FBC – Chapter 273 This King’s Consort

After hearing Gu Hua’s words, Min Dongsheng pondered for a moment. “In my opinion, he indeed came to make peace.”

The Old Madam nodded. “I’ve heard a little about the third prince’s birth mother.”

Gu Hua quickly asked, “I’ve also been puzzled. How did a commoner woman from Great Liang become King Duan’s concubine?”

Min Dongsheng explained, “I’ve heard bits and pieces. His mother was a pitiful woman. It’s said that she was traveling to the southern border with her parents for business, but they happened to encounter an invading enemy troop. Her parents were killed, and she was taken captive. Because of her beauty, the commander offered her to King Duan.

“Although she was favored upon entering the royal court, the Queen and the other women grew jealous and made her suffer. There are many women in the royal court, and King Duan soon cast her aside. Luckily, not long after, she gave birth to the third prince. She struggled to survive in the inner palace. Then, unexpectedly, when the prince was five, she regained favor and was soon elevated to side consort.”

Gu Hua was astonished. “A war captive becomes a slave, yet she won favor, bore a son, was elevated to side consort, and helped her son seize the throne? She’s truly capable.”

Min Dongsheng found it strange too. “Exactly. If the Yifeng Hall secretly pledged loyalty to her, their victory in the struggle for succession wouldn’t be surprising. But what ability did she have to make Yifeng Hall bow to her?”

Gu Hua thought for a moment. “Didn’t we wipe out Yifeng Hall? The succession struggle happened after they were defeated. How could they still help?”

“Yifeng Hall doesn’t only operate in various nations. Their influence in the southern border is even stronger. They’re like Great Liang’s Imperial Secret Bureau, directly under the King. If the side consort could make them submit, seizing the throne would be easy.”

Min Dongsheng had spent many years in the southern border—naturally, he knew much.

Gu Hua was shocked.

She hadn’t expected that Brother Ji’s aunt was not simple at all.

She had been with Brother Ji for more than a year. All she’d known was that his mother died early, his father raised him alone, and never remarried. Brother Ji never mentioned having an aunt.

“No matter what, we must maintain good relations with Duan Yu. Use this marriage alliance to give Ziyuan a helping hand.”

“Indeed.”

Min Dongsheng agreed.

The Old Madam looked at Gu Hua. “If you don’t wish to deal with him, let Master Min handle it.”

“It’s fine. Since he used my cousin’s name to express goodwill, I’ll follow the flow.”

Night fell.

In a quiet three-courtyard residence in the eastern part of the city—

Duan Rui watched the veiled woman before him with smiling eyes.

Gu Hua spoke straightforwardly. “My cousin and I had deep affection. After he died, I buried him in the green mountains of Juzhou, with the tombstone facing his hometown. I believe he must have missed home deeply. Since you are his family, I am willing to trust you.”

“Besides, you are now King of Dali. The Mu Army will guard the southern border for generations—inevitably, the Mu Army and Dali must interact. I trust King Duan also hopes for peace and stability?”

“Naturally. I truly did not misjudge you, Madam.”

Duan Yu’s eyes sparkled brightly.

A maid served hot tea.

Duan Yu personally lifted the pot and filled her cup. “You recently gave birth, so tea is unsuitable. This is brewed with a sacred treasure from the high plateau, good for strengthening the body.”

Gu Hua slightly bowed. “Thank you.”

She didn’t drink it, only lifted the cup and sniffed it. “It truly has a unique fragrance.”

Seeing her not drink, Duan Yu grinned and poured himself a cup. “Afraid I poisoned it? I’ll drink first.”

Seeing him drink, Gu Hua smiled. “Not fear of poison. My dying wouldn’t benefit you.”

She took a small sip. “Sweet and smooth. What is this made with?”

“It’s called cordyceps. Extremely rare. Even the Dali royal court gets only a few each year. I brought twenty for you to try.”

Duan Yu ordered someone to bring a carved wooden box.

Zhou Zhilan took it and presented it to Gu Hua.

Inside were plump, worm-like pieces.

“This is too precious. I can’t accept such a gift.”

Duan Yu smiled. “You let me see Jiang Ruoxi’s true nature. This token of thanks is deserved. Besides, cousin once said you were weak and he always wanted to get some for you. Since he is gone, I shall care for my cousin-in-law in his place.”

