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Accompanied by the returning soldiers were also the carriage of Old Marquis and Princess Ning'an's entourage.
Old Marquis had his limbs shattered. Even if Gu Jiao reattached them, recovery wouldn't be as swift.
Upon arriving in the capital, he went directly back to the Marquis Ding’an Estate.
Gu Changqing, along with Tang Yueshan, escorted Princess Ning'an's entourage into the imperial palace.
The Emperor was very excited, not only about the triumphant return of the soldiers and officers to the court but also because Princess Ning'an, who had been separated from him for many years, had finally returned to his side. contemporary romance
The Emperor first visited the imperial study to meet Tang Yueshan, Gu Changqing, and the various generals, generously praising their performance in the battle, saying, "...once the court session commences, Zhen will generously reward you all!"
Issuing rewards to the meritorious was a significant matter, concerning both public sentiment as well as the prestige of the imperial family and the State of Zhao.
It needed to be announced in the imperial audience hall before the civil and military officials.
"Your Majesty, this subject dares not claim credit!" Tang Yueshan respectfully said, bowing, "This subject suffered defeat in Ye City, causing nearly ten thousand casualties to the imperial forces. This subject is guilty and asks for Your Majesty's punishment!"
Having said that, he lowered himself to the ground.
The Emperor circumvented the desk, personally helping him up, saying, "Supreme Commander, there's no need for that. Victory and defeat are common in warfare, especially as the remnants of the previous dynasty had set up an ambush. When you left the capital, no one expected the State of Chen's army to attack the northern borders of the State of Zhao."
If Marquis Xuanping were here, perhaps this matter would have passed. Marquis Xuanping had thick skin and wasn't embarrassed by defeat.
However, Tang Yueshan couldn't get over it.
He just couldn't accept his defeat.
He felt ashamed.
The Emperor was frustrated. How could he punish him? Tang Yueshan did indeed lose in Ye City, but it was ten thousand against eighty thousand from the State of Chen. Who could win in such a situation?
The Emperor wanted to scold Tang Yueshan.
Wasn’t he too arrogant? On what basis did he believe that ten thousand against eighty thousand shouldn't result in defeat? Did he think he was the Godly General of the State of Yan, Xuanyuan Li?
Even Marquis Xuanping wouldn't boast like that.
However, these thoughts were best kept to the Emperor's mind. Saying them aloud wouldn't be appropriate.
He had been contemplating his imperial mother's methods of employing people in recent days and had realized many things.
For instance, in his view, Tang Yueshan's arrogance might have some merits.
Tang Yueshan's arrogance came with actions, not just in words. He would strive and demand more from himself.
Why were the Tang Family archers renowned among the six states, even rivaling those from the State of Yan? Tang Yueshan's contributions in this couldn’t be overlooked.
"Ahem, there's no need for punishment. Having just achieved great success, if Zhen were to punish you now, wouldn't it chill the hearts of the soldiers and the people of the country?"
Tang Yueshan sorrowfully replied, "This subject feels unworthy of this. Please, Your Majesty, impose punishment!"
Gu Changqing nonchalantly interjected, "Supreme Commander Tang, don't trouble His Majesty. You are a hero. It's not the act of a wise ruler to punish you now. If you truly feel remorse, take the punishment yourself. This official thinks JiaoJiao's needle punishment would be fitting."
Tang Yueshan instantly shut his mouth——
Leaving the palace, both mounted their horses.
As Gu Changqing was about to ride away, Tang Yueshan suddenly stopped him, "Your mother's business, you better handle it cleanly."
Frowning, Gu Changqing looked at him.
Tang Yueshan continued, "Your mother is from the Ling Family. If she is a spy, have you never considered the possibility that the Ling Family might also be spies?"
Gu Changqing remained silent for a moment and said, "My grandfather once suspected this possibility. However, he has been investigating the Ling Family for years and hasn't found anything conclusive. All we know is that my mother went missing when she was very young and was found a year later."
Tang Yueshan questioned, "Are you implying that the Ling Family's daughter was replaced at that time? Replaced by someone who looked similar—— your mother?"
Gu Changqing nodded, "From the evidence my grandfather has, that seems the most plausible explanation."
Tugging the reins, Tang Yueshan remarked, "I advise you to still keep a close eye on the Ling Family. It's not about fearing a myriad of possibilities but fearing that one unexpected thing. Now that I know your secret, I can be considered half an accomplice. Don't get me implicated."
Gu Changqing casually responded, "If that day comes, you can pretend not to know a thing."
Tang Yueshan chuckled, "But who can guarantee that you won't expose me?"
Gu Changqing didn't respond and rode away on his horse.
Tang Yueshan shook his head, "Young people, such bad tempers."
Just then, a few palace servants carrying purchased goods accidentally brushed against Tang Yueshan's horse, startling it with a neigh.
Tang Yueshan exploded in anger on the spot, "Are you blind?! Are you seeking death?!"
The palace servants: “...”.
On the way back, Gu Changqing indeed considered the situation mentioned by Tang Yueshan. He ignored Tang Yueshan because he and Gu Chengfeng would never expose Tang Yueshan, unless Tang Yueshan betrayed them first.
During these days on the border, his grandfather had brought up plenty of his mother's matters.
His grandfather had also been concerned that the Ling Family might be harboring other spies. Thus, he had been secretly investigating the Ling Family for years but hadn't found anything substantial.
However, there were a few shady servants at the estate who were discovered by his grandfather after the exposure of Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing's incident, and all of them were promptly dealt with one by one.
In his view, the likelihood of issues within the Ling Family wasn’t very high.
Nevertheless, it wouldn't hurt to be cautious, as Tang Yueshan had suggested.
Upon returning home, Gu Changqing instructed several dark guards to monitor the Ling Family secretly before paying respects to Old Madame Gu and Marquis Gu.
Raz P.'s Thoughts
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