flstandardbreds Chapter 125 Trading Merit for Freedom
Chapter 125 Trading Merit for Freedom
Faced with Gu Linsen's relentless pressure, Qin Jinghao couldn't find anything to refute, because what he said did make sense.
Even though this is a generally accepted fact, most people turn a blind eye to it. How could Gu Linsen be so serious about it, especially in front of so many people?
"General Gu, let's talk this out in the palace. You must be tired from your journey, so please take a rest." Qin Jinghao couldn't let him continue.
"No need, let's just make things clear here!" Gu Linsen didn't buy it at all and didn't give Qin Jinghao any face.
Qin Jinghao had no choice but to bite the bullet and say, "General, Qingyue has already lived in the palace, that's common knowledge. Why are you bringing this up again..."
"What's wrong? She learned the rules in the palace, she didn't go to live in your East Palace, and just like that she became your person? So if all the girls from the common people went to stay there, would they all become Your Majesty's or Your Highness's people?"
Gu Linsen's shameless attitude made Jiang Qingyue want to applaud.
Only my maternal grandfather had the confidence to challenge the Crown Prince.
"Is General Gu going to act unreasonably?" Qin Jinghao's face gradually darkened, especially in front of so many people. Gu Linsen actually dared to embarrass him like this. How come he's so lucky to still be alive!
Qin Jinghao's expression darkened considerably.
He orchestrated everything with the sole purpose of eliminating Gu Linsen and ending the matter once and for all. Moreover, Jiang Qingyue's escape was completely unexpected, thus catching the two of them off guard.
Therefore, now he could only use the imperial edict to pressure Gu Linsen, "General Gu, I respect you, that's why I've tried so hard to persuade you. This is an imperial edict, does the General intend to disobey it?"
"Even His Majesty cannot force a marriage. This humble general must seek justice for Qingyue. Besides, the imperial edict only mentions the Jiang family's daughter. Does it specifically name my granddaughter Qingyue? No, it doesn't! Your Highness has already married the Jiang family's daughter, and the imperial edict has been carried out. Your Highness, don't use the imperial edict to pressure this humble general."
Gu Linsen showed no respect whatsoever.
"Yes, General Gu is absolutely right!"
"Everyone knows that Miss Jiang Qingyue was only recently brought home and is not recognized or favored by her family. They say she is not even as good as an adopted daughter as their biological daughter."
"That's right, now they're being forced into marriage, that's just too tragic."
"Who knows if it's that adopted daughter causing trouble again?"
"His Majesty has been deceived!"
"Moreover, General Gu has made outstanding military achievements and protected the entire country. If Your Majesty forces him against his will, it will dishearten loyal ministers!"
"So many people dream of this. Although I don't understand why Jiang Qingyue is unwilling, there's really no reason to force her into this."
"..."
The whispers around him reached Qin Jinghao's ears, making his face turn as black as ink.
Seeing that the people around him had been incited by Gu Linsen, Qin Jinghao knew that arguing with him any further would only lead to trouble.
"General, this is the Emperor's decree. There's nothing I can do about it. You can talk to the Emperor about this matter again."
I'm sorry, Father, this hot potato is now yours.
"I believe His Majesty is a reasonable man, after all, so many people are witnessing this!" Gu Linsen had achieved his goal and knew when to stop, so he nodded and prepared to go directly to the palace to meet the Emperor.
To prevent them from resorting to the awful tactic of forcing a fait accompli, Gu Linsen brought Jiang Qingyue with him into the palace.
Inside the palace, the emperor had already heard rumors and was furious.
By the time Gu Linsen and the others arrived, he had already tidied himself up and showed no signs of losing his temper.
Gu Linsen and the others bowed deeply to the emperor, who quickly stepped forward and personally helped Gu Linsen up, saying, "Minister Gu, please rise! You are a great hero!"
"Your Majesty flatters me. All of this is for the sake of the country and the people. It is my duty."
"Oh, what are you saying? You deserve a reward, so tell me, what reward do you want?" The emperor waved his hand, very pleased.
Regardless of everything else, Gu Linsen has after all kept the barbarians out of the border, which is a service to the country. He should be rewarded accordingly, otherwise it will give the court officials something to talk about.
"Any reward is acceptable?" Gu Linsen had been waiting for this question.
"Uh..." The emperor started to say, then suddenly realized something, coughed, and changed his words, "Cloth, gold and silver, titles, or shops, what do you want? I will grant your wish!"
The emperor was a little annoyed that he had spoken too quickly. Why did he ask? He could have just given the reward directly.
Once the words were spoken, with so many court officials around, how could he possibly take them back?
"I don't want anything." Gu Linsen knew that the emperor would definitely guess what he wanted to say, but even so, he still had to say it.
"That won't do. How about this, I'll bestow upon you the title of..." The emperor was ready to finalize the matter quickly, send this powerful figure away first, and then figure out a way to deal with the situation later.
However, Gu Linsen would not give him that chance.
"Your Majesty, as I said, I want nothing. I can even exchange my military merits and the Tiger Tally for my granddaughter Qingyue's right to choose her own husband!"
"Grandpa!" Jiang Qingyue never expected that her grandfather would make such a big concession. She knew what the tiger tally meant, and that was why she was so moved.
This was earned through my grandfather's lifetime of military service, how could it be...?
Everyone present was equally shocked, including the emperor and the crown prince.
The emperor never expected that Gu Linsen would make such a request.
Although he desperately wanted to take back Gu Linsen's military power, he certainly wouldn't do it in this way.
He originally intended to use Jiang Qingyue as a hostage to make the Gu family army willingly become his direct subordinates, so that he could truly have complete control over the power.
However, everyone knew that Gu Linsen handed over the tiger tally in this way because of his granddaughter, and they could understand it. But their feelings for Gu Linsen were not just those of subordinates to their leader; it was more of a belief.
As long as he raises his arm and calls, there will still be people willing to serve him. The Gu family army will not be willing to risk their lives for him, and may even resent him.
Gu Linsen, you really know how to use your methods!
If he agrees, he will lose the hearts of the court officials and the people; if he doesn't agree, he will still be unable to explain himself.
The Emperor gritted his teeth in hatred, cursing the old fox in his heart, but maintained a smile on his face. "Minister Gu, what you say is true. Qingyue is already engaged to Jinghao, and although the Jiang family's adopted daughter has married into the Eastern Palace, the position of Crown Prince's concubine is forever reserved for Qingyue. Now that you have returned victorious, and Qingyue is also intelligent and virtuous, in my opinion, the position of Crown Princess is well-deserved!"
The emperor planned to use the position of the crown princess to try to win over the Gu family.
At the same time, he knew there was no need to argue with Gu Linsen; as long as Jiang Qingyue agreed, everything would be fine.
Therefore, the emperor turned his "benevolent" gaze to Jiang Qingyue, intending to start with her...