My older brother is Gao Huan.

Chapter 220 Eight-Year Feud
Erzhu Rong squinted, reflecting on the interactions he had had over the past few days.

He had also figured out the difference between Yuan Ziyou and the former Yuan Xu.

Yuan Xu was a hothead, very stubborn, and didn't understand the principle that things will work out if things are done slowly.

If it were Yuan Xu in this situation, he would most likely reject Erzhu Rong's proposal outright and instead forcefully bestow Princess Jiande upon Gao Yu.

He won't accept a situation where both sides back down; instead, he'll advance if you take a step back.

This attitude of only advancing and never retreating ultimately brought him death.

Yuan Ziyou is different.

Yuan Ziyou understood the principle of retreating to advance.

Erzhu Rong wanted his daughter to enter the harem to help him supervise the emperor.

can.

Yuan Ziyou could agree, but in exchange, Erzhu Rong would have to agree to give Princess Jiande to Gao Yu.

While a smart man like Gao Yu is unlikely to make a mistake because of a woman, who can guarantee that?

Since ancient times, heroes have been sad for beauty.

What if Gao Yu is bewitched by Princess Jiande?
Yuan Ziyou's plan was an open scheme. He wanted to use every means to make Erzhu Rong suspicious of Gao Yu. Once suspicion arose, the rift in their relationship would be irreparable. Such is human nature.

"Your Majesty, the Right Guard General has already arranged a marriage between himself and my niece, Erzhu Yuechan."

“I did not bestow a marriage upon her; I simply hoped that someone would take care of Princess Jiande.”

That's a really good tactic.

When it's time to be soft, never hard. Yuan Ziyou simply wanted to send a woman of the Yuan clan to Gao Yu's side.

Whether she is the legal wife or not, it doesn't matter; whether she can have the status of a concubine or not, it doesn't matter either.

Going to Gao Yu's house is the most important thing.

Having said all that, Erzhu Rong could find no reason to refuse. If he continued to push his luck, it would only confirm his arrogant and domineering persona.

Killing someone in Heyin was a special method under special circumstances. Given the situation at the time, he needed to act swiftly and decisively to quickly gain control of Luoyang.

After taking control of Luoyang, he changed his style of doing things, ultimately wanting to convey a message to the world.

He knew he wasn't a bloodthirsty killer and that he could cooperate. He understood that to replace the Yuan clan of the Xianbei kings, he needed to win over the hearts of the powerful families.

Then we can't afford to break off relations; instead, we should proceed according to established political rules.

Erzhu Rong did not simply and brutally replace Cao Cao, but instead followed Cao Cao's script and wanted to go through a very dignified process of replacement.

Yuan Ziyou also seized on this point, and tried his best to 'struggle' without crossing Erzhu Rong's red line.

"Your Majesty is benevolent; it was I who was rash."

Erzhu Rong cupped his hands and gave Yuan Ziyou a deep look. "Then I will immediately begin preparing all the matters for Your Majesty's wedding."

He has achieved his ultimate goal of meeting Yuan Ziyou today.

Although he paid a small price, it was definitely within his acceptable range.

Yuan Ziyou was also very sensible and did not push his luck.

Both sides tacitly maintained that fragile balance and upheld decorum.

He then patted Gao Yu on the shoulder with a smile, "General of the Right Guard, Princess Jiande is of noble birth, and we must not mistreat her. How about this... the residence of former Attendant Liu Teng is currently unoccupied, so we will give it to you, General of the Right Guard, so as not to disgrace the imperial family."

"Thank you for your kindness, Prime Minister. I will take good care of you."

"So good."

Gao Yu was helpless, but he had no choice.

………………

He somehow ended up with a woman, and somehow ended up with a very high-class mansion.

Liu Teng, the former Attendant-in-Ordinary, was the palace attendant who had previously launched the Xuanguang Coup with Yuan Yi, the Prince of Jiangyang. After the coup succeeded...

He and Yuan Yi were the most powerful duo at the time, and the size of their mansions was only slightly smaller than that of Prince Gaoyang, Yuan Yong, far exceeding that of many princes and ministers.

Erzhu Rong did indeed present a great gift.

