Liu Zhao settled down at the manor house and refused to leave, leading an idyllic life with Gu Jiu.
The beautiful name is: accompanying my wife!
Early in the morning, he was full of energy and enthusiasm, and woke up Gu Jiu who was sleeping.
"Let's go watch the sunrise!"
Gu Jiu picked up the pillow and threw it at him.
What’s wrong!
Just because she and Su Zheng watched the sunrise once, he had to make up for it.
She didn't even think about how late she went to bed last night and how sleepy and tired she was now.
After Gu Jiu smashed the pillow, he rolled up the quilt and continued to sleep with his head covered.
Do you think Liu Zhao will give up just like that?
No way!
He is a good learner.
He has already summed up the experience and lessons from his struggle with Gu Jiu.
He didn't rush Gu Jiu, but carried her and the quilt on his shoulders and went up to the top of the mountain to watch the sunrise.
He has confirmed that there will definitely be sunshine today, and it will be a bright sunny day.
It's rare to have such good weather to watch the sunrise, so don't miss it.
Gu Jiu: MMP, are all the Liu family members crazy?
Su Zheng had already left for the capital, but Liu Zhao was still thinking about her and insisted on taking her up the mountain to watch the sunrise.
She struggled symbolically for a few times and finally gave up.
Forget it, she doesn't bother with lunatics.
Anyway, hiding in the bed is quite warm and not tiring.
The sunrise was magnificent!
However, Gu Jiu was confused the whole time, neither awake nor asleep.
Sometimes he looked up at the golden sun hanging in the east, and sometimes he lowered his head and continued to doze off.
When I doze off, I think about what to eat today. As I think about it, I feel hungry again.
After watching the sunrise and going down the mountain, Gu Jiu lay directly on Liu Zhao's back and fell asleep.
Liu Zhao shook his head and complained lovingly, "How can you sleep so well?"
Gu Jiu: Let me sleep, don’t disturb me.
After fulfilling his wish to watch the sunrise, Liu Zhao chose a sunny day and took Gu Jiu to go fishing.
He had already found out everything Gu Jiu and Su Zheng did together from the servants.
He wants to get it all back.
Gu Jiu didn't object to fishing, he just took it as a break.
Accompanied by the autumn breeze, warm sunshine, and a few mosquitoes, the two sat on the bank of the lotus pond and fished.
Gu Jiu held a book and flipped through a few pages, then became a little absent-minded.
Because someone kept staring at her, making it difficult for her to concentrate.
She closed the book, "Am I pretty?"
Liu Zhao nodded, "It's quite beautiful."
Gu Jiu bared his teeth and grinned at him, "No looking, just focus on fishing."
"There's no rush for fishing, but you seem to be more anxious."
"Don't give me that! You're trying to coax me into submission with sweet words again, but I won't be fooled."
Liu Zhao smiled complacently.
Gu Jiu always says he won’t be fooled, but he ends up being fooled every time.
It is clear that he is hypocritical and does not mean what he says. This is a typical case of saying one thing and thinking another, which is unacceptable.
Gu Jiu glared at him and asked, "Is it really okay if you don't go back?"
Liu Zhao nodded. "I've already asked the Minister of War for leave. He wishes I would never go back."
"What about the palace? Aren't you going to the morning court? Is it really okay for you to disappear for so long?"
Liu Zhao laughed at himself, "Who would care?"
Gu Jiu held his chin with one hand, "Don't you care? You've finally achieved what you have today, but you're willing to give it away? Hiding in the countryside, doing nothing all day, what future can you have?"
Liu Zhao said softly, "I'll accompany you. Your grandfather asked you to raise funds, and you weren't anxious, so I'm even less anxious."
Gu Jiu waved his hand, "It's different, we are different. The time has not come for me, but you are willing to give up."
Liu Zhao chuckled, "How do you know I'm willing to give up?"
Gu Jiu looked at him suspiciously, "Are you taking this opportunity to play some tricks again?"
Liu Zhao hugged her and said, "Don't let your imagination run wild. It's rare to have such a leisurely day. Let's spend it slowly together. Don't worry about what's happening outside for now."
Gu Jiu stared at him and said, "You are a typical example of someone who is ignored by his superiors and starts to slack off."
