Except for the lady and Chu Lingxiao and his mother who were seriously ill and did not attend, all other members of the Chu family were present.

Inside the main hall, the atmosphere was odd. Everyone's eyes were fixed on Chu Yunyi, who was sitting at the top of the table. They all knew from the lady dowager what Aunt Jiang had done.

In fact, most members of the Chu family were somewhat dissatisfied with Chu Yunyi's ascension to the position of marquis. After all, he had such a mother who had committed such a heinous crime, but Gu Jue and Shen Qianchen favored him.

Seeing everyone gathered, Chu Yunyi went straight to the point and stated his intention: "You guys keep making trouble every day, so if that's the case, then let's split up."

As soon as this sentence was uttered, the whole room was in an uproar.

“…”

“…”

“…”

People in each room were whispering to each other, each with different thoughts.

The third master Chu Lingting and the fourth master Chu Lingtao exchanged glances, thinking that Chu Yunyi must be trying to scare them into obeying him. A nephew of his was threatening his elders like this, he simply didn't understand the hierarchy of seniority!! Chu Lingting said coldly: "Just divide it."

Chu Lingtao followed his third brother's lead and echoed.

The two brothers both felt that as long as the old lady was still alive, there was no reason for the Chu family to split up, and the clan leader and the elders would not agree! The second branch had no adult men at this time, so they were very cautious and did not dare to express their opinions easily.

Chu Yunyi smiled faintly: "Since the two uncles have no objection, I feel relieved."

"I have already prepared the documents for the division of the family, all in accordance with the previous rules of the Chu family. Please review them, uncles."

Chu Yunyi asked the servant to take out the documents for dividing the family property that had been prepared long ago. There were three copies in total, one for the third master Chu Lingting to review, one for the fourth master Chu Lingtao, and the last one for the second wife Liu.

It was clearly written in the document on the division of the family property that the eldest son of the family who obtained the title would receive 70%, and the remaining property would be divided equally among the other three parties.

Others had never expected that Chu Yunyi had even prepared the documents for the separation, which showed that he had made up his mind. Everyone was stunned and looked at each other again.

They all don't want to split up.

As long as they stayed in the Marquis' Mansion, they could still use the name of the Marquis' Mansion. If they really separated from the family and lived on their own, they would have nothing but the surname "Chu" and some meager property, and they would have a hard time in the future.

"..." Chu Lingtao wanted to beg for mercy, but he was Chu Yunyi's fourth uncle after all, an elder. He couldn't bow down to a younger person. After all, Chu Yunyi was just a bastard of the eldest son! Chu Lingting couldn't bring himself to do that, so he winked at Chu Lingtao, hoping that he would speak first.

The other people in the third and fourth rooms were also scared and whispered to each other.

Chu Yunyi didn't care what they thought, and said to the second wife Liu: "Second aunt, the second uncle passed away, you and the third sister, second brother and others are still mourning for the second uncle. If you want to stay in the Marquis's Mansion, stay first. If you want to divide the family, I will give an extra 10% from me to the second house, please think carefully."

Liu: “…”

Liu opened her mouth slightly, hesitant.

The next moment, Chu Yunyi stood up from his chair and said, "You all must move out of here within ten days!"

He didn't care about their reactions and left with big strides, leaving behind only a tall and proud back.

His attitude has already shown his determination to split the family business, and he did not give the other three families any room for negotiation.

Looking at Chu Yunyi's leaving back, everyone panicked.

The main hall was in an uproar, becoming increasingly noisy.

They originally thought that Chu Yunyi was young and had just inherited the title, so he must be tender-faced and soft-hearted. Moreover, the current situation of Madam Tai and Chu Lingxiao was related to Aunt Jiang. Chu Yunyi had such a biological mother, so he should not be able to raise his head in front of them. They could completely suppress Chu Yunyi and exchange some benefits for their family, but they did not expect that Chu Yunyi's attitude would become so strong after he went out.

The third and fourth rooms were quarreling and swearing at each other. You blamed me and I took my anger out on you, and it became a mess.

Chu Qianling didn't say anything, her eyes flickering.

She pulled Liu's hand and shook her head silently at her, meaning that the second house could not separate from the Marquis's Mansion and could not move away.

“…” Liu pursed her lips into a straight line and nodded.

She understood what her daughter meant. Chu Qianling was already thirteen years old. After the three-year mourning period, she would be of marriageable age. If she moved out of the Marquis's Mansion, what would happen to her daughter's marriage? Her son was also ten years old this year. In the future, he would have to rely on the Marquis's Mansion for his future and marriage.

Although she understood, Liu still couldn't bring herself to lower her head in front of Chu Yunyi, staring at him in a daze as he walked away.

