Palace banquet.
Early in the morning, Gu Jiu came to the second gate, ready to leave.
Mrs. Xie also came, and she was full of energy.
She glanced at Gu Jiu, her gaze was like a sharp knife, and stabbed at Gu Jiu.
Gu Jiu raised her eyebrows and smiled, did Xie recover so quickly
Xie's arrival surprised many people.
The eldest wife, Mrs. Zhang, teased, "Aren't the younger brothers and sisters sick? How can the servants say that the younger brothers and sisters are sick and cannot go to the palace today?"
Mrs. Xie smiled and said, "Thank you sister-in-law for your concern. My illness comes and goes quickly."
"Oh!"
The eldest wife, Mrs. Zhang, had a meaningful expression on her face, "Since my brother and sister are not sick, let's get on the carriage and set off. I'd rather go early than late."
"Sister-in-law said so."
Everyone got into the carriage, went out of the second gate, joined the men in the mansion, and went to the palace.
For this banquet in the Palace, everyone in the Gu Palace was invited.
Everyone was thinking, to make face for Gu Jiu and maintain the scene. Ever since, anyone who is free today has come.
Even Gu Ting ran back from the barracks.
Gu Ting rode a horse and followed outside Gu Jiu's carriage.
He looked for an opportunity to talk to Gu Jiu.
"Sister, when I get to the palace, I'll keep an eye on Young Master Zhao for you to see what kind of person he is. If he's a jerk, I'll beat him up."
Gu Jiu supported his forehead and looked at the sky speechlessly.
My silly brother, you are no match for the emperors and grandchildren who have received the best education in the world, let alone Liu Zhao, who is as treacherous as a fox.
Gu Jiusheng was afraid that Gu Ting would suffer, so he had to tell him a few words, "Brother, you must not act recklessly, let alone do it by force. That is the palace of the prince, not a relative's house. If you do something, things will not go well." Yes, maybe it will alarm the emperor."
Gu Ting was speechless inwardly, even alarming the emperor.
"If that's the case, then I won't do anything. I'll just stare at him and watch what he says and does. If he's not good, I'll tell you, and you'll be on guard against him in the future."
Gu Jiu smiled sweetly, "Thank you brother. Are you used to being in the military camp?"
Gu Ting only returned home last night, and before that, Gu Jiu had no chance to talk to Gu Ting.
Gu Ting grinned and patted his chest, "Sister, look, am I getting stronger. Sure enough, joining the army is my destination. If I had known that I should have joined the army a few years earlier, my sister would not have to worry about me all day long."
Immediately afterwards, Gu Ting shook his head again, and changed his words: "No, I can't join the army a few years earlier. A few years ago, my sister was in poor health, and there was no caring person around me. If I wasn't in the mansion, you might be bullied by them. What does it look like. I joined the army this year, and the time is just right. Now I don't worry about my sister being bullied."
Gu Jiu's heart was moved, and the eyes that looked at Gu Ting shone with the brightest light.
"I knew my brother loved me the most. You work hard in the military camp and try to make some achievements. I'll check you up at night and prepare some medicine packs for you, which can help you soothe your body and make it recover faster."
Gu Ting was overjoyed, "Is there really such a medicine bag? Sister, bring me some more. Now I am also a money earner. If you don't have enough money, I will make up for it."
Gu Jiu pursed her lips and smiled, "Hurry up and collect your little money. Did you forget about Er Zhuang?"
Gu Ting realized later that his sister was not short of money, much richer than him.
He chuckled, "Then I'll be impolite and let my sister spend money."
"No problem! I'm happy to spend money for my brother."
Hearing this, Gu Ting laughed so hard that his teeth could not see his eyes, and his heart was overwhelmed with complacency. No one's sister is as capable, beautiful, and considerate as his sister.
Gong Zizhao has good foresight, and he was able to pick out his younger sister.
So he had to open his eyes even more, and take a closer look at Young Master Zhao for Gu Jiu.
If this person is not good, even if he can't do it in the palace, he will have to find an opportunity to beat the young master in the future.
At worst, when he finished fighting people, he would go to the northwest to fight.
The palace is close at hand.
Many carriages stopped at the gate.
