vstars Chapter 343 My Cousin's Sweetheart
Chapter 343 My Cousin's Sweetheart
That day, Song Ruozhen was woken up early and went to the Gu family with her mother and brothers.
"The previous family reunion was rushed, but since everyone is here today, you can take this opportunity to get to know your cousins."
Inside the carriage, Gu Ruyan greeted Song Ruozhen with a smile as she introduced the Gu family's children, and Song Ruozhen learned of the large number of members in the Gu family during this introduction.
The eldest maternal uncle, Gu Qingyan, and his aunt, Xu, had two sons and two daughters: the eldest son, Gu Jinglin; the second son, Gu Qingci; the third daughter, Gu Nanwei; and the youngest daughter, Gu Zhaoyuan.
The second maternal uncle, Gu Qingxiu, and his aunt, Madam Ling, had three sons and one daughter: the eldest son, Gu Muchen; the second son, Gu Linxiao; the third son, Gu Shiye; and the youngest daughter, Gu Huan'er.
Apart from Gu Zhaoyuan, Gu Shiye, and Gu Huan'er, who are not yet married, everyone else is already married.
As for the third uncle, Gu Qingzhe, everyone tacitly avoided mentioning him because Gu Qingzhe was still confused about Liu Yunwei's matter and no longer lived in the Gu family home.
"Ruyan, you've finally arrived. These little rascals have been talking about wanting to see their younger cousins."
Madam Gu greeted them with a smile, while Song Ruozhen and the others handed over the gifts they brought to the Gu family steward, greeting them with smiles.
However, looking at the large group of unfamiliar people in front of her, Song Ruozhen couldn't help but not be able to match the people with their names.
"We haven't had any contact with them for years, so it's understandable that they're unfamiliar with us. But if we keep in touch more often, they'll get to know each other quickly."
Madam Gu smiled broadly. Since her mood improved, her physical condition had also improved, and her overall energy and spirit had greatly increased.
Of course, the most important thing is Song Ruozhen's medicine.
"I've heard of Yi'an's talent for many years and have always admired him. I never expected that we would become relatives. I'm truly delighted!" Gu Qingci said with a smile.
"Cousin, you flatter me. I've heard that you're currently working at the Dali Temple and that you're an old acquaintance of my elder brother."
Song Yi'an's smile was like a gentle breeze. He knew a lot about the people in the court, and he had also met Gu Qingci.
“That’s right. Yan Zhou and I hit it off immediately. We wanted to become sworn brothers back then, but we never expected that we would actually be cousins. I was really shocked when I first heard the news, and the more I think about it, the happier I get!” Gu Qingci laughed heartily.
Song Yanzhou was also in a good mood. He and Gu Qingci had known each other for several years and had always had a good relationship.
Since his return to the court, many people have disliked him, but Gu Qingci has remained steadfast in her support and even stood up for him. Now that she has learned that the two are cousins, they are naturally even closer.
"Cousin Ruozhen, I've heard that you and His Highness Prince Chu have an unusual relationship. Is that true?"
Gu Huan'er quietly approached Song Ruozhen. She was very cute and playful, and her face lit up with surprise when she saw Song Ruozhen.
A hint of surprise flashed across Song Ruozhen's clear eyes. Upon hearing this, she was somewhat puzzled by Gu Huan'er's meaning and did not reply.
"I saw it at the hunting competition before. The King of Chu really cares for you. Countless girls in the capital are envious."
Gu Huan'er blinked, her face full of excitement but also a little troubled, "Cousin, you're so amazing, can you teach me?"
"Do you have a sweetheart?"
Looking at the girl in front of her, Song Ruozhen knew that Gu Huan'er was a very outgoing person. She was naturally cute and romantic, and she was not pretentious or like to hide anything.
Even though it was their first meeting, her tiny face already betrayed her distress.
Gu Huan'er blushed, revealing a hint of shyness. She bit her lip, finding it difficult to speak.
Her hands were clasped together, and she looked conflicted. "This...I..."
"To be honest, I actually like Prince Yun," Gu Huan'er said, going all out.
"Cough, cough cough." A look of surprise flashed in Song Ruozhen's eyes. "Prince Yun?"
Gu Huan'er quickly stopped Song Ruozhen from speaking, saying, "Cousin, please keep your voice down, so that no one else can hear you."
Song Ruozhen also became interested, "Tell me about it?"
Gu Huan'er immediately recounted the scene of her first meeting with the Prince of Yun.
That day, she dressed up carefully to attend the lotus appreciation banquet, but unexpectedly, she was tripped up by a girl with whom she did not get along, and she fell backward uncontrollably.
Behind it is the lotus pond. If someone were to fall in, they would become a laughing stock in the capital.
Fortunately, His Highness Prince Yun happened to pass by at that moment and helped her up, thus saving her from this embarrassing situation.
As Song Ruozhen listened to the story of the hero saving the beauty and falling in love at first sight, a smile appeared on her face.
Although this kind of thing is old-fashioned, it has to be said that for girls, this is the moment that is most likely to make their hearts flutter.
"Ever since then, I've always wanted to steal a glance at Prince Yun, but I don't dare to speak to him, for fear that he'll hate me."
Later, I finally mustered up the courage, but to my surprise, King Yun avoided me like the plague, saying that meeting me would bring bad luck.
Gu Huan'er's face scrunched up, and she couldn't help but sigh, "Tell me, why does Prince Yun dislike me?"
Song Ruozhen was completely confused. Had she missed something?
It was clearly a perfect encounter. Given Yun Wang's personality, it wouldn't be surprising if he didn't remember which girl he saved, but surely he wouldn't dislike her?
"Why does the Prince of Yun hate you?" Song Ruozhen couldn't help but ask.
Gu Huan'er's smile suddenly turned awkward, and Gu Zhaoyuan, who was listening to the two talking, couldn't help but laugh.
"Cousin, you don't know this, but Prince Yun did try to catch Huan'er, but Huan'er was too strong, and she pushed Prince Yun into the water..."
Song Ruozhen: "..."
So this was just a hero saving a beauty in Gu Huan'er's eyes, but in Yun Wang's eyes... it was repaying kindness with enmity?
Gu Huan'er looked embarrassed, her hands tangled together, and she said in a wronged voice, "I didn't want this to happen either. I didn't know it would turn out like this."
Cousin, you know His Highness Prince Yun, could you help me explain?
Song Ruozhen had met with Prince Yun a few times and knew that he was actually quite nice, approachable and not arrogant, but... he didn't seem to have much interest in marriage.
Besides, matters of the heart aren't something that can be easily helped; it ultimately depends on the individual's wishes.
"Cousin, you may not know this, but the Empress intends to choose a princess for Prince Yun. She even specially invited Huan'er to the palace banquet a while ago. When Prince Yun heard that it was Huan'er, he immediately avoided seeing her. Huan'er was heartbroken for a long time because of this."
Gu Zhaoyuan recounted what had happened. Gu Huan'er, as the granddaughter of Grand Tutor Gu, was proficient in all the arts, including music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, and was an outstanding young lady from a prominent family in the capital.
The Empress chose her, which should have been a cause for celebration, but alas, her affections were unrequited, leaving her heartbroken.
Song Ruozhen suddenly realized, "So that's how it is."
"Actually, this was a complete accident. I was just too nervous at the time, so I reached out to pull, who knew I would accidentally pull Yun Wang down?"
I apologized immediately after it happened, but I was so nervous when I apologized that when I looked up after bowing, I bumped into Prince Yun's nose, causing him to bleed..."