Chapter 47 Chapter 47

"If you want it, just ask a maid to do it. At worst, I can ask Shuliang to run errands for you to buy it." Jiang Jingchun didn't know what was wrong with him. She was too lazy to pay attention to him. She took back the hood and said, "I'm busy. Don't bother me."

She started to feel annoyed after he had said just these two sentences.

The cap in Gu Huaisheng's hand was taken away, and he grabbed nothing. He withdrew his hand, and when he heard Jiang Jingchun said this, he really didn't say anything else.

She must have been very busy these days. After all, she was getting married. Even if she was not willing in her heart, she still had to put in some superficial effort in the Jiang family.

Gu Huaisheng didn't mention this matter. He brought up another matter. He said, "We have been sending out wedding invitations these days. Do we need to send them to the Song family?"

He asked this question in a normal manner, as if he was asking about a trivial matter that had nothing to do with the itching.

But Jiang Jingchun was somehow offended by these words. She glared at him and her voice became a little cold. "Why do you have to ask me this question even though you already know the answer? Didn't you tell me not to mention Song Xuan'an again? What's your intention in asking me this question now?"

What should Song Xuan'an do? He must do such heart-wrenching things, right?

Why doesn't he be more shameless?

He gets angry when Song Xuan'an is mentioned.

Seeing that she was angry, Gu Huaisheng chuckled with a hint of coldness. He said "oh" and then compromised, "Just don't say it."

The two of them didn't continue talking about this matter. It was getting dark and time for dinner. When the old lady saw Gu Huaisheng coming, she asked him to stay and have dinner with her.

After the meal, fearing that the old lady might become suspicious, Jiang Jingchun stood up and saw Gu Huaisheng out. However, after seeing him out of the courtyard, he did not continue to see him off and turned back to the house.

Gu Huaisheng watched Jiang Jingchun walk into the house without looking back. He didn't say anything, just chuckled and left.

On the way back to Jiang's house, I met Jiang Runchu.

It seemed that she had heard the news of his coming and was waiting for him here. No one knew how long she had been waiting.

It was getting late. Jiang Runchu was leaning against the arch with his head down. When he heard footsteps, he looked up in the direction of Gu Huaisheng.

The two looked at each other. Gu Huaisheng looked normal, but Jiang Runchu's expression was indescribably strange.

He stood up and looked at Gu Huaisheng who was getting closer. He held back for a long time before uttering, "Gu Huaisheng, you... didn't you say you always regarded her as your cousin?"

He learned the news from Li.

After Jiang Jingchun left that day, Li went back and cried for a long time. It took Jiang Jinghui a long time to persuade her to stop.

It was also on that day that he learned that Gu Huaisheng and Jiang Jingchun were going to get married.

But a cousin is a cousin, how could she suddenly become my wife?

This incident obviously had a great impact on him.

Thinking back on the past, the more I think about it, the weirder it seems.

But Gu Huaisheng replied calmly, "She's just a cousin, not even a biological one, why can't she be my wife?"

How come Gu Huaisheng changes his attitude faster than turning the pages of a book? It's only been two or three months, from summer to autumn.

Jiang Runchu said angrily, "Don't you think this is disgusting? You are five years older than her. When you were learning to read and write, she couldn't even run well. When you were taking the imperial examination and making a name for yourself, she only knew how to hang out with those bad friends... You said before that she was just a cousin, but you actually had such thoughts behind her back. Did you use some shameful means to coax her into agreeing to you? She is the most vindictive person. If you have a quarrel with her, will she still be willing to marry you?"

He just felt that he had been completely deceived by him, and he really believed what he said, "Just a cousin."

This person has different thoughts every day, and it's hard to figure out.

Jiang Runchu said: "Just wait, she will torture you to death. You don't know how troublesome she is. In the past, the only one in the family who could tolerate her was my mother..."

Maybe it was because Jiang Jingchun got married too suddenly, which made Jiang Runchu feel a little indescribable for a while.

I originally thought she would come home first...but she suddenly wanted to get married before she even came back.

It's a very strange feeling.

Gu Huaisheng suddenly interrupted Jiang Runchu's words.

