Lord Gu was stimulated and proud at the same time.
His son seems to be more capable than him, which makes him feel a little embarrassed.
But as a father, how can he not be proud of his son who is so capable?
He looked at Gu Cheng, and he didn't expect that Gu Cheng, who had always been busy studying, had done so much work in private.
"It's too late. You should go back and rest first. I will carefully consider what you said."
"Thank you, father!"
Gu Cheng bowed and took his leave, returning to the courtyard where he lived.
He listened to the noise of Gu Ting making noises coming from the courtyard next door, smiled, picked up a book, opened the pages and started reading.
The next day, the matchmakers in the capital were still very busy, visiting people everywhere to propose marriages.
Lord Gu was a little unsure and wanted to wait until the princes had finished choosing their wives before considering Gu Yan's marriage.
At the same time, he also sent people out to inquire about the news of the Minister of Rites.
If it is really as Gu Yan said, then this marriage may not be a bad idea.
When the matchmaker came to his house yesterday, he did not refuse outright, but just said he would think about it.
…
Inside the palace, the queen was lying on the hospital bed, barely breathing.
Imperial Physician Wang and the director of the Imperial Hospital together gave medicine to the Empress.
Strong and powerful medicines, accompanied by acupuncture, always cause severe and unbearable pain.
The Queen bit the towel and her forehead was covered in cold sweat.
In order to live a few more days, she tried her best.
After the acupuncture was completed, the imperial doctors withdrew.
The palace maid came forward, wiped the Queen's body, changed her sweat-soaked clothes, and changed her bedding.
The queen regained some strength and said, "Help me sit up."
The palace maid hurried forward and helped Queen Cui sit against the head of the bed.
The Queen took two breaths and asked, "What's the situation outside now?"
The palace maids hesitated for a moment before saying, "The emperor's grandchildren haven't entered the palace yet."
The Empress smiled contemptuously, "Your Majesty has set the time for sunset. The imperial grandchildren will not honestly hand in their lists until the last minute."
"Your Majesty is right."
"If Gongzi Zhao comes into the palace, please remember to remind me."
"I understand."
The eunuch came in from outside, "Your Majesty, the Crown Prince has arrived."
"Let him in."
A moment later, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince was invited into the bedroom.
"Son pays his respects to the Queen Mother! The Queen Mother looks better."
The Queen laughed at herself and said, "I'm just forcing myself to sit here and talk."
The Queen pointed to the round stool beside the bed.
His Royal Highness the Crown Prince sat down respectfully, "Is your Majesty feeling better today?"
The Empress nodded and looked at the Crown Prince with a smile: "Are you here today for the children's marriages?"
"Exactly! This is the list that my son and the officials discussed together. Please review it, mother."
His Royal Highness the Crown Prince was in his early forties, and he respectfully presented the list with both hands.
The Queen took the list and looked at it, her brows slightly furrowed. "Who came up with this idea?"
The Crown Prince was momentarily flustered, "Is the Queen Mother dissatisfied?"
The Empress laughed sarcastically and asked, "Was it your idea, or the officials'?"
The prince lowered his head, feeling somewhat guilty, "It was my son's idea."
"fart!"
The Queen Mother cursed directly, shocking the Prince so much that he didn't know what to say.
The Empress's face was stern. "I don't know what kind of person you are. This list was clearly drawn up by the officials. Why are you taking the blame for them? They receive salaries, but refuse to be loyal to the emperor. Each of them has ulterior motives. Why do you keep people like them around?"
"Mother!" His Royal Highness the Crown Prince was a little embarrassed.
The Queen Mother stared at him intently and stretched out her hand. The palace maid understood what she meant and placed a brush in the Queen Mother's hand.
The Queen picked up her pen and crossed out the names on the list with two big crosses.
The list was obscured, but Pei Yun's name could still be vaguely seen.
"You're totally clueless. Marrying Pei Yun as your daughter-in-law? Do you think your father has no excuse to punish you?"
"son……"
The prince was speechless.
The Queen threw the brush to the ground. If she hadn't considered the Crown Prince's face, she would have definitely thrown the brush directly at him.
