novelAbuy Chapter 1221 - 1057: Born Politician
Chapter 1221 - 1057: Born Politician
The next day near noon, Gu Chengyu thought about the matter with Gu Wanqian and sought an opportunity to tell the Crown Prince he needed to return to the mansion."You were right; the Map Master is dead. He really couldn’t sit still. First, he contacted Kuang Zhao Ying, then sent someone to the Mansion of Mao Jin Yuan, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue. But on the surface, it’s to ask Mao Jin Yuan to plead for him in front of the Crown Prince so he could be reinstated."
The Crown Prince’s eyes were filled with admiration as he looked at Gu Chengyu. Some people are born politicians.
"His real purpose isn’t reinstatement. Wait a while and see what other moves he makes. I’m afraid many officials in the court are colluding with him, and this time the court must undergo a major purge."
Gu Chengyu nodded. The Crown Prince now showed some semblance of Emperor Huiming. This gave him some confidence in his loyalty to the Crown Prince.
"It’s truly unexpected that Da Xing has infiltrated our Dayan court with so many forces. This time, we must eradicate all those lurking in the shadows, waiting for opportunities, or else the instability in the court will threaten the state."
The Crown Prince couldn’t help but lament that his father, in his later years, was less vigorous and didn’t manage court affairs much, leaving so many hidden dangers.
"The infiltrating forces are not just his lineage. To completely eradicate them is a long and arduous job."
Gu Chengyu shook his head. If Dayan were strong, the King in his prime, upright and decisive, even those lurking evildoers would not be feared, as they’d have no opportunity to run rampant.
"Indeed!" The Crown Prince nodded in agreement.
"However, your determination to have Xia Qing released was unexpected for me." The two have a longstanding feud, because of Min Feng, Xia Qing views Gu Chengyu as an eyesore.
Should there be any oversight, letting Xia Qing defect to Da Xing would benefit the other side.
"Why does Your Highness say that? I have never kept the feud with him in mind. As a court official, I naturally think about relieving the King’s and the court’s troubles. Why dwell on a grudge like that? I’m not one to be petty."
Gu Chengyu spoke lightly, but his words were intriguing.
Was this not to say Xia Qing’s vision was too small, always wanting to oppose Gu Chengyu, not realizing that Gu Chengyu never considered him significant? It’s as if a flick of his finger could destroy Xia Qing.
This carried a hint of arrogance, but one must admit that Gu Chengyu indeed had the capital for arrogance.
"Regarding the border, I hope Your Highness pays extra attention. Da Xing people move freely in Dayan; who knows when Da Xing’s army will drive in?"
"How could I not know? But earlier, Father has already sent Lord Yin to the border. Now there’s no news from Lord Yin, making one anxious!"
At this, the Crown Prince paused, and the room fell silent.
Ignoring the Crown Prince’s glance, he currently had no intention to go to the border. Even if he had to go, now wasn’t the time, let alone under the guise of an Inspector Imperial Censor or Vice Marshal.
The power is too small, unable to exert influence. He doesn’t want to be constrained by authority, having to exert effort and resources, not only exhausting himself but also being unappreciated.
Gu Chengyu shifted the topic, mentioning his need to return home briefly.
"A matriarch in my clan passed away, and she has no relatives in the Capital. As her nephew, I should organize her funeral."
"That’s expected. You are her kin, naturally obligated."
Gu Chengyu bowed and intended to leave the side hall, but was unexpectedly called back by the Crown Prince.
"Mr. Gu! Regarding the matter with the assassin, I owe you; I will compensate you later." The Crown Prince closely watched Gu Chengyu’s expression. Gu Chengyu hadn’t mentioned this matter in recent days; did he truly have no thoughts about it?
Gu Chengyu paused before responding, "Though Lord Kuang’s effortless gain has always been despised by officials, the Crown Prince must have his reasons for this, so I naturally don’t hold onto such matters."
The Crown Prince curled his lip; Gu Chengyu indeed had a sharp tongue. It’s not about being unable but not being allowed, meaning he must have dissatisfaction, merely constrained by status!
Moreover, the court is no stranger to disputes over credit. Aren’t those courtiers two-faced, publicly despising yet privately behaving more unsightly than anyone?
"You didn’t tell the Empress the truth before, and she has reprimanded you a few times in front of me these days. Unless you take a loss, how will she be appeased? Besides, losing a bit of credit to lure out the snake doesn’t count as unjust."
The Crown Prince reminiscing about the Empress left him frustrated. Yet, since this was for Gu Chengyu, he naturally wanted Gu Chengyu to know.
"Thank you, Crown Prince, for clearing the air. Although I spoke sincerely before the Empress, her displeasure is indeed my fault, I now take my leave."
The Crown Prince shook his head, unable to gain much ground in discussions with Gu Chengyu.
Upon turning away, Gu Chengyu smirked internally. Use this matter as a goodwill gesture? Does the Empress despise him solely because of this? Is he a fool?
Regardless of who earns the credit, the Empress will not lessen her aversion towards him.
Gu Chengyu found it somewhat curious. Logically, his appearance often works in his favor. He, a graceful young man, should naturally be admired, universally liked.
It’s strange that a woman would dislike him, this new feeling is novel! (Shameless thought! Haha!)
As he turned, he nearly collided with someone, quickly stepping back. His mind was occupied with thoughts, and lacking any sense of danger, he hadn’t noticed.
"Mr. Gu, we haven’t seen each other for a while." A deep voice sounded above Gu Chengyu’s head, prompting him to bow.
A mere glance revealed this person to be Prince Gong.
"Greetings, Your Highness!"
"Mr. Gu, no need for such formalities!" Prince Gong’s gaze lingered on Gu Chengyu, who seemed taller now. At this age, young men grow fast.
"If Your Highness has no commands, I will take my leave."
Unfamiliar with Prince Gong, whose temperament was unpredictable, he preferred dealings with Prince Jing, whose intentions he could mostly discern.
Prince Gong’s gaze deepened, "Then, I won’t delay you. If there’s a chance, I’d like to share a drink with you."
"It would be my honor, I take my leave!" Gu Chengyu respectfully withdrew, then smartly turned and went far.
"Brother, this Mr. Gu indeed has a striking presence, no wonder his reputation is widespread!"
Prince Gong turned to see Prince Jing standing behind him.
"Mr. Gu is a man where talent surpasses appearance." Prince Gong’s expression darkened, then he strode away.
"Certainly so!" Prince Jing, gazing at Prince Gong’s back, had calculative eyes.
Gu Chengyu had just arrived in South City by carriage when someone blocked it.
"My master invites Mr. Gu to Mingxiang Pavilion at 7:00 PM."