Jiang He's return caused quite a stir in the capital, and even the court officials began to watch to see if Jiang He would actually attend court.
Zhong Mansion.
"Ruo'er, do you think that Marquis Dingyuan's return this time is really just to propose marriage to the Bai family?" Zhong Wuyi secretly glanced at Wei Ruo, who caught him red-handed. He could only resignedly speak up, "You know my current situation. Those old officials have been sending me to you to gather information."
Kui Ruo nodded knowingly. The old and new factions had finally managed to maintain a balance. If Marquis Dingyuan were to return to the court at this time and strongly support Gu Qingyan's new policies, it would be a significant blow to the old faction.
"Not only them, but you, Godfather, would also like to know, wouldn't you?"
Zhong Wuyi smiled awkwardly. For some reason, he always felt guilty when facing his adopted son. He had also wondered more than once if Ruo'er's previous docility was all an act.
The top scholar known as the "poisonous strategist" in the imperial court is Ruo'er's true identity.
“Godfather,” Kui Ruo said softly, “the Marquis of Dingyuan will most likely stay in the capital this time.”
Upon hearing this, Zhong Wuyi's face immediately turned pale.
“Father, if Marquis Dingyuan stays in Lingzhou, that’s fine. But once he steps out of Lingzhou, even if he doesn’t stay in the capital this time, what about in the future?”
What happened when Daqing was in crisis?
Kui Ruo watched as Zhong Wuyi walked out of the house in a daze, and then his expression returned to calm. For Marquis Dingyuan, this return to the capital was a good thing.
He needs to find out more about the Marquis of Dingyuan.
The next day, Wei Ruo knocked on the door of the Marquis of Dingyuan's residence.
"Marquis of Dingyuan".
Jiang He also looked at Wei Ruo in front of him and said, "It's been a long time. Lord Wei has been promoted."
“I’ll take this as a compliment from Your Excellency.” Kui Ruo didn’t intend to be polite with Jiang He. “I’ve come here today to ask Your Excellency whether you intend to stay in the capital.”
Jiang He narrowed his eyes, revealing a dangerous aura.
"You've come to ask me something?"
"No, my lord, I've come to persuade you to stay."
Despite the immense pressure, Kui Ruo remained unfazed. "The Emperor and Empress Dowager need you right now. If you were to return to Lingzhou... it would definitely not be a good choice."
"As I have said, I sever all ties with the Daqing royal family."
“But you are still the Marquis of Dingyuan.” Kui Ruo was clearly well prepared. “The Empress Dowager and the Emperor are inseparable blood relatives of you. Marquis, are you willing for the Jiang family to disappear without a trace and live only in everyone’s memories?”
"oh?"
Jiang He's eyes flickered slightly, and he became completely interested in Wei Ruo's persuasion.
"In my opinion, the feud between the Gu and Jiang families has ended. The late emperor issued an edict of self-reproach before his death, and the current emperor has exonerated the Jiang family. My lord, that is enough."
"Kui Ruo! Are you saying that all the blood of my Jiang family's ancestors was shed in vain? Can Gu Heng's death alone make up for it?" Even though Jiang He had already figured it out, hearing Kui Ruo's words still made him furious.
"If the Marquis were to defend Lingzhou to the death, then it would be a waste of effort."
Kui Ruo took a step forward. "If Your Excellency is not satisfied, I would like to ask you, in this world, who else can you settle accounts with?"
Or was it the equally innocent Prince Xiang? Or the Empress Dowager who married into the Gu family?
Or is he an emperor who combines the bloodlines of the Gu and Jiang families?
"My lord, you were wrong from the very beginning."
Unlike Jiang Yu and Gu Qingyan, Wei Ruo spoke bluntly, "As long as you hold the position of Marquis of Yuan, when the Jiang family becomes the number one family in the world, the blood of the Jiang family's ancestors will not have been shed in vain."
Those involved are often confused, while bystanders see things clearly.
"Lord Wei truly deserves his title of top scholar; his words leave me speechless."
Jiang He twitched the corner of his mouth. "Sit down and have some tea."
Kui Ruo sat down and understood Jiang He's answer.
"My lord, I hope our cooperation will be fruitful."
"It's a pleasure to work with you."
With their hands clasped tightly in mid-air, Daqing's two pillars of strength were officially returned to their positions.
......
On the day agreed upon with General Bai, Jiang He got up very early.
When they arrived at the Bai residence, it was still dark. General Bai looked at the spirited Jiang He and let out a long sigh of relief. "I agree."
"Thank you, Uncle Bai!"
Jiang He saw Bai Qian coming out of the house and his face was full of smugness. "I will bring betrothal gifts to propose marriage tomorrow, Uncle Bai. I will definitely treat Qian well."
Looking at Jiang He, who was like a young boy, Bai Qian couldn't help but laugh out loud.
"Ahem—" General Bai's voice rang out, and Jiang He immediately became obedient. "My lord, although A-Qian's mother passed away early, and the late Marquis of Dingyuan and his wife also passed away early, none of the proper etiquette for this wedding can be omitted."
"Of course, of course."
Jiang He nodded repeatedly, "The betrothal, name inquiry, auspicious date selection, gift presentation, wedding date setting, and wedding ceremony will all be included."
"Alright, you can go back and prepare now." Although General Bai's face was stern, the raised eyebrows revealed his satisfaction. Jiang He gave Bai Qian a deep look, his gaze seemingly burning her, before striding away from the Bai residence.
The entire day was bustling with activity at the Marquis of Dingyuan's residence. The list of betrothal gifts was kept being added to, and items from the palace were being moved into the residence incessantly.
The next day, many people gathered early near the Marquis of Dingyuan's residence and the Bai residence, waiting to witness the great joy of the Jiang and Bai families.
Jiang He rode his steed at the head of the procession, with box after box of betrothal gifts being carried out of the Dingyuan Marquis's residence behind him. Jiang He was almost at the Bai residence when all the betrothal gifts were finally moved out of the Dingyuan Marquis's residence.
The sight of this spectacle left the surrounding people speechless, their mouths agape in astonishment.
The Marquis of Dingyuan's mansion values the Bai family so much!
The procession stopped outside the Bai residence. Jiang He dismounted nimbly and bowed to the gate of the Bai residence.
"Marquis Jiang He of Dingyuan has come to present betrothal gifts. I have long admired your daughter and wish to marry her. I hope you will accept."
Jiang He's voice, amplified by his internal energy, carried far, and Jiang Yu and Gu Qingyan in the corner heard it clearly.
"Mother, it's rare to see Uncle so nervous." Gu Qingyan glanced around again, and the surrounding people began to stir.
For a prestigious family like the Marquis of Dingyuan to arrange a marriage, all that's needed is an imperial decree.
But Marquis Dingyuan went to great lengths to observe every proper etiquette, and this sincerity was truly a blessing for the Bai family.
As the sun was high in the sky, the gate of the Bai residence was slowly opened a crack.
The servants of the Bai family were dressed in festive attire, each with a smile on their face. The head steward smiled particularly kindly and bowed to Jiang He.
The answer was: Yes.
After saying that, the gates of the Bai residence were opened wide to welcome Jiang He's arrival with an extremely welcoming attitude.
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