Chapter 230: Marquis Gu Dies, Dispute over Posthumous Title

In the blink of an eye, the day came for Lin Zhaoyuan to get married.

There were relatively few people coming, mostly generals from the Wei Yuan line and a few martial arts disciples, such as Qin Zhen and others.

Lin Zhaoyuan's mother, Mrs. Lin, was cheerful all day long, and her illness did not affect her mood. She seemed to know that today was his son's wedding day.

Although there were relatively few people coming to celebrate Lin Zhaoyuan's wedding, they were all young generals with unlimited futures. They didn't seem restrained when they got together, so it was very lively.

Xiaodie has no father or mother, only one younger brother, who was brought to the capital by Lin Zhaoyuan early.

She knew that her status was humble, and she thought that her marriage would not be very good. Moreover, in the capital city where land was at a premium, a wedding banquet would probably wipe out all the savings of ordinary people.

Therefore, she simply believed that this marriage should be just a formality. After all, she was satisfied to be able to live with Lin Zhaoyuan.

But he never expected that the sedan chair and the wedding procession that came to pick him up would still look very grand, like the daughter of an official family getting married.

Eight big sedan chairs, firecrackers and joy, lots of everything.

Moreover, it was Zhongyong Hou Weiyuan who personally accompanied Lin Zhaoyuan to pick up the bride.

Under Zhang Guifen's operation, Xiaodie was no longer a slave, so she no longer had to wait in the Sheng family for the sedan chair, so she temporarily lived in a restaurant not far from the Sheng family.

Wei Shuyi and Minglan also came.

They were accompanying Xiaodie in a certain room in the inn. After hearing the sound of firecrackers outside, the mother and daughter laughed one after another:

"After today, Xiaodie is also a bride. She must be filial to her elders and support her husband and children."

"Sister Xiaodie, my uncle will accompany General Lin to pick you up. Your wedding is quite grand."

Hearing this, Xiaodie was shocked, "Marquis Zhongyong is here too? How can this happen?"

Wei Shu smiled and said: "It's okay. My younger brother is General Lin's eldest brother. From now on, you don't have to address him as Marquis anymore, just call him eldest brother. After today, we are all family."

Xiaodie was so grateful that she knelt down towards Wei Shuyi and said:

"Madam, you deserve to be bowed down by Xiaodie. If it weren't for you, I'm afraid Xiaodie wouldn't be here today. Xiaodie would kowtow to you."

Wei Shuyi quickly helped her up and said earnestly: "Silly girl, be good and happy in the future."

Looking back, Xiaodie was already in tears.

After welcoming the bride to her new home, with the support of Zhang Guifen, Mrs. Lin had already arrived at the main hall, ready to accept the newlyweds' kneeling prayers.

Zhang Guifen stood on Lin's side and said with a smile: "It's just a worry for you."

Lin smiled and nodded.

After some tedious etiquette was over, Mrs. Lin suddenly grabbed the bride who was about to enter the bridal chamber, and looked at the groom, Lin Zhaoyuan, with indescribable joy in her heart. She tried hard to say a complete sentence,

"You guys kowtow to Lord Marquis."

Upon hearing this, before the newlyweds could say anything, Wei Yuan quickly stepped forward and said quickly:

"Aunt, this is impossible. Apart from you, we are the most newlyweds today. How can I accept their kneeling? No, it is not appropriate."

Lin was already terminally ill, and it was difficult for him to say a sober word. He was worried that he was unstable, so he said nothing and just looked at Lin Zhaoyuan.

The newlyweds immediately looked at each other and quickly knelt down towards Wei Yuan.

"Brother, you deserve this tribute. Your kindness to me will be remembered in my heart!"

"Master Hou. If it weren't for Mrs. Hou, it would be difficult for me to marry General Lin even if I had the blessings of cultivating for several lifetimes. You are also my benefactor. Please accept my worship."

Wei Yuan glanced at Zhang Guifen.

The latter immediately understood.

Afterwards, the two helped the newlyweds up.

Wei Yuan said: "Brother, what are you talking about?"

After a pause, he looked at the bride again and said: "From now on, you will call me eldest brother, and my wife, you will call me eldest sister-in-law."

"You are not allowed to call me Lord Marquis or Madam Hou, and you are not allowed to call yourself a slave."

"Perhaps, in a few years, Zhaoyuan will be able to ask for your death."

A decree?

Xiaodie couldn't even think about it.

Judging from Lin Zhaoyuan's ability, if there is no major turmoil, it is actually possible to seek a decree for his wife in ten or twenty years.

Zhang Guifen stood aside and said: "Your eldest brother is right, we will all be a family from now on."

Lin Zhaoyuan said quickly: "I haven't met my eldest brother and sister-in-law soon."

Xiaodie was flattered, bowed deeply and said, "Younger and younger sisters have met my eldest brother and sister-in-law."

Hearing this, everyone laughed.

