No inkstone
Gongsun Lie looked at Xiao Chengyan with a smile and pointed with his hand: "Your Highness, we must still observe etiquette."
Xiao Chengyan then walked out of the palace with the Duke of Zhenguo, positioned halfway ahead of him.
His expression was calm, as if he were talking to a parent: "Is the Duke still in good health?"
Gongsun Lie stroked his beard and chuckled, "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. It was just some trivial official business. But the young men in the Ministry of Justice are quite energetic. Today they even brought up an old case from the Jinjiang branch of the Grand Canal Transport Office for discussion. It really opened my eyes. It seems that there's nothing much to do lately, so even a minor official like the Grand Canal Commissioner is worth spending time on in the Xuanzheng Hall."
Xiao Chengyan raised an eyebrow slightly: "Oh? Is that so? It seems the Ministry of Justice is becoming increasingly meticulous in its work."
...Even though he was the one manipulating things behind the scenes, he only commented "striving for perfection" in the end.
Gongsun Lie raised his eyes and looked at Xiao Chengyan's back from the side. He was tall and straight like a pine tree, calm and composed, exuding the pressure and power that only a seasoned military commander could possess.
The Duke of Zhenguo was all too familiar with this feeling; he had felt the same way when he was young, accompanying the emperor on his conquests of the world.
However, this Prince Jin was born into the royal family, and beneath his oppressive and imposing presence, there was a subtle air of noble elegance that made people inexplicably want to submit to him.
Gongsun Lie's lips curled into a smile—naturally, a high-ranking official of his caliber would not be constrained by his demeanor.
A hint of coldness flashed in his eyes, but his smile remained unchanged: "Your Highness has been away from court for a long time, yet you still possess keen insight into the affairs of the court. To my shame, that Transport Commissioner Sun Miao is, in fact, a worthless distant relative of this old minister. I only gave him a job out of respect for his deceased father. If he truly dares to tamper with military pay as you claim, let alone the Ministry of Justice, I will be the first to not spare him!"
After speaking, Gongsun Lie paused briefly, observing Xiao Chengyan's reaction.
Unexpectedly, he remained unresponsive, just as before, as if waiting for Gongsun Lie to continue.
Gongsun Lie, intending to test the waters, quickly changed the subject, "But Your Highness, wouldn't it be better to spend today in the Cining Palace with the Empress Dowager, enjoying the bliss of family life, than to deal with these annoying mundane affairs?"
Xiao Chengyan suddenly stopped, then turned slightly to look at Gongsun Lie and smiled calmly.
"I never forget the teachings of my late grandmother. She often instructed me that one should be loyal to the emperor even when one receives his bounty. It is truly a blessing for the Great Yong Dynasty that you, Duke, have this idea. However, I also feel that one case is not terrible. Killing a mere inspector is no big deal. The key is how to prevent problems from escalating and nip them in the bud... That is of utmost importance. What do you think, Duke?"
After he finished speaking, the warm smile in Gongsun Lie's eyes froze instantly, though it melted away in a moment, Xiao Chengyan, who was nearby, could see it clearly.
Xiao Chengyan curled his lips slightly and left on his own, leaving Gongsun Lie standing alone in the biting cold wind.
Gongsun Lie looked at Xiao Chengyan's back and was somewhat unsure of Xiao Chengyan's intentions.
His phrase "from one to a hundred, nip problems in the bud" is not so easy to interpret.
To put it more ideally, it could be interpreted as "He didn't want to confront Gongsun Lie directly; he was only concerned about the grain transport and military affairs of Dayong, using this to warn Gongsun Lie not to tolerate his subordinates doing such things again."
However, if we delve deeper, it can also be interpreted as "the inspector of grain transport is merely a superficial person; if we want to achieve comprehensive results and prevent problems before they arise, we can only focus on the fundamentals."
—So who is the root of it all? It is the Duke of Zhenguo himself.
Gongsun Lie's brows furrowed even deeper...
...
Prince Jin's Mansion · Chun Shen Garden
Gu Jinghong was facing a game of chess with its endgame pieces, the white jade pieces between his fingers feeling warm and cool.
Knock knock—
Liu Zhaowan, the head of the needlework room, personally knocked on the door of Chun Shen Garden, carrying a brocade coat for the coming winter.
"Miss Gu, the sewing room has prepared some fine clothes for you for winter. Would you like to take a look?"
She nodded slightly to Zhixin, who then got up to open the door.
"Greetings, young lady." Liu Zhaowan bowed, her voice low.
Gu Jinghong said, "Zhixin, go check if the bird's nest porridge is ready."
"Yes." Zhixin led all the maids from Chun Shen Garden to leave.
Seeing this, Liu Zhaowan put the brocade robe into the wardrobe, then leaned closer to Gu Jinghong and whispered, "This servant just received news and came to report to you, Miss. News has spread from the palace that His Majesty has decided to set off on the first day of the eleventh month for a winter hunt at the Northern Hunting Grounds. This is going to be a grand affair!"
She glanced at Gu Jinghong's expression and, seeing that he showed no impatience, continued, "With your skills, Your Highness must be the best among all the princes and relatives. I think... this is a rare opportunity."
After much deliberation, Gu Jinghong finally placed a piece and looked back at Liu Zhaowan: "What good opportunity?"
Seeing that Gu Jinghong was interested, Liu Zhaowan suddenly became excited, and her voice even trembled slightly.
"If the young lady accompanies the prince, His Majesty will be in a good mood during the hunting grounds ceremony. If the prince then takes the opportunity to request a decree to grant them marriage... wouldn't that be a natural progression?"
Gu Jinghong seemed to be lost in thought...
After a long while, Liu Zhaowan tentatively called out again, "Miss?"
Gu Jinghong then came to her senses: "You just said, where are you going on a winter hunt?"
