Previously, Gu Jianli always believed that actions spoke louder than words. Now, she understood that not everything had to be visible. In the matters of love between a man and a woman, there seemed to be an invisible string connecting their hearts. Just by looking at him, she could feel the presence of this string. This string also conveyed his feelings, allowing their hearts to connect and resonate.
Gu Jianli didn’t ask any more questions because she didn’t need to. She no longer needed to overthink, as she felt the existence of this string and knew Ji Wujing’s affection and deep care were enough.
As for the doubts in her heart, they no longer mattered.
He said to wait for his return, and she would wait for his return.
Ji Wujing, along with Xuanjing Sect, rushed to Xiangxi to join forces with the Duke of Xiangxi. Together with Gu Jingyuan, they launched an attack on the Western barbarians. Reports of victories continuously arrived in Anjing.
In mid-June, Jixia, who had stayed in the snowy mountains to recover from her leg injury, finally returned to Gu Jianli’s side. However, Gu Jianli was bewildered by Jixia’s constant vomiting.
“You…” Gu Jianli looked at Jixia’s haggard appearance and had a suspicion.
Jixia rinsed her mouth, wiped the corners of her lips, and then looked at Gu Jianli, speaking truthfully. She was already two and a half months pregnant, and the morning sickness had just started. She only found out after leaving the snowy mountains.
“This… this… how could this happen!” Gu Jianli was angry, slapping the table so hard that her palm hurt.
“He didn’t force me. It was my choice!”
Gu Jianli was still angry.
“This is too much, just too much!” Gu Jianli slapped the table again, her face flushed with anger. “No title, no status! It’s outrageous!”
“Not really… we got married in the village… it was simple since we have no parents…”
Gu Jianli was dumbfounded. In just a few months, Jixia had already gotten married and was pregnant?
Yuanping, Yuan’an, Yuanshun, and Yansui all stood nearby, equally astonished.
Jixia quickly walked over, taking Gu Jianli’s hand and gently rubbing her palm to soothe the pain from the slaps. As she massaged Gu Jianli’s hand, she spoke softly, “I know you’re worried about me, afraid I’ll be mistreated. But I don’t feel mistreated at all; we’re doing well.”
Gu Jianli looked at Jixia’s smiling eyes, slowly coming back to her senses. Her expression softened, and she asked gently, “Is he treating you well?”
Jixia nodded vigorously. “I’ve been by your side since I was young. You know my temperament, don’t you? I would never allow myself to be mistreated!”
Only then did Gu Jianli feel relieved.
Yuanshun teased from the side, “You owe us wedding candy!”
“Definitely!” Jixia replied with a laugh.
Gu Jianli’s gaze swept over Yuanping, Yuan’an, Yuanshun, and Yansui, finally settling on Yansui.
Shared hardships often deepen relationships, sometimes turning them from nothing into something, like Changsheng and Jixia, Changfeng and Yuanshun, and Yansui with the young master from the Cheng family.
However, unlike the previous two pairs, Yansui had rationally ended that relationship. She knew there was too much disparity in their statuses. The Xue family would never allow her to marry in, and even if she could, the future with her in-laws and interactions with the nobles of the capital would be fraught with difficulties. The days would not be easy. The young master of the Xue family had sought her out several times, but she had resolutely refused to see him. Gu Jianli even privately offered to grant her a marriage decree, but Yansui declined.
Yansui was rational.
Gu Jianli no longer insisted or interfered, silently blessing her. If Yansui ever decided to take the risk of marrying him or found someone else, she would support her.
Gu Jianli admired Yansui’s rationality. In Yansui, she occasionally saw a reflection of herself. This made her even more fond of and reliant on Yansui, often sending her to accompany Ji Xinglou in his lessons every afternoon. Gu Jianli noticed that while accompanying Ji Xinglou, Yansui secretly learned to read and write herself. Gu Jianli smiled in satisfaction, often teaching her things beyond a maid’s usual knowledge.
In the late autumn, the political situation in the court quietly changed.
Rumors spread about Ji Wujing wanting to usurp the throne. He bore the Ji surname and was Ji Xinglou’s adoptive father, the one who had helped Ji Xinglou ascend the throne. It was not surprising that such speculations arose.
These rumors were not concerning at first. However, after Ji Wujing went to the Western barbarians, new rumors spread about Gu Jingyuan planning to rebel and seize the throne, intending to join forces with his daughter to control the Empress Dowager Zhengxian and the young emperor, waiting to kill the young emperor once he returned victorious.
