Chapter 71, Chapter 71, is it for me?
After the court session, Gu Yun'an hurried towards Mingyang Palace. He had promised the young lady, and how could he go back on his word?
Stepping through the palace gates, one immediately senses a unique sense of nobility and luxury. The palace's eaves and brackets are all meticulously carved, seemingly telling the story of the owner's supreme favor.
Gu Qingming was dressed in a peony imperial concubine's palace dress. The large peony embroidery was brightly colored yet elegant, making her look extremely graceful and noble.
Although several years have quietly passed, the skin on her face still remains delicate and smooth, befitting the most favored Consort Ming in the palace; time seems to have been exceptionally kind to her.
When Gu Yun'an met Gu Qingming, although they were siblings, the palace etiquette was strict, and no one was allowed to overstep it. He bowed slightly, his posture elegant and humble, and said respectfully, "This humble subject greets Your Highness the Noble Consort."
His clear voice echoed softly through the palace corridors.
Upon seeing Gu Yun'an's sudden arrival, Consort Ming's eyes flashed with surprise. However, having been in the palace for a long time, she did not show her emotions and calmly said, "I remember that my fourth brother has not come for quite some time. Why do you have the leisure to come here today?"
Her tone was soft, with a hint of teasing, as if she were chatting casually.
Gu Yun'an didn't waste any time. Knowing that time was precious, he went straight to the point, his expression serious and his eyes showing a hint of sincerity.
"I have come today to ask Your Majesty for a favor."
"Was it something Mother said on her behalf?" Consort Ming lazily guessed, enjoying the gentle breeze fanned by the palace maid, without even thinking.
Gu Yun'an's expression instantly hardened, his eyes clear: "This is not about Mother, but about Xiao Wu's marriage."
Is Xiao Wu getting married?
Upon hearing this, Gu Qingming straightened up slightly. Gu Qingsu's unrestrained, bright, and proud personality flashed before his eyes, and he couldn't help but laugh out loud with a touch of helplessness.
"Is Mother's old problem acting up again?"
Gu Qingming murmured to himself.
This wasn't the first or second time that Madam Cheng had tried to arrange a marriage for her daughter in a high-status way. They had assumed that by doing so, she would preserve her own power and stop being so eager to curry favor with the wealthy and powerful. But now, she was even asking Madam Cheng for help with Gu Qingxu's marriage.
It seems she doesn't even want to let Gu Qingming go.
Gu Qingming's offhand remark immediately made Gu Yun'an realize that Gu Qingming had misunderstood.
He then said, "Mother has arranged a marriage for Xiao Wu, and the two are quite compatible. They should be a perfect match, but some things have happened in the Yi family, so Mother needs to find another marriage."
With the Yi family gone, Madam Cheng would naturally not allow Gu Qingming to do as she pleased, and should find her another marriage that she would approve of.
Gu Qingming understood the reason: Gu Qingxu had fallen for someone, but that person had an accident, and the two of them were about to be forcibly separated.
This is indeed Cheng's way of doing things. In her eyes, she wouldn't even give a second glance to someone who has no value to her, let alone go to the trouble of helping them.
Gu Qingming frowned slightly, pondering to himself that none of the women in the Gu family had been able to marry well over the years. Now, only the most favored Gu Qingsu remained. Why not let her continue to be favored and marry a man who reciprocated her feelings, so that the Gu family would no longer have to rely on marrying women into high-ranking families to maintain its status?
"What do you want me to do?" Gu Qingming raised his eyes, a questioning look in his eyes, and looked at Gu Yun'an.
Upon hearing this, Gu Yun'an hurriedly took out a letter he had prepared earlier from his sleeve, handed it over with both hands, and said, "This was written by someone sent by your humble servant. Please allow Your Majesty to give it to the Emperor for review."
The above is the truth of the case that he found, hoping to help the Yi family.
The aunt beside him quickly took the envelope, and Gu Yun'an then said, "Then I'll leave it to Your Majesty."
Gu Qingming nodded knowingly, but then suddenly remembered something and called out to Gu Yun'an, who was about to leave.
"Fourth brother, wait a minute."
“A few days ago, His Majesty intended to betroth Princess Ninghuan to you.” Gu Qingming paused, his gaze sweeping over Gu Yun’an.
What do you think?
She had met Princess Ninghuan; she was a gentle and charming girl, and her family background was comparable to that of the Gu family, making them a truly good match.
A subtle look flashed in Gu Yun'an's eyes. Without the slightest hesitation, he resolutely said, "This humble subject has no intention of marrying. I beg Your Majesty to help me politely decline."
His tone was firm, leaving no room for negotiation.
Hearing him refuse without even thinking, Gu Qingming was genuinely surprised.
Her eyes were filled with curiosity as she asked, "Does Fourth Brother have someone he likes?"
Upon hearing the sound, Gu Yun'an instantly and clearly pictured Ruan Xingzhu's figure in his mind—her lively eyebrows and playful smile, as if she were right in front of him.
A surge of emotion welled up in his eyes, but he never answered Gu Qingming's question, his expression revealing an indescribable feeling.
