Chapter 674: Reunion
Seeing Gu Baoshu smile like a cat that just snuck a taste of fried small fish, Qin Heng cleared his throat and said, "I wonder where the princess’s imperial carriage has reached; with so many people on the road, it must be difficult to pass."
Gu Baoshu snorted proudly, tilting her chin up, "What’s so difficult about that? It’s my third brother who’s escorting the two princesses here."
Qin Heng listened with surprise, "Didn’t you just say that Dingbei Marquis is busy with the grand review of the Great Camp outside the city and couldn’t make it?"
"I wasn’t wrong. My third brother returned to the Great Camp outside the city and escorted the two princesses to Ranxiang Inn on the way, at the request of the Ninth Princess to the Emperor."
"Oh..." Qin Heng had nothing to say.
Xiao Dong was a bit defiant, "Dingbei Marquis is a great minister of the nation, why not let the imperial guard escort them?"
Gu Baoshu replied, "Didn’t Mr. Songshan say, ’a ruler rules, a minister ministers, a father fathers, a son sons’? The Emperor ordered my third brother to escort them; what reason would he have not to? Besides, it’s not just my third brother, but also Prince Qi."
It was precisely because Prince Qi was to escort Princess Fuyun to Ranxiang Inn that the Emperor ordered Dingbei Marquis to escort the two princesses, fearing the Ninth Princess would not fare well at the hands of this brother and sister.
But these words were not suitable to disclose to them, so Gu Baoshu let it go unspoken.
Brother Ximen and the others quietly listened without interrupting.
After all, princesses, princes, and marquises were usually worlds apart from them.
Although there were many rumors in the streets, those were just rumors.
The guards opened the way at the front, and though progress was being made, it was much slower than usual.
Galloping on horseback was out of the question.
Brother Ximen was trying hard to suppress his excitement along the way.
Little Brother Hong and the others were fine; they grew up in the Capital City, had seen the grand occasion of Dingbei Marquis’s return triumph, and heard many stories about Dingbei Marquis.
They had even passed by the front of Dingbei Marquis Mansion a few times.
Brother Ximen had only heard of the mighty War God’s renowned reputation, but had never seen him in person; now having the chance to meet him, he was thrilled to his very core.
At last, as they approached the imperial carriage of the two princesses, they saw two extraordinarily handsome men riding side by side in front of the elaborate parade.
One was clad in a prince’s robe, mounted on a pristine white horse, as cool and pure as the moon in the clear night sky.
The other rode the Kicking Snow Black Steed, donned in military attire, aloof and dazzlingly handsome.
Brother Ximen couldn’t help but marvel, "I heard Dingbei Marquis kept a beard while in the Northern Borderlands, and now I see it was to conceal such charm!"
As a naturally charming and dashing gentleman himself, he rarely felt a bit ashamed.
Gu Baoshu laughed, "Back when my third brother was a companion in the palace, he was truly something to behold; everyone called him the Gu Family’s Jade Young Man. Unfortunately, all he did was practice martial arts, oblivious to romance, later earning him the name Wooden Jade Young Man."
Just like a beautiful butterfly unaware of its own beauty.
Brother Ximen sighed, "I deeply admire men well-versed in martial arts, and Dingbei Marquis is someone I greatly look up to. This trip to the Capital City was well worth it."
Qin Heng laughed, "How about I introduce you properly?"
Gu Baoshu exclaimed, "Shouldn’t it be me who introduces you? Brother Heng, you always steal my job."
Xiao Dong puzzled, "Does it matter who introduces you?"
These two were truly unpredictable, sometimes at odds, sometimes in perfect sync.
So hard to understand.
Gu Baoshu ignored him, remaining seated on the horse, gesturing a greeting, and loudly proclaimed, "Greetings, Prince Qi, Third Brother, look who I have with me! It’s Ximen, who made such a splash at the kickball match today with his tattoos!"
At these words, everyone else maintained their composure.
