Banquet at the palace.
Early in the morning, Gu Jiu arrived at the second gate and prepared to set off.
Xie also came, and she was in high spirits.
She glanced at him, and her eyes were like a sharp blade, stabbing Gu Jiu.
Gu Jiu raised his eyebrows and smiled. Did Xie recover so quickly?
Xie's arrival surprised many people.
The eldest wife, Zhang, teased, "Your sister-in-law isn't sick? Why did the servants say she was sick and couldn't go to the palace today?"
Mrs. Xie smiled and said, "Thank you for your concern, sister-in-law. My illness came and went quickly."
"oh!"
The eldest wife, Zhang, had a meaningful look on her face. "Since my sister-in-law is not ill, let's get on the carriage and go. It's better to go early than late."
"That's what my sister-in-law said."
Everyone got on the carriage, went out of the second gate, met up with the gentlemen in the mansion, and headed to the prince's palace.
This time, everyone from the Gu Mansion was invited to the banquet at the Wang Mansion.
Everyone wanted to give Gu Jiu some face and save the day, so everyone who was free came.
Even Gu Ting ran back from the military camp.
Gu Ting rode a horse and followed Gu Jiu's carriage.
He found an opportunity to talk to Gu Jiu.
"Sister, when we get to the palace, I'll keep an eye on Gongzi Zhao for you and see what kind of person he is. If he's a jerk, I'll beat him up."
Gu Jiu held his forehead and looked up at the sky in silence.
My silly brother, how can you be a match for the emperor's grandsons who have received the best education in the world, not to mention the cunning and fox-like Liu Zhao.
Gu Jiu was afraid that Gu Ting would suffer a loss, so he had to warn him a few times, "Brother, don't act rashly, and don't resort to violence. That's the prince's palace, not some relative's house. If you use force, the matter will not be resolved peacefully, and it might even alarm the emperor."
Gu Ting was secretly shocked that he could even alarm the emperor.
"In that case, I won't do anything. I'll just stare at him and see what he says and does. If he's not good, I'll tell you, and you should be on guard against him in the future."
Gu Jiu smiled sweetly, "Thank you, brother. Are you used to the military camp?"
Gu Ting just returned home last night, and before that Gu Jiu had no chance to talk to Gu Ting.
Gu Ting grinned and patted his chest. "Look, sister, I'm stronger now. It turns out that joining the army is my destiny. If I had known earlier, I should have joined the army a few years earlier, and you wouldn't have to worry about me all day long."
Then Gu Ting shook his head again and changed his words, "No, I couldn't join the army a few years earlier. In the past few years, my sister was in poor health and had no one to care for her. If I wasn't at home, you wouldn't know how they would bully you. I joined the army this year, and the timing is just right. Now I don't worry about my sister being bullied."
Gu Jiu was deeply moved, and his eyes flashed with the brightest light when he looked at Gu Ting.
"I knew my brother cared about me the most. You should work hard in the barracks and strive to achieve some results. I will check on you tonight and prepare some medicine packs for you to help you soothe your body and recover faster."
Gu Ting was overjoyed. "Do you really have such medicine bags? Sister, give me a few more. I am also a money earner now. If you don't have enough money, I will make up for the difference."
Gu Jiu pursed his lips and smiled, "Hurry up and keep your little money. Have you forgotten Er Zhuang?"
Gu Ting realized belatedly that his sister was not short of money and was much richer than him.
He chuckled and said, "Then I won't be polite and let my sister spend the money."
"No problem! I'm happy to spend money on my brother."
Gu Ting's smile was so strong that his teeth were exposed when he heard this. He was so proud of himself. No one else's sister was as capable, pretty, and considerate as his.
Gongzi Zhao had good taste and actually chose his sister.
So he had to open his eyes wide and look carefully at Gongzi Zhao for Gu Jiu.
If this person is not a good person, even if he cannot take action in the palace, he will have to find an opportunity to beat Gongzi Zhao in the future.
At worst, after defeating everyone, he would go to the northwest to fight.
The palace is right in front of us.
There were many carriages parked at the door.
