Chapter 66 [VIP]
Everyone within Gu Zhizhuo's sight took a small step back, as if afraid she would actually throw something at them.
The civil and military officials displayed various expressions.
Now, the three factions in the court have severed ties and are vying for power.
The Prince of Jin's faction had long since run out of room to speak. Didn't you see that even the Prince of Jin was in the wrong? He had nothing to say after being hit by Miss Gu.
Everyone else looked at the Duke of Wei and the Chief Minister Song.
Duke Wei smoothed his sleeves and remained silent.
The Prince of Jin suddenly appeared out of nowhere, and the Emperor trusted him implicitly. In just a few years, he was almost squeezed out of his position. The Duke of Wei had long been holding a grudge. If he could clearly and honestly explain the merits of the western expedition, without resorting to these flowery and superficial gestures, what face would the Prince of Jin have to stand in the court and compete with him in everything?
The Gu family only wanted posthumous honors; it didn't involve any financial interests and was harmless.
When he remained silent, a significant number of officials went quiet and stood by and watched.
Chief Minister Song wore a faint smile.
Duke Gu Taotao pacified the north and conquered the west, ensuring the stability of the Great Qi dynasty. Although not a founding achievement, it was almost equal.
His achievements are indeed worthy of being included in the Purple Palace Pavilion.
The two remained silent, looking upwards.
The silence was so profound that it made the emperor uneasy.
He stood below the imperial platform, his anger so intense that Gu Zhizhuo's tears were stuck in his chest, making it feel suffocating.
He had always wanted to be like the late emperor, free from the entanglements of factional strife, and to make decisions with his own mind regardless of the endless disputes in court.
However, now that no one in the court is vying for power, and he can make decisions unilaterally, he is inexplicably panicked.
"I have already said no. Does the Gu family intend to defy the Emperor's will?"
He walked towards Gu Zhizhuo, no more than ten steps away from her, and said impatiently, "Or do you want to throw this thing at me?"
Holding her helmet, Gu Zhizhuo said without any sincerity, "This humble woman dares not."
The emperor cleared his throat, regaining some composure, and coldly snorted, "Step back. I will not pursue this matter further. Miss Gu, as a subject, you should know your place and how to conduct yourself. Do not covet what is not rightfully yours, understand?"
Gu Zhizhuo's eyelashes trembled slightly: "This subject understands."
“As a subject, one should fulfill one’s duty. I will tell my brother that as the heir of the Duke of Zhenguo, he should stay in the northern border as a matter of course. What is he doing staying in the capital?”
What's the meaning?
"Since last year's battle, the northern frontier has been peaceful for a long time. Emperor Taizu said that we should train our troops diligently in peacetime and win battles in times of war. Brother, you bear a heavy responsibility, so you should also lead the northern frontier army out for more training exercises. What do you think, Your Majesty?"
The chief minister, Song, gasped, his heart leaping again after he had just relaxed. This Miss Gu always had unexpected moves; her audacity was astounding… Knowing that the emperor feared the Gu family's military power, she still openly used it as leverage.
She was threatening him! The emperor was furious.
The Duke of Zhenguo's mansion has always been a thorn in his side, something he can neither pull out nor swallow.
Especially when he first ascended the throne, during the coronation ceremony, Gu Taotao did not return to the capital as ordered. Instead, he submitted a memorial stating that the Northern Di had launched a large-scale invasion, amassing 100,000 troops, and that the commander-in-chief could not leave. This was blatant contempt for him, an unwillingness to acknowledge him as the new emperor!
At that time, he decided that the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion could not be allowed to remain.
"emperor."
Shen Xu's soft, feminine voice broke the deathly silence in the Golden Palace.
He was looking at a piece of silk paper—which had just been handed to him by an eunuch from the Eastern Depot.
Shen Xu stepped down, his bright red Qilin robe shimmering with golden threads that undulated like burning flames with his movements.
He walked up to the emperor, bowed, and said, "Your Majesty, the heir of the Duke of Zhenguo, Gu Yican, has led his troops back to the capital and is currently stationed at Shiliting." There was no respect in his eyes; instead, his slightly upturned eyes held a hint of interest.
The ambush was ten miles away.
The emperor's expression changed drastically; his first thought was: The Gu family is trying to force him to abdicate?!
Gu Zhizhuo's lips curved into a tiny smile.
Her third uncle said that her brother was able to reach the capital last night, so she sent someone to deliver a message.
