101 Amazing
This was her husband, and they had been husband and wife for decades. To her, he was a part of her.
Imperial Duchess Wei's sharp gaze shot towards Gu Yanfei. Her fierce gaze seemed to be saying that if anything happened to Imperial Duke Wei, she would definitely not bypass the person who had murdered her husband.
Gu Yanfei was as still as a mountain as she gently stroked her sleeve.
"…" Imperial Duke Wei let out a low moan, his voice weak.
!
He raised his head with difficulty. His face was pale, his lips and beard were stained with black blood, and his breathing was very weak.
Madam Wei looked at Imperial Duke Wei worriedly. She gently wiped the black blood from the corner of his lips with a handkerchief and called out in a choked voice, "Ah Shen…"
"He's fine," Gu Yanfei said calmly.
As soon as she finished speaking, a cold wind at the window blew her robe, making it flutter.
Fine?! Everyone, including Murong Yong, couldn't help but look at Imperial Duke Wei, who was sitting on the chair. Imperial Duke Wei's face was as pale as paper, and he was breathing less and less. He was so weak that he looked like he would die at any moment.
But this girl actually said that he was fine?!
Imperial Duchess Wei frowned tightly, her face as calm as water. She did not believe Gu Yanfei's words at all.
"If you say he's fine, he's fine!?"
Imperial Duchess Wei's words were as cold as ice. She gestured for the attendant to support Imperial Duke Wei, planning to go over and talk to Gu Yanfei.
Her husband had vomited so much blood that it was as if he had vomited all the internal organs in his body. How could he be fine!
So what if the Eldest Prince was this girl's backer? Even if she caused trouble in front of the imperial court, she would not let go of this liar who harmed her husband's life!
Imperial Duchess Wei had just taken half a step aggressively when she felt her cuff tighten. She looked down and saw Imperial Duke Wei holding a corner of her sleeve.
"I…" Imperial Duke Wei's eyes widened, and his eyeballs bulged slightly. The whites of his eyes were covered in spider web-like blood vessels, and even the breathing between his nose and mouth had stopped.
Imperial Duchess Wei was shocked and afraid, and her heart suddenly shrank into a ball.
Murong Yong was also shocked. He almost thought that Imperial Duke Wei was going to say his last words.
"It doesn't hurt anymore…" Imperial Duke Wei suddenly took a deep breath before finishing his sentence, but his voice was still weak.
Imperial Duchess Wei: "…"
Silence filled the private room.
The people outside were all stunned and looked at each other in a daze.
Imperial Duke Wei had said that it no longer hurt, but he had been on the verge of death just now. Could it be that he had finally recovered?!
Everyone was bewildered as they watched Imperial Duke Wei's breathing visibly stabilize. Even his originally dazed eyes began to take on some life.
Not only were the outsiders in disbelief, but even Imperial Duke Wei himself was stunned.
One moment he was touching his abdomen, the next his chest and throat, and the next he was pinching his thigh hard.
The pain in his thigh made his face twist slightly.
It also made him certain that his abdomen really did not hurt anymore.
Just now, he was in so much pain that he looked like he was rolling in a mountain of knives and a sea of fire. Now, it was completely painless.
Imperial Duke Wei took two deep breaths and tried to calm himself down, but he realized that even his breathing had become smoother.
"I'm fine," he muttered. He grabbed the arm of the chair with one hand and tried to get up. The attendant hurried to help him, but he waved him away.
It was only when he stood up straight that Imperial Duke Wei felt a sense of reality. He felt that his body was much lighter, as if all the toxins that had accumulated in his body for many years had been expelled.
Although his face was also a little pale, he was in good spirits. He was a completely different person from the old man who had vomited blood and was on the verge of death.
Imperial Duchess Wei felt as if she was in a dream and almost pinched her thigh.
"Ah Shen, it doesn't hurt anymore? Have you really recovered?" She couldn't help but ask. She looked Imperial Duke Wei up and down and held his right arm with one hand.
Imperial Duke Wei's feet were still a little unsteady. He raised his hand to touch his stomach again and felt that something was amiss, but he was also certain. "It really doesn't hurt anymore!"
Strange? What was wrong? Imperial Duke Wei thought hard.
The guards and other idlers outside the private room had seen everything from beginning to end. At this moment, they were all dumbfounded and amazed.
This imperial duke had escaped death. Was he really fine now?
If so, this Taoist priest girl was simply a living immortal!
Amazing, too amazing!
Everyone stared at Gu Yanfei with burning eyes. At this moment, when they looked at her again, they felt that her entire body seemed to be surrounded by a transcendent immortal aura. They secretly praised this girl for being really divine and pure!
Under the gazes of so many people, Gu Yanfei was still calm and composed. Her smile was faint and she did not feel uncomfortable at all.
She took out a handkerchief from her sleeve and bent down to pick up the fragment that Imperial Duke Wei had spat out earlier. She spun it casually and waved at Chu Yi with her other hand.
"It's this."
She said these words to Chu Yi.
The casualness in her words shocked Imperial Duke Wei. He watched helplessly as Chu Yi was summoned to her side.
"It's a fragment from the tip of an arrow." Chu Yi took the small fragment and recognized it at a glance.
Imperial Duke Wei recalled Gu Yanfei saying that he had been injured by an arrow when he was young and blurted out, "It's that arrow?!"
The arrow that had hit him 20 years ago!
Gu Yanfei nodded with a faint smile. "That's right."
"20 years ago, you were injured by an arrow on the battlefield. However, when the military doctor pulled out the arrow, he accidentally left a small fragment of the tip in your body."
"This fragment has been in your stomach for years, making the intestines in your abdominal cavity stick together. That's why you're feeling nauseated and bloated after eating. Gradually, it turns into abdominal pain and blood."
...
"You still don't know how to control yourself. There's no end to the hard liquor!"
She was certain that Imperial Duke Wei would definitely have stomach discomfort every time he drank strong wine.
102 You Have Me
Imperial Duchess Wei was someone who slept beside her, so she naturally knew that her husband had been injured by an arrow 20 years ago. At this moment, hearing Gu Yanfei's tireless explanation, she also came to a realization and clapped heavily. "In the past, those quack doctors said that your stomach was weak because you were addicted to alcohol. So that's what happened!"
Because of his stomach problems, Imperial Duchess Wei had also invited an imperial physician for Imperial Duke Wei a few times. He had also drunk medicine, but there was no improvement, so she could only persuade him to drink less.
Gu Yanfei praised Imperial Duke Wei in all seriousness, "You're really amazing!" He could really endure it!
Chu Yi tilted his head and put his fist under his lips. He laughed softly, elegantly and restrained.
!
"…" Imperial Duke Wei opened and closed his mouth, speechless.
He had never taken those problems of gastrointestinal nausea, bloat, and abdominal pain seriously, and thought he would simply get used to it.
