Jiangshan Fengwuzhi

Chapter 370 Key Figures
Ten days later.

Zhuojing remained calm, but a secret message circulated in the palace: the Emperor was unwell and only Princess Yushu was allowed to have an audience to deliver messages.

Emperor Rui's illness may have been foreshadowed, hence the summoning of Gu Beiming and the proclamation to the world that Gu Beiming's surrender to Yong was actually a ruse, and now that he has returned to the court, he is still entrusted with important responsibilities, sharing command of the Imperial Guard and the capital's defenses with Shen Jichi.

Outside the side gate of the Gu residence, groups of servants dressed in new clothes walked by, washing the outer walls of the Gu residence and sweeping the alley outside the gate.

Leaves from the ginkgo trees in Xiejing Lane fall from time to time.

A middle-aged man stood under the tree, leaning against the trunk, frequently turning his head, his dazed eyes revealing a thoughtful expression, muttering something to himself for amusement.

"One moves, two moves... the white wall remains still, the blue tile remains still."

Suddenly, a little girl with braided pigtails ran over, holding a string of candied hawthorns high in her hand, calling out as she ran, "Uncle Ba! Uncle Ba!"

Under the ginkgo tree, Gu Jide, the tenth son of the Gu family, beamed and asked, "Will you play 'Statues' with me?"

"Eighth Uncle, why are you still playing the wooden figure game? Fourth Aunt is going to see Eleventh Uncle!"

"eleven?"

Gu Jide was puzzled upon hearing this.

He counted on his fingers, muttering, "I have two younger brothers, the ninth and tenth, oh? My eldest brother, my second brother..."

He counted and counted, having reached all ten fingers, then rubbed his eyes, increasingly puzzled.

Do I have an eleventh brother?

"You only have this one younger brother!"

The little girl made a face, indicating that all of Gu Jide's other brothers were dead.

Gu Jide, unconcerned, asked, "Does he play 'Statues'?"

"Uncle Ba is so stupid, I'm not going to tell you."

The little girl stomped her feet in anger, ignored Gu Jide, and ran back to the Gu family mansion.

Following her gaze, she could see rows of imposing guards standing at the side gate of the Gu residence; officials waiting to be received in the main hall; someone hanging a plaque inscribed with "Loyalty that shines like the sun and moon" in the second hall; and as she ran into the inner courtyard, servants were tidying up the east wing.

"Be careful, everyone. This is where the Eleventh Young Master will stay when he returns."

The little girl didn't know what Eleventh Uncle's abilities were, only that her grandfather had recently been paying a lot of attention to him, which determined his status in the family.

Looking further away, a carriage slowly drove out of the Gu residence through the back door.

Inside the carriage, Gu Caiwei held Lu Anran in her arms, her eyes constantly filled with a thoughtful expression.

Sometimes she would look out onto the long street and see that the stalls and pedestrians were still the same, while in the taverns and teahouses, many elegantly dressed people were whispering and talking amongst themselves, presumably about the recent loss of abilities by many extraordinary people in the world.

Although the capital city appears calm on the surface, undercurrents are surging, and even the overall situation in the world is brewing a major change.

"Fourth Sister, we've arrived."

The coachman's voice came from outside the carriage. Gu Si Niang came to her senses, got off the carriage, glanced at the words "Pei Mansion" on the lintel, and was led inside through the side door.

Not far away, officials seeking an audience with Pei Wugou were lined up in a long queue.

The Pei family had few members and their courtyard was not large.

As soon as he entered, Pei Nian rushed out to greet him.

"Fourth Sister".

"Still not changing your address?" Gu Caiwei said with a smile, then asked, "Where's Shiyilang?"

"He...didn't return to Zhuojing."

Gu Caiwei was taken aback and asked, "Why?"

"Fourth Sister, come in and speak."

The two walked inside and entered Pei Nian's room. Looking around, they saw swords and bows hanging on the walls and various books piled on the shelves, making it impossible to tell that it was a woman's boudoir.

On the table was a stack of red official robes, with a token on top of it, on which was carved a fierce Bixie.

"I heard about it."

Gu Caiwei glanced at the token and said, "I must congratulate you on taking up the post of Northern Garrison Commander of Kaiping Division. Although it is called Garrison Commander, it is actually giving you full control over Kaiping Division, right?"

"Yes."

Pei Nian did not deny it, but her gaze was fixed on the window.

She remained as ambitious as ever, but her eyes held a new tenderness and concern.

“I didn’t plan to come back, but Gu Jingnian said he wanted to see my ambitions realized.”

"And what about him?" Gu Caiwei asked. "Why doesn't he come back?"

"He's too lazy to reply."

"lazy?"

“Yes.” Pei Nian smiled inexplicably, as if she found it amusing, and said, “It really is that simple.”

Gu Caiwei's expression became more serious as she said, "Now is not the time to make trouble. As you all know, the marriage alliance between the Gu and Pei families is imminent..."

In the past, the Gu family and the Pei family didn't have much of a relationship, but now that Gu Beiming and Pei Wugou want to join forces to overthrow the Rui Kingdom, a marriage alliance has become a very necessary thing.

