bayedsolid Chapter 386 Discussing the Gathering of Several Countries
Chapter 386 Discussing the Gathering of Several Countries
Dongfang Jin...
Dad, you've agreed to this?
The Duke of Zhenguo's expression was inscrutable, a meaningful smile playing on his lips. He said, "Girl, if you go to my residence, what will happen to His Majesty..."
He paused slightly, a barely perceptible hint of worry flashing in his eyes.
Dongfang Jin looked puzzled, blinked, and blurted out, "What does this have to do with him?"
Does she have to report to her cousin, the emperor, where she goes?
Upon seeing this, Cang Nanxi couldn't help but sigh inwardly, his brows furrowing slightly as he thought about his daughter.
This child disappeared at a young age and lived in a farming family, so he probably knows nothing about the treacherous intrigues of the imperial court.
Furthermore, there's Yuan'er's Lingyun Pavilion; all the business there is funded by this child.
This daughter probably has no idea about the delicate situation Lingyun Pavilion is in the court, or the complex interests involved.
Lingyun Pavilion is now feared by all four major forces in the martial arts world.
Cang Nanxi hesitated for a moment, then waved his hand and said in a deep voice, "Let's talk about this after Xiao Xuan gets married."
As he finished speaking, a look of worry for the girl unconsciously appeared in his eyes. He looked up in the direction of the palace, his expression solemn.
My daughter is so lucky to be a girl; if she were a boy...
The Duke of Zhenguo looked at the group and said, "That's fine, but..."
Cang Nanxi glanced at the Duke of Zhenguo. He understood perfectly what the Duke of Zhenguo meant by "but".
The imperial family is the most ruthless. As a prince, Cang Nanxi may seem to be incomparably noble, but in reality, he is restricted in every way.
In the imperial court, his every word and action could be seized upon by his political enemies, and the slightest misstep could lead to utter ruin.
Every time I discussed matters with the emperor's nephew, although I didn't have to be careful to read between the lines, I was still afraid that I might say something that would offend the emperor.
Those kinship ties that should be thicker than blood have long been distorted in the vortex of power.
Rewards and honors are merely reins in the emperor's hands; any disobedience will result in their ruthless tightening.
This is also why he refused the position of regent in the first place.
Even so, he could not raise his children as he pleased.
To avoid suspicion, a child's studies and future must be carefully planned without appearing too deliberate.
Even wanting to visit his long-lost daughter, he had to give up his power. How many people know the helplessness and heartache he felt?
The Duke of Zhenguo's eyes lit up, and he leaned forward slightly, pressing for an answer: "So, you disappeared for the past six months after relinquishing power because you went to Lingwu Village to see your daughter?"
Cang Nanxi nodded again, then picked up the teapot and skillfully poured a cup of tea for the Duke of Zhenguo.
He said slowly, "I went with Yuan'er and my wife. The Empress has been with us for the past six months as well."
The Duke of Zhenguo nodded slightly, a hint of concern in his expression, and asked, "Is Yun'er alright?"
Dongfang Yuan's face was filled with a warm smile, and her eyes narrowed into crescent moons.
She gently patted Dongfang Jin beside her and said with a smile, "I'm fine. Little Jin'er has been taking care of me all this time. I can eat and sleep well."
Sometimes, I even go to the vineyard to do some work and stretch my muscles. His words were full of satisfaction and pride.
The Duke of Zhenguo nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping across everyone's faces before finally settling on Cang Nanxi and his wife.
He asked, "Did you come back from the young prince's wedding?" As he spoke, he picked up his teacup, took a sip, and his eyes showed concern.
Cang Nanxi nodded, a slight smile playing on his lips, a hint of parental relief in his eyes: "Yes, now that our son is married, we can finally relax."
"You know about the eldest son's situation. We also plan to hold a grand wedding for this child, to make the manor more lively."
The Duke of Zhenguo put down his teacup, a smile appearing on his face. He teased, "You have no idea how many families' daughters will be heartbroken when your little prince gets married." As he spoke, he gently shook his head.
