This matter absolutely cannot be mentioned in the memorial; Gu Chengyu still intends to report to the Crown Prince and the Emperor in person. The incursion into Dayan’s territory by a person from Da Xing is a serious matter and cannot be taken lightly.

After discussing for an hour, Gu Chengyu suddenly felt unbearably hungry, and subsequently picked and stuffed a piece of mung bean cake from the plate on the table into his mouth.

"Oh! Haven’t had a meal yet? Steward Liang, ask the kitchen to prepare a table of dishes and send them to the outer study."

Liang Zhirui then recalled that once the young disciple returned, he was pulled into the discussion, and he came straight from the government office to the mansion, so he likely hadn’t eaten. He hurriedly called out toward the study room’s exterior.

"Sir, Madam has already prepared a meal and says for Mr. Gu to dine in the main courtyard!"

Gu Chengyu wiped his hands with a handkerchief, "Let’s eat first! Missing a meal makes one unbearably hungry."

Anyway, he’s already familiar with entering the inner courtyard of the Liang Mansion. The Liang Mansion staff is straightforward, with only Mrs. Ning in the main room of the inner courtyard. Mrs. Ning is an elder and doesn’t make one feel impolite.

As for Yao Mengxian, she should avoid it, which isn’t a concern.

Liang Zhirui paused for a moment and then said, "Then let’s dine in the main courtyard! We can still discuss important matters there."

Gu Chengyu had no doubts and followed Liang Zhirui towards the main courtyard.

"Grandmother, since Mr. Gu is coming for a meal, it’s better for your granddaughter to avoid!" Yao Mengxian, blushing, hurriedly got up to prepare to leave.

"You two are engaged, and with elders present, you can still meet. You now are considered a named disciple of your maternal grandfather and are precisely fellow apprentices with him!"

Speaking of this matter, Mrs. Ning found it amusing.

Her old husband thought Jinyu was one generation higher than Xian, which sounded unpleasant, and insisted on accepting Xian as a named disciple. There were even two simple tables set at the Liang Mansion for this. Isn’t this as obvious as Sima Zhao’s intentions, clear to all? 𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂

She felt that, since this is the Emperor’s granted marriage, would anyone dare to speak ill behind their backs? This whole setup seemed superfluous and invited criticism instead.

Previously, perhaps people might remember this matter but wouldn’t dare to discuss it openly. Yet now, wasn’t it laid bare?

"Could this be inappropriate?" Yao Mengxian hesitated.

"No harm, sit!" Mrs. Ning was satisfied with Xian’s etiquette, and this was an opportunity to see each other. With elders present, it wasn’t a big deal!

Upon hearing this, Yao Mengxian’s face turned even redder, but ultimately, she sat down.

Actually, if the two weren’t engaged, meeting with an elder present wouldn’t be a big deal either.

After all, Gu Chengyu and Yao Mengxian have Liang Zhirui as a connecting relation, so even if others knew, they couldn’t say much.

However, aristocratic family rules are strict, and Yao Mengxian isn’t impulsive; maintaining propriety and observing etiquette is essential for her as an aristocratic lady.

"Lianxin, bring me that coat from my room!"

Yao Mengxian wasn’t hesitant; since grandmother said so, she wanted to find an opportunity to thank Gu Chengyu. Why not take this chance!

The coat was initially intended for her grandmother to pass on; it just finished today, and conveniently, Gu Chengyu came to the Liang Mansion.

Having received so many gifts from Gu Chengyu before, she hadn’t had an opportunity to thank him and couldn’t feel comfortable accepting them ungratefully.

Mrs. Ning nodded in satisfaction, understanding her granddaughter’s disposition.

If she wasn’t truly satisfied with Gu Chengyu, she likely wouldn’t have agreed to this engagement.

Feelings between young men and women can’t be easily faked. Her Xian still has some affection for Jinyu, as for Jinyu...

Thinking about this, Mrs. Ning’s originally joyful expression gradually became somber.

This engagement came suddenly; perhaps Jinyu wasn’t prepared and felt compelled by her and the old husband to become engaged, feeling resentment who knows?

She only hoped that after marriage, Jinyu could let go of his grievances, pay attention to Xian, and not disappoint her.

"Once you come of age, the Duke Mansion will discuss your wedding date with the Gu Mansion. Jinyu is young and already a Standard Fourth Rank; such talent does not disgrace you. After marriage, you should honor your husband, support him, raise children, and observe womanly duties, avoiding frivolous behavior!"

Mrs. Ning gazed at the jade-like figure, feeling that the two were indeed well-matched.

"Yes, Xian will remember grandmother’s teachings!" Yao Mengxian promptly stood and bowed to Mrs. Ning.

"Is your dowry almost embroidered? Newly married, the husband’s clothing and socks should be sewn by the wife herself. Even the inner garments should be prepared personally; are you ready for this?"

Mrs. Ning, thinking again, felt uneasy and repeated her instructions.

Even though the master borrowed an education matron from the Eastern Palace to instruct Xian, without her mother personally teaching her for the past ten years, she worried the education matron might not be attentive, neglecting these marital matters.

Yao Mengxian nodded with barely audible assurance, "Already prepared!"

"Madam, the master and Mr. Gu are here!" A clear voice called from outside, making Yao Mengxian somewhat nervous.

Gu Chengyu followed Liang Zhirui into the room. Liang Zhirui was not surprised to see his granddaughter also present.

When Steward Liang mentioned the meal being set in the main courtyard, he had already guessed his wife’s intentions. However, he didn’t interfere; privately, he hoped the two would have more interaction and develop mutual appreciation.

Logically, young men and women meeting often would stir affection, especially when both are handsome. Isn’t it more appropriate?

Yet Liang Zhirui felt the two behaved differently from typical individuals, which troubled him greatly.

Upon entering, Gu Chengyu immediately spotted Yao Mengxian sitting on the right lower side.

Not seen for over two years, the little girl had grown taller.

She wore a coat with a pale yellow base and a water-red collar, featuring a printed pattern, revealing a moon-white inner garment with a stand-up collar underneath. Her skirt, vibrant water-red sprinkled with flowers, made the little girl look like a water scallion.

Her hair was styled into a drop bun with a gold inset pearl stone butterfly hairpin; even the temple had a Gold-Filigree Jeweled Peony Hairpin, revealing a graceful curve from a quiet side profile.

At the moment, Yao Mengxian’s face was entirely flushed, her rhombus-shaped mouth tightly shut, showing her apparent nervousness to Gu Chengyu.

After just a glance, Gu Chengyu diverted his gaze. After all, as his fiancée, he needed to see how she’d grown, whether she’d turned out unattractive or not.

Good, not much different from before. The initial youthful features had developed fully, still quite beautiful.

Considering they’d be together daily in the future, facing a beauty would at least be pleasant; a sight worth appreciating, wouldn’t it?

No choice, he’s just so partial to attractive appearances!