PDLP Chapter 146: To be honest with you, uncle, I came here today to propose marriage.
Chapter 146: To be honest with you, uncle, I came here today to propose marriage.
Qiu Shaoheng frowned in confusion and asked the servant:
"My father and I just returned today. How could we have a distinguished guest at this hour? Who is he?"
The servant smiled at first, then replied, "The man who came here said his surname was Gu and he was from the General's Mansion in the east of the street. He brought gifts and came to congratulate the master and the eldest son on their safe return to the capital and their reinstatement."
When the three members of the Qiu family heard this, they were all stunned!
Qiu Chengde even stood up from his chair and confirmed:
"What? Gu Li?"
He actually came to the Prime Minister's residence at this time?
Could it be that the emperor has issued another decree?
For some reason, Qiu Chengde always had a bad feeling in his heart.
The family of three first adjusted their expressions and soon appeared in the reception room.
In Handan Garden, Qiu Ning was sorting out the account books in her hands. After returning to the Prime Minister's Mansion, her mother Zhang handed over the housekeeping power to Qiu Ning.
Because during the time that the whole family was in the cold palace, Qiu Ning often went in and out of the palace, taking care of the prime minister's former properties and the mansion's former servants.
In addition, Qiu Ning was proficient in mathematics and had a quick mind. Judging from the fact that she managed the entire prime minister's mansion in an orderly manner in just a few days, Zhang was also very confident in handing over the mansion's property to her.
At this time, Yueya suddenly lifted the door curtain and announced: "Miss, Master Gu has arrived and is now in the living room. I saw the Madam and the eldest son go there. Do you want to go over now?"
Qiu Ning put down the account book in his hand, looked up and asked, "Uncle Gu?"
There is no banquet for guests at home today. Why is Gu Li coming here at this time?
"No matter what, it's all thanks to Gu Li that Father and Big Brother were able to return to Beijing safely. Come on, let's go to the front yard with me."
After Qiu Ning finished speaking, he put down the account book in his hand, turned around and walked out of the room.
Halfway through the walk, he added, "Also, tell the kitchen to prepare a few more dishes today, according to the specifications for entertaining guests."
When Yueya heard this, she immediately understood that the young lady was planning to keep Lord Gu for dinner, and she went down with a happy smile to pass on the order.
At the same time, in the reception room of the Prime Minister's residence.
Gu Li was sitting on a chair, savoring the tea brought by the servants. Not far away, a few young maids were gossiping and whispering.
"Hey, look! So this is Lord Gu. I heard he's a favorite of His Majesty, deeply trusted by the Emperor. He's also incredibly brave on the battlefield, striking fear into the enemy."
"Yes, I thought he looked just like those dark and rough soldiers in the barracks, but I didn't expect him to be so handsome, just like the young master of a noble family."
"I just saw that Master Gu brought quite a few gifts. Do you think he came to our house this time because he has taken a fancy to one of our ladies?"
"Who else could it be? The eldest lady is already married. Isn't the only one in the mansion who can match Master Gu the second lady?"
"Hiss! Could it be that Lord Gu is here this time to propose marriage to the Second Young Lady?"
"I think it is..."
Several servants were talking, and with Gu Li's skill, he could hear everything clearly. However, he did not express any opinion. He just curled his lips almost imperceptibly and continued to taste the hot tea in his hand.
After a while, Qiu Chengde and Zhang arrived and took the initiative to greet Gu Li when they saw her.
"Oh, I'm so sorry. I didn't know that Master Gu was coming to visit today. I'm sorry for not welcoming you. I'm sorry for not welcoming you. Haha!"
Gu Li stood up first, bowed to the three of them and apologized, saying, "Gu Li greets uncle, aunt, and Brother Qiu."
"The old prime minister and my grandfather were once close friends. According to seniority, both of you are Gu Li's elders. Just call me by my name. There's no need to be so polite."
The word "uncle" and "aunt" also revealed the previous relationship between the two elders, instantly narrowing the distance between them.
Qiu Chengde and Zhang looked at each other, both wondering in their hearts what the purpose of Gu Li's visit today was.
