Chapter 1342: Chapter 1178: Honeyed Words, Sword in the Belly

"Mr. Gu!"

Gu Chengyu heard someone calling him, and he quickly turned around to see it was He Jisheng. He smiled slightly and walked over to greet him.

"Why does Senior Brother act so distantly with Junior Brother? Let’s address each other as fellow apprentices!" Gu Chengyu glanced at He Jisheng, noticing the cheerful and gentle smile on his face. He couldn’t help but think to himself that this person always knew how to adapt to different people.

Previously, Gu Chengyu didn’t want to give the important task of welcoming the envoys to He Jisheng. However, He Jisheng was the Minister of the Ministry of Rites, which was essentially his responsibility. Besides, he was ultimately his senior brother, and if Gu Chengyu made this too obvious, there would definitely be gossip among the court.

"Ah, Junior Brother is now of higher rank than Senior Brother, which makes me nervous when I see you. Etiquette cannot be neglected! But since Junior Brother still values me, I can’t refuse. Let’s address each other as fellow apprentices!"

He Jisheng’s eyes were gleaming with shrewdness, and although he reminded himself to befriend Gu Chengyu as the times had changed, he couldn’t help but feel envious and jealous.

Noticing the bitterness in He Jisheng’s words, Gu Chengyu didn’t mind. After all, they were not on the same path, so why hold a grudge? Later on, they would maintain appearances for the sake of their teacher.

"Senior Brother, you are too polite. Why should we be strangers? Have the arrangements for the envoy from Da Xing been made?" Gu Chengyu changed the topic, unwilling to engage in friendly pretense with He Jisheng, whose sweet words concealed a sharp tongue.

"The arrangements have been made. Do you know if the Emperor will summon the envoy tomorrow?" He Jisheng looked at Gu Chengyu with a probing gaze. It had been a while since the court had a morning audience. Now, with Gu Chengyu at the helm of politics, rumors were abound that the Emperor might be unable to attend public affairs.

As for why he was unable, wasn’t it obvious? Yet now, Gu Chengyu wielded nominal power, and whenever doubts arose, a Holy Decree or the Emperor’s edict would quell them, leaving the courtiers infuriated but helpless.

But these courtiers were not to be underestimated. They awaited the arrival of the Da Xing envoy, hoping to see if the Emperor would appear. If the Emperor continued to remain out of sight, they would not hesitate to intrude upon the palace.

"The Emperor’s health has gradually improved these past two days, and he will naturally attend tomorrow. Da Xing’s envoy this time is led by their Seventh Prince, and we must show sincerity, mustn’t we? Third Senior Brother, they’re here specifically for inter-country relations, and the Ministry of Rites must not slack off. Any misstep could affect our relations, and that would be our fault. After all, our lifelong wish as ministers is for people to live in peace and avoid warfare."

Since He Jisheng wanted to know, it was no harm in telling him. The Emperor was aware of his difficult position, and to quell the court’s rumors, the Emperor would attend the meeting with the envoys despite his illness.

"Oh! Is the Emperor’s health about to recover? Thank heavens. In that case, I have nothing to worry about. However, I heard that this Seventh Prince of Da Xing is a nephew of yours. What a coincidence!"

As He Jisheng walked alongside Gu Chengyu out of the palace, a fleeting cold smile appeared on Gu Chengyu’s lips upon hearing this.

"Oh, has Senior Brother heard about that? I hadn’t anticipated it myself; life’s unpredictability, who could have thought he had such an identity? But now, with his changed status and position, it’s not appropriate to reconnect. It would put him in a difficult position. Third Senior Brother, just regard him as a Prince of Da Xing, maintain respect and etiquette, and say no more. After all, I’ve heard his situation in the Da Xing court is somewhat challenging."

Gu Chengyu smiled, a hint of warning in his eyes directed at He Jisheng. He hoped this Senior Brother wouldn’t stir up trouble behind his back, or he would not honor their teacher any longer.

"Is that so? Perhaps he still cherishes old ties; why should Junior Brother keep him at a distance? The Seventh Prince even inquired about you when he saw me!" He Jisheng’s face bore slight disapproval, speaking as if Gu Chengyu was being overly cautious, in stark contrast to the other’s straightforward attitude.

"Senior Brother! Since he is now a prince of Da Xing, naturally lines have been drawn. Although the two countries have intentions to establish relations, negotiations have yet to conclude. Before that happens, being too close with him isn’t wise. Please, Senior Brother, be prudent and don’t cause trouble for yourself or the court. My words have reached their limit; I hope you take them to heart."

Gu Chengyu was deeply averse to He Jisheng’s insistence on this matter. When meeting the envoys, he naturally included Gu Wanqian, but they only exchanged gestures like strangers.

He believed Gu Wanqian also didn’t want to recall the past, given his current status as a prince, overseeing family affairs back at the Gu Mansion wasn’t honorable. Why should Gu Chengyu lower himself to curry favor? Given his current court stature, it was unnecessary.

He Jisheng’s expression stiffened; this Junior Brother truly gave him no face. He glanced around and, seeing no one, finally calmed down.

No matter how dissatisfied he was with Gu Chengyu, he still composed himself, wearing a worried expression.

"What are you talking about, Junior Brother? It’s just a pity that you and your nephew were close, and now suddenly distant. Moreover, have you heard the rumors about you in the court? It’s frustrating, and even though I’ve tried to defend you, their malicious speculations persist, truly despicable."

"I have heard about it, but Senior Brother need not concern himself. Who doesn’t speak of others behind their backs? Who hasn’t been spoken of? It’s the nature of officialdom, so why bother with them? I act with integrity and fearless of rumors!"

His conversation with He Jisheng was filled with attempts at probing and stirring discord, and his patience had worn thin.

"Senior Brother! I leave the reception of the envoys to you then. I must go and report the recent affairs of the court to the Emperor, so I’ll take my leave first!"

"Please, Junior Brother, attend to your duties. Farewell!" He Jisheng saluted and watched Gu Chengyu’s figure fade into the distance, letting out a cold snort.

...

"Jinyu! After the meeting with the envoys tomorrow, proceed promptly with opening trade at the border once inter-country relations are established. The National Treasury is empty and cannot sustain for long." The Emperor, weakly leaning on a pillow, had lips slightly chapped, his complexion had improved, yet appeared pale without any color.

"Yes!" Gu Chengyu nodded, pouring a cup of tea and handing it to the Emperor, adding a drop of spiritual spring water.

He wasn’t wrong; long-term use of spiritual spring water strengthens and revitalizes the body, but for the Emperor, it merely prolonged his days!

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.