He asked him, "Do you know where they brought your cousin back from?"

Jiang Runchu frowned, as if he didn't quite understand why Gu Huaisheng suddenly brought up this matter.

No one had ever told him where Jiang Jingchun came from. At least, neither his father nor his mother told him.

No one said anything.

Gu Huaisheng said, "She cried so sadly in the temple that day because she knew her own life experience. Do you want to know, Jiang Mingfeng?"

He called him by his given name with a hint of solemnity. In the night, Gu Huaisheng's voice carried an indescribable heaviness. These words hit Jiang Runchu's heart and made his brows twitch uncontrollably.

"If you want to say something, just say it."

Gu Huaisheng started with "Her mother's name was Cen Yin" and ended with "Cen Yin is dead", simply retelling the incident like Jiang Runchu.

The moonlight was lonely and fell on the two of them. Jiang Runchu did not react for a long time after hearing this.

Gu Huaisheng did not continue to talk. He finally reminded him, "Be careful with Jiang Jinghui. She is not simple. I don't know what she wants to do this time."

He didn't think that Jiang Nan found her by himself. Maybe she had been in the dark all these years and was just looking for the right time to show up.

But there is no doubt whether she is Jiang Nan's biological daughter.

The birthmark on the hand cannot lie, and the face is so similar to Jiang Jingchun.

I just don't know what she is thinking.

Is she doing all these things just because she hates Jiang Jingchun? But it seems that there is more to it than that.

He just gave Jiang Runchu a reminder, as for whether he would listen or not, that was none of his business.

The two siblings met again after more than ten years, and no matter how much he said, it would be of no use.

After saying this, Gu Huaisheng no longer cared about Jiang Runchu's expression and turned around and left.

*

The moonlight shines on the world, there is no human voice within the silent palace walls, and the scent of osmanthus lingers throughout the entire palace.

Outside the Qianqing Palace, lanterns were hung on the eaves, swaying in the night wind. The scattered cool light made the palace even more solemn.

Inside the palace, Emperor Taihe and Wang Shun were sitting face to face.

There is a chessboard in front of the two people, and they are currently playing against each other.

In the quiet hall, the only sound was the crisp sound of chess pieces falling on the chessboard. The two men played chess back and forth, and neither of them spoke.

Wang Shun is old and his eyesight is not very good. He has to squint to see clearly when playing chess.

Emperor Taihe saw it all.

He finally spoke first. He said, "Today I realized that the teacher can no longer see the chess pieces clearly."

Emperor Taihe called Wang Shun "Chief Assistant" and "Prime Minister" in public, but in private, when there were no outsiders around, he always called him "Teacher Taifu" as before.

The previous emperor passed away suddenly, and Emperor Taihe was not even fifteen years old when he ascended the throne. At that time, it was Wang Shun, who was the Grand Tutor, who guided him step by step to secure the throne.

Emperor Taihe had particularly complicated feelings towards his teacher.

At the beginning, he was very grateful for the company of his teacher. After all, without him, it would be difficult for a young emperor to face the princes and officials. They looked at him like wolves staring at a cub, trying to divide up his imperial power before he grew up.

If it weren't for his teacher, if it weren't for his tutor, he really didn't know what to do.

He kept in mind everything the teacher said, and he did everything the teacher asked him to do. He also took the teacher's teachings as a warning...

But later on he gradually discovered that the teacher seemed to be the one who was most powerful in seizing power.

The emperor's close minister, the emperor's teacher, the late emperor's trustee... these factors made it natural for Wang Shun, who later became the chief aide of the cabinet, to seize all the power.

It was not until he grew up that Emperor Taihe slowly realized that the teacher was no longer the same teacher.

Emperor Taihe said that Wang Shun's eyesight was not good, but Wang Shun just smiled and said, "I am already this old, how can it be good? Your Majesty doesn't know that I use a pen to read at home, and I was afraid that Your Majesty would dislike it, so I didn't dare to bring this."

Emperor Taihe also laughed when he heard what Wang Shun said, and the two of them continued playing chess.

After a moment of silence, he suddenly said, "I heard that the young master of the Gu family is getting married. Does the teacher know about this?"

