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This time, the emperor planned to hold a more grand celebration.
"It has been a long time since the palace has seen any proper festivities," the emperor said. "It's rare to have an opportunity like this, so all of you, bring your families along. We won't waste too much; it's just a family banquet."
But how could a royal family banquet not be extravagant? However, that wasn't the point; the key was the chance to get close to the royal family.
Only a fool would pass up such an opportunity. The officials immediately agreed, unable to contain their excitement as they rushed home with the good news.
Gu Bei went to find Ye Xiaohan, for in his heart, Ye Xiaohan was his family.
"No, no, no! This won't do!" Ye Xiaohan exclaimed, startled. "This is a royal feast! I don't understand all those complicated etiquette rules. What if I accidentally offend the emperor or the Empress Dowager? The princes and nobles can crush me with just a finger! I can't go!"
Ye Xiaohan shook her head vigorously, expressing her firm refusal.
Gu Bei thought about it too. There would surely be many people attending, and with Ye Xiaohan's temperament, she might end up arguing with some ill-tempered noble, bringing trouble upon herself.
However, such an opportunity was indeed rare. If they passed it up, who knew when another chance would come? Gu Bei decided to persuade her once more.
"Are you really not going? This is a rare opportunity to see many people and things you wouldn't normally encounter. As for the etiquette, there's no need to worry too much. I'll be by your side the whole time; if anything seems off, I can remind you. There won't be any major mistakes."
Ye Xiaohan was indeed a bit tempted. She had never attended a royal gathering before; it must be quite interesting. The palace would have delicacies that couldn't be found outside and exquisite treasures worth their weight in gold.
However, after hesitating for a moment, she still declined. "But we aren't... we're not anything special. If others ask about me, how will I explain?"
All the officials were bringing their families; as an unmarried young woman, what identity would she use to introduce herself?
Just thinking about it made her blush!
"Cough, cough!" Ye Xiaohan's gaze wandered as she cleared her throat, pulling her attention back. "Forget it, I won't go this time. The restaurant has recently ordered a new batch of goods from a supplier associated with the New Alliance, and I'm a bit uneasy. I want to check it out."
Gu Bei felt a twinge of regret, but since Ye Xiaohan had already made up her mind, he didn't want to push her.
Besides, with Ye Xiaohan's temperament, it was futile to force her into something she didn't want to do.
It was a missed opportunity to publicly acknowledge their relationship. Gu Bei sighed inwardly; he had failed again in his attempt to propose.
The banquet was lively and certainly not just a casual affair as the emperor had described it. In reality, the food and drinks were so delicious that they could make one scream with delight.
The officials had brought their families along, and even before the banquet officially started, the ladies and young masters fluttered around like butterflies in a flower garden, mingling and exchanging pleasantries.
Such large gatherings were excellent opportunities for networking, and no one wanted to miss out.
Once the banquet began, the emperor and empress took their seats and engaged in lively conversation with everyone.
The emperor specifically had someone bring Gu Bei a lighter drink. "General Gu's injuries haven't fully healed yet; it's not advisable for him to drink strong liquor. This is my treasured Snowflake Brew, a tribute from years ago from the foreign merchants. There are only ten jars left, and I've brought them all out today."
"We are fortunate today to enjoy such fine wine, all thanks to General Gu," said Liu Chancellor, who sat directly across from Gu Bei. He raised his glass toward Gu Bei. "This toast is for General Gu. Thank you for allowing us to taste this rare delicacy."
Gu Bei returned the toast politely. "These are all the emperor's gifts; thank you for your great kindness, Your Majesty!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
Gu Bei deftly redirected the conversation back to the emperor, hoping for some peace. Ever since his successful campaign against bandits, the ministers' attitudes toward him had changed significantly.
Now he was a favored figure in front of the emperor; anyone with sense wanted to curry favor with him. Even those whose positions made friendship impossible would think twice before offending him; they still needed to maintain appearances.