"These are extraordinary times. You can contact the Marquis of Lu privately, but you must not have any public dealings with him. No one can marry the Marquis of Lu's daughter. This is my will, and it is also your father's will."
"Who else can the daughter of Marquis Lu marry?"
"Of course, I'll marry a nobleman."
After saying that, the Queen Mother mentioned two names, one of which was the girl from the Duke of Zhuguo's Mansion.
His Royal Highness the Crown Prince was suspicious.
The Empress said, "The Marquis of Lu's Mansion is likely to marry into the Zhuguo Mansion. Marrying a girl from the Zhuguo Mansion will not only pass your father's test, but also indirectly establish a relationship with the Marquis of Lu's Mansion. In the future, don't be so direct in your actions. Learn to be roundabout."
"Thank you for your teachings, mother. I understand."
The Empress sighed and continued, "It's time to clean up the officials in the Eastern Palace."
"Mother!" the prince shouted, apparently unable to accept it.
The Empress turned her head away, hiding the disappointment in her eyes. She held out her hand, and the palace attendant placed a document in her hand.
Then, she threw the bound materials directly in the Crown Prince's face without any hesitation, "Take a good look at the despicable deeds your officials in the Eastern Palace have done. Why do you still keep people like them who are worse than pigs and dogs?"
His Royal Highness the Crown Prince picked up the materials with a pale face, and his hands were shaking as he looked at the contents.
"Mother, this, how is this possible?"
"Are these things true, or are they fabricated? Don't you know to go and see for yourself and send someone to investigate? I've long reminded you that you should be both lenient and strict with your subjects. You must never be soft-handed when it's time to punish them. Unconditional leniency will only embolden them, leading them to become even more aggressive and deceiving their superiors and subordinates. You're a bunch of pigs and dogs, and you're the only one who's so soft-hearted that you treat them like treasures."
After the Queen finished speaking, she started coughing.
His Royal Highness the Crown Prince was anxious and worried, "Mother, are you okay?"
The Empress spat out two mouthfuls of blood and said, "Don't worry, I won't die for the time being. I'll ask Fang Shaojian to help you clean out all these termites."
The Crown Prince looked troubled. "Mother, will this...can we give them a chance?"
The Queen sneered, stretched out her hand and pressed it on the Prince's shoulder.
The prince suddenly felt as if there was a heavy burden on his shoulders, making it difficult for him to breathe.
The Empress said expressionlessly, "Prince, don't forget that the Jinwu Guards are investigating the Eastern Palace. If you can't make a decisive move, it would be better to simply give up your position as Crown Prince to someone else, so that your father won't depose you."
His Royal Highness the Crown Prince's face turned pale and cold sweat dripped down his face.
The Queen Mother demanded, "Have you thought it through? Do you still want to be the Crown Prince?"
His Royal Highness the Crown Prince lowered his head and said unconvincedly, "I will personally investigate this matter. If it is true, I will not tolerate it."
"Then do it as soon as possible. It's best to get this done before the fifth day of the Lunar New Year. Otherwise, it will be too late, and then it won't be you and me who will deal with them, but the Jinwu Guards. You know, once you enter the Jinwu Guards' prison, it's not easy to get out alive."
The prince nodded heavily, "Your Majesty, I will obey you."
Fang Shaojian came in from outside, "Your Majesty, Young Master Zhao and the other young masters have just entered the palace."
The Empress raised an eyebrow and smiled, "Keep an eye on Young Master Zhao for me. Also, help the Crown Prince deal with the affairs of the Eastern Palace as quickly as possible."
Fang Shaojian looked at His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and saw resistance and a little bit of dissatisfaction in the Crown Prince's eyes.
Fang Shaojian didn't care at all. The Crown Prince was always so weak. As long as he was strong enough, he could suppress His Royal Highness.
The only thing he was worried about was that the officials of the Eastern Palace would be unwilling to accept this and would jump up to challenge him.
But these are all small things.
Fang Shaojian bowed and accepted the order, "As you wish!"
Liu Zhao entered the palace and went to see the Shaofu Ling first.
The list of ladies in the capital is all in the Shaofu.
The Shaofu Ling was equivalent to the emperor's personal steward, in charge of money-making projects such as salt and iron.
Even the Minister of Revenue would envy the Minister of the Household because he was so rich.