Gu Ting rode to the door and inquired about the situation. Then he returned to the carriage that Gu Jiu was riding in and said, "There's a traffic jam. Too many people came to the palace to attend the banquet today, including many royal relatives. Has the Marquis' Mansion received the invitation to the banquet?"
Gu Jiu shook his head, "The Marquis' Mansion did not receive any invitation to the banquet."
When the Ning Wang Mansion sent out the invitation, it was very measured. Knowing that these nobles would not show favor, it did not bother to send out the invitation.
The nobles were all avoiding suspicion, and the Ning Wang Mansion would not take the initiative to cause trouble for itself and arouse the emperor's suspicion.
Even though there were no nobles to come and visit, the banquet at Prince Ning's Mansion was still crowded with guests.
Gu Jiu lifted the curtain and glanced at the palace gate. The emblems on the carriage were all unfamiliar.
Qingmei said softly, "There are so many people attending the Ning Palace banquet. Princess Ning shouldn't make things difficult for you, right?"
Gu Jiu chuckled softly, "Don't think the royal family is too kind. Do you know who the most unruly person in the world is?"
Qingmei tried to answer: "Criminal?"
Gu Jiu shook his head.
Qingzhu tried to answer: "A soldier?"
Gu Jiu still shook his head.
The two maids shook their heads in unison, "This servant can't guess."
Gu Jiu pointed at the gate of the palace, "Those are the people. The royal family is the most unruly people in the world.
We often say that fathers are kind and sons are filial, brothers are friendly and respectful, and families are harmonious. Murder is against the law, but in the royal family, this is just a joke.
When the royal family members become ruthless, the so-called father-son, brotherly, and human ethics are all just decorations, and killing brothers and fathers is a piece of cake.
Most emperors who have left their names in history ascended to their thrones by stepping on the corpses of their blood relatives."
Seeing that the two maids were stunned by his words, Gu Jiu smiled softly, "So, don't have too good expectations of Princess Ning. It's better to assume the greatest malice towards her, so that you can deal with it calmly."
Qingmei and Qingzhu both looked nervous, obviously frightened by Gu Jiu's words.
Gu Jiu smiled softly, "What are you afraid of? I'm just saying that I'm speculating about Princess Ning with the greatest malice, but that doesn't mean she's really that bad."
"I am very panicked right now." Qingmei said, patting her chest.
Qingzhu also nodded, she was also very panicked.
Gu Jiu raised his hand and pinched the cheeks of the two maids. "I'm not panicking, why are you panicking? When we get to the palace, follow my instructions."
The carriage finally started moving, entered the palace through the side door, and the two of them got off.
The maids came forward and when they heard that they were from the Gu Mansion, they couldn't help but look at all the girls in the Gu Mansion, trying to guess which one was Gu Jiu.
Gu Jiu stands out in the crowd, not only because of her height and appearance, but also because of her overall aura.
The old women nodded secretly, thinking that regardless of her family background, this Miss Gu Jiu had a very good demeanor.
The old women took the women of the Gu family to Chunhe Hall.
"The Princess is currently speaking with Princess Zhao, Princess Yan, and the other princes' wives in the main hall. You've arrived just in time."
When Mrs. Zhang heard this, she immediately perked up and prepared to deal with the tough battle that was about to begin.
Xie was a little flustered. All the princesses were there. If she didn't handle it well, she would not only make a fool of herself but also offend others.
She pursed her lips tightly, her expression extremely serious.
She glanced at Gu Jiu with mixed feelings.
Even she was intimidated by the magnificent palace. How could Gu Jiu handle it after marrying in? She must not lose face for herself and the Gu family in the end.
After passing through many corridors, we finally arrived at Chunhe Hall.
Before entering the room, I could already hear bursts of laughter coming from the main hall.
The maid came in to report.
The eldest wife, Zhang, took the opportunity to remind Gu Jiu.
"Xiaojiu, you will meet the princess later. Follow the rules and don't be afraid."
Gu Jiu nodded and said, "Thank you for the reminder, auntie. I understand."
The eldest wife, Zhang, reminded Gu Yue and others to speak as little as possible and not to speak if possible.
Gu Yue had an expressionless face and she hadn't said a word since she left the house today.
