FBC – Chapter 265 Spreading the Net

The next morning.

Gu Hua woke before dawn.

“Madam, why not sleep a bit longer?”

“It’s fine. I’d rather clear my head early — the generals will be here soon. Dong Hua, go report to Mother and call Zhilan; we’ll have breakfast with her.”

“Yes, Madam.”

Dong Qing helped her dress and asked, “Which outfit will Madam wear today?”

“The sky-blue narrow-sleeved ruqun.”

Gu Hua had Dong Qing style her hair into a tall chignon, pinned simply with a white Hetian jade Ruyi hairpin and a pair of white jade earrings.

She wore no makeup, only thickened her willow brows slightly, giving her a fresh and capable look.

Dong Hua returned to report that the Old Madam was up and breakfast had already been ordered from the kitchen.

Gu Hua opened a wooden box and took out the command token.

She had spent the night threading a dark red cord through the commander’s token that Mu Junyan had given her, fashioning it into a bracelet that fit neatly around her wrist. Holding the token tightly, she went to the Old Madam’s room.

After the three of them finished breakfast, Gu Hua took out a sheet of paper and showed the Old Madam the key points she had thought through overnight.

“It’s not difficult to stop the Dali King from marrying Jiang Ruoxi — once her shameful deeds are exposed, no man would stomach her. But I don’t plan to let her remain as a hidden threat.”

Gu Hua’s voice was calm, but the final sentence made both the Old Madam and Zhou Zhilan look at her with newfound respect.

Zhilan’s eyes lit up, eager and ready: “Whatever your plan, I’ll do it. You’re carrying the twins — you shouldn’t deal with anything bloody.”

Gu Hua smiled. “She’s been titled a First-Rank Princess because of this peace marriage. With her current status, it’d be disadvantageous for us to act directly. None of us should lift a hand — her death must have nothing to do with us.”

Then she leaned close and whispered her plan. When she finished, both the Old Madam and Zhilan stared wide-eyed and gave her a thumbs-up.

The Old Madam laughed. “Didn’t I say you could handle it?”

Gu Hua blushed. “Just a small trick — nowhere near Mother’s grand strategies.”

“Don’t be so modest.”

Gu Hua smiled. “As for the Crown Prince’s safety, leave that to Chiyu. The generals only need to secure the borders and ensure the safe passage of envoys between the two nations.”

“As for Wang Heng and the new governor, let them busy themselves. They can’t take over our trade networks.”

Turning to Zhilan, she continued, “Dealing with Second Uncle Pei will be your responsibility, Sister Zhilan. We’ll handle our matters — just keep Wang Heng and his people from interfering.”

“Rest assured,” Zhilan nodded.

Gu Hua thought for a moment. “I’ll face them with the Princess. Miss Yuan must not show her face — please look after her for me, Mother.”

The Old Madam nodded. “Of course. Don’t worry.”

Just then, Chiyan entered through the ornamental gate and exchanged a few words with Dong Hua outside.

Dong Hua lifted the curtain. “Four generals and the captain of the guards have arrived.”

“Good. Let’s go.”

The Old Madam took Gu Hua’s hand, and Zhilan supported her as the three made their way to the main hall.

The four generals had already received Chiyan’s message from their lord and were aware of the peace talks and marriage envoy. They were all filled with indignation — yet also worried about their lord’s safety.

Seeing the three women enter, the five men rose together and saluted.

Four of them were familiar faces.

Two had been rescued from Bianjing, one was the adjutant Luo whom she’d met before, and one was new.

Gu Hua inclined her head. “Thank you, generals, for your hard work.”

General Fang and the others’ eyes reddened as they saw her — heavily pregnant yet still saluting — and they hurriedly returned the bow.

“Madam, please, no need for such courtesy — it puts us to shame.”

Seeing their renewed spirit, Gu Hua felt her throat tighten as she remembered the torment they had endured.

General Fang gestured toward the young, handsome officer beside him. “This is General Luo, former deputy under General Qi Jun, now promoted. The other two generals you met last time are stationed at the front and couldn’t come.”

Gu Hua nodded. “No matter.”

The Old Madam waved a hand. “Sit, everyone.”

After maids brought tea and refreshments, they all withdrew and closed the doors, standing guard a few paces away.

Each general reported his current duties in detail —

General Fang led the cavalry,
General Qian commanded the infantry,
General Luo oversaw the vanguard,
and Adjutant Luo managed logistics and rear affairs.

Gu Hua, holding the commander’s token, made no pretense of modesty and directly laid out the plan she had discussed with the Old Madam.

At once, all the generals stood and cupped their fists. “We obey, Madam!”

