Chapter 86
After a long silence, Lin Yi said softly, "Xie Chengnan, promise me you'll be kinder to yourself, okay?"
There was no answer. Xie Chengnan was breathing evenly and had already fallen asleep in her arms.
He was really tired. Lin Yi removed the arm that was wrapped around him, but the man didn't react at all, not even frowning.
Lin Yi's gaze lingered on his face, from his eyebrows to the sides of his nose, and then to the fine stubble that had recently sprouted on his chin. He had lost a lot of weight and seemed to have gotten darker. Lin Yi wasn't sure if he had really gotten tanned or if it was just because of the dim lighting.
Xie Chengnan had already fallen into a deep sleep, but Lin Yi was wide awake. She took Xie Chengnan's hand and gently stroked the even rougher calluses on his palm.
Worried that the light would disturb his sleep, Lin Yi blew out the candle and stared at his silhouette in the darkness for a long time.
She didn't know how difficult the road ahead would be, but she knew it would be tough, so she wished that time could stand still for a while.
Emperor Zhaowen's spirits have recently improved noticeably. No one believes this is a final burst of energy before death; even the slightest thought that might arise in one's mind would be considered disloyal to the country and disrespectful to imperial authority. Everyone is convinced that the emperor's illness has improved.
Emperor Zhaowen knew his own body better than anyone. Ignoring the congratulatory messages from the imperial physicians and eunuchs, he was only able to sit up on his bed for half an hour before summoning the crown prince to his bedchamber.
During his illness, Gu Shu'an served as regent, handling all matters of state and reviewing memorials. As a result, Emperor Zhaowen was unaware of the recent situation in and around Mingzhou.
Gu Shuan knelt not far from the dragon bed and reported to him on the recent flood control in Jiangnan and the rampant banditry in the northern border.
Emperor Zhaowen listened for a moment, then waved his hand at him.
Gu Shuan understood and stopped, then began to talk about what the emperor was truly concerned about.
"Your subject proposes to establish a Surveillance Bureau, which will be responsible for investigating secrets that the Court of Judicial Review cannot handle."
Gu Shuan raised his head slightly and glanced at his father, the emperor, who was lying on his sickbed. Seeing that the emperor's expression was calm and seemed to have no ambiguity, he knew that the matter of the private censorate was no longer being pursued. "The day before yesterday, we intercepted Xili spies in the city and found a copy of the Mingzhou city defense map in their hiding place. Furthermore, Xili assassins infiltrated the city with the intention of causing trouble, but they have been killed by the Marquis of Yong'an."
The emperor nodded almost imperceptibly; the child, like his father, was reliable.
Gu Shu'an continued, "The rest of the spies have committed suicide by poison. The Xili envoy has entered the city, and I ordered the Court of State Ceremonies to arrest him. He was then interrogated by the Ministry of Justice for several days. The envoy refused to admit that he was ordered to disrupt our court, claiming that the assassins were ordered by Xili traitors who intended to destroy the diplomatic relations between the two countries. However, I believe that these people are well-trained and not just individuals. There must be a larger conspiracy behind the theft of the defense map."
Emperor Zhaowen's gaze drifted into the distance, as if stirring up some memories. "When I was young, I accompanied the late emperor to Xili once. It was a capital city located in the middle of an endless desert. Oases were their only means of survival. Later, Xili conquered several surrounding nomadic kingdoms and began to develop animal husbandry. But those tiny kingdoms had very little green land in total. The people of Xili still lacked water, food, and money."
The boundless desert is like a colossal beast, devouring all life.
"The people there are fierce and warlike, everyone is like a hungry wolf. Under such dire circumstances, Xili had long since turned its attention to our Da'an for survival and development." Otherwise, there wouldn't have been the case of the Zhan family going to the Xili border to quell the rebellion many years ago, only to be defeated and betrayed.
"A battle with Xili is inevitable. When the time comes, we must advance without hesitation and completely wipe out the western threat! We must not be soft-hearted, and we must not have any intention of negotiating peace—you must prepare early."
"Your subject understands, please rest assured, Father," Gu Shuan said.
