nucmednet Chapter 963 Zhao Cuicui is actually going to marry the Duke of Anguo as a concubine?
Chapter 963 Zhao Cuicui is actually going to marry the Duke of Anguo as a concubine?
His voice was soft.
"Bai Lu, how have you been all these years?"
In the end, he still asked the question he most wanted to ask.
Bai Lu picked up her wine glass and took a small sip.
The warm wine slid down my throat, but the warmth couldn't reach my heart.
How should she answer?
Is it good or bad?
She was granted titles and honors, wielding immense power. To outsiders, she was undoubtedly a good person.
But who can know the hardships, struggles, and loneliness involved?
In this world, apart from his own daughter, there was no one else who truly cared for him.
"pretty good."
Gu Liang looked at her.
"......That's good."
Bai Lu asked Gu Liang, "Are you doing well in Kyoto?"
Gu Liang smiled and said to Bai Lu in a very gentle tone, "I'm doing very well in Kyoto."
My father loved me very much. He knew he owed me something, so he gave me a lot of gold and silver jewelry. Knowing that I was going to take the imperial examination, he hired famous teachers to guide me.
The Prefect of Qingzhou and the Duke of Anguo were both my fathers.
I am very grateful to them; they made me who I am today.
Although I am no longer the top scholar, I am now the third-ranked scholar.
I am already very fortunate to have achieved what I have today.
It is extremely rare for someone in our dynasty to have already entered the palace examination in their early twenties.
After listening to Gu Liang's words, Bai Lu was also very moved: "Yes, you are already very good now. You are already a third-ranked scholar in your twenties. There are few men as promising as you in Korea."
Gu Liang and Bai Lu exchanged a smile.
Bai Lu then asked about Gu Liang's mother: "By the way, how is your mother, Zhao Cuicui, doing now?"
A strange expression suddenly appeared on Gu Liang's face. He shook his head at Bai Lu and said, "She's not doing well."
"Why?" Bai Lu raised an eyebrow.
Gu Liang was silent for a while before saying, "Her legs are crippled, and she's also quite malicious."
I brought her to Kyoto and settled her in a villa there to recuperate, but I never expected... she would refuse to recuperate in that small villa and went directly to the Duke of Anguo's mansion. She met my father and then my mother.
When she saw my father, she was alright. At most, she would talk about how close she was to me when she was in Liangzhou, how good she was to me, and so on.
My father tolerated all of this, but seeing that her expression and appearance were somewhat coarse, he didn't say anything.
But when she met my mother, Zhao Cuicui actually said that she wanted to marry my father and have him take her as his concubine, otherwise she would be betraying the kindness of raising me all these years.
This really infuriated my mother. She was so angry that she had a headache on the spot and had to call the imperial physician for treatment.
“So…” Gu Liang’s expression was also a bit grim as he said to Bai Lu, “This matter is really unacceptable to them. Zhao Cuicui has now been sent to a suburban estate outside the capital to recuperate. She is indeed living a life of wealth and longevity, but she rarely sees me.”
After hearing these words, Bai Lu felt exhausted: "I never expected her to do such things."
Is it really okay to say things like that so carelessly?!
Why should I marry the Duke of Anguo?
Did she think that marrying the Duke of Anguo was the best day in the world?
The most comfortable days in this world are not about how much money you have, nor about climbing to the highest position, but about living the life you want.
All she wanted in life was for her son to be by her side all the time, so she had to respect everything her godson, Gu Liang, did.
She knew that if Zhao Cuicui hadn't caused all this trouble, based on her friendship with Gu Liang over the years in Liangzhou, Zhao Cuicui would definitely have had a very good relationship with Gu Liang. But now, they were sowing discord and becoming estranged—to what extent had it gone...?
After Gu Liang finished speaking, she felt extremely sad and heartbroken.
He said to Bailu, "Sigh, when I think about the past, I can't describe the feeling in my heart. I never thought my mother would be this kind of person."
I feel even more distressed when I think about how my mother used to oppose you, causing you a lot of suffering.
I apologize for everything that happened in the past, and I hope you won't hold it against me.
"Oh, these are all old, trivial matters. Why are you dwelling on them?" Bai Lu smiled slightly at him and then said, "Alright, let's not talk about these things that make you unhappy."
Since you don't like your mother, Zhao Cuicui, let's not talk about it anymore.
After all, this isn't Kyoto. If there's anything to be unhappy about, let Zhao Cuicui make a scene with the other servants at that little manor in Kyoto.
