After a male student transmigrated into the body of a widow,

Chapter 237 Imperial Order

A fast horse caravan set off from the capital and galloped day and night toward Youzhou Prefecture.

As dawn broke and the city gates opened, a fast-riding caravan entered the city.

Many pedestrians were already walking back and forth on the street. When they heard the sound of a fast horse behind them, they turned around and saw that it was neither a soldier nor a yamen runner. The person in charge was dressed in clothes that they had never seen before, which looked like those of an official. He led a group of people past them and galloped off in a certain direction.

"Who are they, and how are they allowed to ride horses freely within the city?"

Since the new prefect took office last year and tightened control over the city, anyone who disregarded the regulations and caused trouble by riding horses, regardless of whether they were a powerful figure or just an ordinary person, was imprisoned and severely punished by the officials.

One of them slapped down the other's raised hand: "Don't point randomly. Those should be officials from the capital." Squinting at the blurry figures in front of him, the man said, "They seem to be heading to the residence of an official."

Wang Yong dismounted, and the gatekeeper stepped forward. Seeing that the man was dressed in fine clothes, the servant cautiously asked, "This humble servant greets you, sir. May I ask who you are?"

Knowing that the person in front of him was a servant of the Prefect of Youzhou, Wang Yong asked in a calm tone, "I am here on His Majesty's orders. Is Lord Zheng at home?"

The servant was taken aback for a moment, then quickly came to his senses: "My lord has gone to the government office for his shift. I will take you in first, and then send someone to deliver a message to my lord."

Wang Yong had no other opinions, but when he heard that Lord Zheng had gone to the government office, a look of surprise flashed across his eyes.

It's sad that His Majesty praised the other party as a capable minister. In the capital, unless it's for the morning court session, no court official would go to the government office to be on duty early in the morning.

Leading Wang Yong and his entourage into the mansion, Wang Yong suddenly turned to the others and said, "Xia Zi, come with us. The rest of you, leave."

The servant leading the way looked up and gestured to another person, who immediately stepped forward and led Wang Yong and his group to other places.

The servant continued to lead Wang Yong to the main hall. As he walked, he thought to himself that although his master had gone to the government office, his husband was still at home. He had just seen Eunuch Wang and his entourage stopping outside the gate, so he sent someone to inform Steward Da Yan. Steward Da Yan should have informed his husband about this matter.

The servants were on tenterhooks as they walked through the garden and approached the main hall when a group of people came toward them.

Wang Yong also saw it. He narrowed his eyes, and when the person approached, he found that the leader was a young man with a capable demeanor and handsome appearance.

The other person's appearance and temperament are quite mismatched.

Gu Lin stopped a few steps away from him. Wang Yong lowered his eyes and pondered him. Gu Lin seemed oblivious, and smiled as he cupped his hands in greeting: "I greet Eunuch Wang."

"You are... Lord Zheng's uncle?"

Before coming, Wang Yong first learned about the life story of the prefect of Youzhou Prefecture, and learned that the prefect lost his father and mother at a young age, but had a very close uncle.

Gu Lin smiled and admitted, "Yes, Mingzhang returned quickly after receiving the letter. Let me take Eunuch Wang into the main hall to rest for a while."

Seeing that the other party was poised and generous, even more frank and natural than ordinary men, without showing the slightest suspicion or curiosity about him, a eunuch.

Wang Yong nodded and followed.

Gu Lin, who was walking ahead, had no idea what the other person was thinking.

If he knew, he would only remain silent.

Gu Lin himself did not discriminate against eunuchs. In his view, they were no different from disabled people, and discriminating against disabled people was immoral!

Although he was still curious about what changes would occur to the body structure of a eunuch without that thing, it was common knowledge that eunuchs were very sensitive about male characteristics. If anyone showed curiosity about this in front of them, the other party would think that they were deliberately discriminating against or mocking him, and thus harbor resentment.

Gu Lin didn't want to invite hatred upon himself because of a moment of curiosity.

