Chapter 531: Will His Majesty... have any suspicions?

On the other side, in the inner courtyard of the Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion, Chu Ruohan's carriage had just stopped.

She came down with the help of the maid, and before she entered the courtyard, she heard a faint baby crying, followed by a woman's gentle coaxing.

Chu Yueshu was holding a swaddled baby and pacing gently in the corridor.

When he saw Chu Ruohan coming back, his face first showed joy, but then it was filled with a bit of helpless envy.

"Sister, you're finally back!" She came over holding the child.

"Tell me quickly, is the hunting ground bustling?"

"I'm here to coax this little ancestor. He eats and sleeps all day long, and cries occasionally. It's almost boring me."

The child was only a little over a month old, with a wrinkled face, eyes closed, and a pouting mouth in dissatisfaction.

Chu Ruohan took the swaddling clothes and held it skillfully in her arms. When the child was in her arms, he miraculously calmed down.

"It's quite lively," Chu Ruohan said softly, looking at her sister's slightly haggard face, "When the child is older and the weather is warmer, I'll accompany you..."

"Let's take Dad and Mom and find a quiet mountain villa to stay for a few days. Isn't it better than going to the crowded hunting grounds?"

The envy in Chu Yueshu's eyes immediately turned into anticipation: "Really? That's a deal!"

As the two sisters were talking, Gu Junze strode in.

He immediately saw Ying Qing standing in the corridor, his figure as straight as a gun.

Gu Junze's gaze paused on Ying Qing for a moment, and he said, "You've got a wife and children now, and you have a family. You can't always be by my side as a guard."

Upon hearing this, Ying Qing immediately knelt on one knee and said in a steady voice, "My duty is to protect the Duke."

"Get up," Gu Junze raised his hand, "There are many ways to protect me."

He looked at Ying Qing and said slowly, "The position of commander of the imperial guards has become vacant. It's a Du Yuhou. Although the official position is not high, it is an important position."

"I want you to go."

Ying Qing suddenly looked up, a hint of astonishment flashed in his eyes, but then he lowered his head again, without saying a word, just waiting for Gu Junze's next words.

When Chu Ruohan heard this, her heart skipped a beat.

She walked up to Gu Junze with a hint of worry on her face.

"Jun Ze," she lowered her voice, "You are now in charge of the capital camp. If you allow Ying Qing to join the imperial guards, then the military power of the capital and the guarding of the palace will be closely related to you, right?"

"Is His Majesty... going to become suspicious? I'm afraid those ministers in the court will use this as an excuse to attack you again."

Gu Junze turned his head to look at her, his eyes were calm, but instead had a soothing smile.

He reached out and gently pushed a strand of hair behind her ear.

"Don't worry," he said in a calm yet powerful voice, "Your Majesty knows exactly where I am and what I'm doing."

"Whether Ying Qing joins the Imperial Guard or not, those who want to cause trouble will always find a reason. It's better to be proactive than passive. I have my own arrangements."

He didn't explain any further, but simply ordered Ying Qing, "Report to the Imperial Guards headquarters tomorrow."

"Yes!" Ying Qing did not hesitate any longer and bowed to accept the order.

After Ying Qing left, Chu Ruohan's worries were still not completely dissipated.

Gu Junze held her hand and led her to sit on the stone bench before suddenly speaking: "I've asked someone to investigate the matter of the frightened horse."

Chu Ruohan raised her head.

"It's the same horse that frightened Concubine Song in the hunting ground before." Gu Junze said lightly.

Chu Ruohan's eyes were instantly filled with surprise: "The same horse? How could it be! Shouldn't a horse that startled a concubine be shot on the spot?"

"Why did you appear on the field again and bump into Lu Ge'er?"

"I can understand Rongpin's quest for favor... but why is she targeting Lu Ge'er? Lu Ge'er is just a child. What does he have to do with her?"

Gu Junze's eyes turned colder. "Princess Rong was born in the Anyuan Marquisate. Her nephew is two years older than Lu Ge'er."

"The Anyuan Marquisate has put a lot of thought into this autumn hunt, hoping to allow him to distinguish himself in front of His Majesty and pave the way for his future."

"It's a pity that Lu Ge'er stole all the limelight."

Chu Ruohan suddenly understood.

So that's it. It wasn't groundless malice, but just being blocked.

In the eyes of these people, the skills competition between children has become a life-and-death battlefield.

"For such a small matter, you dare to carry out such a sinister and vicious scheme under the feet of the emperor." Chu Ruohan's voice turned cold, and a trace of anger flashed in her eyes. "What do you want to do?"

Gu Junze let go of Chu Ruohan's hand, instead held her shoulders and made her face him.

His eyes were deep and calm, without a trace of anger.

"What do you want to do?" Gu Junze's voice was not loud, but every word was clear. "Of course, let them understand that some roads are not suitable for everyone."

He paused and continued, "The foundation of the Anyuan Marquisate is not as solid as it appears. Aside from the Crown Prince, all the other members of the family are mediocre."

"Your Majesty may be sentimental, but in the court, true talent and knowledge are ultimately valued."

"Your Majesty has seen Brother Lu'er's performance today. He is mature beyond his years, calm and alert. Compared to the nephew of the Marquis Anyuan's mansion, who is only old, he is clearly superior."

The corners of Gu Junze's mouth curled up slightly: "Your Majesty has always been generous in appreciating talents."

"If anyone is so clever as to attempt to hinder others through unseemly means, they are exposing their own shortcomings before Your Majesty."

Chu Ruohan understood.

Gu Junze didn't have to take action himself, nor did he have to say a word.

He just needs to let Lu Ge'er continue to show his extraordinary talent so that His Majesty and the court officials can see it.

The little actions of the Anyuan Marquis Mansion would appear particularly ridiculous and stupid.

As the night deepened, the mansion gradually became quiet.

Gu Junze and Chu Ruohan returned to the main courtyard.

Little Qingchen was already lying peacefully on the small couch, coaxed to sleep by his wet nurse.

Xuan Ge'er was also sent back to his own yard to rest early.

The eyesores were gone, and the young couple could finally have a good time together. The night dragged on until Chu Ruohan, exhausted from all the exertion, had no more strength left...

The days go on in peace.

Gu Junze went to court on time every day to handle government affairs.

Ying Qing also followed his instructions and went to the Imperial Guards Office to report.

In the court, there was endless discussion about Lu Ge'er.

His Majesty's praises made Lu Ge'er's reputation reach its peak among the younger generation in the capital.