Gu Chaodong was both puzzled and angry. Looking at Prime Minister Gu, he said, “The imperial examinations are imminent. If I accompanied you into the palace, it would be proper and beneficial to the Gu family. But Fourth Brother—he’s unlearned and unrefined, ignorant of etiquette. If he enters the palace and offends someone, Father, you’d have to clean up after him. Why bring him along?”
Prime Minister Gu glanced at him. “This was the Emperor’s personal request. Your father has no choice in the matter.”
He’d simply had a stroke of extraordinary luck. Gu Chaodong was extremely irritated. Knowing it could no longer be changed, he still couldn’t help complaining.
“Enough. Go back and prepare for the imperial examinations,” Prime Minister Gu sighed. “Your victory is already assured—no need to worry about other matters. There’s currently a vacant Assistant Minister position in the Ministry of Justice. I’ve already arranged for a disciple to take it first. Once you pass the examinations, I’ll speak favorably to the Empress and have the position vacated for you.”
Gu Chaodong’s expression improved considerably. He pressed his lips together and lowered his head. “Thank you, Father.”
“You and Bei’er are different. No need to target him,” Prime Minister Gu said meaningfully. “What’s yours won’t be lacking. What isn’t yours can’t be seized.”
Not fully understanding these words, Gu Chaodong nevertheless nodded. “Yes.”
Once he obtained an official position, he could move out of the Prime Minister’s residence. Then he’d find a way to have Fourth Brother transferred far from the capital or deal with him directly through ruthless means. Yan’er would eventually return to his side.
The plan was foolproof. Gu Chaodong smiled, bowed to Prime Minister Gu, then turned and left the study.
“The Fourth Young Madam truly brings good fortune to her husband. Look—previously Fourth Young Master had no proper bearing, but now he actually goes with her to rescue refugees from prison. If not for this, he wouldn’t have coincidentally saved the Emperor and gained the opportunity to enter the palace.”
“Exactly. But I heard both the Capital Magistrate and Assistant Minister Shen’s official seals were confiscated by the Emperor. Assistant Minister Shen is the Fourth Young Madam’s own father—this puts her in quite a difficult position.”
Listening to this, Gu Chaodong’s regret surged even more turbulently. He should never have married Shen Guiya first. After all, pregnant with his child, she couldn’t escape. He should have wed Yan’er first, then taken Guiya as a concubine—it would have been the same.
Lady Shen had reportedly provoked the Emperor’s wrath. Shen Guiya was her biological daughter, so naturally he now had to avoid association. If the Emperor remembered one day to mete out punishment, it mustn’t ruin his prospects.
“Husband.”
He’d just been thinking about avoiding her when, crossing through the moon gate, he saw Shen Guiya approaching in gaudy attire.
Gu Chaodong frowned. “Lady Bao committed an offense and your father’s official seal was confiscated, yet you still dress so brightly?”
Shen Guiya had learned local techniques today and prepared some pastries for him to try. Not expecting such a cold reception, she immediately became unhappy. “It’s only a confiscated seal. Father-in-law is still here and can intercede. Why should I dress like I’m in mourning?”
Gu Chaodong snorted coldly. “Not a shred of filial piety. Move to the side chamber on the east. Vacate the main room—I’m moving in.”
Shen Guiya’s eyes widened. “I’m still pregnant.”
The side chamber on the east—what difference was there from where the servants lived? Had this man gone mad? She’d done nothing wrong. Why was he suddenly treating her this way?
Gu Chaodong was simply finding an excuse to neglect her, going with the times. Living in the east side chamber wouldn’t cause a miscarriage—what did it have to do with pregnancy?
He said no more, walking past Shen Guiya to give instructions to the servants. Shen Guiya followed him for two steps, then stamped her foot in anger.
This man was too selfish! She’d originally thought to rely on him for her livelihood, but who would have thought he had no feelings at all? He wasn’t even as lovable as Gu Chaobei!
“Miss.” Yushu behind her stepped forward. “Why are you angry again? Didn’t Concubine Guan tell you last time not to keep getting angry and to follow the rules here?”
“What rules should I follow?” Shen Guiya said sullenly. “He’s sending me to a cold courtyard!”
“There must be something Miss hasn’t done well enough.” Yushu said softly. “Let’s go back and think carefully. In this residence, the Eldest Young Master holds up half the sky. No matter how angry you are, you can’t do anything about him.”
Shen Guiya took a deep breath and nodded. “Fine, I’ll listen to you.”
In this ancient era, not only did she lack the glory of other transmigrated women, but she was also suppressed by that Shen Guiyan to the point she couldn’t raise her head. This shouldn’t be happening. She’d been somewhat reckless before—now she’d restrain herself and bide her time. There would eventually come a day for her to shine.
