I am a prince in Zhutian Films

Chapter 383 Encounter with Gu Qianfan

The golden sunlight penetrated the clouds and shone onto Tokyo's picturesque bridges. Zhao Pan'er and Zhao Wei sat opposite each other in a private room of the restaurant. Looking out the window, they could see the hustle and bustle of life below.

This was the first time they met since they expressed their feelings to each other yesterday. Zhao Pan'er dressed up carefully. The emerald green dress set off her fair skin, making her look like a fairy descending to earth.

Zhao Wei noticed that Zhao Pan'er was a little reserved, and couldn't help but ask curiously, "What's wrong with you? You suddenly become awkward. We've been to a restaurant together before, right?"

Zhao Pan'er said a little embarrassedly: "It's different now."

It was rare for Zhao Wei to see Zhao Pan'er looking shy and timid, so he couldn't help but pursed his lips.

Noticing Zhao Wei's expression, Zhao Pan'er couldn't help but whispered, "What are you laughing at?"

Zhao Wei still had a smile in his eyes: "I am laughing at you for becoming more and more timid."

"Who is timid?" Zhao Pan'er snorted: "If I were timid, I wouldn't be with you at all, but you are good-looking, so I won't suffer too much."

Zhao Wei sat next to Zhao Pan'er, took her hand, and said with slightly curved eyes: "Is it just because she's good-looking?"

Zhao Pan'er chuckled: "Of course, there is a young man on the street who is so charming and I am willing to marry him and spend my whole life with him, even if he abandons me mercilessly..."

After reciting the last part, Zhao Paner suddenly realized that it was not auspicious, so she stopped reciting.

Zhao Wei shook her hand vigorously and said seriously: "Don't worry, I won't be the second Ouyang Xu. I will protect you and love you all my life."

Zhao Pan'er felt warm in her heart, nodded, and leaned against Zhao Wei's chest.

"My mother..."

Zhao Pan'er interrupted him with a firm face as he just started talking: "I can understand. I know that being with you, Your Highness, will definitely bring me some difficulties, but this is the path I chose, so I am happy with it."

Zhao Wei's heart warmed up, and he nodded, "I won't promise that I won't let you suffer any grievances in the future, because that's unrealistic, but I can guarantee that for every grievance you suffer, I will comfort you with double the happiness."

Just then, the door of the private room rang.

Zhao Pan'er hurriedly left Zhao Wei's arms and tidied her appearance seriously.

"Come in."

As Zhao Wei's voice sounded, the door was pushed open and Shuangxi walked in with an official in a red robe.

"This old servant greets His Highness and Madam Zhao."

Zhao Wei waved his hand and said, "Let me introduce you to Lei Jing, the Duke of the Imperial City Department and Gu Qianfan's immediate superior."

Zhao Pan'er heard this and stood up and bowed: "My concubine is Zhao Pan'er from Qiantang, and I greet Lord Lei."

Lei Jing quickly stepped aside, not daring to accept Zhao Pan'er's greeting, and put on a flattering smile on his face: "No, no, Madam Zhao, the Queen asked me to bring you a message. His Highness will be very busy next, and I hope you can take good care of His Highness."

Zhao Pan'er was stunned for a moment, then she was delighted: "Please ask Lord Lei to tell the queen that I will take good care of your highness in the future, no matter how tired or hard it is, I am willing to do it."

Lei Jing nodded, glanced at Zhao Paner, and seemed to be hesitant to speak.

"Just say whatever you want to say. Pan'er is my princess. There's no need to avoid her."

"Yes."

Lei Jing nodded slightly and said, "Your Highness, Deputy Commander Gu and Minister Qi contacted each other again last night. It should be related to Prime Minister Xiao's return to the capital."

Zhao Wei was silent for a moment, then he tapped the table and said, "I still have high hopes for Gu Qianfan. I have other plans for him. You don't have to worry about him for now. The Imperial City Division has been corrupt for a long time. It's time to deal with a group of people."

"I understand. I will withdraw first."

Zhao Wei nodded: "Go ahead, and ask the waiter to serve the food."

Lei Jing left, and Shuangxi was very sensible and closed the door of the private room after the food was served.

Zhao Pan'er and Zhao Wei were the only ones left in the private room.

Seeing Zhao Pan'er was silent and didn't even know how to pick up the food, Zhao Wei picked up a piece of the restaurant's signature braised lion's head and said with a smile: "Although Lei Jing has a bad reputation, in the eyes of many people, he is a treacherous villain, but that is only on the surface. When I was eight years old, he joined my team and has done a good job over the years."

"Why are you telling me these things?" Zhao Pan'er asked blankly.

Zhao Wei was confused: "Aren't you thinking about this?"

Zhao Pan'er shook her head and couldn't help laughing, "I was thinking, if the queen asked Lei Sigong to bring it to me, it means that she accepts me, right? Then when will we officially get engaged? Sanniang has been shouting that she wants to be the matchmaker."