Gu Jingyuan did not bear the Ji surname.
“I don’t believe these rumors aren’t being spread by someone in the shadows,” Gu Jianli said.
Wen Jingshan pondered for a moment, then said, “The Ji clan has many prominent families, especially numerous princes. Many of these princes command troops in their own territories, acting like local kings. As they grow more comfortable with their luxurious lives, their ambitions are bound to grow.”
“Prince Linsi, Prince Guangxian, Prince Xinyuan, Prince Minde… Sister Jingshan, who do you think it could be?”
Gu Jianli and Wen Jingshan looked at each other for a moment, then suddenly smiled, both having reached the same conclusion.
“Last night’s victory report said that the campaign against the Western barbarians is nearing its end, and the army will soon return to the capital. Although the ministers can’t know the exact situation with the Western barbarians, they can make a good guess. The sudden rise of these rumors suggests that someone hopes to act before the army returns.” Gu Jianli said slowly.
By the time she finished speaking, the plan was already taking shape.
The strategy was simple: to deliberately misrepresent the situation in the Western regions. The army stationed there would split into two groups. One group would put on a show of a leisurely return, while the other would hasten back to the capital as quickly as possible.
With the plan agreed upon, Gu Jianli added, “The clan system is extensive, with marquis estates everywhere. The bloodlines have long been diluted. These clans are rotten to the core, living off the court’s money without striving for progress. It’s time to consolidate them.”
Wen Jingshan nodded, agreeing with Gu Jianli’s sentiment. However, now was not the time to address this matter. They had a preliminary plan but decided to postpone it for now.
October 12 was Ji Pinglian’s birthday, also the day Prince Guangxian and Prince Minde planned to storm the palace and seize the young emperor. Early that morning, Ji Pinglian brought a bowl of porridge she had cooked herself to her father.
“Pinglian wishes Father success in all his endeavors.”
Prince Guangxian laughed heartily, saying, “My daughter, wait at home for your father to win you the title of princess.”
Ji Pinglian lowered her head submissively, and after Prince Guangxian left, she slowly smiled with delight. She thought it was just as well that Ji Yan had failed to seize the throne. Her father was already a prince; what use were greater achievements? It was better to seize the throne, making her a true princess, an untouchable noble.
Prince Guangxian and Prince Minde entered the palace with great momentum.
The palace guards reported as usual, leading the group through the long corridors lined with red bricks and green tiles.
They were not alone, naturally. Behind them were several court officials, as well as skilled secret guards and warriors. The group marched into the palace, under the pretext of supporting the young emperor and expelling outsiders.
Today, Long Yujun returned to her family home and overheard her grandfather and husband discussing the palace situation, causing her concern.
“Grandfather, the two princes are ambitious wolves. Will you really sit by and do nothing?”
The Right Prime Minister laughed heartily, “Yujun, you underestimate the two empresses in the palace.”
Gu Jianli and Wen Jingshan received the two princes, calmly facing their aggressive questioning. Gu Jianli smiled serenely, saying, “The emperor has not been on the throne long. My sister Zhengxian and I have struggled to identify traitors within the court. We sincerely thank the two princes for bringing them all here today.”
A sly glint appeared in Gu Jianli’s composed and gentle smile.
“What do you mean by this?” Prince Guangxian asked, suddenly alert.
“What else could it mean?” A lazy yet cold voice interrupted.
Upon hearing the familiar voice, the nerves of the two princes and officials in the hall immediately tightened.
Ji Wujing sauntered out from the inner chambers. He wore the bright red robes of the Xuanjing Sect, his black hair tied high. Despite having just returned that morning, he showed no signs of travel weariness.
Seeing Ji Wujing, the two princes’ initial shock turned to dread.
Throughout history, capturing the enemy leader first has always been a top military strategy, but it is rarely executed due to its difficulty. However, in the recent reports of the Western campaign, Xuanjing Sect had repeatedly taken the heads of enemy generals amidst thousands of troops, significantly shortening the campaign. The Westerners were well aware of Xuanjing Sect’s tactics, but no matter how they guarded against him, they couldn’t prevent his ghost-like sudden appearances.
The moment Ji Wujing appeared, everyone felt a cold sweat break out on their backs.
Ji Wujing lazily sat beside Gu Jianli, his long legs stretched out carelessly. His upper body leaned back against the chair, his eyes coolly glancing at the two princes in the hall. “The Empress Dowager handles state affairs here every day. It wouldn’t be good for your blood to dirty this place.”
