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This was originally something Gu Changqing had planned to do later, but due to the incident at the Heavenly Music House, this trip was advanced. After comforting the families of the two, he planned to investigate the background of the Young Owner of the Heavenly Music House.
The Emperor could not refuse such a request.
Sighing, the Emperor nodded and said, "Go ahead. Zhen will reward you upon your return to the capital."
Gu Changqing bowed and said, "This official’s request is not for personal rewards. This official only wishes for peace and prosperity in the State of Zhao, harmony among the people, and the citizens to be well-fed and well-clothed, free from the ravages of war and displacement."
Wasn't this what the Emperor also wanted?
As a lower state, the State of Zhao lagged behind the three upper states in terms of both economy and military strength. Despite the citizens in the capital living in peace and comfort, in reality, the people in the border areas, like the harsh and cold lands, struggled to make ends meet, finding it hard even to have enough to eat.
In contrast, the State of Yan, which also had a vast cold ice field, managed to achieve prosperity, and its people in any area did not suffer from hunger and cold.
If possible, the Emperor really wanted to go to the State of Yan to learn from them, to see how the monarch of the State of Yan turned a lower state into the strongest nation within a few decades.
After getting the Emperor's permission, Gu Changqing left the capital that very day. Accompanying him were two military officers from the Gu Family Army. Therefore, no one suspected that he had other motives.
Gu Changqing's unexpected visit today stirred ripples in the Emperor's heart. Suddenly, he felt that the rewards he planned to bestow might be insufficient.
After pondering for a while, the Emperor called Eunuch Wei over, "How is Old Marquis Ding'an's injury?"
Eunuch Wei smiled and said, "This servant heard it's not a big deal. He can walk now, but not as agile as before. Young Miss Gu said that she just needs to prescribe something in the future to completely heal him!"
The Emperor nodded and said, "Send someone to the Marquis Ding'an Estate and bring Old Marquis to the imperial palace. Zhen has something to discuss with him. Remember, the carriage should move slowly, don't let Old Marquis be jolted."
"Perhaps this servant should personally go?" Eunuch Wei suggested.
"That’s fine." said the Emperor.
Eunuch Wei personally went to the Marquis Ding'an Estate and brought Old Marquis to the imperial palace.
Although Old Marquis was able to walk, he couldn't walk for too long. His limbs had been broken before, and although they had healed, he still needed to take care.
The Emperor arranged for him to ride in a sedan chair all the way to the study room, which was a supreme honor.
After he entered the study, the Emperor immediately granted him a seat.
"Your Majesty." Old Marquis, surprised by the favor, intended to stand up to salute.
The Emperor pressed down his hand, "Old Marquis Gu, please sit. You are Zhen's loyal subject, and in the recent battle at the border, your contributions are undeniable."
The Emperor was well aware of the role Old Marquis played in this campaign. If it weren't for him, Gu Jiao and Gu Chengfeng wouldn't have gone to the border. If they hadn't gone, the State of Zhao would lose an outstanding general, border cities, and countless lives to the plague.
The Emperor might have also lost his younger sister Ning'an forever.
In short, it was all thanks to the blessings of Old Marquis Gu.
Moreover, the bravery of Gu Changqing and the Gu Family Army was undoubtedly related to the capture of Gu Chao.
"I dare not accept such praise." Old Marquis bowed.
The Emperor sighed and said, "Gu Chao, oh Gu Chao, you are fortunate. Each of your grandchildren is outstanding."
Gu Changqing, of course, lived up to expectations from childhood.
Gu Chengfeng and Gu Jiao were pleasant surprises.
"Your Majesty, you are too kind." Old Marquis humbly replied.
"Well, we have been monarch and subject for many years. Let's skip the formalities. Today, Zhen summoned you to the palace to discuss the rewards for your three grandchildren." the Emperor said.
Although Old Marquis was a military man, he was sensitive to numbers. Obviously, he only had two grandchildren who went to the border.
"Zhen plans to promote your eldest grandson, Gu Changqing, to the position of Northern Defense General, a third-ranking official. The second grandson, Gu Chengfeng, will be appointed as the sixth-ranking Yue Cavalry Captain." the Emperor announced.
Upon hearing this, Old Marquis felt that the rewards were a bit too generous, but at the same time, he understood that returning from a major battle, such rewards were both a means of comforting the soldiers and boosting morale, as well as a strategy to win the hearts of the people.
However, what the Emperor said next puzzled Old Marquis.
"Zhen also appreciates your granddaughter. Zhen plans to confer upon her the title of County Princess, with the specific title to be determined by the Hanlin Academy." .com
"Wait a moment, Your Majesty, did you just say granddaughter? Why would Your Majesty reward this official’s granddaughter?”
If His Majesty wanted to reward even his grandchildren who had no meritorious deeds, shouldn't he start with Gu Chenglin and Gu Yan?
That girl was just an ordinary girl!
Why reward her?
The Emperor smiled and said, "The little miracle physician made significant contributions at the border, so Zhen naturally wants to reward her."
Old Marquis was dumbfounded, "She... made contributions?"
Did that girl go to the border?
Old Marquis couldn't comprehend it at all!
That’s right, the people from the medical hall went to the border, and she must have gone with the medical team.
What’s with Gu Chao's reaction?
The Emperor frowned slightly and said seriously, "She, along with Supreme Commander Tang, defended Yuegu City while waiting for the reinforcements of the Gu Family Army. Moreover, she saved you."
Stirred up, Old Marquis said, "That was clearly my little sworn brother's credit! It was my little sworn brother who fought day and night in Yuegu City. He was the one who rescued me from the Prefect's Mansion, and even my injuries were treated by my little sworn brother. Just because the people in her medical hall changed my medicine a few times, you can't attribute the credit to her! Your Majesty, if you want to reward someone, reward my little sworn brother!"
No one could take the credit from his little sworn brother!
Not even his own granddaughter!
He wouldn’t let his little sworn brother be wronged by anyone!
This left the Emperor looking perplexed.
Who was this little sworn brother?
What was going on?
Gu Jiao originally entered the palace to accompany Little Jing Kong. Upon learning that he was entering the palace, Old Chief asked her to bring a memorandum to the Emperor.
Thus, she came here to deliver the memorandum.
Eunuch Wei certainly would not stop her. After all, they were not discussing military affairs inside.
Eunuch Wei led her to the door of the imperial study, saying, "Your Majesty."
The Emperor turned his head and, seeing Gu Jiao at the door, waved to her with a smile, "Come in! We were just talking about you!"
Gu Jiao stepped inside.
Little did she know, as soon as she stepped over the threshold, she would see Old Marquis sitting in a chair.
She froze on the spot!
Old Marquis turned his head to see who had come.
At the critical moment, Gu Jiao swiftly pulled out a mask and put it on her face!
However, Gu Jiao forgot that this wasn't the border, and she was wearing female attire.
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