Chapter 877 - 713: Just How Much Do They Hate Me?

Chapter 877: Chapter 713: Just How Much Do They Hate Me?

"What do we do if we don’t go back? Do you think those people will let us go? The fact that we’ve returned safely to the capital is already a blessing."

Gu Chengyu wanted to roll his eyes, but isn’t this the proverbial ’blessing in disguise’?

If it weren’t for these events, Lu Chen wouldn’t have left Hejian Prefecture.

And on the surface, I didn’t get the treasure map, so naturally, I couldn’t just let it go. Otherwise, it would be hard to explain to the Emperor!

This gave him an excuse to return to the capital; he had truly had enough of Hejian Prefecture.

"Even though we’ve uncovered many cases of corruption and bribery among officials, the Emperor might not appreciate it, right?"

Actually, thinking about it, the Emperor originally sent them to retrieve the treasure map.

But Gu Chengyu and his companions ended up uncovering those matters, making the priorities unclear.

Although in others’ view, corruption and bribery are much more significant than the treasure map, the Emperor might not think the same!

"Enough! Didn’t you investigate before? Several groups have already withdrawn, and the treasure map probably reached the capital long ago. What’s the point of staying in Hejian Prefecture? Although we didn’t get the treasure map, our achievements this time aren’t minor! Even if there’s no achievement, there’s still hard work!"

Gu Chengyu comforted Lu Chen slightly, not feeling guilty even though the treasure map was already in his hands.

If Lu Chen had obtained the treasure map, he would have done the same.

"Well, I suppose we can only take it one step at a time."

Lu Chen, thinking of facing his father and grandfather back in the capital, and more importantly, facing that person, couldn’t help but feel irritated.

After three days, Gu Chengyu finally returned to the capital.

Gu Chengyu held up the treasure map, bringing it close to his eyes.

"Sigh!" He sighed faintly.

Through the hole in the treasure map, he saw the Green Jade Wen Chang Tower on the opposite antiques rack.

The hole was too large, right? Gu Chengyu put the treasure map down on the desk, noticing that half the map had been burnt.

The originally marked treasure location had been burnt into a small hole; this half compared to the intact half beside it was simply unbearable to look at.

Gu Chengyu felt a bit helpless; handing something like this over to the Emperor, is it really okay?

"Master! It’s burnt like this; will the Emperor blame you?"

At this point, Ming Yan couldn’t help but speak up, feeling quite regretful himself.

"Yes! If the Emperor is unsatisfied, then we’ve worked in vain." Ming Yan also looked worried.

Ming Yan thought about the master’s experiences in Hejian Prefecture, the toil and strain. Not only having to guard against outsiders making moves but also protecting against Lu Chen. Obtaining this treasure map wasn’t easy.

Gu Chengyu put away the treasure map, "I failed to accomplish the task the Emperor gave me; that can only mean it’s my dereliction. If this costs me the opportunity for promotion, then it’s not a big deal. I’m still young, and there are plenty of opportunities in the future. I’ll visit the palace tomorrow to see the Emperor’s attitude!"

Actually, if Gu Chengyu had acted earlier, perhaps things wouldn’t have been so bad.

However, he hadn’t expected anyone to make a move and fire that arrow.

This person was either foolish or deliberately causing trouble.

But since the incident happened, there’s no need to brood over it.

There’s no medicine for regret; in one’s life, one will miss many views. If every time is full of regret and remorse, wouldn’t one live their entire life in sorrow and regret?

"Has Doctor Li returned to Jingyuan Prefecture?"

Gu Chengyu left in a hurry and hadn’t had time to mention anything about Doctor Li to his fourth brother.

"Not yet!" Ming Yan shook his head and replied.

Gu Chengyu frowned; it’s been over a month. Doctor Li was eager to return before; why is he not in a hurry now?

"Has anything unusual happened recently?" Gu Chengyu pondered whether Mrs. Yao planned something.

"No, even Doctor Li’s wife is calm; both are as usual. Only Miss Yao visited the clinic twice, met them and chatted about everyday affairs."

"Hmm! Keep a close watch on them; report every move to me."

Gu Chengyu nodded, temporarily putting the matter aside.

"Master! Outside, Mr. Zhu has arrived." Steward Chen approached the study and reported to Gu Chengyu.

Gu Chengyu slapped his forehead; he had forgotten about Zhu Pang’s wedding.

"Did you send a gift for Mr. Zhu’s wedding?" Gu Chengyu hurriedly asked Steward Chen, though he had already prepared the gift and instructed Steward Chen before.

"Master, rest assured, the old servant sent the gift over on the day itself."

"Hmm! Quickly let Mr. Zhu in!"

"Hmph! Gu Chengyu, you finally showed up. Do you still recognize me, Zhu Pang?"

Zhu Pang stormed into the study angrily, eyes wide open, making his round face look even more like a bun.

Gu Chengyu touched his nose, feeling somewhat embarrassed.

He had missed Zhu Pang’s wedding, but he had his reasons, didn’t he?

"I’m sorry! My fault." Gu Chengyu bowed sincerely, his expression very solemn.

No matter what, he had promised to attend before, but now failing his word, he had to apologize.

Besides, not being present at a friend’s wedding was a regret.

Zhu Pang was initially very angry, but seeing Gu Chengyu’s sincere apology made him feel embarrassed.

He knew Gu Chengyu not attending definitely had something going on; he couldn’t blame him.

"Hmph! You are sensible!" Zhu Pang pouted and plopped onto the armchair.

"They say you were ill; nonsense! You may be frail, but even a cow wouldn’t knock you down so easily!"

Originally seeing Zhu Pang’s anger dissipate, Gu Chengyu relaxed, but Zhu Pang’s words left him speechless.

"People are not immune to illness; nobody can avoid it," Gu Chengyu replied casually, though aware he couldn’t fool Zhu Pang.

No! To be precise, he couldn’t fool many people.

"Where have you been? You disappeared for a month, and there’s been wild speculation in the capital!"

Zhu Pang curiously glanced at Gu Chengyu, crossed his legs, and ogled at him.

"Oh? What’s being said? Do tell."

Gu Chengyu chuckled lightly and took a sip from his teacup.

"All sorts of things. Some say you really were sick; others say you were slaughtered by angry tea merchants."

Zhu Pang found it amusing and eagerly shared it with Gu Chengyu as a joke.

Gu Chengyu was aghast; how much did these people hate him? Imagining him killed is downright hilarious.

"But the most credible is that the Emperor assigned you a secret mission, and you left the capital." Zhu Pang straightened his posture, speaking seriously.

His gaze lingered over Gu Chengyu, assessing his expression, and then he wore a smile.

"Stop hiding it from me. This matter is known among families like ours. Secret or not, there’s no wall that doesn’t let air through."