Chapter 3211 Bait
Gu Yiyou said softly, "I secretly learned some of their words while in Parthia."
Hearing this, Nan Yan couldn't help but shook her head and chuckled.
Although Gu Tingqiu is an old minister who is prudent and cautious in everything he does, his son is obviously only well-behaved on the surface, and he probably has more evil ideas than anyone else behind the scenes.
Secretly learning to speak the language of the Parthian Empire and secretly meeting the favorite concubine of the Parthian king are not things that everyone would dare to do.
Nan Yan asked, "So, how did she answer you?"
Gu Yiyou said, "She didn't answer me."
"Um?"
"Because someone suddenly showed up at that time, I was worried that if I were caught, it would really damage the prestige of my Great Yan Dynasty, so I left quickly."
"I see..."
Nan Yan sighed in disappointment.
However, Gu Yiyou said softly, "Your Majesty, don't be disappointed. I think there may be a chance for things to turn around."
Nan Yan looked at him: "What do you mean?"
Gu Yiyou said softly, "This incident was indeed a rash one on my part, but afterward, the ruler of Parthia treated us with courtesy and never mentioned the matter again until we left."
Nan Yan frowned slightly, and something in her heart seemed to become clear.
She murmured, "What does this mean?"
Gu Yiyou said, "I've thought about it and there are two possibilities. First, that favorite concubine is also very concerned about the relationship between the Parthian Empire and our Great Yan Dynasty, so she concealed this matter."
“…”
"The second possibility is——"
When he said this, he looked up at Nan Yan and said solemnly, "Maybe she really knew that she had other relatives, so she didn't say anything."
“…”
"If that's the case, then, Madam, perhaps there really is hope for this matter."
Nan Yan suddenly opened her eyes wide.
That's right.
If that favorite concubine was as sensible as herself and took the overall situation into consideration, it is indeed possible that she would put this little episode behind her for the sake of normal diplomatic relations between the two countries. But it is also possible that she really has other relatives. In this case, the appearance of Gu Yiyou and the question he asked her would definitely touch the heart of that favorite concubine.
Nan Yan hurriedly asked, "Then what is the turning point you mentioned?"
Gu Yiyou said, "Your Majesty, the opportunity for the establishment of diplomatic relations between Parthia and our country was when this favorite concubine of yours asked our Great Yan Dynasty for the Jade Cloth with Golden Threads. And now, hasn't the Jade Cloth been given to them yet?"
"yes!"
Nan Yan's eyes lit up - the golden jade burial suit was an important bond between the two countries.
If the favored concubine really responded to what Gu Yiyou asked her, then she would definitely express her opinion on the matter of obtaining the golden jade burial suit.
Nan Yan couldn't help but smile when she thought of this. When she looked at Gu Yiyou again, a little admiration flashed in her eyes, and she said, "You are quite clever."
Gu Yiyou lowered his head and said, "I had intended to report this matter last night, but I saw that the Emperor and His Majesty seemed very tired last night. Plus, it was the Crown Prince's wedding day, so I didn't want to disturb their mood with this matter. So I didn't report it for the time being. I hope Your Majesty will forgive me."
Nan Yan said with a sullen face, "But in the final analysis, you are too bold."
"I know my crime."
"I will tell the Emperor about this matter, and then you can expect to be punished!"
Although she spoke harshly, Gu Yiyou understood the importance of this matter to the Imperial Concubine. She said that he would wait for punishment, but she would most likely plead for her in front of the Emperor. However, she would still have to suffer a punishment at that time. Gu Yiyou was well prepared and said, "I understand."
Nan Yan waved her hand and said, "Alright, hurry up and send the Crown Princess back. Don't delay on the way."
"yes."
Gu Yiyou saluted her, then mounted his horse and escorted the Crown Princess' carriage away.
Nan Yan watched their backs as they walked out of the Nangong Gate, then turned around and walked back with Ruoshui. Fortunately, there was nothing to do in the morning court today. After the court, Zhu Feng went to the cabinet to take a look, and then returned to Yonghe Palace. Nan Yan told him about this matter.
Zhu Feng said sullenly, "Gu Yiyou acted on his own initiative. I must punish him severely!"
Nan Yan didn't say anything, but just went to bring a cup of tea to him.
After Zhu Feng calmed down, he looked at her again and asked, "Why, you won't plead for him?"
Nan Yan sighed and said, "He was ultimately wrong in this matter. However, by doing this, he was helping me. I really can't plead for him. I only ask that Your Majesty...don't punish him too harshly."
Zhu Feng sneered, "He's a commoner, he doesn't even hold an official position, how severe can I punish him?"
After he finished speaking, he let out a deep breath and said, "It's just a matter of telling Gu Tingqiu to take good care of his son."
Nan Yan was worried and groaned in her heart.
He thought, isn't this a severe punishment? You know, Gu Tingqiu is absolutely ruthless when it comes to taking care of children. This time, Gu Yiyou is probably going to be skinned alive.
But since he admitted it himself, he must have thought it through long ago and knew that a beating was inevitable.
So Nan Yan didn't say much, just asked: "Then, what should we do next?"
Zhu Feng said, "Since Gu Yiyou has already taken the bait, if the other party is really the fish we want, she will naturally come up and take the bait."
Nan Yan asked, "How do you define it as taking the bait?"
Zhu Feng said, "Didn't Gu Yiyou also say it was the golden jade burial suit?"
“…”
"That's what they're asking for. If the Parthian King's favorite concubine is really who we think she is, then she should be willing to show some support."
Nan Yan frowned and said, "Then how long do we have to wait? It will take at least a year to get here from Parthia."
Zhu Feng rolled his eyes at her and said, "Grow wings and you can fly over."
Hearing him say that, Nan Yan just pouted.
Zhu Feng reached out and poked her head, saying, "Alright, I've already told you that this matter needs to be handled slowly. The Parthian Empire is thousands of miles away, not like the Great Yan Dynasty. Even if it's farther away, I can send someone to inquire for you as quickly as possible. As for news from there, we'll just have to wait."
Nan Yan asked, "Is there really nothing we can do but wait?"
Zhu Feng said, "There is one more thing."
"What's up?"
"Golden Jade Clothes."
Nan Yan was stunned for a moment, then she remembered that He Yi had been asked to supervise the construction of the Golden Jade Clothes before, but later, because of Zhu Chengjin's rebellion, He Yi was transferred away, so she said, "It's not finished yet? It's been so long."
Zhu Feng said, "No one has done this before. Now we are just reproducing it based on some incomplete records in ancient books. Naturally, it is not that easy."
“…”
"When the Jade Cloth is finished, I think if there is any news from the Parthian Empire, it will be time for you to come."
"How long will that take?"
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