Chapter 1316 - 1152: Hearts Divided
Chapter 1316: Chapter 1152: Hearts Divided
Gu Chengyu smiled, silently criticizing in his heart; although they hadn’t seen each other for several months, it felt like years, could he really age so quickly? But he understood this was just a way to start the conversation!
"Eunuch Quan is still so articulate, though it’s only been months, Eunuch Quan seems to have things weighing heavily on his mind!" Gu Chengyu noticed the subtle trace of concern between Xiao Quanzi’s brows and understood what was troubling him.
"Alas! Did Mr. Gu notice? We’ve had some interactions, so I won’t hide it from Mr. Gu; it’s precisely because of the Emperor’s illness! Surely, Mr. Gu has heard about the Emperor being poisoned?"
Xiao Quanzi looked distressed, sighing heavily as he spoke.
"I’ve indeed heard. Has the Emperor found the antidote?" Gu Chengyu pondered Xiao Quanzi’s intentions; Xiao Quanzi wouldn’t mention these things without reason.
"Not yet. Despite sending many people to look for the antidote, there are still no clues. Some dared to deceive us, but they’ve been dealt with."
Xiao Quanzi had his reasons for telling Gu Chengyu this. The Emperor urgently summoned Gu Chengyu back to the Capital, clearly because he relies on him. He had to plan for the future, and befriending Mr. Gu seemed right.
"There are many renowned doctors in this world; surely the antidote will be found." Gu Chengyu naturally knew Ruo Yin’s origins; the Emperor seemed doomed this time.
"Of course, but the palace has been unsettled recently. Last time, the Eldest Prince fell into the water and hit his head, which led to blindness. Alas, it’s truly a tumultuous time!" Xiao Quanzi lamented.
"Has the Eldest Prince not recovered yet? Didn’t they say the Hermit from the Divine Doctor Family is skilled? Why not invite the Divine Doctor Family to help?" Gu Chengyu thought the Emperor’s lineage was quite unfortunate; the Emperor was severely poisoned, and his eldest son was blind, with the remaining princes being only five years old at most.
"Naturally, they did invite him, but the Divine Doctor prescribed a medicine to disperse blood stasis, yet there has been no progress. With the Eldest Prince still unhealed, the Second Prince contracted a cold that’s been lingering for over a month before improving."
Gu Chengyu glanced at Xiao Quanzi, who seemed to be chatting casually but had detailed the current palace situation, possibly fearing Gu Chengyu wasn’t aware of the Capital’s circumstances having just returned.
Never underestimate the movements within the harem; they often reflect the political winds of the court.
With the Eldest Prince blind, the political landscape within the court will inevitably change; many officials who needed to choose sides might remain observant and hold back.
After all, a blind prince can’t inherit the throne, and the Emperor lasting a year is already remarkable. It won’t be long before officials propose establishing another prince as Crown Prince promptly.
Who knows when the Eldest Prince will recover? With the Emperor’s condition, who can say how long it can be prolonged?
Regarding the Second Prince’s cold, one can’t say for certain if someone orchestrated it, but it can’t be ruled out.
Thus, officials aligned with the Eldest Prince must surely keep a low profile within the court now.
Heeding Xiao Quanzi’s intentions, Gu Chengyu naturally took heed; these are favors to be repaid in the future.
"Your Majesty, Mr. Gu has arrived!"
"Let him come in!" The Emperor immediately pushed away the chicken porridge he was sipping at his Imperial Desk, and upon seeing the situation, Pang Chu sighed.
"Minister Gu Chengyu humbly wishes the Emperor good health!"
"Rise!" The Emperor’s pale visage lit up with a hint of a smile, his tone calm, which intrigued Pang Chu beside him.
The Emperor had many worries lately and rarely appeared amiable. Yet, he held Gu Chengyu in high regard, differing in attitude towards him compared to other courtiers.
"You’ve done well with the border issues this time. Now that you’re back, don’t concern yourself with the aftermath there; I’ll send someone to handle it."
The Emperor looked at Gu Chengyu, who stood up but kept his head lowered. Having not seen him for several months, he felt Gu Chengyu’s aura had become more steady. Such calm and collected stature he had only seen in his father.
It was a presence that exuded strategic foresight and total control, an aura some are born with, and others develop. Gu Chengyu was born with it, yet it seemed stronger now.
"Yes! I heard your Majesty was recently unwell, may I ask if you’re better?" As the Capital’s aristocratic families knew, Gu Chengyu had no need to avoid the topic.
"Not at all! I’m urgently summoning you back to stabilize the court! The Imperial Physician advised against exertion due to my condition. But having just ascended the throne, and with Dayan in a tumultuous season, I’m overwhelmed and lacking strength. The court is divided, each pursuing self-interest, akin to a scattered pile, in need of a capable individual to steady the court."
The Emperor approached Gu Chengyu, patting his shoulder, which left Gu Chengyu somewhat surprised.
He guessed before coming that the Emperor’s attitude towards him would change upon his return, but such high regard was unexpected.
"How could I be worthy, your Majesty honors me too much, I can’t assume such a responsibility."
"Xiao Quanzi, give Mr. Gu a seat!" The Emperor gestured to Xiao Quanzi by the door to bring a chair for Gu Chengyu.
"Jinyu! In the court, there’s no one I trust but you. Don’t be modest; I recognize your capabilities."
"Serving your Majesty is my duty; whatever your Majesty instructs, I’ll try my utmost to accomplish. But to oversee the court is beyond me."
Gu Chengyu didn’t have the audacity; even if he contemplated it, he wouldn’t voice it.
"Also, I have reports to make." Gu Chengyu diverted the conversation; why should he as a third-rank official be concerned with such affairs? With many top officials in the court, he didn’t possess such influence.
"Is it about the border matters? I received a confidential letter yesterday detailing Prince Gong’s Weapon Workshop, and I’ve commanded it to be handled. Recently, Prince Gong seized two cities at the border; if not stopped soon, when his wings grow, it’ll be detrimental to the court."
These concerns troubled the Emperor recently, and with Gu Chengyu arriving today, he naturally wished to discuss strategies with him.
"Previously, Prince Gong had a Weapon Workshop seized by Prince Jing; it sparked a conflict, with Prince Jing seeking help from the Commander’s Office. Does your Majesty know of this?"
Gu Chengyu thought, the Emperor knew of Prince Jing’s ambition, but to confront Prince Jing required a pretense, which Gu Chengyu felt was a good opportunity.
"I just received news, and Jing Hui acted before seeking approval, which can’t be easily pardoned," The Emperor was angered; these individuals hardly respected his authority.