Lin, who was sitting in the first place, also laughed.

But not long after, Mrs. Lin became drowsy. She had been bleeding profusely recently, and it was obvious that she had become demented again.

Helpless, Lin Zhaoyuan had no choice but to send the old man to the house to rest.

Among the many brothers, only Chen Daniu drank the most. He was even drunk and kept muttering:

"My elder brother and sister-in-law are partial. They are looking for a wife for Zhaoyuan, but not for me!"

After hearing this, Zhang Guifen felt dizzy and said: "Aren't you asking me about the Qin family's daughter's thoughts? Are you so unable to sit still? If you really want to marry a bride, I will find one for you tomorrow. The day after tomorrow Just get married, how about?"

Chen Daniu was stunned for a moment, then he said with a simple and honest smile: "Sister-in-law, don't be offended, I said the wrong thing, I will punish myself!"

As he spoke, he held a wine jar and started drinking.

When others saw it, they laughed heartily.

——

In the fifth year of Jiayou's reign, in mid-December, one night.

Ningyuan Hou Mansion.

Gu Yankai, who was sleeping soundly, suddenly opened his eyes and shouted: "Someone come! Come quickly!"

Because his health was getting worse, Gu Tingye usually slept in the room next to Gu Yankai.

As long as he heard any movement, he could come to see him at any time.

Hearing his father's shout, Gu Tingye rushed to the couch where Gu Yankai was without saying a word,

"Father, are you feeling unwell?"

Not long after, Xiao Qin and others came.

Gu Yankai said in a deep voice: "Dress up, dress up"

As soon as the voice fell, a maid brought him the clothes he usually wore.

Xiao Qin asked: "It's so late, why do you need to dress?"

Gu Yankai shook his head at the maid and said: "Marquis's clothes, marquis's clothes!"

Hearing this, Gu Tingye suddenly realized something and quickly found Gu Yankai's marquis's clothes.

After the maids' tossing, they finally dressed Gu Yankai in clothes and shoes.

Then, several of Gu Yankai's brothers also came.

Gu Yankai, who was lying on the bed, saw that everyone was gathered, and then he slowly opened his mouth and said something shocking,

"I'm going to die."

Hearing this, everyone was stunned.

Is it true? Can you predict the date of death?

Only Gu Tingye knelt on the ground, bowed his head and said nothing.

Gu Yankai said in a deep voice: "After I die, Tingye will inherit my title."

Gu Tingye was not happy at all.

Gu Yankai's brothers looked at each other with frowns.

Xiao Qin covered her face and cried.

After a while, Gu Yankai fell asleep.

But no one left his bed.

I don't know how long it took.

Gu Yankai suddenly opened his eyes and shouted: "Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun!"

"Northern Expedition! Northern Expedition! Northern Expedition!"

Gu Tingye and others were all shocked and at a loss.

The old Marquis Gu, who was a hero in his lifetime, passed away in an extremely unwilling way.

Before his death, the few words he murmured about the Northern Expedition may have made Gu Yankai briefly review his life.

A Gu family gun made the enemy terrified.

He had to go first in every battle, penetrate deep into the enemy's rear, and take the head of the enemy general as easily as taking something out of a bag.

The most serious injury was that he bled several basins!

But.

The Northern Expedition that he had been obsessed with for his whole life ended in an unsatisfactory way.

The Northern Expedition! The Northern Expedition! The Northern Expedition!

The voice of Gu Yankai before his death was still ringing in everyone's ears, and they were deeply shocked.

This was the last voice left by the old Marquis in this world.

After a while, someone stood on the rooftop where Gu Yankai died, holding a soul-calling banner, and kept shouting:

"Gu Hou passed away!"

"Old Hou, the soul is coming back!"

"The soul is coming back!"

"."

Gradually, the vast ground began to snow like goose feathers.

It seemed that the heavens were bidding farewell to the old Hou Gu who was invincible in his youth in this way.

At this moment.

Zhongyong Hou Mansion.

Wei Yuan was studying military books in the study.

He was always a little uneasy.

He simply stood outside the study and watched the snow.

Not long after, Zhang Guifen came here with a bowl of tranquilizing soup, looked at Wei Yuan, and said:

"It's so late, is your Excellency worried?"

Wei Yuan shook his head, "I always feel that I can't settle my mind."

Zhang Guifen said: "But recently, a Japanese envoy came and accused you of killing Ping Zhongsheng in front of Han Xiang?"

Wei Yuan still shook his head, "Han Xiang knew it was me who did it."

Suddenly, at this moment, someone from Ningyuan Marquis's Mansion, led by his own servants, came to Wei Yuan.

Before the man spoke, Wei Yuan had already seen the mourning clothes on him, and hurriedly said: "What happened to Marquis Gu?"

The man knelt down and kowtowed: "Marquis Gu. Died!"

Wei Yuan's heart tightened, and he hurriedly said: "Prepare the horse, prepare the horse!"

