Chapter 578 What are your plans?

Lu Youming made her lose all her relatives, leaving her in pain and despair with no one to turn to. She wanted to make him taste that kind of despair, yet helplessness.

But her elder brother was her closest relative, so how could she bear to see Gu Renjie get hurt?

Gu Shuyan's expression changed, and then Yun Yichen said, "Perhaps it's not right to say this, but for the three of us brothers, the Lu family are ultimately just enemies. So Shuyan doesn't need to feel burdened at all, just do whatever you want."

The three brothers Yun Yichen mentioned were naturally himself, Gu Renjie, and Xu Yunzhi. Because of the emperor's selfishness and ruthlessness, they not only lost their parents and relatives, but also had to struggle to survive in this chaotic society.

They hated themselves for being weak and powerless, hated the injustice of the world, and hated the emperor's cold-heartedness even more.

Gu Shuyan turned to look at Yun Yichen. His eyes held a look she had never seen before, a ruthless gaze like that of a wolf.

"Shushu, if I were to bring about the downfall of the Great Zhou, would you stand by my side?"

Yun Yichen's eyes blazed with fury, as if he wanted to burn everything around him to ashes!

Gu Shuyan gazed at him quietly, and suddenly the thing she hadn't understood before became clear. After a long while, Gu Shuyan revealed a knowing smile: "Brother Yun, do you still remember what I said back then? If a ruler is not benevolent, what does it matter if the world is overthrown!"

Yes! What harm would it do to overthrow the world!

Of course he remembered, because he remembered that he had been working in that direction and secretly pushing for the struggle between the princes.

Now it's time to let this fire burn even brighter.

July 14th, the day before the Ghost Festival.

The capital city was bustling as usual, with people coming and going from north to south busy with their own affairs. Suddenly, the ground shook violently, and after a moment of panic, everyone looked towards the direction outside the city.

"The earth shook!" Gu Shuyan stood in the courtyard, looking at everything that had returned to calm, and was suddenly startled.

Before Pearl and Jade could reply, Gu Shuyan stepped out of the courtyard.

Inside the study, Yun Yichen had just changed into his court robes when Gu Shuyan hurriedly walked in.

"Brother Yun, are you going to see His Majesty?" The morning court session has ended, and at this time, wearing court attire is naturally a way to enter the palace to see the emperor.

Moreover, the earthquake was clearly felt even in the capital. As the current Grand Secretary, how could Yun Yichen possibly remain seated during such a major event?

"This earthquake is most likely to be significant, and the Fifth Prince will certainly not miss this opportunity to promote himself. But the people are suffering, Shushu, I think..."

As Yun Yichen spoke, he seemed unsure how to begin to speak to Gu Shuyan, but Gu Shuyan, seeing his hesitant expression, already guessed what he wanted to say.

“Brother Yun, if you wish to go, then go! However, as you said, this matter concerns millions of people, so Brother Yun must bring a few reliable people with you. If possible, isn’t the Fourth Prince’s health gradually improving? Why don’t you let him come along as well?”

Lu Yuanbin wanted to take advantage of the situation to create momentum, but how could Gu Shuyan let him have his way? She brought Lu Changqing along and let the two brothers fight each other. This would not only make it easier for Yun Yichen to act, but also exacerbate the conflict between the two brothers, achieving the best of both worlds.

"Don't worry! I know what I'm doing!"

Yun Yichen said, gently kissing Gu Shuyan's forehead, then turned and strode out.

Outside the palace, carriages filled the entire East Gate, just like a morning court session.

A group of solemn-looking officials walked toward the main hall one after another, and no one spoke during the process.

"Your Excellency! What are your plans regarding the earthquake?"

As soon as Yun Yichen arrived, a group of people immediately surrounded him.

Although Yun Yichen is only twenty-two years old, the emperor consults him on all matters, big and small, and Yun Yichen lives up to the emperor's expectations, always making decisive decisions.

"We don't know the origin of the earthquake or the extent of the damage. Our preparations in advance can only amount to sending an imperial envoy and preparing relief supplies. As for the specifics, we'll have to wait for His Majesty's arrival and ask for his opinion!"

Yun Yichen's words were true, but they were too one-sided, offering no useful information.

"His Majesty has arrived!"

As the eunuch's unpleasant, hoarse voice rang out, the emperor, clad in his dragon robe, entered.

"I'm sure all of you ministers felt the earthquake just now. Although no disaster has been reported in the capital, I am quite uneasy. I wonder if any of my ministers can help me relieve this worry?"

As soon as the emperor sat on the dragon throne, he spoke with a worried expression.

Lu Yuanbin has done a lot recently and has received some praise from the emperor, but the emperor has yet to show any intention of officially recognizing him as emperor.

Now that fate has given him this opportunity to prove himself, how could Lu Yuanbin possibly miss it?

“Father, this earthquake came suddenly. As a prince, I am also worried about the situation in the disaster area. Therefore, no matter how severe the disaster is, I am willing to go to the disaster area and personally take charge of the disaster relief work.”

As Lu Yuanbin spoke, he knelt down on the ground, his sincere appearance moving even ghosts and gods.

Unfortunately, neither the emperor nor the discerning ministers could fail to see Lu Yuanbin's intentions!

The moment Minister Sun saw Lu Yuanbin kneel down, he knew something was wrong. Lu Yuanbin was being too eager. The emperor was always suspicious. Wasn't this a clear message to the emperor that he couldn't wait to become the crown prince?

"Your Majesty, although the Fifth Prince is virtuous and capable, he is still young and inexperienced. It may not be appropriate to entrust the disaster relief to His Highness the Fifth Prince!"

Now that Minister Liu has Lu Changqing, it's impossible for him to allow Lu Yuanbin to become the crown prince.

"I second that proposal!"

When Minister Sun saw that Minister Liu had stood up to oppose him, he not only did not show any hostility, but instead stood up to express his agreement.

"Your Majesty, I also believe that the Fifth Prince is still relatively inexperienced. Regardless of the extent of the earthquake damage, such a large-scale operation as on-site command and control is probably beyond the capabilities of one person alone."

Minister Sun's words made everyone present look at him with new respect.

If it were anyone else, they would surely have spoken up for their nephew in such an opportunity to make a great contribution. But Minister Sun was different; when someone stood up to object, he was the first to stand up for him.

Seeing that Minister Sun was able to consider the overall situation, the emperor's suspicions about Lu Yuanbin lessened somewhat.

It's understandable that young people are ambitious and eager for quick success; perhaps Lu Yuanbin was simply too eager to make a name for himself.

"You two ministers are right. We still don't know the full extent of the earthquake, but judging from the intensity of the shaking, the situation is probably not optimistic. Therefore, I have decided to send more people to assist in the disaster relief efforts."

The emperor kept talking but still didn't say whether Lu Yuanbin should go or not. After hearing this, Lu Yuanbin couldn't help but cast a puzzled look at Minister Sun.