pdf-ebookys Chapter 1171: Already has the momentum of being the mother of the country
Chapter 1171: Already has the momentum of being the mother of the country
As childhood sweethearts, she knew better than anyone how suspicious and deep His Majesty was.
That was the mentality of an emperor who had experienced the most brutal fight for the throne and fought his way through mountains of corpses and seas of blood.
Even the eunuch who had served him for twenty years would be tested with some caution. He never truly let down his guard with the woman beside him.
But towards Concubine Chen... Your Majesty actually trusts her so much!
Mobilize the Dragon Armor Guard's tokens, and protect and kill without hesitation...
This is no longer a simple favor, it is clear that Concubine Chen is regarded as an ally who can be trusted and stand shoulder to shoulder with him!
A concubine actually has the qualifications to participate in the most core power struggles of the Great Zhou Dynasty?
This realization was like an icy needle, piercing Concubine Zhuang's years of calm, leaving her feeling an unprecedented sense of threat and unease...
The eldest princess's little hand, which was clutching the hem of Concubine Zhuang's clothes, was still trembling with fear, but she didn't care.
The blood on the ground has not been cleaned up yet, and the smell of rust in the air has not yet dissipated.
Nangong Xuanyu's gaze passed over those trembling ministers who were busy singing praises and fell on Gu Jinxiao.
This young Minister of Rites still has a posture as straight as a pine tree.
His face looked slightly pale against the scarlet official robe, but he did not show any fear of surviving a calamity, only a calm and silent composure.
"Gu Aiqing."
The emperor's voice broke through the clamor of the camp: "You remained calm in the face of danger and protected Concubine Chen. Your contribution is invaluable. Tell me, what reward do you desire?"
Everyone's eyes instantly focused on Gu Jinxiao.
The scene of the minister's blood splattering on the spot was still vivid in his mind. The emperor's inquiry at this moment was both a grace and a temptation.
Gu Jinxiao lifted his robe and knelt on one knee. His movements were meticulous and his voice was clear and steady, without any flattery or seeking credit. "Your Majesty, please understand that protecting the Holy Emperor is the duty of a minister."
"Last night, I protected the Imperial Concubine Chen well. This was my duty. I dare not claim any merit, nor ask for a reward."
Nangong Xuanyu's deep eyes stayed on Gu Jinxiao for a moment.
Seeing his old-fashioned and upright posture, which was flawless, the emperor's lips curled up slightly.
What he needs is a minister who knows his limits and does not overstep the line.
Nangong Xuanyu nodded calmly, his tone brooking no room for argument: "Doing your job thoroughly is also a credit."
"Li Changde——"
Li Changde, who was standing next to him, immediately bowed and said, "Your servant is here!"
Nangong Xuanyu said, "Convey my decree and reward Lord Gu with one hundred taels of gold, ten imperially made Hu brushes, one hundred rolls of Chengxintang Xuan paper, and a set of the only copy of the Jinshilu from the previous dynasty."
"I will also give you a purple gold fish bag."
This reward is both important and ingenious.
Gold, writing brushes, ink, paper and inkstone are tangible benefits.
The purple gold fish bag represents great dignity and trust.
Pushed this young Minister of Rites to a position of greater power!
Gu Jinxiao's eyes moved slightly, and he finally kowtowed deeply: "Your Majesty, I... thank you for your grace!"
With both kindness and force, the dust settled.
Nangong Xuanyu's gaze finally turned to Shen Zhinian, who had been standing quietly beside him.
The cold wind lifted a corner of her cloak, revealing the plain palace dress underneath.
There was not much pride on her face as she had made great achievements. She seemed neither arrogant nor impatient, but very calm and composed, already having the aura of a mother of the country!
When the emperor's gaze fell on her, the frost in his eyes melted away instantly, turning into a doting attitude that was almost drowning.
This look was completely different from the scrutiny and praise he had shown when he looked at Gu Jinxiao just now.
There was less pressure from the king, but more warmth that was almost private, with a tacit understanding that only the two of them understood.
At this moment, the last stone hanging in Nangong Xuanyu's heart also fell to the ground quietly.
Because he still had some worries.
Nian Nian was too young, and the Shen family had a shallow foundation. He was going to promote her to Imperial Noble Consort on New Year's Eve this year, and make her the designated queen.
Those complicated aristocratic families and old ministers who boast of their seniority will surely rise up in opposition, causing quite a stir.
Although the emperor was not afraid, he was troubled.
But now... after the battle of Mulan Hunting Field, Nian Nian used herself as bait and joined him in suppressing the rebellion and turning the tide!
This tremendous achievement is a real contribution to protecting the emperor, and is enough to silence the gossips of the world!
Who dares to say that Nian Nian is unworthy?
Who dares to question her ability and status?
This achievement became the most solid foundation for Nian Nian to ascend to the throne of Imperial Noble Consort!
On New Year's Eve, the golden book and golden treasure belonging to the imperial concubine were destined to fall into her hands without any suspense.
Nangong Xuanyu looked at Shen Zhinian's calm and picturesque profile. Deep in his gentle eyes, there was a soothing feeling that only he understood.
It was as if the hand of fate had already polished the treasure that best suited his heart to make it even more dazzling and firmly placed it in a high position that no one could shake!
The rebellion had just been quelled, and the emperor still had a lot to do.
After this episode, Nangong Xuanyu left a brief message: "Niannian, you take a rest first, I will handle the rest of the matters."
With a fierce aura and aura of dominance, he strode towards the temporary camp that served as the headquarters to deal with the follow-up of the rebels.
Zhan Weiran and other imperial guards generals immediately rushed forward. The friction of heavy armor and the hurried commands soon replaced the praises.
Everyone left one after another.
Shen Zhinian watched the emperor's dark back disappear behind the bright yellow tent.
Fuqiu and Handan tightened Shen Zhinian's cloak.
She turned and walked towards her own tent, decorated with auspicious clouds and birds, her steps calm, as if she were just leaving a noisy banquet. The mess and blood behind her no longer had anything to do with her.
……
The brocade curtains of Wangpin's tent were tightly closed, blocking out the faint sounds of troop movements outside and the subtle smell of blood.
The light in the tent was a little dim, and the jumping flames cast a swaying shadow on Wang Bin's bright face.
Odako's body was shaking uncontrollably, and his face was as pale as if it was covered with wall dust.
The sight of the minister's blood splattering three feet away was like a brand, etched in his eyes...
Xiao Tianzi's throat was dry, and his voice was shaking uncontrollably: "My queen... that... that gentleman... was... just like that..."
He didn't even dare to utter the word "death", he just felt a chill rising from his heart.
Concubine Wang was sitting in front of the dressing table, facing a blurry bronze mirror.
She didn't look back, but picked up a red gold hairpin with kingfisher feathers and slowly put it on her bun.
The eyebrows and eyes reflected in the mirror have a deliberately maintained calmness.
But beneath the calmness, Princess Wang was trying hard to suppress her fear.
"Why are you panicking?"
Her voice was not loud, even deliberately gentle, but it was filled with a chill: "He's not capable enough, who can he blame?"
After she finished speaking, Wangpin slowly turned around, her eyes fell on Odanoko's pale face, and the corners of her lips curled up in an almost cold arc.
"Now everyone's eyes are on the rebellion of the Duke of Dingguo's Mansion and the captured traitors. Everyone wants to know how Your Majesty will settle accounts with the Duke of Dingguo's Mansion."