Gu Hua quickly motioned for them to sit. “Please, no need for formality. I’m but a woman — for you to heed my instructions, I’m already deeply grateful.”

General Fang said in a clear voice, “Madam is a true heroine — both brave and wise. We admire you.”

Gu Hua’s face flushed, but she didn’t demur. “Then, gentlemen, act according to the situation as planned.”

“Yes, Madam.”

She turned to Chiyan. “Any new updates?”

“Reporting to Madam — the peace delegation travels very slowly. At their pace, it’ll take about two months to arrive. Our scouts will monitor them closely and report any unusual activity. However, a strange report came from Bianjing.”

Gu Hua’s heart skipped a beat — please let Mu Junyan be safe.

“The Jiang family has sent people north toward the frontier. Their purpose is unclear, but we’ll get word as soon as there’s movement.”

Gu Hua thought it over. “From Bianjing to the northern border takes at least a month. No need to worry yet.”

Once the meeting was over, she exhaled in relief — her palms were damp with sweat before she even realized it.

“Mother, I’ll go with Mr. Min and Sister Zhilan to meet the Dali envoy.”

“Go then, but be careful.”

“Don’t worry, Mother.”

By noon, Pei Jinglei arrived with the envoy from Dali.

Upon seeing Gu Hua, the envoy bowed deeply. “This humble official greets Madam.”

Gu Hua returned the gesture. “Envoy, you honor us.”

She smiled. “It’s just about lunchtime. Would you do us the honor of dining here?”

The envoy beamed. “I’ve long heard that your cook hails from Bianjing. I’ve been hoping to taste his dishes — just waiting for Madam’s invitation.”

Gu Hua chuckled. “You should’ve said so sooner! You’re always welcome.”

She gestured gracefully. “Please, Envoy, Second Uncle Pei — this way.”

As they walked toward the side hall, the envoy said, “Madam may not remember me — I once accompanied the late king to Juzhou and caught a glimpse of you from afar.”

Gu Hua was slightly surprised. “I was of inconvenient status then and failed to receive you properly.”

“At that time, I already admired Madam greatly. Seeing you now, it’s clear you’re no ordinary woman.”

Gu Hua couldn’t help glancing at him — such a sweet talker.

The envoy sensed her look and smiled back. “That incident back then… I knew it shouldn’t have happened but was powerless to stop it. Now things are different — our new king truly desires peace with Great Liang, even willing to exchange princesses for marriage. The people of Dali long for peace — after so many years of war, life has become unbearable.”

Gu Hua nodded. “You’re right. Wars are fought for power, but it’s the common people who suffer.”

“Exactly,” the envoy agreed earnestly.

With mutual understanding established, their conversation flowed easily, and the meal passed in good spirits.

After lunch, the maids brought exquisite tea and pastries. Then came the main topic.

Pei Jinglei reported the trade cooperation plans he had previously discussed with the envoy.

These were all arrangements Gu Hua had coordinated with him in advance — the envoy only needed to agree.

Additionally, through Pei Jinglei, Gu Hua discreetly presented the envoy with a meeting gift of five hundred taels of silver and promised future trade dividends.

Sentiment alone was fleeting — binding interests ensured lasting ties.

When business matters were concluded, Gu Hua changed the subject.

“Since the new king has shown such goodwill in pursuing peace, there’s one matter I must mention in advance.”

Seeing her serious expression, the envoy straightened and said respectfully, “Please, Madam, speak freely.”

Gu Hua looked troubled. “Ordinarily, this shouldn’t be my place to say — it’s a delicate matter — but for the sake of lasting friendship between our two nations, I must be honest.”

“The last time you accompanied the late king to Juzhou, it was for a marriage alliance. The princess from that time is now the widow of our General Qi.”

The envoy nodded. “I’ve heard a little of that. I also met Princess Xuan earlier — I deeply admire her loyalty and virtue.”

Gu Hua nodded slightly. “However, the one arranged for marriage this time is not a legitimate princess. She’s the niece of Concubine Jiang, named Jiang Ruoxi — formerly titled a county princess.”

The envoy blinked in surprise. “Oh? We were unaware of this. Still, she’s of the Jiang clan — the Empress Dowager’s family. The Dowager once held great power, and many senior officials still follow her lead. If the girl is her favorite, our king likely wouldn’t object.”

Gu Hua smiled faintly. “But this County Princess Jiang has quite a notorious reputation. You might want to inquire about her first.”

The envoy’s expression shifted. “Truly?”

Gu Hua nodded. “For the long-term harmony of both nations, I strongly advise that you verify her character. If your new queen were to be criticized and prove lacking in virtue, would that not bring shame upon your king?”