The Hall of Supreme Harmony.
"Your Majesty, the two prime ministers are requesting an audience outside." Yingzhi bowed as he entered the hall. Since the emperor came of age, his aura had become even more imposing.
He heard from the old ministers of Da Ning that the current emperor was becoming more and more like the retired emperor, and that when he got angry, he would make people want to kneel down.
"Let them in."
Gu Qingyan wore a jade hairpin in his hair, which made him look sharp and imposing. His phoenix eyes were slightly narrowed, clearly indicating that he was not satisfied with the memorial in his hand.
"Your subject pays respects to Your Majesty."
"Get up." Gu Qingyan tossed the memorial to Zhuo Yi and snorted coldly. "Now that the world is at peace, these people are starting to test my feelings towards the military generals?"
Both Zhuo Yi and Kui Ruo were civil officials, and their hearts were in their throats upon hearing this.
"I entrust this matter to you. No matter what, the military generals are the backbone of our Great Yu." Gu Qingyan glanced outside. "The sky is too vast, and the sun's rays reach too far. Our Great Yu's territory cannot stop here."
"Your Majesty," a look of shock flashed in both Zhuo Yi and Wei Ruo's eyes at the same time, "You intend to continue expanding your territory?"
"Naturally, wherever the sun and moon shine, that is the territory of our Great Yu."
Gu Qingyan leaned back in his chair. "So these military generals will be of great use to me."
"Your Majesty, rest assured, we will handle this matter properly."
Gu Qingyan nodded, reached out and played with the jade pendant at his waist, his slender fingers rhythmically tapping the pendant, making a series of sounds.
"By the way, what brings the two prime ministers to the palace?"
Upon hearing Gu Qingyan's seemingly casual voice, Zhuo Yi took a step back without making a sound, signaling Wei Ruo to speak and report.
Kui Ruo's lips twitched slightly. This old guy sold him out so quickly?
"Your Majesty, since your coming-of-age ceremony, the number of merchants in the capital has not decreased but increased, and more and more people are flocking to the capital."
"Increased instead of decreased?" Gu Qingyan raised an eyebrow. "Is there any other happy event in the capital?"
Counting the days, Lingku's child is still a long time away from his first birthday!
Or is someone getting married?
Gu Qingyan mentally reviewed almost every powerful and influential family in the capital, but he never thought of himself.
“Ahem…” Kui Ruo cleared her throat, “Moreover… the rouge shops and cloth shops are doing particularly well.”
Seeing that Gu Qingyan hadn't reacted yet, Wei Ru silently lit three candles for herself in her heart. Damn Zhuo Yi, he actually made him come to report this matter to the Emperor.
"Everyone says that Your Majesty... has already begun making plans for the wedding."
"The Emperor? The wedding?"
Gu Qingyan spoke incredulously, a slight crack appearing in his composed expression.
After an incense stick had burned, Gu Qingyan's voice rang out again, "I understand. You may all return now."
Outside the Hall of Supreme Harmony, Zhuo Yi and Kui Ruo walked one after the other.
"Prime Minister Kui, do you think the Emperor will consider a wedding?"
"Judging from His Majesty's expression just now, it seems he already had a plan in mind. What do you think, Prime Minister Zhuo?"
Neither of the two old foxes could get a word out of the other, so they both walked with their hands behind their backs toward the palace gate.
......
That evening in Zhaoning Palace, Gu Qingyan, who had already planned everything, jumped three feet high, appearing weak and helpless, and said, "Father, Mother, they are all eyeing me."
"You're already twenty this year. If you don't get married soon, people will think you're gay."
Gu Lin leisurely delivered a fatal blow to Gu Qingyan.
Gu Qingyan's expression stiffened. "Father Emperor married Mother Empress very late."
“Our situation is special. You should think about what to do first. Anyway, there are plenty of girls in the city.” Gu Lin was in a great mood and even found Gu Qingchen more pleasing to the eye. He picked Gu Qingchen up and spun her around a few times.
"Mother..."
Gu Qingyan pouted and looked at Jiang Yu, a sight that made Jiang Yu burst out laughing.
"What are you thinking, Ayan? Is there a girl you like?"
Gu Qingyan shook his head vigorously, "Mother, I have many memorials to review every day, and I also need to accompany you and Achen. Where would I find the time to get married?"
"You've come of age now, it's time for you to get married." Jiang Yu looked at Gu Qingyan with pride in her eyes. "However, your mother hopes you can find a girl you truly love, there's no rush, but..."
Jiang Yu changed the subject, "Although the capital is prosperous, it can't accommodate so many girls. Ayan, be careful not to cause trouble."
"I understand, child."
Gu Qingyan's expression relaxed. As long as his mother said she wouldn't force him to get married, things would be much easier.
"Ah Chen, I'm here too!" Gu Qingyan ran towards Gu Lin and Gu Qingchen. Gu Lin lifted Gu Qingchen even higher with one hand, and Gu Qingyan also reached out to hug Gu Qingchen. The three of them quickly became a chaotic mess, with loud laughter.
Jiang Yu, who was standing to the side, also laughed so hard she bent over.
The next morning, the court session began.
Several court officials urged Gu Qingyan to marry so that the Dayu royal family could have offspring, but Gu Qingyan remained all smiles throughout, showing no sign of objection whatsoever.
Seeing this, the ministers' hearts burned even hotter. What if the emperor took a fancy to their daughters...? Look at the prestige of the Marquis of Dingyuan's family now, they would truly be on their way to the top.
"However, I've heard that many young women have recently come to the capital. If I were to choose a wife, how would I do so?"
"As the supreme ruler, Your Majesty should naturally marry a noblewoman of high status. Most women in the capital are of ordinary status. How can Your Majesty choose a wife from among them?"
“But…” Gu Qingyan feigned annoyance, “So many people are gathering in the capital, including many women. I’m worried that if this goes on for too long, things will get out of hand.”
"I believe that this matter should be handled by the Prefect of the Capital, who should find a way to disperse the crowds gathered in the capital."
Upon hearing such remarks, Gu Qingyan tried hard to suppress the upward curve of his lips.
“But there has to be some explanation.” Gu Qingyan’s gaze swept around. “How about this: to the outside world, we can say that I am not in a hurry to get married, so that people in the capital can disperse.”
"this......"
"We'll find time later to have Mother host a flower-viewing banquet."
Upon hearing Gu Qingyan's next words, the ministers' expressions immediately relaxed. A flower appreciation banquet, a flower appreciation banquet is not bad. Those who can enter the palace are all noble ladies of high status, and their own daughters are among them.
"We will certainly handle the evacuation of the people in the capital well."
After the court session, Gu Qingyan left the Hall of Supreme Harmony with his hands behind his back, his steps even lighter.
Yingzhi followed behind, frowning. Listening to the court officials like this was not like the Emperor's usual style.
Something just feels off...
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