The Arch-Enemy Must Not Become a Wife

Chapter 280: Chapter 150: Gu Jianjia (Part 2)

After asking Gu Haitang, she said it was the latter, just happened to have the same surname.

But Chu Xuan was a bit confused. Could it be another old ploy by aristocratic families to maintain bloodline purity, such as marrying offspring from closely related families?

Of course, he would never dare to voice such thoughts, as guessing wrong would be very offensive.

The original meeting place was set in the side hall of the main hall, but Gu Haitang’s mother insisted on choosing her daughter’s boudoir instead.

As a result, Chu Xuan got the opportunity to take a look here.

The room was simply furnished, with a dressing table, a landscape screen, a rosewood canopy bed, a bookshelf, and a desk, with nothing else.

Since Gu Haitang had a physique that did not emit any body fragrance, naturally there was no youthful fragrance, and the room overall appeared serene and tidy.

After the two entered through the door, they saw a young beautiful woman standing in front of the bookshelf reading a book.

She was dressed in a simple light green robe, with dignified and elegant features, her brows like smoke or ink.

Her eyes were calm and bright, her demeanor was aloof and elegant, with graceful lips and pearly teeth, emitting an alluring charm.

What surprised Chu Xuan a bit was that her appearance bore a forty to fifty percent resemblance to Haitang, as if they were carved from the same mold.

If the two stood side by side, they would resemble sisters more than mother and daughter.

In terms of outward temperament, however, there was both similarity and difference between them.

Gu Haitang was not of a cold personality; her usual aloof appearance in public was more of a self-protective disguise, seemingly learned from her mother.

Upon meeting this future mother-in-law, Chu Xuan immediately advanced with Haitang to pay respects, "Junior Chu Xuan greets Madam Gu!"

Gu Haitang, accompanying him in paying respects, then affectionately went to hold her mother’s arm.

Gu Jianjia then leisurely put down the book, "No need for formalities."

Her voice was clear and tinkling, just like her person.

Only then did Chu Xuan straighten up, first presenting spiritual ink and spirit tea on the desk, "Upon our first meeting, I have prepared a small token of sincerity, hoping Madam Gu won’t find it unworthy."

Unexpectedly, Gu Jianjia didn’t give it a glance, only staring at Chu Xuan.

Originally intending to explain the gifts, Gu Haitang hurriedly changed her words: "Mother, this is Chu Xuan I mentioned to you last time, he..."

Gu Jianjia gestured with a wave, indicating her daughter need not speak more, as she would observe herself.

Under this future mother-in-law’s scrutiny, Chu Xuan’s body was somewhat stiff, having to maintain a posture of looking at the desk, trying to appear humble and courteous.

"Too stiff, lift your head."

Chu Xuan complied, lifting his head to meet Gu Jianjia’s eyes, which were as calm and unruffled as a lake.

A guilty person, upon seeing such eyes, would instinctively become panic-stricken, even revealing flaws.

But Chu Xuan remained calm, gradually easing even his bodily tension.

Only then did Gu Jianjia nod, stepping forward from behind the desk, followed closely by Gu Haitang, who was quite uneasy at heart.

Since childhood, she had both revered and loved her mother, knowing the heavy burden her mother carried, wanting to share it, but powerless to do so...

Gu Jianjia gently extended her slender fingers, brushing them over Chu Xuan’s features one by one, murmuring, "The brows and eyes are acceptable..."

Chu Xuan felt slightly awkward but had no choice but to pretend he didn’t notice.

"Mother," Gu Haitang protested softly.

Only then did Gu Jianjia retract her hand, sighing lowly, "A daughter grown cannot be kept, after raising her for so many years, all she thinks about is getting married off."

As soon as she said this, Gu Jianjia suddenly struck out with her palm!

Startled, Chu Xuan immediately blocked it, and upon the clash of magical powers, he realized Gu Jianjia’s cultivation far exceeded his own.

However, she merely withdrew after a light strike, returning to the desk as if nothing had happened, giving Gu Haitang quite a fright.

"Mother, could you not do this?" Haitang pleaded, holding her hand again, "I’ve told you so many times, he, he..."

Haitang stammered for a long while, yet couldn’t bring herself to say "he can’t possibly have any problems."

Having tested Chu Xuan’s magical power, Gu Jianjia found it consistent with what her daughter had previously mentioned.

As for the item that the clan elders instructed her to use, Gu Jianjia didn’t even take it out. Instead, she looked at Chu Xuan and said crisply:

"Marrying my daughter is simple, as long as you can promise me one thing."

Chu Xuan didn’t rashly agree, merely cupping his hand and saying, "Please speak, Madam Gu."

Gu Jianjia looked towards her daughter, "Did you tell him about that secret?"

Gu Haitang’s heart skipped a beat! Only then did she realize her mother was referring to another matter, and she shook her head slightly, "No, Mother, you instructed me not to let anyone know."

"If he truly wants to marry you, there’s no harm in telling him."

A secret? Chu Xuan was puzzled.

Only then did Gu Haitang look at him, with a slightly sorrowful expression, "From childhood, others in the family told me that my father was frail and sickly, passing away from illness."

"But only my mother secretly told me that my father was killed and that when I grew up, I must avenge him."

"Moreover, she said this matter is a great secret, to be kept to myself without mentioning it to anyone."

Chu Xuan frowned slightly, murdered by an enemy? But why would the Gu family hide it from Haitang?

Or could it be that her father’s cause of death was not so simple, possibly resulting from family strife?

Which is why they had to conceal it from Haitang, their most outstanding prodigy of the current generation, to prevent any resentment towards the family and ensure her dedication to her duties.