Mr. Gu was stimulated and proud at the same time.
The son seemed to be more capable than him, and he was a little embarrassed.
But the son is so capable, how can he not be proud as an old man.
He looked at Gu Teng, and he didn't expect that Gu Teng, who always only knew how to bury his head in his books, had done so much work in private.
"It's too late, you go back to rest first. I will carefully consider what you said."
"Thank you father!"
Gu Teng bowed to leave and returned to the courtyard where he lived.
Hearing Gu Ting's commotion from the courtyard next door, he smiled, picked up a book, and opened the pages to read.
The next day, the matchmakers in the capital were still very busy, rushing around to say goodbye.
Mr. Gu was a little uncertain, and wanted to wait until the princes finished choosing their wives before considering Gu Cheng's marriage.
At the same time, he also sent people out to inquire about the Minister of Rites.
If it is true as Gu Teng said, it is not impossible to form this marriage.
When the matchmaker came to the door yesterday, he didn't forcefully refuse, he only said that he would consider it.
…
In the palace, the empress was lying on the hospital bed, gasping like gossamer.
Imperial Physician Wang and the imperial hospital were working together to administer medicine to the empress.
The tiger-wolf medicine, accompanied by the needling, is always excruciatingly painful.
The empress was biting the towel, sweating coldly.
In order to live a few more days, she also tried her best.
After finishing the acupuncture, the imperial physicians withdrew.
The maid stepped forward to wipe the empress's body, changed the sweat-soaked clothes, and changed the bedding again.
The queen gained some strength and said, "Help me sit up."
The palace maid hurried forward and helped Empress Cui to sit on the head of the bed.
The Empress took a deep breath and asked, "What's going on outside now?"
The maids hesitated for a moment before saying, "The emperor's grandchildren haven't entered the palace yet."
The Empress smiled contemptuously, "Your Majesty has set the time for the sunset, and the emperor's grandchildren will not submit the list honestly until the last moment."
"Your Majesty said so."
"If the son Zhao enters the palace, remember to remind me."
"The servant understands."
The servant came in from the outside, "Qi Madam, the crown prince has come."
"Let him in."
After a while, His Royal Highness was invited into the bedroom.
"Son, please greet the mother! The mother's complexion looks better."
The empress laughed at herself, "It's just holding on, sitting here and talking."
The queen pointed to the round stool beside the bed.
His Royal Highness sat down respectfully, "Is your mother feeling better today?"
The empress nodded and looked at His Royal Highness with a smile: "You came here today for the children's marriage?"
"Exactly! This is the list discussed by the son and the officials. Please look at the queen mother."
His Royal Highness was in his early forties, and he respectfully presented the list with both hands.
The Empress took a look at the list, and frowned slightly, "Who came up with this idea?"
His Royal Highness was flustered for a moment, "Is the queen mother not satisfied?"
The empress smiled sarcastically and asked, "Is it your idea, or the idea of the officials?"
The prince bowed his head, feeling a little guilty, "It's my son's idea."
"fart!"
The empress cursed directly, which shocked the prince so much that he didn't even know what to say.
The queen's face was serious, "I don't know what kind of temperament you are. This list was clearly drawn up by the officials. Why do you take the responsibility for those people? They have their salaries, but they are not willing to be loyal to the emperor." , all of them have impure thoughts, what do you keep for such a person?"
"Mother!" His Highness the Crown Prince was a little embarrassed.
The empress stared at him, stretched out her hand, and the maid understood, and put a brush in the empress's hand.
The empress picked up the pen, and with two big crosses, the names on the list were crossed out.
The list was dirty, but Pei Yun's name could be vaguely seen.
"I don't know what it means to marry Pei Yun as your daughter-in-law, do you think your father has no excuse to deal with you?"
"son… "
The prince was speechless.
The empress directly threw the brush on the ground. If she hadn't cared about the prince's face, she would definitely have thrown the brush at the prince's body.
"Now is an extraordinary period. You can contact Lu Hou in private, but you must not have any contact with anyone in the public. No one can marry Lu Hou's daughter. This is the meaning of this palace, and it is also the meaning of your father. "
"Who else can Marquis Lu's daughter marry?"