After all, he had many old injuries from the battlefield. Usually, every time he encountered a snowstorm, the cold would flare up and hurt like a knife.
Even if he occasionally bled, Imperial Duke Wei didn't think it was a big deal. The prescriptions given by those imperial physicians were really too bitter and useless anyway. After drinking it a few times, he secretly poured the medicine away.
Imperial Duke Wei coughed dryly to cover it up, and his smile was a little forced as he chuckled. "Sure, sure."
Knowing her husband well, Imperial Duchess Wei could see the guilty look in her husband's smile at a glance. Her heart skipped a beat and she narrowed her eyes.
"Wei Seng, you!" A dangerous glint appeared in her eyes. She raised her hand and grabbed Imperial Duke Wei's right ear, twisting it forcefully…
Imperial Duke Wei sucked in a breath of cold air, his features instantly contorting on his pale face.
If not for the fact that they were outside, he would have said, "Have mercy, Madam."
Imperial Duchess Wei quickly let go of Imperial Duke Wei's ear and gave Gu Yanfei a bright smile. She said apologetically, "Young… Young Master, I'm an impatient person. I was rude just now."
As she spoke, she took out a horse whip from her waist and forcefully stuffed it into Gu Yanfei's hands. "I have a Akhal-Teke horse that can travel thousands of miles a day. Take it as my apology!"
"Let's forget about our grudges with a smile. Don't be calculative with me… Sigh, it's all this old man's fault for avoiding treatment. That's why his injuries worsened and caused such a misunderstanding!"
As she spoke, Imperial Duchess Wei vented her anger on Imperial Duke Wei. She couldn't help but punch his arm a few times, and the way she addressed him changed from the endearing "Ah Shen" to a distasteful "old man" now.
Poor Imperial Duke Wei had just recovered from a serious illness. After being heavily pounded by Imperial Duchess Wei, he almost lost his balance.
Gu Yanfei chuckled. Her laughter was as clear as silver bells, as if a breeze with the fragrance of flowers had swept past.
She was thinking of buying a horse!
"Sure." Gu Yanfei grabbed the horse whip and swung it casually, accepting the other party's apology.
Madam Wei's straightforward and fiery personality was a little similar to her Ninth Senior Sister in the Bright Spirit Realm.
At the thought of this, Gu Yanfei couldn't help but feel a sense of closeness to Madam Wei. She added, "My Lord, this is an old illness. Although the root of the illness has been removed, you haven't recovered yet."
"When we get back, find an imperial physician to give you a prescription to nourish you. After a year and a half, you'll be able to recover. In the future, you can't drink strong wine or eat fat."
"Otherwise, your lifespan won't last long."
As she spoke, she looked around the room full of smelly blood and smiled faintly. Her indifferent tone seemed to be casual, but the extraordinary methods she had displayed previously made no one dare to underestimate her.
"Little…" Imperial Duke Wei originally wanted to call her 'Little Girl', but when he thought about how it would be unsightly for him to expose a girl disguised as a man, he forcefully changed his words. "Little Brother, thank you for this."
As he spoke, he was more or less afraid.
However, Imperial Duke Wei was an old general who had experienced countless life-and-death battles. That fragile emotion only lasted for a moment before he perked up again, and he thought to himself, "I actually met a living immortal by chance when I came to watch a show. This means that I'm not destined to die!"
Little Brother? Gu Yanfei was amused by this form of address. Didn't that make her Chu Yi's little uncle?
She couldn't help but chuckle as she glanced at Chu Yi. Her dark eyes were sparkling, and her smile was shallow.
Their eyes met and Chu Yi raised his eyebrows in confusion.
"Little Brother," Imperial Duchess Wei had the same tacit understanding as her husband and asked eagerly, "Do you have any nourishing prescriptions?"
103 I'm Here
In the past hour, it was as if Imperial Duchess Wei had walked back and forth between heaven and hell. At this moment, she was completely convinced by Gu Yanfei and looked at her expectantly.
Gu Yanfei shook her head calmly. "I'm better at emergency cases."
She was telling the truth and was indeed better at emergencies.
In the Bright Spirit Realm, those cultivators only needed medical cultivators to take action when they were seriously injured and were about to die or their cultivation levels were greatly damaged. Usually, they would meditate and get some spiritual herbs and spiritual medicine to consume.
Hearing this, Imperial Duchess Wei didn't insist and thanked her again. "Thank you for your guidance, Little Brother."
When Gu Yanfei heard the words "Little Brother", she could not help but squint and smile.
Imperial Duke Wei, on the other hand, had a bitter expression. He knew that his life would probably not be so easy from now on. He would have to live the life of a monk with vegetables and tofu.
This was simply worse than vomiting blood just now!
Imperial Duke Wei sighed in his heart as he cupped his hands dryly at Chu Yi. "Nephew, I've troubled you this time."
"I'll visit your residence with your 'auntie' another day."
Imperial Duke Wei's tone was a little strange when he said "auntie."
Why did these polite words sound so stiff? It really did not sound like the legendary Imperial Duke Wei who even dared to diss the previous Emperor.
Murong Yong looked back and forth between Imperial Duke Wei and Chu Yi. A hint of thought flashed across his eyes, and he carefully sized up Chu Yi without saying a word.
Seeing that things had settled down, the guards outside the private room began to disperse the onlookers and shouted, "Alright, alright, disperse. Go do what you need to do."
After a while, the corridor outside became empty.
Given Imperial Duke Wei's current situation, it was impossible for him to stay here and watch the show. After Imperial Duchess Wei personally put a cloak on him, the couple bade farewell.
"Let's talk another day," Imperial Duke Wei said casually. Although the blood he had vomited had removed the root cause of his illness, it had still injured some of his vitality. In just a few words, his face had already revealed fatigue.
Murong Yong hurriedly took the initiative to send them out.
After everyone left, Gu Yanfei pinched the fingers on her right hand a few times before raising her eyebrows.
Chu Yi saw some clues from her small actions and asked, "Why?"
"Indeed," Gu Yanfei said in a low voice. "It's the swamp."
Chu Yi had read all kinds of miscellaneous books and continued, "Big bad luck?"
Gu Yanfei nodded, her pink lips pursed into a thoughtful smile.
She had clearly saved Imperial Duke Wei's life, but the black aura on his glabella had not completely dissipated. This meant that his "bad luck" did not only come from a "relapse of an old illness."
Therefore, Gu Yanfei had divined again and obtained this great ominous omen.
Chu Yi did not interrupt her thoughts. Instead, he looked at her quietly, his eyes calm and deep.
In the next moment, she turned to look at him.
Her large eyes, as bright as the rising sun, met Chu Yi's pupils.
"Don't worry, we've agreed that I'll help you." Gu Yanfei smiled confidently.
