Chapter 172: Just in Case
Gu Yanxi’s two decrees shocked everyone. Immediately afterward, he swiftly announced a series of official appointments—some names so unfamiliar they left the entire court bewildered. Without giving anyone a chance to speak, he directly declared the court session adjourned.
The vast Hall of Deliberations fell into dead silence.
Knowing that thirty-two positions had been vacated, they had exhausted their efforts pondering candidates. Some had even met privately and struck deals. Yet, in the end? They weren’t even given a chance to propose anyone—the appointments were finalized outright!
Who was that Cheng Yi? Never heard of him! Where did they dig these people up from?
Both the Second and Third Princes had already entered the court. At this moment, each was surrounded by a crowd of officials, with the Third Prince’s side noticeably larger in number.
The ministers weren’t there to take sides at this juncture but to gather information.
In reality, the two princes were even more shaken than the others. While the announcements were made today, they had witnessed the events in the disciplinary hall yesterday. Their dreams were haunted by the crack of whips, and now even the sight of one gave them psychological scars!
No matter how impatient they felt inwardly, both now wore smiles as warm as spring breeze, exerting all their charm to showcase themselves. They performed for those officials already aligned with them and for those still uncommitted. With the eldest prince, who held the title of firstborn, now fallen, their opportunities had grown significantly.
Even the usually restrained Second Prince couldn’t contain his excitement, casting a meaningful glance at the Third Prince.
The Third Prince sneered inwardly. No matter how well you hide usually, don’t you still reveal your true colors at times like this?
The eldest prince at least had the qualifications to contend with me. But him? Is he even worthy?
A few veteran ministers exchanged glances and shook their heads. They had sensed something amiss with the Emperor yesterday but never expected it would reach the point where the leader of the Seven Constellation Bureau had to assume regency. Truly, stormy times were ahead.
Gu Yanxi went to the imperial study, and soon, another series of decrees was issued.
Lai Fu brought in the day’s memorials. Gu Yanxi picked out a few and skimmed through them, his eyes filled with anger. “Is this the nonsense they submit every day? If even trivial matters like these require the Emperor’s decision, what use are they? If they can’t handle such things, replace them with those who can.”
Lai Fu bowed deeply and moved to take the memorials away, but Gu Yanxi stopped him, issuing an order without looking up. “Summon the Fourth Constellation to deliver all reports from the past five days—no, the past ten days.”
A member of the First Constellation appeared, bowed to Gu Yanxi, and vanished swiftly.
While waiting, Gu Yanxi scanned through all the memorials at a glance. Just as he finished, the chief of the Fourth Constellation arrived, presenting four ledgers with both hands.
The intelligence from the four constellations was categorized into four areas: livelihood of the people, officials, movements in neighboring countries, and domestic disturbances. Gu Yanxi flipped through a few pages of each ledger, unsure whether he felt more sorrow or relief.
If not for A Zhi’s sharp words that provoked and reminded him, leading him to accept his uncle’s arrangements, he would never have seen these memorials. Nor would he have learned that intelligence the Seven Constellation Bureau received ten days ago had still not been reported to the court by any official.
He no longer wanted to ponder whether they were unaware or deliberately concealing it. The Emperor’s eyes had been blinded, his ears plugged. Had he not learned yesterday how his uncle was besieged and cornered by the officials, he would have assumed that all previous reports from the Seven Constellation Bureau had reached his uncle’s knowledge.But since the Emperor is aware that the court officials have been concealing and failing to report matters, why hasn't he taken steps to change this situation?
Gu Yanxi rubbed his fingers together and glanced at Lai Fu beside him. He flipped to a specific page in the Seven Constellation Bureau's civil affairs ledger and handed it to him. "Take a look."
Lai Fu received it with both hands. His hands trembled as he read the recorded incident, and after checking the date and recalling the events in court that day, he shook his head and reported, "This servant remembers that this matter was never mentioned in court."
"The Seven Constellation Bureau delivers reports daily. In case of emergencies, they are delivered immediately upon receipt."
"Yes, that is indeed the case." Lai Fu pursed his lips and spoke with difficulty, "It's just that recently... His Majesty has been resting more often."
Having reviewed the Emperor's daily records, Gu Yanxi naturally understood the reason. Ultimately, the root cause lay with the Golden Elixir.
Gu Chengde! Even if Gu Cheng'an doesn't kill you, I will!
Filled with shock and fury, Gu Yanxi coldly commanded, "Notify all court officials that a court session will be held in half an hour."
Lai Fu acknowledged the order and withdrew. As he left the imperial study, he saw Lady Shaoyao running toward him carrying a large bundle. He quickly bowed in greeting.
Shaoyao waved her hand and dashed into the imperial study. Tossing aside her Veiled Hat, she held up the bundle with a gleeful chuckle. "Hua Hua sent someone to deliver this."
All of Gu Yanxi's rage evaporated the moment he heard that name, and his entire demeanor softened.
Shaoyao stepped forward to clear the memorials from the desk to make room for the food container, but Gu Yanxi grabbed her arm and carried the container to the resting area at the back.
There were still two food containers with distinct flavors, but Fu Dong had always been partial to Shaoyao and had sneakily included an extra portion of pastries for her.
Shaoyao was so delighted that her smile stretched from ear to ear, and she waved the pastries in front of Gu Yanxi as if showing off.
Gu Yanxi usually didn't care for overly sweet pastries. Even the most exquisitely crafted ones from the palace were something he would only eat to accompany his grandmother. However, he never minded the pastries from the Hua family. Without hesitation, he swiftly picked up a pair of chopsticks, snatched one from the container, and popped it into his mouth.
"Yan Ge!" Shaoyao hugged the pastries protectively and shrank back, regretting that she had extended her hand to show off earlier.
Gu Yanxi ignored her. Seeing that the food container was filled with all his favorite dishes, his mood instantly brightened. He knew full well that Fu Dong had prepared the dishes and arranged the menu, but that didn't stop him from attributing all these kindnesses to A Zhi.
Even though he would have to face a bunch of troublesome people in half an hour, it couldn't dampen his good mood at that moment.
"What about the person who delivered the food?"
"I asked around and was told they weren't in a hurry to return." Shaoyao looked up. "Does Hua Hua know something?"
"Yes."
"Really?" Shaoyao was surprised but then nodded. "Well, that makes sense. There's nothing Hua Hua doesn't know. Yan Ge."
Gu Yanxi looked up. "Could the Emperor find out that we're familiar with Hua Hua?"
"No."
"I'm a little worried." Shaoyao poked at her rice grains. "Hua Hua is working so hard for the Hua family. I'm concerned that..."
"No."
"Yan Ge..."
"If I say no, then it's no."
Shaoyao nodded. Her trust in Yan Ge was bone-deep. If Yan Ge said no, then it was no.
"Prepare something for her to defend herself with."
Shaoyao immediately stood up. "Is someone trying to harm Hua Hua? Who? Didn't you assign people to protect her?""Just in case." The Emperor might not know, but those princes certainly did. Even if they kept their heads down for a while, once things settled down they would inevitably try to find his weakness. And his current weakness was A Zhi.
No matter how thoroughly he prepared, he still feared unforeseen circumstances. Shaoyao's move was precisely to guard against such contingencies.
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