Just as Gu Lin was about to speak to Eunuch Wang, after having tea served, he saw a tall figure walk in from outside the hall.

Because he was facing away from the gate, Wang Yong did not notice the noise coming from the gate in time. After seeing the young man's reaction, he followed the man's gaze and saw an official with great prestige and an imposing presence walking over.

Wang Yong paused, his hand holding the whisk trembling, overwhelmed by the other's imposing aura. This was a feeling he had never experienced before Emperor Jian'an or Emperor Qianyuan. He couldn't describe it at that moment. But when the young military supervisor later became a regional warlord, he finally understood that this was the aura of an emperor, something no one else could imitate.

"Lord Zheng."

Wang Yong bowed, and Zheng Hao glanced at the young man at the head of the table. Seeing that the man was unharmed, he turned to Wang Yong and said, "Eunuch Wang, Eunuch Su has been in Youzhou Prefecture for many days and often mentions you to us."

Starting the conversation with people they both knew helped ease some of the awkwardness between them.

Wang Yong smiled, giving the impression that he had a good relationship with Su Sanbao: "It's kind of you, Eunuch Su, to think of our family even when you're away from home."

Then, he said to Zheng Hao, "Although His Majesty is in the capital, he often thinks of Lord Zheng's loyalty. As a civil official, Lord Zheng is not only good at governing a region, but also at leading troops to defend against enemies and providing grain seeds. His Majesty specially ordered me to come to Youzhou Prefecture with the imperial edict to reward Lord Zheng."

After saying that, he smiled and looked at Gu Lin who was coming down: "His Majesty also rewarded Mr. Gu this time."

Upon hearing this, Gu Lin paused, not understanding how it had been related to him.

Zheng Hao said calmly, "Then I will trouble Eunuch Wang to read out the imperial edict first."

Without delay, Wang Yong immediately took the bright yellow imperial edict from the tray held by Xiao Xiazi.

Gu Lin and Zheng Hao received the imperial decree together.

Seeing that they were ready, Wang Yong opened the imperial edict and read it aloud in a loud voice:

"The Emperor, by the Will of Heaven, decrees:

I, the Emperor, believe that honoring loyalty and valor is a fundamental principle of the state, and extending benevolence to all is a profound expression of imperial favor. Now, Zheng Hao, the Prefect of Youzhou, has led his troops in defending the city from peril, repelling a powerful enemy on the battlefield, and even offering superior seeds to save countless lives. His merits are truly worthy of praise. Therefore, I hereby appoint him as the Garrison Commander-in-Chief, bestow upon him a unicorn-patterned robe, and entrust him with the task of pacifying the frontier. Respect this appointment and do not neglect your duties!

As for Madam Gu, she is a virtuous and capable wife, she has raised her nephews to be accomplished, and she has fostered harmony among relatives and the clan. Her exemplary conduct is worthy of emulation. Now, by special favor to the family, following the regulations for a third-rank noblewoman, she is hereby granted the title of Shuren (淑人), and bestowed with a wedding robe and earrings, to recognize her virtuous and educational achievements.

Admire this! "

Compared to his previous coldness, after reading the imperial edict, Wang Yong smiled kindly: "Lord Zheng, Lady Gu, please receive the edict."

Upon hearing the imperial edict praising and rewarding him, Gu Lin was taken aback. He had no idea that he had benefited from Zheng Hao's influence.

A strong arm draped over his arm. Gu Lin snapped out of his daze, turned around, and saw Zheng Hao, saying, "Your Majesty's grace is boundless; Uncle Gu is so happy he's lost in thought."

"Yes."

Noticing Wang Yong's gaze, Gu Lin nodded slightly, a look of joy and embarrassment on his face: "I didn't expect to receive such an honor."

Wang Yong was not surprised by Gu Fulang's behavior. In Daqian, if a wife and mother wanted to receive an honor, she would mostly have to rely on her husband and son. Gu Fulang was Lord Zheng's uncle. If he hadn't raised Lord Zheng from childhood and if Lord Zheng hadn't respected him, he might never have been able to receive an imperial title in his entire life.

