Once Hua Zhi stopped concealing her condition, her maids no longer held back, each secretly wiping away tears before carefully attending to her.
With this burden lifted from her mind, Hua Zhi fell into a deep sleep as soon as she touched the bed, completely oblivious to whether ointment was being applied or anything else. By the time the Fourth Madam returned and received the news, all she could see were the freshly medicated wounds.
Leaving aside the sorrow in this quarter, Gu Yanxi was far from having it easy. Upon returning to the capital, he immediately used his identity as a blade-bearing imperial guard to head straight for the imperial study.
The Emperor was discussing matters with several senior officials when he saw him and said, "This disaster relief effort will bypass the six ministries and local officials. I will appoint someone specifically to handle it. Tell those waiting to extend their claws that if they dare employ any tricks under my watch, I won't hesitate to chop them all off."
The senior officials all felt a chill, promptly assenting in unison.
"I want to see the plan tomorrow. Dismissed."
"Yes, Your Majesty. We take our leave."
Only after the unwelcome figures had departed did the increasingly inscrutable Emperor show a trace of genuine smile. "You're back? Perfect timing to join me for dinner."
Understanding the implicit order, Lai Fu bowed and withdrew to make preparations.
Gu Yanxi stepped forward to pay respects. "Your servant greets Your Majesty."
"Enough, sit and speak." The Emperor looked at his nephew's rather ordinary face. "Take off that face of yours."
Gu Yanxi ripped off the human skin mask with such force that the Emperor felt his own skin tingle just watching.
"Your Majesty, during this trip to Yinshan Pass, I confirmed two matters."
Two? The Emperor's eyelids lifted slightly. "Besides the remnants of the Chao Li Tribe around the Eldest Prince, what else is there?"
"The Chao Li Tribe has colluded with the grassland tribes."
The Emperor's expression tightened, his body leaning forward slightly. "The Chao Li Tribe has colluded with the grassland tribes?"
"Yes." Gu Yanxi detailed everything he had investigated. "The current troops at Yinshan Pass cannot hold them off. I promised Wu Yong I would transfer at least fifty thousand soldiers from elsewhere. Additionally, I instructed Wu Yong to divide Yinshan Pass into inner and outer cities, with the outer city serving as a military camp. All unrelated persons are to be relocated to the inner city to minimize restrictions on Wu Yong's actions. I acted without authorization and request Your Majesty's punishment."
As he spoke, Gu Yanxi moved to kneel and plead guilty.
"Remain seated," the Emperor stopped him. "I shall issue an edict to Wu Yong later."
The Seven Constellation Bureau had never been shy about acting first and reporting later—this was a power granted to them by successive emperors. Yet the Bureau had never deceived their superiors or concealed facts from them. Whenever such situations occurred, they would subsequently submit a detailed report, after which the Emperor would supplement with an official decree.
Do not underestimate this supplemental decree—without it, all other actions would lack legitimacy, and the Emperor wouldn't even need a reason to remove anyone.
Immediately after, Gu Yanxi reported on Gu Chengde's situation.
The Emperor looked at this young man who always maintained his composure. "Now I'm beginning to wonder if the Chao Li Tribe truly has a small population. Look how many people we've uncovered already. If this continues, I might even believe I myself am from the Chao Li Tribe."
"The situation isn't that dire," said Gu Yanxi, watching the Emperor who seemed to be mocking either himself or others. "I rather think the Chao Li Tribe must be stomping with frustration somewhere right now."
"How so?""Whether it be the consorts and palace attendants by Your Majesty's side, the governesses around the Third Princess, or the false eunuchs serving the Eldest Prince, they have all chosen to target members of the imperial family. Yuan Shifang goes without saying—I suspect the entire Chao Li Tribe pooled their resources to cultivate just one like him. These past days, I have focused on investigating the other eight chief stewards. While they all have some issues, their identities are without problem."