After leaving the palace, Gao Yu went directly to find Gao Huan and told him about his current situation. Actually, he didn't need to say anything. After Yuan Ziyou forcibly promoted Gao Yu to Right Guard General in the Taiji Hall that day, Gao Yu's situation became delicate.

"Mo Heduo, you're quite lucky, kid. His Majesty actually sent you a princess. I've never even seen a woman of such noble status before. You're quite fortunate."

Hou Jing made a teasing remark, clearly envious.

I have never seen him before, but he has personally killed princes and nobles, whose status is not necessarily lower than that of a princess.

"First a princess, then a queen, is the only thing missing from Mo Heduo's bedchamber? Have you slept with every woman of high status in the world?"

Cai Jun also joined in the teasing, "It's a pity that the Prime Minister wants to marry his daughter to His Majesty. If she were to marry Moheduo, then although Moheduo is not the emperor, he would be better than the emperor."

Gao Huan chuckled a few times, then looked at Gao Yu and comforted him.

"Erlang, there's really no need to worry. The Prime Minister isn't a petty person. He can see that His Majesty's actions are intended to sow discord between you two. As for the houses and women he's offering, Erlang, just accept them all."

"Why not take a free gift? I've already slept with the princess, what harm is there in sleeping with another princess?"

"Brother!"

Everyone burst into laughter again, and Hou Jing joined in the teasing, "Who told you, Mo Heduo, to look like a woman, so attractive to women?"

Gao Huan finally managed to stop laughing and offered a serious reassurance.

"It's not a bad thing, but Erlang can no longer hide his talents. The Prime Minister can no longer deliberately 'neglect' you. When there is a battle, Erlang should take the initiative to lead troops out. You can make meritorious contributions and stay away from the turmoil of the court."

Gao Yu nodded.

That's what he actually thought too.

Despite the apparent return to prosperity and peaceful scene of singing and dancing in Luoyang, the situation is actually quite decadent.

There are always opportunities for him to lead troops out on missions.

After leaving Gao Huan, Gao Yu went to the mansion given to him by Erzhu Rong.

There was another surprise as soon as I entered the door.

Erzhu Rong thoughtfully sent him servants and maids.

Skillful.

Yuan Ziyou also noted that Princess Jiande had lived in seclusion in the palace since childhood, and that outsiders were too clumsy to take good care of her. Therefore, he specially selected a group of beautiful young concubines and maids from the inner palace to take care of Princess Jiande's daily life.

Gao Yu accepted everything without question.

The plaque above the gate has been changed to "Right Guard General's Residence," highlighting Gao Yu's status as the owner of this courtyard.

He had the clerk lead him around inside, and only then did he realize that the courtyard and mansion he owned was much larger than the Guangping Prince's Mansion, especially the many towering pavilions in the inner courtyard.

This courtyard is located near the palace, and from the pavilion, one can even see into the palace.

No wonder Erzhu Rong and Yuan Ziyou both sent people over; such a large place certainly needs many servants and maids to manage it daily.

"It's these powerful ministers who know how to enjoy life. They overstep their bounds and completely disregard the emperor. This has benefited me."

As Gao Yu descended from the pavilion, he saw his servants rushing over.

"General, the princess's carriage has arrived."

"I see."

Gao Yu nodded.

Isn't Yuan Ziyou being a little too hasty?
Xiao Lie had just been executed, and the seven-day mourning period hadn't even passed yet, yet he couldn't wait to send Princess Jiande to his own residence. But since things had come to this, he could only take it one step at a time for now.

He tidied his appearance slightly and was about to go out when Princess Jiande had already arrived in the inner courtyard.

Another old friend.

When Gao Yu first rode the cart, he met Princess Jiande, Yuan Miao, at the Guangping Prince's Mansion.

Although she was the younger sister of the late Emperor Yuan Xu, the two were only half-sisters. Yuan Miao's birth mother was Empress Gao Ying, the wife of Emperor Xuanwu Yuan Ke. Yuan Miao was born to Empress Gao.

After Emperor Xuanwu died, Empress Dowager Hu, together with General Yu Lie, launched a coup and eliminated Empress Gao and Gao Zhao.

Yuan Miao was raised by Empress Dowager Hu and grew up to adulthood.

The last time I met her, she was just a lively young girl.

If you calculate his age, Yuan Miao is actually not even twenty years old yet, but he has become a little more mature.