This guy is ruthless. He had two sons, and to avoid arousing the emperor's suspicion, he married a male wife to his son, who was a perfectly good heir.
This time it was the youngest son's turn, and he again did not marry the daughter of any powerful or wealthy family in the capital.
If His Majesty is still not at ease with him after he has done all this, then... I'm afraid no one would be able to stand by and watch.
Dongfang Yuan smiled and waved her hand gently, saying, "As long as the children are happy, that's all that matters." Her eyes were full of respect for her children's freedom of choice.
This is why her husband initially refused the position of regent in front of the court officials, and later exchanged it with the emperor's nephew for the freedom of their children to marry.
The Duke of Zhenguo knew about this, but he didn't want to continue the conversation.
She then looked at Gu Chenglin with a hint of expectation in her eyes, leaning forward slightly: "Since you're in Beijing this time, do you want to acknowledge your ancestors?"
It must be said that this generation of children from the Rongguo Duke's Mansion are all outstanding. Although they have all suffered some setbacks, they have not fallen into despair as others had hoped.
I heard that Duke Ningguo, Hua Yutang, has contracted a strange illness, and now he looks older and thinner than his father.
According to Master Jingkong and Chuxiong, his body's vitality is slowly disappearing for some reason.
Even after drinking the "divine water" from His Majesty's hand, it had no effect whatsoever.
Gu Chenglin gently shook his head, his expression calm and his tone gentle: "Let nature take its course." His face was undisturbed, as if he had already let go of everything.
The Duke of Zhenguo sighed softly and said earnestly, "Your elder brother is doing well; he's become much more cheerful lately."
As for your father, well, don't worry about him. Just focus on living your own lives well." As she spoke, she raised her hand and patted Gu Chenglin on the shoulder.
Gu Chenglin nodded silently, a hint of gratitude flashing in his eyes.
Dongfang Yuan turned to the maid behind her and softly instructed, "Dai'an, go and see if Her Majesty the Empress has gotten up yet." Her expression revealed the composure and dignity of a mistress.
Dai An curtsied and said in a clear voice, "Yes." Then he withdrew.
The Duke of Zhenguo frowned slightly and asked with a hint of doubt, "Has Yun'er not returned to the palace?"
Cang Nanxi answered unhurriedly, "Yuan'er came to the manor last night and said that she would stay at the Prince's manor first." As he spoke, he gently straightened his sleeves.
The Duke of Zhenguo nodded slightly, his expression grave: "That's good, it'll keep your residence quiet. Things have been a bit unsettled in the capital lately."
Upon hearing this, Cang Nanxi's expression hardened, and he sat up straight, asking, "Which countries are they from?" His eyes revealed vigilance.
The Duke of Zhenguo looked serious, narrowed his eyes slightly, and analyzed: "The southern countries are for the multi-season rice in the six southern states."
The west, north, and east all came for wheat, corn, and potatoes.
People from the Western Regions have also come this time, saying they're here for the imperial vineyards and will all arrive in the capital before the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Dongfang Yuan frowned, her face showing worry: "It seems that Xiao Xuan's wedding day will not be peaceful."
She knew that the reason those people were so restless after her son's marriage, and their pursuit of the high-yield grains, was just a pretext.
The Duke of Zhenguo waved his hand, his expression calm, and reassured them, "Don't worry, they probably won't cause too much trouble this time, after all, they need our help."
People from various factions in the martial arts world will also join them, but unless one of them is a fool, they won't cause trouble.
As he spoke, he confidently raised his chin slightly.
Dongfang Jin listened from the side, realizing that this trip to the capital wouldn't be peaceful. [Ruyi, go see where Taxue is.]
Okay, knowing yourself and your enemy is the key to victory in every battle.
Yes, it's a good time to see those hidden parasites; this time, they'll all definitely surface.
There are people who trek through the snow; we need to know their daily movements so we can be prepared.
When I delivered corn seeds to my cousin last time, Ta Xue mentioned that it had led Long Yi and the others to search for hidden gold and silver in the capital.
According to Taxue, the gold, silver and jewels were hidden in all sorts of places.
Some of those people hid their money under roof tiles, under the kitchen stove...