Dad, don't be greedy! My brother climbed into the emperor's bed, and I became famous overn

Upon hearing this, the expressions of the people in the room all changed slightly.

The brother and sister exchanged a quick glance.

In this Kyoto area, apart from the Prince of Qi occasionally passing by with his subordinates from the Censorate, no one else dared to bring troops to block the door of their Pujitang.

Gu Mingli frowned slightly and tossed the handkerchief in his hand onto the table.

Who dares to cause trouble for his sister? He'll make sure that person regrets it!

He asked in a deep voice, "Did you see the military flag? Whose troops are they?"

"It's...it's the army of General Liu from the Western Frontier, bearing the banner with the character 'Liu' on it!"

"What?!" Gu Mingli was truly confused now.

"Consort Liu? She was ordered to return to the capital. Why isn't she going to the palace to pay her respects to the Emperor? What is she doing here with her troops?"

Gu Mingyue rested her chin on her hand and pondered for a moment before turning her gaze to Pei Yu beside her.

"Perhaps... they've come to see Pei Yu?"

Upon hearing this, Pei Yu's eyes lit up, and he nodded repeatedly, proudly straightening his official robes.

"Yes, yes, yes! Very likely! His Majesty ordered General Liu to lead his troops back to the capital, specifically to oversee the land surveying work for the Tax Bureau. He must be here to hand over the defense duties to me!"

"Oh, I see."

Gu Mingli raised his hand and wiped the thin layer of sweat that had just appeared on his forehead from being near the stove with the back of his hand, and breathed a slight sigh of relief.

"Then you'd better hurry back to your tax office."

Just as the people inside had sorted out their thoughts and were preparing to leave, a series of rapid hoofbeats came from outside the gate.

The group was taken aback and all looked towards the door.

Wait a minute, the tax office is across the street, so why is the Liu family army in front of Pujitang?

Gu Mingyue was the first to step out of the room and look up.

Outside the gate of the salt-making workshop, a troop of imposing cavalrymen stood at the entrance.

The military flag bearing the character "柳" (Liu) is fluttering in the wind.

A dashing woman in a red outfit leaped nimbly from the lead, tall, chestnut-red horse.

Liu Liuliu held the riding whip, her hands behind her back, and coldly raised her eyes to scan the entire courtyard.

His entire being exuded an aura of grim determination, as if he had spent years navigating the world of swords and shadows.

Judging from their demeanor, they've come with ill intentions.

The workshop workers in the courtyard gathered at the door, their usual gentle expressions gone, and their eyes becoming alert.

However, Liu Liuliu didn't even glance at the men and walked straight toward the group of people standing at the courtyard gate.

Pei Yu stood in front of the door, politely cupping his hands to Liu Liuliu, but did not go out to greet her.

"General Liu, I have long admired your name."

Gu Mingli watched quietly, then pulled Gu Mingyue behind him.

"elder brother?"

Gu Mingyue originally wanted to see what kind of person this Consort Liu was.

Could she be a vicious shrew, as rumored?

Before she could even see the person clearly, her brother blocked her way.

Looking at Liu Liuliu's arrogant demeanor, Gu Mingli didn't think she was there to meet with the tax authorities on official business; it seemed more like she was there to cause trouble and disrupt things.

He frowned slightly and whispered to his sister, "The visitors are not friendly."

After saying that, he turned around and winked at Yi Wu and Yi Shi.

Two shadow guards instantly stood beside Gu Mingyue.

Gu Mingyue didn't feel it was a provocation.

Because Liu Liuliu had absolutely no reason to come here to cause trouble.

Unable to contain her curiosity, she could only peek out from above her brother's shoulder, her big eyes peering out.

Liu Liuliu completely ignored Pei Yu and strode forward, followed closely by two adjutants with their hands on the hilts of their swords.

I stopped five steps from the door.

She slightly raised her chin, scrutinizing the young man in a neat blue official robe standing in front of the door.

The man was tall and slender, and the sunlight slanted in from the side, casting a soft, light golden halo on his fair and refined face.

Liu Liuliu's long eyelashes trembled slightly.

He has a good physique, handsome features, and is wearing a civil official's robe...

Could this be the legendary "most handsome man in the Great Yong Dynasty," Gu Mingli?!

Pei Yu felt uneasy under Liu Liuliu's blatant gaze, which seemed to want to see right through his clothes.

