0p0 Chapter 358 A Joyful Gathering in Qilan Palace
Chapter 358 A Joyful Gathering in Qilan Palace
After sitting comfortably in her chair, having eaten and drunk her fill, Zhao Xuan looked around and saw that everyone else, like herself, had regained some energy.
Zhao Xuan gave Gu Zhanghua a wink, and Gu Zhanghua knew that Zhao Xuan wanted to talk to his mother about the Rongdi King's marriage beforehand, so he nodded in agreement.
Clearing her throat, Zhao Xuan was about to speak when her mother-in-law immediately looked over with concern.
"Your throat feels uncomfortable? Should I call the imperial physician to take a look? You seem to have some internal heat."
Sigh! As long as Gu Zhanghua is safe and sound, she is truly a kind-hearted mother-in-law.
Zhao Xuan returned Xiao Aiyue's sincere smile.
"Thank you for your concern, Mother. I'm fine. The marriage I'd like your help with is related to the Rongdi King..."
"Xiao Wu! Xuan'er!"
Zhao Xuan had just started speaking when she heard Gu Li's shout. With the shout, Gu Li hurriedly entered the main hall.
Gu Zhanghua, Zhao Xuan, and the others hurriedly stood up and bowed to Gu Li.
Gu Li waved his hand to make everyone rise, then took Gu Zhanghua's hand in one hand and Zhao Xuan's hand in the other, carefully examining them before glancing at Xiao Aiyue.
While the children were eating, drinking, and resting, Xiao Aiyue had already washed her face and redone her makeup.
Her face was flushed with happiness, and her eyes were bright and clear; there was not a trace of tears on her face.
Seeing Gu Li looking at her, Xiao Aiyue gracefully stepped forward, took Gu Li's arm, and lied without leaving a trace.
"Your Majesty, I didn't cry. I'm overjoyed to see the children return safely!"
Gu Li nodded with satisfaction.
None of the younger generation dared to look at Xiao Aiyue, fearing that they would give themselves away and ruin Consort Shu's "good deed." They all lowered their heads and examined the backs of their feet.
Gu Li sat down at the head of the table with Xiao Aiyue, and then invited everyone else to sit down as well.
However, the three ghosts of Guigu Sect and Xue Lianxin did not sit down, but stood properly behind Little Fairy Doctor.
Gu Li had no recollection of the four conspicuous people.
"You and your companions went to the Northern Frontier, how come there are so many more people? Quickly introduce them to me!"
The Fairy Doctor walked gracefully to Gu Li, curtsied, and then spoke softly:
"Your Majesty, they are Lady Xue, one of the three ghosts of the Ghost Valley Sect and the three swordsmen of the Iron Sword Manor. They once assisted me in treating wounded soldiers in the Northern Army. I was fortunate to meet them. I saw that they treated the wounded soldiers with care and gentleness, and were also diligent and eager to learn, so I have now taken them as my disciples."
Gu Li could not hide her joy.
"Congratulations, Little Fairy Doctor! You've taken on four disciples at once!"
Little Fairy Doctor smiled, pursing her lips.
"Your Majesty is right. My medical skills need to be passed down so that I can save more patients."
Gu Li nodded slightly.
But thinking of Gu Jingfeng, who had once gone to great lengths to become Little Fairy Doctor's apprentice and was now half-hearted, Gu Li couldn't help but let out a long sigh.
He, as a father, is making a fool of himself!
"It's that boy Jingfeng... I'm still confining him to the manor. I'm afraid he's not cut out for medicine..."
"Let things take their course."
Little Fairy Doctor said something indifferently, then walked back to her seat and sat down.
Gu Zhanghua looked at Gu Li and asked anxiously.
"Third Brother has been grounded again?"
In fact, Gu Zhanghua had long been accustomed to his third brother being confined to his quarters by their father since childhood, but he was curious about the reasons for the confinement, which must have been quite bizarre.
Gu Li snorted coldly.
"He insists on going to the Northern Frontier with you. Wouldn't he just be causing trouble? In a fit of anger, I'm telling him to stay in the mansion and not go anywhere!"
"Well done!"
