Meanwhile, in the main hall of the General's Mansion.

Gu Linyuan was leaning against the desk, staring blankly at the candlelight.

He was holding, intentionally or unintentionally, a piece of intelligence about Jiayuguan in northern Xinjiang.

His brows were furrowed, and he sighed repeatedly.

Deputy General Gu Huai took in the appearance of his general and found something increasingly amiss.

His general has always been flamboyant, ruthless, and invincible.

Even when the Northern Di army approached Jiayuguan, he could still calmly finish the warm wine in his cup.

What's wrong with me today?

Could it be that bandits in northern Xinjiang have once again collectively harassed the people?

The Northern Barbarians are causing trouble in the trade district again?

Or have multiple northern barbarian tribes joined forces to invade the border again?

Gu Huai found it increasingly terrifying.

He hurriedly walked to Gu Linyuan's side, lowered his head, and looked solemn.

"General, what has happened? Is our Great Qi Kingdom about to perish?"

Gu Linyuan: ? ? ?

He turned his gaze, looking at his adjutant with a complex expression: "Who told you?"

“You!” Gu Huai said, “You look as if half the country has been lost. Of course, I would think that way.”

General, what exactly does the intelligence you have say?

Gu Linyuan was having an existential crisis and didn't want to waste his time on him.

Frustrated, he rubbed his temples and shoved the intelligence report into Gu Huai's hand:

"Go and see for yourself."

When he grasped the intelligence, Gu Huai was shaken to his core, and his hands trembled uncontrollably.

That's it, the general doesn't even want to repeat it anymore.

Apocalypse is doomed!

He swallowed hard, gritted his teeth, and carefully opened the intelligence report.

There is only one simple line of text above—

Everything is normal at Jiayuguan. General, you may stay in the capital for a few more days.

"..."

Gu Huai was a little doubtful of his own eyes.

He examined the intelligence report thoroughly by candlelight, confirming that "everything was normal," before turning his grave gaze back to his general.

"General, are you... ill?"

If it's not a problem with Jiayuguan, then it's a problem with the general himself.

Gu Linyuan's mind kept replaying the image of Si Jin in the hot spring, and he felt that Gu Huai was being particularly noisy.

He turned around and punched him in the stomach.

"You're the one who's sick!"

Gu Huai let out a breath after being hit, and struggled to his feet, leaning on the table for support.

"Then why are you looking so worried? Is something on your mind?"

Gu Linyuan paused for a moment, then resumed his previous state.

After hesitating for a long time, he tentatively asked:

"Gu Huai, what do you think about men being together?"

"Huh?" Gu Huai's eyes widened. "General, you're twenty-eight and still not married? So that's why..."

Noticing Gu Linyuan's fierce gaze, he immediately changed his words:

"Cough! Sure, many high-ranking officials and nobles in the capital keep male concubines. It's not unusual. If the general takes a fancy to someone, I'll go and kidnap him for you tonight. I can even buy you some medicine, I guarantee... Ouch! Why did you hit me again?"

Gu Huai clutched his aching stomach and coughed twice before he could catch his breath.

"Get out and prepare your court attire."

"Yes." Gu Huai had been punched twice for no reason and dared not say anything more, so he could only obey and leave.

… …

The Imperial Palace.

Si Jin only rested for a short while, and just as dawn was breaking, she dressed neatly and entered the Hall of State Affairs.

This was the first time the original owner had attended court after several days of high fever.

The civil and military officials were still immersed in the image of him tearfully begging Yun Munian for a hug when he had a fever last time.

There was naturally little respect for this young emperor.

Therefore, as soon as Si Jin entered the hall, a series of low laughs quietly began to rise.

Furthermore, a trusted confidant whom Yun Munian had personally promoted was unhappy that he had burned Yun Munian's hand, and immediately stood up and angrily rebuked him:

"Your Majesty! Have you recovered from your high fever before coming to court? Aren't you afraid that Yu Jingyuan and his captured rebels will escape and chop off your head?!"

You'd better hurry and seek comfort in the arms of the Grand Preceptor Yun, let him protect you! Hahahaha!

Upon hearing this, the civil and military officials could no longer contain themselves and burst into laughter.

The solemn hall was instantly filled with laughter, which turned into a noisy and jarring noise.

Gu Linyuan slowly clenched his fist beneath the silver wrist guard, about to teach these disrespectful fools a lesson.

However, before he could make a move, Si Jin had already come to his side.

He raised his hand and suddenly drew the long sword from his waist.

Turn around.

brush--

The sword tip flashed, severing the tongue of that trusted confidant.