Forced to be a concubine? I turned around and married the scumbag's father.

After listening to Gu Hua's words, Min Dongsheng pondered for a moment: "In my opinion, he did come to make amends."

The old lady nodded: "I have heard a little about the mother of this third prince."

Gu Hua hurriedly asked, "I'm also puzzled. Why would a commoner woman from Daliang become a concubine of Prince Duan?"

Min Dongsheng explained, "I've heard a little about it. His mother was also a pitiful person. It is said that she followed her parents to the southern border to do business, but they happened to encounter an enemy army invading the border. Her parents were killed, and she was kidnapped. Later, because she was beautiful, she was presented to King Duan by the commander."

Although she was favored upon entering the royal court, the queen and other women in the court were jealous of her, causing her much suffering. The royal court had many women, and King Duan quickly forgot about her. Fortunately, she soon gave birth to her third prince. She struggled to survive in the palace, but unexpectedly, when the third prince was five years old, his mother suddenly regained favor and was quickly made a concubine.

Gu Hua was surprised: "A prisoner of war is a slave. To be able to gain favor, give birth to a son, and eventually be made a concubine and help her son seize the throne and become king, she is indeed capable."

Min Dongsheng was also puzzled: "Exactly. If Yifeng Hall is secretly loyal to her, it's not surprising that she won this struggle for the throne. I just don't know what makes Yifeng Hall so subservient."

Gu Hua thought for a moment: "Wasn't the Yifeng Hall completely wiped out by us? The struggle for the throne will take place after their defeat. How can the Yifeng Hall still provide assistance then?"

"The Strange Wind Hall not only operates as a spy in various countries, but its influence in the southern border countries is even greater. The Strange Wind Hall is like the Imperial City Guard of the Great Liang Dynasty, directly under the king. If the concubine can make them submit, seizing the throne will be a piece of cake."

Min Dongsheng has lived in southern Xinjiang for many years and naturally knows a lot about it.

Gu Hua was very surprised.

I never expected that Brother Ji's aunt was so extraordinary.

She had known Brother Ji for over a year, and all she knew was that his mother had died early, his father had raised him, and he had never remarried. She had never heard him mention having an aunt.

"Regardless of the circumstances, right now we need to cultivate a good relationship with Duan Yu. We can use the marriage alliance to lend Ziyuan a hand."

"Exactly."

Min Dongsheng agreed.

The old lady glanced at Gu Hua and said, "If you don't want to deal with him, then let Mr. Min handle things for you."

"It's alright. Since he's using Brother Ji's name to show goodwill towards us, I'll just go along with it."

Night fell.

A quiet three-courtyard house in the east of the city.

Duan Rui looked at the veiled woman opposite him with a smile in his eyes.

Gu Hua got straight to the point: "I had a deep affection for Brother Ji. After he died, I buried him in Qingshan, Juzhou, with his tombstone facing our hometown. I think he must have missed his hometown very much. Since you are Brother Ji's family, I am willing to believe you."

Furthermore, you are now the King of Dali, and the Mu family army will forever guard the southern border. The Mu family army and the Dali Kingdom will inevitably have to deal with each other. Surely King Duan also desires peace and tranquility for the people?

"That's for sure. I knew I hadn't misjudged you, my lady."

Duan Yu's eyes sparkled.

A maidservant served a pot of hot tea.

Duan Yu personally picked up the cup and poured a full cup for Gu Hua: "Madam has just given birth, so it's not suitable for her to drink tea. This is a premium tea from the high-altitude snowy region that I specially brought for you, which is the best for strengthening your body."

Gu Hua bowed slightly: "Thank you."

But she didn't drink it. Instead, she picked up the teacup and smelled it: "Indeed, it has a unique and refreshing fragrance."

Seeing that she was hesitant to drink, Duan Yu grinned and poured himself a cup: "Afraid that I'll poison you? I'll drink first as a sign of respect."

Gu Hua smiled as she watched him drink a cup: "It's not that I'm afraid of poisoning you, after all, my death would not benefit you."

She also raised her cup and took a sip: "It is indeed sweet and smooth. I wonder what it is made of?"

"This substance is called Cordyceps. It is truly rare; even the Dali royal court receives only a small amount each year. I have brought twenty of them; please, my lady, try them."

Duan Yu ordered someone to bring over an exquisitely carved wooden box.

Zhou Zhilan took it and showed it to Gu Hua.

Things that look like fat worms.

"This is too valuable; I cannot accept such a gift without having done the right to receive it."

Duan Yu smiled and said, "You've shown me Jiang Ruoxi's true nature, so this is a token of my gratitude. Besides, my cousin mentioned that you're frail and wanted to get you some medicine. Now that he's gone, I'll take care of my cousin's wife."

The word "cousin-in-law" sent shivers down Gu Hua's spine, and her face darkened.

"King Duan, I am the wife of the Duke of Yong!"