She asked her brother to go to the capital for the morning court session and linger near Shiliting for a while.
What! ?
Even those who were originally observing from the sidelines couldn't contain their excitement.
After leading their troops into battle, generals in the capital were required to send their soldiers back to camp before personally going to the palace to report back and return the tiger tally. This was a common practice.
Gu Yican took away the Fifth Army Camp, whose camp was west of Shiliting, but he deliberately left his troops stationed at Shiliting.
What are they trying to do?!
A commotion broke out all around.
The distance to Shili Pavilion is too subtle.
If he were to go west, he would be leading his troops back to camp. What he is doing now is merely a short rest after a long journey. To investigate whether he harbors disloyalty or acts of insubordination is far too unfounded.
Heading north meant returning to the northern frontier, where they would then command 200,000 troops, far from the emperor's reach.
If we go straight forward, it would be a coup!
The thought, once it arose, was like a wildly growing vine tightly binding the emperor's limbs. He felt his hands and feet go numb, and his gaze, sharp as a knife, pierced Gu Zhizhuo as he roared in fury, "The Gu family is audacious!"
Gu Zhizhuo remained fearless and composed: "Your Majesty, the Gu family has always been loyal to the emperor. Even though my late father fought a war and not only lost his merits but also died under mysterious circumstances, the Gu family has always been loyal to the Great Qi and has never had any disloyal intentions."
Xie Yingchen's smile softened even more. He didn't interfere or even utter a sound from beginning to end.
Because he knew that she was never the kind of delicate flower who needed to depend on others.
She was able to stand firmly in the imperial court, always staying within the emperor's bounds.
The previous step was already done.
She withdrew from this position, her tone softening as she sighed with grievance, "Your Majesty's words are difficult for me to accept."
emperor:"……"
Yes.
Gu Yican merely deployed his troops for rest and recuperation, without any act of defiance.
Forcing someone to abdicate is out of the question.
Gu Yican only took away 3,500 troops; even if the Thousand Machine Battalion were mobilized, it would only amount to 6,000.
The imperial guards protecting the capital numbered 150,000!
But is it just a matter of repairs?
Will Gu Yican simply leave and return to the northern frontier?
Even if he rebels, people will think that he is the one who cannot distinguish right from wrong and ignores Gu Taotao's achievements, and that Gu Yican rebelled because he felt indignant for his father.
So what if he takes the lives of the entire Gu family? Kill them? Gu Yican will have no more worries! If he doesn't kill them, then he'll have to take good care of them, show them favor, and still posthumously confer titles and allow them to join the cabinet.
What a clever scheme!
The emperor's chest heaved, and his face turned pale and then bluish.
The Grand Secretary sighed inwardly. The Emperor was suspicious; the fact that the heir of the Duke of Zhenguo had only lingered a little longer at the Ten Mile Pavilion was enough to make the Emperor overthink things.
He couldn't help but think of the deposed crown prince. The deposed crown prince had been raised as the heir apparent since childhood, serving as an advisor to the founding emperor and the previous emperor from a young age. Later, he assisted in governing the country, acting as regent for the emperor, and was known for his wisdom and excellence.
The Grand Secretary of the Song Dynasty once believed he could surely usher in a prosperous and golden age. Who could have foreseen that the dynasty would collapse so suddenly…
Alas. I must persevere until I attain official rank and keep the world from falling into chaos, so as not to fail the late emperor's kindness in recognizing my talent.
Gu Zhizhuo's clear voice rang out again: "Emperor Taizu once said that it is not the act of a wise ruler to fail to reward meritorious service and cause the death of the emperor. I believe that Your Majesty will not let the Gu family feel disheartened, nor will it make the soldiers hesitant and timid."
The emperor remained expressionless. After a while, he asked with difficulty, "Grand Secretary, what do you say?"
The Grand Secretary of the Song Dynasty knew that the Emperor was afraid.
He wavered!
Miss Gu's move was incredibly skillful, pressing forward relentlessly.
The Grand Secretary Song cupped his hands and said, “Your Majesty, the Duke of Zhenguo has made great contributions and there is no more title to be bestowed upon him. It is only right that his memorial tablet be placed in the Ziji Pavilion.”
The Great Qi Dynasty did not have princes of different surnames; the title of Duke was the highest rank.
"The Grand Secretary is absolutely right."
Duke Wei stopped watching the spectacle and, following the chief minister's advice, offered the emperor a way out.