The curtain of the Ninth Princess’s carriage suddenly opened, revealing a head adorned with pearls and gemstones, quickly scanning the crowd opposite. Her gaze lingered over Brother Ximen’s face and form, before softly speaking, "It’s considerate of Little Sister Baozhu to come receive this princess; I appreciate your deep friendship. Please bring your friends over to chat with me."
Gu Baoshu lowered her gaze, subtly signaling to Qin Heng with her eyes.
Qin Heng pretended not to notice, quickly paying his respects, "Greetings to Prince Qi and the two princesses, Brother-in-law, we’ve all come to receive you."
Prince Qi, thoughtful, smiled and told them not to stand on ceremony.
Once everyone had paid their respects, he carefully examined Brother Ximen, asking, "Why aren’t you wearing the floral ornament?"
Brother Ximen quickly replied, "The flowers Your Highness bestowed have all been safely kept away. With so many people and mixed scents here, I feared they’d be tainted."
These words resonated with Prince Qi’s love for cleanliness.
Prince Qi nodded lightly.
The Ninth Princess, now impatient, loudly called from behind, "Brother Qi isn’t petty like that. He gifted you the floral ornament because he admired your appearance, and felt it was a pity not to see you wear it while enjoying the lanterns."
Hearing this, Brother Ximen’s face showed a mix of fear and a slight shyness, a most complex expression.
Prince Qi frowned slightly, turning back to lightly reprimand, "Though you are sharing in the people’s joy, at least maintain some decorum. See how Fuyun remains properly seated inside without interrupting?"
The Ninth Princess felt a bit wronged, "But sister..."
She paused, swallowed her words, and quickly retreated back inside the carriage.
Princess Fuyun, concerned about her dignity, would not show herself unless necessary, but if she spoke, Prince Qi might openly say something unpleasant, which would be humiliating.
However, even that couldn’t stop her.
Her maid quickly descended from the carriage, catching up to hold Gu Baoshu’s reins, preventing her from leaving.
"Miss Gu, the princess hasn’t seen you in several days."
Prince Qi helplessly said, "Little Sister Baozhu, since the Ninth Princess is eager to speak with you, you should go over."
That maid hurriedly said, "The Ninth Princess also wishes for those from the Hong Team to accompany them; the princess enjoyed watching the ball game today and wants to praise them properly."
Prince Qi had no choice but to agree.
Gu Baoshu was naturally pleased; had it not been for the desire to create a match between Ximen and the Ninth Princess, she wouldn’t have bothered with this trip.
Having witnessed interactions between Brother Ximen and Chief Li, she had no concerns.
Indeed, throughout the journey, the Ninth Princess and Brother Ximen were already engaged in lively conversation, with everyone else merely serving as a backdrop.
Upon arriving at Ranxiang Inn, the Ninth Princess had already made up her mind, instructing Mr. Ximen to serve by her side.
Qin Heng quietly gave Gu Baoshu a thumbs up.
Xiao Dong softly asked, "Did you two come out here just to do this?"
His gaze carried a different meaning.
Gu Baoshu wasn’t really affected, but Qin Heng’s face turned red, stammering, "... Yes... it’s all eldest sister’s doing..."
"... Ah?" Xiao Dong suddenly covered his face and let out a small scream.
Qin Heng was stunned.
After a while, he woodenly tapped Xiao Dong’s forehead with his knuckles, "At such a young age, really, really, really."
"Really what?" Gu Baoshu asked with interest.
Xiao Dong rubbed his forehead, "Otherwise?"
Qin Heng simply stopped talking, waiting for Gu Baoshu to make a decision.
Gu Baoshu placed her thumbs from both hands together, giving Xiao Dong a wink, "?"
Xiao Dong nodded.
She immediately burst into giggles, ignoring the curious glances from others.
But when Marquis Gu appeared to inadvertently glance from afar before shifting his gaze, Gu Baoshu halted her laughter, feeling that her third brother’s look was quite meaningful.