No one could understand what happened to Gu Yue. How did he suddenly turn into a saw-mouthed gourd? It was very strange.
Xie was too busy taking care of her own affairs to care about Gu Yue. She just thought that Gu Yue had grown up and become sensible.
The maid came out and said, "The princess invites everyone in."
"Thank you!"
The eldest wife, Zhang, personally handed a purse to the maid.
The maid took the purse, nodded and smiled, but refused to say another word.
Everyone cheered up and walked into the main hall.
The main hall was full of people, all dressed in gorgeous clothes and looking extremely wealthy.
Seeing the women of the Gu family coming in, everyone couldn't help but look at them, searching for Gu Jiu in the crowd.
The eldest wife, Zhang, took the lead and led everyone to pay their respects to Princess Ning.
"No need to be polite! Who is Gu Jiu?"
Princess Pei of Prince Ning was quite direct, cutting straight to the point without any small talk. Of course, she had the right to be so direct.
Gu Jiu stepped out from the crowd and stood at the front. "Your humble servant, Gu Jiu, pays respect to Her Majesty the Princess."
Princess Pei of Prince Ning had a blank expression on her face. She said in a cold voice, "Raise your head so I can see you."
Gu Jiu slowly raised his head and took the opportunity to look at Princess Pei of Prince Ning.
She has an oval face, fair skin, and is well-maintained. She looks like she is in her thirties.
Gu Jiu was not afraid of Princess Ning. Compared to the late Empress, Princess Ning was inferior in every way.
Gu Jiu was not worried that Princess Ning would kill her if she got upset. Therefore, she could act more calmly.
Princess Pei of Prince Ning said calmly, "You're quite good-looking, no wonder Zhao'er fell in love with you. I heard you're studying in the study hall of the Marquis's Mansion. Are you Mr. Luo's disciple?"
Gu Jiu nodded and said, "Your Highness, I am studying with Mr. Luo."
"How is your study going?" Princess Ning picked up the teacup, blew on it twice, and took a sip.
Gu Jiu bowed and replied, "I dare not let Mr. Luo down, and I have been studying hard."
Princess Pei of Prince Ning put down her teacup and chuckled softly, "Do you think it's useful for a girl to read so many books?"
Is this a test for her?
Gu Jiu pondered for a moment and said, "Books contain golden houses, moral principles, the teachings of sages, the foundation of being a human being, and principles for how to conduct oneself in society. Therefore, I believe that reading is useful."
Princess Pei of Prince Ning smiled and said, "Of course studying is useful. You don't need to teach me this. What I'm asking is whether studying is useful for a girl. For example, you've read so many books and studied with Mr. Luo Xuan. Is that useful?"
Gu Jiu raised her head and said slowly, "If it weren't for reading, I wouldn't be able to stand here today and answer your questions. Therefore, reading is also useful for girls."
"You are quite confident and you are not afraid of me, the princess."
"Your Majesty is so kind, why should I be afraid?"
All the royal ladies present laughed.
"I think this girl named Gu Jiu is quite good." Princess Zhao smiled and covered her lips with her hands. "It's a pity that Liu Zhao got there first. Congratulations to my sister-in-law for having such a good daughter-in-law."
Gu Jiu remained silent and observed the situation in the main hall calmly.
At the same time, the eldest wife Zhang and the others stood behind Gu Jiu, their hearts were lifted up. They were all worried for Gu Jiu.
Princess Pei of Prince Ning smiled, but the smile did not reach her eyes.
She said to Princess Zhao, "She hasn't even entered the family yet, so she's not considered a daughter-in-law. But the daughters-in-law of my sister-in-law's family are all generous and intelligent, and they're enviable."
Princess Zhao smiled and said, "We're just flattering each other. Sister-in-law, are you satisfied with this girl Gu Jiu?"
How could Princess Pei of Prince Ning easily jump into the trap set by Princess Zhao?
She smiled and said, "As long as Zhao'er likes it, I will naturally like it."
"It's really rare. My sister-in-law and Zhao'er actually like the same person." Princess Zhao giggled.
Princess Pei of Prince Ning's eyes instantly turned cold, and she stared at Gu Jiu with a bad look.