Liu Zhao did not deny that he was just slacking off.
Gu Jiu laughed at him, "Your work attitude is not correct enough, no wonder you are ignored."
Liu Zhao corrected her, "The order is wrong. It was being ignored first that led to the poor work attitude."
Gu Jiu looked at him and asked, "Are you up to something bad again?"
"over thinking."
Gu Jiu was dismissed with just one sentence: "Thinking too much."
Gu Jiu snorted twice in dissatisfaction and didn't ask any further questions.
Liu Zhao's fishing skills were extremely poor. He didn't catch a single fish in the whole morning.
He seemed to be discriminated against by all the fish.
On the contrary, Gu Jiu caught two carps, a crucian carp, and a grass carp.
Except for the smaller crucian carp, carp and grass carp both weigh one or two kilograms.
A few fish swam back and forth in a wooden barrel. Another wooden barrel was empty.
Gu Jiu taunted Liu Zhao mercilessly, "I didn't expect there was something you couldn't do."
Liu Zhao's face was wooden. "There must be something wrong with my fishing rod."
He searched seriously for a reason.
Gu Jiu sneered mercilessly, "Don't give me that. I exchanged fishing rods with you, but you didn't catch a single fish."
Liu Zhao refused to admit defeat. "Let's continue in the afternoon. I don't believe I won't catch a single fish."
Gu Jiu looked at the sun and said, "It's too hot this afternoon, so I won't come. If you want to fish, you can do it by yourself."
Carrying the fish basket, he returned to the farm with a good harvest.
I had fish for lunch, accompanied by various side dishes, and was very satisfied.
After lunch, Gu Jiu took half an hour to digest the food and then prepared for a nap.
Liu Zhao really took the fishing rod and set off again.
It seems that he has a fight with the fish in the lotus pond.
Gu Jiu looked at him and wanted to laugh.
Is it really that difficult to admit that you are not good at a certain skill?
Look at his fierce look, the fish in the water were scared away before they even took the bait.
Gu Jiu didn't intend to remind him and let him do it on his own.
She held a book, covered her face with it, and sat in the shade of a tree to rest.
Ma Xiaoliu ran in from outside, "Madam, the young master fell into the water."
Gu Jiu woke up all of a sudden.
When she looked at the time, she found that she had slept for an hour.
"What did you just say? How did you fall into the water?"
"It seems that the young master was trying to catch fish, but his feet slipped and he accidentally fell into the water."
Gu Jiu was both angry and amused when he heard this.
She hurried to the lotus pond and saw that Liu Zhao's lower body was soaked and covered in mud.
He fell quite hard.
Gu Jiu couldn't help laughing and burst into laughter, laughing so hard that he squatted on the ground.
"How could you be so stupid? Aren't you good at martial arts? How could you fall into the water?"
"Horses may stumble, and people may make mistakes." Liu Zhao didn't care at all and walked towards her wet.
Gu Jiu raised his hand to block, "Don't come over here, I don't want you to harm me. After all this time, have you caught any fish?"
Liu Zhao's face was as dark as water.
Gu Jiu took a look and understood. This meant he hadn't caught anything.
"Ha ha……"
She mocked him mercilessly.
Seeing Liu Zhao in such a mess, unable to catch even a single fish, was the happiest thing this year.
She laughed so hard that tears came out.
Then he stabbed the knife into his wound and said, "You are so stupid."
Liu Zhao snorted twice, "You fish in the lotus pond, you still recognize people."
Gu Jiu laughed wildly and couldn't help but complain: "It's obviously your fault, and you still have the nerve to blame the fish in the pond, do you have any shame?"
Liu Zhao was dissatisfied.
Gu Jiu once again mercilessly mocked him, calling him a stingy guy.
"Master, Madam, someone is coming from the palace!"
The servant ran to the pond to report.
Liu Zhao's face darkened and he asked, "Who is coming?"
"It's Shen Changshi, who said he's here on orders to see the Master and Madam."
Liu Zhao and Gu Jiu exchanged glances.
He ordered, "Tell him to wait, we will be there soon."
"As you command."
"Guess why Shen Changshi was ordered to come here?" Gu Jiu asked.