The current Empress Dowager was the Empress’s own maternal aunt but only the Emperor’s adoptive mother. Though the Emperor respected and showed her filial piety, the Empress Dowager always felt the lack of blood ties. Thus she helped the Empress cultivate support among court ministers. Half of all court memorials were sent first to the Eastern Palace. Those who claimed “the hen crows at dawn” were all burned first.
The Emperor wasn’t unaware, but knowing didn’t mean he could do anything about it. Most of the military power in the realm was in the Empress Dowager’s hands. That he could sit securely on this throne was already no easy feat.
Shen Guiyan carefully checked herself for any improprieties while helping Gu Chaobei change clothes.
“When we enter the palace shortly, you mustn’t be too presumptuous. Though you’re the Prime Minister’s son, you hold no official position. If you embarrass Father-in-law, he’ll certainly punish you when we return.”
Gu Chaobei yawned languidly. “Isn’t it just a slightly larger residence with somewhat more prestigious people? Why are you so nervous? The more nervous you are, the more mistakes you’ll make. Better to relax.”
Shen Guiyan took a deep breath and said helplessly, “Your wife also wants to relax, but thinking about meeting the Son of Heaven, your wife simply cannot stay calm.”
“Is the Emperor really so remarkable?” Gu Chaobei raised his eyebrows slightly. “Aren’t we all human?”
“It’s different.” Shen Guiyan fastened his belt. “As Emperor, he governs all under heaven and commands the nine provinces. One person worrying about everyone in the world—not everyone can do this. Naturally he’s worthy of respect.”
Gu Chaobei was slightly stunned, then pressed his lips together. “I thought the Emperor just had three thousand beauties in his harem, eating, drinking, and making merry most happily.”
“Has Husband ever seen your wife wear four golden hairpins?” Shen Guiyan asked with a smile.
“I have.” Gu Chaobei said. “Magnificently gorgeous, very beautiful—pity you only wore them once.”
“That’s because the more gorgeous the jewelry, the heavier it is to wear.” Shen Guiyan reached out to smooth his robes. “Heaven is still relatively fair—however much glory it gives you, that’s how much effort you must expend behind the scenes. So you see the Emperor’s happiness, but you don’t know how much hardship lies behind it.”
Gu Chaobei was stunned. He lowered his eyes and laughed softly. “Why do I feel you’re increasingly taking on the bearing of a scholar lately?”
“Ah, really?” Shen Guiyan said embarrassedly. “Recently I’ve been discussing these things with Scholar Zhou. Without realizing it, I said them to Husband. Knowing Husband doesn’t like to hear it, just pretend you didn’t. Everything’s ready—let’s go early to the gate to wait for Father-in-law.”
“Very well.” Gu Chaobei took her hand and walked toward the door.
Today was the Empress Dowager’s birthday banquet. In the afternoon, people could converse freely in the Imperial Garden. At dusk there would be a feast, and at night there would be song and dance performances—arranged most pleasantly.
Prime Minister Gu instructed Gu Chaobei repeatedly along the way. “Remember not to contradict anyone. If you offend an important person, even your father cannot protect you.”
“Your son understands.” Gu Chaobei was somewhat impatient. These people were truly too long-winded.
Today, Yuwen Changqing’s hundred thousand troops were already stationed outside the capital. He too had come to the palace to offer birthday congratulations. Reportedly, the military command was in the vice general’s hands, and the vice general would act directly on orders.
Act on what orders? Gu Chaobei sneered. This Emperor was really something—his own wife was thinking about helping their son usurp the throne, yet he still wandered outside the palace. Though it gave him the opportunity to enter the palace, wasn’t the Emperor now placing himself in danger?
What a waste that Yan’er still respected him. An emperor who couldn’t even protect himself—what was there to respect?
While criticizing inwardly, he was still helping think of solutions.
Entering the Imperial Garden, court ministers were everywhere with only a few noblewomen. Prime Minister Gu was quickly pulled away by someone. Gu Chaobei then led Shen Guiyan to find a quieter corridor to sit.
“The palace is truly magnificent.” Shen Guiyan couldn’t help sighing. “Jade towers and ornate buildings—truly different from elsewhere.”
“Do you like it?” Gu Chaobei asked.
Shen Guiyan paused. “Everyone likes beautiful things, but if something isn’t mine, your wife won’t covet it.”
“Really…” Gu Chaobei couldn’t help laughing softly. He’d truly married an incredibly upright wife.
“General Yuwen, there are fewer people this way. Please, this way.” Someone in official robes obsequiously led people over. Gu Chaobei turned his head, saw him, and acted as if he hadn’t seen anything. His gaze drifted away to look at the scenery instead.