Lu Chen replied, "Since we've consummated the marriage, then of course I'll take her as my concubine and marry her into the Prince's Mansion."
Hearing Lu Chen's response, Chu Qingli angrily said, "Who wants to marry you, you scoundrel!"
Chu Yuqin reprimanded, "Shut up!"
"I..." Chu Qingli immediately closed her mouth; she had never seen Chu Yuqin this angry before. It seemed her sister was truly furious.
How could she explain things so that her sister would believe her!
Chu Yuqin continued speaking to Lu Chen, "Chen'er, since you have already planned to take her as your concubine, then go to the Chu Family to propose properly, instead of sneaking around."
Lu Chen said with a smile, "Madam Chu is right; I will go to the Chu Family to propose tomorrow."
In name, Chu Qingli was still a member of the Chu Family. Even though she had no blood relation with the Chu Family, if Lu Chen wanted to take Chu Qingli as his concubine in an honorable manner, it would be best to propose directly to the Chu Family.
At this moment, Chu Yuqin turned to Chu Qingli and said, "Qingli, you have disappointed me."
After dropping this statement, Chu Yuqin shook off Chu Qingli's arm and left the courtyard directly.
Watching Chu Yuqin's retreating figure, Chu Qingli felt a sinking despair and her body suddenly weakened, and just as she was about to fall to the ground, Lu Chen immediately embraced her willow waist from behind.
With Lu Chen's embrace, the anger within Chu Qingli erupted instantly, and she struggled while speaking, "It's all your fault, you scoundrel! Let go of me!"
"You faithless creature, I'll fight you!"
Lu Chen held firmly onto Chu Qingli's willow waist, rendering her struggles futile, her skills had been sealed, and she had no way to break free.
Lu Chen said with a smile, "Madam Chu has already caught us in the act and there is no explaining it; you might as well marry me obediently and become my concubine."
Chu Qingli coldly said, "In your dreams! I will expose your deceit to my sister! I will definitely let her see what kind of man you really are!"
In her ear, Lu Chen whispered softly, "The more you do this, the more Madam Chu will think that you are scheming to tarnish my reputation, all to keep me for yourself."
Hearing this, Chu Qingli was stunned into silence.
If she didn't find a way to stop them from being together, wouldn't Lu Chen and Chu Yuqin indeed end up committing an unforgivable act?
But if she interfered further, her sister would definitely think she was selfish.
This scoundrel had never planned to keep his word from the start!
Chu Qingli then said, "As a prince, to be so faithless, do you not have a shred of moral conscience?"
Lu Chen laughed lightly and said, "Morals? You've even forgotten our transaction count, which shows that you never intended to trade with me. If you don't care about it yourself, why should I uphold our original agreement?"
Chu Qingli was speechless.
Indeed, she herself had forgotten how many transactions there were; how could she expect Lu Chen to keep their agreement?
Chu Qingli then said, "I won't listen to your nonsense, let me go now."
Having said this, Chu Qingli began to struggle again.
At this point, Lu Chen said, "Have you considered that if you marry into the North Prince Mansion, you can always monitor your sister and me? If I were to do improper acts to your sister, you'd be the first to find out."
"Before, you were merely a stewardess in the inner courtyard of the Prince's Mansion, many places were off limits to you, and your movements restricted. But once you marry me and become my concubine, you'll have free access wherever you want, making it easier to watch over your sister and me."
Hearing Lu Chen say this, Chu Qingli paused for a moment, then she actually felt it made sense?
After all, her sister had already discovered her relationship with Lu Chen, and nothing she said now would matter. It might be better to just marry Lu Chen.
Chu Qingli then said, "Alright, I agree to marry you."
Seeing that Chu Qingli had agreed, Lu Chen did not say more; Chu Qingli was typically rash.
Lu Chen then released Chu Qingli, "Since you've agreed, then prepare yourself these next few days. I'll take you as my concubine in a few days."
"I'll go and soothe your sister so she won't be angry with you."
With that, Lu Chen headed towards the courtyard entrance.
Watching Lu Chen's departing figure, Chu Qingli somehow felt she had been fooled by him again.
Just as Lu Chen left the courtyard, a maid came up to him and said, "Prince, the Chu Family Master seeks an audience."
Lu Chen said, "Have him wait in the study for me, I need to take a bath first."
He had been active all of last night and now had a strong smell clinging to him; it was definitely not an appropriate state to discuss matters with anyone.
Afterwards, Lu Chen returned to the main wing to take a bath. After cleaning up briefly, he headed to the study.
As soon as he arrived in the study, Chu Xiong came forward and said, "Greetings, Prince!"
Lu Chen quickly supported Chu Xiong's shoulders and said, "Grandfather, how many times have I told you? You need not be so formal with me when we're alone; I am not so rigid."
Chu Xiong immediately responded, "Customs should not be discarded, after all, you are the prince."
Lu Chen asked, "Grandfather, you came to see me this time about the rumors among the civilians of the North Country, didn't you?"
Chu Xiong promptly said, "It is my fault for not managing the Chu Family well. Here, I apologize to you, Prince. I have already taken care of those who spread the rumors, and I have also found out who was behind it all."