Chapter 6: Peanuts “Do you know where the Regent is?”…

At this moment, Her Highness the Regent was still unaware of Gu Sui’s grand ambitions.

Seeing that there was no one of interest to her at the Yulu Tower anymore, she left behind the chattering Mu Congfeng and returned to the prince’s mansion.

“The Wang Zhu has returned.”

In front of No. 37 Chengtian Avenue, the housekeeper Jiang Fu came forward to welcome her.

The embroidered ball in Mu Jiulu’s hand had never left her grasp. A look of shock appeared on Jiang Fu’s shrewd face.

When leaving in the morning, the Wang Zhu had only said she was going out for a stroll. Who knew that during her stroll, she would snatch an embroidered ball and bring it back.

However, did this mean that the Wang Zhu was finally going to take a Wang Jun back home?

Jiang Fu followed behind Mu Jiulu as they walked into the mansion. After the initial shock, her face was full of gratification.

After so many years, the Wang Zhu was finally going to start a family!

“Wang Zhu, this old servant will immediately order people to prepare the Wang Jun’s courtyard.

By the way, we should also ask the Imperial Astrologer to calculate an auspicious date as soon as possible.

Additionally, regarding the betrothal gifts, which standard does the Wang Zhu wish to use?

The ink jade bracelet that the noble gentleman used to love, saying it would be passed down to the future Wang Jun, should we add it to the list?

And also…”

Mu Jiulu stopped in her tracks, turned back to look at the chattering Jiang Fu, and raised an eyebrow.

Jiang Fu, who was seriously counting on her fingers what else needed to be prepared for the Wang Zhu’s grand wedding, almost bumped into her. Fortunately, she stopped in time and quickly lowered her head.

“Does the Wang Zhu have any other instructions?”

Jiang Fu had watched her grow up since childhood and was extremely concerned about her lifelong happiness.

This enormous prince’s mansion didn’t even have a single serving gentleman, it was cold and cheerless.

Oh, previously there were two bedchamber attendants sent by the palace according to the rules for the Ninth Princess, but after ten years, not only did the Wang Zhu dislike them very much and never favored them, she even married them off a year ago.

Jiang Fu couldn’t help but wonder if her Wang Zhu had some kind of hidden ailment, but she didn’t dare to mention it.

“Do you think I could so easily marry the only son of Gu Tingsong?”

Mu Jiulu, unaware of Jiang Fu’s inner thoughts, said while caressing the embroidered ball in her hand. Jiang Fu was slightly stunned.

It seemed… indeed not possible.

Jiang Fu’s face immediately fell, full of worry.

“The Emperor is very wary of you, and the General has always been at odds with you, this…”

“So why are you fussing over these things so early?”

Mu Jiulu said indifferently. Jiang Fu’s earlier enthusiasm was now thoroughly doused.

“This old servant has overstepped. Please forgive me, Wang Zhu.”

Why is it so difficult for the Wang Zhu to start a family! Alas!

“Go find father-master’s ink jade bracelet and bring it to the study.”

Mu Jiulu ordered, then continued walking inside.

Jiang Fu, left behind, pondered for a moment. If she couldn’t marry him, then why look for the bracelet left by the noble gentleman?

Wait a minute.

Just now, the Wang Zhu had said ‘why fuss over these things so early’, but she didn’t say not to fuss at all!

So, there’s still a chance!

Jiang Fu’s eyes immediately brightened, and her steps became lighter.

The Wang Zhu thinks it’s too early, but she doesn’t! She should still quickly prepare everything, it’s better to be prepared!

*

In the Yongning Palace, after being announced, the young Emperor entered the rear hall and carefully performed the greeting ritual.

The Empress Dowager, who was teasing a parrot by the window, smiled and said, “Huan’er has come, sit down.”

“Imperial Grandfather, Huan’er has something to ask for your guidance.”

“Is it about the Regent?”

The young Emperor, with a tense young face, nodded solemnly.

The Empress Dowager wore a dark cyan palace dress, dressed in a dignified and luxurious manner.

In just three short years, two emperors had changed, and she could now be considered the person with the highest seniority in the palace.

At the same time, she was also the person the young Emperor trusted the most.

“Huan’er, what do you think of Gu Tingsong?”

“The General was once the most trusted leader of Imperial Grandmother, reclaiming the northwest, establishing our dynasty’s national prestige, and wholeheartedly supporting Mother Emperor and Huan’er. She is undoubtedly an extremely loyal person.”

“Huan’er, she is loyal, but people’s hearts can easily change. The two hundred thousand troops in her hands will always be a hidden danger.”

