With Emperor Chongwen saying so, what else could Gu Sinian do but agree and make proper arrangements? After all, if anything were to happen to Emperor Chongwen at the Duke's mansion, it would be no trivial matter.
After leaving Emperor Chongwen, Gu Sinian visited Consort An's palace.
Gu Sinian keenly noticed a sharper glint in Consort An's eyes compared to before.
"How much do you know about Li An's affairs?" Consort An asked.
"Aunt, it's not that your nephew wants to hide anything from you, but I truly don't know how to tell you." Gu Sinian felt apologetic towards his aunt regarding this matter.
"This isn't your fault!" Consort An sighed. "He is the ruler of a nation. Compared to previous monarchs, his harem is quite serene!"
"Aunt, no matter what Li An does, don't let him or his birth mother affect your mood. Li An's identity has not been revealed to the public, and his birth mother is now but dust," Gu Sinian advised.
One could never win an argument against the dead.
"As for Li An, His Majesty is not a foolish man; he would not gamble with the empire of our Great Feng," Gu Sinian said.
Consort An let out a long sigh. "I understand the logic, but my heart is still unsettled. Rest assured, Aunt will not act rashly."
Gu Sinian thought for a moment and then told Consort An everything he knew about Li An. "To be frank, he has performed exceptionally well in the position of Dali Temple Minister. If he were to serve as an official honestly, it would be a blessing for the people of Great Feng. It's just a pity that his true intentions lie elsewhere."
"To achieve such success in a harsh environment, he indeed cannot be underestimated," Consort An remarked.
"Qin Lang is also an exceptionally talented individual, and Li An was taught by him. How could he be lacking?" Gu Sinian said.
"Indeed, to be favored by Zhenzhen's maternal grandfather, he couldn't possibly be an ordinary person," Consort An mused.
Gu Sinian remained silent, unsure how to comment on past events.
"In three days, it will be the day the Empress has set for my provincial visit. I will trouble A'nian then," Consort An said.
"Aunt, please rest assured, your nephew will make all the necessary arrangements." Gu Sinian cupped his hands. "His Majesty intends to stay at the Protector Duke's mansion for a short while. Upon my return, I will arrange for someone to tidy up the courtyard where you resided before your marriage. Grandmother has always had people tending to it!"
A smile appeared on Consort An's lips. If there was a time she was happiest, it was when she was awaiting marriage. She had almost forgotten what her former residence looked like, and now, being able to return, a flicker of anticipation grew in her heart.
Upon returning to the mansion, Gu Sinian went to the Old Madam's courtyard and informed her about Consort An's provincial visit. The Old Madam could hardly believe it. "A'nian, is this true?"
"How could your grandson deceive you with such words?" Gu Sinian replied. "His Majesty has granted his favor, and Aunt will be staying at home for a few days."
"Good, good, good." The Old Madam was so happy that tears welled up. "Grandmother will personally arrange for people to prepare Aunt's courtyard."
As for Emperor Chongwen, he would naturally need to be kept in disguise.
Later, Gu Sinian discussed the matter with Gu Changwei.
"Without any apparent reason, why would she be making a provincial visit?" Gu Changwei frowned.
"His Majesty cherishes Aunt and wants her to stay at home for a short while to accompany Grandmother more. Is that not reason enough?" Gu Sinian's tone was laced with sarcasm. "If Father is unwilling, he can simply report to His Majesty and prevent Aunt from returning."