Everyone sat in the study, with no one speaking first, and the silence was somewhat terrifying.
Finally, Gu Qingcheng could not endure it any longer: “Cough… I wonder why Your Majesty called me here.” Speak up! The awkwardness of not talking is killing me!
Seeing that someone finally started speaking, Gu Yuxi hurriedly chimed in: “Nanjun has been flooded again, and it seems there are Miao Gu worms mixed into it. The waters here run very deep, and the funds distributed for disaster relief…”
Gu Yuxi did not elaborate further, stopping just short to make his point.
Upon hearing this, Gu Qingcheng also turned serious: “I wonder whom Your Majesty has dispatched?”
Gu Yuxi adjusted his expression: “Junior Official of the Ministry of Rites, Ye Sheng.” How about that? Is it a surprise, or a delight?
Gu Qingcheng chuckled, a trace of disgust flashing in the depths of his eyes: “Tsk, my temper is truly too good, to actually let him go out for a stroll.”
Everyone: The way you say this makes him sound like a dog.
Gu Yuxi smiled and said, “So you know why I called you here, then.” That person harbors impure intentions toward you~
Gu Qingcheng leaned against the chair in an unseemly posture: “I know. Then when do we set off? Also…” He slowly lifted his eyelids, “You didn’t call me here solely for this matter, did you?”
Gu Yuxi nodded and said, “The marriage contract between you and Yanjin should also be put on the agenda.”
Gu Qingcheng died in bed and suddenly sat bolt upright: “What?” No, didn’t the two of them technically just meet for the very first time today?! Is the marriage process really this fast?
Xu Yanjin also frowned. Looking good was one thing, but he truly hadn’t decided on getting married yet.
Disregarding what the two of them were thinking, Gu Yuxi declared, “You have no choice. Upon your return this time, I will directly bestow a marriage decree upon you both.”
Wow! What a textbook case of forced buying and selling!
Gu Qingcheng was still making his final dying struggle: “Your Majesty, it’s not that I’m unwilling, but I’m afraid the Regent won’t agree! We can’t just force a buy-and-sell deal! Both sides have to agree.” He figured Xu Yanjin certainly wouldn’t want to be with him.
And just as Gu Qingcheng guessed, Xu Yanjin didn’t want to be with him either, but the moment he saw the little crown prince’s struggling expression, he suddenly changed his mind: “Reporting to Your Majesty, this subject is willing to accompany His Royal Highness the Crown Prince.” Getting married, you say? It wouldn’t affect his status either way.
Gu Yuxi asked, “Did you hear that? The Regent is willing to accompany you.” You two little brats, I want to see what kind of mischief you’ll get up to.
Gu Qingcheng resignedly stood up and accepted the decree: “This subject obeys Your Majesty’s arrangement.”
Gu Yuxi said, “Alright, the Crown Prince and the Regent may withdraw for now.”
Gu Qingcheng and Xu Yanjin: “Understood.”
After the two of them stepped back.
Gu Lin called out, “Xu Jinglan.”
There was no response.
“Xu Jinglan.”
Still no response.
“Xu Jinglan!”
Xu Jinglan: “Ah… What does Your Majesty need?” He was too shameless, and I didn’t snap back to reality in time.
Gu Yuxi and Shen Nanzhi exchanged glances: Well, the man hasn’t even recovered yet. It seems the incident just now dealt them quite a heavy blow.
Shen Nanzhi pinched the bridge of his nose: “Everyone, head back first, and come back tomorrow to discuss further.” Judging by this state, they probably won’t be able to discuss anything useful today anyway.
Everyone: “This subject and the others take their leave.” Having said that, they practically grew wind under their feet and scurried away.
Gu Yuxi and Shen Nanzhi: “…” Why weren’t your bodies ever this active before?
And furthermore! Xie Mucheng! Your eyes are practically growing onto that person! Pay attention!
Xu Yanjin said, “Let’s set off early tomorrow morning.”
Gu Qingcheng nodded listlessly: “Alright, as the Regent says.”
Seeing him like this, Xu Yanjin was struck with the urge to tease him. He asked knowingly, “What is wrong with His Royal Highness the Crown Prince?”
Upon hearing this, Gu Qingcheng was so angry he nearly gritted his teeth to pieces, forcing a smile that didn’t reach his eyes: “Nothing is wrong.” He can clearly tell this fellow is asking knowingly, deliberately teasing him for fun!
Xu Yanjin asked, “Really?”
Gu Qingcheng originally wanted to say “really,” but then he suddenly thought of something.
He raised his head and looked pitifully at Xu Yanjin: “Little Imperial Uncle~, this person is lovesick and has fallen ill.”
Xu Yanjin looked at him with a smile: “Oh? How so?” I want to see what else this little crown prince can come up with.
Seeing that he had taken the bait, Gu Qingcheng imperceptibly curved the corners of his lips: “I’ve only just met Little Imperial Uncle a short while ago, and before we’ve even exchanged a few words, we have to part ways again. My heart aches; otherwise…” He gently shook Xu Yanjin’s hand, “Why don’t I return to the Regent’s Residence with you?”
Before Xu Yanjin could speak, a loud clatter sounded from behind them.
The two of them looked back: Damn it.