lcionline Chapter 212 How could one be so heartless as to use a child to set up a scheme?
Chapter 212 How could one be so heartless as to use a child to set up a scheme?
Gu Junze picked up his teacup, took a sip, and looked at Lu Ge'er beside him. "Lu Ge'er, the imperial examination for children is just before the spring examination. There's not much time left. How are your preparations going?"
Upon hearing this, Brother Lu immediately sat up straight.
"Uncle, I haven't missed any of my studies these days. I will do my best."
Gu Junze nodded slightly.
The Countess, however, spoke first: "Oh my, no wonder he was taught by Junze! Lu Ge'er is only eight years old and he's already taking the imperial examination. He's a promising young man!"
She turned to look at Lu Ge'er and earnestly advised, "Lu Ge'er, you must do well on the exam..."
Chu Ruohan sat to the side, looking at Gu Junze beside her, somewhat unable to figure out what he was thinking.
Lu Ge'er is still too young; there is absolutely no need for him to participate in the children's examinations so early.
Chu Ruohan frowned slightly, her gaze shifting back and forth between Gu Junze and Brother Lu. After hesitating for a moment, she said softly, "Brother Lu, no matter what the outcome, just do your best. Don't put too much pressure on yourself."
"Yes, Auntie, don't worry!"
As night fell, after everyone had left, Chu Ruohan and Gu Junze returned to their room.
The candlelight flickered, illuminating Chu Ruohan's slightly puzzled face. She finally couldn't help but ask the question that had been bothering her: "Junze, Lu Ge'er is so young. Isn't it a bit inappropriate to let him participate in the children's examination so early?"
"Besides, this is a matter for my third uncle's family; you have no right to interfere."
Gu Junze put down the book in his hand, looked at Chu Ruohan with gentle eyes, and slowly said, "How about Ruolu-ge'er winning the top prize?"
Chu Ruohan was slightly taken aback and couldn't understand his meaning for a moment. "It's certainly a good thing to win first place, but Brother Lu is only eight years old. It's not easy for him to stand out among so many candidates."
Gu Junze stood up, walked to the window, looked at the night outside, and said in a calm but meaningful tone: "I am not sure that he will definitely be the top scholar, but as long as he tries his best, that's enough."
Looking at his back, Chu Ruohan suddenly realized, "If Brother Ruolu can stand out, then the threshold of Hongmeng Academy will be worn down by aristocratic families."
Having been paralyzed for many years, Gu Junze was powerless and alone. How could he possibly fight for justice for the Princess? It was not as simple as just collecting evidence.
The fastest way to establish connections with various aristocratic families is through children.
Gu Junze smiled, "Smart!"
"When did you start planning this? Was it from the moment Yingqing brought Lu Ge'er back?" Chu Ruohan's gaze was deep.
“No,” Gu Junze turned around, “At first I just felt sorry for the child, but later I saw how hard he worked and how he tried to become stronger, and then I had other thoughts.”
Chu Ruohan nodded slightly, inwardly admiring Gu Junze's meticulousness and cautious approach, but she did not agree with his methods.
She sighed softly, "This child is indeed a promising talent, but I always feel a little guilty about using him like this."
Gu Junze walked back to Chu Ruohan's side and gently held her hand. "I understand what you're thinking, but this is also an opportunity for Brother Lü."
"He was in a difficult situation at home with Lan Jie'er and longed to become stronger. Participating in the children's examination was his opportunity to prove himself."
“If he can become a scholar at a young age, my third uncle will devote the whole family’s resources to nurturing him. We only need to guide him from behind the scenes to ensure that he does not lose his way.”
Chu Ruohan looked up at Gu Junze, "Since you have thought this through carefully, I will trust you. But you must protect Lu Ge'er along the way and make sure he is not harmed."
Gu Junze nodded in agreement, his gaze firm: "Of course..."
This preliminary examination is just the first step in our plan; there's still a long way to go...
next day
Gu Junze slowly woke up, and Chu Ruohan beside him was still asleep, her face full of peace.
He turned to gaze at Chu Ruohan's sleeping face, gently leaned down, and placed a kiss on her forehead before reluctantly getting up.
After getting dressed, Gu Junze called Yu Ling over and instructed her with concern, "Take good care of the young mistress."
Yu Ling quickly agreed and stepped aside to wait.
Gu Junze strode away, and just as he reached the entrance of the Marquis's residence, he bumped into Gu Chengyan, who was returning from outside.
Gu Chengyan bowed respectfully, his tone indifferent: "Greetings, elder brother."
Gu Junze nodded slightly and brushed past him.
"Brother, where are you going in such a hurry?"
Gu Junze didn't hide anything and went straight to the horse, untying the reins as he said, "Military camp."
Having said that, he nimbly mounted his horse and was about to whip it away when Gu Chengyan stopped him.
Gu Chengyan narrowed his eyes, a hint of inquiry flashing in them: "I heard that you have already joined the army. What are your thoughts on the imperial examination in half a month?"
A slight smirk played on his lips, a hint of mockery in his expression. "Could it be that you're planning to abandon your literary pursuits for martial arts?"
Gu Junze couldn't help but chuckle, his voice clear and bright: "Who said that joining the army means you can't participate in the imperial examinations?"
Gu Chengyan's face darkened slightly, and he snorted coldly: "Brother, you've joined the army and are preparing for the imperial examinations. Don't try to manage both and waste your energy."
He reined in his horse, sat firmly on it, and looked down at Gu Chengyan. "I can't help you with my affairs, so please don't worry about me. But have you made any progress in your studies?"
The two stared at each other, the atmosphere tense and ready to fight.
Gu Junze continued, "Instead of getting entangled with me here, you should focus on your own affairs."
He raised an eyebrow slightly, a mocking smile on his face. "Old man, you're really not letting yourself get old lately, getting married and taking concubines. Who knows, you might even have two more sons."
After Gu Junze finished speaking, he suddenly cracked his whip and shouted, "Giddy up!" The horse neighed and kicked up dust, disappearing from Gu Chengyan's sight in an instant.
Gu Chengyan stood there, stunned and unable to recover from the shock of hearing the word "old man".
From childhood to adulthood, in this Marquis's mansion, Gu Junze, though not particularly close to his father, had always treated him with utmost respect.
How dare they be so bold as to openly refer to someone as an "old man" today?
He really is different now...
When Chu Ruohan woke up, Gu Junze was no longer there. She stretched and slowly got up.
Yu Ling immediately stepped forward to serve him, a smile on her face. "The young master has already left. Before he left, he specifically instructed me to take good care of you."
Chu Ruohan gave a soft "hmm," her lips unconsciously curving upwards, a warm feeling welling up in her heart.
Yu Ling helped Chu Ruohan with her washing and dressing, and then said, "By the way, young mistress, the third young master is back..."
Chu Ruohan raised an eyebrow. There were still more than half a month until the imperial examinations, so Gu Chengyan's haste to return must mean he had heard about the Marquis of Anyang's upcoming marriage...