“Cousin-in-law” made Gu Hua’s skin crawl. Her face darkened.

“King Duan. I am the wife of the Duke Yong!”

“Ah yes, yes. I forgot. You’re now the Duke Yong’s widow.”

He laughed heartily.

Zhou Zhilan and Dong Hua’s faces turned extremely dark.

“If my cousin were alive, he wouldn’t have let you go so easily. He once said how wonderful you are. But what I see is even more striking than what he described.”

Duan Yu resembled Ji Xuanyu slightly—gentle features, fair skin.

His personality was brighter than Brother Ji’s, carrying scholarly charm mixed with royal presence.

If not for the sharpness in his eyes, and the complex schemes hidden behind them, Gu Hua might have found him likable.

Gu Hua smiled lightly. “King Duan, some words should not be spoken carelessly.”

“I’m serious. You look delicate, but you’re smart, kind-hearted, and loved by the people. I truly admire that.”

Gu Hua wondered what he was plotting.

Duan Yu spoke slowly, “The marriage alliance with Great Liang must happen. If Jiang Ruoxi won’t do, then who will Great Liang send? Madam Mu, have you considered? Whoever marries me will gain support from the southern kingdoms. Whoever marries me will bring the greatest benefit to the Mu Army.”

Gu Hua stared at him.

He wasn’t wrong.

But who could be sent?

Who would benefit the Mu Army the most?

She and Mu Junyan had never thought of this question beforehand.

“There are things I wish to speak to you alone.”

Gu Hua said, “All of you, step out.”

Zhou Zhilan whispered, “Is that wise?”

Gu Hua gave her a reassuring look. “It’s fine. He is a king. He won’t harm a helpless woman.”

Zhou Zhilan glanced at Duan Yu, then bowed. “Yes. Call if you need us. The Black-Armored Guards have surrounded this place.”

“Good.”

Duan Yu smiled. “I wouldn’t harm your lady.”

Gu Hua gave her maids another reassuring glance.

Ziyuan had already said the marriage alliance was the key spark for what would happen in Bianjing—it must not go wrong.

Gu Hua wasn’t afraid of what Duan Yu might do—even if it cost her life.

Right now, she had to stabilize him.

After the maids left, Duan Yu refilled her cup.

His handsome eyes carried ambiguous warmth as he gazed at her. “I do not care about my consort’s birth. Birth can be changed through capability—like my mother, like my cousin, like you.”

His tone carried flirtation.

Gu Hua’s expression darkened. “King Duan, speak plainly. Don’t waste time.”

“Good. I like your directness!”

His voice softened even more. “For example—you are the perfect candidate to be this king’s consort.”

Gu Hua shot to her feet. With a bang, she slammed the table hard.

“King Duan—mind your words!”

Crash!

Zhou Zhilan kicked the door open, Dong Hua following close behind.

Seeing Gu Hua standing with a frosty expression, they immediately drew their blades and stood in front of her.

Gu Hua held their hands down. “King Duan, if you truly seek cooperation, it must be respectful and mutually beneficial. If you do not understand respect, then there’s no need to discuss further!”

“We’re leaving.”

She walked out with her maids.

Duan Yu chased after her, sincerity in his voice. “Gu Hua, I meant every word. Among all women of Great Liang, only you suit me. If you wish to bring your twins, I will treat them as my own—and make them Crown Prince and Princess.”

Gu Hua was so furious she raised her bow and fired an arrow.

Duan Yu tilted his head to dodge.

His guards instantly surrounded the women.

Zhou Zhilan and Dong Hua nearly exploded with rage, shielding Gu Hua with their lives.

Duan Yu frowned. “Stand down!”

His guards withdrew.

Gu Hua glared coldly. “King Duan, wake up! The Mu Army is not something to trifle with!”

Duan Yu sighed. “But I can’t think of a suitable person. I fear marrying someone I won’t like.”

Gu Hua didn’t want to hear another absurd word and walked away.

Duan Yu watched her disappearing figure and sighed deeply.

And murmured, “Gu Hua… you really forgot me.”

A man stepped beside him, frowning. “Your Majesty… it is really her?”

“Of course. The Gu Hua cousin spoke of—it can only be her. Sadly, six years have passed. She doesn’t remember me.”