"Your subject greets the princess."

Yuan Miao didn't speak, but just stood there looking at him, her brows slightly furrowed, presumably recalling the scene of their first meeting.

Gao Yu suddenly stepped forward, leaned close to him, and teased, "I've heard people say that Princess Jiande is a famous beauty in Luoyang, and the sons of all the nobles and ministers in Luoyang are envious of her..."

"How come you're not as beautiful as you thought you were? You're quite ordinary."

Ok?
Yuan Miao suddenly looked up, her expression slightly surprised.

Countless people have praised her for her beauty, but this is the first time she has heard someone say that she is just average-looking.

very good!

You damn man have caught my attention!

Seeing her expression, Gao Yu couldn't help but laugh out loud. "I was just joking. The princess is beautiful and can be considered a beauty."

Yuan Miao then realized that he had been tricked.

Upon further reflection...

This conversation... why does it feel so familiar?

Ok.

Eight years ago, I had only teased Gao Yu a little.

Eight years later, Gao Yu finally got his chance, right?
Yuan Miao was furious. While thinking it over, she subconsciously reached out and pinched Gao Yu's waist.

hiss.

Even the might of a tyrant cannot withstand this deadly move from a woman.

Yuan Miao then revealed a satisfied smile, "I have also heard that the general is an unparalleled warrior, and seeing him today, I can confirm that he is indeed extraordinary. This pain is nothing compared to the wounds from swords and blades."

"General, surely you won't hold a grudge against a mere woman like me?"

"I don't dare."

Why is she so vengeful, like a little girl? She's nothing like Zheng Dache, the caring older sister who knows everyone.

Gao Yu rubbed his lower back and called over servants and maids to escort Yuan Miao inside and settle him in.

After nightfall.

He originally intended to go to the Prince of Guangping's residence, but then he thought that since the princess had just arrived at his home, there must be many eyes watching.

If at this time he still went to the Prince of Guangping's mansion to meet with Zheng Dache at night.

It seems a bit disrespectful to the Yuan clan, especially since Zheng Dache still holds the title of Princess Consort of Guangping.

Let's keep a low profile.

"I seem to have become a little addicted to alcohol and women lately. Starting today, I will abstain from alcohol!"

Gao Yu originally intended to go to sleep.

But then they heard footsteps outside the door, and then someone pushed the door open and entered. Looking up, they saw that it was Yuan Miao.

"I wonder if the princess has come to visit so late at night? Is there something you wish to discuss?"

Yuan Miao didn't reply, but walked straight to his side, sat on the bed, and suddenly leaned close to him. A faint fragrance wafted over.

"What could I possibly want with me here?"

"This……"

"Isn't His Majesty's intention in sending me to your residence clear enough?"

After saying that, Yuan Miao leaned close to his ear and whispered, "I already asked the Princess Consort. If you wish, I can summon someone to help me change into the princess's ceremonial robes."

Gao Yu's eyes widened.

No.

Why does Zheng Dache tell Yuan Miao everything?

It's incredibly embarrassing to hear such a damn thing from a third party, even if that person is a woman, right?
Seeing Gao Yu's slightly embarrassed expression.

Yuan Miao laughed instead, and then said quietly.

"This is my destiny. You are a good person, just as the princess said. It seems that His Majesty did not lie to me this time. You are indeed a good person worthy of my trust."

Have we really gone this far?

Gao Yu had no reason to hesitate any longer.

She came to me of her own accord.

"Then go and change into the princess's ceremonial robes?"

"I do not!"

"Didn't you just say that?"

"I didn't agree to that."

Hey.

Who gave you permission to speak so arrogantly in bed?
Gao Yu raised his hand and struck hard.

"Would you like to change?"

"I won't trade, even if you kill me!"

"Then may I call myself your subject?"

“I am already yours, my lord. How can you refer to yourself as your subject? It's so distant.”

"Then I'll call you Miao Nu!"

"How dare you! I am a princess! How dare you, a mere Right Guard General, call me a slave?"

"???"

Gao Yu then realized.

Yuan Miao seems to be the kind of person who deliberately says the opposite of what he means.

She deliberately says the opposite of what she wants to do.

very good!

You damn woman, you've caught my attention again!
(End of this chapter)