Chapter 55 [VIP]
Many noblewomen also noticed the jade pendant, exchanging bewildered glances, with Princess Li seemingly lost in thought.
This eldest daughter of the Gu family is clearly determined to break off all relations, leaving the Empress Dowager no way out or room for maneuver. Is this just young and impetuous, or does the Gu family have ulterior motives?
"My father sacrificed his life for the Great Qi Dynasty, leaving no trace of his remains."
Gu Zhizhuo gripped the jade pendant tightly, emphasizing the words "no trace of his remains," and said coldly, "If we are to suffer humiliation even after death, my Gu family will not accept it."
"I'd rather die than accept it."
These words are powerful and intimidating.
The Empress Dowager's heartstrings trembled. She was filled with unease and left the temple hastily without staying a moment longer.
All that remained was a cacophony of noise.
She didn't even take Zhaoyang with her. On the way back to the palace, her heart was in turmoil and she couldn't calm down. As soon as she arrived at Cining Palace, before she could even sit down, she sent someone to summon the emperor.
The Empress Dowager never bothered the Emperor casually, but since she summoned him so urgently, the Emperor had no choice but to put down what he was doing and rush over.
"emperor."
Before he could even offer his greetings, the Empress Dowager recounted the events at the nunnery, adding, "The Ji family's daughter saved Zhaoyang's life, and I thought I should help if I could. Who would have thought it would lead to something like this? It's truly..."
She sighed and shook her head: "Your Majesty, what should we do?"
The Empress Dowager felt regret.
She had heard that Ji was under house arrest and felt sorry for Ji Nanke, who couldn't even go home. She also saw that Ji Nanke had saved the eldest princess and wanted to stand up for her. So she had some princesses and noblewomen summoned to the Women's Temple, intending to expose the hypocritical true face of the Gu family. As a result, things turned out like this.
It probably won't even take half a day before the princesses and noblewomen return to their homes, and the shameful affair of the substitute bride will be known to everyone.
Princess Li is highly respected among the imperial clan. Even before her son ascended the throne, she had to show him some respect. The marriage between the Ji family and the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion was bestowed by the late emperor, and Prince Li, as the head of the imperial clan, will definitely investigate it thoroughly.
Look at the mess this has made!
A substitute bride?
The emperor was stunned. He snapped his folding fan shut and blurted out, "How could the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion have discovered the substitute marriage?"
"Huh?" The Empress Dowager snapped out of her daze and exclaimed in astonishment, "Did you already know?"
Realizing his mistake, the emperor quickly said, "How could your son have known..."
The Empress Dowager saw through the Emperor's intentions at a glance, as he was her own son. She stared at the Emperor without saying a word.
Aunt Yan, who was standing nearby, immediately sent all the eunuchs and maids out of the hall and then personally closed the hall door.
“Shen’er,” the Empress Dowager said, “if I remember correctly, it was you who led the officials of the Ministry of Rites to Jiangnan to welcome the bride back then.”
She looked directly into the emperor's eyes and continued, "Just now, a jade pendant fell from Ji's body. The pendant has a five-clawed auspicious cloud dragon pattern on it."
"It's yours, isn't it?"
"The lightning bolt pattern on the longan was your favorite when you were young!"
The emperor's pupils contracted sharply, and he finally uttered a single word: "Yes."
"Your Majesty!" The Empress Dowager exclaimed in alarm, standing up and pointing at him, unsure of what to say. "You and Lady Ji...she..."
"Mother, you're overthinking it."
The emperor helped her sit down and patiently said, "Your son did discover it back then, but the late emperor had already issued an edict to bestow the marriage, and the eldest daughter of the Ji family is dead. The late emperor intended to use the Ji family back then; if the marriage doesn't go through, wouldn't that ruin the late emperor's great plans?"
The Empress Dowager remained silent.
The emperor personally handed her a cup of tea.
"The Ji family and that eldest daughter of the Ji family are twins, born of the same mother, only their names are different. What the late emperor wanted was for the Zhenguo Duke's Mansion and the Ji family to form a marriage alliance, so what difference would it make who he married?"
That makes some sense. The Empress Dowager finally nodded: "You spoke to the late Emperor about this?"
The emperor shook his head: "The late emperor was busy with countless affairs of state. This is just a small matter. Why bother with such a complicated matter?"
What could the Empress Dowager not understand about her own son? What he said was only part of the reason. He had traveled a long way to Jiangnan; if he couldn't even handle this small task, he would be even less worthy of the late Emperor's favor as the Crown Prince. Her son was proud and arrogant; he would rather be inferior to the Crown Prince because he wasn't born of the principal wife than be told that he was less capable than the Crown Prince.
The Empress Dowager slowly skimmed the foam off the tea with the lid, taking several sips to calm herself down.
