Chapter 66 Does the Chancellor Have Someone in Mind?

Chapter 66 Does the Chancellor Have Someone in Mind?

An incident occurred during the banquet, concerning Chu Xu.

"If I'm not mistaken, the Chancellor is already twenty-six years old."

The moment the Emperor spoke these words, the hall fell silent as everyone turned to look at Chu Xu.

"Yes."

"Hmm, very good."

The Emperor nodded and continued, "The Chancellor has been working tirelessly for the nation, neglecting his own marriage."

Late marriages were common in Great Ning. For example, Gao Wenxi was three years older than Chu Xu and still unmarried.

Thus, it was natural for the Emperor to think of Gao Wenxi.

"Is General Piqi also unmarried?"

However, after looking around, he did not see Gao Wenxi.

Wang Yong whispered into his ear, "A little while ago, the daughter of Grand Tutor Li accidentally fell into the water, so General Piqi took her back."

"Grand Tutor Li?"

The Emperor's eyes flickered momentarily before returning to normal.

Since Gao Wenxi was not present, he had no choice but to return to the topic of Chu Xu.

At this point, everyone knew that the Emperor would likely propose an arranged marriage.

But no one could guess which young lady it might be.

Following everyone's gaze, Gao Wenyan finally looked directly at him.

She saw Chu Xu still wearing a faint smile, tapping the rim of his cup lightly with his fingers.

Initially, her heart skipped a beat, but Gao Wenyan quickly regained her composure.

In her previous life, she had never heard of Chu Xu getting married.

"What about the Chancellor? What are your plans?"

Sure enough, the Emperor brought the conversation back to Chu Xu.

"With Your Majesty's concern, I have no such plans."

"Oh?"

The Emperor smiled and said, "The Chancellor must be too busy with state affairs to have time for this."

"What do you think of My Wen An?"

Princess Wen An was the Emperor's beloved daughter, and everyone was guessing who would win her heart.

No one expected the Emperor to favor Chu Xu!

The hall became even quieter, waiting for Chu Xu's response.

This was indeed a difficult situation.

If he refused, it would embarrass Princess Wen An and displease the Emperor.

But if he accepted, it would show that Chu Xu's ambitions extended far beyond being a Chancellor.

And the Chancellor was already second only to the Emperor himself.

"There's no need for the Chancellor to worry."

Sensing the tension, the Emperor smiled and said, "I know what concerns you."

Then he added, "Right now, I am just an old father seeking a good husband for my beloved daughter."

Princess Wen An, sitting beside the Empress Dowager, blushed and lowered her head upon hearing this.

Gao Wenyan suddenly understood.

It seemed the Emperor truly wasn't trying to make things difficult for Chu Xu.

Because Princess Wen An clearly liked Chu Xu.

Not just Gao Wenyan, but everyone else in the hall realized this as well.

Anyone would think Chu Xu should not refuse.

Otherwise, it would humiliate Princess Wen An.

Yet, Chu Xu still refused.

"Princess Wen An is graceful and talented."

"It is I who am unworthy of the princess."

The Emperor's face immediately turned cold, saying, "Why must the Chancellor be so humble?"

"If the Chancellor is not suitable, then who else in Great Ning could be?"

As if remembering something, he asked, "Does the Chancellor have someone in mind?"

Thus, everyone recalled the rumors circulating in the streets and looked at his waist, where indeed hung a dark red sachet.

"Yes, Your Majesty, this subject has been searching for someone for a long time."

Chu Xu spoke up, "She once saved my life, and I cannot forget her. All I wish for is to find her and repay her kindness."

"That is truly regrettable."

He had even brought up the matter of saving his life; the Emperor could not force him to be like Chen Shimei.

The Emperor sighed and said slowly, "Saving one's life is indeed a debt that should be repaid with a spring of water."

Then he suddenly changed the topic, "Since the Chancellor has been searching for so long without success, perhaps it's because you lack manpower?"

"Grand Eunuch Wang, why don't you..."

Before he could finish, there was a commotion.

A song drifted over from afar, and upon closer listening, it was the same children's rhyme from that day.

"Within the red walls, bells hang, ten miles outside the city, children are busy. Homes destroyed, lives lost, I dance with swords and spears for the bells."

Wang Yong's face turned pale.

"How dare they!"

The Emperor was enraged and ordered the guards to apprehend the singer immediately.

As he spoke, he gave Wang Yong a piercing glare.

Gao Wenyan had already risen to leave but sat back down upon seeing this, ready to watch the drama unfold.

Just as she sat down, a gaze swept lightly across her face, and Gao Wenyan immediately turned away, displeased.

The guards had already moved forward, yet the singing continued.

The commotion grew louder, almost turning into a riot.

Several people leaped out of the pool, glaring fiercely at those above them.

With each step they took, the guards retreated further.

All the officials present hid behind the guards, not daring to breathe deeply.

However, the leader was skilled in martial arts and struck down a guard with a swift slash.

"Protect the Emperor! Protect the Emperor!"

The Emperor turned pale with fright and pulled Wang Yong in front of him as a shield.

His panic amused Gao Wenyan greatly.

This Emperor still cherished his life as much as he did in her previous life.

Though there were several military officers present, they had all removed their swords before entering the audience hall and were unsure whether to advance or retreat.

Moreover, after several rounds of wine, everyone was slightly tipsy.

In the chaos, Gao Wenyan was pushed by someone and stumbled forward several steps.

She turned around and caught a glimpse of a side profile just before the person disappeared into the crowd.

Zhi Yan!

Without hesitation, Gao Wenyan knew she could not stand idly by.

She drew a fallen guard's sword and rushed to the front.

Lady Gao reacted first and nudged the drunken General Gao beside her.

"Wake up!"

Seeing that General Gao was still dazed, Lady Gao slapped his shoulder hard.

General Gao winced and instantly sobered up.

"What is it, my lady?"

"Quick, look at Wenyan!"

General Gao finally realized that his daughter had already charged to the forefront, engaging the assassins in combat.

Despite the situation, he still managed to watch a few moves.

"Do not worry, my lady. That man is no match for Wenyan."

He knew his daughter's skills well; even without her red-tasseled spear, she was forcing the assassin back step by step.

But since his daughter was already in the fray, how could he, as a general, stay behind?

With General Gao stepping forward, the other military officers also joined the fight.

They thought victory was imminent, but another group of assassins emerged unexpectedly, catching everyone off guard.