sjar Chapter 246 In this world, as long as you have enough money, you can really make even the devil do t
Chapter 246 In this world, as long as you have enough money, you can really make even the devil do t
Su Wanniang looked at Chu Ruohan and said in a calm tone, "Your dowry and the heir's private treasury were left in Hongmeng Courtyard and were not confiscated. The Emperor still favors you."
Chu Ruohan simply smiled and did not reply.
She knew perfectly well that this imperial edict had probably been drafted before the Marquis of Anyang raised his army in rebellion.
At that time, Gu Junze and the Emperor had not yet fallen out, and the Empress Dowager was still alive.
If this were today...
Chu Ruohan dared not think too deeply, only feeling lost about the future.
"Thank you."
Chu Ruohan turned to leave, but Su Wanniang spoke up again: "I should leave too. Let me tell you something else."
Chu Ruohan stopped in her tracks, turned around and looked at her, waiting for her to continue.
“There are some things hidden in the Marquis of Anyang’s secret chamber,” Su Wanniang said, deliberately lowering her voice. “Those things may be very important to the heir.”
Chu Ruohan frowned slightly, somewhat puzzled: "What is it?"
"Princess Anyang's belongings, and some letters."
Su Wanniang slowly stood up, walked to Chu Ruohan's side, and lowered her voice, "The secret room is in the hidden compartment behind the study. Go and take a look before the soldiers find it."
Chu Ruohan nodded, said nothing more, and turned to leave.
She returned to Hongmeng Academy, wrote a letter, and then summoned Yingqing.
"Go to the Treasure Pavilion and find a man named Qin Fang. Give him this letter."
Yingqing hesitated, reluctant to leave: "Young Madam, I'll stay by your side to protect you. I'll deliver the message when the young master returns."
Chu Ruohan insisted, "Aren't there still two shadow guards in the courtyard? Marquis Anyang is already imprisoned. I won't get into trouble if I go. Go quickly!"
Chu Ruohan was anxious, fearing that it would be too late if she was too late...
Unbeknownst to her, the shadow guards had already been lured away by someone with ulterior motives!
Seeing her resolute attitude, Yingqing could only nod and hurriedly leave.
Chu Ruohan stood by the window, gazing at the scenery outside, her mind filled with countless thoughts.
In this world, with enough money, you can really make even the devil turn the millstone...
She had complete confidence in Qin Fang's abilities and believed he would definitely find a way to save Aunt Zhao's life.
Afterwards, Chu Ruohan went to the study of Marquis Anyang alone.
The study had been ransacked and was in complete disarray, but it seemed that the hidden compartment had not yet been discovered.
Following Su Wannian's directions, Chu Ruohan found the mechanism behind the bookshelf.
With a gentle press, the bookshelf slowly slid open, revealing a small, secret room.
Inside the secret room, an exquisite wooden box sat quietly. Chu Ruohan carefully opened it.
Inside the box were a stack of yellowed letters, as well as some exquisite little items—a jade pendant, a small dagger, and a sachet embroidered with plum blossoms.
These should be Princess Anyang's belongings.
The Marquis of Anyang is very well preserved, with almost no signs of damage.
Chu Ruohan picked up the letter and gently unfolded it.
The handwriting on the letter is strong and powerful, yet graceful, and must have been written by Princess Anyang.
The letter mostly contained observations from the battlefield and concerns about the situation in Korea and China.
The last few letters were written to a person named "Qingye," and the words were filled with longing and affection.
"Qingye, if there is an afterlife, I wish to be your wife and child, living an ordinary life, detached from worldly affairs."
As Chu Ruohan read these words, she couldn't help but feel sorrow for Princess Anyang.
A female general of her generation ultimately perished due to the power struggle, unable to even fulfill her wish to stay with the one she loved.
She carefully put away the letters and belongings, preparing to bring them to Gu Junze.
These things might help him understand his mother better and find some answers to the questions in his heart.
Just as Chu Ruohan was about to leave, a series of hurried footsteps suddenly came from outside the study.
Startled, she quickly closed the hidden compartment and swiftly hid the belongings in her bosom.
However, it was too late.
A sharp pain shot through her neck, and Chu Ruohan's vision went black as she lost consciousness...
Inside the temple, the courtiers had already gathered.
The Emperor sat on the dragon throne, his face ashen. Prince Yong stood below, reporting on the battle situation at the front.
"The State of Zheng launched a surprise attack on the border while the Eastern Jin Dynasty was in turmoil, revealing their wolfish ambitions!"
The Prince of Yong's voice boomed, "Now that we have lost three cities, if we do not send reinforcements soon, the entire northern frontier will be in imminent danger!"
The Minister of War looked worried: "The garrison in the northern border is less than 50,000, while the Zheng state has launched an attack with at least 150,000 troops. The situation is extremely critical!"
The court officials were in an uproar, with some advocating for immediate reinforcements while others worried that the capital was undefended.
Gu Junze stepped in, and the hall immediately fell silent. All eyes were on him.
He walked to the center of the hall and bowed to the emperor: "I have heard that the State of Zheng has invaded the border, and I have come here to request permission to fight."
The Emperor did not respond immediately, but narrowed his eyes slightly, as if trying to figure out Gu Junze's true intentions.
Inside the hall, it was so quiet you could hear a pin drop…
After a moment, the Emperor slowly spoke: "Junze, your health is weak, and your leg has just recovered. You should stay in the capital and rest properly!"
"Sir, obey the order."
Gu Junze bowed respectfully, his tone calm, revealing no emotional fluctuation.
The emperor's behavior confirmed his suspicions!
Lin Jingchuan stepped forward and knelt on both knees, "Your Majesty is willing to serve as the vanguard officer and will surely drive the traitors of Zheng out of the territory of my Eastern Jin!"
"Father, I am willing to lead the troops into battle..."
Prince Su followed closely behind, quickly expressing his determination.
The emperor looked at the two men and sneered inwardly.
How could he not know that the Prince Yong's mansion had become ambitious?
They simply wanted to take this opportunity to seize military power and further expand their influence.
As for Prince Su...
The emperor sighed inwardly, realizing that his son was still too naive.
If he were to lead the army, he would likely be unable to contend with the Prince of Yong, and in the end, he would only become the Prince of Yong's puppet.
He cannot let that happen.
The Emperor stood up. "Wang Wu!"
Wang Wu immediately stepped forward, knelt on one knee, and clasped his hands in obedience to the command.
"I hereby appoint you as the General Who Conquers the North. Immediately muster 300,000 troops and march day and night to the frontier. You must defeat the traitors of Zheng!"
"Lin Jingchuan is the vanguard officer, and the Ministry of Revenue is mobilizing grain and fodder to ensure the army's logistical support..."
"Sir, obey the order!"
Their voices were strong and clear, without the slightest hesitation.
The Emperor nodded. He had personally promoted Wang Wu, so he naturally felt more at ease using him.
In Zheng, I wonder if General Wang is in command...
If it really is Duan Qingye, no matter who he sends out, he will not be able to win, but he still has an ace up his sleeve.
The Emperor turned to Gu Junze, "The Empress Dowager loved you dearly. Go back and pack your things so you can keep vigil for her and see her off on her final journey..."
Gu Junze's lips curled into a cold smile. The Emperor was trying to trap him in the capital.
"Your subject obeys the decree," Gu Junze replied loudly, a deep light flashing in his eyes.
The Emperor nodded in satisfaction, but his gaze fell on Prince Yong...