RPAGF Chapter 464 Even if Duan Qingye did nothing, he could simply detain them in Zheng State
Chapter 464 Even if Duan Qingye did nothing, he could simply detain them in Zheng State
Chu Ruohan was puzzled and said softly, "Summoning you so early must mean there's something important to discuss."
Gu Junze nodded and turned to Chu Ruohan: "I'll be right back."
Chu Ruohan smiled slightly: "Go ahead, Yun'er and I will wait for you at the post station."
Gu Junze followed the eunuch out of the post station and boarded the sedan chair that had been prepared in advance.
Throughout the journey, he pondered the purpose of Zheng Lin's summons.
Inside Chengming Hall, Zheng Lin, unlike his imposing demeanor at yesterday's palace banquet, appeared much more approachable.
He was dressed in casual clothes and admiring the flowers and trees under the eaves when he saw Gu Junze arrive, and he went up to greet him personally.
“Brother Junze, there’s no need for such formalities.” Zheng Lin raised his hand in a gesture of support, his tone friendly. “Yesterday’s palace banquet was too noisy and crowded, so Brother Junze and I were unable to have a detailed discussion. Today, I have specially invited Brother Junze to have breakfast here, as a gesture of hospitality.”
Gu Junze bowed respectfully, saying, "I am deeply honored by the Emperor's hospitality."
After the two were seated, the maids filed in and served an exquisite breakfast.
Zheng Lin personally served Gu Junze the dishes, his attentiveness bordering on excessive.
“Brother Junze, I have heard about what happened outside the post station yesterday.” Zheng Lin brought it up directly, his face showing displeasure. “That Duan Shumin was really unruly, daring to be disrespectful to the envoy from the Eastern Jin Dynasty. I have ordered someone to give her a stern reprimand.”
Gu Junze nodded slightly: "Your Majesty is too kind. It's just a small matter, not worth mentioning."
Zheng Lin sneered: "The Duan family has become increasingly reckless lately, especially that little Zhou, who, relying on being the general's favorite concubine, is becoming more and more reckless in her actions."
Gu Junze remained calm and listened quietly without offering any opinions.
Zheng Lin abruptly changed the subject, saying, "Brother Junze, are you aware that the situation in the Zheng Kingdom is complex, especially with General Wang Duan Qingye, who holds a large army and wields excessive power, causing discontent among many court officials."
He looked intently at Gu Junze: "What are your thoughts on this, Brother Junze?"
The question was abrupt, clearly intended to win over or at least ascertain Gu Junze's attitude.
Gu Junze put down his chopsticks and smiled calmly: "What opinion could I, an envoy from the Eastern Jin Dynasty, possibly have on the affairs of the Zheng Kingdom?"
Seeing that Gu Junze was impeccable, Zheng Lin stopped beating around the bush and said directly, "Brother Junze is exceptionally talented. If you are willing to develop in Zheng, I will certainly give you my full support. After all, although Eastern Jin is vast, it may not be able to provide Brother Junze with enough room to grow."
Gu Junze's expression turned slightly cold: "What does Your Majesty mean by this?"
Zheng Lin gently stroked his teacup and said with a smile, "Brother Junze, why pretend to be confused? Why not stay in Zheng and assist me in creating a prosperous era together?"
Gu Junze stated directly: "Does Your Majesty intend to use me to weaken Duan Qingye's strength?"
He sneered, "Your Majesty only obtained this dragon throne today with the help of Duan Qingye. To act in this way is rather ungrateful."
Zheng Lin's face darkened, but he quickly regained his composure.
He took a sip of tea and toyed with the teacup: "Imperial power cannot be violated, and the court cannot be a one-man show by Duan Qingye."
Gu Junze remained calm: "I dare not presume to know Your Majesty's thoughts. However, my purpose in coming to Zheng is solely to visit Yun'er; I have no other intentions. As for the affairs of Zheng, I will not get involved."