"Everyone knows who deserves credit for the pacification of the Western Frontier. The Emperor is a wise ruler, and he should clearly distinguish between merit and demerit. If those who have made contributions are not rewarded, who among the soldiers will be willing to risk their lives in the future?"
"At that time, everyone will hide in the back, waiting for the great victory, and then stepping on the blood and flesh of others to rise step by step."
The Prince of Jin almost cursed. What was he doing, acting so suspiciously?! Did he think everyone could kick him while he was down?! He remembered this: the Duke of Wei, and the Chief Minister Song—they mustn't fall into his hands!
The Duke of Wei snorted coldly at him and said, "The Duke of Zhenguo's merits are for the country, for the people, and for the nation. He pacified the western frontier and stabilized the northern frontier, his achievements are outstanding, and his spirit tablet should be placed in the Ziji Pavilion."
"Please grant me permission, Your Majesty."
Duke Wei knelt down first.
Immediately following was the Grand Secretary; in an instant, a large number of people knelt down in the Golden Palace, their voices shaking the heavens:
"Please grant my permission, Your Majesty!"
The emperor breathed a sigh of relief.
The silence of the prime minister and the others had put immense pressure on him, and now he felt completely drained. He eagerly took the opportunity they offered and said, "Very well."
With a stern face, he managed to save face a little and said, "Although it is not my wish, since all the officials believe that Gu Taotao's merits are worthy of being admitted to the Ziji Pavilion, then I will announce it to the world."
"Duke Gu Taotao of Zhenguo has rendered meritorious service to the country, and his merits are recorded in history. His spirit tablet can be placed in the Ziji Pavilion and be worshipped by all people."
These words were spoken.
Gu Zhizhuo's heart suddenly stirred as if something had been pulled at it.
It was as if an invisible bolt of lightning had struck her head, causing a dull pain in her chest.
Gu Zhizhuo's body swayed involuntarily, her throat filled with a metallic taste. She forced herself not to spit it out and swallowed it back with great effort, her mouth filled with a strong taste of blood.
It seems that what she is doing now is contrary to the way of Heaven.
In her previous life, the Gu family was merely a stepping stone for Ji Nanke, helping her become the Third Prince's consort.
Living a life focused on family is not in accordance with the will of Heaven.
But so what!?
If Heaven forbids it, then she will defy Heaven!
My chest hurt as if it were being torn apart, and the taste of blood welled up in my throat.
Beneath the veil, Gu Zhizhuo laughed freely, saying each word slowly and deliberately, "Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty!"
The emperor had a cold face, and his whole body exuded an aura of extreme displeasure.
Heaven won't allow it? Ha, Gu Zhizhuo felt he could go even further.
She smiled and said, "Your Majesty's great kindness to the Gu family is something I have no way to repay. I specially asked for a peace charm to wish Your Majesty a long and healthy life."
"I appreciate your kind intentions."
The emperor let out a cold snort, his usual amiable expression vanished, and he turned and left.
Without a doubt, the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion has completely broken off relations. But what if they hadn't? In the previous life, the Duke's mansion diligently observed mourning, never leaving the mansion, and even the third uncle fled back to the capital, yet they were still wiped out! Their bloodline was severed.
Only by taking a gamble can we bring a way out for the Gu family.
"Respectfully seeing off His Majesty."
Smack! Smack! Smack!
As the sound of the whip cracking to signal the end of the court session rang out, Gu Zhizhuo's gaze swept around the room before settling on Prince Jin.
She grinned: "Does Your Highness Prince Jin want some? I got it from Shangxu Temple."
"I've heard that Your Highness once invited Shangxu Temple to perform a ritual to suppress a heinous criminal. I'm sure you're well aware of Shangxu Temple's reputation. Master Changfeng is skilled in Yin and Yang and exorcising evil spirits. His talismans are very effective. I hope Your Highness won't find them offensive."
Upon hearing the words "Shangxu Temple," the already ashen face of the Prince of Jin turned even more grim.
The news from the Western Frontier didn't mention that Gu Zhizhuo had discovered the talisman!
"By the way," Gu Zhizhuo's smile didn't reach his eyes, "I wonder who His Highness Prince Jin sent to Shangxu Temple? Why do people say that he is guilty of grave sins and that a ritual must be performed to suppress him and remove his evil aura?"
The Prince of Jin instinctively avoided her piercing gaze and mumbled, "He's just a villain."
