"Oh?" Marquis Gu couldn’t help but raise his eyebrows and smile, "Back then, our Emperor defied all opposition to make Empress Lin his queen, saying that even if all the flowers bloomed, he favored her alone. How long has it been since then?"
Gu Baoshu giggled mischievously, "Third Brother, you’re quite wicked."
Marquis Gu curled his lip, more unpleasant words were yet unsaid.
Mr. Songshan steered the topic back, "...Ahem... It seems to me the Emperor favors Chief Li more; now Chief Zhang’s place is deserted, claiming illness, and it seems a long time since he’s seen the Emperor."
Marquis Gu coughed lightly, "But Chief Li seems to prefer the West Gate bandit somewhat."
Gu Baoshu giggled again.
"It’s said ’prostitutes are heartless, actors are unfaithful,’" Mr. Songshan said, "But prostitutes do fancy handsome young men in romantic affairs, and it seems this Chief Li is quite taken with West Gate, which could be troublesome."
Marquis Gu stifled his smile, pondering for a moment, then said, "If we’re prepared, it’s not impossible if they court disaster."
Assassinating the Emperor would actually be a good thing.
He could directly support Prince Qi to ascend the throne.
With Prince Qi reigning, he would certainly redress the wrongs suffered by Empress Yuan and the Former Crown Prince, and the injustices faced by the Gu Family would ultimately be cleared.
Mr. Songshan said softly, "I just fear they might fail and drag us into it instead."
A vertical crease formed between Marquis Gu’s brows.
Gu Baoshu said, "Third Brother, it’s all my fault for inadvertently getting entangled with them; now, I can’t quite figure out their intentions, but it’s always best to be cautious."
Marquis Gu glanced at Gu Baoshu and smiled, "I didn’t expect you to think of that, you’re getting much smarter."
Gu Baoshu huffed and said, "I’ve arranged for someone to follow them tomorrow, don’t think just because I’m young I know nothing."
"Since we don’t know their intentions, we should assume they mean harm and be prepared," Marquis Gu said nonchalantly, "As the saying goes, overwhelming strength trumps ten skills, no matter how formidable the Black Wind Village people are, having come to the Capital City and being under watch, they’re practically walking into a trap, and even if we can’t catch them all, we must ensure they suffer a great loss."
Mr. Songshan laughed, "That’s indeed what needs discussing with you, Marquis. The Madam had previously said that once we gather complete intelligence, we could use it to earn merit, yet I didn’t expect this coincidence..."
Qin Yuan said, "Since Marquis has already decided, we won’t say more, but... should we inform Prince Qi?"
Gu Jinghui nodded, "Whether they’re keen on romance or aiming at the Emperor, the force behind them is certainly not aligned with Prince Qi. Prince Qi has embedded many people in the palace, it’s time to put them to use."
As they spoke, the dishes for Gu Baoshu and Mr. Songshan were served, and the two focused on eating. Marquis Gu ordered someone to summon Gu Shiba, instructing him to deliver a message to Prince Qi Mansion, also telling him to inform Prince Qi: "King Jin has been making frequent moves lately, secretly recruiting men under the Crown Prince’s nose and even reaching into my Great Camp."
After Gu Shiba left, Mr. Songshan took a couple of sips of noodles and said, "Hiding behind the Crown Prince to plot is a brilliant strategy for King Jin. The Emperor’s affection for the Crown Prince gives King Jin a greater chance of success compared to other Princes."
Gu Baoshu sipped some soup, set down her chopsticks, and asked, "And what about Prince Qi?"
Mr. Songshan shook his head, "It’s hard to say. Born a legitimate son but without his maternal clan, whether due to the aristocratic families or because of Empress Yuan and the Former Crown Prince, the Emperor is wary of him, and even at the Empress Dowager’s place, he doesn’t fare well."
Qin Yuan sighed.
In the previous life, when the Crown Prince was gone, Prince Qi did not last long either. Only then did the other Princes start competing for the throne, yet the Emperor remained in good health, and it was uncertain who ultimately triumphed.
Gu Baoshu pondered and then said, "It seems Prince Qi has no choice but to fight, just like the awkward position of our Dingbei Marquis Mansion."
Mr. Songshan chuckled, "Otherwise, why form an alliance?"
Gu Baoshu sighed, "Growing up brings many worries."
Marquis Gu smiled, "Why worry yourself with these matters? Who knows who will emerge victorious? Ten years ago, they said the Dingbei Marquis Mansion was finished, yet look at us now. As long as we’re not involved in treason, who can topple my Dingbei Marquis Mansion?"
The Northern Border had already established a Protectorate, and the Wild Donkey People were driven to the Liaodong region, with no battles to fight, there’s also no way to earn merit, but that also means no mistakes to punish.
The title of Dingbei Marquis is hereditary and unchanging.
Even if descendants don’t live up to expectations, the court still owes this salary silver.
His achievements cannot be erased by anyone.
If not for revenge, he wouldn’t have aligned with Prince Qi.
Gu Baoshu suddenly saw the light, laughing carefree, "Third Brother is right. You’re my and Sixth Brother’s greatest support, the sturdiest thigh. I’ll just eat well, sleep well, and be a good Seventh Miss of Dingbei Marquis Mansion."
As they say, when the nest is overturned, no egg remains intact. She realized her worries were unnecessary.