The Reincarnated Female‑Oriented Villain Who Laughs Madly While Holding Command Over 100,000 Troops - Chapter 4:

Chapter 4: Bro, I Just Got Ennobled?

Duke Dingguo’s residence.

As soon as Gu Yixuan stepped into the main hall, Madam Gu, Murong Yun, rushed forward. Seeing her son, whose face looked thinner than before, her eyes welled up with tears.

“I told your father long ago not to send you to the frontier, but he just wouldn’t listen. He said the Gu family owes a deep debt to the emperor, and as the eldest son of the Gu family, it’s your duty to stand at the frontlines.”

“But how could I not know how dangerous the battlefield is? If anything had happened to you, what would I do?”

As she spoke, Murong Yun turned to glare at Gu Cangbei, who was seated in the main seat.

Looking at Murong Yun’s kind and dignified face, Gu Yixuan felt a surge of emotion in his chest. In his past life as an orphan, he had never known the love of a parent, but now, he could truly feel a mother’s affection from her.

Gu Yixuan said, “Mother, don’t cry. You’ll get wrinkles. Besides, I came back safe and sound, didn’t I?” He gently wiped the tears from the corner of her eyes and led her to the seat beside Gu Cangbei.

Then Gu Yixuan knelt in front of them and bowed three times, each one firm and resounding.

Gu Cangbei finally spoke, “Stand up. You performed well in this war.”

“But Gu Shan wrote to me that you personally led a charge into battle. That kind of bravery is commendable, but it’s not something a commander should do. Do you understand?”

Gu Cangbei’s voice was solemn and commanding. His figure was upright, with a naturally imposing presence that exuded the aura of a seasoned General.

Gu Yixuan replied, “Yes, Father. I won’t do it again in the future.” He nodded as he stood. He wasn’t the old Gu Yixuan who liked to act recklessly. If they had the numbers, who would bother with a one-on-one fight? Unless the enemy was one man against a group of his.

Seeing that Gu Yixuan accepted the lesson, Gu Cangbei nodded with satisfaction. His son was not only outstanding but also favored by the emperor. Aside from being a little impulsive, there wasn’t much to criticize.

Not seeing Gu Yichen after such a long while, Gu Yixuan asked curiously, “Where’s Yichen? Why hasn’t he shown up?”

Murong Yun explained, “He went out drinking with the son of Duke Anping. I told him today was the day you returned and asked him to wait with us, but he just wouldn’t listen.”

Though she sounded a little reproachful, there was no anger in her voice. Having raised the child her husband brought back all those years ago, she already regarded him as her own.

Gu Cangbei snorted coldly, “That unfilial brat! His own elder brother returns triumphant, and he doesn’t even come to welcome him? He’s getting out of hand!”

Seeing her husband angry, Murong Yun quickly tried to speak up for Gu Yichen.

Meanwhile, Gu Yixuan’s eyes paused slightly upon hearing the name “Duke Anping.” He remembered seeing this name in a female-oriented novel.

Why would a man like Gu Yixuan read so many of those novels? Don’t ask. He just liked them!

[I’ll confirm it when I get the chance. If it’s really that novel, things are going to get interesting.] A strange light flickered in Gu Yixuan’s eyes as he thought to himself.

…

The next day, after the morning court, Gu Yixuan walked out of the Jinluan Hall with the other officials. His outfit had changed from the armor he wore upon entering to a black court robe embroidered with a qilin, the attire of a marquis.

That’s right—Gu Yixuan had been ennobled. He had been granted the title Marquis Wu’an, which carried the meaning “bringing peace to the empire through military might.” He was granted a fief of 1,000 households. The gazes from the surrounding ministers were full of envy.

Even Gu Yixuan himself was stunned. Bro, I just got ennobled?

He had expected that, given the emperor’s favor, he’d receive a generous reward—but this generous?

Judging from the reactions of the other officials during court, it seemed none of them knew about the emperor’s decision beforehand. For such a major event as ennobling someone, wouldn’t the emperor at least consult the ministers? Even if he was autocratic, surely he’d discuss it with the Prime Minister?

But looking at their shocked faces, it clearly wasn’t planned.

Were the emperors in female-oriented novels always this badass? Gu Yixuan thought back to the emperors in male-oriented novels who always got roasted by their ministers until they were speechless. He really wanted to say to them:

“Bro, if you’re struggling, come to my world. Over here, ennobling someone is as simple as a word. Your emperor title means nothing over there.”

Just as Gu Yixuan was lost in thought, someone stepped in front of him.

A man said, “I am Lin Ruichang. Congratulations to General Gu on being granted the marquis title. You are truly a young hero!”

The man looked to be around forty years old. He had a bit of a paunch from age, but judging by his features, he must’ve been handsome in his youth.

Gu Yixuan instantly recognized him—this was Duke Anping, whom Murong Yun had mentioned.

Gu Yixuan replied, “I was only granted this honor thanks to His Majesty’s favor. You praise me too highly, Duke Anping.” Though he didn’t know Lin Ruichang’s true intentions, Gu Yixuan still responded politely.

Lin Ruichang said, “Even so…” The two strolled together toward the gates, casually chatting.

But as they talked, Gu Yixuan quickly grew annoyed. Lin Ruichang kept rambling, going off on unrelated tangents.

If it were someone else, Gu Yixuan might have been more tolerant. But this guy only got his marquis title thanks to his ancestors’ merits—Gu Yixuan really wasn’t interested.

Just as he was about to take his leave, a servant came running up to Lin Ruichang and whispered something in his ear.

Though the servant’s voice was low, Gu Yixuan still heard clearly, “Master, the Third Young Miss accidentally injured the Eldest Miss’s hand. The Young Master wants to apply family discipline. Madam asks you to return quickly and deal with it.”

Lin Ruichang’s face immediately darkened. That illegitimate daughter had just returned and was already causing trouble?

As he prepared to excuse himself to handle the situation, Gu Yixuan suddenly said, “I’ve heard that the young ladies of the Lin household are famed for their beauty and talent. I wonder if I might have the honor of meeting them?”

A glint of excitement flashed in Gu Yixuan’s eyes. He had finally confirmed it—this Duke Anping was indeed the father of the female lead in a novel called The Noble Daughter of the Marquis Household.

What the servant just reported was exactly the plot where the female lead first made her mark in the Duke Anping household!

The moment Lin Ruichang heard Gu Yixuan’s words, the anger on his face vanished, replaced by joy. He had been talking to Gu Yixuan for so long hoping for a chance to recommend his daughter.

Now that Gu Yixuan himself had expressed interest in meeting her, how could he not be thrilled?

“Of course! My daughter has admired General Gu for quite some time.”

Gu Yixuan nodded and followed Lin Ruichang to Duke Anping’s residence…