The Marquis of Dingyuan's residence.
Gu Qingyan and Gu Lin stood facing each other, neither of them speaking first.
The chirping of birds annoyed Gu Lin.
"I'm back."
Judging by the timeline, Ayan did not live to see the complete conquest of the Great Xia.
"Father." Gu Qingyan bent his knees and knelt before Gu Lin. "The Prime Minister told me that there is a blood feud between the Gu family and the Jiang family that has lasted for generations. Is this true or false?"
Even though he knew it was a done deal, Gu Qingyan was determined to have Gu Lin tell him in person.
“Back then, I would run to the Marquis of Dingyuan’s residence every few days. How could your imperial grandfather not see that I was in love with the daughter of the Jiang family?” Gu Lin said with a bitter expression. “But he never even considered bestowing a marriage upon me.”
Over the years, apart from Gu Heng, the Jiang family has never produced an empress or a concubine.
If Gu Heng had rightfully ascended the throne back then, his father would likely have given him some advice.
Gu Qingyan closed his eyes briefly, and when he opened them again, his eyes were filled with despair. "Father, I may have to disappoint you."
The precious seal was taken out by Gu Qingyan and handed to Gu Lin with both hands.
"This seal is not meant for me."
Gu Lin squatted down. "Everything I own is yours. Get up!"
Gu Lin helped Gu Qingyan up and couldn't help but pull him into his arms.
Gu Qingyan had only grown to Gu Lin's waist, and when Gu Lin embraced him, Gu Qingyan's whole body stiffened.
“When I was little, my father always let me ride on his shoulders. It’s a pity you’re all grown up now.” Gu Lin felt a pang of sadness. “Not only you, but I will not abandon your mother either.”
“But if one day Da Ning and Da Qing go to war, Father, I will stand on the city wall of Da Qing and face you.” Gu Qingyan sensed the scent on Gu Lin’s body. “Father, please take back this seal for now.”
"I will stay at the Marquis of Dingyuan's residence for a few days. After celebrating Mother's birthday, I will return to Daning as the Prince of Yan."
After Gu Qingyan left, Gu Lin stood there blankly for a long time.
Is there any way to have the best of both worlds?
......
Zhaoning Palace.
"Your Majesty, the Marquis has sent word that he requests your presence at his residence outside the palace."
Upon hearing Wanji's report, Jiang Yu's heart tightened. "Brother, did you say what it was about?"
She had just returned to the Marquis's residence a few days ago, so why would her brother still want to see her?
"The Marquis said he has been training troops in the military camp recently and will soon lead them on a campaign. There are some things that need your help, Your Highness, to return to the manor and prepare. He has also spoken to the Emperor about it."
After hearing this, Jiang Yu's heart tightened even more. Her brother would never have used such an excuse before.
The next day, Jiang Yu hurriedly went to the Marquis of Dingyuan's residence.
Upon arriving at the Marquis of Dingyuan's residence, Jiang Yu rubbed her eyes upon seeing Gu Qingyan appear before her, "Ayan?"
Gu Qingyan smiled broadly upon hearing this, "Mother, your son has returned."
Jiang Yu subconsciously glanced around, "Didn't anyone discover your presence?"
"Don't worry, Mother. I've been very careful on this journey." Gu Qingyan couldn't help but take a few steps forward. "I want to celebrate Mother's birthday before heading to Da Ning."
"You silly child..." Jiang Yu said, both pleased and worried, "But didn't they say that Da Ning and Da Xia are currently..."
"That's Da Ning's business, it has nothing to do with me."
As he spoke, Gu Qingyan shook the purse at his waist. "Mother, it's empty."
Jiang Yu was suddenly stunned. What A Yan had put in his purse earlier was the Crown Prince's seal of Da Ning.
"You returned the seal to your father?"
Under Jiang Yu's gaze, Gu Qingyan slowly nodded.
“When we attacked the Great Xia, I did not retreat an inch and killed many people.” Gu Qingyan’s voice began to choke up. “I did not disgrace the Jiang family.”
"But Mother... the battlefield is really scary..."
Gu Qingyan wrapped his arms around Jiang Yu's waist. "General Chen committed suicide by jumping into a well in front of me, Mother. Isn't this a dead end?"
After a long while, Jiang Yu finally spoke softly, "Since it has been returned, then so be it. It's alright, your mother will help you take back Daqing."
"But I am a child of the Gu family."
Gu Qingyan finally broke down and hugged Jiang Yu, crying.
For a moment, he felt that God had been so unfair to him.
Why must he be made to carry the blood of both the Gu and Jiang families, so that this deep-seated feud from generation to generation is so vividly condensed within him?
Upon hearing Gu Qingyan's words, Jiang Yu suddenly realized what was going on.
"No matter what, you are still the Queen Mother's child."
Jiang Yu patted Gu Qingyan's twitching back, "Also, don't blame your father, he didn't know these things back then either."
[Ayan respects Gu Lin, and I cannot so cruelly sever his connection with Gu Lin.]
“Go to Da Ning in a few days and have your father find an excuse to send you back.” Hearing Jiang Yu’s heartfelt words, Gu Qingyan’s crying became even more uncontrollable. “Then your mother will make plans for you.”
After Gu Qingyan cried until he was exhausted, Jiang Yu led him into the house. After watching Gu Qingyan close his eyes, Jiang Yu left the courtyard.
“Ayu.”
Gu Lin walked out from the roadside, his expression somber. "How is the child?"
"He's already asleep. He probably didn't get a good night's sleep on the way back."
Jiang Yu took a few deep breaths and said, "I need evidence of the battle at Lingzhou back then."
She couldn't obtain the evidence that Daqing and Daning went to war in the Battle of Lingzhou.
"As soon as you find me, I'll have someone deliver me to you," Gu Lin said hastily, without even pausing.
"Keep this seal safe for Ayan."
Gu Lin silently took Jiang Yu's hand and placed the seal in her hand, saying, "I will marry no one but you in this life, and this seal will only belong to Ayan."
Feeling Gu Lin's body temperature, Jiang Yu lowered her eyes and remained silent.
“I know about the long-standing feud between the Gu and Jiang families. Ayu, give me some time, and I will come up with a foolproof plan.”
“Perfect?” Jiang Yu asked softly. “It’s rare to have both.”
"I cannot accept this seal on Ayan's behalf."
......
On the way back to the palace, the confusion in Jiang Yu's eyes gradually turned into determination.
"Your Majesty, this is the information you asked me to investigate about Lord Deng Yu."
On the carriage, Jiang Yu flipped through the things Wanji presented, her gaze finally settling on one of the pages.
“Deng Yu…”
Jiang Yu murmured the name to herself, thinking that this person might be of great use.
Upon returning to the palace, Ling Mama curtsied with a grim expression. "Your Highness, our informants have sent word that the Emperor intends to use your upcoming birthday to bring the First Prince out of the imperial prison."
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