Gu Zhanghua blurted it out, but then felt that saying it might seem like he was stabbing his third brother in the back, so he quickly tried to backtrack.
"Your Majesty, I mean that this journey to the northern border is a long one, and it's a good thing that Third Brother is willing to share Father's burdens. I'm just afraid that his health may not be able to handle it..."
"Forget it, let's not talk about him anymore," Gu Li waved his hand. "What were you all talking about when I first arrived?"
Zhao Xuan quickly and cautiously answered.
"Father, it is the Rongdi King who requested a marriage alliance. I would like to discuss this with Mother first and see if she has any good suggestions."
“I have read Qin Shao’s memorial. It is correct that you agreed to the marriage alliance with the Rongdi King. However, this is a double-edged sword. A suitable candidate can enhance the relationship between Xia and the Rongdi tribes, while an unsuitable one can cause trouble.”
Gu Li said solemnly.
“Your subject understands,” Zhao Xuan said with a bitter expression. “I beg Your Majesty for guidance.”
Gu Li pondered for a moment, then turned to look at Xiao Aiyue sitting beside him.
"Consort Shu, you know the women of the various households in the city very well. Help the children think about it and make a list. Then, first, try to find out if there are any noble ladies who are willing to arrange a marriage. This is the first step. Let's get this done first. This matter cannot be rushed."
Xiao Aiyue quickly got up and curtsied.
"Your Majesty's decree will be obeyed."
Seeing that his mother readily agreed, Gu Zhanghua didn't forget to give Xiao Aiyue an encouraging look.
"Mother! It's all up to you! We've made a promise to the Rongdi King that we'll definitely find him a good woman."
Xiao Aiyue winked excitedly at Gu Zhanghua.
The mother and son understood each other perfectly, and Gu Zhanghua instantly grasped his mother's meaning.
Great, work's here! Watch me, I'm busy again!
However, Xiao Aiyue's words were very measured and left room for maneuver.
"Alright! After you finish your work in the next couple of days, tell your mother what kind of person this Rongdi King is, so that your mother can find him a suitable girl!"
Given that Consort Shu is able to take on this matter so easily, and considering her mother-in-law's energetic and restless nature, it seems like the matter is almost certain to succeed.
Zhao Xuan's heart, which had been hanging in suspense, finally settled back into her stomach.
With the marriage arrangement concluded, Gu Zhanghua hurriedly inquired about his beloved second brother.
"Father, I heard from Eunuch Han that Second Brother hasn't returned yet? Is it difficult for them to negotiate peace?"
When asked about this, Gu Li shook his head dismissively.
"The peace talks with Yue have made some progress, but the Yue emperor is very unwilling. The Song navy's surprise attack has completely disrupted his plans, but what can he do even if he is unwilling?"
His alliance with the Rongdi tribes had long since crumbled, while the Xia-Song alliance remained as solid as a rock and as impregnable as a fortress. Besides, we no longer need to worry about the northern border. If he dares to act recklessly again, we'll just give him a good beating!
As he spoke, Gu Li raised his fist and swung it hard.
Everyone laughed when they heard this.
The atmosphere became very harmonious for a moment.
Although Qin Shao's memorials and secret letters were very detailed, Gu Li still listened patiently to Gu Zhanghua recount what happened during his trip to the northern border.
When Gu Zhanghua mentioned that Shishu was seriously injured while protecting him, Gu Li looked at Shishu, who was standing quietly behind Gu Zhanghua with her head down and was shy, and waved to her.
"Shishu, come here."
Shi Shu walked up to Gu Li and was about to kneel down when Gu Li raised his hand to support Shi Shu's arm, pulled her closer to him, and examined her carefully.
"Good child, you were seriously injured while saving Hua'er, are you all healed?"
"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. Everything is fine now..."
"Tell me what reward you desire!"
"No, no! I... don't want anything..."
Shi Shu was somewhat flattered and looked apprehensive.
Zhao Xuan smiled and came to Shi Shu's rescue.
"Father, if you wish to reward him, please grant him a marriage!"
Gu Li asked in confusion, "An arranged marriage? To whom?"
Shi Shu hurriedly waved her hand, her face flushed red, looking embarrassed and unable to speak, which caused everyone to burst into laughter.