Since she had not finished helping him, she would definitely not give up halfway.
She couldn't help but touch the plum blossom jade hairpin in her bun again, her movements gentle and loving.
She had read a few fortunes today and her head did not hurt. This hairpin was really good!
In a good mood, she stood on her tiptoes and happily patted his shoulder. "I'm here."
"…" Chu Yi's pupils quivered.
Ever since he was young, his luck had not been good, and he had walked a bumpy road to where he was today.
And at this moment, it was as if the brilliant light of the rising sun had shone into the darkness.
His heart rippled gently…
"Yes, I have you." Chu Yi's eyes lit up for a moment, his gaze gentle and focused.
Pleased by his trusting gaze, the smile on Gu Yanfei's face deepened. "I…" She wanted to say that she was very powerful.
Outside, the sky suddenly darkened, as if night had fallen early. A huge bolt of lightning suddenly struck the air.
The silver lightning seemed to be about to strike the two people in the private room through the window.
"Sizzle!"
The lightning came and went suddenly.
In the blink of an eye, the sky became as bright and transparent as the blue sea again, as if the lightning just now was an illusion.
Everyone was shocked by the lightning in bright daylight.
Gu Yanfei's eyes widened and her pupils constricted.
Heaven's Will?!
This was a demonstration of Heaven's Will!
Gu Yanfei tilted her head and thought about it. What did she say just now?
She would help him?
So—
She and he, two people abandoned by the heavens, wanted to change their fate and cause the heavens to be unhappy?!
When this thought appeared, a familiar dull pain came from Gu Yanfei's chest, and a metallic taste of blood rose in her throat.
Enduring the discomfort, she struggled to read another fortune. Her fingers slowly moved…
...
It has changed!
The bad omen just now had changed again.
It became full of uncertainty and seemed fiercer, but there seemed to be another glimmer of hope.
Gu Yanfei thought of something and her eyes lit up. She suddenly looked at the person beside her.
Then, she had to help!
The sky seemed to be responding to something. Then, an even brighter bolt of lightning descended and instantly enveloped Tianyin Pavilion.
Imperial Duchess Wei, who had just gotten into the carriage, also looked back and was secretly amazed.
She lowered the curtain and seemed to be asking Imperial Duke Wei, but also seemed to be muttering to herself, "Why is the Eldest Prince here?"
"He must be here to watch the show," Imperial Duke Wei said matter-of-factly. He picked up a white towel and wiped his face and beard haphazardly.
Imperial Duke Wei was not familiar with Chu Yi either. Apart from seeing him a few times in the morning court on the day he returned to the palace, he had only truly interacted with Chu Yi a few days ago when he talked to those pretentious aristocratic families in the East Warm Pavilion.
After Imperial Duke Wei finished wiping his face, he casually threw the bloodstained white handkerchief on the small table and sighed. "I'm afraid the royal court is going to be in chaos."
...
After sighing, he laughed again. "This time, I owe the Eldest Prince a huge favor."
After all, he had been seriously ill. His laughter was slightly weaker than usual, and his voice was hoarse.
"It's not a favor, it's a life," Imperial Duchess Wei rolled her eyes and said seriously.
104 Sincerity
Imperial Duchess Wei couldn't stand her husband's perfunctory actions anymore. She took a clean handkerchief again and wiped the remaining blood off his face.
As she approached, Imperial Duchess Wei suddenly felt that something was wrong. She stopped what she was doing and looked down, crying out, "Your stomach…"
With her reminder, Imperial Duke Wei was enlightened. He finally understood why he had vaguely felt that something was wrong when he was in Tianyin Pavilion.
So his general belly was gone… No, it should be said that his abdomen had flattened.
!
The couple faced each other, eyes to eyes, nose to nose. They didn't speak for a while.
Imperial Duchess Wei couldn't help but move her hand down and touch Imperial Duke Wei's stomach. Only then did she confirm that the old man's big belly was really gone.
Thinking of the black and red blood all over the floor in the private room, Imperial Duchess Wei came to a realization. So the things the old man spat out were the filth that had accumulated in his stomach for the past 20 years!
"Amazing!" she exclaimed sincerely.
That Akhal-Teke horse could only be considered an apology and was far from enough as a consultation fee.
Imperial Duchess Wei thought for a moment, lifted the small curtain in front of the carriage, and called out the attendant's name, "Ah Fu."
"Yes, Madam?" The attendant sitting on the shaft outside hurriedly turned around.
"Go and find out the identity of the girl with the Eldest Prince at Tianyin Pavilion just now," instructed Imperial Duchess Wei. She specially warned, "Don't alarm her."
The attendant responded respectfully.
It was not difficult for the Wei family to find out about someone. In addition, Gu Yanfei did not deliberately hide her identity. She did not wear men's clothes to avoid being noticed, but for convenience.
When night fell, the attendant, Ah Fu, came to report to Imperial Duke Wei and his wife. "Imperial Duke Wei, Madam, the girl from Tianyin Pavilion is the second daughter of the Dingyuan Marquis Household."
Imperial Duke Wei was leaning lazily on the couch, holding a large white bowl with blue flowers. He was frowning at the steaming brown medicine, making it obvious that this medicine was very bitter!
"Gu family?" Hearing this, the teacup in Imperial Duchess Wei's hand stopped in midair in shock.
She had never seen or heard of such a girl in the Gu family.
Among the girls of the Dingyuan Marquis Household's generation, she only knew Gu Yunrong.
Gu Yunrong was the daughter of the Marquis of Dingyuan, Gu Ce. She was extremely lucky and had never fallen behind when competing with others. When drawing lots with others, she had always won the lottery. Countless people had received her favor… There were many anecdotes about her good fortune in the capital. Even her sister-in-law had praised Gu Yunrong in front of her.
Not only was she lucky, but Gu Yunrong was also a little talented. She was outstanding in zither, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, song, and so on. Such a girl indeed had the right to be arrogant. Therefore, a few days ago, when Empress Dowager Yuan designated her as Princess Consort Kang, there was only a sigh between the various residences, but no one said anything sour.
When Imperial Duchess Wei was a guest in the mansion, she had also seen Gu Yunrong from afar.
The attendant nodded and continued to report, "She said that she's the legitimate daughter of the Gu family's eldest branch who was lost in the past. She was just found in October. Her name is Yan Fei."
"This girl is also the daughter of Gu Ce and Madam Xie?" Imperial Duchess Wei said in surprise.
Imperial Duchess Wei vaguely remembered that Madam Xie had been dead for more than ten years, and her memory of Madam Xie's appearance had also become a little blurry. Now that she thought about it carefully, she did indeed look a little similar to that girl.
However, if she remembered correctly, the Xie family only had a son and a daughter.
"She's the daughter of the Dingyuan couple," the attendant explained. "It's said that Miss Gu Yunrong is not from the Gu family's eldest branch. She has already been adopted under the second branch."
