Even considering the face of the Dingbei Marquis Mansion, the Emperor seems overly lenient with this playboy.
The Crown Prince looked suspiciously at Sixth Master Gu.
Qin Jijiu was secretly anxious, winking at Sixth Master Gu, but Sixth Master Gu was only focused on talking to the Emperor.
"Your subject shall remember deeply, not daring to forget."
Hearing this, the Emperor gently stroked the three strands of his beard by his lips, smiling: "Very good, very good. The family tradition of poetry and books can continue for generations. If your father knew from the afterlife, he would be at ease."
It was meant to be words of encouragement, but it sounded inexplicably strange. Qin Yuan blinked.
Prince Qi glanced at Old Wang, and Old Wang understood. Before Sixth Master Gu could speak again, he said, "Emperor, it’s getting late, we should also head back. The students from the Imperial College are still waiting to send you off."
The Emperor laughed and said, "I was so happy today that I forgot the time. Let’s depart, and you all go attend to your own matters."
Everyone knelt and performed a ceremonial bow, then lined up to send the Emperor off.
When the Emperor arrived, there was little commotion, but upon departure, the music filled the skies.
Once the imperial carriage was far away, the crowd finally dispersed.
Before Qin Yuan could find her father to speak, Qin Jijiu hurried over, patting Qin Siyuan’s shoulder, and said with satisfaction: "Nephew, you are very fortunate. You showed your face in front of the Emperor today. It might give a slight advantage in the palace examination in the future."
It was just short of boasting that he would surely secure a top place in the advanced scholar exam next year.
Qin Siyuan also laughed heartily and said, "It’s all thanks to the Marquis and the Sixth Master’s favor that I could reach the ears of the Emperor."
Sixth Master Gu quickly said, "It’s your poetry that is impressive."
Qin Jijiu looked at Sixth Master Gu, sighing, "Just now, I was so worried for the two of you, sweating in my palms, fearing you might act improperly before the Emperor. You two are truly like newborn calves unafraid of tigers. And this little one," he said as he pinched Qin Heng’s ear.
Qin Heng covered his ears and complained, "Father, this is in public. Your son is grown now, doesn’t he need some dignity? I have met the Emperor, after all."
Qin Yuan couldn’t help but laugh.
Qin Jijiu looked at her, seemingly having many things to say, but after a moment, he only said, "Why haven’t you put on your veil yet?"
Qin Yuan obediently put on her veil.
Qin Jijiu was satisfied, saying: "Today, my son-in-law truly showed the prestige of Daxing. My heart couldn’t feel more comfortable seeing that, and my daughter has bright days ahead, thanks to her brave and wise husband."
Gu Jinghui said, "I was worried my father-in-law might find me no match for the Crown Prince."
Knowing he was bitter, Qin Yuan glanced sidelong at Gu Jinghui, and he smiled while reaching for her hand.
Qin Jijiu laughed, "It’s just a joke from the emperor. But the Emperor has discerning eyes. In one glance, he saw that my daughter is both virtuous and beautiful. The Marquis is lucky to marry her, and my daughter is fortunate to have such a husband. Seeing you both in love makes me very happy."
Qin Yuan stood silently behind Gu Jinghui.
Marquis Gu laughed heartily, "Rest assured, Father-in-law, I will treat my wife well for a lifetime."
Gu Baoshu ran over at this moment. After greeting Qin Jijiu, she said to Qin Siyuan, "Mr. Qin, I heard the Emperor also loves your poems. Congratulations, congratulations."
Qin Siyuan laughed, "The Emperor also praised Seventh Miss’s heroics. Congratulations to you too."
Gu Baoshu wanted to say more.
Sixth Master Gu quickly interjected, "Treasure Bead, let’s hurry home. Today you’ve stood up for justice, and by tomorrow it will be all over the Capital City. If Mother finds out, she’ll be mad."
Gu Baoshu sighed deeply and pleaded with Qin Yuan, "Dear sister-in-law, please speak well of me in front of Mother, so as to spare me from punishment. It’s all because Yelv Guza spoke foully, and we couldn’t stand it, which started the commotion."
Seeing her pitiful state, Qin Jijiu said, "Yuan’er, do speak well for your little sister-in-law. After all, this matter started because of us."
Qin Yuan smiled, "Of course, but it’s late, so we shouldn’t say much more. Let’s hurry back home."
Everyone began to move out.
By this time, the crowd outside had mostly dispersed.
Qin Jijiu took Qin Siyuan and Qin Heng onto their family carriage, bowing as they parted.
After watching the Qin family’s carriage leave, Qin Yuan and Gu Baoshu boarded their carriage, with Marquis Gu and Sixth Master Gu riding alongside on horseback. Their attendants had long been waiting by.
Just as they were about to set off, General Jin and his men, clad in Qilin Robes, came to find Gu Jinghui.
Marquis Gu was a bit puzzled, "Why haven’t you left yet?"
General Jin said, "We’re all happy. If not for the Marquis Mansion, how could we receive such rich rewards? There were too many people earlier, so we couldn’t come to pay our respects."
Marquis Gu waved his hand with a smile, "No need. I already know your intentions."
General Jin and the others insisted, "We must pay our respects before letting the Marquis leave."