Now you are in Pingzhou, an imperial envoy, and a top scholar in the imperial examinations. You are enjoying the highest honors and glory. Why listen to such nonsense?
"Okay." Gu Liang nodded with a smile and started talking to Bai Lu about the seven little moons.
Gu Liang was also very happy when the seven little moons were mentioned.
He asked with a happy expression, "How old are they now?"
If I have time later, I'll go to Qingzhou to see how they're doing at Bailudong Academy. Maybe they won't even recognize me anymore.
Bai Lu laughed and said, "How could I not recognize you?"
You raised them from childhood.
When they were little, you were the one who took care of them when we didn't have time to take care of them.
Do you remember when you were little and you were making formula for your kids, but you accidentally made too much and they kept spitting it up?
Upon hearing this, Gu Liang also laughed.
Bai Lu and he both laughed happily.
Gu Liang's pent-up frustration from this period of time has lessened considerably.
Otherwise, he would have been in real distress.
He never expected Zhao Cuicui to do these things.
I thought that Zhao Cuicui would stop targeting Bai Lu now that she was no longer with Bai Lu, but I never expected her to target her own family instead.
Zhao Cuicui is my family, Bai Lu is my family, but those people from the Duke of Anguo's mansion are also my family.
Both sides are his family, so who can he side with?
This really put him in a difficult position.
He was completely baffled, because when he and his mother were living in poverty, they had a good relationship.
Later, he slowly came to understand that perhaps some people are suited to share hardship, but not happiness.
Everything in this world is so mysterious and ridiculous.
He also picked up his glass and drank it all in one gulp.
That night, they talked a lot: about the Jurchens, the political situation at court, and the upcoming investiture ceremony...
Both of them felt that many things in the world had changed, and they could never go back.
They can't go back to the days they spent in Lianhua Town and Xiahe Village.
Those times were bittersweet, but they were able to spend a lot of time together.
But things are different now. They are all experiencing both pain and joy, but they have all scattered to the four corners of the earth.
He was in the capital, Lady Luo was in Liangzhou, Shen Congyun was in the Western Regions, and his seven daughters were in Qingzhou.
Bai Lu herself was expanding her territory in Pingzhou.
Although it's a business transaction, it also carries His Majesty's instructions.
They seem to have become much more powerful and influential than before, but they have lost a lot of joy, which makes them feel very emotional.
The next day, they got very drunk, but still got up quickly.
Today we need to negotiate with the Jurchen people over there, so how can we not get up early?
A simple breakfast was laid out on the table: a few side dishes and two bowls of steaming rice porridge.
Bai Lu looked at Gu Liang.
He looked perfectly normal, showing no signs of a hangover.
She sighed inwardly once again, realizing that officialdom could indeed change a person.
The boy who once couldn't hold his liquor can now quickly regain his senses after a few drinks and prepare to handle important official business.
"I didn't expect your alcohol tolerance to have become so good."
Bai Lu said casually.
Gu Liang picked up the spoon and slowly took a sip of porridge.
"In Kyoto, many things inevitably involve social obligations."
The more you drink, the more naturally you'll develop the skills.
The two finished their breakfast quietly.
After that, they didn't say anything more and rode together to the agreed meeting place outside the city.
Gu Liang closed his eyes to rest, seemingly rehearsing every detail of today's negotiations in his mind.
Bai Lu watched the street scene rushing past the window.
She knew that today's talks would bring lasting peace to the North.
The meeting place was set at an inn outside the city.
Far from the hustle and bustle of the city, this quiet environment is ideal for important meetings.
When Bai Lu and Gu Liang arrived, Wanyan Zonghan and Wanyan Xiyin had been waiting for a long time.
Behind them stood several respected elders from the Jurchen tribes.
Upon seeing Bai Lu and Gu Liang enter, Wanyan Zonghan and Wanyan Xiyin immediately stood up, their faces showing obvious respect.
"Lord Anguo, Lord Gu."
Wanyan Zonghan spoke first, his voice loud and clear.
He sized up Gu Liang. Although the young man looked frail, his eyes were clear and he had a calm and composed demeanor.
Gu Liang's gaze calmly swept over everyone present.
He didn't rush to speak, but first nodded slightly to them, gesturing for everyone to sit down.
This unhurried attitude, on the contrary, made Wanyan Zonghan and others even more cautious.
Bai Lu sat down next to the main seat; her role today was that of a witness.