After the imperial edict was read aloud, the task of entertaining Wang Yong was handed over to Zheng Hao, who then led Wang Yong and his entourage away from the residence.

Before leaving, with his back to the young man, Zheng Hao calmed him down and whispered, "Uncle Gu, don't worry, we'll talk about everything when I get back."

Seeing the other person's calm expression, Gu Lin gradually calmed down.

After they left the mansion, Gu Lin personally led people to place the imperial edict in a specially reserved room. His demeanor and actions were so respectful that no one could find fault with him.

Then, he returned to the courtyard and saw a lady's formal dress on a tray. Unlike women's dresses, the imperial decree bestowed upon the young master by the Daqian dynasty included a different set of clothing.

The dark red color was understated yet luxurious. Gu Lin reached out and touched it; the texture was silky smooth. For a moment, he felt as if he were touching a wedding dress.

evening.

Zheng Hao thought Wang Yong would return the next day after entertaining him, but unexpectedly, the other party returned home just as it got dark.

As soon as Zheng Hao entered the room, he saw Uncle Gu sitting at the table, his light brown eyes looking at him with a gentle smile: "Thanks to you, I am now a third-rank lady."

Upon returning, Zheng Hao did not go to the front yard to change into his official robes, but went directly to the back yard. He walked over and sat down next to Gu Lin, saying, "This is what Uncle Gu deserves. If it weren't for me, Uncle Gu could have been honored and rewarded openly and honestly with his urn, tong, cart, grain, and seeds. Why would he need to accept the imperial decree in my name?"

Gu Lin didn't care about these empty titles. He looked at Zheng Hao and smiled, "Why is it that Lord Zheng is reluctant to let me benefit from your fame?"

What is this nonsense?

Upon hearing this, Zheng Hao, though aware that Uncle Gu was teasing him, couldn't help but show a helpless expression.

He turned to look at the other person, his eyes lowered, and his tone was slightly helpless: "Uncle Gu..."

Seeing the young man's unusually speechless attitude, Gu Lin found it amusing and couldn't help but chuckle.

Upon seeing this, Zheng Hao's lips curled up slightly, and he spoke in a low, gentle voice: "If we're talking about benefiting from someone else's success, it should be the husband who gains status through the husband."

Gu Lin clicked his tongue lightly, looking at Zheng Hao with surprise in his eyes. The other party always managed to say so many nice things.

He never heard a single bad word about himself from Zheng Hao.

Raising his hand to lift the young man's chin, Gu Lin made a flippant gesture: "What a smooth talker you are."

Feeling the gentle touch on his chin, Zheng Hao did not flinch. He lowered his eyes and looked meek, like a virtuous man helplessly and obediently facing the teasing of a playboy.

The respectable man said in a low voice, "It's all thanks to Uncle Gu's excellent teaching."

It has to be said that everyone loves to hear pleasant words, and Gu Lin was no exception. He pinched Zheng Hao's chin and lifted him up, saying, "Since you've benefited from my influence, you should at least give me some benefits in return."

Uncle Gu was very close to him, his slender and delicate fingers moving along his chin, and Zheng Hao could smell the unique peach blossom scent emanating from the other man.

Zheng Hao's Adam's apple bobbed as he raised his eyes slightly, his deep gaze fixed on him: "Uncle Gu, what do you want?"

Gu Lin paused, not answering immediately. The young man's gaze was too intense. Although there was no physical contact, the two had been intimate many times before, and Gu Lin knew the meaning behind the emotions in the other's eyes.

Even if he lost, he wouldn't lose face. Gu Lin twitched his fingers slightly and met Zheng Hao's gaze, but he didn't dare to move his hand that was holding the other's chin.

"Please find me a martial arts master."

