freenovelworld Chapter 318 Can I borrow the young mistress for one night?
Chapter 318 Can I borrow the young mistress for one night?
When Gu Junze arrived at the prison, the first thing he saw was a ground covered in blood.
His heart tightened, and he staggered.
When he saw that Dr. Qian was also there, his heart, which had been in his throat, finally calmed down a bit.
He saw Chu Ruohan wink at him again, and he knew in his heart that she was alright!
Gu Junze was finally relieved.
He walked up to Lord Cheng, his eyes like icy blades.
Cheng Yuan was so frightened that his legs went weak and he knelt down with a thud.
"General Gu, please calm down! This humble official truly has no idea how the lady was poisoned..."
Gu Junze kicked him in the chest, and Cheng Yuan flew out like a broken sack, crashing into the wall with a dull thud.
"How dare you assault an official appointed by the imperial court?"
"My wife is in grave danger, and you are to blame. Who is the one who poisoned her?" Gu Junze's voice was like that of a judge from hell.
Cheng Yuan clutched his chest, "This humble official knew nothing!"
How could he dare to reveal Prince Su's identity? Did he have a death wish?
Gu Junze's eyes flashed with even more murderous intent...
"The imperial edict has arrived!"
A sharp sound shattered the deathly silence of the prison.
Gu Junze suppressed his anger, straightened his robes, and knelt to receive the imperial decree.
"By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Madam Chu, the young mistress of the Gu family, is virtuous and kind, yet she has suffered an unjust injustice, which is truly the fault of the court. Therefore, she is hereby pardoned and released immediately. This is the imperial decree!"
Immediately following, another imperial edict was issued.
"By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Gu Junze has rendered meritorious service in protecting the country and is commendable for his loyalty and bravery. He is hereby granted the title of Grand General of Might and Martial Valor and bestowed with a General's Mansion. So be it!"
The young eunuch handed the imperial edict to Gu Junze with a beaming smile, his voice even sweeter.
"General Gu, the Emperor has rewarded your soldiers for their merits, and Young Master Gu Cheng'an has also been pardoned by the Emperor."
Chu Ruohan didn't understand why the emperor had suddenly changed his personality.
Gu Junze's eyes were deep and calm, as if he had expected this all along.
In the imperial study room.
Prince Su, looking resentful, questioned the emperor: "Father, why did you let Gu Junze off so easily? This boy is a wolf in sheep's clothing, and his heart is not with the Eastern Jin Kingdom at all. If this continues, it will only embolden him!"
The emperor put down the memorial in his hand, rubbed his temples, and spoke with a hint of weariness in his voice.
"I have my own plans. Gu Junze has just returned in triumph and is in the best of times to win the hearts of the people. How can I punish him so easily and discourage the soldiers?"
"To destroy them, one must drive them mad."
"Moreover, I promised my elder sister that I would spare Gu Junze's life no matter what."
Prince Su wanted to say something more, but the emperor raised his hand to stop him.
"I feel guilty towards Princess Anyang. Although I harbor resentment towards Gu Junze, that bastard, I do not wish to break this final promise."
The emperor rubbed his throbbing forehead, his face pale.
Upon seeing this, Prince Su immediately asked with concern, "Father, is your head hurting again?"
The emperor sighed, "Well, I don't know why, but I always have a headache these days."
"These quack doctors in the Imperial Medical Academy are paid salaries, yet they can't even cure this minor ailment."
"Your Majesty, I have found a woman among the common people who is skilled in massage. I will have her help you relieve your pain."
The emperor raised his hand. "Bring him in. I appreciate my son's filial piety."
A woman dressed in plain clothes walked in with light, graceful steps and bowed to the emperor.
"The daughter of the common people meets the emperor."
Prince Su understood immediately, took his leave, and exchanged a glance with the woman before departing.
The woman walked behind the emperor and gently massaged his temples.
The emperor's brows gradually relaxed, revealing an expression of enjoyment.
"Not bad, what's your name?"
"Your Majesty, my name is Mingzhu."
“Mingzhu,” the emperor pondered the name, as if recalling something.
The woman said softly, "My parents said that although I am a daughter and cannot achieve great things, I am still their precious jewel."
"Good name."
The emperor sighed. He had no daughters, but this pearl made him feel close to her.
Gu Junze and Chu Ruohan moved into the General's Mansion. They did not hold a grand banquet, but only invited Chu Ruohan's family members to come and celebrate.
Chu Yueshu hadn't seen Ying Qing for a long time and was constantly worried about his safety on the battlefield. As soon as she saw him, she rushed into Ying Qing's arms.
Chu Ruohan teased them about their wedding, saying, "It's about time to put it on the agenda."
Both of Chu's father and mother smiled and agreed.
Chu Ruohan counted on her fingers, "There are a few good days next month."
Chu Yueshu said shyly and coquettishly, "I'm not in a hurry. I want to spend more time with my parents."
Yingqing, standing anxiously to the side, scratched her head and said, "I'm so worried! If all else fails, I'll marry into your family!"
Upon hearing this, everyone burst into laughter.
Chu Yueshu glared at him reproachfully, "You blockhead!"
During the banquet, everyone drank quite a bit of alcohol, toasting and exchanging drinks.
Emboldened by the alcohol, Dr. Qian pulled Song Ruyan aside and mustered the courage to confess his feelings to her.
"A young woman's innocence is of utmost importance. I...I will definitely take responsibility..."
Song Ruyan quickly interrupted him, "I already said it's nothing, you don't need to worry about it."
He then said he was going back to drink.
Dr. Qian grew anxious and grabbed her hand, saying, "I truly love you!"
In her haste, Song Ruyan didn't know her own strength and dislocated Doctor Qian's arm.
"Ow..."
A scream drew everyone's attention.
Song Ruyan stood there awkwardly, at a loss for what to do.
"It's alright, it's alright. Dr. Qian just had too much to drink. I'll fix his hand right away."
Another, even more piercing scream rang out.
"sorry."
Dr. Qian took two steps back, looking at her in horror as if she were a venomous snake.
The lively banquet finally came to an end.
Inside the general's mansion, the lights were dimmed, leaving only a few warm glows.
Looking at his smiling wife, Gu Junze felt the longing he had felt for months transform into an overwhelming tenderness.
He stepped forward and naturally took Chu Ruohan's hand. His deep voice carried a hint of weariness, but more so, a sense of satisfaction.
"Han'er, let's go back to our room and rest."
Chu Ruohan looked at the dark circles under his eyes, felt a pang of pain in her heart, and nodded.
Just as the two were about to leave together, a figure suddenly darted to their bedroom door and blocked their way with outstretched arms.
It was Song Ruyan.
Chu Ruohan was somewhat surprised: "Ruyan? Why haven't you gone back to your room yet?"
What trick is she planning to pull this time?
Song Ruyan looked at Chu Ruohan with a mixture of anxiety and mystery on her face.
Then she turned to Gu Junze, "That... Your Highness, no, General!"
Song Ruyan cleared her throat. "Could I... borrow the young mistress for the night?"
The tenderness on Gu Junze's face froze instantly, his brows furrowed involuntarily, and he almost lost control of his expression.