Wang Shun's expression remained unchanged as he replied, "I've heard about it a long time ago. They are making quite a fuss. Young men from ordinary families would start looking for marriages when they are 17 or 18 years old. Young Marquis Gu has finally found a marriage at this age, so he must make it a grand wedding. Besides, the Gu family is a prominent family, so the wedding of the eldest son of the family should be lively and not embarrassing."

The lights were flickering, and the two seemed to be chatting about the most mundane things.

"Alas, getting married at the age of seventeen or eighteen... I remember that when Qiong Zhang passed away, he was nineteen years old and still hadn't gotten married..." Perhaps because he was talking about getting married, Emperor Taihe couldn't help but think of his old friend.

Qiongzhang is the name given to Wang Yu by Wang Shun.

He had prepared a name for him when he was fifteen years old, but because he had not yet come of age, no one else knew about it. Only some close people would call out his name in private.

Wang Yu, also known by his courtesy name Qiongzhang.

Gold shines brightly.

As bright and beautiful as gold and jade.

How much Wang Shun loved this child can be seen from his name and courtesy name.

Emperor Taihe still remembered how happy Wang Yu was to tell him his name. He said, "Your Majesty, my father gave me a name. I secretly saw it on his desk. It's Qiong Zhang... You can call me Qiong Zhang in the future."

Qiong Zhang is a very simple and kind person. His happiness or unhappiness can be seen almost entirely on his face. Just like what people say, "Good bamboo shoots come from bad bamboo." Compared with his father, Qiong Zhang is so simple that he is lovable and pitiful.

Speaking of sad things, the emperor couldn't help but sigh, "If I hadn't asked him to go to Jiangnan, it wouldn't have turned out like this... It's a pity that he left early and never got married, leaving no children. Otherwise, he would be almost the same age as the prince and princesses now."

Emperor Taihe and Wang Yu were of similar age, with the emperor being only a few years older. Because one was Wang Shun's student and the other was Wang Shun's only son, the two had a very good relationship even though one was the emperor and the other was the son of a minister.

At that time, Wang Yu even studied with Emperor Taihe.

If Wang Yu were alive, he would be around forty years old now.

Seeing him bring up the past, Wang Shun paused for a moment, but soon recovered his composure, "Your Majesty can't be blamed for that. If anyone is to blame, it's my own fault. You were too hasty and pushed him too far. You forced him to go to Jiangnan. It's also his own fault that he couldn't live up to his expectations and couldn't come back alive from Jiangnan. Who can I blame for this?"

Wang Shun had always placed high hopes on his only son.

But no one is born smart, there is always time to grow up. In the end, Qiong Zhang died before he could grow up to be the person his father wanted him to be.

Perhaps it was because the name was too noble and heavy, and Qiong Zhang finally couldn't bear it.

Wang Shun said, "Well, it's been so many years, it's all past now. He's been gone for 20 years, there's no point in talking about it anymore."

While Wang Shun was talking, Emperor Taihe had already placed his last piece. Emperor Taihe won the game.

In the past, when Emperor Taihe was young, he was always defeated by Wang Shun. But now, as Wang Shun is getting older, Emperor Taihe is winning more and more games.

The endgame is set.

The two stood up and walked towards the tea table.

Emperor Taihe asked him, "Will you go to Gu's house to attend the wedding banquet?"

Wang Shun laughed and said, "You haven't even posted anything to me, so why would you bother me?"

Emperor Taihe was a little surprised that he was not even willing to put in the superficial effort.

It seems that the Gu family is really annoyed with Wang Shun.

Yes, the styles of their two families are very different. Lord Gu doesn't get along with him, and Gu Huaisheng is the same as his father.

This time, we didn’t even send out invitations.

Wang Shun didn't care. He smiled and said, "It seems that the young marquis still hates me because I killed his teacher."

Emperor Taihe disagreed and said, "How could that be? How could he be so indistinguishable from public and private affairs? Well, the evidence of his teacher's treason is solid, and you are just handling the matter impartially. Besides, he has already had a quarrel with his teacher, so he shouldn't hold a grudge against him for this matter."

