Lingzhou.

Gu Qingling, dressed in mourning clothes, wept, yet she never missed a single morning court session.

As soon as the court session ended and they arrived at the temporary palace, Gu Qingling's expression changed. He disgustedly tore off his white robe. His father had tried to kill him, yet he had made Gu Qingyan, a stepson, the crown prince. Why should he go and mourn for him?

"emperor."

Perrin rushed in, his face extremely pale.

"But what happened?" Gu Qingling's heart skipped a beat. Pei Lan rarely had such a grim expression. He Yu, who followed her into the hall, had the same serious expression.

"The master has sent word that Marquis Dingyuan has broken with the Daqing royal family."

"What?" Gu Qingling jumped up from the dragon throne in shock. "How could Jiang He possibly break with the Daqing royal family? He was even willing to die for Daqing."

"But what if the Gu and Jiang families have a blood feud that has lasted for generations?"

He Yu spoke, kneeling down under Gu Qingling's slightly puzzled gaze, "Your subject He Yu pays respects to Your Majesty."

"Are you He Yu, the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review?" Gu Qingling had some impression of this person because her father had mentioned He Yu more than once, saying that he was a promising talent.

"It is indeed your humble servant."

“Your Majesty, He Yu was originally one of our men. He was someone our master specially trained and sent to the court.” Pei Lan’s expression improved considerably. “Your Majesty can trust him.”

Gu Qingling's eyes flashed. Who exactly was the master that Pei Lan was talking about?

Why does it feel like everything happening now is under his control?

"So it's Minister He." Gu Qingling quickly regained her smile. "I am still young, and I will have to trouble you all with the affairs of the court."

"Your Majesty, it is now a foregone conclusion that Marquis Dingyuan has broken with the Daqing royal family. But most importantly, Marquis Dingyuan wants to move the tombs of his late father and wife to Lingzhou."

"Then let's!" Gu Qingling was only twelve years old after all, and her nervousness and unease were etched on her face.

"So Your Majesty, we need to move the capital." Qin Wei straightened his back, and his words made Gu Qingling pause. "Move the capital?"

"Yes, leave Lingzhou quickly."

Gu Qingling remained silent for a moment, thinking of Jiang He's temperament, and finally compromised, "Then let's do as Minister He says and immediately prepare for the relocation of the capital."

Peilan and He Yu walked out of the hall. Peilan looked at He Yu's back and a hint of admiration flashed in her eyes.

"This time you pretended to self-immolate to come to Lingzhou, bringing with you a large number of officials from Daqing. The emperor even wrote a letter to praise you personally. You did a great job."

Upon hearing this, He Yu slowed his pace and walked side by side with Pei Lan.

“I’m just a poor wretch who can’t even afford to go to school. If it weren’t for my master giving me money to study, I wouldn’t be where I am today.” He Yu twitched the corner of his mouth. “Pei Lan, I’m willing to do anything for my master.”

He steadily made his way into the Daqing court and seized the opportunity to catch the eye of Emperor Anping.

So that I can help my master when he needs it.

“I know you are an honest and upright official, a good official.”

Perrin looked somewhat fascinated. "I also believe in you. I'm sure you can run this place very well."

"Then I will try my best... to live up to your expectations."

He Yu raised his eyebrows and smiled at Pei Lan.

......

On the other side, in Daqing.

"Your Highness, please ascend the throne immediately."

In front of Gu Heng's mourning hall, all the officials knelt on the ground, except for Gu Qingyan, who stood alone.

"My father has just passed away, and I do not wish to ascend the throne at this time." Gu Qingyan glanced around, recalling the words Zhuo Yi had taught him, and his expression became increasingly calm and composed.

“Your Highness, the rebels have now occupied a large part of Daqing’s territory. At this critical juncture, Your Highness should immediately ascend the throne, win over the hearts of the people of Daqing, and annihilate the rebels.”

Zhong Wuyi spoke loudly. Before he came, Ruo'er had repeatedly told him to make sure that the Crown Prince ascended the throne.

They said this would ensure the Zhong family's wealth and prosperity for a hundred years.

The court officials also urged Gu Qingyan to ascend the throne, and for a time, Gu Qingyan's ascension to the throne became the popular choice.

"Then I... will choose a day to ascend the throne."

At the same time, at Zhaoning Palace.

The spring chill lingered, and Jiang Yu, draped in a pristine white cloak, leaned listlessly against the railing under the eaves.

With Gu Heng dead, Jiang Yu could finally breathe a sigh of relief.

“Ayu.”

Gu Lin slowly approached Jiang Yu, still enveloped in the cold wind.

What brings you here?

"I miss you." Gu Lin stopped in front of Jiang Yu. "I want to know if you're happy now."

"I'm naturally happy to have avenged my great grudge."

Jiang Yu let out a deep breath, her gaze towards Gu Lin somewhat languid. "However, for you, this can be considered a great revenge."

"So I'm happy too."

Gu Lin chatted with Jiang Yu casually for half an hour. Then, Jiang Yu chuckled and said, "Gu Lin, your personality hasn't changed. You always seem very busy when you have something to say."

"He was busy talking to me the whole time."

Gu Lin, who was kicked, was not annoyed. Instead, he moved even closer, so close that Jiang Yu unconsciously swallowed. "Ayu, there's something I want to ask you."

"You... know Ayan's true identity?"

Despite the cold outside, Gu Lin's palms began to sweat.

“If Ayan’s true identity is exposed, not only will I be condemned by the world, but your true identity will also be exposed. Gu Lin, this is a deal that is sure to lose money.”

Jiang Yu's quick reply revealed that she had already thought about this matter in advance.

“But this isn’t a business deal.” Gu Lin looked directly at Jiang Yu. “If this matter isn’t addressed, you will forever be confined to the position of Empress of Daqing, and it will be difficult for Ayan to unify the world in the future.”

“Back then, the Great Ning royal family was incompetent, and you fought your way out.” Jiang Yu’s expression also became serious. “But if they knew that you had the blood of both the Great Ning and Great Qing royal families flowing through your veins, would your people still support you?”

“I made the wrong choice once before, Ayu, but this time, I’m sure I won’t make the wrong choice.”

Gu Lin's hand moved inch by inch until it finally touched Jiang Yu's hand.

“I’m just worried, Ayu. Life is already hard for women. If what happened back then is exposed, I’m worried that you will be surrounded by countless rumors.”

Looking at Gu Lin like this, Jiang Yu's heart trembled slightly.

Gu Lin said he had made the wrong choice once, but hadn't she made the same mistake?

From the day they decided to help Ayan seize the throne, Ayan's true identity became a problem that both of them were aware of.

I am not afraid of rumors.

Jiang Yu smiled slowly, a smile as dazzling as fireworks exploding in Gu Lin's mind.

"Since we've come to the same conclusion, let's discuss this matter properly and find a suitable time."

"Then we..."

Jiang Yu stood up, and the fragrance of pear blossoms lingered on Gu Lin, elegant yet persistent.