The young Emperor’s hands, placed on her knees, clenched slightly, and for a moment, she didn’t know how to respond.

Before this, she had been extremely trusting of the General, after all, Gu Tingsong had risked her life for Mother Emperor and her, and even her only son was expanding the territory for the country.

But with Imperial Grandfather saying this, she began to feel a bit uneasy.

“Imperial Grandfather, the General… surely wouldn’t.”

The Empress Dowager laughed, seemingly helpless at her naivety.

“Huan’er, you’re still young, you don’t understand the treachery of human hearts, but it’s alright, Imperial Grandfather will teach you. The only one you can trust has always been yourself.”

“You need to guard against the Regent, but you can’t rely entirely on others. That Gu Tingsong must also be guarded against. If so, if you don’t want Gu Sui to marry into the Regent’s mansion, what should you do?”

This was the question the young Emperor had come to ask, but unexpectedly, it was thrown back to her.

The young Emperor shook her head: “Huan’er doesn’t know.”

The Empress Dowager put down the feather in her hand, walked to the seat, looked at the bewildered young Emperor, and spoke slowly in her aged voice.

“The son of the General’s house is indeed worthy of a Jun position.”

The young Emperor was so shocked she almost slipped from her chair. She looked at the Empress Dowager in disbelief, her voice trembling.

“Imperial Grandfather, Huan’er is only ten years old!”

The Empress Dowager laughed.

“What’s wrong with that? You are the Emperor, you only need to give him enough honor to appease Gu Tingsong. As for Huan’er’s future Feng Jun, Imperial Grandfather will naturally choose carefully for you.”

The young Emperor swallowed hard. She had never thought there could be such a solution.

Gu Sui represented the Gu family’s two hundred thousand troops. To be honest, she wouldn’t feel at ease no matter who he married.

But if she were to marry him herself, while the risks in terms of benefits would be resolved, psychologically she couldn’t accept it!

“Imperial Grandfather, that Gu Sui is not much younger than Father Emperor. Huan’er feels this is somewhat inappropriate.”

The Empress Dowager frowned, her voice slightly sinking: “How can Huan’er be so timid?”

The young Emperor was still somewhat afraid of the stern Imperial Grandfather, and upon hearing this, she lowered her head and said softly.

“But the General wouldn’t agree to let Gu Sui enter the palace!”

“Leave these matters to Imperial Grandfather to resolve. No matter how invulnerable Gu Tingsong is to weapons, she still has a weakness.”

The young Emperor tilted her head in confusion: “Ah?”

“As long as Gu Sui himself agrees, there’s nothing Gu Tingsong can do to stop it.”

The Empress Dowager said confidently. The young Emperor’s lips quivered a few times.

Under the piercing gaze of Imperial Grandfather, she could only say dryly in the end: “Huan’er will listen to Imperial Grandfather.”

*

The next day was the first day of the month, and Gu Sui only then learned that as a third-rank general, he also had to attend today’s grand court session.

He was called up early in the morning before dawn, changed into a blue leopard-print court robe. Gu Sui, still drowsy, looked at himself in the mirror and thought he looked quite impressive.

Having an official robe and being able to attend court, it seems this female-dominated world isn’t so bad apart from having to get married.

At this moment, Gu Sui had not yet realized the seriousness of the situation.

The clothes were on, but tying up the hair was still a troublesome matter.

As usual, Sui Yu gathered his long hair for him, combing it smooth bit by bit. Just watching made Gu Sui feel it was troublesome.

“This hair is so cumbersome, why don’t we just cut it off?”

Gu Sui said while yawning. Yun Mu paused before speaking.

“Young Master, this… one’s body, hair, and skin are received from one’s parents…”

Suddenly, Gu Tingsong’s voice came from the doorway, “It’s alright, if Sui’er feels it’s cumbersome, then cut it.”

Gu Sui had originally thought to let it be after hearing Yun Mu’s words, but unexpectedly, Gu Tingsong was even more decisive than him. She personally brought scissors and stood behind him, asking.

“How does Sui’er want it cut?”

Since that’s the case, might as well cut it. He thought for a moment and then said.

“A wolf tail, I suppose.”

If he were to cut it short like before, it would look too out of place here. A wolf tail would be both convenient and not too strange.

Gu Sui had no objections. Since her son had forgotten his past life, he should have a new beginning.

In no time, the quick and skillful Gu Tingsong had cut his hair for him.

A medium-length wolf tail, the originally waist-length hair now loosely draped over his shoulders.

The fluffy hair on top of his head and the side-swept bangs made him look even more youthful, adding a touch of boyishness.