Then he laughed and said, "Sister-in-law is really good at joking."
There were sparks in both of their eyes, but they both had smiles on their faces, looking like sisters-in-law with a very good relationship.
After laughing, Princess Pei of Prince Ning introduced the royal ladies present to Gu Jiu.
At the same time, the female members of the Gu family were invited to sit in the side hall.
Gu Jiu met all the royal ladies, and everything was done according to the rules without any mistakes.
Princess Pei of Prince Ning said, "I learned some etiquette in the palace for a few days, and it was useful. I didn't lose face at all."
Gu Jiu smiled, bowed and said, "It's all thanks to the good teachings of the maids."
"Um!"
Princess Pei of Prince Ning said calmly, "You may leave first."
"Yes, sir."
Gu Jiu followed the maid to the side hall.
The eldest wife, Zhang, hurriedly asked, "How is it?"
Gu Jiu smiled and nodded, "I'm sorry to bother you, auntie, but everything is fine."
At this time, another maid came to lead the way and led everyone to the flower hall.
When he arrived at the flower hall, Gu Jiu saw Pei Yun.
Gu Jiu hesitated for a moment, and finally walked towards Pei Yun calmly.
"Sister Pei, long time no see. Sister Pei has lost weight."
Pei Yun looked at Gu Jiu with a complicated expression.
Gu Jiu looked calm as he met Pei Yun's gaze.
Pei Yun suddenly laughed, "Compared to Sister Xiaojiu, I'm far inferior. I was just too narrow-minded."
"Sister Pei doesn't blame me, I'm very happy."
Gu Jiu said sincerely.
Pei Yun smiled bitterly, "When I heard that you were betrothed to Cousin Zhao, I'm not going to hide it from Sister Jiu. I did feel a little uncomfortable."
Gu Jiu nodded, "I know. This marriage was an accident for me. I didn't..."
Pei Yun shook her head and said, "Sister Xiaojiu, you don't have to explain. I understand. His Majesty personally issued an order to grant the marriage. This is not something you and I can influence.
Moreover, when I returned to Beijing from the northwest, I had actually given up on my cousin Zhao in my heart and accepted my father's arrangement.
So, Xiaojiu sister, please don't feel any guilt. There is nothing between me and cousin Zhao, please don't misunderstand."
Gu Jiu laughed and nodded emphatically, "Let's not have any misunderstandings with each other. Sister Pei, we will still be friends in the future, okay?"
Pei Yun also laughed. "I'm very happy to be friends with Xiaojiu. I just didn't expect fate to be so wonderful. From now on, I have to call you cousin."
Gu Jiu waved her hands repeatedly, "Don't call me cousin-in-law. Let's talk about our own affairs. I'll still call you Sister Pei, and you can still call me Sister Xiaojiu, okay?"
Pei Yun laughed. "I couldn't ask for more. When I think about calling you cousin-in-law, I feel like our relationship is no longer close, like we're a lot more distant."
The two smiled at each other and felt that their relationship had become closer.
At this time, another girl came to the flower hall.
The girl was surrounded by many maids and old women, and the scene was very grand.
Gu Jiu looked at him curiously for a few times. She was still guessing the other person's identity, so Pei Yun helped her solve the mystery first.
"That's Princess Fuming's eldest daughter, Zhou Yi. She... Little Sister Jiu, be careful and avoid her."
Gu Jiu looked at Pei Yun and asked, "Sister Pei, have you ever suffered at her hands?"
Pei Yun gave a bitter laugh, "I have indeed suffered a loss. Princess Fuming is His Majesty's favorite daughter, and Zhou Yi is naturally the most beloved granddaughter. Sister Xiaojiu should now understand why she is so ostentatious."
"Finally I know. Thank you, Sister Pei, for telling me the truth."
"It should be."
Bang!
Suddenly, a slap was heard in the hall, and I didn't know whose face was hit.
Gu Jiu looked in the direction of the sound and was surprised.
As soon as Zhou Yi entered the flower hall, she slapped Gu Yue in the face.
Gu Yue covered her face, completely bewildered. She had no idea what was going on.
Gu Yue had been silent all day, and now that he was beaten, how could he remain silent?
"you……"
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
