The little heroine investigates a mysterious case

Gu Li looked at Ma Baoguo.

This old guy is always the first one to jump out and raise objections.

Gu Li didn't like Ma Baoguo opposing him, but he was happy to see Ma Baoguo opposing others.

"My dear Ma, please feel free to speak."

Ma Baoguo had already organized his words in his mind. He acted out his regret and grief very sincerely, stamping his feet, beating his chest and letting out a long sigh.

Gu Li rolled his eyes at Ma Baoguo in his heart, but it didn't show on his face, he was still very serious.

"Lord Ma, you have laid the groundwork well enough."

Ma Baoguo quickly forced himself to stop crying at the beginning of the performance.

"Your Majesty, I look at things from a different perspective than Prime Minister Yang.

Just think about it, if Zhao Xuan had not disguised herself as Tian Shiliu and come to the Xia Kingdom for marriage, the Yue Kingdom delegation would have had to return to the Yue Kingdom in disgrace.

They would never admit their mistakes and would only blame the bandits in Jiaoyang Valley for Tian Shiliu's death.

Tian Shiliu's death has long been known to everyone, so how could he have survived until now?

Now that Tian Shang has ascended the throne, he might even use this matter to turn against us. How could he write a letter to show goodwill? Diplomatic relations between the two countries will still be in trouble!"

Ma Baoguo paused here, waiting for Gu Li to digest what he said. When he saw Gu Li nod slightly, he continued.

“That naughty kid named Hao Xiong from Jiaoyang Valley really shouldn’t have gotten involved in the affairs of the Yue Kingdom delegation, but he was kind enough to save people.

Your Majesty has always ruled the world with benevolence and filial piety, and should understand the meaning of the four words "helping others and bringing happiness".

So we can’t put all the blame on Zhao Xuan alone and let her bear the brunt of this alone. That’s not fair!”

Jiang Song sat aside, seemingly calm, but his mind was in turmoil.

He always felt guilty about Zhao Cheng's suicide.

Although he was following the rules, smuggling continued despite repeated bans during that period. Zhao Cheng had exhausted all his efforts to find the source of the smuggling.

In addition, the diplomatic mission was attacked, and his daughter and granddaughter were missing. No one knew whether they were dead or alive. Zhao Cheng was heartbroken.

He carried Qin Shao as a banner and led his troops to surround Zhao's mansion, on the pretext that Zhao Cheng was suspected of smuggling. For Zhao Cheng, this was undoubtedly the last straw that broke the camel's back.

Just now he was shocked to hear that Zhao Xiaoman had died of poisoning a long time ago. Zhao Xuan had really had a hard time these years.

Jiang Song couldn't help but want to say a few good words for Zhao Xuan.

"Your Majesty, during the years I served as the Minister of War, I have had contact with Tian Yuan and Tian Shang.

Tian Shang has always been Tian Yuan's confidant. Now that I think about it, Tian Yuan's dethronement and exile this time may be related to this person.

It seems that Tian Shang is not someone you can easily deal with. Zhao Xuan is in great danger if she goes there. I hope Your Majesty will think twice!"

Gu Li did not comment, he looked at Gu Jiancheng.

"Cheng'er, tell me what you think."

Gu Jiancheng had wanted to refute Yang Liuming a long time ago, but his father-in-law wanted to pave the way for him, and he appreciated it. He didn't expect that Jiang Song's words implied that he also did not agree with letting Zhao Xuan take risks.

Now that he has calmed down, he can just speak out what is in his heart.

"Father, I like my sister-in-law Zhao Xuan. I've liked her personality since I knew she was a daylily.

Brave, strong, and daring to take responsibility, they are quite like Zhao Xiaoman back then! The children of Jianghu are full of heroic spirit!

I, your son, have a deep understanding of this when I tried the Jiaoyangyu case.

If Zhao Xuan had not single-handedly withstood the wave after wave of retaliations from the Tiandao League, the hundreds of people in Jiaoyang Valley would not be living the good life they have now.

Now she never thought of escaping from this very difficult matter. She told her son that she was willing to do the job and take the responsibility alone, and went to Yue State alone to resolve the matter.

But I don't want her to take risks alone. She has a deep relationship with my fifth brother. She is not only my sister-in-law, but also your daughter-in-law!

Your Majesty, I also disagree with Prime Minister Yang's proposal. I hope Your Majesty will think twice before acting!"

Upon hearing this, Gu Li couldn't help but slam the table and stand up.

"Cheng'er is right! Putting aside the question of whether the princess is real or fake, Zhao Xuan is a citizen of my Xia Kingdom!

When it comes to the safety of the country, a little girl is asked to sacrifice her life. Can't the people of Xia even protect their own subjects?

How heartbroken Zhao Xiaoman’s innocent soul must be in the underworld!

You and I need to go through this matter carefully and come up with a good solution. Zhao Xuan's safety must be put first!"