Imperial Duchess Wei frowned. What kind of nonsense was this?!
She couldn't understand it.
In short, Gu Yanfei was Gu Ce and Madam Xie's daughter. This was understandable.
As she thought, she gave Imperial Duke Wei a faint sideways glance.
He shuddered and did not dare to waste any more time. With a bitter expression, he gulped down the medicine and said vaguely, "Gu Ce is extremely talented. He was originally a rare talent, but unfortunately, the enemy defeated…"
The State of Yue in the south had always been ambitious. Eight years ago, the State of Yue sent another 100,000 troops to raid the southern border of the Great Jin Dynasty. The flames of war rose again, causing countless casualties.
First, the Marquis of Dingyuan, Gu Ce, guarded Yangzhou with 50,000 troops. He was not strong enough and sent a letter to ask for help.
At that time, the late Emperor, the heads of the aristocratic families, Imperial Duke Wei, Gu Ce, and the other nobles wanted to fight, but those lowly ministers could not make up their decision to fight or make peace.
105 Sincerity
The late Emperor wanted to make peace with the State of Yue, but he did not issue a decree to reinforce Yangzhou for a long time. Gu Ce tried his best to hold on for three months, but in the end, he was forced to open the city gate to the State of Yue…
However, the Yue people did not believe him and killed Gu Ce.
When the late Emperor heard that Gu Ce had lost to the enemy, he was furious and almost took away the title of Marquis of Dingyuan. However, because Gu Ce's daughter, Gu Yunrong, saved Kang Wang in the chaos in Yangzhou when she was six years old, she made up for Gu Ce's mistake.
The late Emperor thought about it, and in the end, he bypassed Gu Ce's eldest son, Gu Yuan, and passed the title of Marquis of Dingyuan to Gu Jian.
!
Thinking of these past events, Imperial Duke Wei sighed in his heart. "This shouldn't have happened…"
If the late Emperor had sent troops to support Yangzhou in time, Gu Ce would not have been forced into a corner and even died at the hands of the enemy!
A lifetime of heroic leadership was ruined.
Although Imperial Duke Wei did not say anything wrong about the late Emperor, Imperial Duchess Wei could tell what her husband meant. The corners of her lips curled up mockingly as she sneered, "The late Emperor was a fool!"
Emperor Taizu was a refined and cultured man. Unfortunately, his sons were all mediocre, and none of them had his bearing. The previous Emperor had only ascended to the throne as the eldest son of the first wife.
Imperial Duke Wei stroked his beard and sighed. "Gu Ce's son, Gu Yuan… isn't easy either."
He still remembered that two autumns ago, Gu Yuan had followed the imperial guards to the coast to suppress the pirates. He had made a great contribution and should have been able to be promoted at least two grades. In the end, it was obvious why he did not receive any rewards from the previous Emperor.
Imperial Duke Wei had a noble status, and it was quite an honor for Gu Yuan to have Imperial Duke Wei remember his name.
Imperial Duchess Wei raised her heroic eyebrows and smiled. "It looks like he's a good child like that girl."
Imperial Duke Wei pondered and said, "Gu Yuan seems to be in the West Mountain Camp now, Ren…"
He did not remember very well and was about to instruct the attendant to ask around when the curtain happened to be lifted at this moment. A housekeeper walked in without looking sideways and bowed to the two masters. She reported, "My Lord, Madam, Kang Wang and Lord Yuan heard that my Lord was sick and specially came to visit. They even brought the Shangqing Spiritual Master of the Wuliang Temple."
As she spoke, the housekeeper's eyes lit up.
Shangqing Spiritual Master was known for having immortal skills in the capital and was an expert in medicine. Usually, there was an endless stream of believers who went to Wuliang Temple to pay their respects and seek medical treatment, but they often could not even meet him. If they wanted to invite Shangqing Spiritual Master to visit for treatment, they would have to make an appointment half a month in advance.
A living Taoist master like Shangqing Spiritual Master with immortal skills could not be invited just like that.
Imperial Duke Wei and his wife looked at each other. The corners of Imperial Duchess Wei's mouth curled up into a faint smile as she said meaningfully, "Kang Wang probably knows that the Eldest Prince is also at Tianyin Pavilion today."
Imperial Duke Wei was the most impatient to deal with those pretentious noble families. He said angrily, "Let them go back. Tell them that I've already rested."
The housekeeper accepted the order without another word.
After a while, Chu You and Yuan Zhe, who were waiting outside the imperial duke's mansion, received a message from the housekeeper.
"Hmph." In the carriage, Kang Wang, Chu You, snorted unhappily. "Didn't I say that these nobles haven't even cleaned up their country bumpkin act yet? They're acting like they're from a rich family."
Three generations were wealthy families, and a hundred years were aristocratic families.
The Wei family's imperial duke position had only been passed down to the second generation and could not even be considered a wealthy family.
Yuan Zhe sat opposite Chu You and comforted him. "Calm down."
He glanced sideways at the plaque of the Wei family mansion outside the window, and a hint of disapproval flashed across his deep eyes.
Yuan Zhe took a sip of tea before saying meaningfully, "The Eldest Prince sure hid well."
There was silence in the carriage.
Chu You's long and narrow eagle eyes narrowed and flashed with a cold light. He could not help but think of the matter that had caused him to be demoted.
After that day, he received Rong'er's letter and learned about what had happened in the Marquis Mansion. Thinking about the game in the East Warm Pavilion, he finally believed that he had been schemed against.
Today, he had specially brought Shangqing Spiritual Master here to see if Imperial Duke Wei was sick…
Chu You's eyes turned even colder as he asserted, "Chu Yi must be up to something again."
Imperial Duke Wei was watching the show in Tianyin Pavilion when he vomited blood for some reason. He was coincidentally seen by Chu Yi, who happened to be there and had a "miracle doctor" beside him.
What a coincidence!
Chu You did not believe that Chu Yi did not secretly play any tricks. For example, harming the imperial duke first before saving him!
Yuan Zhe did not comment.
He lifted one of the curtains and smiled apologetically at the Taoist priest, who was silent in the other carriage. His eyes were filled with respect as he said, "I've troubled you for a wasted trip today. Spiritual Master, are you willing to go to my humble abode to rest?"
Shangqing Spiritual Master looked up with a far-reaching and aloof gaze. He smiled calmly at Yuan Zhe and said, "There's no need to take it to heart, everything is fate. I still have to return to the temple to preach, so I won't disturb you today."
Yuan Zhe did not force him either. He instructed the coachman to send Shangqing Spiritual Master back to the Wuliang Temple before leaving with Chu You.
Imperial Duke Wei was ranked among the four dukes. Many people in the imperial court watched every move of the imperial duke's mansion. Soon, everyone in the imperial court knew that Imperial Duke Wei was seriously ill.
