Dressed As a Consort in Ancient Times - Chapter 79

“There’s something even more sentimental. Do you want to hear it?” Gu Yun was unwilling to back down and whispered a few words softly into her ear.

Jiang Libai’s face flushed red. She pushed Gu Yun away and glanced at her sideways, complaining, “You’re bullying me again!”

As she spoke, her small hands formed fists and lightly pounded on Gu Yun’s chest.

To Gu Yun, this amount of force was nothing at all. In fact, it wasn’t even a hit—it was more like a gentle caress…

She grabbed her little hand and gently rubbed it.

Jiang Libai lifted her chin slightly and let out a small huff. “You shameless thing! The serious business isn’t even finished yet, and you’re already teasing me!”

Saying this, she turned the tables and held down Gu Yun’s mischievous hand, pressing it against her leg to stop her from moving.

Although Jiang Libai felt that what had just happened wasn’t really a negotiation, she could tell from the attitude of the Crown Prince of Jin that he did not want to become hostile with the kingdom of Yu.

Hmm… Actually, he probably just didn’t want to make things difficult for Gu Yun, right?

“Mm.” Gu Yun’s thoughts drifted, her tone carrying a mix of emotions. “It seems like the negotiations are settled.”

Judging from Gu Xun’s attitude, Jin should not be launching an attack anymore. As for the ten thousand taels of silver… since Gu Xun hadn’t mentioned it, that meant he wouldn’t be taking it.

On the other side of Minzhou City, the troops from Jin had finally awaited the return of their esteemed Crown Prince.

The general who greeted him was surprised when he saw the prince return alone. Looking past him to confirm that he hadn’t brought back the Prince of Ping, the general asked in astonishment, “Your Highness, did Prince Ping not come with you?”

Gu Xun looked around at the people present, then led a few trusted generals into the command tent.

“You—go investigate how Prince Ping has been living in the capital of Yu in secret,” he ordered.

In the past, Gu Xun had never dared to expose his own network, so he had never sent anyone to Yu to check on Gu Yun. 

All the news he had about Gu Yun had only ever come from their father.

But now that he had seen Gu Yun in person, he realized that the account of his life was completely different from what their father had told him…

Since Gu Yun was neither forced to marry the Seventh Princess of Yu nor made to marry into her family as an act of humiliation against Jin, then Jin had no rightful reason to wage war on Yu.

“Send a message back to the capital. Inform them that I have discussed the matter with Yu, and that the conditions regarding the ten thousand taels of silver still need further confirmation.”

The trusted officers were puzzled by his orders. Not only had he failed to bring back Prince Ping, but now he wanted to delay another condition… What exactly was their Crown Prince trying to do?

Gu Xun’s expression remained unchanged as he gave his next command in a calm voice: “The rest of you, follow me back to the capital overnight.”

The moment those words fell, the generals were utterly shocked!

And for good reason—because their Crown Prince had been sent by imperial decree to oversee the military at the border. Without an official order from the Emperor, he had no right to leave the border and return to the capital on his own…

But now, His Highness wanted to depart overnight, and judging by his tone… he intended to return in complete secrecy?

The officers exchanged glances, realizing that their Crown Prince was likely planning to act ahead of schedule.

“Your Highness, the capital is not yet fully prepared. If we act now, our chances of success are not high…”

Gu Xun knew exactly what they were worried about.

But he couldn’t wait any longer.

He had restrained himself before because he had hoped to bring Xiao Jiu home, so he couldn’t risk exposing his plans too soon.

But now that he understood Xiao Jiu’s decision, there was no need for him to keep hiding.

Moreover, if he took control of the entire court sooner, it would actually be more beneficial for Xiao Jiu, who remained in Yu.

Since his mind was set and he could not change it, all he could do for him was this.

By nightfall, a carriage entered the city of Guanzhou.

Xu Zhengshi and Governor Ming, who had been waiting for a long time, hurried forward to greet them, their faces filled with anxiety.

“Well? Has Jin agreed to withdraw its troops?” Governor Ming asked as he looked at Gu Yun, who had just stepped down from the carriage. It was a matter of utmost concern to him.

Xu Zhengshi also quickly asked, “And what about the ten thousand taels of silver? Has it been settled?”

Both men carefully observed Gu Yun’s expression, but his face remained calm, neither joyful nor sorrowful, revealing nothing.

“The Crown Prince of Jin has expressed that he still needs to consider it carefully,” she said.

Since the peace agreement had not been officially signed yet, she did not speak with absolute certainty.

“This…” Xu Zhengshi and Governor Ming exchanged worried glances, unable to hide the deep anxiety in their eyes.

Just as they were about to say more, Gu Yun spoke again in a composed voice, “There should be a definite answer within the next two days.”

Hearing this, the two officials refrained from pressing her further. With a wave of their hands, they dismissed her and allowed her to return to the guesthouse to rest.

After a whole day of busyness, Gu Yun finally had time to rest.

Returning to the bedroom, she poured a cup of hot tea for Jiang Libai and placed it in front of her, then poured another cup for herself.

After drinking two cups in a row, the sweet and refreshing tea moistened her throat, making it feel less dry.

“Once Jin signs the peace treaty, my mission will be complete, and we can set off for the capital immediately.”

Jiang Libai was already looking forward to going home.

She and Gu Yun had been away for more than a month—would Xingxing still remember them?

