lcionline Chapter 244 The Zheng army presses in, the border falls.
Chapter 244 The Zheng army presses in, the border falls.
"Report! Urgent military news from the Emperor..."
The Emperor, disregarding his grief, brushed Gu Junze's hand away and stood up. Tears still clung to his face, but his expression had regained some of its former majesty.
The Empress Dowager's passing seemed to have taken away the last bit of warmth in his heart.
"Summon Prince Yong, the Ministry of War, and all Grand Councilors to the Holy Hall for discussion..." The Emperor strode out with hurried steps, his robe sleeves drawing an arc in the air.
As the emperor reached the door, he suddenly stopped.
He didn't turn around, but merely turned slightly to the side, his voice low and complex: "As your uncle, I have wronged you, but as a monarch, I..."
The unspoken words dissipated into the air, leaving behind a suffocating silence.
He didn't finish his sentence; he simply continued striding forward, his figure quickly disappearing at the end of the corridor.
Gu Junze stood still, his eyes cold and icy.
Chu Ruohan stepped forward and gently took his hand, feeling the trembling from his fingertips.
"Junze," Chu Ruohan called softly.
On one hand, there is the greater good of the nation; on the other, there is the hatred for the murder of his mother. Chu Ruohan doesn't know what he will choose.
Gu Junze took a deep breath, a flash of pain crossing his eyes, before he quickly regained his composure: "I'm fine."
He turned to look at the Empress Dowager's remains, knelt down and gave his final bow: "Grandmother, farewell, your grandson."
The palace maids beside her had already changed into mourning clothes, and the Empress Dowager's personal nanny was heartbroken, sobbing uncontrollably by the bedside.
A somber atmosphere enveloped the entire palace.
Gu Junze stood up, took Chu Ruohan's hand, and walked out of the palace. The dazzling sunlight shone on their faces, making them squint slightly.
Chu Ruohan remained silent; she wouldn't try to persuade Gu Junze.
Why should Gu Junze be expected to forgive the suffering he endured since childhood, the torment of being confined to a wheelchair, and the injustice done to Princess Anyang?
Before she died, the Empress Dowager wanted Gu Junze to leave, not only to protect him, but also because she feared he would be blinded by hatred...
If they insist on killing the emperor to avenge their mother, then what about the Eastern Jin Dynasty...?
Gu Junze held Chu Ruohan's hand as they walked along the palace corridor, their steps heavy yet firm.
"Junze, are you alright?" Chu Ruohan asked softly, her eyes filled with worry.
Gu Junze did not answer, but simply held her hand tightly and walked forward steadily.
Chu Ruohan could feel the coldness of his fingertips, and knew how many undercurrents were hidden beneath his calm demeanor.
"I'll be with you no matter what."
Gu Junze turned to look at her, the coldness in his eyes melting slightly: "I know."
The two continued on their way, the atmosphere in the palace heavy and oppressive. News of the Empress Dowager's passing had spread, and the palace maids and eunuchs hurried about, their faces etched with sorrow.
"Do you want to know who my biological father is?" Gu Junze suddenly asked.
“Then we’ll have to ask the Emperor or the Marquis of Anyang,” Chu Ruohan said. “I’m also very curious to know what kind of person this man is who has won the favor of the Princess.”
Gu Junze parted his thin lips slightly, "Duan Qingye!"
Chu Ruohan was stunned. The scene of drinking together under the sun and moon immediately appeared in her mind, along with that face that resembled Gu Junze's.
A look of realization flashed in her eyes.
Yes, that's right.
The Great General's deep appreciation for the Princess's wine went beyond mere battlefield camaraderie...
"You suspected it a long time ago, didn't you?"
Gu Junze's mind is so delicate...
He didn't answer, he just nodded.
Yingqing did not leave the palace; she rushed over after receiving the news.
His expression was grave: "Your Highness, there is an urgent military situation at the border. The Zheng army is pressing in and has already breached three border cities!"
"When did this happen?" Gu Junze frowned, his voice suddenly turning cold and sharp.
"The news from three days ago only reached the capital today." Ying Qing lowered her voice, looked around, and added, "The court is in complete chaos."
A sharp glint flashed in Gu Junze's eyes. He clenched his fist, his knuckles turning white: "It's the Marquis of Anyang. No wonder he said he wouldn't be able to hold the throne for long. Those iron mines were probably smuggled away by him long ago through treason. Does he want to drag the entire Eastern Jin Dynasty down with him?"
Chu Ruohan was shocked. "So, the Marquis of Anyang's rebellion was not only for power, but also to coordinate from within and without to completely overthrow the Eastern Jin Dynasty."
"You go back to the manor with Yingqing first." Gu Junze turned to Chu Ruohan, his tone leaving no room for argument.
After Gu Junze finished speaking, he turned to leave, but Chu Ruohan grabbed his arm, "Where are you going?"
"At the Pilgrimage Hall, whether Duan Qingye is my biological father or not, we'll find out soon enough."
"I'll go with you," Chu Ruohan said firmly, her fingers gripping his sleeve tightly.
Looking at her resolute eyes, Gu Junze sighed softly, "Han'er, go back first. Your parents-in-law are waiting for you to let them know you're safe."
"On the other hand, with the Empress Dowager's passing a time of national mourning, Yingqing and Yueshu's marriage will likely have to be postponed..."
Is he changing the subject?
“Going to the temple now will not end well.” Chu Ruohan held his hand tightly, her eyes full of worry. “The Emperor has just lost the Empress Dowager and has received urgent military intelligence from the border. He must be in a very bad mood.”
Gu Junze looked at her quietly, the coldness in his eyes melting slightly: "I just want to confirm one thing, that I won't act impulsively."
Chu Ruohan hesitated for a moment before finally letting go of his hand: "Then I'll go back to the Chu family to let them know I'm safe, and then I'll wait for you at the Marquis's residence."
Gu Junze nodded and gently kissed her forehead: "Don't worry, I'll be careful."
After the two parted ways, Chu Ruohan followed Ying Qing and left the palace.
She looked back, but Gu Junze's figure had already disappeared behind the palace wall, and a sense of unease welled up in her heart.
Chu Ruohan first went back to the Chu family home. Doctor Qian and Chu's parents were relieved to see her return safely.
"Han'er, I'm so glad you're alright." Mother Chu held her daughter's hand tightly, her eyes filled with worry. "The city was in such chaos last night, we were all so worried."
Chu Ruohan gently patted her mother's hand and comforted her, "Don't worry, Mother, I'm fine. Junze was prepared, and everything is under his control."
Chu's father sat to the side, his expression grave: "I heard that the Marquis of Anyang rebelled and has now been captured. I'm afraid the Marquis's mansion will be raided."
“Yes,” Chu Ruohan nodded, “I was just about to go back to the Marquis’s residence to take a look.”
"What are you going there for?" Chu's mother asked in surprise. "That place must be in complete chaos right now. Won't the Emperor take his anger out on you?"
"Don't worry, Mother..."
After bidding farewell to her parents, Chu Ruohan took a carriage to the Marquis of Anyang's residence.
From afar, she could see that the gate of the mansion was filled with soldiers, holding weapons and with grim faces, completely surrounding the mansion.
As soon as Chu Ruohan stepped out of the carriage and entered the mansion, she was surrounded by a group of servants.
"Young Madam, Young Madam is back!"
"Young mistress, please save this servant!"
"Young Madam, what should we servants do?"