Chapter 616 The Protector of the Nation (Second Update)
Princess Xinyang would be a fool to believe her!
Princess Xinyang didn't want to see these two little troublemakers, so she had them sent back.
She asked Yu Jin to find Doctor Song and have him prepare a contraceptive soup.
Meanwhile, Chang Jing returned. Unaware of the trouble that had befallen Marquis Xuanping, he went back to the Marquis's residence and learned of Marquis Xuanping's whereabouts from Steward Liu.
He used his lightness skill to arrive at Bishui Hutong. Xiao Heng and Gu Jiao's place was full, while Xuanping Marquis, Huangfu Xian, and the former Zhuang Yuheng were all staying at the old chief priest's place.
Chang Jing immediately detected the aura of Marquis Xuanping.
He jumped through the window.
The scene inside made him instantly draw his sword. He swiftly moved to the bedside, shielding Xuanping Hou behind him, and remained alert to the surrounding movements.
Marquis Xuanping shook his wrist, which was tied to the headboard, and said, "No one's here. Come over and untie this first."
"Oh." Chang Jing flicked his longsword and cut the rope. His swordsmanship was so precise that he did not harm Marquis Xuanping in the slightest.
He picked up the broken rope and looked at it, saying strangely, "It's just an ordinary rope, why can't you even break free from this?"
Marquis Xuanping raised an eyebrow and sighed, "You don't understand."
My body has been hollowed out.
Chang Jing frowned, his gaze sweeping over the mess on the ground before landing on Xuanping Hou's body covered in "scars": "You got beaten up? Who did it? I'll go kill him!"
This is so tragic!
Chang Jing had followed Marquis Xuanping for so long and had never seen him so badly injured!
Marquis Xuanping glanced at Chang Jing, then, remembering that Chang Jing was still young, he waved his hand and said, "Forget it, it's alright, no need to pursue it. By the way, didn't you go after Nangong Li? Where is he?"
Chang Jing's face darkened: "I couldn't catch him, he got away."
Marquis Xuanping looked at him in surprise: "There are still people you can't win over?"
It's not that Chang Jing's martial arts are invincible, but Nangong Li is clearly no match for Chang Jing, especially since he has a broken arm. How could he run away while injured?
“Someone saved him.” Chang Jing hesitated for a moment, but still told the truth, “It was a protector from the Dark Night Sect.”
Marquis Xuanping frowned: "Is it the Dark Night Gate you used to work for?"
"Um."
Chang Jing nodded.
Marquis Xuanping said, "Since he is a protector, it's normal that you can't beat him."
I could have beaten them, but I didn't.
Chang Jing muttered to himself.
Marquis Xuanping didn't know much about the Dark Night Sect, only that it was the most powerful and mysterious assassin organization among the six kingdoms. When he met Chang Jing, Chang Jing was being chased by members of the Dark Night Sect and accidentally got into his carriage, where he fell asleep.
Marquis Xuanping thought he had offended the Dark Night Sect, which was why he was being "hunted down" by them. Chang Jing said that he was a member of the Dark Night Sect, but he just didn't want to go back.
Seeing that Chang Jing had some skill, he suggested that Chang Jing follow him, but Chang Jing initially refused. He then discovered that Chang Jing liked playing marbles, so he practiced diligently for many days and finally won Chang Jing back home.
Even now, Marquis Xuanping still believes that Chang Jing is just a minor traitor of the Dark Night Sect.
Little did he know that he had actually abducted the young master of the Dark Night Sect.
“But he won’t live much longer. I slashed him several times with my sword,” Chang Jing said.
It seemed as if they wanted to regain some face from that little misunderstanding where they couldn't defeat the Dark Night Sect's protector.
"Alright." Marquis Xuanping smiled and looked at him, asking, "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine," Chang Jing shook his head.
Marquis Xuanping nodded: "If there's nothing else, do one more thing for me."
Chang Jingjun's face darkened. Was it too late to pretend something was wrong now?
...
After months of review and controversy, the imperial edicts for rewarding those who had made meritorious contributions were finally drafted.
For his meritorious service in the border battle, Grand Marshal Tang Yueshan was awarded the title of Earl of Tang En and a reward of one thousand taels of silver.
Gu Changqing, the heir apparent of the Marquis of Ding'an, donned armor and spears, leading his troops at the forefront, annihilating the remnants of the previous dynasty and repelling the Chen army. He was awarded the rank of General Dingbei, a third-grade official, and a reward of one thousand taels of silver.
In addition, Gu Chengfeng, the second son of the Marquis of Ding'an, was awarded the title of Yueqi Duwei (a sixth-rank official) for his meritorious service in defending the city, and was rewarded with 800 taels of silver.
In addition, several other generals who performed outstandingly in the battle were also rewarded.
Physician Tong and Doctor Song were rewarded with a plaque inscribed "Famous Physicians of Zhao Kingdom" and a reward of 500 taels of silver for their meritorious assistance in quelling the plague.
