Chapter 474 - 297: Wei Wuya Enters the Demon Dao, Gu Zhan Invites Elder Celestial Master to Death (Part 1)
Gu Zhan smiled slightly and said, "Hearing you say this, it does seem quite a bit."
Rong Yichu said slowly, "However, there is one point that surprises me. All the factions are quite concerned, but the Gu Family seems overly concerned, as Patriarch Gai Qingcheng has come personally."
Gu Zhan asked, "Is it that sister of Gu Chuan?"
"Yes," Rong Yichu nodded and said, "This Gai Qingcheng is the current Patriarch of the Gu Family. Because she ranks seventh among the direct lineage women of her generation, she is also called Miss Gu Qi. She is a rare extraordinary woman in the world.
Previously in the Gu Family, she was valued for her strong aptitude in cultivation. But a few years ago, when the Gu Family was in turmoil and on the brink of collapse, no one expected that Gai Qingcheng, who had never meddled in the family’s affairs, would demonstrate such strong acumen, reorganizing the Gu Family in a short time, and decisively allying with the Royal Family, moving the entire family to the Capital City.
And in these years at the Capital City, Miss Gu Qi has kept the Gu Family stable amidst the Emperor and the Empress Dowager, earning considerable reliance from both."
Gu Zhan raised an eyebrow, saying, "Her acumen is indeed quite strong."
Rong Yichu chuckled slightly and said, "In Capital City, where affluent families are countless, Miss Gu Qi’s reputation is truly useful. Even those Princes and Princesses respect her a lot. Speaking of which, my overnight rise to fame in the Capital City was thanks to Miss Gu Qi."
Gu Zhan asked, "How so?"
Rong Yichu sighed softly, "After I went to the Capital City, I was always under the care of Lord Gu Chuan, thus having some dealings with the Gu Family. Later, after entering the Jixia Academy, many in the Gu Family sought to recruit me. After emerging from the Mountain of Books and Sea of Learning, Miss Gu Qi personally sought me out and upon returning, she assessed me as a talent deserving of assisting a king. Just that one comment made me famous in the Capital City."
Gu Zhan took a sip of tea and said, "She was helping you."
"Yes," Rong Yichu said, "because after I emerged from the Mountain of Books and Sea of Learning, I became the Seventeenth Master of the academy in its back mountain. This position, seemingly impressive, actually drew me into the whirlpool of the Capital City, catching the eyes of all factions.
But unlike you, my Lord, I didn’t possess the strength to break the rules. Caught in the whirlpool, I could easily get entangled in trouble, but Miss Gu Qi’s words caught the Emperor’s attention and directly pulled me out of that whirlpool, avoiding many troubles."
After saying that, Rong Yichu put down his teacup and said, "However, my Lord, don’t feel indebted to the Gu Family on my behalf. I’ve already repaid Miss Gu Qi’s favor while in the Capital City."
Gu Zhan asked curiously, "How did you repay it?"
Rong Yichu smiled and said, "Because Miss Gu Qi, with her exceptional beauty, was admired by countless talented young men in the Capital City. Even the Crown Prince personally requested the Emperor to betroth Miss Gu Qi as the Crown Prince Consort.
However, Miss Gu Qi, with her divine elegance, had no regard for the Crown Prince. Yet, considering the current situation of the Gu Family and the Royal Family’s dignity, she couldn’t find a good way to refuse for the moment. Seeing as the Emperor might soon issue a decree, it would be irretrievable then.
At that time, I happened to receive an audience with the Emperor. Due to my status as a Master of the Academy, the Emperor had few reservations about me. When I mentioned the Crown Prince’s marriage proposal, I brought up the Empress Dowager and the Lü Family behind her.
The Emperor immediately became apprehensive. Given the Lü Family’s support, the Empress Dowager had held significant power in the court for many years. Hearing what I said, the Emperor was concerned that if Miss Gu Qi truly became the Crown Prince Consort, the next generation might witness political interference from the inner palace again. Therefore, he rejected the Crown Prince’s proposal and selected a daughter from a normal aristocratic family instead."
Gu Zhan nodded slightly and said, "In that case, there’s indeed no debt to the Gu Family."
Rong Yichu softly said, "Gu Chuan is Gu Chuan, and the Gu Family is the Gu Family." As he spoke, Rong Yichu raised his cup to his lips and suddenly said, "By the way, my Lord, Kou Baimen from the Demon Dao has arrived in Yiling City seeking an audience with you."
"No meeting," Gu Zhan waved his hand and said, "You can arrange it as you see fit."
"Understood," Rong Yichu cupped his hands.
Afterward, the two chatted for a while longer before Rong Yichu bid farewell and left.
...
Rong Yichu walked out of the mansion,
Tian Yu came over with an umbrella, shielding Rong Yichu as he got into the carriage.
"Tian Yu," Rong Yichu lifted the curtain of the carriage and said, "have someone inform Kou Baimen to wait patiently for the Lord’s summons; there’s no rush for now."
"Yes."
Immediately, Tian Yu turned and left.
Before long, Tian Yu came riding back on a horse, entered the carriage, and said, "Military Advisor, I’ve sent someone to inform them, but I’m a bit puzzled. Why doesn’t the Lord seem to value the Yin Kui Sect, who has several Supreme Grandmasters, much stronger than our Beidou Bang?"
Rong Yichu chuckled softly, "It’s not that the Lord doesn’t value them; it’s just not necessary. Everyone knows why Kou Baimen has come to seek allegiance. The Lord doesn’t mind his subordinates having some calculations and personal interests, but he doesn’t tolerate ambiguity in their loyalty.
This Kou Baimen seeks refuge under pressure, lacking genuine sincerity, merely looking for a protector. Given that, there’s no need for the Lord to waste time on her. After the upcoming battle with the Elder Celestial Master, Kou Baimen will naturally let go of her petty thoughts and become wholehearted."
Tian Yu suddenly realized and said, "I understand now. Since Kou Baimen seeks allegiance with the strong, let her witness true strength, and she will naturally become loyal."