Jiangshan Fengwuzhi

Chapter 277 Yue Maiden
A woman's wrap was draped over the screen.

Behind the screen, Pei Nian changed into a white cloth robe and picked up her official robe when she suddenly saw Gu Jingnian's figure sway and appear before her.

She turned to the side, frowning, and said, "Who told you to come in without saying hello?"

"I'm practicing my skills."

As Gu Jingnian spoke, he stepped forward, took the belt from Pei Nian's hand, and tied it for her. Then, his movements naturally led him to wrap his arms around her waist.

"Why should I wear official robes?"

Pei Nian leaned back slightly against Gu Jingnian's chest and said, "After all, I am still an official of Yong Kingdom. Now that I'm back in the capital, I should go to the yamen. What about you? How was your audience today?"

Gu Jingnian said, "I have gained a lot. Yin Yuhe revealed some things that have given me a great deal of understanding about Zhongzhou."

He no longer kept everything from Pei Nian as he used to, but instead recounted his conversation with Yin Yuhe that day, along with his own analysis.

"The gap in the Central Plains must be related to the division of the various kingdoms. Although the specifics are unknown, it is likely that the unification of the Central Plains would prevent the superhumans from using their abilities and turn it into a paradise for mortals."

Pei Nian was very interested in this topic, so he turned around and asked, "So, what Emperor Yong meant was that he could submit to Rui Kingdom in order to protect Zhongzhou?"

"It's just verbal intimidation; he might not actually do it," Gu Jingnian said, then asked, "You're also aiming to unify the Central Plains, don't you understand this?"

Pei Nian shook his head and said, "I have only heard my father say since I was a child that only when all the countries are united can the people of Zhongzhou live in peace and stability."

"It seems your father might know something?"

"What are your thoughts?" Pei Nian asked. "Now that your abilities are so powerful, do you not want the gap to close?"

Gu Jingnian was about to answer, but then stopped himself and asked instead, "And you?"

Pei Nian didn't answer, but turned her head and kissed Gu Jingnian's cheek.

Her breath brushed against his skin, making him want to get closer to her. Their noses touched, and then he took advantage of the situation.

"Wait... I guess you're planning to see Wei Li. The fact that Emperor Yong was able to get the news is probably related to her."

"No rush," Gu Jingnian said. "She will come to see me."

"I'm leaving."

Pei Nian said she was leaving, but then she didn't.

After a while, several more clothes were draped over the screen.

The two did not bring up the previous topic or their opinions again, but simply lingered and became entangled in each other's affections, gradually losing themselves in each other's company.

They seemed to sense that they might part ways one day, and wished they could burn themselves out today.

On the horizon, a red sun moved westward, disappearing into the thick clouds, which were then burned to a fiery red color.

The shadows of the trees in the courtyard gradually lengthened, and suddenly the sound of conversation came from outside the courtyard gate.

Is Marquis Chengye here?

"No, he left early this morning and hasn't come back yet."

"Is Sister Pei here?"

"Still inside."

It was Wei Yushi who arrived.

Today she wore a flowing long dress, her hair styled in a high bun, and adorned with a simple jade hairpin. She was already tall and slender, and now with her fair skin and clear, bright eyes, she was completely different from the country girl Zhang Xiaofang she once was. This outfit made her look very beautiful.

"Tuk-tuk-tuk."

After a short knock, the door opened, and there stood Gu Jingnian.

He must have just woken up; his hair was disheveled, and he was simply wearing a robe.

“Brother?” Wei Yushi was slightly surprised. “Qin’er said you’re not in the manor.”

Gu Jingnian said, "She didn't see me come back."

"Brother, why didn't you tell me you were coming back?" Wei Yushi said with a hint of reproach, "I only found out today from Mother, and I came right away."

"Did the princess of Yue tell you this?" Gu Jingnian asked. "How did she know I had returned to the capital?"

"Then I don't know. My mother said she would like to invite you to her home for a chat."

"it is good."

On their way to the Yue Kingdom princess's residence, they did not use their special abilities, but instead honestly rode in a carriage, exchanging brief words of farewell along the way.

Finally, Gu Jingnian brought up the matter of Wei Li.

He did not distance himself from Wei Yushi because of Wei Li. In his eyes, she was still the simple girl who saved him back then without asking for anything in return, and also his half-sister.

"I heard that your mother is going to become the Empress of Yong?"

"Ah."

Wei Yushi nodded sullenly, then said, "I don't know much about this either. My mother didn't tell me anything, she just told me not to worry about it."

Gu Jingnian said, "She's doing this for your own good. By the way, is she pregnant?"

