Chapter 178 Mandarin Ducks: Why Should I Be With You?
"Excellent!" Mu You clapped his hands. "What a fine word, 'for the country and the people.' The word 'court' makes me seem narrow-minded. Guan Ye, you answered well. How should I reward you?"
A reward? Guan Ye slowly released her grip. "Honey lychees..."
Seeing the hall fall silent, Guan Ye, unsure of what she had said wrong, blinked and asked, "Wasn't it to reward... with honeyed lychees?"
Suddenly, a silvery laugh rang out in the hall. Princess Mu Runhe picked up the candied lychees in front of her, stood up and placed them on the Guan Ye table. "Father has plenty of good things. It's too much of a loss for you to only take a few candied fruits. Here, take mine."
Everyone laughed. Ajiu clasped her hands in a fist salute to Mu Runhe and said, "On behalf of Guan Ye, I thank the princess for her reward."
“This is not a reward.” Mu Runhe’s face was as soft as jade. “I like Guan Ye, and I am willing to share this fruit with her. I am waiting for her to ask Father for the treasure.”
The girl was innocent and her eyes were pure. With a few words, she made the atmosphere in the hall more harmonious. Mu You stroked his beard and smiled, "Runhe is right. Fruit is just food. What kind of reward is it? Guan Ye, I am in a good mood today. Just tell me what you want."
"I..." Guan Ye looked at Mu Chenbi for help. Mu Chenbi met her gaze, gently raising his cheeks towards her. Guan Ye instantly understood, biting his lip and pondering for a moment, "This humble woman wishes... to spend her whole life forging iron and casting..."
“That’s easy.” Mu You nodded. “As long as the flame of life still exists in the world, you can continue to do what you want. This is what I promised you.”
"This humble woman thanks Your Majesty." Guan Ye knelt and kowtowed.
Mu Runhe looked puzzled and turned to Guan Ye, "You'll be a blacksmith your whole life? Aren't you going to get married?"
Guan Ye raised her head. "Does being married mean I can't do what I want? I've found a good husband, and my hands aren't tied up. Why can't I do things?"
Mu Runhe seemed to understand, yet also seemed unable to comprehend it, "But what if... your husband won't let you do it?"
“Then I just won’t marry him, right?” Guan Ye blurted out.
Ajiu frowned slightly, reached out to tug at Guan Ye's sleeve, and said in a low voice, "You can do whatever you want, who can stop you?"
Mu Lexiu clicked his tongue and shook his head. "She's been a blacksmith her whole life, always smelling of rust. Can Your Majesty stand it?"
“Guan Ye has lofty ambitions that you and I can never match. Compared to her, you and I are mediocre and insignificant.” Mu Chenbi sighed. No one can tie Guan Ye’s hands and feet. She is a fierce bird that will fight against the heavens and will never allow herself to be trapped in the Mingtang.
After chatting for a while, noticing that Mu You's gaze kept intentionally or unintentionally scrutinizing A Jiu, Shen Yu raised her wine cup to toast Mu You. Her phoenix eyes swept over A Jiu's face, and she said, "The wonders of nature are truly amazing. I had heard before that there was a swordsman named A Jiu who looked very much like Shen Bi. Seeing her with my own eyes today, I can't believe that there really are two faces that are so similar, so similar..." Shen Yu leaned closer to stare at A Jiu, "...it seems like the same person."
"What does the Empress want to say?" Mu You's voice was hoarse.
Shen Yu stopped pressuring, a kind smile spreading across her face. "It's rare that His Majesty also likes A-Jiu. A-Jiu's relationship with us is just as harmonious as his appearance with Shen Bi... This concubine suddenly had a thought..." Shen Yu smiled at Mu Runhe beside her, "Princess Runhe will turn seventeen at the beginning of the year, reaching marriageable age. She is His Majesty's only princess, and he must choose a suitable husband for her. This concubine thinks A-Jiu is very appropriate..."
These words shocked the entire hall. Guan Ye's hand suddenly slipped, and the candied lychee rolled to Mu Chenbi's feet.
Shen Yu, seemingly oblivious to the expressions on everyone's faces, continued, "Although A-Jiu is just a swordsman, she has already obtained the fish-carrying tally. His Majesty can certainly bestow upon her an official title. Most importantly, His Majesty likes A-Jiu. Runhe is shy and reserved, and is closest to Shen Bi. Finding someone who looks just like her Crown Prince brother might not be a bad thing for Runhe..."
"Stop talking." Mu You slammed his hand on the table.
“Your Majesty,” Shen Yu insisted, “I think it’s not entirely unacceptable.” She then glanced around the hall, her phoenix eyes settling on her two sons seated opposite her, “Shen Bi and Le Xiu, what do you brothers think?”
Mu Lexiu slapped his thigh and exclaimed, "Great! Runhe hides from everyone, but she's not afraid of Ajiu at all. Besides, she can tell the Emperor and Ajiu apart at a glance. Isn't that a kind of fate? I think this is a good thing, and I'm sure the Crown Prince would agree. Brother? What do you think?"