Liu Zhao rolled up his trouser legs and said casually, "It's nothing more than urging you to quickly raise money, and by the way, urging me to quickly return to the capital to work."
Gu Jiu said, "I've gotten used to living in the manor and don't want to go back to the capital."
"Are you sure you can raise money for your grandfather?"
Gu Jiu laughed. "Do you think I've ever done anything that I wasn't sure of? The invitation to be a hero has been sent out. When the time comes, the money will naturally fall into my pocket."
Liu Zhao was stunned when he heard this. He had no idea what this heroic letter was.
I've been so busy being angry lately that I haven't had the time to find out about Gu Jiu's business situation.
The so-called heroic invitation was Gu Jiu's call for wealthy merchants from all over the world to gather in the capital.
Through the Sihai Trading Company and merchants traveling from north to south, the heroic invitation was sent all over the world.
Rich merchants with money, ambition, and curiosity, especially those who had benefited from the first wave of dividends, were willing to give Sihai Trading Company a favor. They wanted to see what the Sihai Trading Company would be holding back this time.
Judging from Erzhuang’s response, the progress is currently good.
But Gu Jiu was not in a hurry, she wanted to wait a little longer.
The two returned to the manor, first avoided Shen Changshi, and went back to the house to change clothes.
Then they went to the side hall in the front yard to meet Minister Shen.
"Greetings, Madam!"
"You're too polite, Eunuch Shen."
The three of them sat down as host and guest.
Gu Jiu came out to chat with him and delay time.
After chatting for a few words, Shen Changshi suddenly stopped the topic and said, "Time is precious. I have to return to the palace to report. Why don't we talk about business first?"
"Eunuch Shen, please speak."
Attendant Shen looked at Gu Jiu and said, "His Majesty has ordered me to come here in person. Firstly, he wants to greet the young master and his wife, and secondly, His Majesty wants to know how the money for the renovation of the three main halls is being raised."
Gu Jiu smiled knowingly and said, "Please ask Eunuch Shen to report to His Majesty on my behalf that the money can definitely be raised within this year. The amount is huge, so please give Your Majesty more time."
Attendant Shen frowned slightly. "Within this year? Do you mean to delay it until the end of the year? Madam Zhao, His Majesty's patience is limited. Please hurry up."
Gu Jiu lowered her head and smiled, "Money doesn't come out of thin air. The Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Finance have been unable to handle this amount of money for the past few years. Now you want a little girl like me to handle such a large sum of money within a few months. It's unreasonable not to give me some time. This lady doesn't have the Midas touch to turn stone into gold."
Shen Changshi looked at Gu Jiu with a half-smile, "Madam is right. But it sounds to me like Madam is resentful."
Gu Jiu spread his hands and said, "Eunuch Shen has seen it too. Now, my son and I live on the farm and have nothing to do all day. Life is difficult and I am in a bad mood. I hope Eunuch Shen will forgive me."
"oh!"
Minister Shen's eyes moved between the two of them.
"Why didn't the young master return to the capital? Your Majesty has asked about him several times, but he is not here."
Liu Zhao grinned, "I am just a useless person, why should I go back? It is better to be free and easy among the mountains and rivers than to be an eyesore."
"Young Master, you are so carefree and easygoing. I admire you. But if you want to be free and easy, shouldn't you also unload your duties? You can't just occupy the toilet without doing anything."
The words were harsh and full of malice.
Gu Jiu raised his eyebrows. Was it Shen Changshi's own idea or the emperor's idea that was being criticized by Liu Zhao?
This is not good!
Liu Zhao narrowed his eyes slightly. "This young master wants to occupy the toilet without taking a shit. What do you think, eunuch?"
"Ha ha……"
Attendant Shen laughed out loud, "It was just a joke. Look how nervous the young master is. They say that Young Master Zhao is serious and meticulous, and it's true."
Liu Zhao's face darkened and he remained silent, which was unusual.
After laughing, Minister Shen found that his words had not been responded to, and he felt a little embarrassed.
He coughed twice and said, "Don't be offended, sir."
Liu Zhao picked up the teacup and served tea to the guest.
"If you have nothing else to do, Eunuch Shen, it's getting late. Please hurry back to the palace to report. Be careful not to be locked up outside the city if you're late."
