I became the God Brother of the Regent King after Transmigration!-Chapter 229 - 159: Matchmaking

Gu Lan heard from You’er that when Basang and Duoji met, the two men, both towering at 1.9 meters, embraced each other and cried for half a two-hour period, utterly shocked that both were still alive.

The day before yesterday, when Duoji saw Gu Lan, he nearly dropped to his knees to bow to her. Well, she felt more affirmed in her decision; her big nephew was getting more obedient, yet...

Gu Lan glanced subtly at Gu Chengzhao laughing merrily, thinking that his obedience seemed to target everyone, and that was not good.

She preferred a lion, wild and unruly, yet would obediently beg her for food, rather than a circus pet from the zoo. 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝒆𝔀𝒆𝙗𝓷𝒐𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝓶

Duoji seemed a bit downcast and said, "I, I heard from Basang that the Dingyuan Marquis has returned and came out to see. The outside seems quite lively these days."

He looked at Gu Chengzhao and asked softly, "Did the Marquis return victorious?"

The Dingyuan Marquis’ victorious return meant that the Qiangrong Royal Court had been defeated.

Gu Chengzhao nodded and said, "This Marquis has already driven the Qiangrong back to Wolf Mountain; in this campaign, Dayan achieved a great victory."

Although Duoji had anticipated this, he couldn’t help but tremble slightly at his lips, lifted his head, and gazed at Gu Lan, tears of light flickering in his brown eyes:

"Uncle... is the Royal Court really gone?"

It seemed that unless Gu Lan nodded, he wouldn’t truly believe what Gu Chengzhao said.

Gu Lan gazed into his brown eyes, her expression serene and unmoved:

"Yes, it’s gone."

Before the light in those brown pupils completely extinguished, she added, "But, you can build another one."

Duoji’s eyes widened in shock, scarcely believing what he heard.

Gu Lan said no more.

Sometimes, hinting at matters and leaving room can be more effective than spelling things out explicitly.

It’s nearing the year’s end, calling her uncle would earn a New Year’s gift.

Gu Chengzhao silently watched Gu Lan from the side, realizing that his daughter was far more outstanding and intelligent than he had imagined.

Marquis Gu cleared his throat and added, "Oh right, your father surrendered Weizhou bare-chested with a sheep, currently being escorted back to the Capital, along with women and children from the Royal Court, your Princess Consort Zhuoma, and your little daughter, all safe and sound. It won’t be long before you reunite as a family."

Next to him, Basang couldn’t help but ask, "Marquis, may I inquire about the two Princes?"

"They’re not dead; maybe they’re doing hard labor," Marquis Gu replied indifferently.

Duoji also had two sons, the elder one fourteen and the younger one ten; both are boys, naturally not easily spared, yet alive due to the Dingyuan Army’s mercy.

Gu Lan remarked, "The Marquis sure is eloquent."

Marquis Gu replied, "Son, so are you."

Duoji raised his head, a flicker of hope rekindling in his tearful eyes.

*

Three days after Marquis Gu returned to the Capital, he finally attended court.

On the court, as soon as Gu Chengzhao appeared, all the elder officials retreated three paces away.

Even Rong Jing found him rather vexing, subtly asking when he would return to the Northern Territory.

Gu Chengzhao, with his big, watery eyes, sorrowfully questioned, "Just three days back to the Capital, and Your Majesty wishes to chase me away already? My heart truly feels like iron."

Rong Jing’s temple involuntarily twitched: "Fine, stay as long as you wish, the Dingyuan Marquis is always welcome in the Capital."

"Alright then," Marquis Gu said contentedly, standing at the forefront of the civil and military officials, his hands tucked into the sleeves of his broad robes, pretending to sleep.

This gesture resembled a freezing old man at the village entrance in winter.

But when the Dingyuan Marquis did it, it appeared both prestigious and leisurely.

No one dared say anything; after all, when Dingyuan Marquis wasn’t yet a Marquis, he had already dared to sleep during court.

Not allowing him to sleep in court was possible, but hearing he doesn’t have to attend would certainly please him more.

