The Emperor's unreasonable stance left the court officials at a loss. Were there truly no tasks after spring plowing? Surely they couldn't send the elderly and children to move stones? Such perverse actions would inevitably stir public resentment!
What happens when a nation loses the people's hearts? What consequences follow when common citizens are pushed to the brink of survival?
Though each court official harbored personal ambitions, none who remained loyal to their country wished to see it reach such a dire state. Some had attended the Hua family's Pure Conversation Gatherings, having once been impassioned scholars who denounced injustices. Yet they all acknowledged that, compared to previous dynasties, Daqing had shown the greatest leniency toward its people—as if the darkness of the Chaoli era had inspired lawmakers to embrace compassion. The Emperor's current course was dragging Daqing into irreversible ruin!
The collective silence only fueled the Emperor's anger and humiliation. With a cold snort, he rose and declared, "Our decision is final. There will be no changes. Let the Six Ministries deliberate and submit a proposal. Court is dismissed!"
After the Emperor's departure, no official dared leave first. Their gazes, intentional or not, settled on Gu Yanxi. If anyone enjoyed the Emperor's favor, who could compare to The Heir?
The Third and Fourth Princes exchanged glances within the hall, suppressing their discontent. Their father's closeness to The Heir was undeniable. The Fourth Prince even managed a smile as he approached, asking, "Shall we leave together?"
"Different paths." Gu Yanxi's attitude remained unchanged even without his mask. He cupped his hands toward the Duke of An and Minister Zhu before striding away. He understood this was the Emperor's punishment—for him and for A Zhi—and neither could refuse.
He headed to the Seven Constellation Bureau to handle accumulated duties. The Jin Yang affair remained the priority, and since all related reports came directly to him, nothing had been delayed.
Observing the seven bureau chiefs hesitating after paying respects, Gu Yanxi decided on candor. "Even if the Seven Constellation Bureau ceases to exist, each of you represents years of meticulous training. Do not fear idleness. Focus on your current tasks. If dissolution comes, I will ensure your placements."
The Second Chief spoke first, "Commander, will the Bureau... truly be disbanded?"
"For the greater good, it may be necessary. Look at our workload—matters from Revenue, Personnel, and War Ministries... all duties that should belong to them fall to us. If we don't disband, the Six Ministries should."
Silence fell. The truth was undeniable—their responsibilities spanned every domain.
"Proceed with your duties. This won't happen overnight."
"Yes."
After a moment of quiet contemplation, Gu Yanxi left the palace.
The Emperor, who had waited in vain, erupted upon learning of his departure. Fortunately, Lai Fu's next words soothed him: "The Heir went to Se Valley."
Se Valley, once nameless, served as the training ground for the Seven Constellation Bureau. The name, given by its first commander, reflected both the bitterness of hardship and the rawness of new recruits.
Having spent years there himself, Gu Yanxi navigated the traps and mechanisms with ease. He paused to observe the ongoing training sessions.
"What brings you here? Do we need new recruits?"Gu Yanxi turned to look at the elderly man with a pale, beardless face and an elegant, scholarly demeanor. This man was his master and also the former leader of the Seven Constellation Bureau, Gu Yelin. By seniority, he ought to address him as grand-uncle. Childless and unburdened by worldly ties, the old man had retreated to this valley to train newcomers after stepping down.
"Yan Xi pays respects to Master."
Gu Yelin helped him up, studying him for a moment before remarking, "I see worry between your brows. What has happened?"
"May I speak with you in private, Master?"
Gu Yelin immediately led him to his residence, a place no one dared enter without his summons.
Taking a deep breath, Gu Yanxi lifted the hem of his robe and knelt, recounting all that had transpired recently—especially the incident of unmasking.
"The flaws of the Seven Constellation Bureau are becoming increasingly apparent. If this continues, disaster is inevitable." Gu Yelin sighed and gestured for him to rise. He was well aware that the bureau's existence had become more detrimental than beneficial, but neither the Emperor nor he himself had the courage to instigate change so easily. Unexpectedly, this young man had torn the veil wide open.
"The Emperor is fifty now, isn't he?"
"Yes."
"No wonder he's growing more muddled." Gu Yelin let out a cold laugh. "You didn't come to me just for this matter."
Gu Yanxi looked up. "As you reside here permanently, you may not know that the Chao Li Tribe is showing signs of resurgence. They've been scheming for forty years or even longer. Jin Yang is so close to the capital, yet it has turned into a gambling city right under our noses, with vast sums of silver disappearing without a trace. If not for A Zhi uncovering the connections, we would still be kept in the dark. I suspect the Chao Li Tribe is manipulating things behind the scenes."
"According to records, the Chao Li Tribe has always relied on sheer force to overcome cunning strategies."
"Exactly, which is why I suspect they have produced a Wise Man."
Gu Yelin was taken aback. If a tribe produced a Wise Man, then... that tribe was destined to rise!
"What do you want me to do?"
"I intend to go to Jin Yang personally to handle this matter. I would like to ask you to take charge in the capital while I'm away."
"No need for a formal return. I will keep an eye on things."
Gu Yanxi felt a wave of relief. His greatest fear had been being too far away in Jin Yang to handle any emergencies in the capital. With his master overseeing things, he could rest easy.
With official matters settled, Gu Yelin turned to personal affairs. "You're twenty-five now. It's time to settle down. Since you already have someone you admire, make it official soon. Don't end up lonely in old age like me."
"I will care for you in your later years. If you meet A Zhi, you will surely adore her." A faint helplessness colored Gu Yanxi's expression. "I, too, wish to marry, but the timing is far from ideal. The Hua family has been dispossessed and exiled. My grandmother barely managed to protect the women and children. A Zhi... she is Hua Yizheng's legitimate granddaughter."
Gu Yelin was stunned. Once his disciple had proven capable of handling major responsibilities, Gu Yelin had completely withdrawn. Apart from traveling during the first couple of years, he had since remained in this valley, never leaving and paying no heed to outside affairs. He knew his disciple's abilities better than anyone—those sinister forces would never overturn the heavens.
But the Hua family dispossessed and exiled? Had the Emperor gone mad?
"How have the scholars of the realm reacted? Have there been clashes with the authorities?"
"None." Gu Yanxi explained the situation, seizing the opportunity to sing A Zhi's praises. Since his uncle the Emperor was beyond persuasion, he needed to secure his master's fullest approval.
"No wonder you've taken a liking to her." Gu Yelin pinched the bridge of his nose. "The Hua family must return. The Emperor has truly lost his senses. Even if all the civil officials at court harbored treasonous thoughts, the Hua family would be the exception.""We are all trying our best, but we cannot rush. The Emperor... is currently unwilling to heed advice."
Gu Yelin's lips curled slightly. "This is how it is with age. Having experienced it once before, it's a miracle the Daqing Dynasty has been passed down so peacefully until now."
"Master..."
"No need to urge caution—I fear none of that."
Gu Yanxi fell silent. He did not know what kind of past his master had lived through, but it must have been unpleasant. Otherwise, he would not have ended up growing old alone, nor would he speak of the Emperor with such discourtesy.
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