RPAGF Chapter 781 What does "Empress" mean?
Chapter 781 What does "Empress" mean?
With the arrival of Granny Li, the surroundings instantly fell silent, and even the sound of wind and snow seemed to subside.
All eyes were focused on the old nanny who had come out of the palace.
Gu Lu and Qian Zhenyun immediately stepped forward, subtly shielding Gu Qingchen behind them.
"Granny Li," Gu Lu spoke first, "I didn't know you had the honor of visiting, Granny. What brings you here?"
Granny Li's gaze passed over Gu Lu's shoulder and landed on Gu Qingchen. Her eyes weren't sharp, but they carried a penetrating scrutiny.
"You've worked hard, Young Master Gu." Granny Li's voice was calm, yet carried a weight. "This old servant has come to inquire about the disaster situation in the south of the city on the orders of Her Majesty the Empress."
As she spoke, her gaze swept across the devastated land, over the ragged, terrified victims, and finally returned to Gu Qingchen's face.
"Her Majesty the Empress was very pleased to hear that Miss Gu was here, braving the wind and snow, and personally helping the disaster victims."
Upon hearing this, both Gu Lu and Qian Zhenyun were on edge.
Relieved? More likely, they've come to demand an explanation.
Gu Qingchen stepped out from behind them, meeting Li Mama's gaze with a calm expression.
"Thank you for making this trip, and thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. As a subject, it is my duty to share the emperor's burdens and relieve the people's suffering."
"Miss Gu is very righteous and wise; she truly deserves to be the legitimate daughter of the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion." A faint smile appeared on Granny Li's face.
That smile heightened Gu Qingchen's vigilance to the highest level.
There must be a demon in the abnormal situation.
Why did the people sent by the Empress not publicly rebuke her for overstepping her bounds, but instead praise her? What exactly are they up to?
Granny Li stopped looking at her and turned to the onlookers, raising her voice eight octaves to make sure everyone present could hear her clearly.
"Dear fellow villagers, please rest assured!"
"Her Majesty the Empress and His Highness the Crown Prince are deeply concerned for your safety. Yesterday, when the first snow fell, His Highness the Crown Prince ordered the granaries to be opened and food distributed to appease everyone. Now that the disaster has worsened, Her Majesty is even more worried and has specially sent this old servant to convey her message to you!"
Her voice was steady and powerful, carrying royal authority, instantly calming the restless hearts.
"The imperial court will never abandon any of its citizens! His Majesty and His Highness the Crown Prince will certainly stand up for everyone! The court will fund the reconstruction of all the damaged houses! The court will be responsible for the medical treatment of all the injured people! The difficulties you are facing now are only temporary! Please trust the court and trust His Highness the Crown Prince!"
These words were spoken flawlessly.
This not only appeased the people's hearts, but also subtly shifted all the promises made by Gu Qingchen and the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion onto the imperial court and the Crown Prince's palace.
It was as if everything Gu Qingchen did was simply carrying out the orders of the Empress and the Crown Prince.
A cold, clear glint flashed in Qian Zhenyun's eyes.
Good means.
This drastic move not only neutralized the public opinion advantage brought by Gu Qingchen, but also placed the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion in an awkward position.
If the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion continues to contribute money and effort, then it will be "sharing the burden of the Crown Prince," and the credit will belong to the Eastern Palace.
If they stop intervening, it would be "speaking wildly and breaking promises," offending the entire city's residents.
Gu Qingchen's heart sank.
She ultimately underestimated the people in the inner palace. They never used knives to kill.
After Li Mama finished speaking, she turned her gaze to Gu Qingchen again, her smile deepening.
“Miss Gu, you must be tired after a long day here. Her Majesty the Empress has specially instructed me to escort you to the palace so you can rest properly. Her Majesty has also prepared hot soup and ginger tea to warm you up.”
This is not an invitation, it is clearly a summons.
Moreover, it was a summons she couldn't refuse, given in front of everyone.
"Qingchen!" Gu Lu stepped forward, trying to stop him.
Qian Zhenyun also frowned, his eyes filled with worry.
Gu Qingchen gently shook his head at them.
She knew she had to make this trip today.
“Since it is Her Majesty the Empress’s kind offer, how could Qingchen dare to refuse?” She raised her head and smiled slightly at Granny Li, her smile showing no sign of reluctance. “Thank you for your trouble, Granny.”
"Miss!" Huanran cried out anxiously from a short distance away.
"You stay and continue to resettle the disaster victims with Brother Lu."
"Remember what I told you: all supplies must be distributed to every disaster victim."
She glanced at Qian Zhenyun again, her eyes filled with reassurance.
"Don't worry, I'll be fine. I'll leave this place to you."
Qian Zhenyun looked at her, at her feigned composure in her eyes, and felt a sharp pang in his heart. He opened his mouth, but couldn't say anything.
He knew that any obstruction at this moment would only make things more difficult for her.
Granny Li nodded in satisfaction and turned to the side, gesturing for them to proceed.
A magnificent palace carriage had stopped not far away. Around the carriage stood a row of eunuchs and palace maids with solemn expressions.
It stands in stark contrast to the ruins.
Gu Qingchen took a deep breath and walked towards the carriage without looking back.
The wind and snow lashed her face; her back was thin, yet she stood ramrod straight.
Inside the carriage, fine silver charcoal burned, creating a warm, spring-like atmosphere. The thick, soft, and comfortable brocade cushions were a stark contrast to the icy, snowy world outside.
Gu Qingchen sat down, and the carriage slowly started moving.
The sound of wheels rolling over the snow was dull and oppressive.
She lifted a corner of the carriage curtain and looked out. Qian Zhenyun and Gu Lu were still standing in the wind and snow, appearing so small yet so resolute in the crowd.
Her heart sank little by little.
What exactly does the Empress want to do?
They publicly "invited" her away and declared that the imperial court would take over everything. This was a warning to her and to the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion not to meddle in matters they shouldn't.
But if it's just a warning, why use such a mild method?
She couldn't figure it out.
It was like a fog; she was in it, unable to see the road ahead or discern the direction.
All she could do was to be on high alert and face whatever the unknown lay ahead.
She closed her eyes, etching the faces of those desperate yet hopeful people in the south of the city into her heart. She had no regrets. If she had to do it all over again, she would still stand up.
The carriage stopped in front of the imperial city, and Granny Li personally lifted the curtain for her.
"Miss Gu, please."
Gu Qingchen stepped down from the carriage. The familiar palace walls now felt like a huge cage, exuding a suffocating sense of oppression.
She followed Granny Li through palace gates and along long corridors. The palace servants around them bowed deeply and dared not utter a sound.
Finally, they stopped in front of the Kunning Palace.
This is the Empress's bedroom.