FBC – Chapter 195 The Princess Sent for Peace

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Gu Hua and Mu Junyan quietly gathered up the bowls and chopsticks.

Mu Junyan lifted the warm water that had been sitting on the brazier, poured it into the copper basin, and took her hands to wash them clean.

Once everything was done, Mu Junyan hooked an arm around her waist and pulled her into his embrace.

Gu Hua hurriedly pushed at him. “You… you should leave quickly. If someone finds out, won’t your whole plan be ruined?”

“Not in a hurry. I can’t bear to part with you.”

Mu Junyan carefully scooped her up, laid her gently onto the bed, and loosened the ties of her outer robe.

Gu Hua’s cheeks flushed crimson. She grabbed his hand in panic. “Careful—the child.”

Mu Junyan’s Adam’s apple bobbed; his ears flushed red.

“What are you thinking?”

He tucked her hands and feet beneath the quilt, then took off his own outer robe, slipped under the covers, and wrapped her in his arms.

“Sleep.”

Gu Hua’s heart thumped wildly.

Mu Junyan let her pillow her head on his arm, holding her close.

At first, Gu Hua was nervous, afraid he might not be able to restrain himself, even wondering if she should find a way to help him…

But soon, Mu Junyan’s steady, even breathing sounded—it seemed he had fallen asleep.

Only then did Gu Hua, drowsy and comforted, drift off as well.

The next morning.

When Gu Hua awoke, daylight was already spilling into the room.

From outside the curtains, she heard Dong Hua and the others whispering: “Both sets of bowls and chopsticks were used, and so much food eaten. That’s not the amount Madam usually eats alone… what’s going on?”

“She must have pretended the Master was here, and ate it all herself.”

Dong Hua choked up. “Poor Madam… newly pregnant, yet her husband is already gone.”

“Don’t cry. If Madam hears, it’ll only sadden her more.”

Gu Hua: “…”

Next time, she would need to be careful—eat less, and only use one set of tableware.

If someone discovered the truth, Mu Junyan’s feigned death would all be for nothing.

She slowly sat up. “Dong Hua, Dong Qing.”

The two turned at her call, set down what they were holding, and hurried over.

“How is Madam’s body feeling?”

“Quite good,” Gu Hua blurted out, then quickly corrected herself, showing a sorrowful expression. “Ai… just too much crying, my head aches a little.”

“I’ll fetch Miss Shen,” Dong Hua said, and rushed off.

“I’ll help Madam wash up,” Dong Qing offered.

Soon, Shen Li came to take her pulse, then observed her complexion. “You’ve adjusted rather quickly.”

Gu Hua’s eyes immediately reddened. “My heart still hurts.”

Shen Li’s face was stern. “Cry less. Otherwise the child will be born a little crybaby.”

“Oh… then I won’t cry.” Gu Hua obediently dabbed at the corners of her eyes with her handkerchief.

Ai… pretending to grieve all the time was exhausting.

Dressed in plain mourning clothes, Gu Hua received the stream of visitors who came to offer condolences, with Zhou Zhilan assisting her in returning each courtesy.

Chiyu slipped in quietly, casting her a meaningful glance.

Sensing he had news, Gu Hua let Zhou Zhilan take her place and stepped outside the curtains. “What is it?”

“The peace envoy has arrived. They’re on their way to the residence.”

Gu Hua thought for a moment. “Do I need to receive them personally?”

“There’s someone who must be accommodated in the residence.”

“Who?”

“Princess Shuhe.”

Gu Hua’s eyes widened. “Princess Shuhe? Why is a princess here?”

A sudden thought struck her. “Could it be… she’s here for a political marriage?”

“I don’t know, but it seems that way.”

Gu Hua frowned. “But we weren’t defeated—why send a princess to marry for peace? The two countries have been at war for decades. If they send her over now, will she have a good life? Won’t she become a target for their resentment?”

Chiyu’s face darkened as well. “The old men in court who oppose war mentioned it before. The Lord even flew into a rage once, saying Da Liang’s safety cannot be traded for a woman’s entire life.”

Gu Hua nodded. “Exactly. Besides, who knows—if the princess marries over, she might not even survive.”

At that moment, Dong Hua came running in a hurry. “Madam, a group from the capital has arrived outside—among them, a princess.”

“They’re here,” Gu Hua and Chiyu said in unison.