It's not just about the trust between the two families, but also involves the power dynamics of both sides.

Since Gu Jingnian and Pei Nian had already pledged their love to each other, this was already a cause for celebration.

Unexpectedly, Pei Nian shook her head.

"Gu Jingnian does not want a marriage alliance."

"He doesn't want to marry you?" Gu Caiwei frowned slightly and said, "I'll teach him a lesson."

Pei Nian said, "He married me a long time ago."

"The wedding in Kejusai City ended with the Pei family announcing their breakup."

“If we were to hold another one, would it be for us, or for the world to see?” Pei Nian said. “The affection between him and me doesn’t need these things.”

“My father and your father don’t think so.”

"Then let them be."

Pei Nian responded dismissively, and then said, word by word, "Gu Jingnian will no longer be anyone's pawn, not even for the Gu family, not even under the guise of marrying me."

"Even for the sake of peace in Rui Kingdom?" Gu Caiwei said, "As you know, the news of the Rui Emperor's death has not yet been made public. If our two families cannot work together, the consequences will be unimaginable."

"Fourth Sister, you know him. He won't be used again."

Gu Caiwei stared into Pei Nian's eyes for a long while before a smile appeared on her lips.

"it is good."

"Thank you for your kindness, Fourth Sister."

Gu Caiwei complained, "I won't force him. It's one thing if he doesn't come back to see his older sister, but he doesn't even see his niece?"

"How do you know, Fourth Sister, that he hasn't come back to see you?"

"he……"

Pei Nian said, "Don't forget, he can also disguise himself."

Gu Caiwei was taken aback, recalling the gentle gaze she had occasionally felt recently, and her heart stirred.

But she didn't know what kind of life her younger brother wanted to live, refusing to return to the Gu family.
--------

"The Yong Kingdom delegation has arrived!"

A loud shout suddenly rang out outside the west gate of Zhuojing.

The orderly procession moved slowly forward. Qu Jizhi, astride his horse, gazed at Gu Beiming's banner ahead and murmured, "As expected, it was him who came to greet us."

He kicked his horse's belly and rode past before the two groups met.

"Is Marshal Gu here? I would like to request an audience!"

This was improper, so Gu Beiming quickly rode off.

"Lord Qu, it's been a long time."

"Marshal Gu, please." Qu Jizhi rode forward and whispered something to Gu Beiming, his words being earth-shattering.

"If I am not mistaken, Emperor Rui has probably already passed away?"

Gu Beiming remained calm upon hearing this.

He knew how Qu Jizhi had guessed it; it was simply because he had discovered that the strange people on the road had all lost their abilities, and thus deduced that Hongchi had been activated.

"Lord Qu was wrong. His Majesty... has attained enlightenment."

"impossible!"

Qu Jizhi's expression changed slightly, and his tone unconsciously became more serious as he said, "If Emperor Rui had truly gotten what he wanted, we would have already died without a burial place."

Gu Beiming simply smiled without saying a word.

Seeing his mysterious demeanor, Qu Jizhi could only say, "I admire your son very much."

"Oh?"

"To be honest, before I left Yong, I conspired with your son to get rid of Emperor Rui."

As he spoke, Qu Jizhi lowered his voice and continued, "But I never expected that when I returned to Zhuojing, he had already succeeded."

He pointed out the Gu family's current predicament at the right time.

The Gu family was the ones who murdered the emperor. Now, Gu Beiming is blocking the news and preparing to usurp the throne, which is actually quite risky.

"Didn't Marshal Gu consider that this is a golden opportunity to promote the unification of Zhongzhou?" Qu Jizhi continued, "Rather than risking the downfall of your family, wouldn't it be better to steadily establish an everlasting legacy?"

"Ha, Lord Qu underestimates me too much."

Seeing Gu Beiming's arrogant attitude, Qu Jizhi said, "May I see your son?"

Ultimately, he could discuss many things better with Gu Jingnian.

Gu Jingnian is not only a key figure in the assassination of Emperor Rui, but also has a deep friendship with Yin Jinggen, making him the linchpin of various forces.

In this situation, winning over Gu Jingnian's attitude becomes crucial.

However, Gu Beiming shook his head and said, "My son is recuperating and does not receive guests."

"is it?"

Qu Ji stroked his beard and pondered, but he did not believe it.

Given how important Gu Jingnian is to the world situation, how could he possibly shut himself away from guests? I wonder what his intentions are in doing this.
……

Another half month passed.

The situation in Beijing is becoming increasingly tense, and news of the Emperor's death is becoming increasingly difficult to contain.

Gu Jingnian, however, still did not show up.

Qu Jizhi guessed at his scheme, his heart filled with suspicion and uncertainty.

Gu Beiming was even more worried.

--------

Shen House.

Xue Juju led Gu Beiming to the door and gestured, "Please, Master Gu."

"Ah."

Gu Beiming stepped inside and smelled a medicinal scent permeating the room.

After passing the screen, one could see Shen Jichi leaning against the couch, his face pale and weak.

