PFC Chapter 225 Proposal in the Main Hall
Chapter 225 Proposal in the Main Hall
A scout reported that Gu Ziming and Xiao Yuheng had been in contact for some time, so the emperor, in order to take back power, seized the opportunity to abolish the position of prime minister.
Judging from Gu Ziming's performance on the surface, his position is merely nominal. Even if Gu Ziming manages to return with his exceptional abilities, everything will have changed.
"Hehe, it must be a mistake by the palace servants. Someone, arrange a new seat for Miss Gu." The Empress naturally noticed the Emperor's displeased expression and quickly shifted the blame to the palace servants.
Gu Hanjiao stood up and stepped forward to express her gratitude: "Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty, Empress and Consort. In fact, I am deeply grateful for your grace no matter where I am sitting. It is my great honor to be able to participate in such a grand banquet as a person of my status."
"Look at her, no wonder she's the daughter of the Prime Minister... uh... the top scholar. Her manners and speech are so elegant. It's a pity for Lord Gu..."
People started talking about it.
"Shh, do you have a death wish? That's the Emperor's decision."
"They're all Lord Gu's daughters. Look at that one, she doesn't even offer a helping hand when her own sister has nowhere to sit. How can she be so indifferent?"
"Yes, I am very pleased that you are so sensible. I remember that the Empress recently received a string of South China Sea pearls, so I will bestow it upon Miss Gu."
"Hehe, Your Majesty is right. Such beautiful things look best on young people. I will have someone send them to Miss Gu shortly."
"My dear, hurry up and thank the Emperor and the Empress. You are truly a blessed child," said Consort Yu.
"Your Majesty, I thank you for your great kindness!" After saying this, Gu Hanjiao knelt on the ground again to pay her respects.
"Good child, come sit next to me," said Consort Yu.
Gu Hanjiao hesitated for a moment before saying, "Thank you for your consideration, Your Highness, but this is against etiquette."
"Oh dear, that's a problem. The place is full, where would you like to sit? How about you sit at the Yu family's table? It's not a very front-row seat, but at least it'll be sheltered from the wind?"
These words immediately darkened the emperor's face even further.
"Your subject thinks it would be nice if the eldest Miss Gu were here too. Otherwise, it would be good to have the second young lady and the eldest Miss Gu sit at the same table. After all, they are sisters, and it would be convenient for them to talk," Xiao Yuheng suggested.
Gu Qingwan narrowed her eyes. She could tell from the gleam in Xiao Yuheng's eyes that he was up to no good.
Gu Hanjiao was somewhat delighted but also hesitant. She looked at Gu Qingwan and said, "My sister..."
The Emperor did not want to disrupt the atmosphere of the banquet because of a young woman, so he waved his hand to indicate his agreement and let Gu Hanjiao squeeze into Gu Qingwan's table.
Gu Qingwan didn't say a word from beginning to end, showing neither displeasure nor happiness, as if the matter had nothing to do with her.
"Alright, alright, everything's arranged, everyone hurry up and have a hot meal. This is a local specialty that the Crown Prince specially brought back from the disaster area as a gift from the people. Although it's not exactly highbrow, it's still the people's good intentions." The Empress quickly found an excuse to investigate the matter.
"Sister, I didn't expect that I would end up sitting next to you, did I?" Gu Hanjiao said to Gu Qingwan in a low voice with a forced smile.
Gu Qingwan smiled and ignored her. Seeing Gu Hanjiao diligently pouring her a full cup of tea, she put her hands together in front of her waist and said nothing more.
"Speaking of joyous occasions, we must mention our Prince Chu. His Highness's marriage is the most important event in our Great Qing Dynasty." I don't know why Consort Yu suddenly brought this up, but I'll understand later.
"I do have a niece at home who is beautiful and intelligent. Most importantly, she manages the household affairs very well. I imagine that Your Highness is away on campaigns all year round, so having a capable person at home to manage the household affairs would be the best thing for you."
Consort Yu made the suggestion with delight.
Yu Xinqiu glanced at Yu Linglong beside her, naturally knowing that the Imperial Concubine was referring to her. But did Yu Linglong know about this matter, and did her family also make this plan? And how should she get along with Yu Linglong then?
But Yu Linglong didn't even show any expression, and continued to choose her favorite dishes to eat. She was too lazy to give that stupid woman a warning. Who was the King of Chu? Could a mere concubine like her control him?
As expected, the King of Chu was not someone to be trifled with, he said in a low voice.