After hearing what Emperor Taihe said, Wang Shun finally stopped talking.

Seeing that it was getting late, Wang Shun got up, took his leave, and went home.

After returning to Wang's house, the servant said that Song Xuanjing was waiting for him inside.

Wang Shun nodded to show that he understood, and then went into the house.

Sure enough, Song Xuanjing was sitting in a chair waiting for him.

Wang Shun approached and saw that his face was blue and purple in the candlelight. He couldn't help but ask, "Did your brother beat you?"

Song Xuanjing nodded.

Wang Shun didn't look at him again. He slowly walked to the main seat and sat down. He let out a heavy breath and said, "This is really a pity. If Song Xuan'an is found guilty of cheating, his life will be ruined. The Song family will be in your pocket...but Gu Huaisheng intervened."

Song Xuan'an is fine now, even if he didn't get shot, it's still a bit annoying. Now that I've seen Song Xuanjing's true face, I don't know what will happen in the future.

In short, it is also a hidden danger.

Song Xuanjing said, "It doesn't matter. He is immature, so even if he knows, it won't be a big deal. I think he won't have much hope in the imperial examination this time."

"But sir, Gu Huaisheng is still investigating the case of the former governor's treason. It seems that he wants to find out the truth and clear his name. Clearing his name is not a big deal. The only thing I'm afraid of is that he wants to revive the New Deal..."

Song Xuanjing worked in the Ministry of War. He had previously discovered that Gu Huaisheng had retrieved the files on the governor's collusion with the enemy. Later, he discovered that they had been secretly investigating what happened back then.

I don't know what he was thinking.

Wang Shun thought about it, a malicious smile appeared on his lips, he said: "He wants to clear his name? Okay, sure. He is getting married on the 22nd of this month, you deliberately put out some clues on that day to lure him. I want to see, is his wife more important, or is the teacher's innocence more important in his heart."

After he heard that Song Xuan'an had been released that day, he asked someone to inquire about it and found out that his little cousin had gone to look for Gu Huaisheng.

Gu Huaisheng and Song Xuan'an didn't have much in common, so it seems that Gu Huaisheng must have released Song Xuan'an for Jiang Jingchun's sake.

But in this case, Gu Huaisheng must have dealt with all the things at that time. Even if they wanted to make trouble again, they had no evidence. If they suddenly interfered in the Autumn Examination, it would seem a little strange for them, so this matter was let off lightly later.

They suffered a setback at his hands this time, so naturally they had to get back at him.

But Wang Shun was also a little curious. Gu Huaisheng was able to make concessions on a matter of principle for Jiang Jingchun. So, which was more important, their wedding or the teacher's unjust case?

*

September 22nd soon arrived.

The wedding day was exceptionally lively, with everyone in the Jiang family running back and forth, busy with wedding matters. Red lanterns were already hung all over the door of the Shangshu Mansion, showing the festive atmosphere everywhere.

Although Jiang Jingchun and Jiang Nan had a bad quarrel, she still went out as the young lady of the Jiang family. So all the members of the Jiang family were there today, and Jiang Nan and Jiang Runchu did not go on duty.

It's time to start and end things properly. Since she's getting married, I can't just ignore everything.

Jiang Jingchun was arrested early in the morning. She heard the noise outside and was put into a wedding dress before she knew it. After her face was rubbed, she was asked to put on makeup. Jiang Jingchun was manipulated like a puppet from beginning to end. In the end, a heavy pearl crown was pressed on her head, and she could hardly lift her head.

The old lady was afraid that what she said today would make the two of them cry again and ruin their makeup, so she had talked to her all night yesterday. Now she just watched her put on her makeup quietly without saying anything.

Perhaps Li was somewhat hurt by what happened last time, as she did not show up at Jiang Jingchun's place today. She and Jiang Nan were busy preparing for the wedding outside.

Soon the auspicious moment arrived and firecrackers were set off outside. Jiang Jingchun was covered with a red veil and then helped out.

She was wearing a veil that she had embroidered herself. When she looked down, she could only see her bright red wedding dress and embroidered shoes. The noisy sounds in her ears made her feel as if she was still in a dream.

