Chapter 781 What does Queen mean?
With the appearance of Nanny Li, the surroundings instantly became quiet, and even the sound of wind and snow seemed to be much quieter.
Everyone's eyes were focused on the old nanny who walked out of the palace.
Gu Lu and Qian Zhenyun immediately stepped forward and protected Gu Qingchen behind them without leaving any trace.
"Madam Li," Gu Lu spoke first. "I wonder what brings you here, Madam?"
Nanny Li's gaze passed over Gu Lu's shoulder and fell on Gu Qingchen. Her eyes were not sharp, but they carried a penetrating scrutiny.
"You've worked hard, Young Master Gu." Nanny Li's voice was calm, yet held a certain weight. "I, under the Empress's command, have come to inquire about the disaster situation in the south of the city."
As she spoke, her eyes swept across the devastated land, across the ragged, terrified victims, and finally, returned to Gu Qingchen's face.
"Her Majesty was very pleased to hear that Miss Gu was here, braving the wind and snow, personally helping the victims."
As soon as these words were spoken, Gu Lu and Qian Zhenyun were both nervous.
Relieved? I'm afraid he's here to call me to task.
Gu Qingchen walked out from behind them and met Li Ma's gaze with a calm expression.
"Thank you for troubling Madam to make this trip, and thank you for the Queen's concern. As a subject, it is my duty to share the worries of the monarch and solve the problems of the people."
"Miss Gu is very understanding and righteous. She is worthy of being the legitimate daughter of the Duke of Zhenguo." A faint smile appeared on Nanny Li's face.
This smile made Gu Qingchen's alertness reach the highest level.
When something is abnormal, there must be something wrong.
The people sent by the Queen didn't publicly rebuke her for her presumptuous behavior, but instead praised her? What was going on?
Nanny Li didn't look at her again, but turned to the onlookers, and her voice suddenly raised an octave to ensure that everyone present could hear clearly.
"Dear fellow villagers, please rest assured!"
"Her Majesty the Empress and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince are concerned for your safety. Yesterday, when the heavy snow first fell, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince ordered the granaries to be opened and food to be distributed to comfort you. Now that the disaster has worsened, Her Majesty is even more restless, and has sent this old servant to convey this message to you all!"
Her voice was steady and powerful, carrying the royal majesty, which instantly calmed the restless hearts.
"The court will never abandon any of its subjects! His Majesty and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince will definitely take care of everyone! The court will fund the reconstruction of all damaged houses! The court will provide medical care for all injured civilians! The difficulties we face are only temporary! Please trust the court and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince!"
These words were said without a single flaw.
He not only appeased the people, but also quietly put all the promises that Gu Qingchen and the Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion had just made on the shoulders of the court and the Eastern Palace.
It seemed as if everything Gu Qingchen did was just carrying out the will of the Queen and the Crown Prince.
A hint of cold clarity flashed across Qian Zhenyun's eyes.
Good trick.
This move of cutting off the source of the problem not only eliminated the public opinion advantage brought by Gu Qingchen, but also put the Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion in an embarrassing situation.
If the Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion continues to contribute money and manpower, it will be "relieving the prince's worries" and the credit will go to the Eastern Palace.
If we ignore it, it would be "talking nonsense and breaking our promises", and we would offend the people of the entire city.
Gu Qingchen's heart also sank.
She had underestimated the people in the palace. They never used knives to kill people.
After Li Ma Ma finished speaking, she turned her gaze to Gu Qingchen again, and the smile on her face deepened.
"Miss Gu, you've been working hard all day here and must be exhausted. The Empress has specifically instructed me to take you into the palace so you can rest. She has also prepared hot soup and ginger tea to help you get rid of the cold."
This is not an invitation, it is clearly a summons.
Moreover, it was a summons in front of everyone, which she could not refuse.
"Qingchen!" Gu Lu stepped forward and tried to stop him.
Qian Zhenyun also frowned, his eyes full of worry.
Gu Qingchen shook his head slightly at them.
She knew she had to make this trip today.
"Since it is the Queen's good intention, how dare Qingchen disobey." She raised her head and smiled at Matron Li, her smile showing no reluctance at all. "Thank you, Matron."
"Miss!" Huanran was so anxious that he was about to cry.
"You stay here with Brother Lu and continue to resettle the victims."
"Remember my instructions. All supplies must be distributed to every disaster victim."
She looked at Qian Zhenyun again, with a soothing look in her eyes.
"Don't worry, I'll be fine. I'll leave this place to you."
Qian Zhenyun looked at her, at her eyes pretending to be calm, and his heart felt like something was tugging at him. He opened his mouth, but nothing came out.
He knew that any obstruction at this moment would only make her more embarrassed.
Nanny Li nodded with satisfaction and turned sideways to make a "please" gesture.
A magnificent palace carriage had stopped not far away. A row of eunuchs and palace maids stood around the carriage, their expressions stern.
It forms a sharp contrast with the ruins.
Gu Qingchen took a deep breath, and without looking back, he walked towards the carriage step by step.
The wind and snow were blowing in her face, and her back was thin but straight.
Inside the carriage, burning with fine silver charcoal, it felt as warm as spring. The thick brocade cushions were soft and comfortable, a stark contrast to the icy and snowy world outside.
Gu Qingchen sat down and the carriage started slowly.
The sound of wheels rolling over the snow was dull and depressing.
She lifted a corner of the car curtain and looked out. Qian Zhenyun and Gu Lu were still standing in the snow, looking so small in the crowd, yet so determined.
Her heart sank little by little.
What exactly does the Queen want to do?
He "invited" her to leave in public and declared that the imperial court would take over everything. This was a warning to her and the Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion not to interfere in matters that they shouldn't.
But if it's just a warning, why use such a gentle method?
She couldn't figure it out.
It was like a fog, she was in it, unable to see the road ahead or tell the direction.
The only thing she could do was to be fully prepared to face everything unknown that was to come.
She closed her eyes and memorized Chengnan's desperate yet hopeful faces. She had no regrets. If it happened again, she would still stand up.
The carriage stopped in front of the imperial city, and Nanny Li personally opened the curtains for her.
"Miss Gu, please."
Gu Qingchen got off the carriage. The familiar palace wall now seemed like a huge cage, exuding a suffocating oppression.
She followed Nanny Li through palace gates and corridors. The palace maids around them all bowed and saluted, not daring to breathe.
Finally, they stopped in front of Kunning Palace.
This is the queen's bedroom.
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