freenovelworld Chapter 381: Everyone's here for a spot, so let's just close the door to everyone.
Chapter 381: Everyone's here for a spot, so let's just close the door to everyone.
Chu Ruohan nestled in his arms, feeling his rare relaxation, and her heart softened a little.
She reached out her finger and gently smoothed the furrow in his brow.
"The lotus seed soup is getting cold, have some first," she gently advised.
Gu Junze hummed in agreement, but did not move.
He savored this moment of tenderness, as if only in this way could he shed all his weariness and guardedness.
Outside, the night wind swept through the courtyard, carrying the faint sound of a water clock in the distance.
Beneath the seemingly calm night in Beijing, undercurrents were already surging.
The decree to hold a talent show was like a boulder thrown into the center of a lake, stirring up a thousand waves.
Many mansions were brightly lit all night, plotting how to send their daughters into the deep palace.
The allure of instant advancement and bringing glory to one's family has blinded many officials.
Horse-drawn carriages shuttled through the night, and visiting cards flew like snowflakes to the gates of the powerful and wealthy.
Some sensed something unusual and speculated whether there was a deeper meaning behind the emperor's will, choosing instead to stay indoors and observe the situation.
For a moment, the atmosphere in the capital became subtle and tense.
Just then, a carrier pigeon flapped its wings and landed on the specially made perch outside Chu Ruohan's window.
The maid removed the small bamboo tube tied to the carrier pigeon's leg and respectfully presented it to Chu Ruohan.
Chu Ruohan unfolded the paper, which was as thin as a cicada's wing; it was a secret letter from Qin Fang.
The handwriting was concise, reporting on the caravan's situation.
"We have arrived at the border of Zheng State. The negotiations are going smoothly, and silk and tea are selling well."
Upon seeing this, Chu Ruohan's lips curled into a slight smile.
Opening up trade routes is an important part of her plan, and she has gotten off to a good start.
My gaze continued downwards, landing on the last line of text.
"The Zheng Guo jade and fine horse are promising. Also, there's progress on the purple cloud grass."
Purple Cloud Grass!
Chu Ruohan's heart skipped a beat, and her fingers tightened slightly as she gripped the letter.
She raised her eyes and looked at Gu Junze, who still had his head buried in the crook of her neck.
His breathing was even and long, as if he had fallen asleep.
She didn't wake him immediately, but carefully put the letter away and hid it in her sleeve.
Qin Fang certainly did not disappoint her.
This trip was far more rewarding than I had anticipated.
She gently patted Gu Junze's back. "Husband, drink the soup first, or it will get cold."
Gu Junze lazily raised his head, a hint of weariness in his eyes, took the bowl, and slowly drank.
Chu Ruohan looked at him, without mentioning the letter, and only said, "The imperial decree has been issued, and everyone is busy."
Gu Junze paused in his soup-drinking motion, a knowing glint in his dark eyes.
"Let them be, they're just clowns." He said calmly, seemingly unconcerned.
Chu Ruohan nodded.
Indeed, for them right now, the clues to Qingmo Valley and the trade routes of Zheng are far more important than a talent show with an uncertain future.
But this time, things weren't as simple as Chu Ruohan had imagined.
The new emperor's decree only stated that officials of the fifth rank or above should recommend candidates for the imperial concubines, but did not specify the candidates' family backgrounds.
There was no restriction that they had to be relatives of officials, which gave many people the opportunity to take advantage of the loophole.
Within two days, ladies, both acquaintances and strangers, sent invitations and paid their visits.
At first, Chu Ruohan thought it was just a normal visit, until the wife of a vice minister of the Ministry of War subtly hinted at it in her words.
When Chu Ruohan was asked to help by recommending her own niece who had just come of age, she suddenly realized what was going on.
Gu Junze was appointed as a Grand General, far exceeding the fifth rank.
As a titled lady, she herself was also subject to the requirements of the imperial edict.
Both of them, husband and wife, actually had nomination slots.
“Madam is too kind,” Chu Ruohan said, picking up her teacup. Her tone was gentle but distant. “Such a major matter concerns the face of the royal family and the decorum of the court. How could a mere woman like me have the right to interfere?”
"The general is too busy with official duties to pay attention to these things."
The lady's smile froze, but she didn't press the matter further. After exchanging a few more pleasantries, she awkwardly took her leave.
Chu Ruohan watched the other person's departing figure and frowned slightly.
She wanted to avoid trouble and didn't want to get involved in the mess of this talent show.
No sooner had we seen the lady off than a servant came to report.
"Madam, Fourth Madam Gu has arrived."
What is she here to do?
Despite her doubts, Chu Ruohan still instructed, "Please come in."
Before long, Madam Gu entered.
"Ruohan, this place is truly quiet and elegant." Madam Gu's gaze quickly swept over the furnishings in the hall, her tone familiar.
"What brings you here today, Aunt?" Chu Ruohan asked, fanning herself with a feather fan without getting up.
Madam Gu was not angry. She knew that Chu Ruohan disliked her, but now it was time to ask for help.
She got straight to the point: "Ruohan, as you know, the palace has issued an imperial decree requiring all families to recommend candidates for the imperial concubine selection."
Chu Ruohan understood, but remained outwardly calm: "I have indeed heard about it."
“I only have one legitimate daughter, Yue Rong, who is fifteen this year,” Madam Gu said with a smile, her tone earnest. “Look, Junze is now an important official in the court, and you are a titled lady. Could you perhaps recommend me for a place…?”
“Aunt,” Chu Ruohan interrupted gently before she could finish, “it’s not that your niece-in-law is unwilling to help. It’s just that the general’s intention is not to get involved in this matter.”
"As a woman, it is even more inappropriate for me to overstep my bounds and do things my way."
The smile on Madam Gu's face vanished instantly, replaced by a hint of anger.
"Not participating? This is a golden opportunity to bring glory to the family! If Yue Rong can win His Majesty's favor, it will greatly benefit the entire Gu family and Jun Ze's future!"
"The matter of the imperial selection concerns the Emperor's will, and it is beyond the comprehension of us subjects," Chu Ruohan said calmly. "Besides, marriage is predestined and cannot be forced."
“Yuerong is beautiful and virtuous, and she is blessed with good fortune. Why should she fight for an uncertain future?”
"You!" Madam Gu was speechless, her face turning ashen. She hadn't expected Chu Ruohan to refuse so decisively, leaving no room for negotiation.
She had no idea how many times she had been humiliated by Chu Ruohan...
"Very well, very well indeed!" Madam Gu laughed angrily, her eyes icy as she looked at Chu Ruohan. "Chu Ruohan, don't think you're so great just because you're in charge of the General's Mansion now! There are plenty of families in the capital who want to climb the social ladder!"
She straightened her sleeves and snorted coldly, "We're not limited to just you! If the General's Mansion won't agree, there are other families willing!"
After saying that, she turned and left without looking back.
Watching Madam Gu storm off in anger, Chu Ruohan sighed softly.
She knew that Madam Gu was referring to the Earl's Mansion, and given her aunt's personality, she would probably be disappointed.
"Pass down the message," Chu Ruohan instructed the maid beside her, "From today onwards, if any lady comes to visit again, say that I am unwell and refuse to see her."
"Yes, ma'am."
Rather than dealing with these endless tests and requests, it's better to close the door and enjoy some peace and quiet...