Luo Wanqing mentally cursed Gu Sinian thoroughly, but forced a smile onto her face. "Of course, you were in trouble and came to me for help. I traveled a great distance to assist you. Don't worry, I won't say a word to Zhenzhen. I will definitely stand by your side and help you resolve any misunderstandings. I hit it off with Zhenzhen immediately, and naturally, I want Zhenzhen to have a good match. The heir, with his character and appearance, is first-class. No one is more suitable for Zhenzhen than him."
Gu Sinian was very pleased, the corners of his lips curling up slightly. He ignored Luo Wanqing and continued on his journey with his men.
After they had gone, Luo Wanqing spat, vowing to get her revenge for being outmaneuvered by him this time.
Gu Sinian had been sent to the border by imperial decree. Upon his return, his first order of business was naturally to report to the palace.
Emperor Chongwen was shocked to see him. "After several months apart, why have you become so thin, Anian? Did something happen?"
Gu Sinian briefly recounted the pursuit and their entrapment.
Upon hearing this, Emperor Chongwen was even more astonished. "You mean General Yan and his men searched for over a month without rescuing you, but it was the young lady from the Qi family who found you? That's truly incredible."
"Does Your Majesty recall my memorial regarding the white wolf when the royal hunting grounds were being constructed?" Gu Sinian asked.
Emperor Chongwen nodded. "I remember. It was because of this white wolf that the hunting grounds had to be relocated. What does the white wolf have to do with this?"
"After Zhenzhen entered the Qilian Mountains, she initially couldn't find my location. Later, she encountered a white wolf in the mountains, and it was through the wolf's guidance that she found me," Gu Sinian replied.
"So that white wolf knows the young lady from the Qi family?" Emperor Chongwen inquired.
"When I first saw the white wolf, the young lady from the Qi family happened to be hunting in the mountains and encountered it," Gu Sinian explained concisely why Qi Zhenzhen was present.
"So, the reason you were able to escape this time is not only due to the young lady from the Qi family but also the white wolf?" Emperor Chongwen finally understood.
"Yes."
Emperor Chongwen mused. He had considered the white wolf a good omen, but he hadn't expected this auspicious creature to be so grateful. Was it repaying Anian for releasing the creatures of Tiger Tooth Mountain? As for the young lady from the Qi family, he had heard about her previous experiences but hadn't paid much attention. Now, it seemed she was indeed fortunate and destined for great things. He had initially felt she was not quite up to par with Anian in terms of status, but now, he felt they were truly a perfect match.
"Although your actions this time were reckless, you have achieved merit," Emperor Chongwen said. "Is there anything you desire?"
"Your subject dares not claim credit. If not for Zhenzhen and the white wolf, I fear I would not be able to see Your Majesty," Gu Sinian replied.
"As you just mentioned, the young lady from the Qi family secretly ran off to find you. If I were to bestow rewards in a grand manner, this matter would not be kept quiet, and there would be more criticism than praise," Emperor Chongwen stated.
"Your subject did not suggest a grand display. Your Majesty could use the previous occasion of her disaster relief to bestow an imperial reward!" Gu Sinian proposed. "As for the white wolf, bestowing the title of General Wolf is not out of the question, as there is precedent from previous dynasties."
Emperor Chongwen glared at Gu Sinian. "I have always known you were indifferent to credit and rewards. Why are you acting so uncharacteristically this time?"
"Your subject is about to start a family and has someone to care for, so I cannot be the same as before. Besides, this credit is for Zhenzhen," Gu Sinian said with a serious expression.
"Regardless of your reasons, I am very pleased. You know to strive for progress; does your aunt still need to worry about you? While you were away, your grandmother pressured your aunt, not wanting you to marry Qi Zhenzhen. Your aunt suppressed this matter, and I didn't inquire about the specifics. If you wish to know, visit your aunt's palace and ask. Coincidentally, she has been worried about you since you left," Emperor Chongwen said.