He waved his hand dismissively. “Leave.”
The two princes were stunned. They had been prepared to fight to the death, but Ji Wujing was telling them to leave…?
Before the princes could move, the ministers behind them were already fleeing in panic. The princes exchanged glances and immediately turned to run.
However, they hadn’t gotten far from the palace when they were met with the sight of a black mass of troops. Gu Jingyuan stood in front of his horse, holding a long knife, radiating killing intent. “You dogs, bullying my daughter?”
“Kill them all. Leave no one alive.”
At Prince Guangxian’s mansion, Ji Jie received the news and, without much thought, hurriedly fled with Ji Pinglian, who was still dreaming of becoming a princess. They disguised themselves as servants and maids, but before they could reach the outskirts of the city, they were intercepted by the army.
Gu Zaili, clad in red armor, sat high on her horse, pointing her spear forward. “Seize them!”
She rode back to the palace, instinctively turning her head to look beside her. The space beside her was empty; the little white horse and its rider were nowhere to be seen. She paused, remembering that now back in the capital, Rong Yuanyou had not come along.
This winter was warm, unlike the bitter cold of the previous years.
At the end of the year, Gu Jianli packed her things, planning to leave the palace and move into the National Father’s mansion. She and Ji Wujing could still enter the palace every day, but they could no longer stay there at night. The political landscape had changed significantly since Ji Xinglou’s ascension. The court was now filled with fresh faces, young people with aspirations to serve their country.
Wen Jingshan governed from behind the curtain, subtly imparting the knowledge she had learned from Ji Chong and her own diligent studies to Ji Xinglou. Despite his playful nature and late start in his education, Ji Xinglou inherited Ji Chong’s natural intelligence, learning quickly. By the age of six, he could already handle simple governmental affairs.
Behind the beaded curtain, Wen Jingshan watched Ji Xinglou sitting upright on the golden dragon throne, speaking confidently. She smiled warmly.
Ji Wujing had returned to the capital on October 12. By November 12, a whole month had passed, and Gu Jianli had barely seen him. Before he went to the Western regions, he had spent his days at the Zhenxiu Workshop, but he always returned home, no matter how late. Unexpectedly, since his return to the capital, he had seldom come home, even at night.
Xiao Qianzi mentioned that the lights in the Zhenxiu Workshop often stayed on all night.
Later, Ji Wujing stopped spending his time with scissors and needles, instead turning to jewelry making.
Gu Jianli was a bit angry but was surprised to see Ji Wujing’s complexion worsening by the day, as if he was always on the verge of losing his temper.
Looking at the lit Zhenxiu Workshop, Gu Jianli silently turned and left. “Forget it, he rarely gets so absorbed in something. Let him study embroidery, tailoring, and jewelry making. Who knows, he might become a first-rate male embroiderer recorded in history.”
Gu Jianli chuckled at her own thought.
They planned to move out of the palace on December 10. After barely seeing Ji Wujing for over a month, he suddenly appeared, looking much more relaxed and in a good mood.
Gu Jianli glanced at him and mocked, “You might as well stay with your needles and thread. I don’t mind staying in the palace.”
Ji Wujing’s smile was roguish. “Hmm, why don’t you stay at the Prince of Wuxian’s residence for a few days first?”
Gu Jianli froze, glaring at him angrily. She was truly upset now and didn’t go with him, instead returning to her father’s house in a huff.
However, the day after she returned to the Prince of Wuxian’s residence, Ji Wujing followed her, not alone.
A procession of red carriages and horses carrying betrothal gifts stretched as far as the eye could see, causing the townspeople to come out of their homes to watch.
Gu Jianli was stunned as she watched six matchmakers spouting auspicious words. She turned to look at her father, shocked to find him wearing a knowing expression. Pulling Ji Wujing aside, she urgently asked, “What are you doing? Haven’t I already married you?”
“Your good father is right. A proper marriage involves parental consent and a matchmaker’s words. We didn’t have that, so it doesn’t count. So here I am, formally proposing and marrying you again.”
Gu Jianli blinked slowly at Ji Wujing, the absurdity in her heart gradually fading, her cherry lips curling into a smile.
The wedding was set for the 20th of the lunar month, Gu Jianli’s birthday, which was also the day two years ago when she was carried in a small sedan to be with him.
Last year in the snowy mountains, he had promised her that her birthdays would no longer be pitiable.
On their wedding day, before dawn, Ji Wujing quietly slipped into Gu Jianli’s boudoir. She was not sleeping deeply and opened her eyes as he approached.