Today is the day when Miss Jiang gets married. The mansion is especially lively with joyful laughter and congratulations everywhere. Many people come to see the fun, and the Jiang family welcomes everyone and distributes congratulatory money everywhere.

The wedding party had already arrived at the gate of Jiang's house. Everyone saw the bride, covered with a red veil, walking with lotus steps and being led out. Although their face could not be seen under the red veil, their figure was obviously outstanding.

Jiang Jingchun was covered with a big red veil and could not see anything, so she could only let others help her out.

She seemed to vaguely hear a woman sobbing beside her, and then someone suddenly picked her up.

Jiang Jingchun was startled and couldn't help but let out a low cry, but then he heard Jiang Runchu's voice in his ear.

"It's me."

Yes, she just remembered what the nanny had told her yesterday about the wedding process. Before a woman gets married, she has to be carried to the sedan chair by her brothers. This is the traditional custom of this dynasty.

But she didn't want Jiang Runchu to hug her, nor did she expect Jiang Runchu to hug her.

After all, they really had some conflicts too much. From childhood to adulthood, the time they spent sitting together peacefully was very rare. The only times they did this were when they quarreled or fought.

She thought that Jiang Runchu might have been forced here again.

Although she knew that this was an essential procedure, and even though it was only a few steps to send her to the sedan chair, Jiang Jingchun couldn't help but straighten her body, feeling extremely awkward. She couldn't help but taunt him in a low voice, "You could have used the excuse that you had something to do at the government office today to avoid this, so that both you and I would have less hatred..."

Jiang Runchu interrupted her and said, "Why are you hiding? I came here voluntarily today."

Jiang Jingchun wanted to say something, but Jiang Runchu had already put her down on the chair. Jiang Runchu said, "If you have a quarrel with Gu Huaisheng in the future, come home. Your room is always reserved by your mother."

Although these words still sounded a bit stiff coming from his mouth, they did have a sense of submission.

Jiang Jingchun suspected that maybe she had heard it wrong. Who would say such a thing? Jiang Runchu could not say such a thing either.

Did something suddenly happen to him today?

She got married and left the Jiang family. Did he think they would never see each other again in this life? Or was he going to die soon?

Otherwise, why would he say such a thing?

She felt very strange, and when she was about to speak, the sedan chair had already been lifted up, and Jiang Runchu had already got off.

Perhaps he also felt that what he said was really embarrassing, and after he said it, he felt too embarrassed to stay.

The sounds of gongs and drums rang in his ears, gradually distracting Jiang Jingchun from thinking about what had just happened.

It's just a small matter, not worth worrying about.

Gu Huaisheng sat on the horse. He was wearing a bright red wedding gown today. The scarlet round-necked robe made him look a little different from usual. He sat upright on the horse, the golden belt around his waist tightened his waist, making his shoulders broad and his waist narrow. His handsome face, like the breeze and the bright moon, seemed to have melted ice and snow, and he unconsciously looked a little proud.

When the young marquis of the Gu family got married, many people came out to watch the excitement on the street.

The procession of the Gu family welcoming the bride walked down the long street with the sound of gongs and drums. People around them all said congratulatory words when they saw them. The servants of the Gu family who walked in front held a basket of wedding money and distributed it everywhere.

After receiving the wedding money, everyone's smiles became more genuine.

After the sedan chair was taken to the Gu family, Jiang Jingchun stepped over the fire basin and was led to the wedding hall. After everything here was over, she was sent to the bridal chamber.

There was a lot of noise outside. Jiang Jingchun had been listening to the sound of gongs and drums for almost a whole day. She finally got some peace and quiet after entering the bridal chamber. The pearl crown on her head was too heavy. She could not bear it after wearing it for a whole day.

She wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to lift the veil when entering the bridal chamber, and then take off the pearl crown that hit her head, but as soon as her hand touched the veil, the matchmaker beside her held it tightly. She exclaimed in surprise: "No, this veil can only be lifted by the groom, you must not lift it!"

Long before taking on this marriage, the matchmaker had heard of Jiang Jingchun's reputation. She was indeed a difficult young lady to serve. How could she lift the veil at such a critical moment?

