It’s finally here! And the first historic meeting between Gu Jiu and her grandfather-in-law. They have a long and productive relationship in the years to come.
Gu daren was both shaken and proud. His son seemed even more capable than he was, which stung his pride a little. But since his son was so accomplished, as his father, how could he not feel proud?
He looked at Gu Cheng. He hadn’t expected that the son who had always buried himself in books had, in private, been doing so much work.
“It’s already late. You should go and rest. I will give careful thought to what you’ve said.”
“Thank you, Father!”
Gu Cheng bowed and withdrew, returning to his own courtyard.
Hearing the ruckus coming from his brother Gu Ting’s quarters next door, he smiled faintly, picked up a book, opened it, and began to read.
The next day, the matchmakers of the capital were as busy as ever, running about everywhere arranging marriages.
Gu daren was somewhat uncertain and decided to wait until the princes had finished choosing their wives before considering Gu Cheng’s marriage.
At the same time, he sent people to inquire about the Vice Minister of Rites.
If things were truly as Gu Cheng had said, forming such a marriage alliance might not be a bad idea.
When the matchmakers came yesterday, he hadn’t flatly refused them, only said he needed to think it over.
Inside the palace, the Empress lay on her sickbed, her breath weak as gossamer.
Wang taiyi, along with the head of the Imperial Infirmary, administered medicine to her. The strong, aggressive drugs, combined with the needles, brought searing, unbearable pain.
The Empress bit down on a towel, her face beaded with cold sweat.
In order to live even a few days longer, she fought with every ounce of strength she had.
Once the treatment was finished, the physicians withdrew.
Maidservants stepped forward to wipe her body, change her sweat-soaked clothes, and replace the bedding.
The Empress gathered a little strength and said, “Help me sit up.”
The maids quickly supported Empress Cui to lean against the head of the bed.
She caught her breath a couple of times and asked, “What’s the situation outside now?”
The palace maids hesitated before replying, “The imperial grandsons have not yet entered the palace.”
The Empress sneered. “His Majesty set the time at sunset. Those boys won’t hand in their lists obediently until the very last moment.”
“Niangniang is right.”
“If Gongzi Zhao comes into the palace, remind me immediately.”
“Yes, niangniang.”
Just then, a palace eunuch entered from outside. “Reporting to niangniang, the Crown Prince has arrived.”
“Let him in.”
Moments later, the Crown Prince was ushered into the chamber. “Your son greets muhou! Muhou looks a little better today.”
The Empress gave a self-mocking smile. “I’m only forcing myself. Sit here and talk.”
She gestured toward a round stool by the bed.
The Crown Prince sat respectfully. “Does muhou feel a little better today?”
The Empress nodded, smiling faintly at him. “You’ve come today because of the children’s marriages, haven’t you?”
“Exactly. This is the list your son and the officials have discussed. Please look it over.”
The Crown Prince, in his early forties, presented the list with both hands reverently.
The Empress took it, glanced over it, and her brows furrowed. “Whose idea was this?”
The Crown Prince faltered, panic flashing in his eyes. “Does muhou disapprove?”
The Empress sneered. “Was this your idea, or your subordinates’?”
The Crown Prince lowered his head, guilty. “It was your son’s idea.”
“Nonsense!” The Empress cursed outright, shocking the Crown Prince speechless.
Her expression hardened. “Do you think bengong doesn’t know your nature? This list was obviously drafted by your subordinates. Why would you take responsibility for them? They draw their salaries yet refuse to serve loyally. Their minds are impure. Why do you keep such people?”
“Muhou…” The Crown Prince looked troubled.
The Empress glared at him. She stretched out her hand, and a maid placed a brush in it.
With two large strokes, she crossed out names on the list.
Though smeared, the name ‘Pei Yun’ was still faintly visible.
“Utter nonsense! Marry Pei Yun as your daughter-in-law? Do you want to give your father an excuse to punish you?”
“Your son…”
The Crown Prince was left speechless.
The Empress flung the brush to the floor. If not for sparing his dignity, she might have hurled it straight at him.
“These are dangerous times. You may approach Lu hou privately, but absolutely no public association is allowed. None of his daughters can be taken as wives. That is my will, and also your father’s.”