Chu Yunyi arrived at the outer gate, got on his horse again, and told the butler: "Watch them and make sure they move out within ten days."

The butler agreed.

Then, Chu Yunyi rode out again.

He first went to Yunzhan to cancel his leave, intending to continue training at Fengtai Camp, but Yunzhan told him: "Boy, Master Jiu has transferred you to the Banner Guard, so you should report in as soon as possible."

The flag bearer guards were responsible for the ceremonial guards and the accompanying guards of the emperor when he traveled, and were also considered the emperor's personal guards.

Chu Yunyi was overjoyed. He knew that Gu Jue transferred him to the Flag Bearer Guard at this time because he was planning to let him join the ceremonial guard as a Flag Bearer Guard on the day of the sacrifice.

This is a great opportunity! Chu Yunyi hurried to report to the Flag Bearer Guard.

As a member of the Flag Bearer Guard, they have their daily duties. In addition, they have to repeatedly rehearse the process of the Heavenly Offering Ceremony together, and there must not be the slightest mistake on the day.

In the following days, Chu Yunyi and the others practiced day and night. He never had the chance to come out again, let alone return to the Marquis' Mansion.

At the same time, the capital city has been very peaceful these days, and everyone is looking forward to the ceremony of offering sacrifices to the sky on the first day of June.

In order to avoid any trouble, these days, the runners from Jingzhao Prefecture, the Five Cities Army and the Embroidered Uniform Guards were patrolling the streets from time to time.

As everyone was eagerly waiting, the first day of June arrived in the blink of an eye.

The loud crowing of cocks broke the silence of dawn, and the entire capital city was boiling again.

The road from the Imperial Palace to the Temple of Heaven was nearly ten miles long. The streets were cleared in advance by the soldiers of the Black Armor Army, who stood on both sides of the street every ten steps to ensure that the center of the street was unobstructed.

The Imperial Astronomical Observatory chose a good day. The weather was very good early in the morning. The golden red sun rose in the east, and the morning light softly spread to every corner of the capital.

In the distance, melodious sounds of stringed instruments came from the direction of the imperial palace. With the morning breeze, the sounds of stringed instruments rippled in the air, majestic and grand, as if layers of waves were stirred up on the boundless sea.

It was not yet noon, but the streets were already crowded with people. Countless people were waiting on both sides of the street, each of them in high spirits, looking eagerly in the direction of the imperial palace.

Both sides of the street were packed with people, making it difficult to move forward.

"Didn't they say that the Dragon Chariot had set out from the palace gate at 7:00 am? Why hasn't it arrived yet?"

"Why rush? It will come sooner or later anyway."

"I heard that the new emperor is a handsome man with a jade-like face. I wonder if it is an exaggeration?"

"I know this! When the new emperor returned to Beijing in triumph from the north last year, I went to see him. He was like a banished immortal!"

"That's right, it is said that the Empress is also a beauty, and she and the new Emperor are made for each other. They are a perfect match!"

Noisy discussions rose one after another, and everyone became more and more excited. With the words "Here they come", the crowd became as noisy as boiling water, and the people at the back stood on tiptoe, wishing they could grow an extra pair of wings.

In the bright morning light, the first thing that caught everyone's eyes was the bright yellow flag symbolizing the emperor fluttering in the wind.

Walking in the front was a team of flag bearers, each riding a tall horse of the same appearance, holding a spear, flag and canopy in their hands, with a golden dragon chariot hidden behind them. Behind them was a huge convoy, flowing like a river along the long street.

According to the rules of this dynasty, on the day of the Heavenly Sacrifice, all officials of the third rank and above in the capital and their families needed to accompany the emperor and empress to the Temple of Heaven. Therefore, the team participating in the Heavenly Sacrifice Ceremony today was exceptionally large. The carriages of the officials were arranged according to their rank, forming a long and winding queue, which was extremely spectacular.

The gazes of the people on both sides surged toward this majestic team like a tide, with the vast majority of their eyes fixed on the most luxurious and magnificent dragon chariot, staring wide-eyed at the perfect couple inside.

From the perspective of these common people, they couldn't actually see the faces of Gu Jue and Shen Qianchen clearly. At most they could glance at their profiles once or twice before the dragon chariot drove past.

With just one or two glances, they were able to confirm that the new emperor was indeed a handsome man with a graceful demeanor. There was a noble bearing in his eyes that looked down upon the world, which made those young and imposing men around him look pale in comparison.

And the young queen was indeed a stunningly beautiful woman, noble and elegant, with picturesque features. Sitting side by side with the new emperor, it was like the sun and the moon shining together, making it impossible to look away.

Various excited praises and cheers were louder and louder. Some people shouted "Long live the emperor"; some wished the emperor and empress a happy marriage; some praised the new emperor for his wisdom, bravery, justice and impartiality, saying that the Great Qi would surely prosper...