"Beishu Weichang"
Gu Jinghong's lips curved into an almost imperceptible smile.
This winter hunt is truly a godsend.
She raised her eyes, her gaze clear and cold, and said only calmly, "His Majesty's bestowal of a marriage is an immense honor. However... the hunting grounds are a restricted area; how can I go there at will?"
Liu Zhaowan quickly replied, "What are you saying, Miss! It's only customary for His Highness to bring a few female attendants to serve him. His Highness values you so much, he will surely agree!"
Gu Jinghong nodded slightly, took a small brocade pouch from the side and handed it over: "Thank you for your trouble, Steward Liu. Here's some silver for you to have some tea."
Liu Zhaowan accepted it, and upon weighing it in her fingers, she knew it was quite heavy. Her smile widened, and she repeatedly thanked her, saying, "Thank you for the gift, Miss!"
...
After an incense stick had burned, familiar, steady footsteps approached, and that tall, aloof figure appeared at the door.
Gu Jinghong got up and opened the door, slightly surprised: "Your Highness is back?"
Her gaze swept past Changfeng, who was holding the memorials behind him. "At this hour... is there still official business to attend to?"
"Mmm." Xiao Chengyan responded, reaching out to touch her cheek. It was slightly cool to the touch, and his brows furrowed almost imperceptibly.
Changfeng placed the memorial in his hand on the long table, bowed, pushed it out, and closed the door.
Gu Jinghong helped Xiao Chengyan take off his outer robe and hung it aside.
His heart stirred slightly. He walked to the desk and sat down, his gaze sweeping over the hand warmer and thin blanket on the soft couch by the window.
"It's windy tonight, do you have enough charcoal for the fire?"
Gu Jinghong smiled, picked up the hand warmer and held it in her arms, then walked to his side: "It's warm enough. But why doesn't Your Highness go to the study? It's more spacious there."
Xiao Chengyan's profile appeared stern in the light and shadow, but his tone was warm: "The study has been deserted for a long time, it's quite desolate, and the charcoal fire hasn't been lit. It's warm here."
He paused, then added, "That way I won't have to worry about you kicking off the covers at night and catching a cold."
Gu Jinghong smiled knowingly and pleased, then asked no more questions. She simply sat back down on the soft couch by the window and picked up the book she hadn't finished reading.
The room fell silent for a moment, with only the crackling of the candlelight and the occasional rustling of his turning pages and writing.
He was reviewing the last few military reports sent back from the Southwest, his expression focused.
Gu Jinghong's gaze fell on the book, occasionally glancing up at the focused figure.
The night outside the window was deep, quiet, and chilly, a stark contrast to the atmosphere inside.
"How are you? Is something the matter?"
Before anyone knew it, Xiao Chengyan had finished his last stroke, looking at Gu Jinghong with a half-smile.
Gu Jinghong put down her book, hugged the soft pillow, rested her chin on the pillow, and stared at him with her bright, clear eyes.
"Are you done with your work?" she asked softly, with a slightly drawn-out tone at the end.
Xiao Chengyan hummed in agreement and extended his hand to her.
"come over."
Gu Jinghong put down the soft pillow, walked over barefoot, and naturally sat in his lap, reaching out to massage his temples.
Her faint, cool fragrance wafted into his nostrils, and Xiao Chengyan relaxed. He wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her closer into his embrace, resting his chin on her warm neck, and closing his eyes to enjoy this moment of tenderness.
Even with his eyes closed, he looked extremely handsome.
He has long eyelashes, a straight nose, a clear and smooth jawline, and even a slightly long dimple when he smiles, making him extremely handsome.
Yes, the famous Prince Jin of Dayong is actually extremely handsome.
If it weren't for the overwhelming and imposing aura emanating from him, and the cold and resolute aura honed by years of battlefield experience that so clearly overshadowed his appearance, the title of "the most handsome man in the Great Yong Dynasty" would probably have already been bestowed upon him.
Perhaps sensing something amiss, Xiao Chengyan, though still keeping his eyes closed and looking like he was enjoying himself, spoke in a low voice: "Why are you looking at me so intently? Get to the point."
Gu Jinghong smiled and asked, "The royal winter hunt is in a few days. Will you be going to the hunting grounds on the northern slopes?"
"Yes, I need someone to accompany me."
Gu Jinghong continued, "The Northern Foothills Hunting Grounds... I've never seen what the royal hunting grounds look like... I've heard they're lush with trees, so they must be magnificent."
She tilted her head slightly, her breath brushing against his ear. "Would you take me to see him? I promise I won't cause you any trouble."
She really knew how to get along with him. Her words clearly had a purpose, but her tone unconsciously carried a touch of coquettishness, which he found very pleasing.
But Xiao Chengyan's will only wavered slightly before it became firm again.
He opened his eyes almost immediately: "No. The hunting grounds are no ordinary place; they are not for playing around."
Gu Jinghong turned around to face him, put her hands on his shoulders, and looked at him with bright eyes.
"I'm not that kind of delicate girl. I'll be very good and stay by your side. I won't run away. Just take me to see the world..."
The delicate skin touched his neck, like a feather brushing against him.
After a moment of resolute determination, he shook his head: "No."
"Your Highness..."
"no."
“Cheng Yan…”
He looked at her with a half-smile, but his brows furrowed slightly, thinking to himself that he really couldn't do anything about this little fox.
A moment later...
"no."
She gently shook his arm, calling out his name again and again, her voice filled with a thousand turns of emotion, "Yanlang..."
His Adam's apple bobbed violently. He stared at her for a long time, his eyes filled with a mixture of struggle and doting affection. Finally, he gave in and squeezed out a single word through gritted teeth: "Okay."
As soon as he finished speaking, he scooped her up in his arms.
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