He had to hurry back to the manor to see where things had gone wrong.
The Prince of Jin turned away without looking back.
Gu Zhizhuo said coolly from behind him, "Your Highness Prince Jin, I have a hunch that you will suffer a bloody disaster soon. If you don't take this amulet, you'd better be careful."
The Prince of Jin suddenly stumbled on flat ground, almost falling, and then disappeared from the palace gate as if fleeing.
Several officials who hadn't left yet looked at each other in bewilderment.
They only heard Gu Zhizhuo spouting nonsense about peace charms, rituals to suppress evil, and the sins of the Western Frontier's illusory observer. Immediately afterward, Prince Jin looked as if he had seen a ghost.
The Gu family has always been law-abiding and has never done anything offensive or disrespectful over the years, but now they have suddenly started making trouble...
There is not a single fool among those who can stand in this golden palace; today's events are enough to make them have many thoughts.
Xie Yingchen strode towards her: "Are you feeling unwell?"
For a fleeting moment, Xie Yingchen noticed that her expression was slightly stiff, though only slightly.
"No!"
The fishy smell finally subsided, and the pain in his chest disappeared. Gu Zhizhuo answered without any guilt.
"Young master, I'm going to find my elder brother. Are you coming?"
She was at Shili Pavilion, and she couldn't wait to see him.
Something's definitely not right! Xie Yingchen touched her forehead to check her temperature, but there was nothing unusual.
Knowing she couldn't hide it, Gu Zhizhuo quietly tugged at his sleeve and shook it: "Yes, I felt extremely disgusted just now, really."
With a hint of coquettishness that she herself was unaware of, she said in a low voice, "I feel... disgusted just looking at it."
It's so disgusting I can't help it!
As they spoke, the two of them walked out of the Golden Palace together. The drizzle had stopped sometime earlier, and the sky was overcast with the sound of rumbling thunder. Gu Zhizhu ignored it and asked with great interest, "Young Master, do you want to come with me to find my elder brother?"
Before Xie Yingchen could agree, Gu Zhizhuo said regretfully, "Never mind. Young Master can't ride a horse, so I won't take you."
"Forehead?"
Gu Zhizhuo tugged at his sleeve, her steps light as she descended the white marble steps, occasionally leaping two or three steps ahead. This long staircase, which filled the world with awe and which countless people struggled to tread in their entire lives, was nothing beneath her feet.
After descending the long white marble steps, she turned her head and glanced at the magnificent palace.
The Golden Palace.
That's all there is to it.
"Yaoyao".
Qin Su breathed a sigh of relief when he saw Gu Zhizhuo finally emerge from the Golden Palace unharmed.
"Deputy Commander Qin, please call me Miss Gu. Don't be rude next time."
After saying that, Gu Zhizhuo brushed past him and gave Commander Zhou a subtle nod of gratitude from afar.
Commander Zhou and his third uncle were childhood friends, and he risked his life to let himself bring the wooden box in.
The jade lion was outside the Meridian Gate, accompanied by Qingmei.
Upon seeing her, the jade lion hopped over and nuzzled her with its neck.
"Qingmei, you go back first and tell your third uncle and the others that I'm going to find my eldest brother!"
Gu Zhizhuo flipped onto the horse and waved to Xie Yingchen, "Young Master, I'll be going now."
When the first character was being spoken, the horse and rider were still right in front of him, but by the time the last character was spoken, they had already leaped out of the Meridian Gate.
Xie Yingchen smoothed the sleeve she had just crumpled, thinking to himself: No, she's still too weak. She needs to be able to ride a horse. Otherwise, it won't be good to always be left behind.
Gu Zhizhu controlled the horse's speed as it passed through the main streets of the capital. Once outside the city gate, she cracked the whip in the air and shouted, "Giddy up!"
The jade lion snorted excitedly. It loved to run freely, its agile limbs leaping high into the air, like a gust of wind rushing along the official road.
It was nearly mid-June, and the capital was almost in the height of summer. The gentle breeze brought a touch of warmth, and the jade lion ran faster and faster until Gu Zhizhuo could see the commander's flag fluttering in the distance.
Ahead were dark, shadowy figures, with a spirited young man at the very front.
He was clad in black armor, with a long spear held horizontally in front of his horse, the only feature being the bright red tassel hanging from the spear.
Gu Zhizhu shouted loudly, filled with immense joy.
"Gu Cancan!!"
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