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Chapter 531 Will His Majesty harbor any suspicions?

On the other side, inside the Zhenguo Duke's mansion, Chu Ruohan's carriage had just come to a stop.

She was helped down by her maid, and before she even entered the courtyard, she heard a faint cry of a baby, followed by a woman's gentle coaxing.

Chu Yueshu was holding a swaddled baby and pacing gently under the eaves.

Upon seeing Chu Ruohan return, his face first lit up with joy, then turned to a hint of helpless envy.

"Sister, you're finally back!" She walked over, carrying the child.

"Tell me quickly, isn't the hunting grounds very lively?"

"I'm here trying to soothe this little devil. All he does all day is eat and sleep, and he cries occasionally. It's driving me crazy."

The baby was just over a month old, with a wrinkled little face, closed eyes, and a pouting mouth.

Chu Ruohan took the swaddled baby and skillfully held it in her arms. The baby miraculously calmed down when it was in her arms.

"It is quite lively," Chu Ruohan said softly, looking at her younger sister's slightly tired face. "When the children are older and the weather is warmer, I will accompany you..."

"Why don't we take Dad and Mom and find a quiet mountain villa to stay at for a couple of days? Wouldn't that be better than squeezing into the crowds at the hunting grounds?"

The envy in Chu Yueshu's eyes immediately turned into anticipation: "Really? Then it's a deal!"

As the two sisters were talking, Gu Junze strode in.

He immediately spotted Yingqing standing under the eaves, her figure as straight as a spear.

Gu Junze's gaze lingered on Ying Qing for a moment before he said, "Now that you're married with children and have a family, you can't always be by my side as a bodyguard."

Upon hearing this, Ying Qing immediately knelt on one knee, her voice steady: "It is my duty to protect the Duke."

“Get up,” Gu Junze raised his hand. “There are many ways to protect me.”

He looked at Ying Qing and said slowly, "The position of Commander of the Imperial Guards has become vacant. It is to appoint a Commander of the Imperial Guards. Although the official rank is not high, the position is important."

I want you to go.

Ying Qing suddenly looked up, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes, but then lowered her head again, remaining silent and waiting for Gu Junze to continue.

Chu Ruohan's heart skipped a beat upon hearing this.

She walked up to Gu Junze, a hint of concern on her face.

“Junze,” she lowered her voice, “you are now in charge of the capital’s military camp. If you let Yingqing join the Imperial Guard, wouldn’t the military power in the capital and the guards of the palace be closely related to you?”

"Won't His Majesty become suspicious? I'm afraid the ministers in court will use this as an opportunity to attack you again."

Gu Junze turned his head to look at her, his eyes showing no emotion, but rather a reassuring smile.

He reached out and gently tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear.

"Rest assured," his voice was calm and firm, "Your Majesty knows my position and my duties."

"Whether Yingqing goes to the Imperial Guard or not, those who want to cause trouble will always find a pretext. Rather than being passive, it's better to be proactive. I have my own plans."

He offered no further explanation, but simply ordered Ying Qing, "Report to the Imperial Guard Headquarters tomorrow."

"Yes!" Ying Qing didn't hesitate any longer and bowed to accept the order.

Even after Ying Qing left, Chu Ruohan's worries had not completely dissipated.

Gu Junze took her hand and led her to sit down on the stone bench before suddenly speaking: "I've had someone investigate the matter of that runaway horse."

Chu Ruohan raised her head.

“It’s the same horse that startled Consort Song at the hunting grounds before,” Gu Junze said calmly.

Chu Ruohan's eyes instantly filled with astonishment: "The same horse? How could that be! Shouldn't a horse that startled a concubine be shot on the spot?"

"How did he end up on the field again, bumping into Brother Lü?"

“I can understand why Consort Rong is vying for the Emperor’s favor… but why is she targeting Lu Ge’er? Lu Ge’er is just a child, what does he have to do with her?”

Gu Junze's eyes turned colder: "Consort Rong comes from the Marquis of Anyuan's mansion. Her nephew is two years older than Lu Ge'er."

"The Marquis of Anyuan's mansion put a lot of effort into this autumn hunt, hoping that he could make a name for himself in front of His Majesty and pave the way for his future."

"It's a pity that Brother Lü stole all the limelight."

Chu Ruohan suddenly realized.

So that's how it is. It wasn't unwarranted malice, but rather that their path was blocked.

In the eyes of these people, the skill competition between children has become a life-or-death battlefield.

"For something so trivial, you dare to resort to such insidious and vicious schemes right under the emperor's nose?" Chu Ruohan's voice turned cold, a flash of anger in her eyes. "What do you intend to do?"

Gu Junze released Chu Ruohan's hand, then grasped her shoulder, turning her to face him.

His gaze was deep and calm, without a trace of anger.

"What do you want to do?" Gu Junze's voice was not loud, but every word was clear. "Naturally, I want them to understand that some paths are not for everyone."

He paused, then continued, "The foundation of the Marquis of Anyuan's mansion is not as solid as it appears. Apart from that heir, the rest of the family members are all mediocre."

"Although Your Majesty cherishes old friendships, in the end, what matters in the court is true talent and ability."

"His Majesty has witnessed Lu Ge'er's performance today. He is mature beyond his years, calm and quick-witted, and is far superior to that nephew of the Marquis of Anyuan who is all age and no substance."

Gu Junze's lips curled into a very faint smile: "His Majesty has never been stingy in appreciating talent."

"If anyone tries to be clever and uses underhanded means to hinder others, he is exposing his own shortcomings in front of His Majesty."

Chu Ruohan understood.

Gu Junze didn't need to take action personally, or even say a word.

All he needed to do was let Lu Ge'er continue to demonstrate his extraordinary talent, so that His Majesty and the court officials could see it.

The petty tricks of the Marquis of Anyuan's mansion would then appear particularly ridiculous and foolish.

As night deepened, the mansion gradually quieted down.

Gu Junze and Chu Ruohan returned to the main courtyard.

Little Qingchen was already lying peacefully on the small couch, soothed to sleep by her wet nurse.

Xuan-ge'er was also sent back to his own courtyard to rest early.

With everything out of the way, the young couple could finally enjoy some intimacy. The night deepened, and Chu Ruohan was completely exhausted from their playful antics...

Life continued peacefully.

Gu Junze attended court on time every day to handle government affairs.

Yingqing followed his instructions and went to the Imperial Guard's office to report for duty.

In the imperial court, discussions about Brother Lü were incessant.

His Majesty's repeated praises brought Lu Ge'er's reputation to its peak among the younger generation in the capital.