"My lord, is there still no improvement?"

Shen Jichi shook his head, a sense of detachment in his smile, as if he had seen through life and death. He said in a low voice, "You've seen my beloved concubine, Xue Juju, too?"

"Yes."

“Those were His Majesty’s spies planted by my side.” Shen Jichi said, seemingly amused, and murmured, “But His Majesty doesn’t know that what moved her… was a mortal’s heart.”

Gu Beiming had no interest in listening to him and asked, "With internal and external troubles, what are your plans, Marquis?"

"I am a dying man, what plans do I have?" Shen Jichi said. "The only thing I can't let go of is my two daughters."

Gu Beiming frowned slightly upon hearing this, pondering that Shen Jichi had secretly planned many things, so why was he now acting as if he had no desires?
Upon hearing the word "daughter," Gu Beiming suddenly realized something.

"As you wish, Lord Marquis?"

Shen Jichi suddenly changed his tone and said with emotion, "You have given birth to a good son... The key to breaking this deadlock lies with him."

"Please enlighten me, Your Excellency."

"He murdered His Majesty, yet the high-ranking officials remain silent, not because they are unaware of it, but because they fear him and his power in Fujie Mountain. This is our biggest trump card right now. All those in power in Rui Kingdom are His Majesty's confidants and know about the affairs within the realm, so they dare not harbor any rebellious thoughts. As long as you submit a memorial requesting that Gu Jingnian be established as the heir apparent, then there is no need to worry about internal troubles."

Upon hearing this, Gu Beiming said, "The failure of the marriage alliance between the Shen and Gu families has always been a regret in my heart, but now the Pei family has interfered."

“My daughter is in love with your son, there’s nothing I can do about it,” Shen Jichi said. “But as long as he can achieve great things, why would I care about Pei Nian?”

"great cause?"

“Let’s talk about external threats first.” Shen Jichi smiled, pointed to a letter on the table, and said, “I wrote a letter to… to her.”

Upon hearing this, Gu Beiming immediately knew who "she" was: the current Empress of Yong Kingdom, and the former Princess of Yue Kingdom, Wei Li.

“Yin Jingheng is not to be underestimated.” Shen Jichi’s eyes turned colder as he said calmly, “With the loss of spiritual energy in Zhongzhou, Yin Yuhe will be in a disadvantageous position and must be eliminated by this boy. If we do not interfere, Yong Kingdom will be able to recover its national strength in a few years. I have a plan to help Wei Li kill Yin Jingheng.”

Gu Beiming asked, "If that's the case, Wei Li will surely restore the Yue Kingdom."

"Why should we hesitate to accept these conditions when we cooperate with her? We are weak and can only unite with Vietnam to resist Yong."

Upon hearing this, Gu Beiming frowned and pondered, worried that doing so would only benefit others.

He also had some doubts about Shen Jichi's motives.

Seeing his hesitation, Shen Jichi said again, "Let's ask for your hand in marriage on behalf of Gu Jingnian."

"what?"

"When I said that my daughter was in love with Gu Jingnian, I was not referring to Ling Shu, but to my daughter with Wei Li."

"Does Your Excellency think so highly of that young man?"

"In this day and age, only this young man can unite the forces of the Gu, Shen, and Pei families and win the hearts of the Rui and Yue kingdoms. He will inherit the military power of the Gu family, rely on the strength of the western border, take over the Wei family, destroy the Yong kingdom, and sweep away the Yan and Yu kingdoms, thus completing the great cause of unifying the Central Plains... Isn't this our lifelong ambition?"

As Shen Jichi spoke, his eyes lit up, but then the light faded.

"I'm nearing the end. If I can see even a glimmer of hope before I die, I can die in peace. Gu Beiming, you've followed me for so many years, do you trust my judgment?"

“I trust Lord Marquis,” Gu Beiming said solemnly. “The Gu family will never betray the Shen family.”

Shen Jichi said, "Now I feel at ease."

……

After Gu Beiming left, Shen Jichi remained leaning on the couch, fiddling with the faint light filtering through the curtains.

Until Xue Juju walked in.

She sat on the edge of the couch, took his hand in hers, and pressed it against her heart.

"My lord, it's been a long time since you've shown me any affection."

"Look at me like this, do you think I can still do it?" Shen Jichi said weakly, "I'm going to die."

Xue Juju asked, "Can't you take me with you, Lord Marquis?"

"You want to die with me?"

Two lines of clear tears fell from Xue Juju's eyes, but she refused to let go of Shen Jichi's hand to wipe them away, and said with tears in her eyes, "Waaah... I don't believe that the Marquis is dead."

Shen Jichi turned his head to look at her, his eyes seemingly filled with tenderness.

But upon closer inspection, he is clearly more ruthless than anyone else.

"After I die, cremate my body and scatter my ashes into the Zhuo River."

Regardless of whether Xue Juju agreed or not, Shen Jichi slowly said, "After you finish this, go to Chongjing Academy and find someone who will guarantee you a worry-free life."

(End of this chapter)