Chapter 189 - 89: Undermining Me

Yuan’er’s hands were tightly clenched under the table.

In her past life, as Lin Ziqi rose in rank, her business grew bigger and bigger.

After Lin Ziqi was promoted to Prime Minister, she started to get involved in the ginseng trade, only then realizing that most of the good ginseng in the market actually came from the nomadic tribes at the foot of Changbai Mountain.

After being driven out of their original land by Gu Jinghui, the Yelv Family moved further north.

Their iron hooves trampled over the small countries of the Alien Clan, and the kings of those small countries were terrified, wishing they could hand over all their gold and silver to buy peace.

The nomadic tribes at the foot of Changbai Mountain had always been oppressed by them, and later became vassals of the Yelv Family.

If we can find a way to connect with these nomadic tribes, maybe we can cut off the financial source of the Yelv Family to prevent history from repeating itself.

Yuan’er let out a long sigh.

Gu Jinghui hurriedly asked, "Yuan’er, do you find it boring listening to me talk about these things?"

Yuan’er quickly shook her head.

"Husband, I was just thinking, how long has Yelv Guza been in the Capital City? Even the Imperial Physicians of the Imperial Hospital have been bribed, and maybe many courtiers in the court have also received his benefits. If things go on like this, doesn’t Yelv Guza rule the roost in our court? His life as a hostage is just too comfortable."

These words struck right at Gu Jinghui’s heart.

He couldn’t help but pound the table heavily, causing the dishes and bowls to tremble and make noise.

Yuan’er was startled and heard Marquis Gu exclaim loudly, "What you, a woman in the inner court, can think of, these officials can’t. They just become officials to make money and don’t care about these things at all. The Dingbei Marquis Mansion has been guarding the Northern Border for generations, sacrificing countless lives, and if Yelv Guza gains power, how can I face my ancestors in the grave."

Yuan’er seized the opportunity to speak, "The Yelv Family can cause havoc in our court using gold and silver to buy people’s hearts. If we can discover where the Yelv Family obtains its ginseng, wouldn’t their financial source be cut in half? Without money, and being a hostage, they won’t be able to make trouble anymore."

Gu Jinghui was stunned.

Yuan’er looked at his expression and laughed, "I only heard from my husband that the Yelv Family lives by nomadism. I was just a bit surprised that they, who are even too lazy to plant grass, can gather ginseng? Rumor has it that these Alien Clans love to steal things from others, maybe this ginseng is also snatched from others."

Gu Jinghui gazed at her thoughtfully, murmuring, "Makes sense, very logical, why hadn’t I thought of it."

Seeing the situation was favorable, Yuan’er immediately stood up and said, "Husband, I’ll let Hong Ye and the others come in to clean up the dishes, and later I’ll go find Sixteen to ask for some things to see."

The implicit meaning was that she wouldn’t stay with him, as she still had many things to do.

Gu Jinghui also stood up, gave her a deep look, and as Yuan’er was about to leave, he gently pulled up her delicate hand and kissed it lightly.

The warmth, softness of the lips, and the short stubbly touch made Yuan’er tremble, her voice quivered, "Husband, Husband, what are you doing? Hong Ye and the others are still outside."

Gu Jinghui said nothing, then turned her small hand over, pressed his thumb into her palm, applying some force to rub along the slender, soft fingers, one by one.

As he gazed at her, there were small flames dancing in his eyes.

Yuan’er couldn’t escape, so she could only blush and let him have his way.

After a long time, Gu Jinghui finally released her and said huskily, "Good Yuan’er, having you is wonderful."

General Jin feared he would waste his days sealed in the mansion and had shot in a scroll the night before, containing one hundred and eight exquisite, amorous tricks to please women, explained in great detail.

The scroll said many ways to win women’s hearts: say things they love to hear, such as how good the pastries from certain families taste, how their styles are new and clever; compliment the fabrics, the well-crafted jewelry, the exquisite embroidery, and regularly praise women’s looks, say sweet things.

Last night, he carefully pondered over what to say and decided to speak sweet words to amuse his little wife.

But he just couldn’t manage to say them.

Luckily, Yuan’er was different from other women. Not only did she not find him dull, but she also gave him advice.

Having such a wonderful wife is truly like his mother said, a blessing he earned through three lifetimes.

Yuan’er was so bashful she couldn’t lift her head, nudging him, "In broad daylight, you, you, you."

Gu Jinghui felt sweetness in his heart and whispered, "Alright, I’m wrong. You should call Hong Ye and the others to clean up."

He’s starting to understand why they say even heroes can’t resist a beauty’s charm.

With a gentle wife like this, he would never want to leave.

After a while, Yuan’er finally called Hong Ye and Cui Ming in to tidy up the dishes, while Gu Jinghui stood nearby smiling, watching Yuan’er intently. Yuan’er kept a straight face, not giving him any attention.

Hong Ye and Cui Ming also sensed something, exchanging discreet looks.

Gu Jinghui cleared his throat and said, "I’ll summon Sixteen. He has everything ready."

Yuan’er gently responded.

Gu Jinghui laughed and walked out briskly.

Only then did Yuan’er feel a bit more at ease.

Hong Ye and Cui Ming happily packed the food box. Gu Shiliu brought in a box, saying, "Madam, everything is here, I’ll deliver it for you, it’s rather heavy."

Yuan’er nodded, only then leading them out of the study.

Outside, Gu Jinghui and Gu Jingjun were enthusiastically discussing a booklet, and upon seeing her, Sixth Master Gu immediately said, "Thank you, sister-in-law, for the duck noodle soup. Third sister-in-law is skillful, the duck noodle soup had a unique flavor."

Yuan’er laughed, "My attendant Hong Ye started cooking it early in the morning, you’re fortunate, Sixth Brother."

Sixth Master Gu sighed, "It’s mainly my Third Brother who is lucky, I was just taking advantage. If Third Brother hadn’t agreed, I wouldn’t have had any."

Gu Jinghui: "..."

What’s the matter, Sixth Elder?

How dare you undermine me.

Yuan’er couldn’t help but laugh, "Sixth Brother is joking, Your Third Brother is not fond of gourmet food. He ate simply in camp. He probably guessed himself."

Saying that reminded her of something she was distracted from due to Marquis Gu’s antics, "Marquis, I placed the incense pills on the table, remember to use them."

Sixth Master Gu quickly inquired, "What are incense pills?"

Before Gu Jinghui could answer.

Yuan’er said, "Just some pills to calm the mind at night and invigorate it during the day. Marquis has been worried about too many things lately, exhausting himself, so I concocted some. According to Doctor Li, Sixth Brother’s wife’s liver blood is insufficient, she’s anxious and overthinking, and sometimes her heart palpitates—I’ll share some with her as a gesture."

Gu Jinghui glanced at Sixth Brother, stood straighter, and smiled, "Got it, go ahead, remember, I’ll be waiting at Wutong Garden for lunch at noon, don’t be like yesterday."

Yuan’er gave him a sidelong glance, softly responded, and then left.

Sixth Master Gu was speechless with envy.

After a long time, he reluctantly said, "I should thank Sister-in-law for taking care of Mrs. Xu."

Gu Jinghui ignored him, excitedly returned to the study, eager to see what kind of incense his wife had prepared this time.