"Naturally, marry Xungui."
After finishing speaking, the empress said two names, among them was the girl from Duke Zhu's mansion.
His Royal Highness is suspicious.
The Empress said: "The Luhou Mansion is likely to marry the Duke Zhu's Mansion, marrying a girl from the Zhu State Duke's Mansion, not only can your father pass the test, but also indirectly have a relationship with the Luhou Mansion. In the future, don't do things. So direct, you have to learn to be roundabout."
"Thank you for your mother's teaching, my son understands."
The empress sighed, and then said: "The officials of the East Palace should also be cleaned up."
"Mother!" The prince yelled, apparently unable to accept it.
The empress turned her head to hide the disappointment in her eyes. She stretched out her hand, and the palace man put a document on her hand.
Then, she unceremoniously threw the bound materials directly on the face of His Highness the Crown Prince, "Look carefully, what kind of nonsense things have been done by your officials in the East Palace. This kind of person who is not as good as a pig and a dog, you What are you still doing?"
His Royal Highness the Crown Prince picked up the material with a pale face, and his hands were trembling as he looked at the content on it.
"Queen, this, how is this possible."
"Is the above matter true, or was it planned by someone? Don't you know to go and see it yourself, and send someone to investigate? This palace has reminded you long ago that you must be lenient and strict with your courtiers. When it's time to beat You must not be soft-handed. Blind kindness will only make them push forward, make things worse, and deceive the upper and lower. A group of pigs and dogs are like things, that is, you have soft ears and treat them as treasures."
After the empress finished speaking, she coughed immediately.
His Royal Highness was worried, "Mother, are you okay?"
The Empress spat out two mouthfuls of blood, and said, "Don't worry, I won't die for the time being. I will ask Fang Shaojian to help you clean up all these moths."
The Crown Prince looked embarrassed, "Mother, will this...can you give them a chance?"
The empress sneered, stretched out her hand, and put it on the prince's shoulder.
The prince suddenly felt that there seemed to be a heavy burden on his shoulders, which made him unable to breathe.
The Empress said with a blank face: "Prince, don't forget that the Jinwu Guards are investigating the East Palace. If you can't be a strong man, you might as well let someone else sit in your position as a prince, lest your father decree that you will be abolished." you."
His Royal Highness the Prince's face was pale, and cold sweat dripped down.
The empress questioned: "Have you thought it through? Do you still want to be the prince?"
His Royal Highness lowered his head, and said without confidence: "I will investigate this matter myself. If it is true, I will not tolerate it."
"Then as soon as possible. It is best to finish this matter before the fifth day of the lunar new year. Otherwise, it will be too late, and it will not be Bengong and you who will clean them up, but the Jinwu Guard. You know, after entering the Jinwu Guard's edict It’s not easy to get out of prison alive.”
The crown prince nodded heavily, "The son obeys the mother."
Fang Shaojian came in from the outside, "Qi Madam, pointing out that Young Master Zhao and other young masters have just entered the palace gate."
The Empress raised her eyebrows and smiled, "Give me an order to keep an eye on the young master. In addition, you can help the prince deal with the matter of the East Palace as soon as possible."
Fang Shaojian looked towards His Royal Highness, and he saw resistance and a little bit of dissatisfaction in the prince's eyes.
Fang Shaojian didn't care at all. The prince is always so weak, as long as he himself is strong enough, he can suppress His Highness the prince.
The only worry is that the officials of the East Palace will not be reconciled and will jump up to fight him.
But these are small things.
Fang Shaojian bowed to accept the order, "Follow the order!"
Liu Zhao entered the palace and went to see the Shaofu order first.
The list of ladies in the capital are all in Shaofu.
Shaofu Ling is equivalent to the emperor's personal butler, in charge of profitable projects such as salt and iron.
Even the Minister of the Household Department has to envy the Shaofu family order, rich.
The Shaofu decree came from the clan, and the same emperor was a cousin who hadn't been out of Wufu, so Liu Zhao had to call the other party uncle.
"I met my cousin."