Zhao Wei smiled and said, "Don't worry, the three books and six ceremonies should be followed, and no step can be missed. It's good that Madam Sun wants to be the matchmaker, but I would like her to be your bride's escort. I have already invited the matchmaker, the old lady Zhe from the Yang family. Speaking of which, the Yang family has some relationship with your father. Your father was under the command of General Yang. After we have dinner, I will take you to the Yang family.

Also, Huai En has brought your uncle and others back to Beijing. I have also sent people to invite the Zhao family members. As for your father and mother, I really want to marry you as soon as possible, so I may not be able to ask for your hand in marriage in front of their spirits, but I promise you that after we get married, I will accompany you back to Qiantang to meet your father-in-law and Yue..."

As Zhao Wei was talking, he noticed that Zhao Pan'er had turned her head to the side. He thought he had said something wrong and asked quickly, "What's wrong?"

Zhao Pan'er raised her face to prevent the tears from falling: "It's okay, I'm just... happy."

Zhao Wei held her hand and said, "Pan'er, you can be more honest with me in the future. There is no need to be so sensible between husband and wife. Since I said I would marry you, I will definitely marry you into the palace in a grand manner."

This feeling of being respected hit Zhao Paner at once. Her eyes turned red again and she nodded heavily: "Well, let's eat."

After happily eating, Zhao Wei took Zhao Pan'er to Yang's house.

The two were strolling along the river bank, and just when they were reaching Shangzhou Bridge, suddenly a man fell towards Zhao Paner.

Zhao Wei stepped in front of her and supported the man who fell. The man was about to thank her, but he saw Gu Qianfan was stunned at first, then he bowed and said, "I am Gu Qianfan, your humble servant, and I am honored to meet you, Your Highness."

Upon hearing this, the man quickly turned around and bent down.

"Your humble servant Xiao Wei pays respect to Your Highness."

"We are not in the court, so there is no need to be so polite." Zhao Wei waved his hand and smiled in confusion, "Speaking of which, why did you two start fighting?"

"It's just a small matter. Thank you for your help just now." Xiao Wei clasped his fists to express his gratitude and said, "Your Highness, my father's birthday will be in a few days. I wonder if Your Highness has time to spare?"

Zhao Wei nodded: "Prime Minister Xiao sent me an invitation, I will go, after all, you know that your good second brother is coveting my princess. Of course, don't worry, I will remember your kindness."

princess? !
Xiao Wei was startled at first, and couldn't help but steal a glance at Zhao Pan'er, then he couldn't help but feel happy, but he didn't show it on the surface: "Your Highness, please forgive me. I will definitely discipline my second brother when I go back."

As he spoke, he bowed to Zhao Pan'er again and said, "Madam Zhao, I am here to apologize to you on behalf of my second brother. When I return home, I will report to my father and give you an explanation." Zhao Pan'er shook her head, "Mr. Xiao, there is no need to do this."

Zhao Wei patted Xiao Wei's shoulder and said with a smile, "As the saying goes, a harmonious family brings prosperity. You and Deputy Envoy Gu are half-brothers, and harmony is the most important thing between brothers. Except for you and Commander Gu, none of you brothers are good people. Work hard in the future. This king has high hopes for you."

Xiao Wei was not surprised nor did he care that Zhao Wei knew about his relationship with Gu Qianfan. What he cared about was the big cake that Zhao Wei painted. He immediately said happily: "Your Highness's words, I will definitely remember them in my heart, and I will definitely live up to your expectations."

Zhao Wei waved his hand: "Well, go ahead. I'll talk to Commander Gu."

"My minister retire."

Xiao Wei bowed again, looked at Gu Qianfan with special attention, and then left with Yuanlu.

"Let's go, Commander Gu, let's talk while we walk." Zhao Wei led Zhao Pan'er by the hand and casually asked, "Deputy Envoy Gu, how is the investigation of the hat monster case going?"

"There are no clues yet." Gu Qianfan clasped his fists slightly. When Zhao Wei mentioned the hat monster case, he simply asked, "I wonder what your Highness thinks of this case. Is this hat monster really a demon?"

"You have already made a judgment in your heart, do you still need to ask me?"

Gu Qianfan was silent for a moment, then said in a deep voice: "I don't believe in the hat monster. The so-called hat monster is just a trick. I fought with the 'hat monster' last night. I am sure it is disguised. I guess someone must want to use the hat monster to disrupt the court."

"Then who do you think is trying to be mysterious?" Deputy Envoy Gu said.

“This… I haven’t found out yet.

The mystery of the Hat Monster's appearance is that it was not in Tokyo at the beginning, but only appeared in Tokyo recently. Although he had fought with the Hat Monster before, he could not figure out where the other party came from. He could only be sure that someone was deliberately causing trouble.

And what is certain is that the hat monster should be targeting His Royal Highness the King of Han in front of him, as well as the Queen and the Queen's party in the court.

Since ancient times, it has been said that when a country is about to fall into chaos, there will be evil spirits.

