Chapter 291: Chapter 291: Entering the Capital Part 2

The second wave of assassination attempts involved arrow volleys. Yun No. 20 and his men knocked the arrows down, which, in effect, was like their enemies delivering weapons to them.

The third wave consisted of a stone assault, with countless rocks rolling down from the mountain, much like what happened at Shangchuan Valley. They really only had a few tricks up their sleeves.

They don’t even know how to vary their tactics, Yun No. 20 thought. But then again, these are probably the only assassination methods available.

The fourth wave involved poison, the fifth poisonous insects and snakes, and the sixth was close-quarters combat. In total, over a journey of dozens of li, they encountered over ten waves of ambushes, but they handled each one with ease.

「At this time, in the Imperial Study of the Daqian Imperial Palace」

Xiao Yunjing was receiving updates via messenger pigeon every few hours about Gu Qingli and her group’s journey. He had to stay informed of their situation, as he might need to send reinforcements at any moment. He could not allow Gu Qingli and their son to suffer any mishaps.

“Your Majesty, Young Master Gu requests an audience.” Just as Xiao Yunjing finished reading a message from a carrier pigeon, a eunuch came to report from outside.

The eunuch was none other than Liu Desheng.

Liu Desheng’s luck was quite good. He had originally been serving Chu Xiong. Qingchen, finding him an eyesore, had reassigned him to sweeping duties. After the Imperial Palace changed hands, all the palace maids and eunuchs were gathered for re-registration. Yun No. 14 was in charge of this process. When it was Liu Desheng’s turn, Yun No. 14 recalled that Wuyou had been carried out by someone named Liu Desheng. Since Wuyou was looking for this person, Yun No. 14 decided to keep him. After questioning, it was confirmed that he was indeed that Liu Desheng.

Yun No. 14 reported this to Xiao Yunjing. Xiao Yunjing learned that Liu Desheng was from the Snow Maiden Clan, had served Chu Xiong, and was skilled with poisons, so he decided to keep Liu Desheng by his side. Firstly, it was a precaution: keeping Liu Desheng close allowed Xiao Yunjing to monitor him and prevent him from causing trouble. Secondly, Wuyou was looking for him.

“Show him in,” Xiao Yunjing said.

Liu Desheng hurried to fetch Gu Qingping. The Emperor had used the word “please,” which indicated Gu Qingping’s importance in His Majesty’s eyes, so Liu Desheng practically ran his legs off.

Upon entering the Imperial Study, Gu Qingping immediately moved to pay his respects, but Xiao Yunjing stopped him. “We’re brothers, no need for such formalities. Let’s dispense with them in the future.”

“Propriety must not be abandoned!” Gu Qingping insisted, still performing a formal salute.

Since Xiao Yunjing couldn’t dissuade him, he let Gu Qingping have his way. He gestured to the chair opposite him, inviting Gu Qingping to sit. Only then did he ask, “Big Brother, is something the matter?”

After sitting down, Gu Qingping replied, “Yes, two things. First, Mother was asking if Father could be transferred back. She’s worried about him being alone in Beijing at his age. Second, she wants to know where my sister is and how far along her journey she is.”

Xiao Yunjing chuckled. It’s not that Gu Xicheng is old, he thought. She’s clearly worried about him philandering.

He said, “That’s no problem at all. We can transfer Father-in-law back once a suitable replacement is found. He is also needed in the imperial court. Li’er should arrive in about three or four days; they are almost out of Datong County now.”

He had originally intended to go and meet Li’er personally, but there were too many matters to attend to at court. Chu Xiong had left behind numerous lingering issues, and Qingchen had created even more. It was a complete mess. Moreover, spring was approaching, and the immediate priority was to address the food and clothing shortages faced by the common people of Daqian. With this opportunity, and Li’er’s arrival, her seedling cultivation method could be promoted. Her sweet potato vines could also be widely distributed. As long as they could get through this year, the people of Daqian would see better days and no longer suffer from hunger.

