Originally, Gu Changsha thought his daughter would flatly refuse.
In fact, there was a part of him hoping for her refusal, because he didn't want to engage in a political marriage, which was too degrading for a great nation.
But of course, he also somewhat wanted this marriage because it would bring greater benefits, whether economic or political.
People are sometimes just a bundle of contradictions.
Everyone has moments of inner conflict.
Someone once said, saints are never conflicted! What nonsense, the books just don't write about saints' inner conflicts. In the books, saints are depicted perfectly, praised and flattered.
Is Liu Zhizhong a saint? No! So, he's not perfect; he has moments of inner conflict too.
Is Gu Changsha a saint? No! Even though Eastern Pot might glorify him as one, does that make it true or an objective fact?