During dinner, Muzhou delivered the family letter for the day.

Jiang Libai quickly put down her chopsticks, took the letter, and opened it to read together with Gu Yun.

“…That parrot actually flew into the palace and found Xingxing?”

Jiang Libai was surprised and continued reading.

“…Xingxing actually likes it so much that she’s full of energy when playing with it?”

A ripple appeared in Gu Yun’s eyes. After reading the entire letter, she had a vague guess in her heart.

Chunxi had written that Xingxing had been listless for many days, showing no interest in anything. But a few days ago, for some unknown reason, that parrot suddenly flew into the palace and started playing with Xingxing.

With the parrot around, Xingxing finally showed some interest again—she was smiling and playing.

“We have to hurry back. If Xingxing gets used to their company, she might not remember us anymore.” Jiang Libai’s heart was now completely set on Xingxing.

Besides, the negotiations with Jin were already finalized. There was nothing left to worry about, and staying at the border any longer would just be a waste of time.

“Alright.” Gu Yun had the same thought and planned to leave in a few days. “Once we have the signed peace treaty in hand, we’ll go back.”

The two of them stayed at the border for a few more days. As Xu Zhengshi and Governor Ming grew increasingly anxious, Jin finally sent the signed peace treaty to Gu Yun.

Just as she had expected, Jin agreed to withdraw unconditionally. Furthermore, they even proposed signing a century-long non-aggression pact with the State of Yu.

“A hundred years… of non-aggression?!” Seeing this, not only Gu Yun but even Jiang Libai was stunned.

The Jin envoy who delivered the treaty quickly nodded. “This is His Highness the Crown Prince’s decision.”

Gu Yun raised an eyebrow. “The Crown Prince’s decision?”

That was rather unexpected.

Even though Gu Xun was the Crown Prince, state affairs should still be decided by the Emperor of Jin. 

Could he really make such a major decision?

The Jin envoy looked around and saw that there were no outsiders in the courtyard except for a single servant standing to the side.

Recalling what the Crown Prince had instructed him to say, he spoke openly, not avoiding even the servant.

“The Emperor has stopped managing court affairs and has moved to Biwu Palace… The Crown Prince now holds full authority, so he was able to make this decision.”

Before long, Gu Yun had learned from the envoy that not long ago, Gu Xun had secretly returned to Jin’s capital. With swift and decisive action, he forced the Emperor to issue a decree relinquishing power, then proceeded to cleanse the court…

As a result, the real ruler of Jin was no longer the Emperor, but Crown Prince Gu Xun.

This was truly unexpected!

“The Crown Prince also asked me to deliver a message to you.”

“His Highness said that you should have no worries. Since you’ve chosen to stay in the State of Yu, then follow your heart. From now on, Jin will no longer have conflicts with Yu.”

Hearing these words, Gu Yun couldn’t help but feel something stir in her heart.

Although she and Gu Xun were not truly siblings, he had considered her situation so thoroughly—she couldn’t ignore his goodwill.

“And one more thing,” the envoy added with a smile, mimicking the expression Gu Xun had when he said this, “I suppose I have now met my younger sister-in-law. When you feel like visiting Jin, bring my little niece along so I can meet her too.”

Gu Yun turned to look at Jiang Libai, who was equally wide-eyed in surprise. Then she chuckled. “We’ll talk about it once everything else is settled.”

Although she didn’t give a direct answer, the envoy took it as agreement and left happily.

Dry leaves fell in the courtyard, piling up thick on the ground.

Jiang Libai walked up to Gu Yun, the leaves crunching under her feet.

“So that day, the Crown Prince already knew my identity.”

“And he actually cares so much about you… It seems that there can still be family ties within the royal family.”

Seeing the emotion on her face, Gu Yun chuckled. “Consort Yuan and His Majesty’s love for you—that is real family too.”

Jiang Libai set aside her faint feelings of envy and grinned at Gu Yun. “That’s true!”

Now that they had the peace treaty in hand and Jin’s army had withdrawn from Minzhou City, this matter was officially settled.

Counting the days, they had already been away from the capital for two months. In another two months, it would be the end of the year.

If they left now, they could still make it back before the New Year.

So, after packing their belongings, they wasted no time. After bidding farewell to Governor Ming, they left Guanzhou City with the Princess’s guards.

In the late autumn of the borderlands, the wind howled even colder.

Inside the thickly padded carriage, Jiang Libai hugged a hand warmer and wrapped her cloak tightly around herself.

She curled up into a ball, leaving only her small face exposed. The tip of her nose had turned bright red from the cold, and her face was icy.

Seeing the relaxed and comfortable Gu Yun beside her, she felt extremely unbalanced. “Aren’t you cold?”

“Not really.” Gu Yun picked up a few pieces of charcoal and placed them in the foot stove, stirring them a bit. Then, she looked at the little ball that was the Seventh Princess, a hint of amusement in her eyes. “If you’re very cold, why don’t you come into my arms?”

Jiang Libai had a feeling that her smile looked very improper.

Narrowing her eyes, she gave Gu Yun a sidelong glance and moved toward the corner. “There are people outside. Stop messing around!”

Gu Yun: “…”

Did she really seem that desperate?!

The Seventh Princess was actually this wary of her!

…Just because she hadn’t let her get off the horse carriage a few days ago? Was that really enough to make her guard against her like she was a villain?