Hence, in the next few days, many nobles came to visit.
Even Madam Gu of the Dingyuan Marquis Mansion specially found some expensive herbs and planned to let Gu Jian and his wife go there personally.
However, the Wei family had recently closed their doors and refused guests. Madam Gu did not expect them to enter and only wanted to express her intention to befriend them.
If they wanted to befriend such a noble, the Marquis Mansion had to show their sincerity.
"Xinwen, the herbs you found are still a little ordinary. Why don't you bring the 300-year-old ginseng from my storeroom?"
Madam Gu made up her mind and decided to bear the pain of giving away something precious.
Madam Wang could not help but smile. Just as she was about to thank Madam Gu, she was interrupted by the maidservant, Bai Lu, who had just entered. "Madam, Miss Wei Jiu from the Wei family is here to visit."
The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law looked at each other in surprise.
Imperial Duke Wei's status was extraordinary. Back then, he even dared to scold the late Emperor, and anyone could see his arrogance.
Furthermore, Miss Wei Jiu was the youngest daughter of Imperial Duke Wei's heir and was doted on by Imperial Duke Wei and his wife.
The Gu family and the Wei family had never interacted. They had yet to visit, so why was this girl from the Wei family here personally?!
Bai Lu continued, "Miss Wei Jiu's servant said that they're here to see the Second Lady today."
Bai Lu spoke clearly, but in Madam Gu's ears, the word "Second Lady" naturally referred to Gu Yunrong.
...
106 Promotion
Madam Gu could not help but be happy.
Rong'er had been lucky since she was young. She was loved by everyone and got along well with those nobles. It seemed that Miss Wei Jiu was also Rong'er's friend.
Madam Gu smiled until deep wrinkles appeared in the corners of her eyes. She instructed Bai Lu, "Go and tell Rong'er to come over quickly."
Then, Madam Gu smiled and said to Madam Wang, "Rong'er is indeed likable and blessed." It was also Madam Wang's blessing to have Rong'er under her name.
!
Madam Wang was about to join in when Bai Lu explained with a subtle expression, "Madam, Miss Wei Jiu is here to look for the Second Lady of the Yuheng Garden, who has already gone over to meet her." She deliberately emphasized the words "Yuheng Garden", indicating that the girl from the Wei family was here to visit Gu Yanfei.
What?! Madam Gu and Madam Wang were shocked again and looked at each other.
Madam Gu was filled with doubts. For a moment, she wondered if she had heard wrongly.
Gu Yanfei had been to the capital for less than two months and had only been to Prince Jing's Manor once. Other than her beautiful face, she had no talent or virtue and was ordinary. Why would the legitimate daughter of the Wei family lower herself to deal with a wild girl like Gu Yanfei?!
Suppressing the doubts in her heart, Madam Gu anxiously gave a series of instructions. "Quickly take out my jar of good Longjing tea and get the kitchen to quickly prepare some snacks that girls like to entertain Miss Wei Jiu later."
"Bai Lu, prepare a new set of clothes for me…"
Granny Li, Bai Lu, and the other maidservants quickly went down to prepare. The Benevolent Harmony Hall immediately became busy.
Madam Gu sighed at Madam Wang again. "Xinwen, I was originally worried that you and the Marquis would not be able to enter the imperial duke's mansion. Now that the daughter of the Wei family is here, this is a great opportunity."
"With Miss Wei Jiu pulling the strings, even if you can't see Imperial Duke Wei, you can at least see the heir's wife, right?"
Because of Miss Wei Jiu's arrival, Madam Gu suddenly felt as if the clouds had parted and she could see the light of day. In a good mood, she went to change into a new set of luxurious clothes and matched them with a set of jewelry and a headband. She was just waiting for Miss Wei Jiu to come to the Benevolent Harmony Hall to greet her.
In the end, she waited and waited, but no one came.
After waiting for an hour, Madam Gu was a little tired, so she sent Bai Lu to Yuheng Garden to take a look.
Unexpectedly, Bai Lu reported, "Miss Wei Jiu went out with the Second Lady."
Madam Gu's expression froze. She still had a trace of hope in her heart and asked dryly, "Where did they go?"
Madam Gu comforted herself by thinking that perhaps they had gone out for something urgent.
Bai Lu braced herself and replied, "I heard from the people in Yuheng Garden that Miss Wei Jiu wants to go to Daqing Street to watch the sideshows in the Western Region. The Second Lady said that the beauties from the Western Region are all blond and blue-eyed and are better-looking than sideshows. They… they went together."
These words were like a bucket of cold water poured over Madam Gu's head.
The temperature in the east room suddenly dropped, and it was so cold that it seemed to freeze people.
This was impossible!
"…" Madam Gu lost her balance, and the teacup in her hand trembled slightly. The hot tea spilled over the edge of the cup, burning the back of her hand.
Gu Yanfei rode the Akhal-Teke horse that Imperial Duchess Wei had given her and rode around the city with Miss Wei Jiu for a day before returning to their respective residences.
When Gu Yanfei returned to the Dingyuan Marquis Mansion, other than the horse whip, she also carried a large bow on her back. She was in high spirits and had the heroic bearing of an enraged horse.
The tall and mighty crimson horse whinnied and paced briskly, as if it wanted more.
"Miss, your bow looks very beautiful." Juan Bi eagerly took the bow Gu Yanfei brought back and sized it up curiously.
It was a dark bull-horn bow, five feet long and almost as tall as Juan Bi. It made her especially small, and the silver bowstring shone in the sunlight.
"It's a good bow!" Gu Yanfei praised her with a happy smile. She leaped down from the high horse's back, as light as a swallow. "My dear mother has told me that we'll go hunting together in a few days. You should prepare too."
The conversation between the master and servant also entered Granny Li's ears from not far away. Granny Li clenched her handkerchief tightly and was secretly shocked that the Second Lady seemed to be very close to Miss Wei Jiu.
107 Promotion
"Second Lady." Granny Li composed herself and strode forward with her legs that were a little stiff from standing for a long time. She smiled and bowed. "Madam invites you to the Benevolent Harmony Hall."
"What's the matter?" Gu Yanfei glanced at Granny Li indifferently, her slender fingers casually flicking the bowstring.
The silver bowstring vibrated gently, buzzing.
Granny Li felt as if her heart had been flicked. Her attitude towards Gu Yanfei became even more solemn as she said, "Eldest Young Master is also here."
Big Brother was back! Gu Yanfei, who was originally a little lazy, immediately perked up and smiled in surprise. Her exquisite face bloomed with a dazzling light.
"Juan Bi, settle Hongyu down."
Gu Yanfei casually threw the reins of the red horse to Juan Bi and followed Granny Li to the Benevolent Harmony Hall.
