Chapter 1319 - 1155: Establishing a New Crown Prince?
Chapter 1319: Chapter 1155: Establishing a New Crown Prince?
"Your Majesty, Mr. Gu has just returned from the border, and must be very familiar with the situation there. Why not ask Mr. Gu to give us a detailed account? Moreover, Mr. Gu is adept at strategy, and may already have a countermeasure!"
Qian Licao, the Left Deputy Imperial Censor, glanced at Gu Chengyu beside him. It hasn’t been long, yet this person now stands alongside him.
Two years ago, he was only in the Secondary Sixth Rank, but now he holds the same rank as him. He also glanced at Duke Zhen’s Princely Heir, Yao Qinglan, standing slightly behind. This one is also in the Standard Third Rank. Yao Qinglan didn’t expect to have truly found a gem; this future son-in-law has unlimited potential! Even before the marriage, the prospective son-in-law is already in the Standard Third Rank.
Watching the proud look on Yao Qinglan’s face, Qian Licao snorted coldly. Initially, he didn’t know who was unhappy, yet after receiving the Holy Decree, he kept a stern face for several days. Now Yao Qinglan must be overjoyed.
"Jinyu, you analyze it for them!" The Emperor pointed at Gu Chengyu, calling him to step forward.
This name, Jinyu, caught everyone present by surprise; such an intimate title was indeed unexpected. Even with a Minister’s heavy favor, no Emperor has ever directly used a courtesy name during court.
Even Gu Chengyu was taken aback, but only for a moment. He immediately stepped forward, "Replying to Your Majesty, this humble servant has stayed at the border for over a month and knows the situation there to some extent."
"Not long ago, Prince Jing raided Prince Gong’s Weapon Workshop, and the fierce battle between the two sides is believed to be known by all present. This battle ended with Prince Jing narrowly winning, holding onto Fengqing Prefecture, but he requested reinforcements from the Commander’s Department midway. Before this, Commander Jing Hui did not report to the court, making decisions independently. As both sides suffered significant losses in this battle, Prince Gong should not take any actions in the near future."
"Gu Siqing, what you mentioned, we are all aware. Prince Gong may not act for the time being, but that doesn’t mean he won’t do so later. Moreover, he’s already raised the flag of rebellion by capturing two cities, and the court cannot possibly let him go. Just as you said, since he currently has limited power, why not take this opportunity to eliminate him? Previously, Mr. Gu fought against Da Xing’s army without losing a single soldier and caused half their troops to perish. As for Mr. Gu, I am truly impressed! Does Mr. Gu have any good strategies against Prince Gong?"
Lang Ping, having returned to the Capital, naturally had to attend the court. He felt somewhat displeased by the Emperor’s form of address towards Gu Chengyu earlier. The Shen Family is completely done for, and their Lang Family is the Empress’s family and should be the most prestigious aristocratic family in the Capital now.
However, the Emperor has been indifferent towards the Lang Family recently, and the Eldest Prince has become blind, causing the Lang Family to be panicked. If the Eldest Prince cannot recover, the Emperor will have to choose another successor, leaving the Lang Family at a disadvantage.
The Eldest Prince is the legitimate eldest son, and if another Prince ascends the throne later, they won’t tolerate the Eldest Prince and the Lang Family. But the Emperor remains indifferent to the Lang Family while placing such importance on Gu Chengyu. Additionally, Lang Ping had previously made notable contributions in quelling unrest in the palace, making him feel even more uneasy.
The court has been advising the Emperor to order Gu Chengyu to counter Prince Gong. With Gu Chengyu’s ability, it’s likely he could accomplish the task. If successful, it’s a cause for celebration. If not, eliminating Gu Chengyu would still be beneficial.
Many court officials agree with this suggestion, even submitting joint memorials. Yet the Emperor not only suppressed the matter but was also outraged, angrily criticizing the court for being ineffective, relying solely on Gu Chengyu for everything, questioning their usefulness.
After the Emperor’s fury, no one dared mention the matter again. However, there are still those who lack tact and insist on challenging imperial authority. After several people faced severe punishment from the Emperor, no one in the court dared to bring it up again.
Otherwise, would no one mention it upon Gu Chengyu’s return to the Capital? Hence, during today’s court, everyone’s gaze at Gu Chengyu was exceedingly complex.
To be in the Standard Third Rank at such a young age, with the prospect of rising to the highest rank in the future, how can one not feel envious and jealous?
The youthful figure appears as steadfast as a pine, with a face as perfect as jade, his official robe worn effortlessly, pleasing to the eye. His aura consistently clashes with those around him, and on first acquaintance, he is indeed captivating.
Lang Ping couldn’t help but glance at the Emperor, inwardly commenting: Anyone seeing such a young man like a celestial being from a painting might indeed feel favorable. Even the Emperor?
However, this person not only possesses outstanding looks but also remarkable talent, making it hard for others to like him, especially those embroiled in conflicts of interest.
Gu Chengyu felt the watchful eyes around him but was unfazed. Since entering the hall, he had been under constant scrutiny. He knew what these people were thinking; they merely felt the Emperor placed too much importance on him!
"Previously, when Prince Jing raided Prince Gong’s Weapon Workshop, the motive was clear. If he truly served the court, he should have reported first to the court. Whether or not he made it explicit, his rebellious intent is unquestionably confirmed. Based on my humble suggestion, capturing one person first would prevent them from allying, making them harder against. Considering Prince Jing’s shallow foundation now, dealing with him first might be relatively easier."
Gu Chengyu pondered briefly; although Prince Jing is strategic, his foundation remains too weak. Additionally, his constant scheming is intolerable, necessitating action.
He’s unafraid of Prince Jing having allies within the court, as he had clearly severed relations with him before; he solely serves the Emperor.
"Your Majesty, I have objections! Prince Jing’s actions can be reasonably explained; circumstances were urgent, and if he didn’t seek help from the Commander’s Department, Fengqing Prefecture might have already been conquered by Prince Gong. Blaming him for rebellion on this point is indeed flimsy."
"Moreover, regarding the raid on the Weapon Workshop, Prince Jing had valid reasons to justify, fearing Prince Gong would relocate the Workshop. The border is far from the Capital, and if he waited to report first to the court, it would be too late to prevent. These reasons are too forced, and if used as grounds for punishment, it might cause the Emperor to be ridiculed by the world for eliminating dissent immediately after ascending the throne, damaging your reputation."
Hu Maoshen immediately stepped forward. Since Gu Chengyu suggested dealing with Prince Jing first, he couldn’t stand by idly. The Emperor had just removed Liao Wu, having declared Liao Wu’s rebellion to the world, yet there are still some murmurings; the Emperor is aware.
If he hastily eliminates the remaining brothers, such rumors will surely intensify.
"Reason?" Gu Chengyu chuckled slightly; reasons are abundant! Is this not what these people excel in? To topple someone, any fabricated charges can be imposed.
Hu Maoshen must be anxious, evidently being part of Prince Jing’s faction.
"Enough, you all should draft a procedure for this matter and submit a memorial for discussion at tomorrow’s court!" The Emperor was weary, feeling dizzy as the court session proceeded, eager for early adjournment.
"Your Majesty! Now that the Eldest Prince is blind due to the accident, the matter of establishing a Crown Prince is delayed. I believe Your Majesty should select a virtuous Prince as Crown Prince without delay."