After the important matters were concluded, the elderly emperor and his young son remained silent. After a while, Emperor Zhaowen asked, "You established the Censorate to legitimately investigate the Zhan family's case, right?"
His cloudy eyes focused on his beloved son's face, knowing that nothing could stop this son now. Emperor Zhaowen knew his days were numbered; the empire would be in his hands, and the day the new emperor ascended the throne would be the day the old case of the Zhan family was overturned. But how could the face of the imperial family be disregarded? He would never admit his mistakes, nor would posterity.
"If you insist on investigating thoroughly, I won't stop you. But you must promise me that whatever is uncovered in the shadows, no one involved in the events of that year shall be punished or prosecuted. And in the future, no record of this case or the Zhan family shall be made in history."
Even in the emperor's aging eyes, a sharp glint still shone.
"..."
A shadow flashed across Gu Shu'an's eyes, so quickly it seemed like an illusion, unnoticed by the emperor. Gu Shu'an understood, but not entirely, or rather, he truly didn't want to understand.
Emperor Zhaowen pressed him, saying, "You must agree to my request. Because you are my son, the heir to this royal bloodline, and the one who will continue the imperial legacy for generations to come."
A century later, the Gu imperial family will be remembered for their wise rulers throughout history.
Emperor Zhaowen raised himself up, his neck and face flushed. "You only need to promise me this one thing, and the rest... are up to you."
Even the most supreme ruler is now powerless; this is a rare instance of compromise and concession from an emperor.
Gu Shu paused for a moment, then finally nodded and said, "Your subject agrees."
Emperor Zhaowen finally relaxed, leaning back on the soft pillows, and casually asked a few questions. "Has anyone been chosen for the position of Director?"
"Your Majesty, I believe that the Marquis of Yong'an is suitable for this position, but it has not yet been decided. Does Your Majesty have someone in mind?"
Emperor Zhaowen simply waved his hand at him: "I was just asking. Since you are in charge of setting it up, you shall decide all the rules and personnel."
After leaving Shou'an Palace, Gu Shu'an looked up at the sky and let out a long sigh of relief.
The world is starting to change.
Emperor Zhaowen was still not in good spirits. After saying so little, he was exhausted and fell asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow.
When he woke up again, Qiu Baiji was by his bedside, giving him acupuncture.
With the emperor unwell, the entire Imperial Medical Academy was naturally the most anxious, with the head of the Academy being the first to feel the urgency.
With such a heavy responsibility, Qiu Baekje has been personally on duty at the royal palace recently, spending his nights in a side hall like the eunuchs, ready to be summoned at any time.
These days, the emperor and his minister have spent more time together than all the concubines and princes have combined in visiting hours. If Qiu Baekje were a female official, she would surely attract countless jealousies.
As they spent more time together, when Emperor Zhaowen felt bored, he would seek out Baekje to talk to.
Qiu Baekje was a rigid and boring man, and he had no good ideas or strategies to discuss with the emperor. When they were together, the emperor would ask questions and the ministers would answer.
"I have heard that Qiu Qing's daughter has opened a girls' academy, and the place is packed with students on the first day of school. Is this true?"
Upon hearing the emperor mention his beloved daughter, Qiu Baekje was both delighted and surprised. He hurriedly replied, "Your Majesty is wise. My daughter loves to stir things up when she has nothing to do. The academy has indeed been open for a few days. Perhaps she finds it novel, as a few students have come to visit."
Emperor Zhaowen was already used to his self-deprecation. "Women studying is rare throughout history. Your daughter's actions are quite ingenious." He suddenly became interested and wanted to ask a few more questions. "What do they teach at the academy? Is it needlework and women's work?"
"My daughter is being silly; I want to teach them medicine."
Emperor Zhaowen was taken aback, seemingly not expecting anyone to open an academy specifically to teach women medicine. He chuckled, "Chou Baekje, you've been in the Imperial Medical Academy for thirty years now, and you, a woman, are bolder than me."
Upon hearing this, Qiu Baekje was terrified and was about to apologize when the emperor praised him, saying, "Excellent! You have courage and determination."