Zheng Hao, not expecting that Uncle Gu's reward was this, asked without changing his expression, "Why does Uncle Gu want to hire a martial arts master?"

While asking the question, Zheng Hao pondered what had happened recently that made Uncle Gu have this idea.

Gu Lin: "During the city defense battle, I was powerless to fight back against the enemy, and you had to send soldiers who were supposed to be fighting the enemy to protect me. I felt very uncomfortable."

Furthermore, there will undoubtedly be many wars in the future, and I do not want to be powerless against the enemy and have to rely on others for protection.

Zheng Hao frowned, disagreeing.

During the war, all affairs in Jingcheng were overseen by Uncle Gu, who maintained logistics and organized doctors to treat the wounded. Without him, countless soldiers would have died, and Uncle Gu would have been distracted and unable to concentrate on resisting the Northern Barbarians.

Uncle Gu's abilities make him worthy of protection.

Seeing the young man's reaction, Gu Lin said, "I know that even if I know martial arts, you will send people to protect me during the great battle. However, I don't want to be so passive and at the mercy of others."

“Zheng Hao, I don’t want to repeat that night in Yueming Prefecture, when the refugees stormed the gates and I could only hide in the basement, watching helplessly as you went out to fight the enemy, without me even knowing a whisper of it.”

Zheng Hao raised his hand and embraced Gu Lin. The other man's body was so soft, but his mind was extremely resilient. He knew that Uncle Gu was no ordinary boy and could not be treated like an ordinary boy. However, Zheng Hao was still unwilling to let the other man take risks.

He looked down at the person in front of him: "Martial arts training is very tiring. No matter the wind or rain, you can't stop for a day, and you can't sleep in anymore. Uncle Gu, do you still want to insist on practicing martial arts?"

Having decided to learn martial arts, Gu Lin had considered all these things. With a firm expression, he nodded to Zheng Hao: "I'm sure."

"You don't need to find a highly skilled martial arts master to teach me; just find someone who knows kung fu."

At his age, it was already too late for him to learn martial arts. Gu Lin never thought he could master any skill; he only wanted to be able to protect himself when facing danger.

Zheng Hao frowned, his deep eyes darkening: "Since Uncle Gu has made up his mind, I will find you a martial arts master. But Uncle Gu, remember this: once you start learning martial arts, I will not allow you to stop."

Zheng Hao takes martial arts training very seriously. He has been practicing since he was a child, and although he doesn't often show off his skills to others, his skills are very solid.

Seeing that the other party was softening, Gu Lin raised his head slightly, his eyes full of determination, and Zheng Hao knew what to do.

He raised his hand and gently stroked Gu Lin's back.

Gu Lin lowered his eyes slightly. Another reason he wanted to learn martial arts was that he didn't want to fall into the hands of his young enemy in the future, without even the power to resist, and become a burden to the other party.

Two days later.

At Gu Lin's request, Zheng Hao found him a martial arts instructor. When Gu Lin saw the instructor, he was surprised because the instructor was a tall, tanned man.

Upon seeing him, the other person clasped their hands in a respectful greeting and said in a deep voice, "Maili greets her husband."

Hello...

Perhaps because he had never seen such a tall and fit young man before, Gu Lin couldn't help but turn to look at Zheng Hao.

Zheng Hao remained calm: "Maili is one of the few bodyguards in the agency who is skilled in light weapons. The others are all skilled in fierce martial arts, which is not suitable for Uncle Gu."

Seeing that the other person's expression was normal, Gu Lin looked away and accepted his explanation.

Then, seeing Mai Li's respectful demeanor, Gu Lin said to Zheng Hao, "You go ahead and get busy. Mai Li and I will practice martial arts."

How could he not understand that Uncle Gu wanted to get rid of him? Zheng Hao lowered his eyes and hummed in agreement. Before leaving, he said, "Uncle Gu has something to tell me."

Gu Lin waved his hand, focusing all his attention on Mai Li.

Zheng Hao stood there, watching the young man for a long time before turning and leaving.