These praises also reached Chu Yunyi's ears.

Today, Chu Yunyi, as a member of the flag bearer guard, appeared beside the dragon chariot, guarding the position closest to Gu Jue and Shen Qianchen.

The more he was in this position, the more Chu Yunyi dared not be careless. He looked around vigilantly and performed his duties. Since Gu Jue promoted him to this position, it meant that he trusted him, and he had to live up to Gu Jue's trust.

Chu Yunyi has been very busy these few days since joining the Flag Bearer Guard. However, no matter how busy he is, he would occasionally think of things that made him unhappy.

Eldest sister Chu Qianhuang once said that people always become what they once hated the most.

Chu Yunyi disagreed with this statement.

He looked down on his biological father and his biological mother, but he would never become them. There were clearly better role models in front of him. He only needed to follow in their footsteps and make himself a better person. Why should he be obsessed with those people whom he looked down upon?

He needs to look forward instead of looking back repeatedly, being troubled by the past and being complacent.

Chu Yunyi looked around with a determined gaze, and his eyes accidentally met Shen Qianchen's. He smiled slightly, with an open smile.

He only glanced at Shen Qianchen, then looked away and continued to observe his surroundings vigilantly.

She had originally thought that this boy would be depressed for a while because of the Baiyun Temple incident, but she didn't expect that he would only rest for less than two days this time before calling off his leave, and then he just lived his life as usual.

Shen Qianchen gently scratched Gu Jue's palm twice with his left hand, then raised his chin slightly and pointed in the direction of Chu Yunyi.

With their tacit understanding, even if Shen Qianchen didn't say a word, Gu Jue understood what she meant. He also gently scratched her palm twice with his fingers and smiled slightly.

Gu Jue didn't tell Shen Qianchen specifically, but he knew that Chu Yunyi had visited Aunt Jiang in the prison.

Chu Yunyi's performance did not disappoint him, so as soon as he finished his leave, Gu Jue transferred him to the Flag Bearer Guard. With his protection, this kid can take it step by step and walk more steadily. No one can bully him. It all depends on whether this kid can keep his heart steady.

Someone on the side of the road was excitedly exclaiming: "Look, the emperor just smiled at me..."

"Bullshit!" another person yelled in a gruff voice, "You were smiling at me."

"The Emperor is not laughing, you must be dazzled..."

“…”

On the street outside, several onlookers started a heated discussion about whether Gu Jue had laughed just now.

Shen Qianchen also heard some of it and couldn't help but smile.

If the occasion wasn't wrong, she would have probably fallen laughing in Gu Jue's arms.

Of course he was smiling at her.

Shen Qianchen felt satisfied and happy in his heart, just like a child who had obtained a priceless treasure. On the one hand, he wanted to show it off to the world, but on the other hand, he also wanted to keep it as a treasure for fear that others would covet it.

Obviously, she wasn't that domineering before... Why did she become so "food-protective"? !

Shen Qianchen was distracted by mistake and didn't even notice when the dragon chariot arrived outside the north gate of the Temple of Heaven.

The Temple of Heaven is where emperors offer sacrifices to heaven and pray for a good harvest. It is a royal garden, guarded by imperial guards on weekdays and no outsiders are allowed to enter.

The Temple of Heaven is more heavily guarded today than usual. Every few steps there is a soldier in black armor guarding it. Each of them has a sword on his waist and a stern look on his face.

"Qian Chen."

Gu Jue called her softly, and Shen Qianchen came back to her senses. She slowly noticed that the dragon chariot had stopped and Gu Jue was standing outside the chariot waiting for her.

Shen Qianchen quickly stood up, holding Gu Jue's hand with one hand to get off the dragon chariot. The heavy Nine Dragons and Nine Phoenix Crown on her head made her almost unable to straighten her back.

When she stood still, Gu Jue raised his hand and gently brushed away a petal on her shoulder, and asked gently, "What are you thinking about?"

This scene was also seen by some officials and their families who were participating in the sacrifice to the sky in the rear, and many of them gasped.

Yang Xuanshan and several officials from the Ministry of Rites were all used to it. They knew that the new emperor couldn't be any more excessive than he was on the day of his coronation.

Shen Qianchen smiled and answered truthfully: "I was wondering if I was very 'food-protective'."

"..." Gu Jue raised his eyebrows, thinking that the little girl's thinking was really wild and unconventional. How did she think of the topic of "protecting food"?

As they talked, the two walked side by side towards the north gate, walking neither fast nor slow.

The civil and military officials and their families in the rear also followed in an orderly manner under the guidance of officials from the Ministry of Rites and the Taichang Temple, and surrounded the emperor and empress as they walked into the garden.