Gu Qingming had seen all sorts of storms, and seeing him remain silent this time, he understood everything.
She stopped worrying about whether he would answer or not, and said with a light laugh, "Understood, I will make His Majesty give up this idea."
Gu Yun'an raised her eyebrows slightly, a hint of gratitude flashing in her eyes: "Thank you, elder sister."
After saying this, he turned and left.
Watching Gu Yun'an's usually aloof and polite figure leave, Gu Qingming felt a sense of realization.
Her fourth brother, who appeared out of nowhere, seemed to arrive at the wrong time, yet also at the right time.
Stepping out of the palace, Gu Yun'an gradually moved away from the palace walls. He wasn't worried that Gu Qingming wouldn't lend a hand, after all, he had watched Gu Qingming grow up, and the two shared a special bond.
Just as he was about to see what was written in the envelope, someone from the Emperor's entourage rushed over to deliver a message.
"Your Highness, the Imperial Concubine is well. His Majesty invites you to come to the Imperial Garden."
Upon hearing this, Gu Qingming didn't delay. He quickly tidied his makeup and clothes and hurriedly got up.
"Isn't Your Highness carrying this?" Auntie asked, looking at the envelope Gu Yun'an handed over.
Gu Qingming glanced back, then said emotionlessly, "No need, we need to find a middleman to pass it on."
As she spoke, she couldn't help but think of the Emperor. Since ancient times, emperors have been suspicious. She needed to find someone who had no connection with either the Gu or Yi families to deliver this letter, so as not to arouse unnecessary suspicion.
The rose bushes in the corner of the yard had been bent over by the scorching sun, their petals curling slightly. Fortunately, autumn would arrive soon, and this sweltering season would soon see a touch of coolness.
When Gu Yun'an returned to Huaiju, he saw Ruan Xingzhu intently fussing over something in the courtyard.
Looking at her graceful figure, Gu Yun'an couldn't help but feel a little dazed. This scene seemed to have returned to the past, to the time when he still treated her as a younger sister, to the time when she was carefree and innocent.
He quietly approached, his steps light, as if afraid of disturbing this beautiful moment. Just as he was about to see what she was doing, the little girl seemed a bit startled, as if she had sensed something and was frightened, so she quickly turned around.
"Fourth brother." Ruan Xingzhu's eyes were filled with panic, her clear eyes now brimming with tension and unease.
Seeing that she was so frightened, Gu Yun'an couldn't help but feel a little apprehensive and asked softly, "What is Xingzhu doing?"
Upon hearing this, Ruan Xingzhu quickly hid the things behind her, her face instantly becoming somewhat flustered, and she stammered, "It's nothing."
But today she was wearing a pink blouse with small flowers embroidered on the cuffs, and the clothes fit her slender figure perfectly, leaving her with nowhere to hide anything.
Gu Yun'an stared intently at her obvious attempt to hide something; it was impossible for her not to notice.
"Really?" But he still wanted her to take it out herself, his heart filled with curiosity.
When asked this question, Ruan Xingzhu's lips trembled slightly, her face became even more nervous, and she stammered, "Really...?"
But before she could finish speaking, Gu Yun'an grabbed her, giving her no time to react. She lost her balance and involuntarily fell towards him.
In the midst of the panic, the hand hidden behind her back didn't care about anything else and hurriedly grabbed his shoulder and arm to steady herself.
The man's clothes were made of the finest silk brocade, which felt smooth to the touch. The delicate texture made Ruan Xingzhu subconsciously grip his strong forearm under the sleeve tightly.
Feeling her grip on him tightly, Gu Yun'an remained motionless, steadily supporting the person who was lunging at him. His gaze followed her, and he immediately saw what was hidden in her hand.
But why is it a purse that is exactly the same as the one I have?
"Xingzhu still says there isn't any?" He snatched the purse away and couldn't help but ask in a low voice, his eyes filled with doubt and curiosity.
Seeing that the purse she had intended to secretly give him had been discovered, Ruan Xingzhu's voice was low and tinged with grievance: "Fourth Brother."
Gu Yun'an ignored her coquettishness, but was somewhat suspicious of her behavior, and his tone became a little colder: "Why make one that is exactly the same?"
As he spoke, he stared intently at Ruan Xingzhu, awaiting her answer.
Ruan Xingzhu lowered her eyes, somewhat hesitant. She had only noticed that Gu Yun'an was still carrying the purse she had made for him before, which looked rather old. That's why she had thought of secretly replacing it for him, but she hadn't expected Gu Yun'an to discover it.
Looking at the purse in his hand, which was almost identical to the one at his waist, Gu Yun'an seemed to have a vague answer in his heart. However, this answer made him feel a strange unease, a complex emotion mixed with surprise and astonishment.
"Is Xingzhu made for me?" His voice softened unconsciously, carrying a slight hint of probing.
For a long time, he had been used to Ruan Xingzhu always eagerly showing off her gifts to him whenever she gave him something, and her lively and charming appearance was already engraved in his heart.
But now, she is preparing a gift for him so quietly, which makes him feel a little uncomfortable, especially at a time when their relationship is somewhat complicated.
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