EBE Chapter 71 The Sensitive Gu Chang'an
Chapter 71 The Sensitive Gu Chang'an
"The Crown Prince has proposed increasing the number of muskets, and His Majesty has approved 30,000. The Left Vice Minister of Works and I have agreed to start production immediately," Gu Chang'an said upon returning. "We can produce 3,000 muskets in half a month."
“Three thousand is better than none.” Shen Li nodded and asked, “How is things going with the Crown Prince?”
Gu Chang'an felt uneasy when she mentioned Li Heng. Was A Li feeling sorry for him?
However, even if there were reasons, it would be understandable, since the two were childhood sweethearts and it wouldn't be so easy for them to let go.
"This time, the Crown Prince has won over the hearts of the people once again. Everyone in the court praises his virtue and tolerance. Even His Majesty said that he always puts the important things first, which is very rare." He sat on the small table opposite her and said in detail.
Shen Li understood; this was exactly what she had deduced. She would just swallow her pride and earn a little money for her humiliation.
If she's truly broad-minded, that's fine; it's just a political tactic, and it's normal to have both advancement and retreat. But based on her understanding of Li Heng, she knows he's petty and will be furious to see the Prince of Yi enjoying himself this time.
Seeing that she was deep in thought, Gu Chang'an assumed she was having difficulty speaking, so he took the initiative to ask, "Does A-Li want to help him?"
Shen Li was taken aback, not expecting that Gu Chang'an would still ask such a question after all that had happened.
"Ah Li, if you want to do it, you don't need to consider me. I have no objection." Seeing her hesitation, Gu Chang'an became even more certain that she had some concerns, so he spoke more bluntly.
He didn't want to see Ah Li with anything on her mind; as long as he could please her, anything was worth it.
"If I told you you wouldn't be jealous?" Shen Li felt both sorry for him and amused. This man always ignored his own feelings.
"I... am not important. As long as A-Li is happy, that's all that matters. Besides, A-Li has been good enough to me." Gu Chang'an thought about everything that had happened these past few days and spoke from the bottom of his heart.
It's understandable that I'm jealous and unhappy, but saying it out loud would only put Ah Li in a difficult position, so it's better to keep quiet.
Shen Li saw a sense of satisfaction in his eyes, but this feeling seemed very fragile. If she really decided to help Li Heng, that little bit of satisfaction and smugness would be shattered.
He was ultimately restless and sensitive.
Shen Li realized that the misunderstanding could not continue.
"I don't know where you got these ideas from. I just casually asked about the political situation. I didn't mean to help him." Shen Li took his hand with heartache. "It's my fault too. I'll mention him less in the future."
This time it was Gu Chang'an's turn to be stunned, but only for a moment before his eyes lit up with ecstasy, and his eyes seemed to brighten considerably.
Does Ah Li have no pity for him? And no desire to rekindle their old flame?
Ah Li, she's still his.
"By the way, I need to explain to you about the matter of me sending money into the palace. It was just through Li Heng that it was sent out; there was no other intention."
As Shen Li spoke, she thought about everything that might cause Gu Chang'an to misunderstand.
“Ah Li doesn’t need to explain things to me.” Gu Chang’an took her fair hand in his palm and said apologetically, “I shouldn’t have overthought things. Today’s events were all my fault. Next time, I will definitely ask first.”
Shen Li couldn't think of anything else, so she simply went along with it, scratching his palm with her finger: "Since you made a mistake, how will you make it up to me?"
Gu Chang'an was so flustered by this that he almost lost his composure and couldn't utter a word for a long time.
Shen Li prepared to walk around the small table on the couch and properly express her feelings.
Just then, Peony announced from behind the screen: "My lord, Miss, Miss Zheng's painting of a hundred flowers is finished. She has come to invite you to take a look."
Shen Li was at a loss for words. What was this person doing here? When was he leaving?
Even if the King of Chess wanted to gather information, was it necessary to send his own cousin?
The King of Chess usually seems like a very smart person, so why would he do something so baffling?
"Will you come with me, my husband?" Shen Li held Gu Chang'an's hand tightly, reluctant to let go, and leaned closer to say, "Let's also take a look at this Miss Zheng's painting of a hundred flowers."
"I...I won't go..." Gu Chang'an was still in a daze, but he was quick-witted and instinctively avoided Zheng Yanran when he heard her name.
He still remembered the love poem Zheng Yanran recited in front of him last night. He didn't believe that the daughter of the Vice Minister of Works wouldn't understand the meaning and origin of the poem.
It's clearly seduction.
"Husband." Shen Li didn't let go, but just blinked at him, "What if I just can't bear to let go?"
“Let’s go together.” Gu Chang’an couldn’t refuse any of her requests.
Let alone just receiving guests, he probably wouldn't refuse even if he died immediately.
Shen Li was very pleased to see that this trick worked. It seemed that the sisters in prison had taught her how to use it. Men are all susceptible to being coquettish. She would have to use it more often in the future.
When Gu Chang'an saw Zheng Yanran, he had already composed himself. When he looked at her, his expression was as indifferent as could be, but there was a slight fluctuation when he looked at the flowers.
Gu Chang'an was immediately drawn to the painting unfolded by the two maids. He had seen many paintings by contemporary and former dynasty masters, and even some recent ones by his own wife. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that he was somewhat aesthetically fatigued, but this painting was one that made him unable to look away at it.
"Is this a painting of a hundred flowers?" Gu Chang'an was clearly even more shocked after hearing the name.
He had never seen anything so bad. In many places, even the brushstrokes were wrong. It was not a painting, but clearly graffiti.
"Yes." Zheng Yanran bowed and then asked Shen Li pitifully, "Sister Shen, may I eat now?"
Gu Chang'an was somewhat surprised to hear this. Ah Li wasn't feeding people? Wouldn't that cause a huge uproar?
Although this person seems odd, he is, after all, a relative of the Imperial Concubine. It's best not to let things escalate beyond control.
"The painting is finished, but it's obvious that many parts are too rough. It looks like it was done hastily. How can you learn well with this attitude?" Shen Li said sharply. "You don't need to eat dinner tonight. Go back and think carefully about how to paint it properly."
Gu Chang'an remained outwardly calm but inwardly he was somewhat shocked. It was surprising that Ah Li, who was such a gentle person, could also have a fierce side. However, she didn't seem intimidating at all; instead, she was quite adorable.
"Lord Gu, save me..." Zheng Yanran's tears flowed instantly: "Lord Gu, I haven't eaten all day, please have pity on me and beg for my life."
At this moment, she was fundamentally different from the glamorous and alluring woman of yesterday. Her face, lightly powdered, was already delicate and charming, and she looked much more haggard than before, appearing pitiful to behold.
“Painting is such a tedious and arduous task. If you want to give up, just say so, and I'll feed you and take you home.” Shen Li coaxed patiently, “As the saying goes, nothing in this world is difficult if you are willing to give up.”