As waves of visitors came to congratulate Gu Bei and reminisce, he found himself increasingly annoyed. Eventually, he used the excuse of needing to recuperate to keep everyone at bay outside his door.
Normally, he could close the door and ignore them, but in this situation, there was nowhere to hide. He had to adapt as best as he could, steering every conversation back to the Emperor, regardless of who approached him or what they wanted. This tactic ensured that no one dared to linger on their topics for too long.
However, while he could evade the chatter of others, he could not escape the Emperor's personal praise.
"Gu Ai Qing is truly a promising young talent. Your father had not achieved as much at your age," the Emperor remarked with a hint of nostalgia. "The younger generation pushes the older one forward! With Gu Ai Qing safeguarding my realm, I can rest easy."
With such commendation from the Emperor, how could the ministers remain silent? The banquet erupted once more into a chorus of congratulations.
Seizing the moment, the Queen chimed in with a smile, "Your Majesty, what good is mere verbal praise? Why not offer something tangible? General Gu has spent years on the battlefield and has missed his chance to marry. Now that he has lost his parents' guidance, matchmaking is impossible. If you truly care for him, why not arrange a marriage for him and grant him a golden opportunity?"
"You are quite thoughtful, Queen! I nearly forgot about this matter," the Emperor nodded in agreement. "A lifelong commitment cannot be delayed; one must establish a family before pursuing a career. Now that Gu Ai Qing has achieved great military success, it is indeed time for him to have a capable partner to manage the vast General's estate."
Turning to Gu Bei, the Emperor continued, "Gu Ai Qing, I have a proposal for you. My Shangyang Princess has reached marrying age. You are both my favored subjects—one is my beloved general and the other my cherished daughter; it is a match made in heaven. What do you think?"
At these words, all the officials present—both civil and military—looked on enviously. To receive a marriage proposal directly from the Emperor was an immense honor. Moreover, the bride was none other than a royal princess.
Many would-be suitors would break their heads trying to become favored sons-in-law but could never realize that dream; yet here was Gu Bei effortlessly presented with this opportunity.
Furthermore, the Emperor did not simply dictate this match but first sought Gu Bei's opinion. Although everyone present—including the Emperor himself—believed Gu Bei would not object, this gesture was still an enviable sign of favor.
This was also an effective strategy for winning hearts among his ministers. By granting such privileges to his officials, he aimed to ensure their loyalty and dedication in serving him.
Of course, deep down, the Emperor was quite pleased with this marriage arrangement. It was fitting—social status matched with talent and beauty; it was indeed a perfect match. He trusted Gu Bei as a man of responsibility and capability.
Marrying his precious daughter, the Emperor felt at ease.
Princess Shangyang was filled with surprise as she looked at the Queen, not expecting things to come together so quickly.
Previously, she had persistently sought the Queen's approval to marry Gu Bei. The Queen understood Gu Bei's character and recognized his capabilities; this marriage seemed promising, so she intended to bring them together. Now that the opportunity had arisen, she mentioned it.
The Emperor's decree of marriage, especially to a princess, was a great honor that could bring glory to their family. The Queen smiled gently at Princess Shangyang while advising her to temper her excitement and not display her joy too openly, reminding her to maintain a princess's poise.
Princess Shangyang beamed with happiness but straightened her posture, trying to appear more serious. However, the joy in her eyes was uncontrollable, and the blush on her face when she looked at Gu Bei clearly revealed her satisfaction with the arranged marriage.
With the Emperor's blessing and the princess's own contentment, what more could be desired? The ministers suppressed their envy and jealousy, putting on a facade of congratulations.
They waited for Gu Bei to express his agreement to the marriage and offer his thanks.
However, they were destined not to have that moment of celebration because Gu Bei's next action surprised everyone.
He rejected the Emperor's proposal.
"Thank you, Your Majesty, and Your Highness for your kindness," Gu Bei said as he stood up and walked to the center of the banquet hall. He knelt on one knee in respect.
"However, I already have someone I love dearly and am determined to marry no one but her!"
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