Gu Qingping rubbed his hands together. “That’s wonderful! Mother has been constantly talking about my sister and her three little nephews ever since she returned from Beijing. I haven’t even met them yet.”

“You’ll get to meet them,” Xiao Yunjing said, his face filled with affection as he spoke of the three little ones. “Those three rascals are quite a handful.”

“Heh, as if I’d be afraid of those three rascals,” Gu Qingping chuckled.

“There will be times when you won’t be so glib. By the way,” Xiao Yunjing asked Gu Qingping, “have you considered serving in the imperial court?”

Gu Qingping shook his head. “I hold no official rank, only the status of a scholar who has passed the county-level examination. What could I possibly do at court? Let’s wait until after this year’s imperial examination.”

If he managed to pass the highest imperial examination, he planned to request a provincial assignment for a few years to gain experience before considering a return to the capital. Once his father returned, he would surely attend court. With father and son both in service, wouldn’t the Imperial Censors be watching them constantly, looking for any excuse to impeach them and accuse them of abusing power as imperial relatives? He didn’t want that. He would rely on his own abilities, do whatever work he was capable of, and go as far as his talents would take him.

“Alright, I won’t force you. Just let me know if there’s anything you want to do. Li’er has only you as her biological elder brother; I’m sure she wishes you well.”

“I understand that. I know my own capabilities and limits; Your Majesty need not worry.”

In the future, he was the one who would have to support the entire Gu Family. If he lacked decisiveness and a sense of responsibility, how could he possibly bear the burden of such a large family?

After discussing a few more matters, Gu Qingping returned to the Gu Family estate.

「At the same time, at the Jiang Residence.」

Old Master Jiang sat alone in his study, lost in thought. Just then, the door opened, and Jiang Zhongcai entered.

“Father,” Jiang Zhongcai called out.

“Sit. Is there something you wish to discuss?” Old Master Jiang asked.

“Father, I’ve come to discuss Lile’s situation.”

“Lile? What about her?”

“Father, you must know that Lile has feelings for the Emperor, right? Setting aside his previous status, now that he is the Emperor, surely you have some thoughts on this?”

Ever since Jiang Lile returned, she has refused all marriage proposals, insisting on waiting for Xiao Yunjing, no matter what. Unexpectedly, her waiting paid off, and Xiao Yunjing became the Emperor. He will undoubtedly select an Empress and consorts. If Jiang Lile enters the palace as a concubine, it would be another chance for the Jiang Family to rise to prominence, and it would also fulfill Lile’s heartfelt wish. Jiang Zhongcai had only this one son and one daughter, and he doted on Jiang Lile as if she were the apple of his eye. Since his daughter liked Xiao Yunjing, he was willing to help her achieve her desire.

Old Master Jiang sighed. This very matter had been troubling him. The Jiang Family was no longer what it was when he served as Grand Libationer; it had already begun a gradual decline. If Jiang Lile could enter the palace and become a consort to Xiao Yunjing, the Jiang Family’s fortunes would rise accordingly. However, it was still too early to approach the Emperor about Lile entering the palace. They all knew about Gu Qingli. Even though she was a peasant woman, they were aware that Xiao Yunjing cared for her deeply. Gu Qingli had not yet arrived in the capital, so it was uncertain when the Emperor would consider taking other consorts.

“This matter cannot be rushed. Tell Lile to remain calm and patient. Until Gu Qingli arrives in the capital, we won’t know the full situation. We absolutely must not do anything foolish that could ruin our important plans.”

Hearing Old Master Jiang’s words, Jiang Zhongcai understood that his father had agreed to Lile entering the palace.

He nodded. “I understand, Father. I will go back shortly and explain everything clearly to Lile.”

“Alright, you may go then.” Old Master Jiang waved dismissively. Watching his son’s retreating figure, Old Master Jiang’s gaze was as sharp as a torch. He had originally planned to take his entire family to the Beijiang Kingdom, but then, unexpectedly, Xiao Yunjing had suddenly become the reigning Emperor.

How unpredictable the affairs of the world truly were! Who could have imagined Xiao Yunjing would act so swiftly?

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