novelden Chapter 168 If there is evidence, one can certainly report it to the Emperor and Empress.
Chapter 168 If there is evidence, one can certainly report it to the Emperor and Empress.
Chu Ruohan didn't know how to ice skate; she simply watched the lively scene on the ice quietly with Gu Junze.
Lin Qingwan's gaze was so intense that it was hard for her to ignore it.
Shen Qingwan took an exquisite hand warmer from the servant, and wisps of heat emanated from the openwork lid.
"Cousin, take this to warm your hands." With that, she stuffed the hand warmer into Gu Junze's hands.
Gu Junze declined, then turned to Chu Ruohan and said, "It is indeed a bit cold, let's go back."
Chu Ruohan nodded, about to respond, when she caught a glimpse of Shen Qingwan's resentful gaze.
She sighed softly, knowing that Shen Qingwan's feelings for Gu Junze would likely cause her a lot of trouble in the future.
The two turned around and slowly left the ice, leaving Shen Qingwan standing alone, the hand warmer in her hand still radiating heat.
Watching the two figures disappear into the distance, Shen Qingwan clutched the hand warmer tightly...
Gu Junze's expression was not good the whole way, and he exuded an aura that kept strangers at bay.
Chu Ruohan noticed his unusual behavior. "What's wrong? Have you really caught a cold?"
Gu Junze turned his head, a hint of annoyance in his eyes: "Aren't you angry at all?"
Shen Qingwan was so blatant, yet she remained so calm.
Chu Ruohan was slightly taken aback, a hint of doubt flashing in her eyes, "Why are you angry?"
"You're really generous," Gu Junze replied sarcastically, then turned his head away and ignored her.
He should be happy that Chu Ruohan trusts him, but her complete lack of jealousy makes him feel that she doesn't care about him.
That's why he wouldn't mind other women appearing in his life.
Chu Ruohan didn't know what was wrong with him, and silently pushed him forward.
The last rays of winter sunlight shone on the carriage of the Marquis of Anyang's residence, where Lin Jingchuan was already waiting.
Upon seeing the two from afar, Lin Jingchuan's lips curled into a meaningful smile.
He quickly stepped forward and stood directly in front of Gu Junze, his face bearing his usual carefree smile. He said, "Today in court, His Majesty has already decided to release the Crown Prince."
"Hmm." Gu Junze responded only lightly and then fell silent.
Seeing Gu Junze's composure, Lin Jingchuan grew anxious. He took a step closer and lowered his voice, saying, "Once the Crown Prince is released, the power structure will likely be reshuffled. Is the Heir Apparent still going to sit idly by and wait for his doom?"
Gu Junze frowned slightly. "I am not a court official, and the struggle for imperial power is none of my concern."
This wasn't the first time Gu Junze had rejected him, and Lin Jingchuan wasn't going to give up so easily.
He then changed the subject, saying, "The Wei family and the Empress will not let this matter of Wei Qiming's injury go unpunished. My Prince Yong's Mansion is taking responsibility for this matter on your behalf."
He was absolutely certain that if it wasn't the Prince Yong's mansion that was behind it, then it must be Gu Junze.
It's unbelievable that he, who usually seems aloof and indifferent to everything, would be so ruthless when protecting his wife.
It would directly lead to the extinction of one's lineage.
Upon hearing this, Gu Junze's expression hardened, and a barely perceptible glint of cold light flashed in his eyes. He said coldly, "If the young prince has any evidence, he is free to report me to the Emperor and Empress."
After saying that, he gestured for Yingqing to carry him onto the carriage.
Chu Ruohan didn't say much, and with light steps, she followed closely behind and got into the car.
The carriage started moving slowly, raising a cloud of dust.
Lin Jingchuan stood alone, watching the departing carriage, his heart filled with doubt.
What's wrong with Gu Junze today? Why is he so angry? Who provoked him?
Lin Jingchuan's repeated attempts to win over Gu Junze were not solely for the sake of that shadow guard.
Although Princess Anyang is dead, she still has many former subordinates on the border. They hold considerable military power and their strength should not be underestimated.
These people are extremely loyal to the Princess. If we could bring them under our command through Gu Junze…
Why worry that great things cannot be accomplished?
Thinking of this, a determined glint flashed in his eyes.
Inside the carriage, a warm charcoal brazier emitted a gentle warmth.
But Gu Junze's cold face seemed to be covered with a layer of frost, making the surrounding temperature drop a few degrees.
Chu Ruohan looked at him, her brows furrowing slightly. "Did you do what happened to Wei Qiming?"
Gu Junze didn't say anything, but suddenly pulled Chu Ruohan into his arms, and then pressed his burning lips against hers.
Caught off guard, Chu Ruohan could only let out a soft "Mmm," her hands instinctively pressing against his chest, but under his domineering yet passionate kiss, she gradually lost her strength.
After a long while, the passionate kiss finally ended.
Gu Junze was breathing heavily, his forehead pressed against Chu Ruohan's, his voice low and tinged with grievance: "Next time a woman comes near me, you should chase her away."
Chu Ruohan was taken aback at first, then couldn't help but laugh. So that's what he was angry about. Isn't it a good thing that she's not jealous?
He actually cared so much.
She blinked gently, a tender smile playing on her lips, and said, "Since ancient times, men have always had three wives and four concubines. If I were to drive her away directly, I'm afraid I would be branded as a jealous woman."
She explained half-jokingly, but Gu Junze's face instantly darkened.
"Is your reputation more important, or am I?" He pulled Chu Ruohan closer to him, his tone firm. "I will never take a concubine in my life. You are enough for me."
Upon hearing this, Chu Ruohan felt a sudden tremor in her heart, and a warm current instantly surged through her.
She had always known that Gu Junze had deep feelings for her, but she never expected him to say such things so bluntly.
She leaned against Gu Junze's chest, feeling his strong heartbeat.
It turns out that in his heart, she was so important that he could abandon worldly views and just stay by her side.
Her past experiences made her hesitant to give her heart away easily, but now...
How easy is it to walk through these long years hand in hand with only one person?
"Okay, next time a woman with ill intentions gets close, I'll definitely yell at her and keep her far away." Chu Ruohan looked up, a smile on her lips, and gently wrapped her arms around Gu Junze's waist.
Gu Junze's tense expression finally relaxed. "Have Song Ruyan throw it further away."
Hearing his childish words, Chu Ruohan couldn't help but chuckle and gently poked his chest with her finger: "Did Song Ruyan offend you? How could she possibly get away unscathed after fighting with the princess's daughter?"
"What are you afraid of? I'll protect you." Gu Junze lowered his head and kissed her.
Just as the two were immersed in this tender moment, the carriage suddenly jolted, interrupting their intimacy.
Chu Ruohan then remembered what Lin Jingchuan had said earlier. She frowned slightly, her expression showing some worry.
"Junze, Lin Jingchuan said the Emperor wants to release the Crown Prince. Will the Wei family retaliate for that?"
Gu Junze gently patted Chu Ruohan's hand and comforted her, "You don't need to worry. The affairs of the court are complicated. The Emperor is intentionally giving Wei Qiming a warning."
Even if the Crown Prince is released, the Wei family will not dare to make any rash moves for the time being.
He narrowed his eyes slightly, a sharp glint in them. "The Crown Prince and Prince Su still have a chance to fight. We just need to stay out of it."
Chu Ruohan leaned against him, feeling somewhat at ease.