Jiang Jingchun refused to accept the matchmaker's offer. She said, "But my neck is so sore that it's about to break."

The matchmaker said, "My dear, you just need to hold on for a while. The young marquis will be here soon after finishing his socializing outside. Please, don't make it difficult for me. If you lift the veil now, no one will ask me to be a matchmaker in the future..."

After hearing her constant pleading, Jiang Jingchun was even more overwhelmed. She stopped insisting, lifted the veil, and turned her neck twice to give up.

Seeing that she didn't make any more trouble, the matchmaker finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Gu Huaisheng is getting married today, and his colleagues and relatives have finally found an opportunity to tease him. On weekdays, he always looks like a stranger should not approach him, and no one dares to get close to him, but on his wedding day, Gu Huaisheng doesn't look so cold anymore, and everyone opens their mouths to toast him.

Gu Huaisheng never refused anyone who offered him wine, and he would drink it just to show his respect.

Later, seeing that it was already dark and the noise outside had almost died down, Gu Huaisheng decided not to stay here any longer and went towards the bridal chamber.

The night wind was a bit cool, blowing towards him, sobering Gu Huaisheng up a little. He didn't drink often, but he could hold his liquor well, and he never got drunk easily no matter how much he drank.

Even though he drank so much alcohol tonight, he was still alert and his steps were only slightly shaky. He had a pale complexion to begin with, and after drinking too much, a little redness on his face was quite noticeable.

There was a faint smile on the corner of his mouth from beginning to end. Perhaps it was this smile that made him look particularly kind today, which is why so many people came to give him drinks.

But he didn't care. After all, it was his wedding day. Why should he act like any other day? It was pretty boring.

Just as he entered the yard, Shuliang hurried over from outside.

Before Gu Huaisheng opened his mouth to ask, he heard him say, "Sir, it seems that the generals who were with you back then have been found."

At first, Gu Huaisheng's teacher was also the governor of the northern border, but later he lost a battle and was accused of treason... A pile of evidence from nowhere was sent to the emperor, which turned out to be the correspondence between the teacher and the Mongols. The letters were stamped with the governor's seal and the seal of the Mongolian Khan.

The evidence was conclusive and the teacher was later convicted of murder.

Anyone can commit treason, but not the teacher.

Gu Huaisheng still doesn't know what the truth was. They try to find the survivors of the governor and ask them something.

Recently they discovered that one of his subordinates seemed to be still alive.

Shuliang has been doing this in secret, but he can't find any trace of anyone.

But today, he spotted that subordinate on the street in the north of the capital, but they only met briefly before he completely disappeared, and Shuliang couldn't find him no matter how hard he looked.

When they couldn't find anyone, they hurried back to report to Gu Huaisheng.

Shu Liang knew that today was his wedding day, but this matter was of great importance. If he could find that subordinate, perhaps he would be able to find out what the truth was. After weighing the pros and cons, Shu Liang decided to tell Gu Huaisheng about this matter.

The moonlight shone on the young man's face, his thin lips were tightly pursed at the moment, and the moonlight cast a coldness on his eyebrows and eyes.

"It's so annoying."

After a long time, Gu Huaisheng finally spoke. His voice was deep and dull, with a hint of restlessness.

Although he could drink a lot, he was still drunk, and his words and actions were not as restrained as usual. He had never said such resentful words before.

Perhaps he was really angry because he was disturbed on his wedding night.

Shuliang was a little confused and didn't understand why Gu Huaisheng suddenly said this.

"I've been looking for him for so long but couldn't find him. Yet he showed up tonight and disappeared right after that..." Gu Huai sneered, "Do you think I'm a fool?"

Shuliang seemed to understand what Gu Huaisheng meant. He couldn't help but slap his head in annoyance. He became anxious when he heard that someone had a clue, and when he was anxious, he didn't think things through.

Even though Gu Huaisheng drank so much, he was still much more sober than him.

Gu Huaisheng rubbed his brows and said, "Don't worry about them. Just let them act there."

Stupid and bad, really annoying, and trying to trick him out with fake clues.

He was going to find his cousin, who was waiting in the room.