"Planting trees?"
The emperor and Gu Jiangru asked the same question at the same time.
The two palace maids were even more puzzled. "Didn't you, Consort Zhao, send Consort Gu?"
Why does Consort Gu seem completely unaware?
Gu Jiangru's expression changed drastically. "Me? When?"
She sensed something was wrong; it was as if she had been pulled into a massive, all-encompassing web by a giant spider, making it difficult to struggle.
"Your Majesty... I didn't... How could I possibly let Consort Jieyu do such a hard job as planting trees? It must be a misunderstanding."
The emperor's eyes darkened, and without uttering a word, he strode to the other side.
Gu Jiangru followed along with a dark expression.
————
Behind the main hall is a small garden.
Last night, a strong wind blew, and many flowers and plants lost their vitality. Even several newly planted peach trees were almost uprooted by the wind.
Several palace maids and eunuchs were tending to the flowers and plants in the small garden, and Gu Jiangli was among them.
When she arrived, the palace maids and eunuchs were terrified, but Gu Jiangli told them that Gu Jiangru had sent her.
Gu Jiangli also sincerely said to them, "When I was in the Gu family, I knew a lot about planting flowers and plants, so my sister asked me to come and help you. Don't feel pressured, just do what you're supposed to do."
Hearing Gu Jiangli say this, the servants were instantly relieved.
Gu Jiangli is very approachable, unlike Consort Gu, who treats her servants well when the Emperor is around, but then beats and scolds them when the Emperor is gone.
However, Gu Jiangli was different. In a short time, she eliminated the sense of distance between herself and the palace maids and eunuchs.
“My lady, you can just watch over us from the side. You don’t need to do it yourself. It’s all hard work.”
Gu Jiangli used a small shovel to pat the fresh soil under the peach tree, making sure his incriminating evidence was properly buried, before raising his head and saying to the palace maid:
"Lotus, I'm not tired. I'm happy to be able to plant this tree with you."
Lotus's face was flushed, whether from shyness or fatigue, it was hard to tell.
This is what the emperor saw as he approached.
Gu Jiangli's face was covered in mud, and his body was also stained.
But she smiled brightly at the palace maid beside her, radiating a dazzling light that could sweep away the dark clouds in the sky, captivating anyone who looked at her and making it hard to look away.
Gu Jiangli caught a glimpse of the emperor and immediately pulled Hehua to bow.
"Greetings, Your Majesty."
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