It was a beautiful day where the sun was shining and the sky was clear blue. Occasionally, a few sparrows would chirp and fly past.
Wishing she could grow wings, Gu Yanfei walked briskly.
Along the way, Granny Li said a few words to Gu Yanfei in a friendly manner. For example, the Eldest Young Master had just returned half an hour ago and had not sent a message to the residence in advance. For example, the Eldest Young Master looked much taller and darker. Furthermore, the Marquis was also at the Benevolent Harmony Hall…
Everyone in the Benevolent Harmony Hall knew that Madam Gu was waiting for the Second Lady. From the moment Gu Yanfei entered the courtyard, her journey was smooth.
When she reached the curtain that led to the east room, she heard Madam Gu's puzzled voice from inside. "… Yuan'er, why did you suddenly return to the capital?"
Gu Yanfei raised the curtain and walked in.
The sound of the curtain being lifted attracted the attention of Madam Gu, Gu Jian, and Gu Yuan in the east room.
"Sister!" Gu Yuan suddenly stood up from his round chair.
The originally cold young man's expression instantly softened as he looked at Gu Yanfei with a burning gaze.
Today, Gu Yanfei was wearing a pale yellow dress embroidered with broken branches and peony flowers. This was a slim-fitting robe, making her figure look slender and energetic.
Gu Yuan stared at Gu Yanfei without blinking.
His sister from a month ago was as thin as bamboo. Her face was faintly sallow, and she did not look well.
His sister had become prettier in a month. She had grown taller and looked better.
Her eyes were like stars, her skin was like jade, and her cheeks were flushed.
She was like a delicate flower that was gradually blooming in the sunlight…
The corners of Gu Yuan's lips curled up bit by bit. He could not bear to blink as he watched Gu Yanfei walk towards him.
"Sister, sit here." Gu Yuan pulled Gu Yanfei to sit down on the round chair beside him. He sized her up again before feeling relieved. Just as Wu Tong had said, his sister had not suffered in the Marquis Mansion these days.
Gu Yanfei was also sizing up Gu Yuan. Just as Granny Li had said, Gu Yuan was taller and darker.
When he held her left hand just now, she could clearly feel the rough calluses on his palm and the vitality emanating from him.
Her brother was still as dedicated to following in her father's footsteps as he had been in her previous life.
Gu Yanfei smiled gently.
Madam Gu, who was sitting on the sofa, looked at the siblings quietly. Her eyes were deep, and she heard Granny Li's low whisper.
When she heard that Gu Yanfei was going hunting with Miss Wei Jiu, Madam Gu's eyes changed. There was a hint of surprise, confusion, and respect.
After settling his sister down, Gu Yuan remembered to answer Madam Gu's question. "Grandma, I just received a transfer order from the Ministry of War today. I've been transferred back to the capital and will be transferred to the Divine Arms Battalion."
The Divine Arms Battalion was established by Emperor Taizu and belonged to one of the three major battalions of the imperial guards. It specialized in controlling all kinds of firearms and often guarded the palace and the eastern coast.
Like the Embroidered Uniform Guards, the Divine Arms Battalion was directly responsible to the Emperor and could be said to be his personal guard.
"This is great news." Madam Gu was surprised and delighted.
Gu Jian blurted out in shock, "Really?"
Unconsciously, he clenched his fists. His pupils constricted, and he looked wary.
"The transfer order will take effect today, and I'll be promoted from company commander to battalion commander," Gu Yuan said slowly and without arrogance.
The battalion commander was a sixth-grade military official, and the company commander was a lower-class fifth-grade military official. Gu Yuan's transfer order exceeded the upper-class fifth-grade, and could be considered a two-step jump.
Besides, everyone knew how important the Divine Arms Battalion was. Gu Yuan had been transferred from the West Mountain Camp to the Divine Arms Battalion and had unknowingly advanced another level.
His promotion this time could be said to have skyrocketed him. The lower-class fifth-grade company commander of the Divine Arms Battalion was incomparable to the sixth-grade battalion commander. It was equivalent to officially entering the Emperor's field of vision, and his future was limitless.
Gu Jian expressionlessly picked up the blue and white porcelain teacup on the coffee table and brought it to his lips. He put it down and asked, "Yuan'er, why were you suddenly promoted? This is too sudden."
As everyone knew, promotion in the military was either through grace or military merit.
In the past year since he ascended the throne, he had not seen Gu Yuan make any prominent military contributions. As for the pirates that Gu Yuan had killed when the late Emperor was in power two years ago, it was just a few escaped bandits that he happened to pick up.
What right did Gu Yuan have to obtain such an important position?!
"I don't know either." Gu Yuan raised his eyebrows, also puzzled.
Before today, everything in the military was business as usual. It was not until this morning that the higher-ups suddenly called him over, gave him this transfer order, and congratulated him using words filled with unprecedented intimacy.
Gu Yuan was telling the truth, but it was obvious that Gu Jian did not believe him. He continued to ask, "Yuan'er, there's no free lunch in the world. Didn't you ask the higher-ups?"
Gu Yuan raised his eyes and glanced at Gu Jian coldly. Seeing that the other party did not believe him, he could not be bothered to say anything else.
Beside him, Gu Yanfei was leisurely sipping her tea. The corners of her lips curled up slightly behind the teacup.
She had roughly guessed that this was thanks to Imperial Duke Wei.
Madam Gu looked at Gu Yanfei with a complicated expression.
108 Persuasion
"Could it be Imperial Duke Wei?" Madam Gu thought of Miss Wei Jiu, who had suddenly come to visit today.
Gu Jian looked at her in confusion.
He had just returned to the residence half an hour ago and had just sat down at the Benevolent Harmony Hall to drink tea when Gu Yuan returned. The three of them only exchanged a few pleasantries and did not have time to say much, so Gu Jian still knew nothing about what had happened in the Marquis Mansion today.
Madam Gu looked at Gu Yanfei with a complicated gaze and asked in a low voice, "Yanfei, why is Miss Wei Jiu from the Wei family visiting today?"
!
Her eyes burned as she gripped the prayer beads tightly in her hand.
Under the different gazes of the other three, Gu Yanfei said calmly, "I saved Imperial Duke Wei, so Miss Wei Jiu specially came to thank me."
As she spoke, there was a faint smile on her lips, as if she were talking about something insignificant.
The room fell silent.
"Don't talk nonsense!" Gu Jian was the first to reprimand her.
The news that Imperial Duke Wei had vomited blood in Tianyin Pavilion had spread like wildfire in the capital. Everyone, from the noble courtiers to the commoners, knew about it. It was said that the person who had saved him was a Taoist enlightened person with extraordinary medical skills. How could this person be his niece?!
Seeing his Second Uncle reprimand his sister, Gu Yuan pursed his thin lips and looked displeased.
