Chapter 1287 - 1123: He’s Not Dead Yet!
Chapter 1287: Chapter 1123: He’s Not Dead Yet!
"Dundun, do not entertain random thoughts. You are the most noble person in the entire world, and the Divine Doctor Family knows the importance of this matter."
The Empress Dowager saw the Emperor’s sorrowful expression, which tore at her heartstrings. She stepped forward, embraced the Emperor, her eyes already brimming with tears.
"Recently, Ye has been working very hard on his studies. This has made me notice that he has become more mature than before. Emperor, Mr. Liang used to be the Crown Prince’s Tutor, but now that you have ascended the throne, after a while, you should choose an auspicious date to establish Ye as the Crown Prince. Naturally, someone must be chosen to educate him. Why not choose Grand Tutor Liang?"
The Empress Dowager feared the Emperor would become lost in his thoughts, hence she changed the topic and inquired about the Imperial Grandson’s studies.
The Emperor’s face stiffened, and then he said, "Well! Although I did consider promoting Grand Tutor Liang to the position of First-Rank Grand Tutor before, currently Gu Chengyu has just been elevated in rank and is in the limelight. Even though the position of Grand Tutor is nominal, it would not do to overdo it. Moreover, having teacher and student serving in court at the same time, both holding high ranks, is somewhat inappropriate! Besides, I reached adulthood long ago, and he did not guide me in my youth. Such a promotion is indeed indefensible."
"It would be better to have him teach Ye. Then, he can fulfill his duties with peace of mind. Mother, your suggestion is excellent! Ye is naturally gifted, and if he could receive instruction from Grand Tutor Liang, it would indeed be his fortune!"
The Emperor smiled lightly, seeming very pleased with the matter.
"If you think so, it perfectly aligns with my intentions! Do you not want to win over Gu Chengyu? With Grand Tutor Liang in the Capital, what is to worry if he does not obediently comply? Then, let it be settled like so. Since you are feeling better today, let Ye come visit you! He is indeed a filial child, and he has been asking about you since he has not seen you these past few days!"
The mention of the Imperial Grandson brought a full smile to the Empress Dowager’s face, and the affection in her eyes could not be concealed.
The Emperor forced a smile, "He has always been a filial child! Let him come over right now! Otherwise, I fear I may lack the energy to receive him later and may need to rest!"
After the Empress Dowager left, silence fell in the hall.
"Emperor? Would you like to rest for a while? The Eldest Prince may not have finished schooling yet," Pang Chu cautiously asked.
"You mentioned earlier that Mother has been very attentive to Ye in recent days, even letting him stay at Cian Palace?"
Cian Palace is the Empress Dowager’s private residence. Though the Empress Dowager had always been fond of Ye, she had never gone to such lengths before. Now, except when attending lessons, all of Ye’s time was spent with the Empress Dowager.
"Yes! The Empress Dowager cherishes the Eldest Prince dearly, always mentioning him when he’s not around. And the Eldest Prince is equally reliant on the Empress Dowager, as they say, there’s a special kinship across generations!"
The Emperor’s tone was calm, making Pang Chu believe the Emperor was inquiring about the Eldest Prince’s daily routine. Thus, he spoke with a smile on his face.
"How has Ye been doing in his studies lately?" the Emperor suddenly asked.
"In recent days, the officials at Hongwen Academy have praised the Eldest Prince for his natural intelligence, able to learn immediately. The content taught to him has vastly increased compared to before, far surpassing that of other princes and princesses!"
Speaking of the Eldest Prince, Pang Chu could not suppress his delight. The Eldest Prince was a candidate for the heir to the throne, the future inheritor of the empire. The more intelligent and progressive he was, the happier the Emperor would be.
"I am tired! If he arrives, let him wait outside the hall," the Emperor said, closing his eyes for real.
It was only after that Pang Chu noticed something amiss. Why did he feel the Emperor appeared increasingly displeased as the Eldest Prince received more praise? However, that could not possibly be! The Emperor should be proud! It must be an illusion, right?
With eyes shut tight, the Emperor’s mind was full of the praises for Ye by the Empress Dowager and Pang Chu, causing a surge of irritation in his heart.
What does Mother mean by this? She’s hastily boosting Ye’s reputation, clearly treating him differently than before, attentive to the point that I cannot help but think more about it.
Could it be that Mother also believes my hope of obtaining the antidote is slim, so she aims to fully cultivate Ye? The more he thought about it, the more it seemed feasible that the Empress Dowager had such intentions.
Could it be that Mother wishes to cast aside him and support Ye instead?
The Crown Prince grew angrier the more he thought about it. He hadn’t died yet, and Mother already had plans for the next step. Remembering how the Empress Dowager once cared for him, his heart felt as if torn by a knife.
...
"Sir, Ming Mo has sent word that Ren Xiuguang, who guards Yumen Pass, has correspondence with Qi Huan Yu. The earlier request for troops was jointly discussed by the two. He successfully infiltrated Ren Xiuguang’s residence and stole several letters."
Ming Yan held up the small bamboo tube, taking out the note from it.
"Tell him to be cautious and prioritize preserving his life if he is discovered," Gu Chengyu said to Ming Yan, receiving the note.
"Ming Mo is steady, far more reliable than a servant like me!" Ming Yan chuckled softly. Their lord held them in high regard, always ensuring they put their safety first.
"Do not belittle yourself. Ming Mo is steady, but you are versatile; each has their strengths!" Gu Chengyu immediately complimented, causing Ming Yan’s heart to brim with gratitude.
"Sir, Prince Gong has seized another city. The Emperor may not easily let you return to the Capital!" As they discussed serious matters, their expressions turned solemn.
After reading the few lines on the note, Gu Chengyu returned to his desk, frowning in deep thought.
"Let’s first free my senior brother! How is General Chang doing?" Gu Chengyu thought of Chang Yuan, knowing that to catch Qi Huan Yu, Chang Yuan must be unharmed.
Chang Yuan had been stationed at the border for many years, possessing military prestige unmatched by him. Though he had previously won a significant victory without expending any troops, many underestimated him due to his frail appearance, considering him opportunistic rather than skilled in combat.
Previously, Luobsang’s head was carried by Ming Yan, so without firsthand witness, many believed Ming Yan was simply giving him undue credit.
Nevertheless, Gu Chengyu was undisturbed, as he did not mind. After all, with the Emperor’s commands, these individuals dared not defy his orders.
As for whether they respected him or how well his orders were executed, that was not his concern, as long as the objective was achieved.
Leaving such trivial matters to Chang Yuan was more than fitting.
"Previously, we sent the best doctors here to tend to him and his recovery is swift. In another seven or eight days, he should be fully recovered."
"Hmm! Prince Gong has already claimed two cities, having tasted success, he may not easily hold back. While we have military power, we cannot act, or if Da Xing attacks, where would we deploy troops?"
Thus, he needed to devise a way to hinder Prince Gong. However, he thought of Prince Jing. Prince Jing had been dormant for too long and had shown no action after returning to his fief, which was unlike him!
With Prince Gong frequently engaging in battles, intending to recruit more, though they in Yuhe Pass were quite helpless against Prince Gong, Prince Jing could indeed intervene!