Chapter 628: Entrustment
When Hua Bolin entered and found his elder sister waiting there, he assumed she wanted to inquire about the Heir and immediately said, "The Heir hasn't left yet."
"How is Madame Sun faring?"
Hua Bolin's smile faded. "She dropped her cup upon hearing the news, but hasn't shown any further loss of composure since. She even urged me to counsel the Crown Prince properly."
Hua Zhi wasn't surprised. Madame Sun had been single-handedly supporting the Sun family in the capital; only someone sufficiently resilient could have endured this long. Yet it was merely a facade of strength—inside, she was likely numb with pain.
"Ying Chun, go speak with Fourth Aunt first thing tomorrow morning. Ask her to assist at the Sun residence. Whether there are matters for her to handle or not, her presence is required there."
"Yes."
Hua Bolin looked puzzled. "Is this to demonstrate our Hua family's stance? But General Sun died for his country—shouldn't that be considered meritorious?"
"You'll understand tomorrow."
Indeed, Hua Bolin understood the next day.
At the grand court assembly, news of General Sun's death struck like a thunderclap, stunning all officials. Once the circumstances of his death became known, just as the Crown Prince had anticipated, some eagerly stepped forward to assign blame to General Sun. Of course, given that General Sun was the Crown Prince's maternal grandfather, the accusations were phrased with extreme delicacy.
Yet the Crown Prince still burned with fury. He rose, looking down upon the assembled courtiers. "From what I hear, it seems General Sun not only lacks merit but is actually guilty?"
The courtiers, ever perceptive, fell into complete silence.
"Then let one of my esteemed ministers enumerate his crimes for me."
No one dared respond.
The Crown Prince sneered. "Was guarding the frontier for twenty years a crime? Being separated from his wife and children a crime? Or using his own funds to supplement delayed military pay a crime? If these are all wrongdoings, should we simply surrender the Shou'ai Pass instead?"
The officials knelt in unison. "We wouldn't dare, Your Highness."
"I think you dare quite boldly." In just a few days, the boyishness had vanished from the Crown Prince's face. Now, standing high in the hall, he was gradually developing his own authority. Zhu Bowen, prostrate on the floor, suddenly realized that while they were still contemplating how to maintain harmonious relations with the young Crown Prince, he had quietly passed through the phase most susceptible to manipulation by court ministers. Now, he was firmly seated in the court.
If Daqing could safely navigate this crisis, it might welcome a wise ruler for a prosperous era.
Amid the silence, Duke Dingguo spoke. "Your Highness, please calm your anger. The most pressing matter now is appointing a successor commander to prevent any lapse at Shou'ai Pass."
The Crown Prince snorted lightly and sat back down, his tone cool. "The Grand Tutor speaks wisely. Do any of you have suitable candidates?"
The military officials exchanged glances, those who thought themselves potential candidates already sweating.
The civil officials subtly let their gazes drift from one person to another, weighing whom to push forward for this hot potato.
"I volunteer to go.A somewhat low voice suddenly rang out. Everyone looked up in surprise. Who was this...?
The Crown Prince stared blankly at the Heir who had stepped forward. He had considered this—when he found no military officer capable of taking over, he had thought of the Heir. He had also anticipated someone might propose him. The one scenario he hadn't expected was for the Heir to step forward voluntarily before anyone else had spoken.He was the Regent, the Heir, the Commander of the Seven Constellation Bureau—a man standing above all but one, a noble son who should avoid perilous situations. He could have easily refrained from placing himself in such danger, yet he stepped forward without needing persuasion, even before many had considered him.
Duke Dingguo’s feelings were complex. Deep down, he was reluctant to see one of the rare capable members of the royal family take such a position, but... there was no one else to rely on!
For a long while, the vast hall remained silent, as if even the sound of breathing had softened.
"Crown Prince, you..." The Crown Prince cleared his throat lightly, "Have you considered this thoroughly?"
Gu Yanxi’s lips curled as he spoke words that shamed the military officials, "Apart from myself, I cannot think of anyone else fit to succeed General Sun."
The assembled military officials felt both embarrassed and relieved, silently urging the Crown Prince to agree quickly. And indeed, the Crown Prince had no choice but to nod. Both publicly and privately, he had no reason to object.
In the imperial study, the Crown Prince looked at the Heir, whose expression was always unreadable, and managed a faint smile. "To be honest, I feel relieved. If it were anyone else, I’d worry about having to immediately select another successor."
"Please dispatch reinforcements swiftly, Your Highness. I will depart in two days."
"Brother Heir, rest assured, I will give you my fullest support at court."
Gu Yanxi believed this. His confidence in taking on this mess stemmed from his certainty that his rear would remain secure. Gazing at the still-unfolded topographic map, he said, "The late Emperor intended for Duke Dingguo and me to govern, one handling internal affairs and the other external. Duke Dingguo’s loyalty is beyond doubt, but you must remember, Your Highness, that ambition is often fueled by others. Do not make this grave mistake."
"I understand. The Grand Tutor has already reminded me."
Hearing the title, Gu Yanxi subtly reflected before continuing, "Although the late Emperor decreed that the Grand Tutor should not participate in politics, the duty of guidance inherently falls to them. Some matters can hardly be considered political interference."
"I understand, Brother Heir. Do not worry—I will protect the Grand Tutor."
Who was protecting whom remained unclear. Familiar with A Zhi’s temperament, Gu Yanxi did not voice this aloud. He nodded and added, "If turmoil arises in the capital, heed the Grand Tutor’s counsel. Should others oppose, reflect on the Grand Tutor’s character. Since her rise, despite bearing many wounds, a closer look reveals her near-flawless foresight—she has never lost a single game. Now, under greater pressure and responsibilities, she will not act rashly. But if she does move, it means she has detected something. Trust her more."
The Crown Prince listened intently and solemnly agreed. He knew this was the Heir’s earnest entrustment.
"One more matter."
"Please speak, Brother Heir."
"Ling Wang’s residence may be involved in suspicious activities."
The Crown Prince’s eyes widened. Ling Wang’s residence?
"This is still under investigation. The Grand Tutor will monitor it. If confirmed, you may need to intervene with Grandmother, and it must not be linked to A Zhi."
Understanding the gravity, the Crown Prince nodded promptly. "I know what to do. Is there anything else I should prepare?"
Gu Yanxi stood tall and bowed deeply. "No matter when, please watch over the Grand Tutor a little more. Her health can no longer endure further turmoil."The Crown Prince stepped forward to help the person up. "I promise you, I will do everything in my power to protect the Grand Tutor."
"Your servant thanks the Crown Prince."
"Heir, please don’t humble me like this. You saved the nation from peril—if I were to refuse this matter, I would be no better than a beast." The Crown Prince smiled bitterly. "Does the Grand Tutor know about this?"
"She has guessed it."
Indeed, how could someone as intelligent as the Grand Tutor not have guessed? That was why she had entered the palace yesterday to request permission to visit the Hua family’s ancestral Library. The Crown Prince did not even know how to face the Grand Tutor anymore.
PS: Apologies for the revisions up until now, but at least I didn’t break my promise.
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