"What, has Consort Yu forgotten the pain of her past wounds? She's even trying to interfere in my marriage?"
Since the King of Chu removed his mask, everyone had gotten used to his appearance and no longer found the scar on his face particularly terrifying. However, at this moment, Consort Yu couldn't help but swallow hard.
"No, no, I just feel that Your Highness needs someone who cares for you and understands your needs..."
"Consort Yu, you should just stay in your place. How can a mere concubine like you make decisions about the Prince's affairs?" the Emperor said displeasedly.
"Yes, it was I who overstepped my bounds."
Seeing that things weren't going well with Consort Yu, the Empress wondered if she could do something for the Empress Dowager. So she said, "Your Majesty, please don't blame your sister too much. Her worries are not unfounded. The Empress Dowager is also very concerned about the Prince's marriage, and Miss Wen, who is by her side, is even more so..."
"Mother!" The Crown Prince interrupted the Empress's next words in time. He didn't know why the Empress was acting so recklessly today. Before understanding the Prince's intentions, she was arbitrarily matchmaking him with another man. Wasn't she afraid of the Prince of Chu's revenge?
"Mother, the fruit wine brewed today is very delicious. Mother, you are worried about me in the capital. I would like to offer you a toast."
The King of Chu smiled, thinking that the little prince was quite clever, much better than his muddle-headed mother.
"The Crown Prince is truly filial," the ministers below flattered.
Gu Hanjiao wasn't idle either. She spoke to Gu Qingwan in a voice that wasn't too loud or too soft. It seemed like an unintentional exchange between sisters, but in reality, anyone sitting close could hear it.
"Sister, look how filial the Crown Prince is, and how kind he is. Hey, sister, you and the Crown Prince seem to be a good match, since you're about the same age."
Immediately, everyone around started to get excited.
The Empress had always wanted to find another concubine or secondary wife for the Crown Prince. If she could marry Gu Qingwan, it would be equivalent to gaining the support of the Duke of Ningguo, which would only bring benefits and no harm.
Upon hearing this, the Crown Princess glanced at the Empress's expression and immediately felt hostility towards Gu Qingwan. This Gu Qingwan...
Xiao Yuheng's face darkened. What did Gu Hanjiao mean by pushing Gu Qingwan towards the Crown Prince? That would give the Crown Prince an even bigger bargaining chip. Was Gu Hanjiao helping him or harming him? Even if he couldn't marry Gu Qingwan, he absolutely couldn't let the Crown Prince succeed.
The crown prince was in a terrible mood; he could feel the deathly aura emanating from his murderous uncle.
He felt truly wronged. If possible, he wouldn't care about his image as the Crown Prince or not; he would kneel before his uncle and tearfully explain everything. As long as his uncle didn't misunderstand him, he would do anything he was asked.
He wouldn't even dare to covet Miss Gu, okay? If he even showed that thought, ten of his lives wouldn't be enough for his royal uncle to play with. This Gu Hanjiao is a real menace, just like his third brother, wishing he would die as soon as possible.
And then there's that ambiguous smile from the Crown Princess beside me. Oh no, my plan to get intimate with my wife tonight is probably ruined if I don't handle things right.
But it was Gu Hanjiao, this troublemaker, who was brought into the palace by her own mother. Was she trying to annoy Consort Yu and the Third Prince, or was she just trying to cause trouble for herself?
Before I could finish complaining in my mind, I heard the Empress above speak.
"This Miss Gu and the Crown Princess get along quite well..." The Empress is the kind of person who acts on her feelings, and with the Crown Prince's return after his meritorious service, she has become even more arrogant.
"Mother!" The Crown Prince couldn't care less about anything else; all he wanted to do was rush out and stop his mother's foolish behavior.
"Mother, Miss Gu is of noble status. She is clearly someone that Old Madam Ning has trained to be the head of the household. Naturally, I would like to get closer to such a smart and beautiful person."
The Crown Princess couldn't help but roll her eyes at the Crown Prince in her heart. What a spineless fellow! Did she not know what he was thinking?
The Empress's expression darkened upon hearing this, realizing that her daughter-in-law was openly contradicting her decision.
"Yes, yes, Mother, your son thinks this osmanthus lotus root is quite delicious. Mother, please try it."
"But..." the Empress wanted to say something more.
"Royal brother, royal sister-in-law," the King of Chu interrupted the Queen.
The Queen was feeling rather annoyed tonight. Why did everyone keep interrupting her? And the people who interrupted her were all people she couldn't afford to offend. She was so frustrated.
