At the back courtyard of the Drunken Immortal Restaurant, the treasures were being transported to the imperial palace, one ox cart after another.
At the palace gates, Gu Yunting and Gu Beichen looked at the endless convoy, their hearts bleeding.
“Lin Zhen… I swear I’ll make you into a human swine to ease my hatred!” Gu Beichen’s eyes were bruised black, a bandage wrapped around his nose, stained red by the blood seeping from his nostrils, looking utterly wretched.
Gu Zhongman was still kneeling on the stone-paved ground outside the palace gates. After a day and night without food, he was dizzy and swaying, barely able to hold on.
“Prime Minister Gu!” When he saw Gu Yunting personally arriving, Gu Zhongman crawled over, his old eyes filled with tears. “Prime Minister Gu, save me!”
Gu Yunting also felt a sense of sorrow, holding Gu Zhongman’s trembling hands, he said, “Old Gu, rest assured, everything will soon be fine.”
“Really?”
“I would never allow you to become a sacrifice in this power struggle. For now, just kneel here quietly. Once these treasures enter the palace, you will be able to see His Majesty.”
Gu Zhongman looked at the endless ox carts entering the palace and was so moved he kowtowed to Gu Yunting. “Prime Minister Gu, I cannot repay your kindness!”
“Yes.” Gu Yunting took a deep breath, looking spiritedly at the palace gates. “Beichen, let’s go and demand justice from His Majesty.”
…
In the Hall of Political Affairs, Murong Yan, dressed in an imposing dragon robe, was reviewing memorials.
Great Qian Nation was located in the north, bordering nomadic tribes. The territory stretched east to Liaoxi, west to Taihang, south to Mount Tai. Among the seven nations, it was the smallest in land area, weakest in national strength, and had the thinnest influence. Yet, it had the largest population, exceeding ten million people, making it a piece of fat meat coveted by every other nation, all wishing to swallow it whole.
Thus, Murong Yan had many matters to ponder every day.
Recently, Gu Beichen had advised her, suggesting an increase in commercial taxes and strengthening border defenses, which made Murong Yan very pleased.
She promoted Gu Beichen to Hanlin Academy Chancellor and Imperial Scholar, making him practically her personal adviser and granting him authority to oversee all officials.
Yet now, such a highly favored minister was shameless enough to have an affair with the young madam of the Regent’s Mansion.
How could Murong Yan not feel disappointed?
“Sigh.” Murong Yan lightly sighed, setting down her brush and rubbing her aching temples.
Her close maid Huan Huan came over, offering her a cup of tea. “Is Your Majesty still troubled by Gu Beichen’s matter?”
“No.” Speaking of Gu Beichen, Murong Yan actually smiled. “Beichen is very talented. I heard he has remained unmarried since reaching adulthood because he deeply loves Liu Shuyao, even daring to break into the Regent’s Mansion to snatch her. Such loyalty and devotion, I admire.”
“I just can’t understand how a corrupt official like Gu Yunting could raise a son like Beichen, a dragon among men. It’s a pity, truly a pity.” This chapter was taken from novelping dot com without permission.
Huan Huan said, “Prime Minister Gu is indeed greedy for corruption, but his loyalty to Your Majesty is also true. Unlike the Regent, who, despite his age, still clings to military power and refuses to let go. Truly despicable.”
Thinking of Gu Beichen’s confident smile, even Huan Huan looked a bit entranced. Who wouldn’t like a talented, handsome, wealthy, and domineering man?
Murong Yan chuckled lightly, “Heh, what does a maid like you know? Go and do your duties.”
“Yes.”
Huan Huan had served Murong Yan for twenty years. They grew up together, more like sisters, and she was also the only one who knew Murong Yan’s true identity.
Thus, Murong Yan rarely scolded her.
At this moment, a eunuch came in to report, “Reporting to Your Majesty, Prime Minister Gu and Chancellor Gu request an audience.”
“Chancellor Gu also came?” Huan Huan’s eyes sparkled with excitement.
Murong Yan was also pleased. She didn’t know why, but she simply couldn’t bring herself to dislike Gu Beichen. However, recalling the events of the past two days, she deliberately put on a stern face and said, “Heh, they must be here for Gu Zhongman’s matter.”
“Fine, summon them in.”
“Yes!”
“Summon Gu Yunting and Gu Beichen to the hall!”
The father and son, filled with anger, immediately entered the hall upon hearing the summons.
They knelt before the imperial desk. “Your ministers greet Your Majesty. Long live the Emperor.”
“Mm, rise.”
Gu Yunting and Gu Beichen, however, remained kneeling, continuing to bow.
Murong Yan put down her work, looked up, and saw Gu Beichen’s head wrapped like a mummy. For some unknown reason, her heart ached slightly. She then asked harshly, “Beichen, what happened to your face? Who hit you?”
Gu Yunting wailed loudly, tears streaming down. “Your Majesty! Boohoo…”
“Lin Zhen, relying on the support of the Regent, beat Beichen in broad daylight, leading a group of playboys!”
Murong Yan showed deep concern for Gu Beichen. “Beichen, is this true?”
“Bang! Outrageous!” Murong Yan slammed the desk and stood up. “Lin Zhenxian, what a good grandson you’ve raised! Disregarding rules, trampling laws—do you still have me in your eyes!”
“Guards! Summon Lin Zhen to the palace!”
…
In a side courtyard of the Regent’s Mansion.
Lin Zhen threw Zhang Li onto the bed and sat back at the round table to catch his breath.
This body was still too weak. Even slight exertion left him panting. Once things settled, he had to train properly.
Zhang Li still wore an unconvinced expression, her eyes filled with fierce struggle and hatred.
“Lin Zhen! As the young master of the Regent’s Mansion, you actually bully a weak woman like me. Do you have no shame? Have you no dignity as an upper-class noble? Are all you Lin family members like this?”
In contrast, Lin Zhen seemed like a different person, no longer showing the playful, domineering attitude from half an hour ago. Without even turning his head, he said calmly, “Zhang Li, today I carried you away in front of everyone. Within a day, the entire city will know what happened between us. The Gu family’s reputation is far beyond what a dusty woman like you can match, so Gu Beichen will no longer choose you, a withered flower, to manage his businesses.”
Saying this, Lin Zhen spoke with some self-mockery, “Heh, besides, his mind is now entirely on my wife. He won’t like you anymore, so stop dreaming about becoming the noble lady of the Gu family.”
Zhang Li was slightly surprised.
In the past, she had only met Lin Zhen a few times. Most of what she knew about him came from rumors.
But the Lin Zhen before her now was completely different from the rumored playboy. Now, he was like a sparrow watching mantises and cicadas, a schemer.
Zhang Li calmed down and lay on the bed in a rather indecent posture, asking, “What exactly do you want?”
“I admire your abilities and want you to work for me.” Lin Zhen turned around, resting his arms on his knees, speaking with the posture of a victor.
“Zhang Li, those who know current affairs are wise. Follow me, and you’ll enjoy endless riches. If you wish, I can even take you as a concubine, elevating you from a mere merchant to a noble lady of the Regent’s Mansion.”
“But if you choose to stay with Gu Beichen, the only path ahead is death.”
“You’re a smart woman. I don’t need to say more for you to understand the pros and cons. Think about it carefully.”
With that, Lin Zhen got up and left.
Zhang Li stared at his back, her gaze dim, her mood low, lost in thought.