Rong Jing reminded himself not to be angry; after all, even the former Emperor left him be, and in the seven years since his own accession, Dingyuan Marquis’ court appearances could be counted on one hand. Endure it a bit and it would pass.

Due to Gu Chengzhao’s presence, Lu Bingxin, the Minister of Revenue, took a half-month leave, entrusting all Revenue Ministry matters to Xie Yun.

At the last moment before adjourning court, Rong Jing gestured to Zhang Fengcai and said:

"Zhang Fengcai, announce the decree."

All officials who had been ready to leave stopped collectively, respectfully awaiting the decree.

The Emperor hadn’t disclosed the contents ahead of time, implying the matter was not open for discussion.

Zhang Fengcai stepped forward and opened the Imperial Decree:

"By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor hereby decrees:

The General of the North, Dingyuan Marquis Gu Chengzhao, for the nation and the people, repeatedly rendered meritorious service, eradicating the Qiangrong, pillars of the state;

His legitimate son, Gu Lan, at fifteen years old, of pure character and youthful promise,

is now awarded the Imperial Decree, granting Gu Lan the title of Heir of the Dingyuan Marquis!

So ordered—"

Silence enveloped the court, no one anticipated the Emperor to execute matters so swiftly.

Speaking of conferring a title, it took only two days, proving the Emperor’s utmost regard for the Dingyuan Marquis Mansion.

"Dingyuan Marquis, accept the decree for Gu Lan," Rong Jing said.

"I accept the decree!"

Gu Chengzhao accepted the decree in astonishment.

He did mention requesting the Emperor to title Gu Lan as the heir, but in reality, that was a threat message sent back to the Lu Family, not a formal request.

Unexpectedly, the Emperor proactively titled Gu Lan as the heir.

Thus, it was also well; in the future, Lan could act even more freely in the Capital.

After court, Gu Chengzhao slowed his pace, waiting for Xie Yun.

Xie Yun quickly saluted, "I have yet to congratulate the Young Master on being titled as heir."

"It’s a trivial matter," Marquis Gu laughed, pondered for a moment, and asked, "Vice Minister Xie, does this Marquis recall correctly that you were the child Chengluan rescued?"

Xie Yun froze briefly and nodded, "Indeed."

"As a child, did Chengluan secretly bring you into the Marquis Mansion, even stole buns from the kitchen for you?"

Xie Yun scratched his head awkwardly, "Yes, that did happen."

Back then, being young and starved in the Su Family, when Gu Chengluan noticed, she brought him to the Marquis Mansion, even pinched food from the kitchen for him.

Marquis Gu gratifyingly said, "Just right, today at home, steamed buns were made to celebrate Lan being titled as heir. The Old Madam hasn’t seen you for many years; come by to the Marquis’ home."

Xie Yun: Wasn’t Gu Lan’s titling a trivial matter? Why celebrate?

Before he could respond, Marquis Gu had already pulled him onto the carriage.

With both having a common path, Xie Yun couldn’t refuse, obliged to ride with Marquis Gu.

Along the way, Marquis Gu commenced a thorough inquiry with Xie Yun.

"How many in your Xie Family?"

"Reporting to the Marquis, none in my family..."

"Oh right, your family was previously confiscated, blame my poor words. Now appointed Vice Minister of Revenue, what is your salary?"

"Monthly, five taels, thirty stones salary," Xie Yun replied truthfully.

Marquis Gu calculated, confused, so asked again, "Not much, but never mind, the Marquis Mansion is not short of money. Why are you unmarried at such age?"

"I’m young, wishing to first gain merit and serve the country."

"At your age, this Marquis already had Lan born."

...

Upon reaching the Marquis Mansion, Xie Yun was compelled to share a meal with the Old Madam and Marquis Gu’s family of three.

The Old Madam’s surprise at Xie Yun’s arrival turned to warmth, saying nothing further.

After Xie Yun left, Gu Chengzhao commented that since Lan liked men, rather than liking the elusive Rong Heng, liking the familiar Xie Yun was better.

Old Madam Gu, upon hearing it, found logic!