"Oh? What does the Prince of Chu want to say?" The Emperor, who knew the inside story, asked with a smile, pretending not to know.
Gu Qingwan glanced at Xiao Jingchen and suddenly her eyelids started twitching.
Xiao Jingchen rose and knelt in the center of the hall. Instantly, all the sounds around him ceased. He said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, I have long admired Miss Gu. I hope you will grant my wish."
The hall fell completely silent. The Empress didn't know how to describe it; this was originally intended for her son, but somehow her brother-in-law had taken a liking to it.
The Duke of Ningguo was also taken aback. The old Duke had the strongest reaction, and he shattered the cup in his hand. The sound of the broken porcelain falling was particularly clear in the hall.
The Emperor almost choked on his wine while secretly laughing. He pretended to be serious and asked, "Nonsense! What do you mean by 'long-standing affection'? You've only been back in the capital for a short time, and you've only met Miss Gu a few times."
"When I was young, I had the opportunity to meet Miss Gu a few times in the Duke's mansion. Miss Gu was generous and intelligent, and I have never forgotten her. Later, I had the good fortune to see her a few more times at the border. I was impressed by Miss Gu's martial arts skills. I will never forget such a graceful woman."
Even with her two lifetimes of experience, Gu Qingwan couldn't help but blush. How could Xiao Jingchen, who was usually so quiet, suddenly be so eloquent with sweet talk? She quickly took a big gulp of fruit wine to calm herself down.
In fact, not only Gu Qingwan, but everyone present never expected that their cold-faced prince would have such a side.
Xiao Jingchen continued, "This time, instead of going to Xishan, I recommended the Crown Prince to go instead, so that Miss Gu could have more time to look at me. After all, I am also disfigured, and it's not easy for me to find a wife..."
Look, look! In order to pursue the person he likes, our War God Prince is just an ordinary person. He is so humble that he has to lower himself to the extreme just to get his beloved to look at him. As men, they can naturally understand and empathize with him. Who doesn't have someone they like?
"Oh dear, Your Highness is truly sincere. Your Majesty, please grant your wish."
"That's right, that's right. This granddaughter of the old Duke is of a status that does not disgrace the Prince. They are a good match."
"I also think that Your Highness and Miss Gu are a perfect match, a handsome man and a beautiful woman, a match made in heaven."
At that moment, the old Duke broke the chopsticks in his hand. Who said that the old man King of Chu and his granddaughter were a match made in heaven? They were clearly much older than each other! King Chu was an old cow eating young grass!
Xiao Jingchen naturally saw the old Duke's expression. Even the Duke of Ning realized what was happening. He looked at his niece, who seemed unmoved, but her slightly flushed cheeks betrayed her. It seemed that Qingwan had done it on purpose.
"Yes, it's time for Imperial Uncle to settle down. I think Miss Gu is quite nice."
"No!" Xiao Yuheng said with a gloomy face, becoming the first person present to refuse.
Xiao Jingchen didn't tolerate him and said directly, "Children shouldn't interfere in adult matters!"
The fact that Gu Qingwan was an elder completely blocked Xiao Yuheng's path. Yes, she was his royal uncle. How could he have any say in who she married or not? But he was unwilling to accept it. Gu Qingwan should have belonged to him.
"Ahem, are you asking me for an imperial decree to grant us a marriage? Have you consulted Miss Gu about her opinion? What if she doesn't agree?"
A hint of affection flickered in the eyes of the King of Chu, which were usually filled with hostility. He said, "Then I will wait, until Miss Gu accepts me. I will stay by her side, and one day she will know my true feelings."
This time, the old Duke Ning broke a newly handed pair of chopsticks in half.
Everyone looked at the old Duke's dark face. No wonder he was so gloomy. Look at what the King of Chu meant by that. He was still guarding the girl. If that's the case, no one would dare to go and ask for her hand in marriage again. Miss Gu only has one choice in her life, and that can only be the King of Chu. If anyone dares to cross the line, the King of Chu will take his long sword and stab them a few holes.
The Emperor also saw the old Duke's expression and thought that it was inevitable that Xiao Jingchen would be beaten up by the old Duke. Just thinking about it made him happy, and he really wanted to go and watch it if possible.
"Ahem, is Miss Gu here?"
Having been called out, Gu Qingwan naturally couldn't bury her head in the sand any longer. She took a deep breath, stood up, and stood side by side with the King of Chu. Looking at them together, they were indeed a pleasing pair to the eye.