dognovel Chapter 1335 Gu Jinxiao meets Shen Zhinian (167 million reward points plus more)
Chapter 1335 Gu Jinxiao meets Shen Zhinian (167 million reward points plus more)
"Don't panic, Princess."
Bai Mufeng's voice was as gentle as ever, like the warm sun melting the first snow.
He naturally took half a step closer to Princess Wenshu, lowered his eyes, and stared at her intently.
Those eyes that always smiled were now filled with a reassuring firmness. He softly reassured her, "This place is secluded. I looked carefully when I came here just now, and there's no one else here."
"I'm just afraid..."
Princess Wenshu bit her lower lip with her pearly teeth: "I'm afraid of getting you into trouble again..."
“It’s never been a burden.”
Bai Mufeng smiled, his smile warm and gentle: "Since I am pleased with the princess, I have nothing to fear."
"Besides..."
At this point, he paused, paying attention to the movements around him, and lowered his voice: "Regarding the war IOU, I will sort out the general situation and submit the regulations to Your Majesty."
"If this is accomplished, it will be of great benefit to both the country and the people. By then, I will finally be able to make a contribution and have a say in your presence."
Princess Wenshu opened her eyes slightly, a glimmer of hope flashing in her eyes: "Really?"
"Of course it's true."
Bai Mufeng nodded, looking at her with a restrained and gentle gaze. "Princess, you know that the Imperial Noble Consort is very favored by His Majesty. If I can get the Imperial Noble Consort's help in the future, coupled with this achievement, perhaps... I can find an opportunity to ask His Majesty for permission to marry me."
"My Lady Imperial Concubine..."
Princess Wenshu murmured, and the light in her eyes gradually brightened.
Although she had not had much contact with the imperial concubine who was the most favored in the harem, she did not seem to be an unapproachable person.
If I can really get the Imperial Concubine's approval, then my brother...
When she thought that there might really be a day when the clouds would clear and the sun would shine, the heavy stone in Princess Wenshu's heart seemed to loosen a little.
A warm feeling of bitterness and anticipation surged into her heart.
She mustered up her courage and said, "I...I'm waiting for that day!"
"No matter what, you must be careful."
"Don't worry, Princess."
Bai Mufeng looked at Princess Wenshu's face, which was filled with hope, and his heart softened. "For the Princess, I will proceed with caution."
Then, the two of them talked for a while with smiles on their faces.
Princess Wenshu asked earnestly, "...Bai Hanlin, is there anything I can do?"
Bai Mufeng thought for a moment and said softly, "It is my great fortune that the Imperial Noble Consort is so kind and willing to show favor to me."
"However... I am ultimately an outsider. Even though I wish to respond to the Imperial Noble Consort's solicitations, the strict palace rules and numerous inconveniences make it difficult for me to regularly listen to your teachings."
His words were subtle, but Princess Wenshu immediately understood the deeper meaning.
She was intelligent and naturally knew the Imperial Noble Consort's current status and influence in the palace.
"I understand."
Princess Wenshu nodded gently, a hint of determination flashing in her beautiful eyes. "The Imperial Noble Consort's temperament... doesn't seem like someone who's difficult to get along with. I'll visit Yongshou Palace often, chat with her, and admire the flowers."
Her tone was gentle, but it held a solemn promise.
A look of heartache appeared in Bai Mufeng's eyes.
He knew that Princess Wenshu was not someone who could easily socialize. This move was a huge breakthrough and effort for her.
"The eldest princess..."
Bai Mufeng's voice became increasingly gentle, filled with indescribable emotion: "I'm sorry for putting you through this."
"No grievance."
Princess Wenshu shook her head, the corners of her lips curved slightly, with a bit of courage to risk it all: "For you, and for myself. I can't always wait timidly..."
She will also work hard!
To be able to stand beside him openly, instead of having a brief meeting in Merlin and feeling nervous.
They are running in both directions.
He worked tirelessly in the previous dynasty, and she tried to find a ray of light for them in the harem.
From a distance came Bihen's anxious call: "Princess, it's getting late..."
Princess Wenshu and Bai Mufeng looked at each other, and a thousand words were expressed without words.
Bai Mufeng suppressed the reluctance in his eyes and said, "Princess, please go back soon."
Princess Wenshu no longer hesitated, nodded, turned around, and quickly left. The lotus-green figure quickly merged into the end of the path shaded by dead branches.
Only the air seemed to still linger with her elegant fragrance.
……
Yongshou Palace.
Shen Zhinian was leaning on the couch, flipping through the brocade booklet that had just been presented to him by the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Handan whispered to the side about which patterns were fashionable and which materials were soft and comfortable.
Xiao Mingzi walked in quietly, bowed and announced, "Your Majesty, Minister Gu of the Ministry of Rites is outside requesting an audience."
Shen Zhinian's fingers paused slightly as he turned the page.
Gu Jinxiao?
Then, she remembered that not long ago, when Nangong Xuanyu hugged her, he casually mentioned that after the Ministry of Rites had drawn up the detailed regulations for the ceremony of conferring the title of Imperial Concubine, he would let Gu Jinxiao come to report to her in person.
If she feels that something is not satisfactory or inconsiderate, she can ask for adjustments.
Shen Zhinian closed the book and said, "Send Minister Gu in."
"Yes."
After a moment, Gu Jinxiao walked in slowly.
He was dressed in a purple official robe, with a jade belt around his waist, and his posture was as straight as a pine tree. However, his eyebrows and eyes were even colder and more silent than before.
Entering the inner hall, Gu Jinxiao saluted according to the rules, his voice steady and restrained: "Your Highness, the Minister of Rites, Gu Jinxiao, pays homage to Her Majesty the Imperial Concubine. May Her Majesty be blessed with good health!"
His movements were standard, his tone was distant, and he fulfilled his duties as a subject meticulously.
Since the thrilling escape from Mulan Paddock, they have never met each other alone again.
That night, guarding by the campfire, carefully supporting each other in the dense forest, and being able to hear each other's breathing in the darkness...
All the interactions and emotions that shouldn't have happened were tacitly sealed away by the two of them, as if they had never happened.
It seemed that the only distant relationship between them was that between the imperial concubine and the court officials.
Shen Zhinian raised his hand to support him: "Minister Gu, there is no need to be so polite."
"Thank you, Your Majesty the Imperial Concubine."
Gu Jinxiao stood up straight, his eyes falling on the intricate lotus pattern on the carpet, not looking at her.
Handan quietly served the tea and snacks, then retreated behind Shen Zhinian.
Shen Zhinian picked up the jade teacup beside him and broke the silence first: "Minister Gu, are you here today to discuss the enthronement ceremony?"
"Yes."
Gu Jinxiao, still keeping his eyes down, pulled out a neatly bound memorial from his sleeve and presented it with both hands: "The Ministry of Rites has drafted preliminary regulations for the ceremony of conferring the title of Imperial Noble Consort. Following the order of Your Majesty, I present it to Your Majesty for your review."
"If there are any additions, deletions, or adjustments that need to be made, I will follow your Majesty's wishes."
Fuqiu stepped forward, took the memorial, and handed it to Shen Zhinian.
Shen Zhinian didn't open it immediately. He just placed the memorial lightly on his knees, his eyes falling on Gu Jinxiao's overly respectful profile: "Thank you, Minister Gu."
"This matter is the responsibility of the Ministry of Rites. I am only listening briefly to your Majesty's wishes."
Gu Jinxiao then raised his eyes slightly, his gaze swept across the memorial on Shen Zhinian's lap, and then dropped them again: "Your Majesty, you are too kind."