Chapter 244: Zheng's army approaches, border passes lost
"Report, His Majesty, urgent military information..."
The emperor ignored his sadness, waved Gu Junze's hand away, and stood up. There were still traces of tears on his face, but his expression had regained some dignity.
The passing of the Queen Mother seemed to have taken away the last bit of warmth in his heart.
"Summon Prince Yong, the Ministry of War, and all the military ministers to the Holy Palace for discussion..." The emperor walked out in a hurry, his robe sleeves drawing an arc in the air.
When he reached the door, the emperor suddenly stopped.
He didn't turn around, but just slightly turned sideways, his voice low and complex: "As an uncle, I'm sorry for you, but as a king, I..."
The unfinished words dissipated into the air, leaving behind a suffocating silence.
He didn't finish his words after all, but continued to stride forward, and his figure quickly disappeared at the end of the corridor.
Gu Junze stood there, his eyes as cold as ice.
Chu Ruohan stepped forward and gently held his hand, feeling the trembling from his fingertips.
"Jun Ze," Chu Ruohan called softly.
On one side is the righteousness of family and country, and on the other side is the revenge for his mother's murder. Chu Ruohan doesn't know what he will choose?
Gu Junze took a deep breath, the pain in his eyes flashed away, and he quickly regained his composure: "I'm fine."
He turned to look at the Empress Dowager's remains, knelt down and bowed for the last time: "Grandmother, I bid you farewell."
The palace maids beside her had already changed into mourning clothes, and the empress dowager's personal nanny was even more heartbroken, lying on the side of the bed and crying loudly.
A heavy atmosphere enveloped the entire palace.
Gu Junze stood up, took Chu Ruohan's hand, and walked out of the palace. The dazzling sunlight shone on his face, making him squint slightly.
Chu Ruohan didn't say anything. She would not try to persuade Gu Junze.
Why should Gu Junze let go of the suffering he endured since childhood, the torture of being confined to a wheelchair, and the injustice suffered by Princess Anyang?
The Queen Mother said before her death that she wanted Gu Junze to leave, not only to protect him, but also because she was afraid that Gu Junze would be blinded by hatred...
If they must kill the emperor to avenge their mother, then this Eastern Jin Kingdom...
Gu Junze held Chu Ruohan's hand and walked on the corridor of the palace, his steps heavy and firm.
"Junze, are you okay?" Chu Ruohan asked softly, her eyes full of worry.
Gu Junze did not answer, but just held her hand tightly and walked forward steadily.
Chu Ruohan could feel the coldness of his fingertips and knew how many undercurrents were hidden beneath his calmness at the moment.
"I'll be with you no matter what."
Gu Junze turned to look at her, the coldness in his eyes melting slightly: "I know."
The two continued on their way. The atmosphere in the palace was heavy and oppressive. News of the Queen Mother's passing had spread, and the palace maids and eunuchs hurried along, their faces filled with sorrow.
"Do you want to know who my biological father is?" Gu Junze suddenly said.
"Then we'll have to ask the Emperor or Marquis Anyang," Chu Ruohan said. "I also want to know what kind of man is favored by the Princess?"
Gu Junze opened his thin lips and said, "Duan Qingye!"
Chu Ruohan was stunned, and the scene of drinking together under the sun and the moon immediately emerged in her mind, and that face that looked somewhat similar to Gu Junze.
A hint of realization flashed in her eyes.
Yes, that's right.
The great general Wang cherished the wine brewed by the eldest princess so much, and it wasn't just a mutual admiration on the battlefield...
"You've suspected it for a long time, haven't you?"
Gu Junze's thoughts are so delicate...
He didn't answer, just nodded.
Yingqing did not leave the palace and hurried over after receiving the news.
His face was solemn. "Prince, urgent military information has arrived at the border. The Zheng army is approaching and has already breached three border cities!"
"When did it happen?" Gu Junze frowned and his voice suddenly became cold and harsh.
"The news from three days ago has only reached the capital today." Ying Qing lowered his voice, looked around, and added, "The court is in chaos."
A sharp glint flashed in Gu Junze's eyes. He clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white. "It's the Marquis of Anyang. No wonder he said he wouldn't be on the throne for much longer. I'm afraid he's already colluded with the enemy and taken away those iron ore. Does he want the entire Eastern Jin Dynasty to be buried with him?"
Chu Ruohan was shocked. "So, Marquis Anyang's rebellion is not just for power, but also to completely overthrow the Eastern Jin Dynasty by collaborating with others."
"You follow Yingqing back home first." Gu Junze turned to Chu Ruohan, his tone leaving no room for questioning.
After Gu Junze finished speaking, he turned to leave, but was grabbed by Chu Ruohan's arm, "Where are you going?"
"Pilgrimage Hall, let's try and find out if Duan Qingye is my biological father."
"I'll go with you." Chu Ruohan said firmly, her fingers tightly clasped around his sleeves.
Gu Junze looked at her determined eyes and sighed softly, "Han'er, go back first. Your parents-in-law are waiting for you to report that you are safe."
"On the other hand, the Queen Mother's passing is a national mourning. I'm afraid Yingqing and Yueshu's wedding will have to be postponed..."
Is he changing the subject?
"If you go to the Pilgrimage Temple now, nothing good will happen." Chu Ruohan held his hand tightly, her eyes full of worry. "The Emperor just lost the Empress Dowager and received urgent military intelligence from the border. He must be in a very bad mood."
Gu Junze looked at her quietly, the coldness in his eyes melting slightly: "I just want to confirm one thing, I won't act impulsively."
Chu Ruohan hesitated for a moment, and finally let go of her hand: "Then I will go back to the Chu family to report my safety, and then go to the Marquis' Mansion to wait for you."
Gu Junze nodded and kissed her forehead gently: "Don't worry, I will be careful."
After the two parted, Chu Ruohan followed Ying Qing out of the palace.
She looked back and saw that Gu Junze's figure had disappeared behind the palace wall. She couldn't help but feel uneasy.
Chu Ruohan first went back to the Chu family. Doctor Qian and Chu's father and mother were finally relieved to see her return safely.
"Han'er, I'm glad you're okay." Mother Chu held her daughter's hand tightly, her eyes full of worry. "The city was in such chaos last night, we were all worried to death."
Chu Ruohan gently patted the back of her mother's hand and comforted her, "Don't worry, mother, I'm fine. Junze has been prepared for this, and everything is under control."
Father Chu sat aside, his expression solemn: "I heard that the Marquis of Anyang was plotting a rebellion and has now been apprehended. I'm afraid the Marquis's mansion will be confiscated."
"Yes," Chu Ruohan nodded, "I was just about to go back to the Marquis' Mansion to take a look."
"What are you still doing there?" Mother Chu asked in surprise. "That place is probably in chaos right now. Will the emperor take his anger out on you?"
"Don't worry, mother..."
After bidding farewell to her parents, Chu Ruohan took a carriage to Anyang Marquis Mansion.
From a distance, she saw that the gate of the mansion was full of officers and soldiers. They were holding weapons, with murderous expressions on their faces, and they surrounded the entire mansion tightly.
After getting off the carriage, Chu Ruohan was surrounded by a group of servants as soon as she stepped into the mansion.
"Young Madam, Young Madam is back!"
"Young Madam, please save this servant!"
"Young Madam, what should the servants do?"
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