The royal garden where the Temple of Heaven is located covers an area of ​​more than 3,000 acres. It is solemn and magnificent, and is mainly divided into the inner and outer altars.

As soon as you enter the garden, you can see pavilions, towers, bridges, flowing water, mountains and rocks. It looks majestic, magnificent and grand in style, which is very different from those small and beautiful gardens.

Shen Qianchen could feel the countless swords from behind falling on her, but she didn't care about it at all. She smiled faintly, exuding a calm and confident demeanor, and her steps were elegant and light.

Gu Jue continued to chat with Shen Qianchen as he walked: "Isn't it Yueying who is protecting the food? What about you..."

How is she? Shen Qianchen looked at Gu Jue curiously, stretched out his hand and pulled his sleeve, urging him.

Gu Jue turned around and saw her, and smiled jokingly: "Protecting someone."

His little girl is a very protective person.

Shen Qianchen took these two words as a compliment and smiled: "Must-have."

He is also very protective, okay!

"What a coincidence." The smile on Gu Jue's lips deepened three points, and his eyes looking at her were like two pearls emitting soft light.

The little movements and whispers between the two naturally could not escape the eyes of several cabinet ministers, princes and officials from the Ministry of Rites behind them.

Everyone's eyes twitched again.

Ever since the censor Ji Mingzhi failed in his attempt to hit the pillar and ended up losing the money, no one has been willing to take the initiative to meddle in the new emperor's household affairs.

The group walked forward for a while, and a tall altar appeared in front of them. There was silence all around, and everyone behind them was solemn, and no one dared to speak casually.

They had no intention of appreciating the scenery. Their expressions were solemn and their attention was fully focused on today's ceremony.

The altar for offering sacrifices to heaven is located in the very center of the garden, surrounded by rows of century-old pines and carved railings and jade bricks.

The long white marble staircase extends from the bottom to the high altar. Under the sunlight, the white marble staircase shines with a light golden halo, appearing even more solemn and sacred.

The civil and military officials stopped here and could not go any further.

Gu Jue and Shen Qianchen, who were at the front, stopped in front of the stairs. Gu Jue slightly turned sideways and gracefully and considerately extended his right hand towards Shen Qianchen, with his palm facing up, as a silent invitation.

Shen Qianchen gently placed his left hand on his palm.

The two of them walked hand in hand up the white marble steps, climbing up to the high altar.

Shen Qianchen stepped on the stairs one by one, taking each step firmly, and walked up slowly.

As she walked, she counted the steps silently in her mind: "... twenty, twenty-one, twenty-two..."

One of the couple wore a bright yellow robe, and the other wore a dark green robe. Both were luxurious and dazzling, forming a sharp contrast with the white marble steps below, and were as dazzling as gods descending from heaven.

The ministers below looked up at the emperor and empress in front of them. Just by looking at them, they felt awe-inspiring.

When Shen Qianchen counted to "eighty-one", the two of them walked up to the highest altar.

There are a total of eighty-one steps here, symbolizing that everything will eventually lead to success.

She liked the implication.

After climbing the stairs for a while, Shen Qianchen's breathing became a little rapid, and his cheeks flushed like petals.

Shen Qianchen turned to look at Gu Jue, and held his hand even harder, clasping it tightly, smiling sweetly, and said silently: "It's a coincidence."

In her previous life, he picked her up. They were both teachers and friends. They spent only a year together before he left this world. That year was short but fulfilling. It was the happiest time in her previous life and was deeply engraved in her soul.

So, in this life, it is her turn to find him.

It was she who seized this fate from her previous life.

By some strange coincidence, the relationship between her and him transformed into another one and they became husband and wife.

In her previous life, she called him Prince, but in this life——

"Nine."

Shen Qianchen opened his lips and called out his name, so gently, so affectionately.

This marriage started unexpectedly, but gradually got better.

She was laughing, so he laughed too.

When the officials from the Ministry of Rites below saw the emperor and empress step onto the altar for offering sacrifices to heaven, they gave instructions.

Then, beginning with the cabinet elders and royal relatives at the front, all the civil and military officials and their families began to kneel down in rows, rolling back like waves.

Everyone bowed their heads and knelt on the ground with respectful expressions. The atmosphere was solemn and dignified.

The next moment, they shouted in unison: "Your Highness, long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Empress!"

On the altar right in front, Gu Jue and Shen Qianchen walked towards the center hand in hand, their backs leaning against each other.

A gentle breeze blew towards them, and their clothes were rippling gently in the wind, like spring water in a mountain stream, or flowing clouds in the blue sky.

In this life, I will hold your hand and live with you.

(End of text)

There will be a second extra chapter later~~ 　　 　 (End of this chapter)