The other accompanying physicians also received their respective rewards.
Gu Jiao was no exception. She was not only the primary contributor to quelling the plague, but also a crucial general who defended Yuegu City. Not to mention, she single-handedly annihilated five thousand troops from the previous dynasty.
The emperor bestowed upon her the title of Princess Protector of the Nation.
Marquis Xuanping and Princess Xinyang were also meritorious officials who defended the Zhao Kingdom. The emperor's intention was either to confer the title of King Xuanping upon Marquis Xuanping or to promote Princess Xinyang to the title of Princess Dingguo.
However, one cannot have both.
It ultimately depends on the choice of the couple.
In addition, Chief Minister Yuan submitted a memorial to the emperor, requesting the appointment of a junior minister in the cabinet.
"Oh?" In the imperial study, the emperor looked at Grand Secretary Yuan in surprise. "Minister Yuan, you have been in the cabinet for so many years and have never thought of establishing a junior minister. Why do you suddenly have this idea now?"
Chief Minister Yuan cupped his hands and said, "This old minister is getting old and can no longer do many things. In addition, the matter of Grand Tutor Zhuang has had a profound impact on the cabinet, causing turmoil and greatly weakening its power and prestige. This old minister hopes that someone can revitalize the cabinet and better serve His Majesty and the Zhao Kingdom court."
These words struck a chord with the emperor. That old scoundrel, Grand Tutor Zhuang, had wreaked havoc on half of the cabinet. Both of the second-ranking ministers were his men. Although they hadn't done anything too outrageous, the emperor still wasn't entirely comfortable entrusting the cabinet to them.
The Emperor asked, "Minister Yuan's preferred candidate for Junior Assistant Minister is—"
Chief Minister Yuan smiled: "Xiao Liulang, Hanlin Academy Reader and Ministry of Justice Secretary."
The key is that he is Xiao Heng. How can I restore his status?
He can't live his whole life as Xiao Liulang.
The emperor pondered for a moment: "Let me consider this first."
"Yes," Chief Minister Yuan replied. The matter was of great importance, and careful consideration was the right thing to do.
"By the way," the emperor called out to Chief Minister Yuan as he was about to leave, "I heard that the Yuan family is going to form a marriage alliance with the Marquis of Ding'an's family? Is that true?"
Chief Minister Yuan said, "This is indeed true. It involves Gu Changqing and the old minister's granddaughter, Yuan Baolin."
The emperor was quite surprised, but upon reflection he found it appropriate: "Changqing and Baolin... are a match made in heaven."
When this was mentioned, Chief Minister Yuan smiled helplessly: "Actually, it was the two children who agreed to it themselves."
The misunderstanding that Yuan Baolin was not pregnant had long been cleared up. To be honest, Chief Minister Yuan felt that there was no chance for the two of them, as neither of them had much enthusiasm for the other. He thought that if either of them was unwilling, Chief Minister Yuan did not intend to force them to get married. Unexpectedly, one day they both agreed.
As if it had been pre-arranged, this made it difficult for Chief Minister Yuan to refuse.
...
The auspicious day has been calculated by the Imperial Astronomical Bureau and it will be the ninth day of the third month.
When Lord Gu received the news that Empress Dowager Zhuang would personally come to inspect the mansion, he got up before dawn, tidied himself up, and waited at the gate of the new mansion in neat clothes.
He was very excited.
Because I am about to meet Empress Dowager Zhuang.
It should be noted that even with his official rank, he rarely attended court, let alone met the powerful Empress Dowager.
Little did he know that he had not only seen them, but had also mocked them.
His second reason for excitement was that he was finally going to meet the mysterious owner of the mansion.
This mansion was built to the specifications of a princess's residence. At first, he thought it was built for Zhuang Yuexi, but later he thought it was built for Princess Ning'an who had returned from the border.
But the Zhuang family was exiled, and Princess Ning'an was an imposter, so who exactly was the owner of this mansion?
Could it be that little remnant of the family, Huangfu Xian?
No, there was no news of Huangfu Xian returning to the capital during the early stages of construction.
"Who exactly is it?"
Lord Gu was so curious that it felt like a cat's paw was scratching at his heart.
"My lord! My lord!" Huang Zhong rushed over, "The Empress Dowager's entourage is here!"
"Prepare to welcome the Emperor!" Lord Gu straightened his black gauze hat, dusted off his wide sleeves, and together with the officials and attendants present, bowed respectfully.
The Empress Dowager's grand procession stopped in front of the magnificent mansion.
Lord Gu shouted loudly, "Welcome, Empress Dowager! Long live the Empress Dowager!"
Everyone bowed in unison: "Welcome, Empress Dowager! Long live the Empress Dowager!"
Eunuch Qin alighted from the carriage first and lifted the curtain for Empress Dowager Zhuang.
Empress Dowager Zhuang alighted from the carriage with a young girl dressed in blue.