Qiu Baekje's face showed a look of relief after surviving the ordeal.
The emperor took in his fluctuating emotions and suddenly said, "In previous years, your woman always chased after Shu'an. If it weren't for her arrogance and stubbornness, you and I would be in-laws now."
"How dare I! My daughter is of no virtue or ability; she is young and ignorant, yet she dares to harbor such thoughts about His Highness the Crown Prince. Your Majesty, please forgive her..."
“Eh—” Emperor Zhaowen did not agree with his modesty and sighed, “If he really had taken a fancy to your girl, I wouldn’t have to worry so much.”
Gu Shuan has a private residence in the south of the city, far from the bustling city center and adjacent to the suburbs, in a beautiful and secluded environment.
The mansion appears ordinary on the outside, but its interior is subtly luxurious. After all, he is the Crown Prince, and even if Gu Shu'an is not as extravagant as other nobles, his daily expenses are still incomparable to those of ordinary wealthy families.
For example, this mahogany table, the carved couch, the celadon teapot, and the white jade fruit plate.
"What do you think of today's urgent report from the Xili border?"
Xie Chengnan unceremoniously picked up the roundest, most lustrous grape from the white jade fruit plate, his movements as practiced as if he were in his own study. "How else can you look at it? Just like those courtiers, standing there and looking at it."
Gu Shuan was already used to his witty remarks and disregard for his own dignity. He appointed people based on their abilities, and as long as he could do more for himself and Da'an, Gu Shuan didn't mind tolerating his various shortcomings and disrespect.
He analyzed to himself, "Those envoys were imprisoned and interrogated for only five days before Xili learned of it and came to demand their release. Their reach is far-reaching."
"Is that even a question? Of course they have spies in this city." Xie Chengnan stuffed several grapes into his mouth, then spat out the skins, which landed gracefully on the expensive purple-gold trimmed carpet. If Lin Yi were there, he would surely think to himself that his movements resembled those of a pea shooter.
Gu Shuan watched, her eyebrows twitching slightly, but she finally held back and didn't lash out on the spot.
Xie Chengnan popped another grape into his mouth, his voice muffled: "The news spread so fast, they even have people in the court. What do you plan to do?"
"Investigate!" Gu Shuan's eyes were piercing and deep, and the majesty of an emperor was already evident in him.
Xie Chengnan remained silent for a while, then said, "The western border is already at war, do you still have time to investigate?"
Gu Shuan fell silent; this was precisely what troubled him most at that moment.
His father advised him to prepare as soon as possible, so that he could strike first and catch Xili off guard. The border army had received secret orders and had been assembled several days ago, and was now at the border, ready to march.
At the same time, the scouts sent out also brought back news that the Xili army was also gathering, numbering as many as 100,000.
Several attempts at negotiation failed, with the other side insisting that Anguo release the prisoners first, and then cede territory and pay reparations for their disrespect towards the envoy. These unreasonable demands did not seem like a genuine desire for peace, but rather a premeditated war, a test of who would lose patience first.
"If you ask me, you were just too hasty. Why couldn't you have spent a few more days dealing with the Xili envoy? You could have treated him well and waited until your army reached his doorstep before executing him. Now look what happened, the man is imprisoned, no information was obtained, and his family has found out and is seeking revenge."
Xie Chengnan spoke lightly, describing the war between the two countries as if they were neighbors at odds.
Gu Shuan pinched the bridge of his nose. This concerned Xi Li, and he feared it was related to a conspiracy from ten years ago. He wanted to interrogate her first to see if he could find any clues. He was indeed anxious. "Why didn't you say anything back then?"
"You gave me a chance to speak? I arrested the person and handed him over to you, and in one night you got him to the Ministry of Justice. Do you think I have eyes in the night? How could I know what you did while I was asleep?" Xie Chengnan made no attempt to hide his disdain and sarcasm.
Even so, Gu Shuan had no way to deal with him. On the contrary, he had to rely on his opinions more. After all, Xie Chengnan was just unreliable, while those old stubborn people in the court were really cowardly and foolish. They were still dreaming of sending a foreign ruler to marry a foreign ruler and making peace between the two countries.
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