The one who truly represented the Great Wu Dynasty in negotiations with the Jurchens was the Imperial Envoy, Gu Liang.
"Chief Zonghan, Mr. Xiyin."
Gu Liang spoke, his voice gentle.
"I have come to Pingzhou by order of His Majesty the Great Wu Emperor to handle the matter of the Jurchen tribes' submission."
Marquis Anguo has already reported your wishes to the court, and His Majesty was overjoyed upon learning of it.
Wanyan Zonghan and Wanyan Xiyin exchanged a glance, both seeing joy in each other's eyes.
"It is an honor for the entire Jurchen people to receive His Majesty the Great Wu Emperor's permission."
Wanyan Xiyin gave a formal response on behalf of the tribe.
He rose and bowed deeply in the direction of Kyoto.
Wanyan Zonghan and the other elders also stood up in unison.
Gu Liang watched them finish their greetings quietly before raising her hand to offer a slight gesture of support.
"Everyone, please take a seat."
He said gently.
"His Majesty has decreed that since the Jurchen tribes are willing to submit, our Great Wu should treat them with sincerity and open its gates wide."
Today, I have come to discuss with you the specific procedures for the investiture ceremony.
This is also to ensure that our alliance has a legal basis and can be sustained for a long time.
Wanyan Zonghan sat up straight, his expression extremely focused.
He knew that what was about to be said was the most crucial part.
"Please speak, Lord Gu. We are all ears."
Gu Liang nodded and took out a draft of the official letter that he had prepared in advance from his document bag.
He unfolded the letter of credence and placed it on the table.
"First, regarding status."
His Majesty the Great Wu Emperor will officially issue an edict to confer upon Wanyan Zonghan the title of Prince Shunyi, a hereditary title.
At the same time, it acknowledged the leading position of the Wanyan tribe among the Jurchen tribes.
Upon hearing this, Wanyan Zonghan's breathing became much heavier.
king!
For tribes that had struggled on the grasslands for centuries, this was a title they wouldn't have dared to even dream of unless they had conquered all the other tribes on the grasslands.
It has to be a title conferred by a major imperial court... only then can one feel at ease using such a title.
Wanyan Xiyin's face also showed excitement.
He knew how significant this title was.
With this throne, Zonghan could rightfully rule over the wavering small tribes on the grasslands.
"Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty!"
Wanyan Zonghan stood up excitedly, his voice trembling slightly.
"Chief Zonghan, there is no need to be agitated."
Gu Liang smiled and reassured him.
"This is just one of them."
Secondly, regarding tribute.
According to the precedent set by our dynasty's vassal states, those that submit to us must pay tribute to our dynasty annually.
Considering that the Jurchen tribes were nomadic and their products differed from those of the Central Plains.
His Majesty has issued a special decree to exempt you from gold and silver taxes.
These words stunned Wanyan Xiyin and the others.
They had assumed that they would have to pay taxes after submitting, and had even made preparations accordingly.
"Then... what do we need to offer as tribute?"
Wanyan Xiyin asked cautiously.
"You only need to pay tribute to the court each year with 300 fine horses, 500 sable pelts, and 100 pearls."
These are all your local specialties, and they are not difficult for you to produce.
Gu Liang's tone was very calm.
Wanyan Zonghan and Wanyan Xiyin looked at each other again, their eyes filled with disbelief.
This small amount of tribute is utterly insignificant to the Wanyan tribe, which now controls vast tracts of forest.
This is hardly tribute; it's merely a symbolic gesture.
They increasingly felt the sincerity of the Great Wu court.
Thirdly, regarding trade.
Gu Liang continued, "This is the issue that the Jurchens care about most."
“From the date of investiture, a special trade market will be set up on the border of Pingzhou for the Jurchen tribes.”
Anguohou Trading Company will continue to trade with you.
All trade is protected by the laws of my Great Wu.
You can exchange horses, cattle, sheep, and furs for all the goods you need, including grain, salt, ironware, cloth, tea, and so on.
Gu Liang emphasized the word "ironware" when he spoke of it.
Wanyan Zonghan and Wanyan Xiyin's hearts skipped a beat.
Ironware!
In the past, this was the most tightly controlled supply of goods between the Central Plains dynasties and the nomadic tribes.
Now, trade has even been opened up.
This means they can have sharper shears to shear sheep, sturdier iron pots to cook food, and more durable farm tools to try small-scale farming.
These conditions are ten times better than the best-case scenario they had anticipated.