Chapter 464 Even if Duan Qingye did nothing, he could just detain them in Zheng State.
Chu Ruohan was confused and said softly, "Summoning you so early must mean something important to discuss."
Gu Junze nodded and turned to Chu Ruohan: "I'll be back soon."
Chu Ruohan smiled slightly: "Go ahead, Yun'er and I will be waiting for you at the post station."
Gu Junze followed the eunuch out of the post station and boarded the sedan chair that had been prepared long ago.
Along the way, he was thinking about the purpose of Zheng Lin's summons.
Inside Chengming Palace, Zheng Lin changed from the majestic demeanor he had at the palace banquet yesterday and appeared more approachable.
He was wearing casual clothes and was admiring the flowers and trees in the corridor. When he saw Gu Junze coming, he went to greet him in person.
"Brother Junze, there's no need to be so polite." Zheng Lin raised his hand to support him, his tone friendly. "Yesterday's palace banquet was crowded and noisy, so I couldn't talk to you in detail. Today, I specially invited you to have breakfast with me, as a kind of host."
Gu Junze bowed without arrogance or servility: "I am deeply honored by the Emperor Zheng's kindness."
After the two of them sat down, the maids came in one after another and served them an exquisite breakfast.
Zheng Lin personally served food to Gu Junze, and his attitude was a little too attentive.
"Brother Junze, I've heard about what happened outside the post station yesterday," Zheng Lin mentioned directly, a look of displeasure on his face. "That Duan Shumin was truly outrageous. She dared to disrespect the Eastern Jin envoy. I've ordered a strict reprimand for her."
Gu Junze nodded slightly: "Your Majesty, you are too kind. These are just trivial matters, not worth mentioning."
Zheng Lin sneered, "The Duan family has been acting more and more recklessly lately, especially that little Zhou. She's taking advantage of being the general's favorite concubine and acting more recklessly."
Gu Junze remained calm, just listened quietly without expressing any opinions.
Zheng Lin suddenly changed the subject and said, "Brother Junze, you know that the situation in the Zheng court is complicated, especially the general Wang Duan Qingye, who controls a large army and has too much power, and many court officials are dissatisfied."
He looked at Gu Junze with burning eyes: "I wonder what Brother Junze thinks about this?"
The question was asked abruptly, obviously trying to win over or at least find out Gu Junze's attitude.
Gu Junze put down his chopsticks and smiled calmly: "As an envoy from the Eastern Jin Dynasty, what can I think about the state affairs of the Zheng State?"
Seeing that Gu Junze was completely flawless, Zheng Lin stopped beating around the bush and said directly, "Brother Junze is extremely talented. If you are willing to develop in Zheng State, I will fully support you. After all, although the Eastern Jin Dynasty is large, it may not provide Brother Junze with enough room to develop his talents."
Gu Junze's expression was slightly cold: "What does your Majesty mean?"
Zheng Lin stroked his teacup and said with a smile, "Brother Junze, why do you have to pretend to be confused? Why not stay in Zheng State and assist me to create a prosperous era together?"
Gu Junze pointed out directly: "Your Majesty, do you want to use me to weaken Duan Qingye's strength?"
He sneered, "Your Majesty only got the throne today thanks to Duan Qingye's support. To act this way is a bit ungrateful."
Zheng Lin's face darkened, but then he regained his composure.
He took a sip of tea and played with the cup: "The imperial power cannot be violated, and the court cannot be ruled by Duan Qingye alone."
Gu Junze's expression remained calm. "I dare not speculate on your Majesty's thoughts. However, I came to Zheng State only to visit Brother Yun, and I have no other intentions. As for the affairs of Zheng State, I will not get involved."
When Zheng Lin heard this, a hint of disappointment flashed in his eyes, but he quickly put on a smile again.
"Never mind. I won't force you. But if you need anything, you can always come to me."
The two talked about some unimportant topics. Seeing Gu Junze's firm attitude, Zheng Lin stopped talking and soon finished his breakfast.
On the other side, inside the post station.
Chu Ruohan looked at Duan Qingye who was sitting opposite her, with a hint of doubt between her eyebrows.
"General Wang, you are here at a wrong time today. Jun Ze has entered the palace." Chu Ruohan's voice was calm, but she was secretly alert.
Duan Qingye had a dignified face and a deep light flashed in his eyes. He smiled slightly, but there was no trace of embarrassment.
"I know I came here specifically to see you today."
Chu Ruohan calmly poured him a cup of tea. The aroma of tea rose up, forming an invisible barrier between the two of them.
Duan Qingye took the teacup, took a sip, and then slowly took out a jade pendant as green as water from his arms.
"This is for the child." Duan Qingye put the jade pendant on the table and pushed it towards Chu Ruohan.
Chu Ruohan raised her eyebrows, her eyes fell on the exquisite jade pendant, her mind racing.
He has other intentions than drinking.
"I appreciate the kindness of the great general. But this gift is too valuable and I dare not accept it." Chu Ruohan reached out and pushed the jade pendant back.
Duan Qingye didn't take it back. He looked at Chu Ruohan and said in a low voice, "This is a small gift from me as your grandfather."
The atmosphere in the room suddenly froze.
Chu Ruohan's expression remained unchanged, but she already understood the real purpose of Duan Qingye's visit.
"What do you mean, General Wang?" she asked knowingly.
Duan Qingye sat up straight, his eyes gleaming, "Gu Junze is related by blood, so he should recognize his ancestors and return to his roots."
Chu Ruohan took a sip of tea and said, "If I remember correctly, General Wang already has two sons."
"The bloodline of the Duan family naturally cannot be lost outside." Duan Qingye said firmly, tapping his fingers lightly on the table. "Jun Ze is a descendant of the Duan family."
Chu Ruohan put down the teacup, and the bottom of the cup touched the table, making a crisp sound: "I can't make the decision on this matter, and I can't help."
Duan Qingye's eyes suddenly became sharp. "Don't refuse a toast and then drink a forfeit. This is within the territory of Zheng State."
A blatant threat.
Chu Ruohan was shocked, but remained calm. Even if Duan Qingye did nothing, he could just detain them in the capital of Zheng State...
Chu Ruohan simply changed her words, her voice calm and clear, "Jun Ze's identity is complex. How will he return to his roots? What kind of status will he assume in the Duan family? Has General Wang ever thought about this?"
Upon hearing this, Duan Qingye frowned slightly and fell into deep thought.
Chu Ruohan continued, "Jun Ze grew up in the Eastern Jin Dynasty and is now an important official in the Eastern Jin Dynasty. If he suddenly returns to his ancestral home, it will not only arouse suspicion between the two countries, but will also put him in a dilemma."
"These are not problems." Duan Qingye said in a deep voice, "As long as he is willing to stay in Zheng State, my Duan family will have ways to protect him."
Chu Ruohan shook her head slightly: "General Wang, do you think Jun Ze will give up everything in Dongjin and stay in Zheng just because of blood ties?"
A complex emotion flashed in Duan Qingye's eyes: "We are connected by blood, so we should return to the orthodox lineage."
"Bloodline is important, but everyone has their own aspirations." Chu Ruohan looked at Duan Qingye with a firm gaze, "Jun Ze has been an adult for many years and has made his own choices. If General Wang really wants to do what's best for him, why not wait for him to come back and talk to him in person?"
Duan Qingye was silent for a moment, then suddenly asked, "You are his wife, don't you want his identity to be recognized?"
Chu Ruohan raised the corner of her mouth slightly: "In my eyes, he has always been Gu Junze, and he doesn't need the blessing of any other identity."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
