OBS Chapter 1169: As long as Gu Aiqing asks, I will agree (127 million reward)
Chapter 1169: As long as Gu Aiqing asks, I will agree (127 million reward)
In the past, in order to gain this man's pity, Shen Zhinian would definitely look frightened and cry in his arms.
But these days are different.
This time, she and the emperor acted separately to destroy the Duke of Dingguo's Mansion. If she wanted to be the queen, she couldn't just be a delicate flower protected by the emperor. She had to prove herself with her own strength.
Therefore, Shen Zhinian just leaned quietly on the emperor's broad and solid chest, listening to his drum-like heartbeat gradually calming down, with a gentle and calm expression on his face.
Only in those drooping fox eyes did a trace of extremely complex emotions flash across.
Nangong Xuanyu seemed to realize that he was overly expressing his emotions.
He took a deep breath, trying to calm his turbulent emotions, and finally loosened his arms slightly, but still held Shen Zhinian in his arms.
The emperor lowered his head, and with a barely perceptible tremor, his fingers covered with thin calluses carefully stroked her slightly pale cheek.
He looked at Shen Zhinian with burning eyes, and his voice became low: "Where are you hurt? Let me see."
Nangong Xuanyu's tone was still anxious and worried, but the emperor's rationality was returning.
"It's just a minor scrape. Your Majesty, don't worry."
Shen Zhinian smiled slightly, with a hint of comfort in her voice: "Your Majesty has been fighting fiercely with the rebels, and I have been traveling all the way, so I am sure you are tired."
"I'm fine."
The emperor buried his face in Shen Zhinian's neck: "Leave the rest to me."
"I will not let anyone who dares to touch you go!"
When he said the last sentence, Nangong Xuanyu's voice suddenly turned cold, revealing a murderous intent.
Shen Zhinian raised his head and met the emperor's eyes with lingering fear. His voice was clear and calm, as if he was stating an ordinary official business.
"Last night was dangerous. If Master Gu hadn't protected me in time, the consequences would have been disastrous..."
There was no trace of guilt in Shen Zhinian's tone, nor was there any hesitation or evasion that should be shown when a concubine is alone with a man from another family.
"Lord Gu was very thoughtful. He found a hidden cave for me to hide from the pursuers and remained vigilant all night until Commander Zhan arrived."
When she talked about this with the emperor, her expression was very natural.
It seemed as if she would have the same attitude towards anyone who protected her last night, no matter if they were the rigid and polite Gu Jinxiao, the silent Dragon Armor Army, or any loyal and brave imperial guards.
Shen Zhinian's calmness comes from having a clear conscience.
Nangong Xuanyu listened attentively, his eyes fixed on her calm brows.
There wasn't a trace of hesitation in Nian Nian's eyes, only gratitude for surviving the disaster and affirmation of her loyal minister.
This openness was like a clear spring, clearing away the last trace of darkness that might have grown in his heart, a haze that he himself had never deeply investigated...
"Gu Aiqing."
Nangong Xuanyu repeated the name in a low voice. Because of Shen Zhinian's frank narration, his gratitude towards Gu Jinxiao deepened.
His tone was filled with the grandeur of an emperor as he praised, "You are truly worthy of being my trusted minister. Your loyalty and bravery are revealed in times of crisis, and only then do you show your true character!"
"Niannian is right. If it weren't for him last night, I... I dare not think..."
"How can such a great achievement not be rewarded?"
"Promotions, titles, gold, silver, land, and houses, as long as you ask for it, I will grant it!"
This promise is not only a reward for his contribution in protecting the emperor, but also the highest recognition of Gu Jinxiao's upright character that is engraved in his bones.
In the emperor's heart, the value of Gu Jinxiao, this "stubborn stone", is far greater than those who are good at flattery.
Shen Zhinian nodded slightly, a faint smile on his lips: "Master Gu is loyal and brave, and he deserves a generous reward."
Her reaction remained calm, with a matter-of-fact acceptance.
This recognition was not because of any personal relationship between her and Gu Jinxiao, but was purely based on the facts of last night and Gu Jinxiao's usual behavior.
Nangong Xuanyu looked at Shen Zhinian's calm profile, and the last bit of dust in his heart settled.
He hugged her tighter again, feeling satisfied after surviving a disaster.
The tent was filled with warmth and the aroma of incense completely blocked out the blood and panic of last night.
Handan and Fuqiu were guarding outside the tent. When they heard the emperor's joyful promise from inside, their tense hearts finally relaxed completely.
The two looked at each other and saw relief in each other's eyes.
The curtains were thick, revealing only the faint silhouettes of the emperor and his concubine leaning against each other, peaceful and tranquil.
After a while, Shen Zhinian was about to ask about the details of the sudden attack on the camp by the Huns yesterday, when a sudden noise outside the tent surged in like a tide.
"Long live His Majesty! How is Concubine Chen?"
"God bless your majesty! God bless your majesty!"
"The Imperial Concubine Chen is blessed with great fortune and is able to turn adversity into good fortune. She is truly a blessing to the nation!"
"..."
Congratulations and cheers came one after another, with eagerness and flattery.
Obviously, the good news of Concubine Chen's safe return and the news of the emperor rushing back to the camp made the entire camp boil.
Nangong Xuanyu and Shen Zhinian's warm interaction was interrupted. His brows frowned slightly, then relaxed.
He loosened his arms around Shen Zhinian and held her hand tightly: "Niannian, follow me out."
"Let them see that my Concubine Chen is safe and sound."
Shen Zhinian's face quickly regained its impeccable calmness and grace. She nodded slightly and let the emperor hold her hand as they walked towards the tent door together.
The heavy brocade curtain was silently lifted by the eunuchs standing on both sides.
The dazzling light from the sky suddenly poured in, bringing with it the crisp air of late autumn.
Outside the tent, a group of people knelt down in a black mass.
There were royal relatives, accompanying ministers, concubines and ladies in the harem...
Regardless of whether they were sincerely happy that Shen Zhinian had escaped danger, or secretly disappointed that she had survived, everyone's faces were filled with the same expression of gratitude and respect as if they had survived a disaster.
"Your Majesty, may you be well! Your Majesty, may you be well!"
The roar of applause rang out again, even more orderly and louder than before.
Nangong Xuanyu held Shen Zhinian's hand and stood on the high steps in front of the tent, his clothes fluttering slightly in the morning breeze.
The emperor's gaze, with its usual majesty, slowly swept over the people below the stairs and said in a deep voice, "Stand!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty! Thank you, Your Majesty!"
Everyone then stood up, their eyes focused on Shen Zhinian.
She had changed into a clean and neat palace dress, and her back was straight.
Those charming fox eyes were as calm as water, facing countless inquiring, grateful, or jealous gazes without dodging at all.
There is only a kind of calmness that cannot be violated after going through wind and rain.
"My wife and I are fine, so there's no need to worry."
Nangong Xuanyu's voice carried a hint of barely perceptible relaxation, and he tightened his grip on Shen Zhinian's hand.
His eyes swept across the crowd and lingered on Zhan Weiran and Gu Jinxiao who had just arrived. His approval was self-evident.
-
Note: 1 Quoted from the reply of reader “哈…抽” in the paragraph comment.