Upon hearing this, a hint of disappointment flashed in Zheng Lin's eyes, but he quickly put on a smile again.
"Very well, I will not force you. But if Brother Junze needs anything, you may come to me at any time."
The two talked about some trivial topics, and seeing that Gu Junze's attitude was firm, Zheng Lin said no more and soon finished his breakfast.
On the other side, inside the post station.
Chu Ruohan looked at Duan Qingye sitting opposite her, a hint of doubt in her eyes.
"Great General, we have come at an inopportune time. Junze has entered the palace." Chu Ruohan's voice was calm, but she was secretly on guard.
Duan Qingye had a dignified expression, with a deep light flashing in his eyes. He smiled slightly, but there was no trace of embarrassment in his eyes.
"I knew I came here specifically to see you today."
Chu Ruohan poured him a cup of tea without making a sound. The aroma of the tea rose gently, forming an invisible barrier between the two of them.
Duan Qingye took the teacup, took a sip, and then slowly took out a jade pendant as green as water from his bosom.
"This is for the child." Duan Qingye placed the jade pendant on the table and pushed it toward Chu Ruohan.
Chu Ruohan raised an eyebrow, her gaze falling on the exquisite jade pendant, her mind racing.
His real intention is not what it seems.
"I appreciate the General's kindness, but this gift is too much for me to accept." Chu Ruohan pushed the jade pendant back.
Duan Qingye did not retract his words. He gazed at Chu Ruohan and said in a low voice, "This is a small token of my appreciation as her grandfather."
The atmosphere inside the room suddenly froze.
Chu Ruohan's expression remained unchanged, but she already understood the true purpose of Duan Qingye's trip.
"What do you mean by that, General King?" she asked, knowing the answer already.
Duan Qingye sat up straight, his eyes shining: "Gu Junze is related to me by blood, so he should be recognized as a member of the clan."
Chu Ruohan took a sip of tea and said, "If I remember correctly, the Great General King already has two sons."
"The bloodline of the Duan family cannot be allowed to flow outside." Duan Qingye said firmly, tapping his fingers lightly on the table. "Junze is a descendant of the Duan family."
Chu Ruohan put down her teacup, the bottom of which made a crisp sound as it touched the table: "I can't make the decision on this matter, nor can I help you with it."
Duan Qingye's gaze suddenly sharpened: "Don't refuse a toast only to be forced to drink a forfeit; this is within the territory of Zheng."
A clear threat.
Chu Ruohan was startled, but maintained a calm expression. Even if Duan Qingye did nothing, he could simply detain them in the capital of Zheng...
Chu Ruohan simply changed her approach, her voice calm and clear, "Junze's identity is delicate. How will he be recognized as a member of the Duan family? What kind of identity will he have in the future? Has the Great General King considered this?"
Upon hearing this, Duan Qingye frowned slightly and fell into deep thought.
Chu Ruohan continued, "Junze grew up in the Eastern Jin Dynasty and is now an important minister there. If he were to suddenly acknowledge his ancestry, it would not only arouse suspicion between the two countries but also put him in a dilemma."
“These are not problems,” Duan Qingye said in a deep voice. “As long as he is willing to stay in Zheng, my Duan family will have ways to protect him.”
Chu Ruohan shook her head slightly: "Great General, do you think Junze would give up everything in the Eastern Jin Dynasty and stay in the State of Zheng just because of blood ties?"
A complex emotion flashed in Duan Qingye's eyes: "We are connected by blood, so we should naturally belong to the orthodox lineage."
“Bloodline is important, but everyone has their own ambitions.” Chu Ruohan looked at Duan Qingye with a firm gaze. “Junze has been an adult for many years and has his own choices. If the Great General truly cares for him, it would be better to wait for him to return and talk to him personally.”
Duan Qingye was silent for a moment, then suddenly asked, "You are his wife, don't you want his status to be recognized?"
Chu Ruohan smiled slightly: "In my eyes, he has always been Gu Junze, and he doesn't need any other identity to back him up."