Chapter 279 The Spy
When Gu Yan said that the Emperor's decision to have Consort Xi beaten to death was a disastrous move for the country and the people, the Emperor was indeed furious. He wished he could arrest this liar and have him beaten to death along with Meng Xiyao the next day.
While this move may have been satisfying, it would have once again fueled discontent and doubt among the court officials, and also resulted in the loss of a military general.
Why not try a different approach to maximize the effectiveness of the solitary inkstone?
Ever since the Emperor's secret guard, Ye Jian, told him that Wen Zhiming was a disciple of Ye Guhong and had few rivals in martial arts, he had considered planting a spy to ambush Wen Zhiming and take his life.
He did indeed plant several spies in Wen Zhiming's camp, but these people had difficulty getting close to Wen Zhiming. Let alone assassinating him, they even had difficulty speaking to him.
Ultimately, it's because these spies are too weak; they're not skilled enough, nor intelligent enough, so they're unlikely to gain any recognition.
Gu Yan is different from them.
Although he was no match for Wen Zhiming in terms of skill, he was still brave and resourceful, and his straightforward personality made it relatively easy for him to gain Wen Zhiming's trust and favor.
But the lone wolf is too upright and doesn't understand how to be tactful.
Gu Yan's father and brothers only knew how to fight and kill, and looked down on the identity of spies and traitors. They said they should be upright and honest and not engage in scheming.
So the emperor had this idea before, but never put it into action.
If Gu Yan were as stubborn as his father and brothers, and his ideas differed from those of the generals before the battle, causing resentment between them, it would be a major taboo on the battlefield.
But now the situation is different; now Gu Yan has taken a liking to his woman and needs his help.
Moreover, the timing is perfect. Wen Zhiming should have left people in the capital to gather information. As long as he uses today's events as an opportunity to feign discord with Gu Yan, it will be easy to push Gu Yan forward and gain Wen Zhiming's trust easily.
Gu Yan understood what he meant and his mind raced.
On the surface, this is indeed a win-win solution for the Emperor, him, and Meng Xiyao.
Gu Yan was not averse to the identity of a spy, but he was upright and kind, and could distinguish right from wrong. If the King of the Northern Frontier were an utterly wicked person, he would be more than willing to gain his trust and then take his life.
But the King of the Northern Frontier is of pure and virtuous character, far superior to the Emperor.
Fighting him was already a last resort for a military officer of the court; to deceive him and then secretly plot against him would be utterly despicable.
Moreover, this matter sounds simple, but in reality, it is fraught with difficulties.
Gu Yan spoke frankly.
“The Northern Frontier King is only four or five days away from the capital. Even if I set off immediately, it would take about two or three days to meet him. I am not confident that I can gain the Northern Frontier King’s trust in such a short time, and the possibility of killing him is even more slim.”
He did not refuse outright again, after all, he truly could not bear to see Meng Xiyao executed.
The Emperor assumed that the matter had been accepted and said in a deep voice.
"That depends on your ability. Nothing is impossible for a willing heart. Even if the King of the Northern Frontier arrives in the capital, he won't be able to immediately challenge me. You will stay by his side and continue to wait for your opportunity. However, as long as you do as I say, I will spare Consort Xi's life regardless of whether it succeeds or not."
He knew, of course, that this was extremely difficult, but as long as there was a glimmer of hope, he had to give it a try.
After all, if this matter succeeds, the cost will be minimal while the reward will be maximum.
Even if we fail, there won't be much loss.
Gu Yan frowned and hesitated, but the Emperor did not urge him. He sat calmly to the side and waited for him to make up his mind.
This bait was tailor-made for Gu Yan, this big fish; he didn't believe the fish wouldn't take the bait.
It's just a matter of being more patient; the fish are more impatient than the angler.
After waiting for a while, Gu Yan said, "Your Majesty, I am willing to follow your wishes, penetrate deep into enemy territory, and take the enemy's head."
Now that the Emperor has decided that he has feelings for Meng Xiyao, even if he denies it again, it will not change the Emperor's thoughts and decision.
Instead of denying and refusing to admit it, it would be better to first appease the Emperor, save Meng Xiyao, and then take things one step at a time.
"Good!" the Emperor laughed. "I knew my young general was a smart man. How could he miss out on a chance to have both a promising future and a beautiful woman?"
He personally helped Gu Yan up from the ground and patted him on the shoulder.
Then he leaned close to Gu Yan's ear and said, "If you're going to put on an act, you'll have to go all the way. I'll just have to make do with General Gu for now."
Gu Yan was still pondering the meaning of those words when the Emperor forcefully pushed him to the ground.
Immediately afterwards, the emperor's expression changed drastically, and he shouted loudly with a cold look on his face.
"General Gu testified on behalf of Consort Xi, proving that Consort Xi was not having an affair with a man, but was kidnapped. The evidence against Consort Xi for the crime of defiling the palace is insufficient. Her execution by flogging is suspended for now. She is to be sent to the Cold Palace for observation. General Gu has interfered in the affairs of the inner palace, overstepped his authority, and used excessive language, repeatedly disobeying his superiors. He is to be punished with twenty strokes of the cane and his privilege of entering and leaving the palace without permission is revoked."
After saying that, he didn't look at Gu Yan again.
Upon hearing this, Gu Yan finally understood the meaning of the Emperor's words.
Knowing that the Emperor's plan had begun, he cooperated by raising his head high and shouting that he was right.
Witnessing all this, Eunuch Chu stepped forward at the opportune moment and shouted loudly.
"Guards, take General Gu away and, according to the Emperor's decree, give him twenty strokes of the cane."
The guards carried Gu Yan away, and Eunuch Chu personally supervised the punishment, ordering the guards to use all their strength. After twenty strokes of the cane, Gu Yan's lower body was covered in blood, and his voice was hoarse.
In fact, the Emperor wanted Gu Yan to make great contributions, so of course he wouldn't really seriously injure him. The guards had received orders in advance and used clever techniques to make it look like he was in serious condition, but he would recover about 70% after lying down overnight.
But the pain was real, after all, those big boards really hit him. But the more it hurt, the more Gu Yan felt it was worth it.
After all, even a grown man like him felt this much pain after being beaten twenty times. It's unimaginable how miserable and miserable Meng Xiyao would be if she were really beaten to death.
Although Meng Xiyao is now being banished to the cold palace, at least she has saved her life and will not have to be tortured.
As for what he promised the emperor, he would first infiltrate the Northern Frontier King's army camp, and then say that the Northern Frontier King did not trust him, or that he could not find an opportunity to make a move.
Having devised a plan, Gu Yan was helped off the rack. As if knowing what he was thinking, Eunuch Chu smiled sinisterly at him.
“Young General, remember in the future, never act impulsively. Offending the Emperor is just asking for trouble. Even if you don’t think about yourself, you have to think about the people in your household and your grandmother. The future of my family and the lives of everyone are in your hands.”
The warning in Eunuch Chu's words was quite strong.
If he doesn't serve the Emperor properly, then my entire family, including my grandmother, will not survive.
Gu Yan then realized that he had fallen into the emperor's trap. There was no way to retreat now, so he could only grit his teeth and be pushed forward.
The anger in his heart, coupled with the pain in his body, made him unwilling to speak anymore. Eunuch Chu knew that he had his weakness under control. After removing the token from Gu Yan's waist that allowed him to freely enter and leave the palace, he ordered someone to send Gu Yan out of the palace.
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