newbobooks Chapter 458 You knew all along that Duan Qingye had concubines and children, didn't you?
Chapter 458 You knew all along that Duan Qingye had concubines and children, didn't you?
Chu Ruohan was indignant on behalf of Princess Anyang at the moment, and had no mind to pay attention to him. She just glanced at him coldly and didn't say anything.
Seeing this, Gu Junze became even more uneasy.
He knew his wife was speaking up for his mother, but judging from her expression, she clearly also had a problem with him.
Seeing that the atmosphere was a bit tense, Yun-ge'er carefully tugged at Chu Ruohan's sleeve.
"Mother, don't be angry. My brother said he will never marry that princess. No matter how powerful the Grand General is, he will not compromise."
Chu Ruohan gently stroked her son's head, her voice softening slightly: "Yun'er, your brother did the right thing. The character of a daughter from that kind of family is obvious; she should never be married."
"Han'er," Gu Junze called softly.
Chu Ruohan still ignored him, only lowering her head to tease Yun-ge in her arms.
Gu Junze's eyes grew even colder, and his disgust for Duan Qingye intensified.
This man not only killed his mother, but now he's also affecting his relationship with Han'er.
Song Ruyan noticed that the atmosphere in the carriage was a bit awkward, so she quickly changed the subject.
"Young Madam, let's not keep that hairpin. I'll have someone look for it elsewhere later; we're sure to find a prettier one."
Chu Ruohan nodded: "That's fine, it's unlucky to wear things bought from those kinds of places."
Yun-ge'er immediately chimed in, "Mother, I know a better jewelry shop. Their items are made by court artisans and are much better than the one we just went to."
"Then let's go take a look another day." Chu Ruohan forced a smile.
The carriage continued its journey, and a brief silence fell inside.
Upon arriving at the post station, Chu Ruohan instructed the servants to take the children to rest, while she followed Gu Junze into the house and closed the door.
The door closed softly, shutting out the noise from outside. Chu Ruohan, her back to Gu Junze, spoke in a somewhat cold voice: "You knew all along that Duan Qingye had concubines and children, didn't you?"
Gu Junze stood by the door, watching his wife's tense back, and nodded after a moment of silence: "Yes."
She was right after all; that's why Gu Junze acted so decisively and recklessly, making Song Ruyan slap him.
"What do you want to do?"
Gu Junze gently put his arm around Chu Ruohan's shoulder, helped her sit down in the chair, and explained in a gentle voice.
"Han'er, you're overthinking it. I won't do anything, and I never intended to acknowledge him. Today was just an accident."
Chu Ruohan's brows remained furrowed as she turned to look at him: "Judging from the princess's attitude today, she must know our identities. Since she knows, how could she possibly let it go so easily?"
Gu Junze chuckled, a hint of mockery flashing in his eyes: "His concubine can't sit still so quickly."
Chu Ruohan looked at him in confusion: "What do you mean?"
Gu Junze sat down opposite her and slowly said, "I had Yingyi investigate. The person in charge of the household affairs in Duan Qingye's mansion is Xiao Zhoushi, who is a cousin of Duan Qingye's maternal grandparents."
"Back then, it was Duan Qingye's mother who arranged for her to marry him as a concubine."
"All three children in the mansion were born from her womb."
Upon hearing this, Chu Ruohan's eyes flashed: "It seems that this young Mrs. Zhou is quite capable."
“Indeed.” Gu Junze nodded. “Over the years, none of the other women in the mansion have ever gotten pregnant. And since Madam Zhou is in charge of the household affairs, even if she is a concubine, she is no different from the mistress of the house.”
Chu Ruohan nodded thoughtfully: "She knows your identity and is afraid that you will come back to acknowledge your ancestors and compete with them for the family property."
Gu Junze reached out and grasped her hand. "The reason that princess was so arrogant today is clearly because someone was behind it. Madam Zhou wanted to test our strength."
