Madam in Deep Water and Scorching Fire

Gu Wanning couldn't help but look at him, anticipating his amazed expression, "How is it? How is it?"

Xu Weibei: "... It's alright."

Although it might taste a little better than I expected, it still felt strange and definitely not delicious.

But Gu Wanning also tried it, and it was indeed exceptionally delicious.

She sadly realized that there was no hope of making money from her sudden idea of selling snail rice noodles.

But then she thought again, she could make a lot of money from her sugar, so why would she care about this little bit?

So she happily started eating again.

It's perfectly fine to just indulge in some verbal sparring.

I also have to thank Xu Weibei for the snails.

"Do you really like eating this?" Although Xu Weibei didn't particularly like it, he didn't waste food and finished the bowl in front of him.

Gao Lan watched from the side, feeling immense sympathy.

The Marquis endured all kinds of hardship to win back his wife!

If he needs to eat this stinky stuff to win over a wife, he might as well stay single.

Er Ya made noodles and shared a bowl with him. Gao Lan felt that Er Ya's image had become much more impressive.

"I like them, but I'll just try them and that's enough," Gu Wanning said. "My Marquis, please don't bother sending people to deliver snails anymore. It's not snail season; I just had a sudden urge."

"Hmm. Where are you going tomorrow?"

"Stay home, the Marquis is about to get busy," Gu Wanning said.

She was now hoping that time would pass quickly, and that after the Lantern Festival, the shops outside would open, and she could exchange the sugar recipe for silver.

"Hmm." Xu Weibei thought to himself, tomorrow is the start of court, and he will also have to start wooing the men of the Gu family.

Gu Yuanshi couldn't curse anymore; he had to hold back.

Gu Anqi, keep your distance with respect.

Gu Anfang continued the campaign using horses.

There's also Gu Anwei... Try to chat with her a bit during court tomorrow.

Chapter 164 The Madam is in Deep Trouble

During the court session, Xu Weibei told himself that even if Gu Yuanshi said the sun would rise in the west, as long as it wasn't something that would bring disaster to the country and its people—after all, it didn't matter which way the sun rose—he would agree with it.

As it turned out, Gu Yuanshi had probably been away from court for too long and was feeling pent up; as soon as he did attend court, he started babbling on and on.

Xu Weibei: I could still endure it... but how could I possibly endure this... I couldn't hold back anymore!

Then he couldn't help but criticize Gu Yuanshi again.

You can make reforms, but please don't target me, okay?

I've already started to agree with your Green Sprouts Law, so stop nagging and making things worse.

You have to take things one step at a time; taking too big a step can easily lead to trouble!

Xu Weibei now understands that Gu Yuanshi's original intention was good, but Gu Yuanshi's radicalism in the matter of reform is so great that it frightens even someone like him who led his men on a thousand-mile raid to the enemy's lair.

Such radical actions are prone to backlash.

You've shaken the interests of every vested interest group that can be shaken; aren't you just asking to incite a public outcry against you?

He's giving Gu Wanning no peace of mind at all!

Others felt that Xu Weibei's opposition to Gu Yuanshi was old news and nothing new.

But Xu Weibei himself knew that he was different from before.

He sought common ground while reserving differences, striving to understand Gu Yuanshi advance the reform.

He was the most emotional because he was the one most concerned about the progress of this matter.

It not only concerns the national economy and people's livelihood, but also his woman.

The morning court session was so noisy that some of the older officials couldn't stand it anymore.

The Emperor's mind was also in a whirl. He waved his hand and said, "These matters can be discussed at length. If there's nothing else, court may adjourn."

He had been sitting on the hard dragon throne for almost two hours.

They don't get tired standing up, but his back aches from sitting.

Xu Weibei left the court, still not forgetting his goal for the day— Gu Anwei.

Gu Anwei a low official rank, so she stood at the back.

Everyone saw that the Marquis of Yingchuan took three steps at a time, as if someone was chasing him, and hurriedly walked out through the crowd.

--What's the rush?

Many people looked up and turned their gaze toward Xu Weibei.

Xu Weibei finally spotted Gu Anwei walking alone in the crowd.

Gu Anwei thought, "I'll bring the princess a crystal bag when I go back; she'll like it."

"Prince Consort, what a coincidence?" Xu Weibei walked to his side and said casually.

Gu Anwei:???

Didn't they go to court together?

Is it necessary for them all to stand here at this appointed time, which was not set by the Emperor?

What's so coincidental about it?

"Hmm." Gu Anwei and continued walking forward, wondering if there were still any crystal pouches left, as the court session had ended rather late today.

Fortunately, he hadn't told the princess beforehand, so if he couldn't buy it, he could buy it again tomorrow.

If they can't buy one, they'll buy a roast duck; both he and the princess like that.

"Well..." Xu Weibei opened his mouth, but suddenly realized that he and Gu Anwei seemed to have nothing in common.

I don't know if he'd lost his mind, but he blurted out, "Well, I've recently acquired a few new horses. If the Prince Consort is interested, he can come and take a look at them at my residence during his time off."

Gu Anwei gave him a puzzled look, then said calmly, "Thank you for your kindness, Marquis, but I know absolutely nothing about horses."

Xu Weibei: "... Gu Wanning said that when you invited her to the Princess's Residence, you treated her exceptionally well."

"She's my own sister, it's only right that I treat her well."

Xu Weibei: "... Has the Prince Consort been busy lately?"

"I'm busy, so Marquis forgive me, Your Excellency. I'll take my leave now."

After saying that, Gu Anwei quickened her pace and left.

Xu Weibei: "..."

He was careless.

I used to think Gu Yuanshi was like Shitou in a latrine, smelly and hard; Gu Anqi was like a fox, cunning and treacherous; Gu Anfang was like a stubborn donkey that could only be flattered and stroked... Gu Anwei was probably the most normal one. Now it seems that none of the men in the Gu family are easy to talk to.