In the end, Gu Heng did not forgive Fan Shen. Given Jiang Yu's actions, Gu Heng had no reason to forgive Fan Shen.
"Is the Empress still not well?"
Inside the Hall of Supreme Harmony, Gu Heng casually mentioned, "I remember there is a thousand-year-old ginseng in the storeroom. Take it to nourish the Empress."
"Your Majesty, Her Highness has been recuperating in Zhaoning Palace recently."
Cen Hai keenly noticed the change in Gu Heng's tone; it seemed that the Emperor no longer hoped to gain the Empress's forgiveness as he had at the beginning.
Cen Haiwei pursed his lips almost imperceptibly. Women in the harem must know how to be sensible in everything, or they will only ruin their own fortune!
"The Empress is unwell, and Consort Yi is pregnant. So let... Consort An share some of the Empress's palace duties."
Gu Heng's guilt towards Jiang Yu, as well as the good things he had previously realized about Jiang Yu, all dissipated in this short period of time.
"This servant will go and inform them immediately."
Gu Heng's eyes were clouded with unease. He wished that Consort Yi's pregnancy would be a prince.
As for Jiang Yu, if she could change her mind, he would naturally be willing to have a harmonious marriage. However, if Jiang Yu continues with her current attitude, then they will treat each other with respect.
Zhaoning Palace.
"Is that guy from Da Ning coming to celebrate Gu Heng's birthday?"
Jiang Yu's eyes widened. Given Da Ning's temper, would he really come to celebrate Gu Heng's birthday for no reason? Gu Heng himself would probably break out in a cold sweat if he heard that.
"Your Majesty, it is absolutely true. The ministers have all gone to the Hall of Supreme Harmony to discuss matters." Wanji replied softly. "Consort An also sent someone to pay her respects, but this servant declined, saying that Your Majesty was not feeling well."
[Consort An is unsure of Gu Heng's intentions, so she's trying to gauge my opinion.]
Jiang Yu smiled and said, "You can refuse on my behalf, but it is indeed a big deal that the King of Da Ning is coming to the capital."
"I've heard that the King of Da Ning kills people without batting an eye, and even the children of Da Ning are terrified and cry when they hear his name." The more Granny Ling talked, the more interested Jiang Yu became.
[In my previous life, I had only heard of this Emperor Zhaoyuan. To be able to single-handedly seize the throne, he was no ordinary person.]
"I think this man is a natural-born general. In recent years, Da Ning has never lost a battle. There are no corrupt officials in the Da Ning court, and the people live in peace and prosperity. It is a blessing for Da Ning to have such a king."
Jiang Yu couldn't help but compare Emperor Zhaoyuan with Gu Heng in her mind, and her doubts deepened: Could it be that Emperor Zhaoyuan came to Daqing this time to destroy Daqing?
There were quite a few ministers who shared the same ideas as Jiang Yu.
"Your Majesty, this Emperor Zhaoyuan has come uninvited; we should be on guard," a minister advised. "In previous years, Da Ning didn't even prepare any gifts for your birthday, but this year..."
Gu Heng was so worried that several strands of hair were about to fall out. The envoy from Da Ning came directly to the capital, threw out a message that their emperor would be coming to celebrate his birthday soon, and then left leisurely.
They also reminded him that their lord's whereabouts were unpredictable, so there was no need to send anyone to greet him.
What kind of birthday celebration is this?!
"Lord Dingyuan, what do you think?" Gu Heng asked, forcing himself to speak. Because of Jiang Yu's illness, he and Jiang He both felt somewhat guilty when they faced each other.
"I believe that the ruler of Da Ning will not send troops out of the country casually. He is probably just here to celebrate your birthday," Jiang He said in a deep voice. "However, necessary defensive assistance should still be provided."
Ironically, Emperor Zhaoyuan's single action terrified all the officials in the court.
"Then let's do as Marquis Dingyuan wishes."
Gu Heng looked listless. After dismissing everyone, he strolled alone in the Imperial Garden.
"Father."
Looking at Gu Qingling, who had lost a lot of weight, Gu Heng felt a pang of sadness.
"Does Father still think it was my fault that I sent someone to assassinate my third brother?" Gu Qingling looked directly at Gu Heng, contrary to his usual self. "Since the day I was born, I have been carefully taught by Father. My scheming and thinking are all the result of Father's careful cultivation. Yet Father thinks I was wrong?"
As if guided by a master, Gu Qingling spoke words that resonated deeply with Gu Heng.
"Brothers turning against each other, and you still have the nerve to ask me if you're wrong?"
“But my third brother and I are not blood-related brothers.” Gu Qingling lifted his robe and knelt in front of Gu Heng. “I have come to understand a lot during this time, so I want to tell Father the truth.”
"My mother favors my third brother, so my uncle also treats him differently. The Marquis of Dingyuan's mansion holds military power. As the crown prince, how can I sit idly by?"
Gu Qingling revealed all the darkness in her heart, but the coldness on Gu Heng's face gradually dissipated.
"As for my second brother, I was wrong. I was worried about him at first."
"Get up."
Gu Heng sighed. If he were in Ling'er's position, he might not have been any less ruthless than Ling'er.
"Yan'er is still in Heng County. I will not harm a child. It seems there are some things you haven't figured out yet. Go back and think about it again."
After Gu Heng had walked away, Xu Dongfang, who had been silent all along, finally spoke up, "This servant thinks that His Majesty's resentment towards His Highness has lessened considerably."
"The wizard's method really works."
When Wei Sheng was imprisoned, he did not plead for him, but by chance, he managed to take the wizard who was by Wei Sheng's side into his possession.
It seems that heaven is still looking out for him.
......
Gu Qingyan and Gu Lin arrived in the capital almost one after the other.
As soon as Gu Qingyan returned to the capital, he went to the palace to explain the situation to Gu Heng. Seeing that Gu Qingyan looked travel-worn, Gu Heng asked Cen Hai to make tea for him.
"Thanks to Yan'er, the matter in Heng County was handled very well. Yan'er, is there any reward you would like?" Although he said this, there was no smile in Gu Heng's eyes.
“Father, I am young, and the truth was mostly uncovered thanks to the efforts of the soldiers around me. Please reward them handsomely.” Gu Qingyan said sincerely, “As for me, I have also been a hindrance to them quite a bit.”
Gu Heng burst out laughing, and the atmosphere in the hall eased considerably.
"You have done a great service by going to Hengxian in place of the royal family."
Gu Heng chatted with Gu Qingyan for a while before letting him go: "Your mother has been unwell recently, you should go to Zhaoning Palace to see her."
Gu Qingyan then got up to take his leave, wishing he could fly to Jiang Yu's side the next moment.
"The Third Prince is back."
Ling Mama and Wanji had been waiting outside Zhaoning Palace for a long time. When they saw Gu Qingyan, they immediately ran in to report to Jiang Yu. Jiang Yu hurriedly got up and couldn't help but tear up when she saw Gu Qingyan.
“Ayan has lost weight.”
Jiang Yu reached out and stroked Gu Qingyan's face, "You not only got a tan on this trip, but you also lost weight."
"Your son has not disappointed Mother's expectations."
Gu Qingyan's eyes were clear, and he smiled, revealing his white teeth. "Mother, your son has returned."
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