"Ah, right, I forgot. You are now the widow of the Duke of Yong."

Duan Yu laughed heartily.

Zhou Zhilan and Donghua's faces both darkened.

“If my cousin were alive, he probably wouldn’t have let you go so easily. He once said how wonderful you were. But what I saw with my own eyes was quite different from what my cousin described. In fact, you are even more remarkable than my cousin said.”

Duan Yu bears a resemblance to Ji Xuanyu, with gentle features and fair skin.

He was more cheerful than Ji Xuanyu, and had a dashing and debonair air about him. With the added blessing of being a supreme king, he shone even brighter.

If it weren't for the hidden sharpness in his eyes and the complex calculations in his heart that he couldn't hide, she would have had some goodwill towards him.

Gu Hua chuckled: "Prince Duan, some things shouldn't be joked about lightly."

“I mean it. You may look like a delicate woman, but you are exceptionally intelligent and kind-hearted, and you are deeply loved by the people. All of this makes me admire you greatly.”

Gu Hua guessed what he was really planning.

Duan Yu said slowly and deliberately, "A marriage alliance with the Great Liang is imperative. If Jiang Ruoxi is not an option, then who will the Great Liang send for a marriage alliance? Madam Mu, have you considered my situation? You should know very well that whoever marries into my family will gain the support of the southern border kingdoms. And who would be most beneficial to the Mu family army?"

Gu Hua stared straight at him.

What he said is true.

But who can arrange a marriage alliance?

Who would be the best match for the Mu family army in terms of marriage alliance?

This was a problem that neither she nor Mu Junyan had considered beforehand.

"There are some things I need to say to Madam Mu alone."

Gu Hua: "You may all leave now."

Zhou Zhilan whispered, "Won't that work?"

Gu Hua glanced at her and said softly, "It's alright. King Duan is the king of a country, how could he lay a hand on a mere woman and child?"

Zhou Zhilan glanced at Duan Yu, then curtsied to Gu Hua: "Yes. If Madam needs anything, just call out loud. The Black Armor Guards have already surrounded this place."

"it is good."

Duan Yu smiled and said, "I would never be willing to kill your wives."

Gu Hua gave Zhou Zhilan a reassuring look.

Ziyuan said that the marriage alliance was the catalyst for the success of the Bianjing City affair, and it was the key, so the marriage alliance could not go wrong.

Gu Hua was not afraid of what Duan Yu would do to her, even if it meant taking her life.

Right now, we must keep Duan Yu calm and composed.

After Zhou Zhilan and the others left, Duan Yu poured Gu Hua another cup of tea.

His handsome eyes stared at her with an ambiguous look: "Actually, I don't care about the princess's background. Birth is something that can be changed as long as you have the ability. For example, my mother, my cousin, and you, Gu Hua."

His tone was ambiguous.

Gu Hua's face darkened: "Prince Duan, speak plainly. There's no need to beat around the bush and waste time."

"Okay, I like your straightforwardness!"

Duan Yu's tone changed, his voice becoming even gentler: "For example, you would be a very suitable candidate for a princess!"

Gu Hua stood up abruptly and slammed her hand heavily on the table.

"King Duan, be careful with your words!"

Clang.

Zhou Zhilan kicked the door open and rushed in, with Donghua following closely behind.

Seeing Gu Hua standing there with a livid face, he immediately drew his sword and stood in front of her to protect her.

Gu Hua pressed down on their hands and said coldly, "Prince Duan, if you are truly willing to cooperate with us, it will be a mutually beneficial thing. But if you don't understand respect, then there's no need to talk!"

"let's go."

Gu Hua led Zhou Zhilan and the others outside.

Duan Yu chased after her and said sincerely, "Gu Hua, I mean it from the bottom of my heart. You are the only woman in Daliang who is suitable for me. If you want to take your two children with you, I will treat them as my own and make them the crown prince and princess."

Enraged, Gu Hua raised her hand and shot an arrow at him.

Duan Yu tilted his head to avoid the flying arrow.

His guards immediately surrounded Gu Hua and the others.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Zhilan and Donghua were so angry they felt like their lungs were about to explode. They desperately protected Gu Hua, vowing to die together with her.

Duan Yu frowned: "All of you, step back!"

His guards obeyed his orders and stepped aside to make way.

Gu Hua turned to look at him: "King Duan, clear your head! The Mu family army is not to be trifled with!"

Duan Yu sighed, "But I can't think of anyone suitable. I'm also afraid of marrying someone I don't like."

Gu Hua didn't want to listen to his nonsense anymore, so she walked out.

Duan Yu watched her disappearing figure and sighed deeply.

She murmured, "Gu Hua, have you really forgotten about me?"

A man walked up to him, frowned, and asked, "Your Majesty, is it really her?"

"Of course. The Gu Hua my cousin mentioned, isn't that her? It's a pity that after six years, she doesn't remember me."