The Gu family's flower hall has been turned into a mahjong parlor. This was specially prepared by Zhang for the first month of the lunar year, and it was Cai Xiaolian who suggested it. Now it's coming in handy!
The Empress Dowager, Grandma Gu, Grandma Xiao, and Old Madam Huo were all seated at one table.
Empress Xue, Cai Xiaolian, Princess Kang, and Madam Huo were seated at one table.
Madam Xue, Madam Yang, Madam Peng, and Madam Huo, the wife of Prime Minister Huo, sat at one table.
Only Zhang was left. She didn't mind at all, chatting at one table for a while and then at another. She even went to the Empress Dowager to keep an eye on things, just in case the old lady misread the cards.
As it turned out, the Empress Dowager had excellent eyesight and hearing; she could see the cards and hear what the old ladies were saying.
Zhang would also instruct the maids to keep an eye on tea and snacks, and to refill them as needed.
As for Gu Xin and her sisters, they were naturally at the daycare center playing with the little ones and chatting there.
Lu Zheng and Xue Qianyu were caught up in chatting with Grandpa Gu, Grandpa Huo, and Grandpa Peng.
Overall, the Gu residence was bustling with activity today, just like a wedding celebration, even though it was so late.
"Old Lu, drink up, drink up, it's your turn!" Uncle Gu and the others were enthusiastically urging him to drink.
Although they lost Gu Shouxin, who could drink endlessly, they joined the Emperor!
Even if the Emperor couldn't hold his liquor, they were certain that the Duke of Zhenguo wouldn't dare to drink him under the table. Yes, he wouldn't dare, unless he didn't want his head.
Looking at the four people in front of him, the Duke of Zhenguo resigned himself to his fate. Let them drink, as if they've never drunk alcohol before.
He picked up his wine glass, tilted his head back, and drank it all in one gulp.
The emperor led the applause: "Bravo!"
Uncle Gu and the other two clapped along.
The Duke of Zhenguo put down his wine cup, cupped his hands in greeting, and said, "Tonight's scene reminds me of the victorious battles I fought in the army many years ago. Your Majesty, I have something to say, but I don't know if I should!"
The emperor waved his hand: "Since you're unsure whether you should speak or not, or whether you can speak, then don't speak. Come, let's continue!"
Duke Zhenguo: "..."
Gu Dabo, Kang Wang, and Cheng'en Gong nodded repeatedly: "Yes, yes, yes."
Uncle Gu very attentively poured the Duke of Zhenguo a full glass of wine.
The Duke of Zhenguo looked at the wine in his cup, then at the people before him. "Fine," he thought, "you all lack martial ethics, so I'll resort to trickery too: 'You're clearly forcing me to drink, I won't stand for it. Either we split into two teams, or we play a drinking game. Otherwise, even if the Emperor were to chop off my head, I wouldn't drink!'"
"Hmm?" The emperor and the other three looked at the Duke of Zhenguo in surprise.
The Duke of Zhenguo shrugged: "His Majesty just said that at this table, there are no rulers and subjects, only brothers. Now that His Majesty has spoken, are you going to take it back?"
The emperor was furious. He slammed his hand on the table and shouted, "Let's play rock-paper-scissors! Who's afraid of who! I'll play, you three drink!"
Uncle Gu and the other two: "...Alright then."
Then the emperor played rock-paper-scissors with someone for the first time, and lost miserably. The Duke of Zhenguo was not afraid of death at all and would not give way to anyone.
Uncle Gu's stomach was a little bloated from drinking, and he said to the Duke of Zhenguo in a depressed mood, "Old Lu, aren't you afraid that the Emperor will retaliate against you in the future? That he'll make things difficult for you in court?"
The Duke of Zhenguo smiled and said, "Lord Gu, I plan to submit my memorial after the New Year when I attend court. My son has grown up, is capable, and can support the family. I also want to travel and enjoy life like the Duke of Chengen, Prince Kang! Lord Gu, is the Fourth Young Master Gu still preparing for the imperial examination? Are you quite envious of me?"
Uncle Gu: "...Don't you feel sorry for A-Yuan at all?"
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