Gu Sui hadn’t expected this mother to be so skilled, the result was so impressive that even he was somewhat amazed.

If he were to take a photo and post it online, he could claim to be eighteen and people would believe him.

Because they had to go to court, Sui Yu brought a blue hair tie to simply tie back the hair at the back of his head, and he was ready to go out. No longer did he need to style his hair elaborately like before.

“My son is truly a beauty. If not for that bloody calamity, mother would want to keep you forever.”

Gu Sui said with a sigh. Gu Sui politely smiled a couple of times, and the two of them, fully dressed, left together.

Because they had spent some time on the hair, there wasn’t enough time to have breakfast at the mansion. Gu Tingsong had someone buy food on the way, to be eaten in the carriage.

Gu Sui suddenly thought, he was going to attend court, so… the Regent would definitely be there!

“Mother, wait for me a moment, I’m going to get something.”

Just as they were about to leave, Gu Sui ran back to his room, grabbed a wrapped paper bag, and ran back. Gu Tingsong was somewhat curious.

“What’s in there?”

Gu Sui opened the paper bag, poured out the roasted peanuts inside, and shared some with Gu Tingsong.

“It’s food. Mother, do you want some?”

The taste was unlike something bought outside, so Gu Tingsong asked, “Did Sui’er make this himself?”

“Mm-hmm.”

Gu Tingsong was touched on the spot. Her son was so good, he had even learned to make food for his mother.

Although it was just simple roasted peanuts with only a little salt sprinkled on top, it was the thought that counted.

Gu Tingsong immediately felt that the baked flatbread she used to eat often wasn’t as tasty anymore, and she even ate the peanut shells clean.

“Mother, at the court, what should I do?”

Gu Sui put away the remaining peanuts, and Gu Tingsong quietly withdrew her hand that had been itching to reach for more. Hearing the question, she made an “ah” sound.

“You don’t need to do anything. Bringing you to court is to let you gain some experience and understand more about the situation, to prevent you from being deceived by certain people in the future. You don’t need to be too nervous.”

“Oh, that’s good.”

Gu Sui breathed a sigh of relief. If that’s the case, he only needed to maintain the non-speaking persona of the previous Gu Sui at court.

There shouldn’t be anything that would involve him.

They got off the carriage in front of the palace gates and walked all the way to the Hall of Golden Chimes. Many court officials had already gathered there.

It wasn’t time yet, and high-ranking officials had the right to rest for a moment in the side hall. Gu Tingsong certainly couldn’t let her son wait outside the hall.

Gu Tingsong had originally wanted to take him herself, but a general approached her, seemingly with some military matters. Gu Tingsong then asked a nearby palace maid to take him over.

The side hall was divided into many quiet areas by screens, providing a place for several dignitaries to rest.

Gu Sui’s attire today was unusual, and he attracted some attention as soon as he entered.

Gu Sui didn’t mind. He looked around but didn’t find the person he was looking for, so he asked the palace maid beside him.

“Do you know where the Regent is?”

The palace maid was stunned for a moment, then replied, “In response to Young General Gu, she’s in the warmest chamber at the very back.”

Having gotten his answer, Gu Sui immediately walked in that direction. The palace maid behind him looked surprised.

This Young General Gu, was he going to find the Regent so openly?

Doesn’t he worry about avoiding suspicion at all?

***

When Scheming Men Desperately Battle for Her Favor in the Male Harem (Female-dominant)

This one’s also on my reread list! The rivalry, scheming between the men in the imperial harem are just as intense and thrilling as in classic palace drama novels, where concubines fight to the death. Give it a read, girls! I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Synopsis:

“I am not worthy of her… but I still want to be by her side, even if only as a loyal dog…”

Those were the painful whispers of Yue Guanyi – the proud Crown Prince of the Great Qi, who was torn between deep love and a guilty conscience. Despite holding the supreme power of the Imperial Guard, he still could not forget the dark past when he was sold into a brothel.

Fate played a cruel twist when Qiu Shuzhi – a young female official who had just passed the imperial examinations with top honors – stepped into his life. She did not know that she was the one who had saved him from a tragic fate many years ago. And now, her heart was the target of pursuit for both Yue Guanyi and the powerful Empress Dowager Qin Qing.

While Yue Guanyi only dared to silently care for and protect the one he loved from afar, the  Empress Dowager Qin Qing openly expressed his feelings and did not hesitate to take advantage of his power to approach Qiu Shuzhi. The covert struggle between the two most powerful forces in the imperial court began…

Trigger warning: All men in this novel are yandere style.

_____

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