Chapter 387: Token

Gu Xixi really had no interest in the position of county magistrate.

Being selfless brings no fear; the natural expression is a heart that is still and unmoving.

Yes, as a common girl I have already decided the path for this life; I only wish to act freely, not wanting to be bound by a position.

The emperor, startled, asked, "Being bound by a position?"

He looked somewhat wistful, "Yes, those in high positions are often not masters of their own fate."

On the contrary, one cannot act according to one's heart; you simply do whatever you want.

At that moment, a eunuch entered the hall carrying a tea tray.

Gu Xixi recognized him as Jingdong, the eunuch who had guided her last time.

Not long ago, Jingdong had progressed from sweeping outside the hall to attending inside.

This shows that Mu Nan Zhao's praise of his intelligence was not empty.

Jingdong placed the teacup on the emperor's table.

The fragrance of the tea eased the emperor's expression somewhat.

And at the same time, Gu Xixi's heart settled completely.

"Your Majesty, to restrain one's heart and not follow one's desires is the fortune of the common people."

"We commoners and many others are able to farm in peace, working from sunrise to sunset, only because we have received Your Majesty's blessings."

The emperor looked at Gu Xixi, seeming somewhat moved, and a genuine smile appeared in his eyes.

"Working from sunrise to resting at sunset—is that the life you want?"

Gu Xixi felt she had likely guessed right, and intentionally spoke more down-to-earth.

"I, a common girl, am just a vulgar person; besides these, I naturally also want to earn more money with my own skills."

The emperor laughed, "I also love money."

"So what you want to do is exactly what I am pleased to see."

"However," he paused, "people inevitably distinguish themselves by ranks of three, six, nine."

"Even if you later have much land and wealth, your status will ultimately be worlds apart from Qi Xiu's."

"Not to mention how others see it, the Mu family is a great clan and would certainly not acknowledge you."

"In that case, do you still not want the position of county magistrate?"

Gu Xixi knelt and kowtowed, "Everything I have said is truly what I think; I dare not deceive Your Majesty!"

The emperor stared at her and asked, "Even if you cannot grow old side by side with Qi Xiu in this life, would you not care?"

Gu Xixi lay prostrate, unmoving, "Yes."

After a moment of silence, the emperor finally said, "Take this token to Boss Gu."

Gu Xixi stood up, looking at the tray Jingdong brought before her, and saw a gleaming gold token.

Round, about the size of a common woman's palm, engraved with dragon patterns and the five grains.

I had thought merely passing today smoothly would be enough.

Who would have thought there would be an unexpected gain?

Gu Xixi lifted her head in astonishment, "Your Majesty, this… is too precious."

The emperor swept aside his previous scrutinizing attitude, chuckling, "Rest assured, it's gilt."

"These days I also have to be frugal with spending."

"However, the inside seems to be pure silver; don't melt it down just because you're short on funds."

It's rare for the emperor to show a humorous side.

Although Gu Xixi couldn't laugh, she had to go along with it.

"Your Majesty's gracious gift, I will surely treasure it well and pass it down as a family heirloom."

The emperor laughed, "I give this to you so you can use it."

"Last time I promised you, wherever you go, as long as it concerns agriculture and does not conflict with the laws of the Great Undertaking Dynasty, if you need help, you may seek assistance from the local government office."

"Empty words are not enough; I must give you a token as proof."

"This is your exclusive token; keep it safe and use it well."

……

Gu Xixi walked out of the hall, bathed in sunlight, and only then felt she had come back to life.

She descended the steps and saw a person standing not far away.

In the instant their gazes met across the distance, Gu Xixi's heart throbbed violently.

It was as if an ancient bronze bell in a deep mountain temple, long silent, had been struck heavily.

Her sudden entry into the palace would surely worry him, no doubt.

Yet he actually came chasing after her to the palace.

Where have his reason, his restraint, and his considerations gone?

Gu Xixi felt both surprised and yet not surprised.

Until Mu Nan Zhao walked over to meet her, Gu Xixi came to her senses and stiffly asked, "How did you get here?"

"To fetch you." That was the natural answer.

Gu Xixi nervously glanced around, grabbed his sleeve and walked away, muttering under her breath:

"I came to report back; what are you running over here for?"

"Besides, you could have just come; couldn't you stand farther away? Standing there blatantly, as if afraid people won't see you?"

"What would the person inside think if they found out? What if they thought you were guarding against the ruler and doubted your loyalty?"

Mu Nan Zhao interrupted her, "Gu Xixi, when did you become like Aunt Zhang?"

Gu Xixi was startled, then realized he disliked her talkativeness.

"I……"

She had just opened her mouth when Mu Nan Zhao seized her wrist in a reverse grip.

Before she realized what was about to happen, he dragged her out of the archway.

Inside the long corridor, there was no one else.

Mu Nan Zhao pressed Gu Xixi against the wall, staring at her with lowered brows and cold eyes.

Gu Xixi lifted her head to assess the situation.

Nice, are you playing wall‑slam?

Even though Mu Nan Zhao had released his grip on her wrist, she now had nowhere to retreat and no way to escape.

Gu Xixi dared not make a big commotion; she grit her teeth and tried to reason with him.

"What madness have you suddenly taken? This is the imperial palace—being seen would be bad for anyone."

Yet Mu Nan Zhao was unmoved: "Since I've come, I have no intention of hiding anything from anyone."

Gu Xixi widened her eyes slightly: "Did the emperor already know?"

Mu Nan Zhao did not deny it: "Let's not talk about that."

"I heard that the host, for his grand ambitions, didn't hesitate to sacrifice me before His Majesty."

"Is that really true?"

Gu Xixi exclaimed in surprise: "I just came out—how did you find out so fast?"

Mu Nan Zhao narrowed his eyes dangerously, leaning in close to her: "Have you admitted it?"

Survival instinct made Gu Xixi shake her head without hesitation: "No!"

"The only thing I gave up was the position of county mistress, and it was merely a false test."

Mu Nan Zhao said: "If you don't become county mistress, you cannot stand beside me to old age."

"You would readily agree to that."

Gu Xixi said firmly: "That's because I believe how we end up is not for others to decide."

She countered: "Would you waver because of others' looks, or be easily manipulated by your Mu family, and then ignore me?"

Mu Nan Zhao was displeased: "Naturally not."

Gu Xixi said: "Me too."

"So what does it matter whether I become county mistress or not?"

Mu Nan Zhao was stunned.

Gu Xixi took the chance to push him away and stride off.

Mu Nan Zhao quickly gave chase: "Everything's the same—you need to make it clear."

Gu Xixi didn't look at him: "Nothing."

Mu Nan Zhao's heart pounded wildly.

A joy welled up, ready to burst forth, yet he kept bumping east and west, unable to find the true exit.

"Gu Xixi, you've long known how my heart feels."

"So whether your heart is the same as mine—this is important for both of us."

Gu Xixi stormed off with her head down, her heart in turmoil.

As she turned a corner, she suddenly stopped, grabbed his lapel.

She tiptoed and kissed him.

To hell with the plot's direction, to hell with the female supporting role's ending!

Whether you like it or not, just try it with your present feelings and you'll know!