The princess regretted it.

Half an hour later, Changsun Wuwang was the first to leave Qingfengxuan with his attendants; a quarter of an hour later, Wu Changfeng also leisurely left the restaurant. None of the diners in the restaurant noticed this unusual behavior.

Wu Changfeng returned to the Jinwu Marquis Mansion and headed straight for his father's study, intending to tell him the results of his discussion with the Third Prince. However, he found nothing. Lord Wu was not in the study. He asked the servant nearby and learned that his father had gone to his mother's courtyard. He said nothing after hearing this and turned to walk towards his mother's Chengyuan.

Chengyuan, the courtyard where the mistress of the family, Hou Furen, resided, was surrounded by green trees and a profusion of flowers. The entrance was marked by an exquisitely carved archway. A plaque above the door read "Chengyuan" in elegant and beautiful handwriting, its golden writing gleaming in the sunlight.

Entering Cheng Garden, a winding bluestone path leads along its banks, lined with a variety of rare and diverse flowers: delicate peonies, elegant orchids, and noble chrysanthemums. The flowers bloom year-round, their fragrance filling the air. At the end of the path stands a small, exquisite pavilion, crafted from fine wood and intricately carved. Its roof, covered in glazed tiles, reflects a vibrant hue in the sunlight. Comfortable stone benches surround the pavilion, offering a place to rest and enjoy the scenery.

To one side of Chengyuan lies a crystal-clear artificial lake, its waters shimmering with shimmering waves. Several colorful goldfish swim merrily in the water. Willow trees sway gracefully beside the lake, their branches swaying in the breeze. An arched stone bridge spans the lake, its railings carved with auspicious designs.

Unfortunately, Wu Changfeng wasn't interested in the scenery within the courtyard at the moment. He hurried along the bluestone path to the main hall of the main house. As he passed, maids and servants saluted him one after another. Wu Changfeng ignored them and, without waiting for notice, entered the main hall. Inside, Marquis Wu Anshuo of Jinwu and his wife, Fan Ningshu, were seated. Wu Changfeng stepped forward and bowed to them, "Father, Mother."

As soon as Fan saw Wu Changfeng, she stood up and smiled, "Feng'er, you're back!" Her face was filled with a warm smile, her eyes full of kindness. She immediately gestured for her maid to make some tea. Then, she carefully examined Wu Changfeng and asked with concern, "Feng'er, have you been too tired lately? Why do you look a little haggard?"

Wu Changfeng quickly replied, "I'm sorry to have worried you, but I'm fine!"

Wu Anshuo sat in the main seat, silent, his gaze piercing. He had high hopes for his son, his proud legitimate son. Consequently, he held him to very high standards. Seeing his son seemed a bit hurried, he spoke sternly, "How can you be so hurried? Those who achieve great things must be calm and composed, never letting their emotions show easily. If you were to act so flustered in front of others, wouldn't you be looked down upon?" His voice was deep and powerful, carrying an undeniable authority.

Upon hearing this, Wu Changfeng bowed his head slightly and said respectfully, "Father, I'm right. I know I was wrong." Wu Anshuo observed his son's attitude, his expression softening slightly. He asked, "Is there something urgent you're looking for?" Wu Changfeng glanced at his mother, hesitated for a moment, and shook his head. Wu Anshuo said in a deep voice, "Then let's meet in my study after dinner to discuss this." Wu Changfeng nodded in agreement.

Fan hurried forward, gently shook Wu Changfeng's hand, and said in a gentle voice, "Feng'er, your father may be strict with you, but it's all for your own good! You must understand his good intentions. This mansion will eventually be handed over to you, and the burden on your shoulders is not light."

Wu Changfeng bowed his head slightly and replied respectfully, "Mother, I understand."

Mrs. Fan smiled gently and continued, "You've come at the perfect time. Mother was just about to tell you something. Your cousin Qianyi will be coming to stay for a while tomorrow. You must spend some time with her."

Wu Changfeng couldn't help but feel happy when he heard this, and he agreed with a smile: "Don't worry, mother, when Qianyi comes, I will treat her well."

Mrs. Fan nodded in satisfaction and continued, "Mother has always thought that your cousin has been intelligent and beautiful since she was a child, and you two have always been close. Now that you are both quite old, your aunt and I would like to have you two settle down. Are you happy?"

Wu Changfeng was stunned when he heard this, but his mind was full of thoughts. He had originally been fond of his cousin Qianyi, and the affection they had for each other since childhood made him feel a special closeness to his cousin. His cousin's gentleness, kindness, intelligence and charm won his heart. They had spent many happy times together since childhood, and he had originally intended to marry his cousin. But now - now, for the future of the Marquis's Mansion, his father and he made a choice and decided to accept the Third Prince's offer of amnesty and assist the Third Prince. Now one of their plans is to prevent him from marrying his beloved in an open manner. He had also been entangled. On the one hand, there was the deep friendship with his cousin and the expectations of his family, and on the other hand, there were the benefits and prospects that could be brought by marrying Princess Jin'an. In the end, he listened to his father's teachings and had to make a choice.

Thinking of this, he couldn't help but look up at his father, who was sitting in the upper seat. Seeing Wu Anshuo shaking his head calmly, he knew that his father hadn't told his mother about the alliance with the Third Prince, so his mother was unaware of it. Furthermore, his mother already loved his cousin Qianyi, and if he told her about their plan now, she might not understand. Besides, his cousin would be arriving tomorrow. He believed that his cousin, with her gentleness and kindness, would understand his difficulties. The thought of wronging his beloved was a bit frustrating.

The family finished dinner, each preoccupied with their own thoughts. Fan, accompanied by her dowry nanny, Nanny Chen, went to finalize arrangements for Liu Qianyi's arrival the following day. Wu Changfeng, on the other hand, followed Wu Anshuo to the study, where the two of them conversed quietly until late at night. After Wu Changfeng left, Wu Anshuo sent for his butler to summon his staff, leaving the lights on until three in the morning.