While speaking, he had already walked quickly out of the mansion.

Zhang Guifen looked at the servant who was standing there in a daze and angrily shouted:

"Why are you standing there in a daze? Hurry up and prepare horses for the Marquis. It's horses, not carriages!"

The servant nodded quickly.

When Wei Yuan arrived at Ningyuan Marquis's Mansion, Gu Yankai's body had been placed in the coffin and the mourning hall had been set up.

Since Gu Yankai became seriously ill, Ningyuan Marquis's Mansion has been preparing the funeral items, so everything was arranged at the first time.

Wei Yuan came to Gu Yankai's coffin, bowed deeply, looked at Gu Tingye who was kneeling on one side, and asked:

"Did Marquis Gu say anything before he died?"

Xiao Qin, who was kneeling on the side of the female family, was about to speak, but Wei Yuan heard Gu Tingye respond: "Before my father died, he only said the two words 'Northern Expedition'."

Northern Expedition

Wei Yuan murmured, how many generals of the Great Zhou Dynasty were dissatisfied with this?

He looked at Gu Tingye, took a deep breath, and said solemnly:

"Don't study, and don't take the imperial examination."

"Once your father's funeral is over, come to the enemy army, and I will guarantee you a bright future."

One sentence, let a person who has studied hard for ten years give up studying?

This.

Can Gu Tingye be willing?

Everyone's eyes were focused on Gu Tingye.

However, his answer was beyond everyone's expectations.

I just saw him nod very calmly and said, "Okay."

No more.

Everyone in the Gu family felt incredible, not participating in the imperial examination? ——

Late at night, the emperor's bedroom.

Zhao Zhen, who was sleeping soundly, suddenly heard a few bells ringing faintly from the outside world, which seemed to come from the Yamen of the Ministry of Rites.

Four bells?

Suddenly, Zhao Zhen opened his eyes, "Who is gone?"

A eunuch heard his voice and said quickly: "Back to the official house, the news just came that Ningyuan Hou Gu Yan passed away."

Gu Yankai was a marquis, so he had to ring the bell four times, four times at a time, and bury him with the rites of a prince.

Zhao Zhen, who was lying on the bed, nodded, thought for a while, then stopped paying attention and fell asleep again.

Early the next morning, officials from the Ministry of Rites came to interview the saint and discuss Gu Yan's posthumous title and posthumous title.

Gu Yankai's death was not a big or small matter for the court.

However, everything after his death still needs to be properly arranged, otherwise it will easily cause dissatisfaction among the generals.

Zhao Zhen specially gathered Han Zhang, Wei Yuan, Zhang Fu and others to discuss the matter.

Han Zhang's response was to give him the posthumous title of "Wu Yong" and the posthumous title of "Ning Guogong".

It is a certainty that the Marquis will pursue the title of Duke.

Just this bravery.

Among the two-character posthumous titles paired with the word "武", the word "yong" is ranked last.

Master Zhang Fu and Wei Yuan were naturally unwilling, so they argued over it, and finally decided on the posthumous title of "Wu Lie" for Gu Yan.

Duke Wu Lie sounds much nicer than Duke Wu Yong.

At the same time, in accordance with the regulations, Gu Yankai's last will and testament was respected, and Gu Tingye, the second son of the Gu family, inherited the title.

Without this will, the only person who could get the title now would be Gu Tingyu, the eldest son of Bingyangzi.

When leaving the emperor's palace, Zhang Fu lamented, "These scholar-bureaucrats all have nothing to do. They even have to fight for posthumous titles."

Wei Yuan also felt helpless and said: "According to scholars, a posthumous title is a judgment of a person's life. It is appropriate for Uncle Gu to receive the posthumous title of Wu Lie."

Zhang Fu stroked his beard and said, "I don't know what posthumous title I will receive when I pass away as my master."

Wei Yuan said: "If that day comes, students will definitely fight for you to be a 'loyal warrior'."

It was just a joke, but Zhang Fu was not angry at all. Instead, he smiled and said, "If that's the case, it's not in vain for me to hurt you."

In the Great Zhou Dynasty, Zhongwu was the best posthumous title for a general.

After a pause, Zhang Fu sighed again and said, "Uncle Gu just left like that, and he is getting old as a teacher. In the future, he will have to rely on you young people."

Wei Yuan said: "Father-in-law, you will always be strong."

Zhang Fu shook his head, "Everything about being old and strong is just a lie. If I were asked to go to the border again, I'm afraid I wouldn't have the courage to do so."

"How do you want to arrange that Erlang of the Gu family?"

Wei Yuan said truthfully: "If he wants to live a stable life, it would be most suitable for him to work as an errand in front of the palace, but it is difficult to achieve any merit."

"The student thought to himself that Erlang of the Gu family also wanted to make some achievements, so it would be appropriate for him to be a leader in the Lu army."

"After all, if a war breaks out in the future, the Danglu Army will definitely be the vanguard."