The Shaofu Ling smiled slightly, "You are here, do you have any idea who you want to marry as your wife?"
Liu Zhao nodded, "I've already thought about it."
The Shaofu Ling clapped his hands, and the subordinate officials put a list on the table, "Please have a look at it, Young Master."
Liu Zhao showed no superfluous expression, and silently flipped through the roster, and flipped through it quickly.
The Shaofu order saw that this was an idea long ago.
When Liu Zhao turned to the mansion of the General of the Zhenjun, the flipping motion stopped suddenly.
He was very straightforward, and directly circled Gu Jiu's name with a pen.
The Shaofu Ling was curious as to which girl fell into the eyes of Gong Zizhao.
He stretched his head and looked at the roster, "Gu Jiu? Which mansion is this girl from?"
"The second girl of the Zhenjun General's Mansion, the daughter of Mr. Yin Gu of the Capital Mansion." Liu Zhao's cold voice sounded in the signing room.
Shaofu Ling has a black thread.
"Young Master Zhao, are you sure you want to choose this girl named Gu Jiu as your wife?"
Liu Zhao pursed his lips and smiled, "Yes, I have already considered it clearly."
The Shaofu Ling frowned, "This girl named Gu Jiu is unknown, and she is not the daughter of a nobleman. Do you really want to marry her? You are the eldest son of the royal family, and you should marry the daughter of a nobleman. Even the queen The empress knows, and she can't criticize."
The Shaofu Ling kindly reminded Liu Zhao.
But Liu Zhao said: "Thank you, cousin, for thinking about me. But I think she is the most suitable woman for my son."
Courageous, thoughtful, responsible, and smart enough. This is the best candidate for a wife.
Other girls are not bad, but not suitable for him.
The Shaofu ordered to persuade again, "I will keep this list for you, you can think about it again. Anyway, there is still some time before sunset."
"No, I've thought clearly enough."
The Shaofu Ling frowned, "Even if you think it through, do your father and mother agree?"
"Your Majesty ordered me to choose a wife. My father and mother both respect my opinion."
Liu Zhao spoke nonsense seriously.
The Shaofu Ling was anxious, "Other emperors and grandchildren don't choose wives like you do. They choose women from famous families. You choose this girl named Gu Jiu, isn't it a hindrance to you?"
Liu Zhao smiled softly, "Is it a hindrance, it's not just about status."
Seeing that Liu Zhao had become determined after eating the weight, the Shaofu Order could only sigh helplessly, "Since you insist, then I will hand over this list. Your Majesty will ask later, and you can explain it yourself."
"Thank you, uncle cousin."
The Shaofu Ling shook his head, the young people nowadays have holes in their heads.
The Shaofu Order personally delivered the list to Emperor Kaiyao.
Emperor Kai Yao looked at the unfamiliar names on the list, and immediately frowned. When I saw the family background written on the note, I realized that there was indeed such a family.
Some time ago, this Gu Zhili was sent to prison.
Emperor Kai Yao was a little confused all of a sudden, "Didn't Gu Zhili be imprisoned, why is his daughter still on the list?"
The great eunuch Chen Dachang reminded Kai Yaodi, "Your Majesty, have you forgotten? This Lord Gu was released as early as the 27th of the last month during the Spring Festival."
After being reminded, Emperor Kai Yao finally remembered such a thing.
"So it has already been released. Go and call Liu Zhao, I want to ask him how he was chosen."
Liu Zhao was invited into the hall by the palace people, "The grandson kowtowed to the emperor's grandfather, and the emperor's grandfather is in good health."
"Exemption! I asked you to choose a wife, why did you choose Gu Zhili's daughter? From the information on it, she is called Gu Jiu, and she is not as good as Ji?"
Liu Zhao bowed and said calmly: "My grandson has met this Miss Gu a few times. She is very nice and suitable to be my grandson's wife. I also ask my grandfather to help me."
"Oh? So you've met her before. Is she really as good as you said?"
Liu Zhao nodded, "The emperor's grandfather will agree with his grandson when he sees her."
Emperor Kai Yao smiled, "Since that's the case, why don't you invite Miss Gu into the palace, and I will personally look after you for you."
