Chapter 1343: The Emperor Leads the Expedition in Person

llegitimate child. If he had known that the university candidate's talent was better than that of the illegitimate child, he would have definitely found a way to bring him back.Although you are Lianyi...When Ripples heard that Gu Die'er was chosen to accompany the emperor on a personal expedition, she felt some disdain for Xin Yuan's reincarnation. She couldn't even protect the woman she liked. However, she also sensed that Gu Die'er's chosen lover was in the expeditionary force, so she decided to follow the army to the border. She wasn't alone anymore; at least she had her own team.

Yes, the people in the black shop have been recruited by the ripples and now all follow Ripples' lead.

"The Big Boss..."

A hulking man, with a booming voice, had only uttered three words when he was met with a glare from Lian Ri's piercing eyes. He immediately changed his tune:

"Madam, we are ready. When shall we depart"

Ripples retracted her gaze and tapped lightly on the table, saying:

"When the emperor's procession has left, we'll set off. Don't get too close, lest you attract the attention of the royal guards."

"Yes, madam!"

The people in this den of thieves, as assembled by Ripples, were ruthless characters. They had once ruled the roost, but because they operated within Gwangju, close to the emperor's domain, the imperial court sent troops to suppress them several times to protect their own reputation. Eventually, they were scattered and defeated.

The burly man, Lao Da, felt he couldn't go on like this anymore. So the few who had escaped took over this shop and started a business. Because it was located in the outskirts of GuangZhou, and they had enough silver from their ancestors, they managed to survive.

In order to avoid detection, they also cater to different people. They won't touch those with power and influence, they specifically target the wickedly rich who are also financially well-off, and single individuals as well.

The ripples became the target because she was single, and as a single woman, she was also a beautiful woman. The leader named Feng who spoke just now took a liking to Ripples and wanted to take her back to be his wife.

The result was that Lian Yi pummeled them with a series of punches, nearly sending them to their doom. These people could only beg for mercy on the ground, and so Lian Yi naturally became their boss. Then she went to Liangzhou, where the border was located, and these people became her servants.

Here, the emperor's procession left the palace and was escorted out of the city gate by civil and military officials all the way. Then they began to speed up.

Although Xin Yuan had never been on a battlefield, he knew the importance of speed. Once out of the city, he immediately increased his pace, striving to reach the border of Liangzhou as soon as possible.

The food and supplies carried by the Emperor's troops were only a small portion of what was needed. The rest of the provisions would be transported directly from each state to Liangzhou border city, while the military funds raised by Gu's family would be delivered directly to the Emperor when the army passed through Youzhou.

This is also the reason why Xin Yuan wanted to bring Gu Die'er with him. People offered a large sum of silver, at least letting the Gu family see their daughter. After all, with Gu Die'er's current status, she wouldn't be able to visit relatives.

After receiving a letter from her mother, Gu Die'er was filled with joy. She knew that arrangements had been made at home and if everything went smoothly, there might be a chance for her to escape that cage. She prepared actively for the trip, which made Xin Yuan feel even more guilty. On the road, he took even better care of Gu Die'er.

The Emperor's Guard Commander was shrewd and saw how much the Emperor valued Consort Gu. Also, because the Gu family had financially supported the resistance against the Hu tribe, he specifically instructed his men to protect Consort Gu along with the Emperor, ensuring nothing happened to her on their journey.

While Qi Shaohang was instructed to pay attention to Empress Gu's safety, he immediately agreed. Even without orders, he was willing to look after her a little more due to the actions of the people in the Gu family.

If one day he also takes to the battlefield, it is hoped that someone will be there to offer unwavering support from behind, allowing border warriors to go into battle without a care for what lies behind them.

Qi Shaohang had only glanced at Gu Pin from afar. It was when they were nearing the border of Youzhou. After having dinner one evening, Gu Pin gazed towards her hometown, a wistful smile touching her lips as her eyes shone with longing.

Although he only saw Consort Gu's side profile, that smile made his heart skip a beat. He didn't even know how he walked back to the tent, but that feeling was branded into his heart, lingering for a long time and becoming clearer with each passing moment. That night, he experienced insomnia for the first time. The next day, when he went on duty with dark circles under his eyes, he was even ridiculed by others.

Once they entered the territory of Youzhou, the escort squad he belonged to was reassigned to escort Gu Bin back to her family home. This visit served two purposes: firstly, to check on her elderly relatives, and secondly, to receive the silver donated by the Gu family.

Moreover, the commander ordered them that no matter what, the silver must not be a problem. Even if Consort Gu had problems, it didn't matter. This made Qi Shaohang feel a little stifled in his heart, but on his face, he did not show even a shred of it. He was no longer the naive rookie who had just entered the officialdom.

But he still secretly decided that if he really encountered someone who was bold and reckless enough to target the silver, he would definitely not be missing as a protector. He would go protect Concubine Gu.

The next day, a small group set off for Gu's mansion. Gu Die'er also changed into light clothes, bringing only her maidservant Lancao. As they neared the increasingly closer gate of the mansion, she clenched the handkerchief in her hand, feeling a pang of shyness as if returning to her hometown.

At this time, Lady Gu was being supported by Gu Minglang and had been waiting at the front gate for a long time. She craned her neck to look out, frequently asking her son about the time. She had never felt time pass so slowly. Gu Minglang understood his mother's thoughts and patiently answered each time. He himself would often glance in the direction of the main road.

"She's here! She's here! The Imperial Noble Consort has arrived!"

A young servant dashed to the front gate of the manor and delivered a message to his master.

As expected, after a stick of incense, Madam Gu and Gu Minglang saw the carriages and a massive guard approaching them.

When Gu Die'er stepped out of the carriage, the first thing she saw was her slightly aged mother and then her brother, who had grown into a handsome young man. Without saying a word, her eyes welled up with tears.

She controlled her emotions, first accepting the kowtow before being ushered into the manor by Madam Gu.

Accompanying the Emperor was his personal eunuch supervisor, Su An. He was responsible for receiving the donated silver.

Mrs. Gu immediately stepped forward and bowed, then respectfully said:

"Sir Su, please forgive my rudeness! Please come into the mansion first to wash up and rest. You've traveled a long way and it must have been tiring. We've prepared some food for you, and after you've eaten, we can proceed with the silver count."

The common wife knew this matter was urgent. Her father-in-law didn't want to waste time, so he brazenly made arrangements in advance and hoped to say a few words to Consort Gu. Please, Master Su, be lenient.

Su An knew the seriousness of the matter, and given the Emperor's favor towards Consort Gu, he would not stand in their way out of either reason or emotion. Therefore, he simply did a courtesy by saying:

“Madam Gu is so thoughtful, Su feels grateful and can't possibly blame you. Besides, Lady Gu returning to visit her family elders is with the Emperor's permission and out of his compassion for Lady Gu missing her loved ones. You should all go and reunite, just make sure not to delay your departure tomorrow morning.”

Thank you! Thank you!

After Mrs. Gu expressed her thanks repeatedly, she took her daughter to the backyard, leaving Gu Minglang and the capable housekeeper to accompany Mr. Su and his entourage.

After probably would have shed a few tears. But Liàn Yī thrived. Leveraging the Meng family's influence, she secured her position as empress and, having given birth to three children, became the only one i...