“Then who can Lu hou’s daughters marry?”
“Of course, to noble families of merit.”
She named two people, including a young lady from Zhu guogong fu.
The Crown Prince looked doubtful.
The Empress explained, “Lu hou fu is very likely to ally with Zhu guogong fu. If you marry a daughter from Zhu guogong fu, not only will His Majesty approve, you will also indirectly link yourself with Lu hou fu. In the future, don’t be so straightforward. Learn to be subtle.”
“Thank you for muhou’s teaching. Your son understands.”
The Empress sighed, then continued, “The officials of the Eastern Palace also need to be cleaned out.”
“Muhou!” The Crown Prince cried out, clearly unwilling.
The Empress turned her face away, hiding the disappointment in her eyes. She extended her hand, and a maid placed a dossier in it.
Then she flung the bound document unceremoniously into the Crown Prince’s face.
“Read carefully what filthy, self-serving things your Eastern Palace officials have been up to. Such swine unworthy of being called men, you still keep them?”
The Crown Prince’s face was pale as he picked up the documents. His hands trembled as he read the contents.
“Muhou… th-this… how could this be possible?”
The Empress said coldly, “Whether what’s written here is true or fabricated, shouldn’t you see for yourself? Shouldn’t you send someone to investigate? Bengong warned you long ago: when dealing with officials, you must balance leniency with firmness. When it’s time to strike, you cannot be softhearted. Excessive kindness only emboldens them, they take an inch and demand a mile, deceiving and concealing from their superiors. A pack of pigs and dogs, yet because your ears are too soft, you treat them like treasures.”
As soon as she finished, the Empress coughed violently.
Alarmed, the Crown Prince rushed to her side. “Muhou, are you all right?”
The Empress spat out two mouthfuls of blood. “Do not worry. Bengong will not die just yet. I will have Fang shaojian help you purge these parasites, every last one of them.”
The Crown Prince’s expression revealed hesitation. “Muhou… would it not be possible… to give them another chance?”
The Empress gave a cold laugh. She pressed her hand down firmly on his shoulder.
At once, the Crown Prince felt as though a thousand-pound weight had been dropped upon him, leaving him unable to breathe.
Her face expressionless, the Empress said, “Crown Prince, do not forget, the Jinwuwei is already investigating the Eastern Palace. If you cannot cut off a festering limb like a true warrior, then you would do better to give up this title altogether, before your father issues an edict to depose you.”
The Crown Prince’s face drained of colour, cold sweat dripping down his temples.
“Think carefully,” the Empress pressed. “Do you still wish to be Crown Prince?”
The Crown Prince lowered his head, speaking weakly: “Erchen will personally investigate this matter. If it proves true, I will show no mercy.”
“Good. Then do it swiftly. Best to have it resolved before the fifth day of the New Year. Otherwise, it will not be you or bengong who deal with them, but the Jinwuwei. And you know full well, once someone enters their prisons, coming out alive is near impossible.”
The Crown Prince nodded heavily. “Erchen will follow muhou’s instructions.”
Just then, Fang shaojian entered from outside. “Reporting to niangniang, Gongzi Zhao and the other gongzi have just entered the palace gates.”
The Empress arched a brow and smiled. “Keep a close eye on Gongzi Zhao. As for the Eastern Palace, assist the Crown Prince in settling matters quickly.”
Fang shaojian glanced at the Crown Prince. In his eyes, he saw resistance and a flicker of dissatisfaction.
He paid it no mind. The Crown Prince was always this weak. So long as Fang shaojian himself remained firm, he could suppress him completely.
The only concern was that the Eastern Palace officials might refuse to submit and challenge him directly. But that, too, was only a small matter.
He bowed deeply. “As you command.”
Liu Zhao, having entered the palace, first went to meet the Shaofu Ling.
The registry of all noble daughters in the capital was kept there.
Shaofu Ling was essentially the Emperor’s private steward, overseeing lucrative enterprises like salt and iron.
Even the Minister of Revenue would envy the wealth he held in his hands.
Shaofu Ling was of the imperial clan, a cousin within five degrees of kinship to the Emperor. Liu Zhao was required to greet him as tang shuzu, his grandfather’s younger brother.