Lord Gu's gaze fell on the girl's blue skirt and white embroidered shoes, and he wondered to himself, "Is this the owner of the mansion?"
Indeed, she possessed an extraordinary bearing; even her walk exuded a more heroic and dignified air than that of ordinary women.
"Come and see your princess's residence," said Empress Dowager Zhuang.
"Okay," the girl replied.
Lord Gu frowned.
Why does this voice sound familiar?
Lord Gu mustered his courage, raised his head, glanced at the girl, and was so shocked that he froze on the spot!
Why is it this brat!
He then looked at the Empress Dowager—
The next second, he knelt down with a thud—
It wasn't fear, it was shock.
Isn't this the old lady from that girl's family?
He had seen her in the countryside, and she looked familiar then, but he hadn't really met the Empress Dowager properly more than a few times, so he didn't dare to recognize her.
Nobody can admit to this!
How could the Empress Dowager be... a country bumpkin who loves to eat?
Did he say anything disrespectful to the old lady... uh no, the Empress Dowager?
Oh no, I'm so nervous, I can't remember anything at all!
Lord Gu felt like dying. What on earth had this girl done? How could she hide the Empress Dowager in her own home? And why didn't she even tell him?
Would it kill you to tell him?
All they do is rip off their fathers all day long!
Lord Gu clutched his chest, feeling as if he were about to develop a heart attack.
"This girl is my nemesis...she's here to kill me..."
Lord Gu felt he was almost certainly going to die, so he gritted his teeth and closed his eyes with a death-defying resolve.
Unexpectedly, Empress Dowager Zhuang didn't even glance at him, and directly led Gu Jiao into the mansion.
Lord Gu: "..."
Do you like it?
In the pavilion, Empress Dowager Zhuang asked Gu Jiao a question.
"I like it," Gu Jiao said earnestly.
I really like it. There are houses built to the exact same scale as Bishui Hutong, and courtyards that are replicas of the medical clinic step by step. In addition, there are pavilions, waterside pavilions and corridors, as well as a library, training rooms and a grassland for horseback riding and archery.
Empress Dowager Zhuang said, "Bishui Hutong is almost full, let's find a day to move here."
"I..." Gu Jiao opened her mouth.
Empress Dowager Zhuang took in her expression and asked, "What's wrong? Are you reluctant to part with it?"
Gu Jiao clutched her chest.
Is this what it means to be reluctant to part with?
Gu Jiao didn't have this feeling when she left the village.
She seems... to be able to sense complex emotions that she couldn't sense before.
Empress Dowager Zhuang handed the house deed to her, saying, "No rush, move whenever you want."
"Okay," Gu Jiao replied.
The two strolled around the mansion for a while before taking a carriage back home.
In the car, Gu Jiao's heart suddenly skipped a beat.
She clutched her chest, her brow furrowing.
Empress Dowager Zhuang noticed her unusual behavior and asked with concern, "What's wrong?"
Gu Jiao pointed to her chest: "It hurts."
Empress Dowager Zhuang asked curiously, "You don't have a heart ailment, so why are you in pain?"
Gu Jiao pondered for a moment, then her gaze sharpened: "It wasn't me, it was A Yan."
Gu Yan's heart condition flared up.
The attack came without warning. The teacher was lecturing when suddenly the students shouted. The teacher looked up and saw Gu Yan lying on the ground.
Gu Xiaoshun immediately rushed over, took out the medicine from his pocket, and fed it to him.
Gu Yan's heart condition had not flared up severely for half a year. Occasionally, when he felt unwell, taking one pill would immediately relieve the symptoms.
But this time... it doesn't seem to be working.
Gu Jiao ran back to Bishui Hutong as fast as she could.
Yao had already fainted from crying.
Gu Xiaoshun rushed out of the main room: "Sister! Sister, you're finally back! Gu Yan, he—"
Gu Jiao stared intently and asked, "Where is he?"
Gu Xiaoshun quickly replied, "It's in your room!"
Gu Jiao entered the east room.
Gu Yan's condition was very bad; he suffered another cardiac arrest.
Everything seemed to have returned to the time when the two first met at the hot spring resort, when he was in the same situation, and could not be saved at any moment.
Gu Jiao took out adrenaline and saline solution from the small medicine box.
One needle in, two needles in, three needles in...
It took four injections for Gu Yan's heartbeat to return.
He slowly opened his eyes and saw Gu Jiao. His empty, dim eyes seemed to light up instantly: "Sister."
He had long been led astray by Xiao Jingkong and called her Jiaojiao; he would only regress when he was weakened to a certain degree.
Gu Jiao took off her gloves and touched his forehead: "I'm here."
"Give me a hug," he said.
Gu Jiao gently pulled him into her arms.
Gu Yan breathed in her scent, closed his eyes in relief, and said weakly, "With you here, I'm not afraid. I'm leaving now. When I leave, I want you to be with me. I want you to see me off."
(End of this chapter)
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