Madam Gu's gaze was unclear as she asked patiently, "Yanfei, do you even know medicine?"
The word "even" seemed meaningful.
"Yes," Gu Yanfei replied matter-of-factly. The smile on her face widened, revealing a pair of cute smiling eddies.
She was telling the truth, but it made people feel like it was unbelievable.
Thinking of what had happened a few days ago, the corners of Madam Gu's eyes twitched. She sized her up with a deep gaze and asked, "Where did you learn it?"
Gu Yanfei casually stroked her sleeve. This time, she said half-truthfully, "Didn't I tell Madam before that when I was in Huaibei, Spiritual Master Lingxiao took me in as his disciple and taught me all my skills?"
"Do you believe me, Madam?"
She tilted her head slightly and smiled, making Madam Gu unable to see through her.
"…" Madam Gu was silent. She pursed her lips tightly, and the wrinkles at the corner of her mouth deepened.
Last time, for Gu Yunrong's marriage, Madam Gu had no choice but to lower her head to Gu Yanfei and deal with Mother Su.
Two days later, she finally calmed down and thought about the entire matter again. She felt that something was wrong and became skeptical of Gu Yanfei's so-called fortune-telling ability.
"If you don't believe me, forget it," Gu Yanfei said as she pulled Gu Yuan up.
"Big Brother, let's go. Imperial Duchess Wei gave me a Akhal-Teke horse. It's beautiful and runs fast. Big Brother, let's go walk the horse together, okay?!"
"Okay, I got 10 days off from my transfer this time. Whatever you want to do, Big Brother will accompany you."
The siblings chatted happily as they walked out of the Benevolent Harmony Hall, leaving Madam Gu hanging there.
"…" Madam Gu wanted to stop the siblings, and her mouth was slightly open. However, she did not say anything in the end and sat there with uncertain eyes.
The siblings' cheerful laughter quickly faded. After a while, she couldn't hear anything.
The east room fell silent, and the atmosphere was cold.
Outside, the howling wind slapped and crackled against the panes.
Madam Gu suppressed her anger and complained to her son, "Gu Yanfei is too wild."
She was so angry that her chest tightened, and she quickly went to serve the teacup. However, Gu Jian was distracted and did not hear what Madam Gu said at all. The person he cared about more was Gu Yuan.
"Mother." Gu Jian frowned and could not help but say, "What do you think Yuan'er's promotion means?"
After the words left his mouth, he realized that he was acting a little impatient, so he coughed dryly and raised his hand to gesture.
Granny Li, who was at the side, had always been good at reading people's expressions. She softly called out all the maidservants in the room and personally guarded them outside.
Only Madam Gu and her son were left in the house.
The charcoal fire made the air in the house a little stuffy.
Gu Jian pondered for a moment before saying, "Mother… The court has finally begun to forget what happened back then. If we transfer Yuan'er back to the capital now and let him appear in front of others so openly, will it remind them of… Big Brother's defeat in the past?"
After a pause, he sighed and added, "It's been eight years… It's not easy for everyone to forget."
The cold wind in the courtyard blew harder, whistling and blowing, making the window lattice look like it was about to fly away.
109 Persuasion
Thinking of the past eight years ago, Madam Gu was also worried and frowned even more.
Back then, their entire family was almost stripped of their title, exiled, or even executed because their eldest son had lost to the enemy. It was all thanks to Rong'er saving Kang Wang in Yangzhou that their entire family was spared and had their current good days.
Thinking about it now, Madam Gu still felt lingering fear. Her turbid eyes were clearly flickering as she slowly twisted the prayer beads in her hand.
After a while, she hesitantly said, "Ah Jian, now that the new emperor has ascended the throne, things are different from the past…"
Everyone in the royal court knew that in the battle between the Great Jin and the State of Yue eight years ago, the previous Emperor wanted to reconcile, but the current Emperor wanted to fight. The father and son had also had many disputes over this… In the end, the Eldest Prince, Chu Yi, was sent to the State of Yue as a hostage.
The late Emperor had passed away, and the current Emperor might not fuss about the past.
Gu Jian clenched his right fist tightly where Madam Gu could not see. Veins popped up on the back of his hand.
"Mother, I thought it was inappropriate." A trace of gloom lingered in Gu Jian's eyes, but when he faced Madam Gu, he looked sincere. He deliberated over his words and tried to persuade her. "The position of the battalion commander of the Divine Arms Battalion is too eye-catching, and there are so many eyes in the capital. Even if the Emperor doesn't care about Yuan'er, what do you think the Emperor will think if everyone follows him?"
"It might not be a coincidence. Although this position is good, our Gu family really can't afford it. Yuan'er is even more unworthy as of now."
Gu Jian spoke eloquently and pompously.
Madam Gu was even more hesitant after hearing his words, but she did not nod. She really could not bear to part with such a good job in the Divine Arms Battalion. This was a position that could not be found even with a lantern. If not for the Wei family, it would not have fallen to the Gu family!
It had not been easy for the Gu family to gain momentum again…
"Mother." Gu Jian stood up and sat on the bed. He held Madam Gu's hand and said, "How about… letting Yuan'er give this position to the eldest son-in-law and the two of them exchange?"
The eldest son-in-law Gu Jian was talking about was Gu Yunzhen's fiancé, Murong Yong.
Murong Yong was now a lower-class fifth-grade captain in the Divine Arms Battalion. Unfortunately, it was only an empty position and was far inferior to Gu Yuan's.
What?! Madam Gu widened her eyes in shock. She did not expect Gu Jian to suggest such an idea and could not help but shake her head.
"This is also for Rong'er." Gu Jian stared intently at every change in Madam Gu's expression and softened his voice. "As you can see, the eldest son-in-law is a young talent with a promising future. It's just that he doesn't have a good opportunity. This time, he only has that title for such a great contribution as suppressing the bandits in Qingzhou."
"If the eldest son-in-law can get this job, and even the Empress Dowager will think highly of him, Rong'er's marriage will definitely not make any more mistakes."
"Mother, instead of believing that that wild girl, Yanfei, can predict the future, it's better to use more practical benefits to persuade the Empress Dowager!"
"If Rong'er is good, our Marquis Mansion will be good. In the future, our family will definitely be able to compensate Yuan'er."
"Think about it carefully. Isn't that right?"
Gu Jian spoke non-stop, guiding her logically.
"…" Madam Gu felt that her second son's words made sense and that she was a little moved, but she vaguely felt that she was letting Gu Yuan down.
No matter what, Gu Yuan was her biological grandson. His parents were dead, so she, as his grandmother, should take better care of him…
Gu Jian stared intently at Madam Gu's expression, and the haze in his eyes became thicker. He threw out his trump card. "Mother, the Marquis Mansion hasn't appointed an heir yet…"
Madam Gu's heart skipped a beat.