"I never intended to hide anything. Now that I've come to Zheng, my identity will be exposed sooner or later."
"But wouldn't that make Madam Zhou even more uneasy?" Chu Ruohan said worriedly. "Won't she do something drastic?"
A cold glint flashed in Gu Junze's eyes: "If she knows what's good for her, then all will be well. If she doesn't, then don't blame me for being impolite."
As evening approached, the sound of horses' hooves could be heard outside the post station.
Chu Ruohan was tidying up her clothes in her room when she heard an announcement coming from outside.
"Your Excellency, someone from the palace has arrived."
Gu Junze got up and walked outside. He saw a palace eunuch standing respectfully in the courtyard, followed by several guards.
"This servant greets Lord Gu." The eunuch stepped forward and bowed. "His Majesty has decreed that Lord Gu, along with his wife and son, be invited to a banquet at the palace tonight."
Gu Junze nodded: "Thank you for your trouble, Father-in-law. We'll get ready right away."
The eunuch smiled and said, "No rush, no rush. His Majesty said that you should take your time to prepare. The palace has already prepared carriages waiting outside."
Hearing the commotion, Chu Ruohan quickly came out. Seeing the people from the palace, she understood what was going on.
"His Majesty has invited us to a banquet in the palace," Gu Junze said, turning to her.
Chu Ruohan nodded slightly, but felt a little worried.
What happened on the street today has probably already reached the palace.
Gu Junze squeezed her hand, signaling her to relax.
After a quick tidying up, the group followed the eunuch out of the post station. Chu Ruohan, worried, took the children with her.
Sure enough, the palace carriage was already waiting outside, its body ornate and its decorations exquisite.
Chu Ruohan held Xiao Qingchen in her arms, with Yun Ge'er following closely beside her, while Gu Junze carried Xuan Ge'er. The family boarded the carriage.
Song Ruyan wanted to follow, but was stopped by the eunuch.
"Young lady, His Majesty only invited Lord Gu's family, please forgive him."
Song Ruyan was somewhat unwilling, but she had no choice but to give up.
Chu Ruohan said to her, "Wait for us to come back at the post station."
The carriage stopped in front of the palace gate, and the eunuchs respectfully invited them to get out.
Along the way, the palace buildings were magnificent and even more imposing than the Eastern Jin Dynasty palace.
"His Majesty is hosting a banquet in Chengming Hall. Please follow me." The eunuch led the way.
The Chengming Hall was brightly lit, and several exquisite tables were set up with various dishes. Zheng Lin, dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe, sat in the main seat.
"Gu Junze, the envoy from the Eastern Jin Dynasty, along with his wife and children, pays homage to Emperor Zheng." Gu Junze stepped forward and bowed.
Chu Ruohan, holding Xuan Ge'er, also bowed.
Yun-ge'er knelt down respectfully and kowtowed: "Your subject greets Your Majesty."
"No need to be formal."
"Thank you, Emperor Zheng." Everyone stood up.
The eunuch led them to the designated location.
Chu Ruohan sat down holding Xiao Qingchen, while Yun Ge'er snuggled close to her, his little hand tugging at her sleeve.
Seeing this, Zheng Lin frowned slightly: "Huainan, go and sit in your seat."
Upon hearing this, Yun-ge'er's face tightened, and he shook his head.
"Huainan." Zheng Lin's voice carried a hint of authority.
Yun-ge'er still shook his head, his little hands tightly gripping Chu Ruohan's sleeve, looking like he would never let go.
Zheng Lin watched this scene, a hint of helplessness flashing in his eyes. He said to the eunuch beside him, "Go, put the two tables together."
"Yes, Your Majesty." The eunuch quickly complied.
Soon, the two tables were put together, and the space instantly became much more spacious.
Yun-ge breathed a sigh of relief and continued to sit close to Chu Ruohan.
Looking at Yun-ge'er's appearance, Zheng Lin felt a mix of emotions. How could this child be so deeply attached to Chu Ruohan?