"Your Majesty," the Empress Dowager said, "now that things have come to this, perhaps we should..."
"No."
The emperor understood the empress dowager's meaning.
However, the marriage was declared invalid, and the Ji family was accused of deceiving the emperor and disobeying the imperial decree.
This won't do.
The emperor's eyes flickered uncertainly as he tapped his palm repeatedly with the handle of his fan.
Both the late emperor and the founding emperor placed far too much trust in the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion. But why didn't they consider that as long as there was one member of the Gu family, the lineage would continue? When Gu Yican inherits the title, he will be the fourth generation.
The control of 200,000 troops is secondary; what's important is that the Gu family has been rooted in the northern frontier for four generations, and the military and political affairs of the northern frontier are entirely in the hands of the Gu family. How is this any different from the northern frontier becoming a country on its own?!
With the Gu family holding significant military power, who can guarantee their unwavering loyalty across generations?
If the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion were to raise an army one day, would the empire belong to the Xie family or the Gu family?
But the late emperor never listened to these words, saying that he was too suspicious and unfit for important responsibilities. In a fit of anger, he transferred him from the Ministry of Personnel to the Ministry of Rites and sent him to Jiangnan to welcome Gu Taotao's bride. At that time, he became a laughing stock in the capital.
He, a prince, was not even as good as Gu Taotao in the late emperor's eyes!
The thought of the late emperor's disappointed rebukes brought back the same pent-up frustration he felt back then.
Until he discovered that the Ji family had boldly arranged a substitute marriage.
He discovered it back in Jiangnan!
The Emperor had chosen a future matriarch for Gu Taotao from the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion, someone who should at least be well-mannered and composed. The Emperor treated Gu Taotao like a son or nephew, so he wouldn't be careless in this regard. However, the Ji Shi he saw was timid and easily startled, completely lacking the composure and poise of a lady from a prominent family.
Later, when he asked her, she was so frightened that she told him the whole truth.
The future wife of the Duke of Zhenguo's son is a woman who killed her own sister and went to great lengths to marry into the past.
How interesting!
He didn't expose her.
On the way to the capital, he secretly taught her manners and etiquette, telling her that if she didn't want to be exposed and sent back to Jiangnan, she had to at least pretend to be a decent person. And then...
"Shen'er," the Empress Dowager asked gravely, "I am your own mother. Is there anything you can't even say to me?!"
"If you say it's for the late emperor, then I'll believe you."
"But now that things have come to this, you still want to protect the Ji family?!" She was so emotional that she could hardly speak, "You and her..."
"Mother," the Emperor quickly reassured her, "how could your son possibly fancy a married woman?"
He still didn't explain about the jade pendant, only saying, "Mother, the girl Jing'er admires is surnamed Ji, and is the direct niece of the Ji family. If the Ji family is convicted, she will also be implicated. Not to mention becoming the prince's principal wife, she might not even become a concubine."
The Empress Dowager naturally understood who the Emperor was referring to.
To be honest, Ji Nanke is a good girl, pure and kind, and she is neither arrogant nor humble in her dealings with others. If Zhao Yang hadn't been so determined to crush Gu Zhizhuo and refused to let her settle things peacefully, things wouldn't have escalated to this point.
Just now, in front of everyone, Ji Nanke appeared anxious and uneasy, yet she tried her best to remain calm and stand up for her aunt, which truly broke the Empress Dowager's heart. After all, she was still injured.
It would indeed be inappropriate for her to be implicated and harmed because of her aunt's mistakes.
Seeing that the Empress Dowager's expression had changed, the Emperor continued, "The Master Qingping once cast a divination for this Miss Ji. She said that this woman is blessed by Heaven and will bring prosperity to the country."
"Mother, as you know, I have high hopes for Jing'er. I want to give this girl to Jing'er. She cannot be punished because of the Ji family."
The Empress Dowager thought about it for a long time, and finally nodded: "So the Emperor means to just go with the flow?"
The emperor responded, "In this way, the late emperor's face will not be offended. I can send someone to Jiangnan to change the household registration so that Ji Ruo becomes Ji Yuan Chu."
"The Gu family will not agree," the Empress Dowager said wearily, waving her hand without hesitation. "Didn't you see Gu Zhizhuo's attitude today? So arrogant and aggressive, she practically wanted to tear the Ji family apart. I've never seen a woman like this before, so utterly clueless about when to stop, as if she's determined to cause a major upheaval. It's fortunate you didn't betroth her to Jing'er."
She grew angrier the more she thought about it: "She also said that the Duke of Zhenguo's remains were nowhere to be found, and the Gu family would rather perish than live in disgrace."
The Empress Dowager sighed and finally said, "By the way, she also took Ji's jade pendant. Is there a hidden meaning in her words?"
The emperor gripped his folding fan tightly: "Mother, what else did she say?"