Gu Ting rode his horse and ran to the door to ask about the situation, then returned to the carriage where Gu Jiu was riding, and said, "There is a traffic jam. There are too many people coming to the palace for the banquet today, and many royal family members are here. Have you received the banquet from the palace?"
Gu Jiu shook his head, "The Hou Mansion didn't receive the banquet."
When Prince Ning's Mansion posted a post, it was very measured. Knowing that these nobles will not appreciate face, they didn't ask for a post invitation.
The nobles are avoiding suspicion, and Prince Ning's Mansion will not take the initiative to cause trouble for themselves and attract the suspicion of the emperor.
Even if there are no nobles to reward their face, the banquet at Prince Ning's Mansion is still full of guests.
Gu Jiu raised the curtain and glanced at the gate of the palace. Looking at the emblem on the carriage, it is very strange.
Qingmei said softly: "There are so many people here for the banquet at Prince Ning's residence. Princess Ning should not embarrass the girl."
Gu Jiu smiled softly, "Don't think of the people in the royal family too kindly. Do you know who the most unruly person in the world is?"
Qing Mei tried to answer: "Prisoner?"
Gu Jiu shook his head.
Qingzhu tried to answer: "A soldier?"
Gu Jiu still shook his head.
The two servant girls shook their heads in unison, "This servant girl can't figure it out."
Gu Jiu pointed at the gate of the palace, "Those are the people. The people in the royal family are the most unruly people in the world.
We often say that fathers are kind and sons are filial, brothers and friends are respectful, family members are harmonious, and murder and crime are just jokes in the royal family.
The people in the royal family became ruthless. The so-called father and son, brothers, and human relations are all just decorations. It is easy to kill brothers and fathers.
Most of the emperors who left their names in history stepped on the corpses of blood relatives to sit in that position. "
Seeing that the two maids were stunned by his words, Gu Jiu smiled softly, "So, don't have too good expectations for Princess Ning. It's better to speculate on her with the greatest malice, instead you can deal with it calmly."
Both Qingmei and Qingzhu looked nervous, obviously frightened by Gu Jiu's words.
Gu Jiu smiled softly, "What are you afraid of? I'm just saying that I'm speculating on Princess Ning with the greatest malice, but it doesn't mean that Princess Ning is really that miserable."
"My maidservant is very flustered right now." Qing Mei patted her heart and said.
Qing Zhu also nodded, she was also very flustered.
Gu Jiu raised her hand and pinched the cheeks of the two maidservants, "I didn't panic, why are you panicking. When you arrive at the palace, just follow my winks."
The carriage finally moved, entered the palace through the side door, and got off the carriage.
The women came up to welcome them, and when they heard that they were from the Gu family, they couldn't help but sized up all the girls in the Gu family, trying to guess which one was Gu Jiu.
Gu Jiu stands out in the crowd, not only because of her height and appearance, but also because of her overall demeanor.
The women nodded secretly, thinking that regardless of family background, this girl Gu Jiu has a very good demeanor.
The mothers-in-law took the female relatives of the Gu family to Chunhe Hall.
"The concubine is talking with Zhao Wang, Yan Wang, and the princes and concubines in the main hall. You came just in time."
When the eldest wife Zhang heard this, she immediately cheered up and was ready to deal with the tough battle for a while.
Mrs. Xie was a little flustered, all the concubines were there, if she didn't deal with it well, she would not only make a joke, but also offend others.
She pursed her lips tightly, her expression extremely serious.
She glanced at Gu Jiu with complicated emotions.
Even she is frightened by the majestic palace, can Gu Jiu handle it by marrying in? But don't lose face in the end, and also lose face of Gu Fu.
After passing through corridors, we finally arrived at Chunhe Hall.
Before entering the door, bursts of laughter could already be heard coming from the main hall.
The maid came in to report.
The eldest wife Zhang took the opportunity to remind Gu Jiu.
"Xiao Jiu, when I meet the princess, follow the rules and don't be afraid."
Gu Jiu nodded, "Thank you for reminding me, Auntie, I understand."
The eldest wife, Mrs. Zhang, reminded Gu Yue and the others to try to talk as little as possible, and not to talk if you can.