“I greet tang shuzu.”
Shaofu Ling smiled faintly. “So you’ve come. Have you decided whom you will take as your wife?”
Liu Zhao nodded. “I have.”
Shaofu Ling clapped his hands. An attendant laid out several volumes of registries on the table. “Please, Gongzi Zhao, take a look.”
Liu Zhao’s expression did not change. He silently flipped through the lists, his movements brisk.
Shaofu Ling could see at a glance, he already had someone in mind.
When Liu Zhao reached the section for the Zhenjun General’s fu, his hand suddenly stilled.
Without hesitation, he picked up the brush and circled a name, Gu Jiu.
Shaofu Ling leaned forward curiously, wondering which young lady had caught his eye.
“Gu Jiu? And who is this girl?”
In a cold, steady voice, Liu Zhao replied, “The er guniang of Zhenjun General’s fu. The daughter of Gu daren, the prefect of the capital.”
Shaofu Ling nearly choked.
“Gongzi Zhao, are you certain about this Gu Jiu?”
“Yes, I’ve considered this carefully.”
Shaofu Ling frowned. “This guniang called Gu Jiu… she is obscure, not the daughter of a noble house. You are the di eldest son of a wang fu, your wife should be a girl from a titled, meritorious family. Even if the Empress herself heard, she would find no fault with such a match.”
It was kindly meant, but Liu Zhao answered calmly: “I thank tang shuzu for his concern. But in my judgment, she is the most suitable woman for bengongzi.”
Courage, intelligence, a sense of duty, and enough wit to hold her own, that was the best choice for a wife. Other young ladies were not unworthy, but they were not right for him.
Shaofu Ling tried again: “I’ll leave the registry with you. Think it over carefully. There’s still time before sundown.”
“No need. I’ve thought it through already.”
Shaofu Ling frowned. “Even if you’ve decided, will your fuwang and mufei consent?”
“The Emperor himself ordered me to choose a wife. Fuwang and mufei respect my decision.”
With complete seriousness, Liu Zhao lied through his teeth.
Shaofu Ling was nearly frantic. “Other imperial grandsons are all choosing daughters from great houses. And you pick this Gu Jiu? She will only drag you down!”
Liu Zhao let out a quiet laugh. “Whether someone is a burden isn’t decided by their family background alone.”
Shaofu Ling saw that Liu Zhao had steadfast and was set in his decision. All he could do was sigh helplessly. “Since you insist, I’ll submit this list. But when His Majesty asks about it later, you’ll have to explain yourself.”
“Many thanks, tang shuzu.”
Shaofu Ling shook his head. These young people nowadays, something must be wrong with their heads.
He personally delivered the list to Kaiyao Emperor.
The emperor frowned at the unfamiliar name written there. Only when he looked at the notes about the family background did he recall that such a family indeed existed.
Some time ago, that very Gu Zhili had even been sent to the Imperial Prison.
The emperor was momentarily confused. “Wasn’t Gu Zhili thrown into the Imperial Prison? Why is his daughter’s name still on the list?”
The grand eunuch Chen Dachang reminded him, “Your Majesty, have you forgotten? Gu daren was released back on the twenty-seventh of last month, before the New Year.”
Prompted by the reminder, the emperor finally remembered. “So he’s been released already… Very well. Summon Liu Zhao here. Zhen wants to ask how exactly he made this choice.”
Liu Zhao was soon brought into the hall. “Grandson greets Imperial Grandfather. May Grandfather enjoy health and peace.”
“No need for ceremony! Zhen told you to choose a wife, why did you choose the daughter of Gu Zhili? Zhen has seen the record, this one called Gu Jiu hasn’t even reached marriageable age yet?”
Liu Zhao bowed deeply, his expression calm. “Grandson has met this Gu guniang a few times. She is excellent, a perfect match to be my wife. I beg Imperial Grandfather’s approval.”
“Oh? So you’ve actually met her. Is she truly as good as you claim?”
Liu Zhao nodded. “Once Grandfather meets her, you will agree with Grandson’s judgment.”
The emperor smiled faintly. “In that case, why not summon this Gu guniang into the palace? Zhen wish to examine her myself.”