The Emperor couldn't be bothered to ask what those issues were. He knew all too well the nature of officials. Since Yanxi had tolerated them, it meant they were still within acceptable limits. Had they truly overstepped, he would have long submitted a memorial to strip them of their official positions.
Gu Yanxi continued, "I have already ordered investigations around the imperial family members. Once the results are in, we will have a clearer picture of this matter."
And indeed there would be results. The Emperor's lips twisted wryly. If every member of the imperial family, regardless of status, could yield a few suspects, then the Chao Li Tribe's infiltrators would not be few in number. If even those minor figures around them proved clean, then it would truly be as Yanxi said—the Chao Li Tribe would likely be frantic.
Yet the Emperor found no relief in this. "Floods in the south, drought in the north, and the Chao Li Tribe pressing step by step, showing strong signs of making a comeback. Should I issue an Edict of Self-Reproachment?"
Gu Yanxi remained silent.
The Emperor didn't mind, smiling faintly. His increasingly aged face actually revealed a touch of benevolence. "The other day, I went to the Ancestral Temple. Before our ancestors, I carefully reflected on my life and found that while I haven't committed any deeds that would disgrace our ancestral legacy, I haven't accomplished any good deeds either. It seems I've lived a fruitless life. Were I a commoner, I would have likely starved to death long ago."
"You are the Son of Heaven."
Yes, the Son of Heaven. Thus, even without achievements, he enjoyed all the wealth and honors of the mortal world. He could grant life or death to anyone at will. Yet he himself was now facing death!
The Emperor's face contorted momentarily before returning to its previous state. "Investigate with full authority. I will bear all consequences. As for Gu Chengde, handle him as you see fit. Since he has been demoted to commoner status, he no longer has the right to enter the palace. I don't wish to see him."
"As you command." Seeing that his imperial uncle didn't intend to continue sharing heartfelt words, Gu Yanxi subtly breathed a sigh of relief. No matter how close they were, the Emperor's private thoughts were best left unheard.
"The Tong family has been exterminated, and the Second Prince confined until death. Even if a new emperor ascends and issues a general pardon, it will have nothing to do with him." The Emperor's eyes glinted coldly. "My favor does not shelter him."
"I obey Your Majesty's decree."
"Additionally, there is Zeng Xian." The Emperor's gaze softened slightly as he looked at his nephew. "Since you brought his case before me, you must intend to overturn his unjust conviction. I approve. Let the Ministry of Justice retry this case. All those involved shall not be lenient. Are you satisfied?"
"Your Majesty is wise. I have brought Zeng Xian's son, Zeng Han, back to the capital. I will have someone draft a petition for him to submit to the Ministry of Justice."
The Emperor pointed at him in mock exasperation, both annoyed and amused, yet feeling completely reassured in his heart. Without rules, nothing can be accomplished—this was especially true for the Seven Constellation Bureau. If Yanxi were truly the type to become arrogant and overstep his bounds due to special favor, he would never have granted him such privileges.
Lai Fu entered at just the right moment to report, "Your Majesty, the evening meal is prepared."
"Come, dine with me." The meal was set up in the side hall. With matters weighing on his mind, Gu Yanxi asked as they walked, "Has the south experienced major flooding? Has Xiangyang's dam burst?"
"You didn't know?""Yes, upon my return, I came directly to the imperial study."
The Emperor nodded, feeling even more satisfied. "Thanks to your earlier preparations, using Lingzhou as a sacrifice prevented Xiangyang from breaching its embankments. However, the entire southern region has been soaked by rain for a full month, making this the most extensive disaster since my accession to the throne. The funds required for relief efforts in such a large-scale calamity are no small sum. I do not intend to give them any opportunity to exploit the situation. Later, provide me with a few reliable candidates."
"Yes, I obey Your Majesty's command."
PS: The medication unexpectedly caused severe side effects, so Chapter Two was poorly written. I will hold it back and release it tomorrow after revising or rewriting it.
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