The Shaofuling was from the royal family and was a cousin of the emperor within the fifth degree of mourning, so Liu Zhao had to call him his great-uncle.
"Meet my great uncle."
The Shaofu Ling smiled slightly and said, "Now that you are here, have you decided who you want to marry?"
Liu Zhao nodded, "I've thought about it."
The Minister of the Imperial Household clapped his hands, and his subordinates placed the lists on the table. "Please review them, my lord."
Liu Zhao had no extra expression and was silently flipping through the list very quickly.
The Shaofu Ling saw that this was an idea he had already had.
When Liu Zhao turned to the General's Mansion of the Zhenjun Army, he suddenly stopped flipping through the pages.
He was very decisive and circled Gu Jiu's name directly with a pen.
The Minister of the Imperial Household was curious about which girl had caught the eye of Young Master Zhao.
He stretched his head and looked at the list, "Gu Jiu? Which mansion is this girl from?"
"The second young lady of the General's Mansion, the daughter of Lord Gu, the prefect of the capital." Liu Zhao's cold voice rang out in the signing room.
The Shaofu Ling was very upset.
"Gongzi Zhao, are you sure you want to choose this girl named Gu Jiu as your wife?"
Liu Zhao pursed his lips and smiled, "Yes, I have thought it through."
The Minister of the Imperial Household frowned. "This girl named Gu Jiu is unknown and not the daughter of a noble family. Do you really want to marry her? You are the eldest son of the royal family and you should marry the daughter of a noble family. Even if the Empress knew about this, she can't find fault with it."
The Shaofu Ling kindly reminded Liu Zhao.
Liu Zhao said, "Thank you, great-uncle, for thinking of me. But I think she is the most suitable woman for me."
Courageous, thoughtful, responsible, and smart. This is the best candidate for a wife.
It’s not that the other girls are bad, but they are not suitable for him.
The Minister of the Imperial Household tried to persuade him again, "I'll keep this list for you. Think about it. It's still some time before sunset anyway."
"No, I've thought it through clearly enough."
The Minister of the Imperial Household frowned, "Even if you have thought it through, do your father and mother agree?"
"Your Majesty ordered me to choose a wife. My father and mother both respect my opinion."
Liu Zhao talked nonsense seriously.
The Minister of the Imperial Household was anxious. "Other imperial grandsons don't choose their wives like you do. They all choose ladies from famous families. If you choose this girl named Gu Jiu, won't that only hinder you?"
Liu Zhao chuckled softly, "Whether or not you're a drag isn't just about your status."
Seeing Liu Zhao's unwavering resolve, the Minister of the Imperial Household could only sigh helplessly, "Since you insist, I'll hand over this list. If His Majesty asks about it later, you can explain it yourself."
"Thank you, great uncle."
The Shaofu Ling shook his head and said that the young people nowadays have holes in their brains.
The Minister of the Imperial Household personally delivered the list to Emperor Kaiyao.
Emperor Kaiyao frowned at the unfamiliar name on the list. It was only when he saw the family background written in the note that he remembered there was indeed such a family.
Some time ago, this Gu Zhili was imprisoned.
Emperor Kaiyao was confused for a moment. "Wasn't Gu Zhili imprisoned? Why is his daughter still on the list?"
The chief eunuch Chen Dachang reminded Emperor Kaiyao, "Your Majesty, have you forgotten? This Lord Gu was released on the 27th of last month during the Spring Festival."
After being reminded, Emperor Kaiyao finally remembered this incident.
"So he's already been released. Go call Liu Zhao here. I want to ask him how he made his choice."
Liu Zhao was invited into the main hall by the palace servants. "Grandson pays homage to the Royal Grandfather. May the Royal Grandfather be in good health."
"No need to be polite! I asked you to choose a wife, why did you choose Gu Zhili's daughter? I saw the information above, her name is Gu Jiu, and she hasn't reached the age of marriage yet?"
Liu Zhao bowed and said calmly, "My grandson has met Miss Gu a few times. She is very good and very suitable to be my wife. I hope that Grandfather will grant us your blessing."
"Oh? So you've met her. Is she really as nice as you say?"
Liu Zhao nodded, "When the Emperor meets her, he will agree with his grandson's opinion."