Mu Chenbi said expressionlessly, "Father told you to stop talking, didn't you listen?"
Mu Lexiu, not wanting to miss out on trouble, raised his cup and said, "Ajiu, why aren't you taking the high branch my mother has thrown you? Why don't you hurry up and ask the Emperor to grant you a marriage and make the princess your consort? You're really lucky."
"Your Highness," Cui Jin said, "His Majesty has his own plans. Please don't make any hasty matchmaking that might displease him."
Mu Lexiu chuckled, "Mother, the Imperial Advisor said that you've been playing matchmaker, and Father has his own plans. We can't afford to upset him."
Shen Yu smiled slightly, "Grand Preceptor, you flatter me. I see that Your Majesty likes Ajiu. Since you like her, why not become family? Being a consort is a good thing that others would rather die for. I value Ajiu, how could I possibly offend Your Majesty? Your Majesty, please don't misunderstand my good intentions."
“Your Majesty,” Ajiu stood up and walked to the center of the hall, kneeling on one knee, “Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty the Empress, but I… cannot marry the princess.”
"You think the princess is not good enough for you?" Mu Lexiu raised his eyebrows high.
Ajiu didn't even look at Mu Lexiu, her eyes fixed on Mu You sitting upright in the hall. "Marriage is a major event. Regardless of whether we are well-matched or not, I have already chosen the one in my heart. She is the only one for me in this life. I am grateful for the Empress's misplaced affection. I beg the Empress to forgive me, and I also ask... Your Majesty to grant Ajiu's wish."
Guan Ye's cheeks flushed crimson. Everyone said that A Jiu had great ambitions, even refusing to become a prince consort, but it seems... he's nothing special after all. Guan Ye took a big bite of fruit, chewing for a long time before forgetting to swallow.
"The person you're talking about." Mu You glanced at Guan Ye. "It's Guan Ye. Yes, you told me you liked her, and I haven't forgotten."
"You actually said that a long time ago?" Guan Ye swallowed the chewed fruit. "He may not have great ambitions, but he has the guts of a tiger. He's quite a hero."
“There are countless noble ladies in Rongdu. You can easily pick the best one. Guan Ye comes from a blacksmithing background and keeps saying she wants to be a blacksmith for life.” Mu Lexiu added, “Ajiu, have you thought it through?”
Ajiu smiled faintly, "Guan Ye has received special treatment from the Emperor and has also received the Emperor's rewards. How many noble ladies in Rongdu can do that? In that case, Guan Ye is the most precious one. Is there any need to think about it?"
Mu Chenbi stared intently at Ajiu, a hidden fire within him suddenly ignited. If it were him today, would he dare to publicly confess his love for Guan Ye? Would he even give up the crown prince position for Guan Ye? Mu Chenbi's apprehension towards Ajiu completely crumbled at this moment. Ajiu cherished Guan Ye like a treasure; how could he possibly covet anything else?
"Hahahaha." Mu You let out a rare laugh. "With such discerning eyes, this is truly my Ajiu. Guan Ye wants to promote craftsmanship for the country and forge weapons for the people. With Ajiu by her side, we have gathered an arsenal of weapons that can support the entire world. Excellent, excellent."
Mu You smiled at Guan Ye, and couldn't help stroking his beard and praising her, "Ajiu was born a commoner, and it's rare that you've always been by his side. The affection between childhood friends is the most precious. Guan Ye, you have good taste."
Guan Ye smiled and glanced at A Jiu, saying, "I can identify all the iron ore in the world at a glance, of course I have an eye for it." Everyone was amused by her, but Cui Jin remained expressionless.
"I will bestow a large mansion upon Ajiu," Mu You thought to himself. "Choose an auspicious day for you to get married as soon as possible, settle down and start a family. After your wedding, you will still have many things to do for me."
Guan Ye looked puzzled. "Not staying... in Xingguo Ward? Does that mean you're moving out?"
Cui Jin remained calm and asked, "Are you reluctant to leave Xingguo Ward? Do you want to stay with Pei Yuan and the others?"
Before Guan Ye could answer, Mu Chenbi interjected, "Guan Ye is overjoyed and probably hasn't realized what's happening yet. Guan Ye, why don't you thank the Emperor?"
Ajiu chimed in at the opportune moment, "Thank you, Your Majesty. Your subordinate and Guanye will certainly serve the country loyally, devoting ourselves to the cause until our dying breath."
"On such a fine day, why talk about dying?" Mu You shook his head. "Just be loyal. You don't need to die. Just live well. I want you to live well."
Ah Jiu's handsome face twitched slightly, but he lowered his eyes and remained silent.
After several rounds of drinks, the atmosphere at the banquet gradually relaxed. Mu Youning looked at the deep scar on Ajiu's left eyebrow bone, his pale eyes overflowing with deep pity. He reached out to Ajiu, gesturing for her to sit down next to him. Chen Yu's eyes suddenly darkened as he looked at the face opposite him, Mu Chenbi, which resembled Ajiu's. Chen Yu covered his face with his water sleeves and downed a cup of bitter wine.