"Haha, in that case, then I will be thick-skinned and call Lord Gu my nephew, okay?" Qiu Chengde replied.
Gu Li nodded, and then the two sides exchanged a few pleasantries. After Qiu Chengde invited Gu Li to sit down, he began to ask tentatively:
"My dear nephew, you have seen that my father and I have just returned to the capital today and have been very busy. I wonder what order the emperor has issued for you to come here at this time?"
How could Gu Li not see that after experiencing the confiscation of their property and exile, the Qiu family had become somewhat cautious, fearing that something might go wrong again. So he tried to soften his voice and said:
"Uncle, you're worrying too much. I'm here on my own behalf, and it has nothing to do with Your Majesty."
Hearing what he said, Qiu Chengde's heart was relieved. He breathed a sigh of relief and said with a smile:
"Haha, I heard from that girl Qiu Ning that we were able to return to Beijing safely thanks to your help. Since everyone is here today, why don't you stay and have a simple meal with us? I'll ask the kitchen to bring over a couple of extra dishes. How about we raise our glasses and have a drink?"
Gu Li paused, as if hesitant: "Will this be too troublesome?"
Qiu Chengde said hurriedly: "It's not a bother, it's not a bother, it's just a matter of adding an extra pair of chopsticks, as long as my nephew doesn't mind."
Gu Li shook his head. "Uncle, you're too serious. For soldiers in the army, as long as they can fill their stomachs, there's nothing particular about food."
It was just a casual remark, but it caused the Qiu family to fall into silence.
Even if they had never been to the battlefield, they had all heard how harsh the conditions on the border were. Not only was there constant sandstorm erosion, a dry climate, and a lack of water and food, but anyone who lived on the border for a long time had to endure immense hardships to survive.
But if it weren't for people like Gu Li defending the border, the Huns would have marched south and occupied the entire Central Plains long ago.
At this moment, everyone couldn't help but sigh in their hearts.
"It is a blessing for our Great Xia to have such a talented and brave general as my nephew." Qiu Chengde couldn't help but sigh.
This topic was too heavy, so Gu Li quickly ordered his servants to bring the gift up and personally handed it to Qiu Chengde.
"I heard that uncle loves playing chess. This is something I obtained last year when I was suppressing bandits. It's a tribute from a foreign country and is very rare. I don't normally use it, so I'm giving it to you today. I wish you a safe return to Beijing."
Gu Li handed over a very simple and antique box, and the patterns carved on it exuded an ancient atmosphere.
Qiu Chengde took it in his hand and looked at it. He was stunned and his eyes suddenly widened. "This is..."
Then he suddenly stood up and asked Gu Li for confirmation: "Is this the posthumous work of Master Huaiyuan of the previous dynasty, the exquisite chess game?"
In the previous dynasty, there was a very talented chess master named Master Huaiyuan. He set up an exquisite chess game, which no one has been able to figure out to this day.
Qiu Chengde had seen this chess game in a book before and had studied it for a while, but he had never been able to figure it out.
Now that Master Huaiyuan's posthumous work has appeared here, how could Qiu Chengde, who loves chess, not be shocked?
"That's right, as long as uncle likes it!" Gu Li gave an affirmative answer.
Qiu Chengde was instantly overjoyed.
This is the only posthumous work of Master Huaiyuan in the world. How can I not like it?
Afterwards, Gu Li took out a pure white fox cloak and gave it to Zhang.
As for Qiu Shaoheng, he gave the Four Treasures of the Study used by contemporary great scholars, which are also very valuable.
Looking at this series of expensive gifts, Qiu Chengde quickly calmed down after the initial surprise and asked Gu Li:
"My dear nephew is visiting today and has brought so many precious gifts. I wonder what you want?"
After waiting for a long time, we can finally get back to the topic.
Gu Li took two steps back, then bowed deeply towards Qiu Chengde and Zhang, and said word by word:
"Uncle, I am dissatisfied. Gu Li came here today to propose marriage."
As soon as these words were spoken, the Qiu family members were petrified on the spot!