He quickly turned his head away, his ears turning red, and raised his hand to cover his chest.

Liu Liuliu was not satisfied. Her empty gaze shifted to the side and landed on another person.

With just that one glance, Liu Liuliu's heart skipped a beat, and her expression instantly turned serious.

The man beside him, dressed in a moon-white brocade robe, possessed an even more refined and ethereal air, like a banished immortal.

That was the majesty and composure of someone who had long held a high position and had everything under control.

Most importantly, he had a token from the Censorate hanging from his waist.

Those are items that only His Majesty and Prince Qi possess!

Is it...

Liu Liuliu quickly calculated in her mind.

It is said that his adoptive father wrote that recently His Majesty has been obsessed with traveling incognito and often stays close to Gu Mingli outside the palace.

The man in the blue official robe, so refined and handsome, is undoubtedly Gu Mingli.

The man next to him, dressed in casual clothes, exuded a powerful aura, looking down upon the world...

It must be Xiao Ye!

In fact, Liu Liuliu had almost forgotten Xiao Ye's voice.

There was already little interaction within the palace.

After entering the military camp, the two communicated more through secret letters, so she really couldn't recognize the emperor right now.

Liu Liuli gripped the hilt of her sword tightly, her expression cold and silent.

But I felt a little uneasy.

Oh my god, the Emperor is actually on a clandestine visit with Gu Mingli in this shabby little workshop?!

Was I a little too arrogant when I dismounted just now?!

Oh well, never mind, I'd better go and say hello first.

Liu Liuli quickly reined in her earlier carefree attitude.

Stand properly, clasp your hands in greeting and bow.

"Your subject Liu Liuliu greets Your Majesty."

Gu Mingli: "..."

Gu Mingyue: "..."

Pei Yu: "???"

The courtyard fell silent instantly.

All eyes turned to Lord Gu.

Gu Mingli's mind raced.

Who?

me?

No, how could a general like you mistake His Majesty? Are your eyesight bad?

"No, son..."

He was about to explain when he heard Liu Liuliu speak again.

"Your Majesty has ordered me to come and coordinate with the tax authorities. I've heard that a new trading company called Pujitang has opened in the capital and is doing very well. I'm curious to come and take a look. Also..."

"I've heard that His Majesty has recently gained a favorite."

After saying this, Liu Liuliu squinted at Pei Yu beside her.

"You're Gu Mingli?"

"ha???"

Pei Yu stared wide-eyed in disbelief. He had become her idol?

"Is...this okay?"

Pei Yu glanced at Gu Mingli beside him. Could he become the second Gu Mingli?

"that……"

Gu Mingli covered his mouth and coughed lightly, suppressing a laugh as he raised his hand to signal Pei Yu to be quiet.

"General Liu, you might..."

"Your Majesty, there's no need for explanation!"

Liu Liuliu interrupted him again.

"I understand! I have no interest in Your Majesty's affair with Lord Gu."

"But I found it rather strange that I heard that two of the imperial concubines in the harem were deposed because of Lord Gu."

"Just what kind of person could dominate the harem?"

"I have heard that Lord Gu is proficient in all six arts, and now that I have met him, I would like to learn from him. Your Majesty will not be reluctant to let me go, will you?"

Pei Yu's expression completely cracked.

Gu Mingli was also speechless.

Holy crap! What do you mean by "dominating the harem"? What do you mean by "having something with His Majesty"? Liu Liu, you're spreading rumors as soon as you return to the capital!

"willow……"

"His Majesty!"

Gu Mingli was about to retort when Liu Liuliu spoke first.

"Isn't Lord Gu the foremost scholar of the Great Yong Dynasty?"

Liu Liu stared at Pei Yu, her tone clearly provocative.

"Could it be that he's all show and no substance, relying solely on his looks, which is why he doesn't dare accept the challenge?"

"Holy crap..."

Gu Mingli gritted his teeth, "A scholar can be killed but not humiliated!"

He was starting to doubt Xiao Ye's judgment in choosing people.

How did someone as cold-eyed and foolish as Liu Liuliu become a border general?

Do you rely on a single-celled brain?

Gu Mingyue stood behind her brother, covering her mouth with her sleeve and chuckling, her shoulders shaking violently.

This Consort Liu seems a bit silly.

Pei Yu was also angered when she heard Liu Liuliu insult her idol.

"Fine, let's compete! Tell me, what are we competing in?"