Attendant Shen stood up and bowed, "Take good care of the two of you. I'll take my leave!"
Gu Jiu sent someone to escort Shen Changshi out.
After everyone left, she whispered, "What does Minister Shen mean? Why is he targeting you? Could it be that you've done something to anger His Majesty and earn his suspicion?"
"Humph! Can't you wish me the best?"
Gu Jiu's mouth twitched. What a stinky man, he's still very angry.
She warned: "Be careful when playing with fire."
…
A few days after Shen Changshi's visit, the palace sent someone again to urge Liu Zhao to return to the capital.
The person sent by Prince Ning was his most trusted confidant, the eunuch Chang En.
The two of them chatted a lot behind closed doors, and Gu Jiu didn't ask any questions.
After the two finished their conversation, Chang En rushed back to the capital.
Liu Zhao came to Gu Jiu and said, "We should go back."
"oh!"
I knew this day would come.
She asked casually, "Don't you have to wait any longer?"
Liu Zhao shook his head, "No need!"
Gu Jiu never asked Liu Zhao what he was planning, and Liu Zhao never took the initiative to explain.
One doesn't ask, the other doesn't say, but they still have a tacit understanding.
Gu Jiu ordered, "Pack your luggage and leave for the capital tomorrow."
The servants cheered, they were finally going back to the palace.
It's not that everyone dislikes Zhuangzi.
It’s just that Zhuangzi’s life was simple and hard. When he went out, he was surrounded by fields and mountains and rivers, which became boring after a long time.
The palace is still lively, the food is good, and the accommodation is good.
The servants were very active in packing their luggage, and it was obvious that they were very eager to return to the palace.
No words were spoken that night.
The next morning, several carriages loaded with luggage, vegetables and fruits headed for the capital.
Liu Zhao escorted him on horseback.
After sending Gu Jiu back to the palace, he didn't even enter the palace gate. He turned around and went out of the city again to do his work.
Gu Jiu only told him one sentence, "Take care of yourself and come back soon."
Liu Zhao told her, "I will definitely be back in three to five days at the shortest, or half a month at the longest."
Qingzhu was curious, "What are you busy with, Master? You've been away for another half a month."
Gu Jiu glanced at her and said, "Don't ask too much."
This is a matter of court struggle, and the best policy is not to ask or discuss it until the dust settles.
After returning to the palace, he washed up, changed his clothes, and then went to Chunhe Hall to pay his respects.
Pei looked at Gu Jiu and was dissatisfied with everything about him.
In her eyes, Gu Jiu had become a troublemaker, and a pretentious one at that.
"You finally decided to come back."
Pei said sarcastically.
Gu Jiuquan ignored the wind and it passed without a trace.
"It's my daughter-in-law's fault for causing my mother to worry."
Pei chuckled twice and said sarcastically, "It's hard for you to know you're wrong. Then tell me, Princess, where did you go wrong?"
Gu Jiu thought for a moment and said, "My daughter-in-law is wrong. She hasn't been filial to Mother for such a long time, and she has made Mother worry."
Pei sneered, very disdainful.
"This princess doesn't need you to be filial to her. But this princess hates those who bring disgrace to the palace. My eldest daughter-in-law, this princess has always believed that you are a steady person. But what you did this time was truly disappointing. Not only did you move to the manor to live alone, but you even dared to go in and out with an unmarried adult man. How shameless!"
Pei shouted angrily, obviously intending to settle the score later.
Gu Jiu had long known that Liu Zhao had received the news from Pei, which was why he hurried to Zhuangzi to find her.
Therefore, she did not find it strange that Pei was angry at her at this time.
She was well prepared for this situation.
She said in a resounding voice, "Those village heads who were punished by my daughter-in-law actually dared to gossip in front of my mother and ruin the reputation of my daughter-in-law and the palace. They truly deserve to die. Please, my mother, hand them over to my daughter-in-law. I will personally punish these people severely."
Pei snorted coldly, "Before you punish your servants severely, you should first reflect on your words and actions. As the First Lady of the Prince's Mansion, you must always prioritize the reputation of the Prince's Mansion. However, your actions have disappointed me terribly. I don't think you are worthy of being the First Lady of the Prince's Mansion."
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