The imperial study was holding an urgent meeting, while Gu Zhanghua and Zhao Xuan braved the wind and snow to head towards Prince Xian's mansion.

As they were about to reach the gate of the palace, Gu Zhanghua remembered something and asked Zhao Xuan.

"Sister Xuan, why didn't you tell my second brother that you had other thoughts about the attack on the diplomatic mission that year?

There were more than one group of people who ambushed the delegation. Do you still not fully trust my second brother?"

Zhao Xuan gathered Gu Zhanghua's cloak.

"It's not that I don't trust my second brother, but now the matter of going to Yue State is imminent. Let's get this done first, and then talk about other things.

Gu Zhanghua squinted his eyes and looked forward. There was a person who was walking towards the gate of the palace in the wind and snow just like them.

"Sister Xuan, look, that person seems to be Brother Shui!"

The two of them walked hurriedly towards the person coming, and when they got closer, they saw that it was indeed the person watching the flowing water.

Guan Liushui looked up and saw the two of them and spoke hurriedly.

"I just happened to have something to do with you two."

Zhao Xuan was puzzled.

"You just left the palace this morning to return to Dengyue Tower, and you have something else to do in the evening? It's snowing so hard, let's go back to the palace and talk."

The three of them went straight to Gu Zhanghua's study. Three charcoal braziers had been lit in the study, and the room was warm and comfortable.

Gu Zhanghua helped Zhao Xuan take off her cloak first, and Shishu followed in and busied himself with helping Gu Zhanghua take off his cloak.

"Your Highness, this heavy snow came suddenly. Chunlan immediately asked me to light charcoal braziers in your bedroom, the princess's bedroom, and the study.

Chunlan went to the kitchen to make ginger soup. It should be almost done. I have sent someone to tell her that you and the princess have returned home."

Guan Liushui threw the cloak in his hand to Shishu.

"Shishu is really smart now. He always brags about his achievements in front of my sister and brother-in-law!"

Zhao Xuan made fun of the secretary.

"Didn't you notice he was praising Chunlan? What he meant was that they were very well-matched. Are you pursuing Chunlan? You're so obedient to her!"

Chunlan walked in with a tray with three bowls of ginger soup on it. She happened to hear what Zhao Xuan said, looked at her with a reproachful look, and put the tray on the table.

"Princess, if you make fun of me and the secretary again, I will quit my job and work in a noodle shop instead of serving you anymore!"

Zhao Xuan laughed out loud.

"I haven't fired you yet, and you dare to resign? You're going to make a scene!"

Gu Zhanghua picked up a bowl of ginger soup and handed it to Zhao Xuan.

"Drink it while it's hot. We've been trying to be their matchmaker, but they don't appreciate it. Forget it, let them do what they want."

Chunlan was tired. The couple kept teasing her and were full of energy!

"Your Majesty, please stop teasing me with the princess. Are you hungry? How about I go get you some midnight snacks?"

Zhao Xuan walked up and hugged Chunlan.

"Chunlan, you are so considerate. I can't live without you. I was in a bad mood at Prince Cheng's Mansion and didn't eat much. Now I'm a little hungry.

Go get some snacks and a jar of wine so the three of us can ward off the cold."

Shishu placed the cloaks on the rack next to the charcoal brazier to dry. When he heard Zhao Xuan say that she wanted to have a midnight snack, he immediately excitedly told Chunlan.

"Chunlan, I'll go with you and help you!"

Chunlan ignored Shishu and took out a handkerchief from her bosom to wipe the snowflakes off Zhao Xuan's hair.

"Okay, I'll go right away. Remember, just drink a few sips to drive away the cold. Don't drink too much."

After Chunlan finished speaking, she turned and walked out of the study, and Shishu immediately followed her.

Gu Zhanghua chuckled.

"Shishu has become Chunlan's follower now."

Shishu ran into the kitchen in advance and took the food box out of the cabinet first.

Chunlai then came in and walked to the stove, opened the steamer, and brought out a plate of steamed dumplings that had been warming on low heat, as well as a plate of sliced ​​braised beef.

Shishu immediately took it and put it in the food box.

"Chunlan, don't listen to the prince and princess' nonsense. You are efficient and capable, and you are liked by everyone. If you don't like me, just tell me directly."

Shishu's simple and direct confession made Chunlan a little shy. She lowered her head and smiled secretly, and spoke seriously.

"Okay, I'm going to say I don't like you now, so don't follow me around anymore."

Shishu was suddenly speechless and racked his brains to think of something to say.

"I didn't follow you on purpose. We're working together to serve the prince and princess well."

There’s nothing wrong with that!

Chunlan didn't respond.

"I'm going to the storeroom to get some pickles."

Chunlan walked into the warehouse, squatted in front of a large porcelain jar, opened the lid, and scooped the pickled vegetables into a plate.

Chunlan felt conflicted about the prince and princess deliberately trying to match her up with the maid.