Gu Yue put on an expressionless face, and she hasn't said a word since she went out today.
Everyone couldn't figure out what was going on with Gu Yue, how he turned into a saw-mouth gourd all of a sudden, it was very weird.
Xie couldn't worry about her own affairs, so naturally she didn't have time to care about Gu Yue. Only when Gu Yue grew up and became sensible.
The servant girl came out from inside, "Princess, please come in."
"Thank you!"
The eldest wife Zhang personally sent a purse to the maid.
The maid put away the purse, nodded and smiled, but refused to say a word.
Everyone cheer up and walk into the main hall.
The main hall was full of people, all of them dressed in colorful clothes, extremely wealthy.
Seeing the female family members of the Gu family enter the door, everyone couldn't help but look at them, searching for Gu Jiu in the crowd.
The eldest wife, Mrs. Zhang, took the lead and led everyone to meet Princess Ning.
"Free of courtesy! Who is Gu Jiu?"
Concubine Ning Pei was direct enough, without a word of pleasantries, she went straight to the point. Of course, she is also qualified to speak so directly.
Gu Jiu stepped out of the crowd and stood at the front, "My daughter, Gu Jiu, see the princess."
Concubine Ning Pei's face was expressionless, and she said in a cold voice: "Raise your head and let me have a look."
Gu Jiu slowly raised her head, taking the opportunity to look at Princess Ning Pei.
Oval face, fair complexion, well maintained, looks like he is in his thirties.
Gu Jiu is not afraid of Princess Ning. Compared with the deceased empress, Concubine Ning is far behind in all aspects.
Gu Jiu is not worried that Princess Ning will kill her if she is upset. Therefore, she can behave more calmly.
Concubine Ning Pei said indifferently: "You look pretty good, no wonder Zhao'er has taken a fancy to you. I heard that you study in the inner school of the Hou Mansion and are Mr. Luo's disciple?"
Gu Jiu nodded, "Returning to the princess, the servant is studying with Mr. Luo."
"How is your reading?" Concubine Ning picked up her teacup, took two breaths, and took a sip.
Gu Jiu bowed and replied, "I don't dare to disappoint Mr. Luo's teaching, I have been studying hard all the time."
Concubine Ning Pei put down her teacup and smiled softly, "Miss, do you think it's useful to read so many books?"
Is this trying to teach her
Gu Jiu thought about it for a while and said, "There are golden houses in the book, but also the principles of ethics, sages' instructions, the foundation of being a human being, and the principles of being a human being. Therefore, my daughter thinks that reading is useful."
Concubine Ning Pei smiled, "Reading is of course useful. You don't need to teach me this truth. What I am asking is is it useful for girls to study? For example, you have read so many books, and you still learn from Mr. Luo Xuan. Is it useful? "
Gu Jiu raised her head and said slowly: "If it wasn't for reading, the courtier would not be able to stand here today to answer the question of the empress. Therefore, it is also useful for the girl to study."
"You are very confident, and you are not afraid of my princess."
"Your Majesty is loving, why should my servant be afraid?"
All the royal family members present laughed.
"This girl named Gu Jiu looks pretty good to me." Concubine Zhao covered her lips and smiled, "It's a pity that this girl let Liu Zhao take the lead. Congratulations, brother and sister, for getting such a good daughter-in-law."
Gu Jiu remained silent, quietly observing the situation in the main hall.
At the same time, the eldest wife, Mrs. Zhang, stood behind Gu Jiu, their hearts were raised. They were all nervous for Gu Jiu.
Princess Ning Pei smiled, but the smile didn't reach her eyes.
She said to Concubine Zhao: "If you haven't entered the house, you can't be considered a daughter-in-law. On the contrary, the daughters-in-law of the sister-in-law's family are all generous and intelligent, which is enviable."
Concubine Zhao smiled and said, "We flattered each other. Brother and sister, are you satisfied with Gu Jiu?"
How could Princess Ning and Pei family easily jump into the pit dug by Princess Zhao.
She smiled and said, "As long as Zhao'er likes it, I will naturally like it."
"It's really rare. My siblings and Zhao'er actually like the same person." Princess Zhao giggled.