Emperor Kaiyao smiled and said, "In that case, why not invite Miss Gu into the palace? I will personally examine her for you."
Chen Dachang immediately ordered the eunuch to go to Gu's house and invite Gu Jiu into the palace.
Liu Zhao looked calm, not worried at all.
Emperor Kaiyao was curious, "Zhao'er, aren't you worried that Miss Gu Jiu won't even be able to speak to me when she sees me?"
Liu Zhao bowed and said, "She is not that cowardly."
"oh?"
When Emperor Kaiyao heard this, he became a little curious.
What kind of girl is she that Liu Zhao praises her so much?
Emperor Kaiyao said, "I'd like to give Miss Gu a good test later."
…
Gu Mansion, meeting hall.
Gu Jiu had no idea that a marriage was about to fall on her head.
She knew nothing about her future destiny.
At this moment, she was following the eldest wife, Mrs. Zhang, to prepare for tomorrow's banquet.
The Gu family will hold a dinner party tomorrow, and all relatives and friends will come.
At that time, the first wife Zhang's family members will come.
The marriage of the eldest daughter Gu Zhen still depends on the first wife Zhang.
Gu Zhen was a little nervous. She tried her best to perform well in front of the first wife Zhang, but because she was too nervous, she made a few small mistakes.
Gu Jiu reminded her: "Big sister, there's no need to be nervous, just act as usual."
Gu Zhen nodded, "I heard that the neighboring Marquis' Mansion is looking for a marriage?"
"I heard that. I wonder what kind of families Sister Qi and Sister Ying will be introduced to."
Gu Jiu was also worried about Gu Qi and Gu Ying. If they were chosen by the Eastern Palace, it would be troublesome.
Everyone was busy when the doorman came in panting, "Madam, Second Miss, someone is coming from the palace. Can you let the Second Miss come in immediately?"
Gu Jiu was confused. "You are not mistaken. Why would you let me into the palace?"
"The eunuch is still in the front hall, and the eldest and second masters are greeting him. Second Miss, please go quickly and don't keep the eunuch waiting for too long."
The eldest wife, Zhang, frowned and asked, "Are you sure you want to let the second young lady enter the palace, and not someone else?"
The doorman nodded repeatedly, "It is absolutely true, the Second Young Lady is indeed invited to the palace. And it is in accordance with the order of His Majesty."
When the eldest wife, Zhang, heard that it was actually the emperor's order, she didn't care about the reason for the time being and quickly called Gu Jiu, "Xiao Jiu, go back to your room and change your clothes, then come with me to see the eunuch. Don't worry, your father will definitely ask the reason clearly."
Gu Ji was confused. What was going on?
Why would His Majesty choose her name and let her enter the palace?
How could she, an unknown girl, catch the emperor's eye?
There is a problem, there must be a problem here.
Gu Jiu was helped by the maids to change into festive clothes, and then followed the first wife Zhang to the front hall in a hurry.
When Xie got the news, she also rushed over.
"Sister-in-law, did I hear correctly? Why would the palace allow the second girl to enter the palace?"
"It should be correct. It is said to be His Majesty's oral order. As for the reason, it is still unclear. Xiaojiu, follow me in. Don't be nervous when you meet the palace eunuchs. Everything should be done according to the rules."
Gu Jiu nodded, took a deep breath, and walked into the front hall.
"This is my daughter, Gu Jiu." Lord Gu was nervous.
The eunuch's eyes were as sharp as knives as he swept over Gu Jiu, looking him up and down.
Gu Jiu was neither humble nor arrogant, and stepped forward to greet him.
The eunuch nodded secretly, "Now that the person has arrived, please follow us into the palace."
"Father-in-law..."
"Don't worry, Master Gu. Your daughter's entry into the palace is a good thing."
He refused to say a single extra word, and only urged Gu Jiu to follow him into the palace.
Zhang hurriedly stuffed several purses into Qingmei's hands and said, "Be tactful when you get to the palace and take good care of your girl."
The master personally presented a large gift to the eunuch.
The eunuch weighed the food and was finally satisfied, but he still refused to reveal any details.
There was no other way, Gu Jiu could only follow the eunuch to the palace.
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