Chapter 1348: Hostage
Chapter 1348 -1184: Hostage
The Emperor raised his eyebrows; it truly is a political marriage! It seems his earlier speculation was correct, but he wondered if the person on the other side had the same candidate in mind.
“This time at Dayan, Father has ordered me to bring Princess Ba Yu, the Eighth Princess. Ba Yu has long been fond of Dayan’s culture and customs, and she yearns for it. If she can marry into Dayan this time, Ba Yu is willing to be the candidate for the marriage.”
Ge Yuan directly mentioned the matter of Princess Ba Yu’s marriage with Dayan, which made Gu Chengyu glance at him.
These matters are usually best settled privately first, much like the marriages between aristocratic families, where one sends people to probe first and only announces once an agreement is reached. If there isn’t agreement, both families act like it never happened.
The issue of Princess Ba Yu’s marriage hadn’t been raised privately with the Emperor beforehand, speaking so boldly must mean they are certain the Emperor won’t refuse?
“Marriage? But currently, Dayan has no princes of suitable age!” The Emperor appeared puzzled, seemingly quite shocked by this matter.
“Your Majesty, our Da Xing women are different from those of Dayan. Many choose their own spouses. Ba Yu is Father’s favorite princess; as long as she is satisfied, Father will definitely not oppose. Therefore, whether it’s a prince or a minister, as long as she is satisfied! What is Your Majesty’s opinion?”
Ge Yuan smiled, his face full of sincerity, but his words made the Emperor furrow his brows.
“Your country’s princesses are noble, how can a minister be worthy of her? Moreover, self-choosing a spouse is unheard of here in Dayan!” After hesitating for a while, the Emperor finally spoke.
“Your Majesty is worried that the Eighth Sister is young and inexperienced? Rest assured, although she may appear spoiled, she is measured. She would never meddle with those who are already married or engaged!”
Hearing this, the Emperor glanced at Gu Chengyu; since the other party stated so clearly, refusing would seem rather insincere.
“In this case, as long as the Princess is satisfied, Dayan is quite sincere as well. Moreover, in the Capital, there is no shortage of talented and handsome aristocratic sons, though not as distinguished in status as a princess, they are still charming young men.”
The Emperor gave a slight smile; if she truly favored a young aristocrat, he could offer a nominal position, ensuring the princess wouldn’t lose face.
Yet this Da Xing Princess seeking her own husband was quite eye-opening; indeed, the atmosphere in Da Xing seemed more liberated than in Dayan.
“Thank you, Your Majesty!” After Ge Yuan bowed, he withdrew to one side.
“You all have come from afar, today I shall host a banquet to welcome you!” Having spoken, the Emperor felt a slight itchiness in his throat. He suppressed the metallic sourness that surged up, stood up directly, and walked out of the hall.
The Emperor’s sudden departure left many ministers dumbfounded, and Da Xing’s envoys were particularly puzzled, even Gu Chengyu furrowed his brows.
In that instant, he seemed to notice the Emperor’s complexion was slightly flushed, and the departing figure appeared hurried and somewhat staggering. Could the Emperor’s poison have struck again?
Despite being very concerned, he had to stay and manage the situation.
“Please move to Taiji Palace!” Gu Chengyu signaled to Wang Weiyun, the Minister of the Ministry of Rites; hosting banquets was their responsibility.
“Yes, yes! Everyone, please move forward; today His Majesty will hold a banquet at Taiji Palace to welcome the distinguished guests from afar.”
Such a grand banquet requires attendance from all officials of Standard Fourth Rank and above in the Capital, even their female relatives would receive invitations from the palace.
“Humph!” As Yu Zheng passed by Gu Chengyu, he let out a cold snort.
Gu Chengyu currently had no time to argue with this person, being concerned about the Emperor’s health, wondering if he could endure the banquet. Thinking this, Gu Chengyu quickened his pace, intending to ask a eunuch later.
“Mr. Gu, please stop!” Absent-minded, Gu Chengyu suddenly heard a familiar voice behind him. He halted his steps and turned to see who was speaking.
“Oh, it’s Prince Ge Yuan!” Gu Chengyu bowed to Ge Yuan.
“Long time, no see!” Ge Yuan smiled slightly at Gu Chengyu, and while the gaze was one Gu Chengyu had seen countless times, the feeling this time was entirely different.
Previously, his pure gaze contained admiration and intimacy, but now Gu Chengyu saw complexity. Yes, complexity, as many emotions intermingled. After all, things were different; the environment indeed changes people.
Gu Chengyu returned the smile, “It indeed has been a long time. Your aunt has passed away; if you have time, go and offer prayers at her grave.”
After speaking and bowing once again, Gu Chengyu turned and departed.
He informed Ge Yuan because his aunt had always depended on Gu Wanqian, even ultimately sacrificing her life for him. Perhaps in the afterlife, she still missed this grandson.
What? She’s passed away? Ge Yuan was stunned, “Impossible! How could it be so fast?”
Ge Yuan muttered to himself, shaking his head in disbelief.
Even though his grandmother was ill, she couldn’t have possibly passed away so quickly! Tears involuntarily moistened his eyes; previously fearing to implicate his grandmother, he hadn’t contacted her since returning to Da Xing, intending to detach from the past.
But he hadn’t expected it to be so soon; he hadn’t even gotten the chance to see his grandmother for the last time.
“Seventh Prince, please prioritize the greater good; the banquet is about to start.” Envoy But also heard their conversation and seeing Ge Yuan clench his fists, quickly stepped forward to dissuade him.
Ge Yuan took a deep breath, “Let’s go!”
This time to Dayan, he bore a mission; if Ba Yu couldn’t marry into Dayan, he wouldn’t return to Da Xing. Father’s piercing words lingered in his ear; he pressed his lips tight and continued forward.
When Gu Chengyu arrived at Taiji Palace, he immediately noticed Xiao Quanzi rushing over. He stepped forward, pulled him aside, and asked softly, “How is His Majesty?”
“I was just about to invite you over!” Xiao Quanzi replied anxiously.
Having cleared his name yesterday, Xiao Quanzi was now appointed by the Emperor to serve closely.
Realizing the Emperor wished him to administer acupuncture, Gu Chengyu said no more and quickly followed Xiao Quanzi out of Taiji Palace.
Having grown prominent in court, Gu Chengyu’s appearance at Taiji Palace garnered much attention from many ministers. Seeing him suddenly leave in a hurry, they began speculating.
Arriving inside the hall, Ge Yuan absent-mindedly socialized while searching for Gu Chengyu’s presence, hoping to ask about his grandmother.
“Seventh Prince, don’t forget your purpose in Dayan. If unsuccessful, you must remain in Dayan as a hostage. You know the Da Xing Royal Family doesn’t lack princes; consider carefully and avoid impulsiveness.”
The cold warning by his ear abruptly pulled Ge Yuan’s attention back.