Seeing that there were some pastries on Ajiu's table, which were exquisite and delicious, Guan Ye thought about bringing some to Shiyage for Ji Fang and the others to try. Seeing that everyone was drinking and no one was paying attention to her, Guan Ye slowly moved closer to Ajiu's position, and with a wave of her hand, a stack of food landed on the open lapel.
"What are you doing?"
Guan Ye loosened her grip, scattering the pastries all over the floor. She raised an eyebrow and glared at Mu Chenbi before bending down to pick them up. Mu Chenbi bent down, picked up a few pieces, and chuckled, "I didn't realize you were such a glutton. Were you still hungry?"
"I'm full." Guan Ye didn't even look at him. "This is for A-Jiu. He didn't have enough. Can't he take it back and eat it slowly?"
“It didn’t say it was impossible.” Mu Chenbi simply sat down in Ajiu’s seat, stuffed the dusty pastry into his mouth, and chewed it with relish. Mu Chenbi glanced at Ajiu, who was chatting happily with her father in the center of the hall, and said, “In my opinion, Ajiu can’t go back to Xingguo Ward with you tonight.”
"Why can't we go back?" Guan Ye asked, puzzled.
Mu Chenbi dusted off the crumbs on his hands and moved closer to Guan Ye. "Today is New Year's Eve. You see the Emperor and Ajiu chatting so amiably. He'll probably keep him in the palace to celebrate the New Year. There's no shortage of snacks in the palace. Why don't you take some back for him? Or... give them to me." As Mu Chenbi spoke, he reached for some snacks, but Guan Ye gently slapped his hand away.
"That's not what you said before," Guan Ye said, somewhat displeased. "Can't we leave after the palace banquet? It's almost 7 PM... and I have other things to do... If I had known I wouldn't be able to leave, I wouldn't have come..."
Guan Ye's voice was soft and low, but Mu Chenbi still heard it clearly. Mu Chenbi lowered his voice and asked, "Is there anything else?"
Guan Ye tilted her head and glanced at A Jiu. Seeing that he seemed to have really forgotten the evening's arrangements, she became even more furious. "Shi Yage, we agreed to go to Shi Yage. Ji Fang and Feng Shisan are still waiting for us. Breaking a promise is not the behavior of a gentleman. Besides... Feng Shisan gritted his teeth to squeeze out this big drinking session. Who knows when the next one will be? We've really lost out."
"Shiyage?" Mu Chenbi had heard of this place many times but had never been there. "They even have wine? Then I absolutely have to go."
Guan Ye found it somewhat amusing and pointed at Mu Chenbi, saying, "With your drinking capacity, you think you can go to Shiya Pavilion? Have you forgotten last time..." Guan Ye stopped speaking, turned away, and said, "If you stay in your palace and go out to drink yourself to death, no one will care."
Mu Chenbi leaned over to look at Guan Ye, "Your alcohol tolerance just keeps increasing. How will you know if you don't drink a few more times? How about this..." Mu Chenbi's eyes were burning, "If Ajiu can't go, I'll go with you."
"You?" Guan Ye almost burst out laughing, then waved her finger at Mu Chenbi and said, "Why should we bring you along?"
Mu Chenbi was determined to go, "Do you want them to say that you and Ajiu broke your promise? You know, it's not good that Ajiu left you alone in the palace..."
Guan Ye thought it made sense, but she was still a little hesitant. Looking at Mu Chenbi's serious expression, she instantly understood. Mu Chenbi raised a finger and shook it at Guan Ye, then ran his fingertip along his clean brow bone and slid it to his lips, making a soft "shh" sound.
"Is this... okay?" Guan Ye blinked.
Mu Chenbi turned to look at his slightly tipsy father, "I'm also curious whether your friends can tell. Maybe they've had too much to drink and their eyes are playing tricks on them."
"Great!" Guan Ye suddenly found it amusing. "If they don't recognize you, I can still squeeze Thirteen Young Master out for a big drinking session tomorrow when I sober up. When are we leaving?"
Seeing that his mother had already gotten up and left, and that Mu Lexiu was also half-drunk, Mu Chenbi grabbed Guan Ye's wrist and pulled her up with a strong force, "Let's go now."
Guan Ye pulled her wrist away from Mu Chenbi's grasp. Just as Mu Chenbi was about to say something, thinking she had regretted it, Guan Ye suddenly pointed to the twin swords at his waist. Mu Chenbi suddenly understood, his phoenix-feather eyelashes fluttering, and he removed the twin swords and placed them on Ajiu's table.
Looking back hastily, Guan Ye vaguely felt that someone was missing from Chengen Hall. Cui Jin… Where was Cui Jin? Guan Ye turned her head to look for him, but Mu Chenbi had already pulled her out of the hall. When Guan Ye turned back to look again, she could no longer see anything amidst the singing and dancing.
Outside Chengen Hall, seeing Ajiu and Guan Ye come out, the guards hurriedly and respectfully returned the sword that Ajiu had left behind before entering the hall. Mu Chenbi picked it up gracefully and headed straight out of the palace without looking back.
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