner at Spring Garden Pavilion again.

The atmosphere at Spring Garden Pavilion was heavy and depressing.

Ever since Zhao Changdu returned to Bianjing, Zhao Changxing had been affectionately appearing with Huo Qiyun at Spring Garden Pavilion.

Their happy family made Zhao Changdu seem like an outsider, alone.

Zhao Changdu had a strong aura and cold expression.

Sitting at the table, tranquil and indifferent, his face was usually expressionless.

But after entering the Duke manor for so many years, Zhao Changxing had always been overshadowed by Zhao Changdu's reputation, he was unhappy inside.

He had a weaker physique and inferior looks compared to Zhao Changdu. Having no accomplishments and unable to obtain a good position at court, he naturally harbored resentment towards this "younger brother" whom he almost beat to death.

Zhao Changdu barely had any feelings for this family, he sat here for dinner only for grandfather's sake.

Grandfather told him to return and reconcile with his father, so he returned.

Seeing Zhao Changdu barely eating, Zhao Changxing spitefully brought up the subject, "With so many delicacies, why doesn't Ah Du eat?"

Zhao Changdu's face was expressionless, "Afraid you'll poison me."

Cheng's complexion visibly changed. She quickly glanced at Zhao Hui, laughing ingratiatingly, "Ah Du, why say such tactless words, it hurts our family affection for no reason."

Zhao Changdu sneered coldly.

Family affection? When she took advantage of his youth to humiliate him, where was her thoughts of family affection?

Too hypocritical.

Cheng was intimidated by this grown cold-faced King of Hell, at a loss for words.

Zhao Hui's expression immediately darkened. He heavily put down his chopsticks, looking like he would flare up.

Cheng quickly stopped him, continuing her ingratiation, "My Lord, don't be angry. Ah Du didn't mean it, he's just been busy with wedding preparations recently, personally going through the various requirements and details, it must be too tiring, that's why he absentmindedly said those words."

Her words implied complaint that as his son, he didn't leave the wedding preparations to her, the Duke's wife, making her lose face among the noblewomen of Bianjing.

This topic was even more aggravating to Zhao Hui, "Ask him! Does he treat the Duke manor as home! Treat me as his father!"

After his angry shout, Zhao Changdu looked at him coldly and impatiently. With a clank, he flung the ceramic bowl in his hand onto the table.

Everyone was stunned by the sound, frightened by it.

Zhao Changdu was a military man, cold and prestigious. His silent aura was already intimidating.

Cheng's face turned pale. Standing by and serving her mother-in-law, Huo Qiyun's body also shook lightly, her fearful eyes subconsciously looked towards the man's cold and noble profile. A piercing pain suddenly went through her heart.

Zhao Hui was held back by his own son. Face flushed red with anger, he was momentarily speechless.

Zhao Changdu looked at him coldly, "What can you do, even if I act this way?"

Zhao Hui glared at this son who had grown wings, only able to grasp at straws and scold, "You should have left the wedding preparations to your mother, what's a grown man doing such womanly matters for! Won't you be laughed at when it gets out?!"

Zhao Changdu retorted, "When you ostentatiously brought Cheng back to the Duke manor, how come you didn't think it was womanly matter?"

Zhao Hui was furious beyond control, "Zhao Changdu, you--!"

Zhao Changdu was coldly indifferent, "Do I permit you to address me by my name?"

Zhao Hui was enraged, slamming the table as he abruptly stood up, "You're my own son, why can't I address you!"

Zhao Changdu sneered, "I'm the one you hate most, born from Mrs. Lin, not birthed by you."

Zhao Hui's chest heaved violently from anger. Cheng quickly went to his side, soothing his chest while blaming, "Ah Du, how could you provoke your own father like this? I entered this household with your mother's approval back then, didn't I?"

Zhao Changdu's eyes glinted murderously, "You're quite good at defending yourself."

What consent his mother gave for Cheng entering this household, Cheng knew fully well.

His mother had passed for many years now. As the Duke's wife, she must be thinking those despicable things she did back then were forgotten since she had settled in so steadily.