Gu Jian had been inheriting the title of Marquis of Dingyuan for eight years. All these years, the Gu family has offered to confer the title on his eldest son, Gu Xiao, every year. However, the memorials handed over were all like stones thrown into the sea.
It was obvious that the late Emperor was still brooding over the fact that Gu Ce had colluded with the enemy and even hated the Gu family.
This year, after the current Emperor ascended the throne, he rewarded many nobles from the imperial family. Even several declining noble families had decided on the candidate for the heir because of this, except for the Dingyuan Marquis Household.
The fact that the heir had not been determined meant that there was no heir to the title, and there was no room for error.
To Madam Gu, the title of nobility was her life.
Once there was no title, the Gu family would become mud on the ground that anyone could step on.
Madam Gu definitely could not tolerate this.
Finally, Madam Gu nodded. "Okay."
One word was all it took.
The shadows of the trees swaying crazily in the cold wind outside the window were reflected in Gu Jian's eyes, making him look sinister.
His pupils were surprisingly bright, and a hint of crazy joy flashed across his eyes. He tried his best to suppress and restrain the surging emotions in his heart.
When his eldest brother, Gu Ce, was still alive, everyone said that he was extremely talented. When they found out that he was Gu Ce's younger brother, they sighed regretfully.
Ever since he was young, Gu Jian had lived in the shadow of his eldest brother. He originally thought that this would be his life and that his days would be muddled…
He never expected that the title of Marquis of Dingyuan would fall on him one day.
Since the heavens were determined that this title belonged to him, no one could take it away from him!
As long as he was around, Gu Yuan could forget about flying out of his palm for the rest of his life…
Madam Gu did not notice Gu Jian's abnormality. She picked up the teacup and drank her tea listlessly.
After the good Longjing tea entered her mouth, there was only bitterness.
Madam Gu knew very well that Imperial Duke Wei had most likely really received some favor from Gu Yanfei.
If the position of battalion commander in the Divine Arms Battalion was a thank-you gift from Imperial Duke Wei, then it would be the same for the Gu family, whether it was for Gu Yuan or Murong Yong.
Moreover, if Murong Yong obtained this position, when Gu Yunzhen really married over to the family next year, she would have more face and would definitely be valued by her in-laws. It could be said to be killing three birds with one stone.
This matter was good for everyone.
Just as her second son had said, they would compensate Yuan'er well in the future. There was still a long way to go.
110 Bloodline
Madam Gu felt more or less guilty and repeatedly comforted herself. She was prioritizing the overall situation.
She took two more sips of tea and composed herself. She called Granny Li in and instructed, "The Eldest Young Master is back today. Get the kitchen to prepare some of his favorite dishes tonight and get the others to come over for dinner for a lively gathering."
After receiving the order, Granny Li left.
The entire Benevolent Harmony Hall was quickly bustling with activity. Even the bone-chilling wind seemed less cold.
The maidservants went to the various rooms and courtyards to pass a message for them to come to the Benevolent Harmony Hall for dinner in the evening.
After ten minutes, Bai Lu returned with a smile and said, "Eldest Young Master and Second Lady are running horses in the martial arts arena. I think Second Lady's riding skills are really not bad."
Gu Jian looked thoughtful. He raised his hand and waved Bai Lu away.
Just as Bai Lu had said, Gu Yuan and Gu Yanfei each rode two horses, one red and one black, around the martial arts arena.
"Sister, your Akhal-Teke horse is indeed extraordinary." Gu Yuan jumped down from the back of the red horse and gently touched its slender neck. He praised, "The name Hongyu is also good."
Gu Yanfei also got off the black horse and smiled sweetly. She also gently touched Hongyu's neck and said, "I like it too."
Thinking of his sister's valiant and high-spirited appearance when she was riding the horse just now, Gu Yuan let out a low chuckle, his eyes gentle.
They all had the blood of their father flowing through them, and it was in their nature.
"Big Brother." Gu Yanfei reached out and pinched Gu Yuan's sleeve with two fingers, shaking it coquettishly. "I've arranged to go hunting with Miss Wei Jiu in a few days. Big Brother, you're on leave anyway. Do you want to go for a walk?"
How could Gu Yuan not agree to his sister's invitation? He smiled and said, "Alright, I'll go with you."
"Do you have any prey you want? I'll catch it for you."
Gu Yuan wanted to make up for the losses of the past 14 years. He wished he could pluck the moon from the sky to please his sister.
Gu Yanfei looked at Gu Yuan, who was less than a foot away from her, in a daze.
It had been the same in her previous life. Gu Yuan had always wanted to please her and do something for her.
However, at that time, she was solitary, timid, and introverted. She was always uneasy and worried about personal gains and losses. She was afraid of troubling Gu Yuan, afraid that he would not like her, so she rejected his good intentions time and time again.
If he took a step forward, she took a step back; if he took another step forward, she took another step back…
There was always a barrier between her and Gu Yuan, preventing them from getting close to each other.
Until Gu Yuan held her hand tightly before he died and said that he was an unqualified brother, that he should have sheltered her and supported her…
He left her just like that. The dead and the living had nothing left but regret.
Before he died, his gaze of self-blame and regret had been engraved in the depths of her heart.
He had regrets, and so did she.
"Brother." Gu Yanfei shook Gu Yuan's sleeve again, her eyes bright. "Then hunt a small sable for me. I want a snow-white one."
"Okay," Gu Yuan agreed.
"Actually, I have something to ask of you," Gu Yanfei said in a coquettish tone, her voice high-pitched.
"What is it?" Gu Yuan lowered his head and looked at his sister, who was half a head shorter than him. The corners of his lips curled up, and his angular facial features softened.
It was great that his sister had asked him for help so familiarly. Just like all the sisters in the world, when facing their brothers, she naturally made requests.
He couldn't help but raise his hand to tap her nose.
"Big Brother, you know Murong Yong, right?" Gu Yanfei said slowly. "I heard that Murong Yong is also in the Divine Arms Battalion now. Big Brother, you're going to take over anyway, so you can take a look at this person."
Gu Yanfei knew that Chu Yi would not lie to her about such a thing, but it was up to Gu Yunzhen to decide if Murong Yong was worth it.
Coincidentally, Gu Yunzhen had not been in the Marquis Mansion recently. It would be her maternal grandmother's birthday in a few days. The Yan family had specially brought her and Madam Yan to stay for a while, and Gu Yunzhen would not be back for a while.
All she could do was give Gu Yunzhen more opportunities to consider. When Gu Yunzhen made her choice, she would help her clear the obstacles.
Gu Yuan was stunned. As smart as he was, he immediately sensed that his sister would not speak without thinking.
"Is Murong Yong inappropriate?" Gu Yuan's question hit the nail on the head. His sword-like eyebrows raised slightly and slanted toward his temples.