Chen Dachang immediately ordered his servant to go to Gu's mansion and invite Gu Jiu into the palace.
Liu Zhao looked calm, not worried at all.
Emperor Kai Yao was curious, "Zhao'er, aren't you worried that Miss Gu Jiu won't even speak when she sees me?"
Liu Zhao bowed and said, "She's not that cowardly."
"Oh?"
When Emperor Kai Yao heard this, he became a little curious.
What kind of girl is it that Liu Zhao praises her so much
Emperor Kai Yao said: "In a while, I want to test this girl Gu."
…
Gu Mansion, the meeting hall.
Gu Jiu had no idea that a marriage was about to fall on her head.
She knew nothing about her future fate.
At this moment, she is following the eldest wife Mrs. Zhang to prepare for tomorrow's banquet.
Tomorrow, the Gu Mansion treats guests, and relatives and friends will come to the door.
At that time, the eldest wife Zhang's natal family will come over.
The eldest girl, Gu Zhen, has to rely on the eldest wife, Mrs. Zhang, for her marriage.
Gu Zhen was a little nervous. She tried her best to behave well in front of the eldest wife Zhang, but because of being too nervous, she made a few small mistakes.
Gu Jiu reminded her: "Big sister, don't need to be nervous, just go on as usual."
Gu Zhen nodded, "I heard that the Marquis next door is talking about marriage?"
"I heard that's the case. I don't know what kind of people Sister Qi and Sister Ying will be told."
Gu Jiu also stood for Gu Qi, and Gu Ying was worried. If it is selected by the East Palace, it will be troublesome.
Everyone was busy with their heads, when the concierge ran in panting, "Madam, Second Miss, someone is coming from the palace. Please, let Second Miss enter the palace immediately?"
Gu Jiu was confused, "You're not mistaken, are you? Why did you let me into the palace?"
"The waiter is still in the front hall, the elder and the second master are greeting each other. Second girl, go quickly, don't make the waiter wait too long."
The eldest wife, Mrs. Zhang frowned, and asked, "Are you sure you want the second girl to enter the palace, not someone else?"
The concierge nodded repeatedly, "It's absolutely true, the second girl was indeed invited into the palace. And it was His Majesty's oral order."
When the eldest wife Zhang heard it, it turned out that it was His Majesty who ordered it. She couldn't control the reason for the time being, so she quickly called Gu Jiu, "Xiao Jiu, go back to the room and change clothes, and then follow me to see the servant. Don't worry, your father will definitely ask you Know why."
Gu Jiu was confused, what the hell is going on
How could His Majesty call her name and let her enter the palace.
She is a little-known boudoir girl, how could she be able to get into the eyes of the emperor
There is a problem, there must be a problem here.
Gu Jiu was served by the maids and changed into a festive dress, then followed the eldest wife Zhang to the front hall in a hurry.
When Xie got the news, he also rushed over.
"Sister-in-law, I heard you right. How could the palace let the second girl into the palace?"
"There should be no mistake. It is said that it was an oral order from His Majesty. As for the reason, I don't know yet. Xiao Jiu, you follow me in. After meeting the servants in the palace, don't be nervous, everything will follow the rules."
Gu Jiu nodded, took a deep breath, and walked into the front hall.
"This is my little girl, Gu Jiu." Master Gu was worried.
The servant's eyes were like knives, and he swept towards Gu Jiu, sizing him up from top to bottom.
Gu Jiu was neither humble nor overbearing, and stepped forward to pay respects.
The servant nodded secretly, "Here's the man, just follow our house into the palace."
"Eunuch..."
"Master Gu, don't worry, it's a good thing for Qianjin to enter the palace this time."
But he refused to say a single word that was unnecessary, and just urged Gu Jiu to follow him into the palace.
Mrs. Zhang hastily stuffed a few purses into Qingmei's hands, "When you get to the palace, you must pay attention and take good care of your girl."
The Elder personally presented another big gift to the servant.
The servant weighed the weight and was satisfied. But still refused to disclose a word of the inside story.
No way, Gu Jiu could only follow the servants to the palace first.