The Empress Dowager's heart sank. She stared at the tassel of the folding fan hanging from the Emperor's palm and repeated all of Gu Zhizhuo's words.
The emperor's expression grew cold, and he remained motionless.
"Your Majesty," a palace servant announced from outside the hall, "Commander Zhou of the Golden Guard requests an audience."
The emperor gave him a wink, and Li Deshun went out. A short while later, he hurriedly returned, wiping the sweat from his brow, and cautiously said, "Your Majesty, Miss Gu, she..."
"What's wrong with her now?"
"She escorted Lady Ji to the Dengwen Drum and begged the Emperor to give the Gu family an explanation."
"Outrageous!" the Empress Dowager roared. "Does she really have to make this scandal known to everyone?!"
"Aren't you ashamed!"
Li Deshun didn't know what to say. He had never seen a woman like this before, one who dared to coerce even the emperor.
Saying "escort" was just a euphemism; in reality, Miss Gu had tied up Lady Ji and brought her to the Dengwen Drum, which forced Commander Zhou to rush over to report.
"Miss Gu said that the Duke was upright and honest throughout his life, but he ended up with no remains. How could the Ji family, who are sinister and vicious, be worthy of the title of Duchess? She begs the Emperor to punish the entire Ji family."
Once again, no remains were found.
Gu Zhizhuo mentioned twice that Gu Taotao's remains were missing. Could it be that... the Gu family discovered that Liang Kingdom had already returned Gu Taotao's remains?!
This matter should be known to no one except myself and the Prince of Jin.
No, there's also Xie Yingchen! Xie Yingchen has been in Liang for many years, so he must have heard some things about it from the people of Liang.
No wonder...
"Miss Gu also said that if the Emperor was unwilling to uphold justice for the Gu family, she would beat the Dengwen Drum and let the people of the world judge the matter."
She was making it clear that if she couldn't satisfy the Gu family, she would fight to the death.
Snap!
The emperor slapped the teacup off the table, his whole being exuding an aura of bloodlust.
The Gu family indeed harbored rebellious intentions.
Even a young, unmarried girl dares to pressure him now!
Li Deshun and Aunt Yan immediately knelt down on the ground.
"Your Majesty," another eunuch from the Imperial Study hurried over, "Prince Li requests an audience."
emperor:"……"
Ji Shi is of great use to him, and he cannot give her up now; he needs to think about it some more.
The emperor stood up and said, "Mother, I'll be right back."
Prince Li came for the matter of the Ji family's substitute marriage. Gu Zhizhuo stood on the Meridian Gate city wall and watched him pass by in a hurry.
She calmly and patiently played with the drumsticks of the Dengwen Drum.
Madam Gu was coaxed back to her residence, but Ji Nanke followed. Ji Nanke never said anything about "not going back" again. Even though Madam Gu ignored her, she followed her back to the capital and then to the Meridian Gate.
Ji Shi was tied to the Dengwen Drum, and Ji Nanke had no choice but to stay by her side. The eyes of the surrounding soldiers were all on her. She had never been so embarrassed since she came into this world.
"Cousin Zhuo, let my aunt go back to the carriage and sit for a while. She is, after all, your elder..."
"roll."
Ji Nanke: "..."
“Miss Ji, don’t make up relatives so easily. I don’t even know if you’re worthy to call me ‘cousin’.”
"Ke'er!"
The person arrived before the voice.
Xie Jing rushed over from below the Meridian Gate, his eyes fixed on Ji Nanke, unable to see anyone else.
He held Ji Nanke tightly in his arms.
"Ke'er. I've finally seen you again!"
Ji Nanke gently pushed him away: "Please don't do this. My cousin..."
Xie Jing followed her restrained gaze to Gu Zhizhuo, but before he could speak up for his beloved, Gu Zhizhuo let out a cold snort.
Xie Jing shuddered for no reason, and his voice softened: "Miss Gu, the Emperor has decreed that Eunuch Li should be arriving soon."
Xie Jing left the palace with Li Deshun. Li Deshun didn't walk too slowly either, and soon he also went up to the Meridian Gate tower, his face full of smiles.
"Miss Gu."
Gu Zhizhuo returned the greeting: "Eunuch Li."
"The Emperor has decreed..."
Li Deshun held up the bright yellow imperial edict with both hands.
This imperial edict is for the Ji family.
A glimmer of light appeared in Ji's eyes, and she gradually sat up straight. However, with Li Deshun's words, "If Ji is to become a concubine, her title of Lady of the State will be revoked," the light in her eyes vanished completely, and she collapsed to the ground.
Concubine?
A mocking smile flickered across Gu Zhizhuo's lips.
Ha, it's amazing that they could even come up with that idea.