The Queen's party is now in power in the court, and his father Xiao Qinyan is about to be appointed as prime minister, which means that the position of this prince will become more and more stable. Some people don't want to see this happen, but they can't stop it, so they can only use this rather despicable method.

Zhao Wei smiled and said, "Then you must investigate carefully, Deputy Envoy Gu. Once Deputy Envoy Gu has found out the truth, I will personally report to Deputy Envoy Gu to ask for credit."

"Thank you, Your Highness." Gu Qianfan bowed to express his gratitude, then opened his mouth, looked around, and lowered his voice and said, "Your Highness, may I have a word with you?"

Zhao Wei nodded: "There is a pavilion in front, let's go there."

On the river bank, there is a pavilion.

Zhao Pan'er was very tactful and did not go in. She followed Shuangxi and others to wait outside. Only Gu Qianfan and Zhao Wei were in the pavilion.

"Tell me, what's the matter?"

"I would like to ask Your Highness, what did you mean by what you said to me last time?"

"Which sentence?"

Gu Qianfan looked around subconsciously, and then whispered: "It's about Qi Muqi, the Minister of State. Why did you tell me last time to be careful of Qi Zhongcheng? Do you know something?"

Zhao Wei chuckled: "It seems that you have noticed something recently, or found out something, and became suspicious of Qi Mu, but you are not sure, so you came to me to inquire about the situation, right?"

Gu Qianfan remained silent. Qi Mu’s recent behavior did make him very suspicious.

As the mainstay of the Qingliu faction, Qi Mu had clearly collected evidence of the crimes of Lei Jing and others. As long as Qi Mu was willing to come forward, he would be able to bring down many corrupt officials in the court.

But Qi Mu kept making excuses and instead wanted to use Lei Jing. He also didn't approve of some of Qi Mu's recent actions, which were very different from his impression of Qi Mu.

"Your Highness, consider it as a favor I owe you. Please tell me."

Zhao Wei did not speak. After motioning for Gu Qianfan to sit down, he tapped the stone table in the pavilion with his fingers, his face solemn and thoughtful.

After a long while, he finally spoke: "Deputy Envoy Gu, you and I hit it off right away. I am optimistic about you. I do know a lot about you, especially the connection between you and Qi Mu. I also know something about it."

Gu Qianfan was not surprised. He had already guessed it after Zhao Wei reminded him last time.

"I don't know how much you trust Qi Mu, but I know a little about him. You also know that I was a Jinshi, right?"

Gu Qianfan nodded. When Zhao Wei passed the imperial examination and became a Jinshi, he was called the incarnation of Wenquxing. Everyone in Tokyo knew about it.

But no one expected that Zhao Wei did not enter the officialdom as a Jinshi, but instead went to the border to join the army.

You know, although the officials of the Qingliu lineage could not represent the entire civil service group, they were the largest force in the court.

It can be said that if Zhao Wei had joined the upright class back then, he would have been the crown prince by now.

In fact, it was because Zhao Wei failed to join the Qingliu that the Queen secretly formed the so-called Queen's Party to suppress the Qingliu. The Qingliu suffered a heavy blow and its power in the court became weaker and weaker.

This is something Gu Qianfan had only recently discovered secretly.

"When I passed the imperial examination, my teacher wanted me to join the elite class. Unfortunately, many people in the elite class rejected me, including Qi Mu, and he was one of the leaders. At that time, I was young and hot-tempered, so I chose another path. But today, I have thought it through. The reason why such a thing happened was that everyone's interests were different, which led to such a result."

Zhao Wei took a breath and continued, "According to my investigation, Qi Mu is a man of deep thoughts. He deliberately gets close to you just to use you. He knows your identity and abilities, and he wants you to join the Imperial City Division because he wants to control the power of the Imperial City Division for his own use. I think you should have noticed this, right?"

Gu Qianfan didn't answer, but his expression said it all.

"Did he want you to bring down Lei Jing before? But now he didn't do that, and instead stopped you from dealing with Lei Jing?"

Gu Qianfan was shocked: "Your Highness, how did you know?"

He was really confused. Only he and Qi Mu knew about this matter. How did Zhao Wei know about it?

Zhao Wei chuckled, "I am a bit petty. Qi Mu looked down on me and my mother back then, and I have always remembered it in my heart. I have always wanted to find a chance to repay him, so I naturally have to pay more attention to him."

"Is there anyone of yours around Qi Mu?" Gu Qianfan asked in surprise.

"maybe."

Zhao Wei did not give a direct answer, but gave an ambiguous answer, leaving Gu Qianfan to guess for himself.

Gu Qianfan was silent for a while, then said thoughtfully: "Besides Qi Mu, there are people like you around him, Your Highness, there must be people like you in the Imperial City Division as well."

Zhao Wei smiled noncommittally and said, "Deputy Envoy Gu, you just need to know that I have no ill will towards you. On the contrary, I really think highly of you. You are not like those scholars who are so roundabout. You are more suitable for the army."

(End of this chapter)