Concubine Ning Pei's eyes turned cold for an instant, and she stared at Gu Jiu with an unkind expression.
Then he laughed and said, "Sister-in-law really knows how to joke."
There were sparks in the eyes of both of them, but they were both smiling, as if they were in a good relationship.
After laughing, Concubine Ning Pei introduced the royal family members present to Gu Jiu.
At the same time, the female family members of the Gu family were invited to sit in the side hall.
Gu Jiu met all the royal family members, everything was done according to the rules, and there was no mistake.
Concubine Ning Pei said: "It is still useful to learn the rules in the palace for a few days. I have never lost the face of my princess."
Gu Jiu smiled, bowed and said, "It's all the mothers who taught me well."
"Ok!"
Concubine Ning Pei's expression was indifferent, "You should step back first."
"As ordered."
Gu Jiu followed the maid to the side hall.
The eldest wife, Mrs. Zhang, hurriedly asked, "How is it?"
Gu Jiu smiled and nodded, "Auntie is worried, everything is fine."
At this time, another servant girl came to lead the way and led everyone to the flower hall.
When they arrived at the flower hall, Gu Jiu saw Pei Yun.
Gu Jiu hesitated for a moment, and finally walked towards Pei Yun calmly.
"Sister Pei, long time no see, sister Pei is gone."
Pei Yun looked at Gu Jiu with a complicated expression.
Gu Jiu looked calm and met Pei Yun's gaze.
Pei Yun suddenly laughed, "Compared to little sister Xiaojiu, I am so inferior. I was narrow-minded just now."
"Sister Pei doesn't blame me, I'm very happy."
Gu Jiu said sincerely.
Pei Yun smiled bitterly, "When I heard that you were accused of marrying Cousin Zhao, and I will not hide it from my sister Xiaojiu, I really felt a little uncomfortable."
Gu Jiu nodded, "I know. This marriage was an accident for me, I didn't..."
Pei Yun shook her head and said: "Sister Xiaojiu, needless to say, I understand. Your Majesty personally decreed the marriage, this is not something you and I can control.
And when I returned to Beijing from the northwest, I had already given up on Cousin Zhao in my heart and accepted my father's arrangement.
Therefore, sister Xiao Jiu must not feel any guilt, and there is nothing between me and Cousin Zhao, don't get me wrong. "
Gu Jiu laughed and nodded emphatically, "Let's not misunderstand each other. Sister Pei, we will still be friends in the future, what do you agree?"
Pei Yun also laughed, "I'm very happy to be friends with sister Xiaojiu. I just didn't expect such a wonderful fate. In the future, I will have to call you cousin."
Gu Jiu waved his hands again and again, "Don't call me Cousin. We have different opinions. I'll still call you Sister Pei, and you'll still call me Sister Xiaojiu, okay?"
Pei Yun laughed, "It's what I wish for. When I think of calling you cousin, I feel that the relationship is no longer close, and it seems to be far away."
The two looked at each other and smiled, feeling closer.
At this time, another girl came to the flower hall.
The girl was surrounded by many maids and women, and the scene was very grand.
Gu Jiu glanced curiously, she was still guessing the other party's identity, so Pei Yun first explained her doubts.
"That's Princess Fuming's eldest daughter, named Zhou Yi. She... Sister Xiaojiu, be careful later, it's best to avoid her."
Gu Jiu looked at Pei Yun, "Sister Pei suffered under her hands?"
Pei Yun smiled wryly, "It's true that I have suffered. Princess Fuming is His Majesty's favorite daughter, and Zhou Yi is naturally the most favorite granddaughter. Sister Xiaojiu should know why she has such a big show by now."
"I finally got it. Thank you, sister Pei, for telling the truth."
"It should."
Snapped!
Suddenly there was a slap in the flower hall, and it was unknown whose face the slap hit.
Gu Jiu followed the sound and looked, surprised and surprised.
As soon as Zhou Yi entered the flower hall, she slapped Gu Yue first.
Gu Yue covered her face with a dazed expression. Can't figure out what's going on.
Gu Yue was silent for a whole day, how could she be silent even after being beaten.
"you… "