Gu Hua, with Zhou Zhilan at her side, went to the entrance. The leading official was surveying the residence.

He gave a cold laugh. “So he really is dead.”

Gu Hua’s face sank.

Chiyu whispered at her ear, “That’s Jiang Duo, legitimate second son of Prince Ping’an, serving as Deputy Head of the Privy Council.”

Gu Hua’s heart gave a jolt.

Mr. Min had explained before: the Deputy Head of the Privy Council oversaw military defense and troop deployments. This man had always been at odds with Mu Junyan.

And since he came from the legitimate Jiang line, his presence could only bode ill.

From the carriage came a crisp, feminine voice.

“Lord Jiang, you go too far! Duke Yong gave his life for the country, yet you show him no respect. Truly chilling!”

Jiang Duo turned, cupped his hands, and smoothly changed the subject. “Princess Shuhe, tonight you shall rest here.”

“Very well.”

Gu Hua steadied her expression, stepped forward, and bowed. “This minister’s wife, Gu Hua, greets the honored officials, and greets Princess Shuhe.”

The carriage curtain lifted. A maid alighted first, while an attendant eunuch placed a stool by the carriage.

Supported by her maid, a richly dressed young lady descended.

Princess Shuhe approached and said, “Rise.”

Gu Hua straightened and met a pair of curious yet arrogant eyes.

“So you’re the famous concubine who made Mu Junyan break his oath? You are indeed beautiful—the type men fancy.”

The trace of disdain in her tone dispelled any goodwill Gu Hua had felt earlier when the princess had spoken in defense of Mu Junyan.

Ignoring the provocation, Gu Hua turned to the leading official and bowed again. “Lord Jiang, your arrival was sudden. We had no time to prepare. What arrangements do you require of me?”

Jiang Duo’s gaze was cold. “Quickly vacate the main residence for the Princess to rest.”

So this was the lowly woman who had prevented Jiang Ruoxi from marrying into the Duke Yong’s household!

“I shall also be staying here.”

Gu Hua calmly replied, “This is the Duke Yong’s official residence. The main quarters were prepared for him. A man of arms lives simply—such quarters are unsuitable for a princess. There is, however, a guest courtyard prepared especially for female visitors, with appropriate furnishings. The Princess would find it more comfortable there.”

Jiang Duo flared with anger, scolding, “Insolence! Do you think yourself more noble than the Princess, that you occupy the main residence while she is sent to the guest wing?”

Gu Hua was not cowed. “If the Princess doesn’t mind, she may of course stay in the main house.”

Princess Shuhe glanced at her. “This palace will take the guest courtyard you mentioned. I cannot reside in a chamber once occupied by a man.”

Gu Hua immediately instructed Dong Hua, “Go prepare it quickly.”

“Yes, Madam.” Dong Hua hurried off.

Gu Hua then bowed to Jiang Duo. “Sirs, this residence has only one main and two guest courtyards. Lord Yuan previously stayed here. I ask Lord Jiang to see to the rest. If there is anything needed, the courier station steward will assist.”

Turning, she gestured politely to Princess Shuhe. “Princess, please follow me.”

But behind her, Jiang Duo barked again. “Gu Hua! Vacate the main house. I will be staying there.”

Gu Hua’s fury flared. She turned with a cold gaze. “Apologies, Lord Jiang. The main house is where my late husband, the Duke Yong, resided. His coffin lies there still. I must keep vigil each day—it is not convenient to yield it.”

“You—what are you, just a concubine, daring to defy my orders?”

Gu Hua stood her ground. “I may be a concubine, but Duke Yong’s body is scarcely cold. And you already trample upon his concubine’s head?”

Zhou Zhilan, Chiyu, and the others glared with fury. None of them would ever allow Madam to be bullied!

Princess Shuhe, who had been watching the spectacle with interest, spoke leisurely. “Enough. Lord Jiang, you are in the wrong here. Even if Gu Hua must move, it should only be after the seven-day mourning is over. If word spreads that you oppressed the Duke Yong’s widow, do you think the people of Juzhou City would stand for it? Your foremost duty is peace negotiations. You and the others should lodge at the government post station. Tomorrow we’ll discuss the treaty.”

Jiang Duo shot Gu Hua a venomous glare, then cupped his hands toward the princess. “Your servant obeys.”