Mu Jiulu’s movement of drinking tea paused slightly.

“Yes.”

“Well then, it just so happens that I’ve summoned him to the palace today. Let me see what he’s like. If you truly like him, I’ll bestow marriage upon you two right away.”

The Empress Dowager spoke bluntly. Mu Jiulu, however, had not expected this development and couldn’t help but laugh.

“There’s no need to trouble you.”

“How can this be trouble? You don’t know how worried your elder sister used to be about your marriage. She was afraid you would end up alone in the future.”

Before Mu Jiulu could speak again, an announcement came from the palace servant at the door.

“Your Majesty, Sir Gu has arrived.”

The Empress Dowager laughed, “Hurry and invite him in.”

“Yes.”

“Sir Gu, please enter.”

Gu Sui yawned and mustered some energy, following the palace servant through the hall door.

Originally a bit drowsy, he stopped in his tracks the moment he saw Mu Jiulu, his eyes becoming somewhat dazed.

Was he still dreaming?

The boy’s hair was messy yet beautiful. He was wearing a winter outfit with a kylin pattern. Standing there suddenly in a daze, he looked extremely cute.

Mu Jiulu’s right hand resting on the table couldn’t help but twitch.

Want to pinch.

No, must resist.

Mu Jiulu pursed her lips, then heard Gu Sui’s puzzled yet slightly delighted voice.

“Why are you here too?”

The Empress Dowager silently observed the two and covered his mouth, chuckling softly.

This Sir Gu seemed different from the rumors.

“The Empress Dowager summoned me to the palace.”

Mu Jiulu said indifferently. Gu Sui let out an “oh” and then looked at the Empress Dowager seated in the main position.

He looked quite young and indeed had a kind appearance. Li Fuyu didn’t lie to him.

“Sir Gu, have a seat.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

The little schemes Gu Sui had come up with on the way were all invalidated now. He never thought he would run into Mu Jiulu here.

“Sir Gu, what do you think of the Regent?”

Ever since sitting down, Gu Sui’s gaze had been fixed on Mu Jiulu. Upon hearing this, he answered crisply.

“The Regent is outstanding, beautiful and kind-hearted, diligent and dedicated, serving the country and the people. Who wouldn’t praise her as excellent upon seeing her?”

Many compliments poured out of his mouth. Mu Jiulu glanced at him faintly.

Knowing she’s good, yet daring to break up?

Little liar!

Hearing this, the Empress Dowager’s smile gradually deepened as he teased.

“If I ever hear anyone say that Sir Gu is unfeeling in the future, I will punish them for slander.”

Wasn’t he clearly very clever?

Gu Sui let out an “ah” and, afraid of being too obvious, added.

“That’s only because I encountered the Regent.”

The more the Empress Dowager saw of Gu Sui, the more she liked him. The young men in the deep mansions all had twisted thoughts and were simply not suitable for the Ninth Princess. This Gu Suizhi was indeed different from the rest.

She felt this marriage was not bad and could work out. It was just that Huan’er still needed to be persuaded not to overthink.

Gu Sui also felt this Empress Dowager was not bad. He looked like he was trying to matchmake him and Mu Jiulu.

The Empress Dowager only briefly mentioned this topic and quickly started chatting with Gu Sui about other things.

But being considerate, he soon said he was going to chant scriptures for the late emperor. Taking the palace servants, he went to the inner hall, leaving the two alone.

Gu Sui couldn’t contain the smile on his face, his peach blossom eyes shining with joy.

“You’re not busy today?”

“I am busy.”

Mu Jiulu said calmly. Gu Sui instantly became anxious.

“Don’t. The Empress Dowager just said to keep us both for a meal. Can’t you get busy after eating?”

It wasn’t easy to have time together with her. He couldn’t let her run off.

Mu Jiulu chuckled, bringing up old scores.

“Who was it that said the palace food was inedible before?”

If he wanted her to stay, he should just say so directly instead of using eating as an excuse.

Gu Sui raised his chin, righteously saying, “I already changed my words. I was talking about Yongning Palace. Don’t broaden the scope.”

“Tsk.”

At this moment, Mu Jiulu seemed to have completely forgotten about her slip-up last night.

The two were just the pot calling the kettle black.

When the Empress Dowager returned at noon, he saw the two at the zither table, with Mu Jiulu teaching Gu Sui how to play.

“This is a pluck, not a hook. How come you always forget? So stupid.”

Gu Sui glanced back at her in annoyance.

“Nonsense. I’m smart. It’s clearly this score that’s too complicated. Can’t you choose a simpler one?”

Mu Jiulu: This king refuses.

How could she directly teach him hands-on if it wasn’t a bit complicated?

Seeing this scene, the Empress Dowager laughed and had lunch served.

Last time when eating at Yongning Palace, there was always someone hovering around him, only giving him a tiny bit with each serving, not even enough to fill the gaps between his teeth.