The imperial edict confirmed that the late emperor had bestowed the marriage upon Ji Yuanchu of the Duke of Zhenguo's family, and that Ji Yuanchu, in accordance with ancient customs, brought her younger sister Ji Ruo as a concubine when she got married.
Using the guise of a concubine, the real purpose was to demote Ji's wife to a concubine.
Lady Ji was no longer the Duchess of the State.
From then on, she and Lady Ji no longer had any mother-daughter relationship.
As long as Lady Ji is alive, she doesn't need to inquire about her well-being or attend to her illness.
Ji Shi died, and she was not required to observe mourning for her.
The emperor made a huge concession, merely saving the Ji family while allowing Ji Shi to be demoted from wife to concubine.
Could there be some kind of trap?
"...So be it."
Gu Zhizhuo did not express his gratitude.
To put it bluntly, the imperial edict was just a fig leaf to cover up the matter. The Ji family did not disobey the edict, and the woman who married into the family from Jiangnan was still Ji Yuanchu, while Ji Ruo was just a concubine accompanying the bride.
Ji Nanke breathed a sigh of relief.
This outcome at least prevented her from being implicated and convicted. Her luck remained as good as ever; she always seemed to find a way out of a seemingly hopeless situation.
Li Deshun personally helped Gu Zhizhuo up and said, "Miss Gu, His Majesty received an urgent message from the Western Frontier today."
"It's here." Gu Zhizhuo showed just the right amount of surprise: "Could it be an urgent report from the border?"
Li Deshun said with a joyful expression, "The Liang Kingdom is finally willing to return the Duke's remains."
All of this was the result of Gu Zhizhuo's meticulous planning, but now, her heart still aches unbearably, as if it were being stabbed.
Xie Jing, who was bowing low to Ji Nanke, couldn't help but turn his head to look over upon hearing this.
He heard her ask, her voice trembling with surprise, "Really?" She seemed to be smiling, but there was no real joy in it.
"Alas, it turns out that the Duke's remains have been in the hands of the Liang people for so many years. Last year, when the Liang Kingdom and the Great Qi Kingdom discussed diplomatic relations, this matter was mentioned. The Emperor has been urging the Liang people to return the remains ever since, but he dared not tell the Gu family for fear of upsetting you. Fortunately, the Liang Kingdom finally agreed. And now, they have been delivered to Aur City. As soon as the Emperor learned of this news, he sent me to tell you immediately."
"His Majesty also said that if the Gu family is willing, they can personally go to fetch the Duke back to the capital."
Gu Zhizhuo loosened his clenched fist.
Gu Liaoliao, who had just come up with Gu Baibai, heard the last sentence and her eyes widened in astonishment. What did they mean, "The remains have been found?!"
"My condolences to Miss Gu."
Li Deshun handed the imperial edict forward and said, "His Majesty orally decreed that Lady Ji entered the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion as a concubine of Lady Ji, and there is no need to elevate her to the position of principal wife."
The emperor was indeed willing to pay any price to protect the Ji family!
In other words, in her previous life, it was truly because the Ji family betrayed the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion that, after the entire Gu family was exiled, only she and Gu Yan were able to escape disaster and enjoy the Gu family's wealth, using the Gu family's blood and bones to create their lifelong glory.
I hate it!
Gu Zhizhuo's heart was bleeding, but he didn't show it on his face.
"The Gu family understands."
Gu Zhizhuo accepted the imperial edict; it felt heavy in his hands, as if weighed down by a thousand pounds.
Standing to the side, Lady Ji heard everything clearly and swayed precariously.
concubine?
No!
What about Yan'er? Wouldn't Yan'er become an illegitimate son?
All the shock rushed to her head like boiling blood. She wanted to call out to Li Deshun. She had so much to say, but all the words were stuck in her throat. She opened her mouth but couldn't breathe.
Ji felt as if he had returned to eight years ago.
The carriage overturned, and she and her elder sister tumbled down the cliff together. Luckily, they landed on a protruding rock. Her elder sister told her not to be afraid, saying that the manor would find them soon. Later, the manor did find them, and when the rope was lowered, she inexplicably pushed her elder sister down the cliff.
From then on, she never had a moment of peace.
Later, when the groom came from the capital to fetch her, her secret was discovered. She was terrified and even considered telling everything to pay for her elder sister's life.
"It's okay, I'll help you."
He didn't expose her; he pulled her out of the darkness.
He appeared in her life like a god, and now, it is he who has pushed her into an even darker abyss.
Ji Shi collapsed unconscious.
"aunt!"
Ji Nanke's eyes were terrifying and full of resentment. She finally couldn't help but say, "Do you have to be so ruthless, leaving no room for maneuver?"
Gu Zhizhuo scoffed provocatively, "That's right."
"If you're not happy about it, then keep it to yourself."
"The Gu family is under my control."
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