Unwarranted

Gu Chengyin walked calmly toward the palace gates, without the slightest hesitation or flinching.

He stopped and stood firm when he was about three paces away from Xue Tian.

Taking the initiative to cup his hands and bow slightly, he performed a standard etiquette with smooth and natural movements.

Junior Gu Chengyin greets General Xue.

His voice was clear and peaceful, spreading distinctly in front of the palace gates.

Gu Chengyin knew clearly in his heart that although Luo Zhao had conferred him the title of Marquis of Equal Stature, granting him immense honor and glory.

But Xue Tian, as the chief commander of the Golden Feather Guard, held high authority and had long been ennobled for his military merits. In terms of noble rank and seniority, he was far above Gu Chengyin.

Taking the initiative to bow at this moment was not only showing proper etiquette but also giving the other party no excuse to make a fuss.

Sure enough, when he saw that Gu Chengyin was not arrogant or evasive because of the morning court incident, but instead actively bowed to him.

A trace of surprise flashed across Xue Tian's sharp, cold-star-like eyes, which then transformed into a glint of satisfaction.

It was as if this bow from Gu Chengyin slightly smoothed out the pent-up frustration of being publicly humiliated yesterday.

However, the expression on his face grew even darker. When he spoke, his voice was deep and resonant, carrying the metallic timbre of a battlefield veteran:

Gu... Director.

He paused slightly, as if the title Marquis of Equal Stature was still hard to say, and continued to address him by his official post: During yesterday's morning court, you were quite majestic.

Xue Tian took a half-step forward, his eyes burning like torches, tightly locking onto Gu Chengyin's eyes: In front of His Majesty and the civil and military officials, using unwarranted charges and listing rules and regulations, you spoke with such eloquence and cursed this general so thoroughly.

He practically spat out the last few words through gritted teeth, carrying obvious anger and humiliation: Since I tied up my hair and joined the army, I have fought on battlefields and guarded the palace for decades. I have charged through rains of swords and arrows, and seen many open and covert attacks. Yet, I have never suffered such great anger and lost so much face!

His chest heaved slightly; clearly, mentioning the morning court incident still made his blood boil.

Staring at Gu Chengyin, he spoke word by word, his voice suddenly rising with undisguised chilliness:

Truly worthy of being... the Marquis of Equal Stature specially appointed by Her Highness! What great methods, what great prestige!

When the words Marquis of Equal Stature were spoken, the tone was no longer simple sarcasm, but as if he wanted to chew up this noble title along with Gu Chengyin himself.

The atmosphere in front of the palace gates instantly dropped to the freezing point.

Although the guards on duty kept their eyes straight ahead, their bodies involuntarily tensed up, and their hands quietly rested on the hilts of their swords.

Xiao Li'er, who was following behind Gu Chengyin, subconsciously shrank her neck and hid herself in the shadows, revealing only a pair of exceptionally bright large eyes, nervously watching the confronting duo.

Facing Xue Tian's questioning and mockery, which was almost a direct tearing of face, Gu Chengyin acted as if he didn't hear the hidden blades in the words.

He slowly straightened up, calmly meeting Xue Tian's gaze, and said in an innocent tone:

General Xue, your words are too heavy.

However, there is one point this junior agrees with: it is indeed an unwarranted charge. After all, whether General Chen Busha privately mobilized troops or not, others do not know.

As the chief commander of the Golden Feather Guard, could it be that you are not clear about it?

Hearing this answer, Xue Tian narrowed his eyes. Just as Gu Chengyin said, the so-called incident of Chen Busha privately mobilizing troops.

In the entire Divine Capital, no one knew the inside story behind this matter better than him.

Gu Chengyin paused and continued to speak mildly: During yesterday's morning court, the situation was urgent and unpredictable.

As soon as Her Highness returned to the court, there were treacherous villains attempting to use despicable methods to confuse the public, attack Her Highness's reputation, and shake the foundation of the Crown Princess. Their hearts are punishable, and their actions are despicable!

I am deeply trusted by Her Highness. Since I eat the ruler's salary, I must share the ruler's worries. Seeing the villains run rampant and Her Highness insulted, how could I sit by and watch, just to protect myself?

In a moment of desperation, to silence the public and protect Her Highness, I was forced to resort to this poor strategy and borrow General Xue's name.

As for you, General. Gu Chengyin changed the subject, his tone becoming firm and admiring: His Majesty is wise and perceptive, and he has immense trust in the General's loyalty and ability.

How could this junior shake that in the slightest with just a few words and some quick-witted sophistry?

Gu Chengyin shook his head slightly, as if saying that Xue Tian's anger was somewhat superfluous: General Xue's prestige and illustrious military achievements are forged with blood and fire, and decades of loyal service, making them as solid as a rock.

If the General holds a grudge over this, you are somewhat underestimating yourself.

Listening to this, the anger on Xue Tian's face did not dissipate, but the sharpness in his eyes softened a bit.

He stared intently at Gu Chengyin, seemingly judging how much sincerity there was in these words.

Gu Chengyin did not wait for him to think further, suddenly taking a half-step forward and cupping his hands again:

Regardless, regarding yesterday's matter, I was indeed abrupt, damaging the General's prestige with unwarranted charges.

This junior will remember this favor.

I owe you a favor.

When Gu Chengyin actively expressed this meaning, the last bit of anger in Xue Tian's eyes finally receded as swiftly as the tide.

The matter of Chen Busha privately mobilizing troops was originally instructed by His Majesty. He was responsible for executing it, in order to see how Luo Zhao, as the Crown Princess, would respond in the royal court.

Later, the Luo Emperor ordered him to conduct a joint trial with the Internal Affairs Department, which meant that this test had been passed.

Today, when Shangguan Yunying came to invite him with Luo Zhao's hand-written order, Xue Tian knew that this matter should come to an end.

However, he happened to meet Gu Chengyin at the door, causing the anger in his heart to surge up again.

His Majesty was satisfied, and Her Highness passed the test. That meant in the entire incident, only he had suffered a bloody scolding for nothing.

And it was during the morning court, in front of all the civil and military officials, being scolded like a dog by the roadside, or even worse than a dog.

Now that Gu Chengyin actively said he owed him a favor, he had clearly thought of this point as well.

As the chief commander of the Golden Feather Guard, Xue Tian did not value just anyone's favor.

However, Gu Chengyin's favor just happened to be one of the few he valued.

Xue Tian remained silent for three full breaths of time.

Finally, he slowly let out a breath, and his jawline, which had been tense like iron and stone, relaxed a bit.

Since Marquis Gu has said so.

Xue Tian spoke, his voice no longer carrying the previous smell of gunpowder, but instead having a magnanimous composure: If this general continues to haggle over every detail, it would be measuring the heart of a gentleman with the yardstick of a petty man.

Let yesterday's matter be turned over here. This general also hopes that Marquis Gu remembers today's words.

Naturally.

Gu Chengyin immediately responded: A word spoken by a gentleman cannot be chased down even by a team of four horses.

The tense atmosphere instantly vanished into nothingness.

Xue Tian then noticed that the two of them had completely blocked the doorway. He looked toward the inside of the palace gates:

Is Marquis Gu going into the palace to pay respects to Her Highness?

Exactly.

Gu Chengyin nodded: I just returned from the palace, and I have some important matters to report to Her Highness.

What a coincidence.

Xue Tian picked up the conversation: This general also has some official business that needs to be presented to Her Highness in person. Since we are heading the same way, why don't we walk together?

Gu Chengyin turned sideways and extended his hand, making a gesture of invitation with a polite posture:

General Xue, please.