Chapter 1234 - 1070: Who Told You to Act?
Chapter 1234: Chapter 1070: Who Told You to Act?
"Today is the Crown Prince’s ascension day, doesn’t Mr. Gu worry about the Crown Prince’s safety at all? I believe Mr. Gu would not be unaware of the mishaps there, and yet you remain so calm. I don’t know whether to say you are unfeeling or to admire your composure in the face of danger?"
The female assassin’s tone was not as sharp as before, being genuinely curious why Gu Chengyu was still so composed. Did he leave some backup in the Capital?
Considering that no news has come from the Capital yet, the female assassin felt somewhat anxious.
"I am currently unable to take care of myself. Even if I’m worried, there’s nothing I can do. Why add worries to myself? Besides, the Crown Prince is resourceful and might not fall into others’ traps. Rather than worrying about him, it’s better to worry about your own situation first."
Gu Chengyu chuckled and shook his head. If the Crown Prince really misses the throne, this female assassin wouldn’t be here now.
Since the dust has settled, there’s no need for the female assassin to watch anymore. After all, it’s the chaos in the Capital that hasn’t subsided!
"Mr. Gu is quite open-minded, but such actions seem rather heartless. The Crown Prince treats you well, yet you speak of these things so lightly."
The female assassin was puzzled. She had heard that Gu Chengyu was very sentimental, so why is he now acting contrary to the rumors?
Treats me well? Gu Chengyu sneered inwardly. Compared to what I’ve given, the Crown Prince hasn’t benefited me much, even less than the late Emperor. It’s neither good nor bad!
The current temperament of the Crown Prince indeed has some shadows of the Emperor. I believe it won’t be long before the Crown Prince becomes another Emperor Huiming.
Gu Chengyu was pleased to see this. He was more troubled by the Crown Prince’s indecision than his manipulation.
If you have value, you’ll be used. If no one wants to use you, you should reflect on yourself.
Though the Emperor trusted me not, the benefits still came, mixed with other purposes. Gu Chengyu wanted such a relationship of mutual exploitation.
Don’t talk about having deep feelings with the Emperor or associating with the Emperor; those are fairy tales.
The Emperor is inherently suspicious, not trusting even his own mother or bedmate, let alone opening his heart to you?
"Mr. Gu, you are quite self-aware."
As they spoke, some men in black left the house, holding dry food. Gu Chengyu knew they were going to eat, as they must stay out of sight, even when eating dry food.
"Miss, would you like some hot porridge? I am always compassionate and can’t bear to see you suffer." Gu Chengyu smiled and offered the bowl to the female assassin.
The female assassin widened her eyes in amazement. She repeatedly looked at Gu Chengyu’s face, confirming it was indeed him, and thought it impossible.
Gu Chengyu always observed etiquette and discipline; how could he act so frivolously?
Gu Chengyu noted the female assassin’s reaction and realized she must know him well, given her disbelief.
What he said earlier seemed frivolous to the lady, inconsistent with his usual conduct.
The level of surprise was not an attitude a stranger would have, as though she found his words incredible.
The female assassin stared straight at Gu Chengyu, not reaching for the bowl until Gu Chengyu’s hand began to tire.
"Are you uneasy because you think the porridge is drugged? Then I’ll have it first. Suit yourself!"
Gu Chengyu withdrew his hand and indeed started drinking the porridge.
The female assassin, smelling the aroma of meat porridge, felt her stomach convulse. How could she not be hungry? But chewing those frozen hard cakes was unbearable.
After all, she had grown up pampered, with refined tastes.
Ming Mo and others didn’t care much and had already scooped a bowl each, slurping down quickly.
Seeing they were about finished, the female assassin swallowed hard, yet still didn’t reach out. The other men in black naturally wouldn’t act rashly either.
"There are some jerky and rice grains on the carriage. If you don’t mind, feel free to cook them!"
The female assassin glanced sideways at Gu Chengyu and said nothing.
Gu Chengyu smiled, unbothered.
"Boil some hot water!" After a while, the female assassin, feeling her throat was dry enough to smoke, ordered.
Gu Chengyu’s eyes flashed as he exchanged a glance with Ming Mo and the others.
...
Raised torches connected into a wall of fire, lighting up the east gate as if it were daylight.
"Brother, do you really not care about the Princess Consort Jing?" The Crown Prince gestured, and soldiers appeared, escorting Princess Consort Jing before Prince Gong.
Prince Gong’s heart surged with emotion, his eyes moist, yet his face remained calm.
"Xian’er, don’t worry about your mother!"
The usually graceful and noble Princess Consort Jing looked rather disheveled, her once immaculate hair bun now messy, pins barely hanging on. Her eyes filled with tears, gazing at Zhao Xian with reluctance.
Knowing Zhao Xian had no retreat, she no longer intended to live. After all, the Emperor had passed, and a consort like her wouldn’t survive. Given the Empress’s malicious nature, the only fate awaiting her was burial.
Even if the prince had a fief, the Empress wouldn’t let her accompany the prince there.
"Mother!" Prince Gong’s heart ached; if only his mother had been willing to leave the Imperial Palace, the Crown Prince wouldn’t be able to threaten him now.
"Crown Prince, when did you resort to such tactics?"
"Didn’t Brother force this upon me? I am merely using a person’s methods against them. If you release the Empress, I will release Princess Consort Jing."
"I wish to follow the Emperor, to continue serving him, not to live in disgrace! Empress, dare you?" Princess Consort Jing suddenly shouted at the pale Empress.
Her eyes were full of mockery. Didn’t she know the Empress? The world’s riches, the Empress would never let them go?
With that, Princess Consort Jing briskly ran forward. Her nearby guard panicked, thinking she was attempting to flee, immediately swung a sword at her.
Prince Gong watched as his mother, blood gushing from her mouth, fell to the ground, her eyes filled with tender farewells.
"Mother!" Prince Gong was overwhelmed with grief, tears streaming down uncontrollably.
The Empress was also stunned; she didn’t expect Princess Consort Jing to be so fierce. She dared not look at the Crown Prince; Princess Consort Jing was right, she didn’t dare!
The Crown Prince also didn’t expect such a change, casting a vicious glance at the soldier involved.
"Damned fool, who told you to act?" The Crown Prince was furious; this damned fool!
"Spare me, Your Highness. I saw her trying to escape and didn’t think..." The soldier was scared out of his wits, hurriedly kneeling to beg for mercy.
The Crown Prince drew the sword from his waist and struck the soldier, causing blood to flow from the shoulder as he fell.