This was Gu Laofuren who suddenly brought up past events, all instigated by Consort An.
Consort An had not expected her own brother to harbor such deep resentment. Without inquiring into the facts, he had attributed everything to her.
"Duke, I am the Consort. Do you know the crime of speaking to me in such a tone, of insubordination?" Consort An’s face stiffened, and her imposing aura immediately surfaced.
"This subject knows his crime. This subject apologizes to Consort An." Gu Changwei cupped his hands towards Consort An. "As long as Consort An can calm her anger and not interfere with this subject's family matters, this subject will accept any punishment Consort An deems fit, without any objection."
With just one sentence, how could Consort An punish her own flesh and blood?
"Brother, your sister asks you, do you truly only care about your son with Dong Ningwan? Anian is your legitimate son, and Eldest Sister-in-law is your lawfully wedded wife. I am your full sister. Are we truly less important than Dong Ningwan and Gu Siya?" Consort An's eyes held a plea.
"They are all my family. They are equally important in my heart," Gu Changwei replied smoothly.
He felt that over the years, he had never mistreated any of them. It was they who had wronged Siya!
Qin Tingxue wanted a child, and he gave her one. He restrained the people in his manor and did not drag Consort An down. He was also filial to his mother.
So, what were they dissatisfied with?
Even his current plans had taken them into consideration.
When Li An needed to rely on him, he would naturally protect Consort An and the First Prince, living as a carefree, scattered prince. What was wrong with that? Da Feng Novel
When he was enfeoffed as a king of a different surname, his mother's noble title would be further elevated, and Qin Tingxue would even leap to become a princess consort. As for Gu Sinian, a little cold shoulder would teach him the warmth and coldness of human relationships; he would still be a young master of the princely manor. As for Siya, the belated title of heir to the princely manor would naturally be his.
He had arranged everything for everyone, so how could it be that he only cared about Siya? What he gave to Siya was merely what he had promised before.
"Duke, do you think your every move is flawless?" Consort An mocked. "Do you truly believe your actions can escape the Emperor's eyes? You collude with Li An in private; you are risking the entire Duke's manor to secure a future for Gu Siya."
Gu Changwei showed no panic. "What are you saying, Consort? I and Lord Li An hit it off immediately, becoming sworn friends of different ages. What if we interact more frequently?"
Looking at Gu Changwei's demeanor, Consort An knew that even if she questioned Li An's princely status, Gu Changwei would deny it. It was indeed difficult to find fault with officials who were congenial and interacted frequently. He only needed to insist that he was unaware of Li An's identity!
He must have been prepared long ago, which was why he was so fearless.
Consort An nodded slowly. "Good, very good. Brother, you have truly opened my sister's eyes."
"If Consort has no further instructions, this subject will not disturb Consort’s reunion with Mother. If Consort has any needs, please instruct my wife. If there is anything my wife cannot do, please send someone to inform this subject. This subject will do his utmost to serve Consort well!" Gu Changwei bowed slightly, clasped his hands, and said with a blank expression.
"Good," Consort An replied.
Gu Changwei slowly retreated. Upon leaving Gu Laofuren's courtyard, Gu Changwei hurried towards his study. There were some matters he needed to ponder carefully. What he hadn't expected was that His Majesty would become wary of Li An so quickly. Therefore, he had to act fast, or all his aspirations would turn to dust.