Chen Dachang immediately ordered an attendant to head to Gu fu and invite Gu Jiu to the palace.
Liu Zhao’s face remained steady, showing no hint of worry.
The emperor looked at him curiously. “Zhao’er, you’re not afraid this Gu Jiu girl will be too timid to even speak before zhen?”
Liu Zhao bowed again. “She is not so weak or cowardly.”
“Oh?”
The emperor’s curiosity was piqued. What kind of young lady could make Liu Zhao praise her so highly?
He said, “Very well. When she arrives, zhen shall put her to the test.”
At Gu fu, in the council hall.
Gu Jiu had no idea that a marriage proposal was about to fall from the sky onto her head. She was completely ignorant of the fate awaiting her.
At that moment, she was helping Zhang shi prepare for the banquet to be held the next day.
The Gu family was hosting guests tomorrow, with relatives and friends all expected to arrive. Zhang shi’s natal family would also be present.
The marriage of the eldest daughter, Gu Zhen, still depended heavily on Zhang shi’s influence.
Gu Zhen was nervous. She tried her best to behave well in front of Zhang shi, but her nervousness led to a few small mistakes.
Gu Jiu quietly reminded her, “Da jiejie, don’t be anxious. Just act as you normally would.”
Gu Zhen nodded. “I heard the hou fu is arranging a match?”
“So they say. I wonder what kind of families Qi jiejie and Ying jiejie will be matched with.”
Gu Jiu also worried for Gu Qi and Gu Ying. If either of them were chosen by the Eastern Palace, that would be troublesome.
As everyone was busily at work, the gatekeeper ran in, panting. “Taitai, er guniang, the palace has sent for you. They… they want er guniang to enter the palace immediately?”
Gu Jiu was dumbfounded. “Are you sure you haven’t made a mistake? Why would they summon me?”
“The eunuch is still in the front hall. Da laoye and er laoye are both receiving him. Er guniang, you’d better hurry, don’t keep the eunuch waiting.”
Zhang shi frowned. “Are you certain they asked for er guniang and not someone else?”
The gatekeeper nodded rapidly. “It’s absolutely true. The order specifically names er guniang. And it carries His Majesty’s own verbal decree.”
At the mention of an imperial command, Zhang shi didn’t dare waste time wondering why. She quickly turned to Gu Jiu. “Xiao Jiu, go back and change clothes at once. Then come with me to meet the eunuch. Don’t worry, your father will certainly clarify the reason.”
Gu Jiu was stunned. What on earth was happening?
Why would His Majesty call her by name to enter the palace?
She was just an unknown maiden, utterly insignificant. How could she possibly have caught the Son of Heaven’s eye?
Something was wrong. There had to be something wrong.
Still, Gu Jiu was dressed in a festive outfit by her maids and hurried with Zhang shi to the front hall.
Xie shi had also rushed over upon hearing the news. “Dasao, did I hear right? Why would the palace summon er yatou?”
“It seems correct. Supposedly, it’s by the emperor’s own decree. As for the reason, we still don’t know. Xiao Jiu, come in with me. When you meet the eunuch, don’t be nervous, just follow the proper etiquette.”
Gu Jiu nodded, took a deep breath, and stepped into the front hall.
“This is my daughter, Gu Jiu,” said Gu daren, his heart filled with unease.
The eunuch’s gaze was sharp as a blade, sweeping over Gu Jiu from head to toe.
Gu Jiu advanced calmly and offered a proper salute, neither humble nor arrogant.
The eunuch gave a faint nod. “Good. She’s here. Then let her come with me into the palace.”
“Gonggong…”
“Rest assured, Gu daren,” the eunuch cut him off. “For your daughter, this summons is a great fortune.”
But he refused to say more, only urging Gu Jiu to follow him quickly.
Zhang shi hurriedly stuffed several embroidered pouches of silver into Qing Mei’s hands. “Once you’re in the palace, watch carefully and take good care of your mistress.”
Gu daren personally presented a lavish gift to the eunuch as well.
The eunuch weighed it in his hands, finally satisfied, yet still revealed not a word of what lay ahead.
With no other choice, Gu Jiu followed him into the imperial palace.
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