"It seems so." Wei Yushi wasn't sure. "I can't tell yet. She won't talk about it, but His Majesty often comes to see her incognito."

After saying that, she asked with some worry, "Brother, are you siding with the Crown Prince and going against His Majesty?" "Who told you that?"

"I heard about the situation in the capital and analyzed it myself."

It is clear from this that the discord between the Emperor of Yong and the Crown Prince is now out in the open.

Gu Jingnian said, "Don't worry, my original intention was to cooperate with your mother. Zhao Boheng is back too, didn't he tell you?"

"I told you." Wei Yushi smiled upon hearing this and said, "Master said they should be of one mind with you."

"What did Zhao Boheng say to your mother? And what was your mother's response?"

"Yes, we were talking about it last night, when a guest arrived."

"Who?"

"I don't know, Mother went to see him alone." Wei Yushi thought for a moment, resting her chin on her fingers, and said, "It should be His Majesty. I was awakened by a noise outside in the night, opened the window and looked out, and saw His Majesty's entourage."

At this point, Gu Jingnian suddenly lifted the car curtain and looked outside.

He had a vague feeling that he was being followed, but the long street was bustling with people and there was nothing unusual about it.

At that moment, he was focused on looking out the window, while Wei Yushi was staring at his profile in a daze.

When Gu Jingnian turned around, Wei Yushi hurriedly looked away, letting out a soft sigh.

"what happened?"

"Ah, nothing," Wei Yushi said. "I was just thinking, brother... do you think... Father will acknowledge me?"

Mentioning Gu Beiming, Gu Jingnian frowned slightly.

He had indeed been considering whether he could persuade Gu Beiming to work for him in the name of the God, but the other party was too difficult to control.

"You don't need to pay him any attention," Gu Jingnian said calmly. "He's a heartless and ungrateful person."

“My mother also said that I don’t have a father,” Wei Yushi whispered. “Don’t tell her what I just asked you.”

The two chatted idly along the way until the carriage arrived at the residence of the Yue Kingdom princess.

Gu Jingnian had not been here for a long time and found that the place had changed drastically. It no longer appeared secluded and desolate, but rather had a magnificent gate, strict security, and many carriages of noblewomen parked at the gate, as well as many officials from the Ministry of Rites who were busy with the matter of bestowing the title of emperor.

They entered through a side door and were not ushered into the main hall filled with memorial tablets, but instead went to the flower hall in the side courtyard.

Wei Li was sitting by the window.

Today, she was no longer dressed in mourning attire. Although she was still dressed simply, she looked radiant with a little effort. Although she was not yet forty years old, she looked like she was in her early twenties.

Yin Yuhe wanted to make her empress, not necessarily because of her beauty, but her beauty and demeanor were indeed worthy of the position.

"Mother, my brother has arrived."

Wei Yushi led Gu Jingnian inside, and Wei Li turned around and said, "His Majesty has personally selected several talented young men and is discussing them with officials from the Ministry of Rites in the front courtyard. Go and take a look, but don't let them find out."

"Mother, I don't want to get married."

"Then we should go and take a look; we cannot refuse His Majesty's good intentions."

After saying that, Wei Li said in a slightly scolding tone, "Go."

Her attitude towards her daughter was very different from when they first met; she was no longer gentle and had become more stern.

"Oh."

Wei Yushi was reluctant, and when she turned around, she looked like a country girl again.

"You have no manners," Wei Li scolded again.

"Your daughter takes her leave." Wei Yushi had no choice but to bow again and retreat.

"Lord Chengye, please sit down."

Gu Jingnian sat down, his gaze sweeping over Wei Li's lower abdomen, but he couldn't discern anything amiss. He then said, "Congratulations, Princess. You will soon be calling her Empress."

"Have you already had an audience with His Majesty today?"

"good."

Wei Li said, "I have also met Senior Brother Zhao and heard about your experiences in the realm, and I have informed His Majesty about them."

Gu Jingnian said, "It seems you are not afraid of offending the God."

"Heh." A hint of sarcasm appeared on Wei Li's face as she said, "The Realm People are powerful in your eyes, but in my eyes, they are nothing more than a few despicable alchemists."

She understood boundaries better than Zhao Boheng.

Gu Jingnian said, "Why don't you just say it? What do you want?"

“Your divine promises cannot sway me,” Wei Li said. “I do not wish to rebuild the Yue Kingdom in a fictitious land and deceive myself. I want the Yue Kingdom to return to the Central Plains. Therefore, what Your Majesty has told you is what I desire.”

This statement did not appease Gu Jingnian.

He shook his head slightly and pondered, "I don't think so. You and Emperor Yong are actually at odds, which is why you wanted to see me today."

(End of this chapter)