Chapter 1196: Chapter 1032: Makes So Much Sense
"Why would the Prince say such words? The Crown Prince certainly wouldnât force a humble subject; asking me is merely to show me some courtesy! Whether I should go to guard the border, I shall naturally await the new Emperorâs arrangement."
As for any last words, Gu Chengyu chose to ignore them. It seemed Prince Jingâs eagerness to see him today was also influenced by this.
Today, as he just left the teahouse, he noticed a somewhat familiar figureâit was the attendant from the teahouse they visited last time midway to Jiangnan.
With little pondering, Gu Chengyu realized the mastermind behind this person was either Prince Jing or Prince Gong.
Seeing the person lingering before the teahouse today, he was certain this individualâs master was Prince Jing. For Prince Jing was known for such tactics; if it were Prince Gong, he would have directly sought someone to invite him.
After all, Prince Jing acted with caution and had profound cunning, with deep meaning behind every action. He favored cryptic schemes, with one interlocking the other, requiring those interacting with him to be more thoughtful.
Regarding Prince Gong, since his mother was the Princess Consort Jing, she ranked only below the Empress in the harem, indicating a significant status.
Moreover, the Emperor particularly favored Prince Gong, deeming him most alike in character, thus nurturing his proud and domineering disposition.
Two different natures naturally lead to completely different styles of doing things. Gu Chengyu came to meet tonight because he needed to see Prince Jing.
New Emperor? Prince Jingâs eyes couldnât help but light up; indeed! Gu Chengyu was not satisfied with his second elder brother.
"Mr. Gu possesses exceptional civil and military talents, unafraid of othersâ schemes. Yet, those petty people often linger before Mr. Gu, which can be rather vexing. Mr. Gu, I am eager for talent, naturally holding you in high regard. But my second brother has many supporters around him and likely doesnât hold you in such high esteem, or else he wouldnât ask if youâre willing to guard the border today."
In truth, Prince Jingâs intention in saying this was clear; the Crown Princeâs regard for Gu Chengyu was evident from todayâs actions.
Gu Chengyu lowered his gaze, understanding this reasoning, but what of it? Generations of Emperors are notoriously indifferent; how many eminent ministers remained to enjoy prosperity and wealth after an Emperor ascends the throne?
Take the Empressâs family for instanceâthe Lang Family, what has become of them now? Even the "Red Book Iron Certificate" exchanged with the lives of many clansmen couldnât be preserved.
And today, despite Prince Jingâs humble approach toward him, could he ensure he would be treated the same if he ascended the throne? The answer was naturally negative.
Gu Chengyu always adhered to one principle: as long as thereâs use for you, you wonât be cast aside. To these princes vying for succession, he was but a pawn!
Yet he no longer wished to obediently play the part of a pawn; he needed to consider his own interests. Who ascends the throne ultimately, and who can hold it firmly, are matters for the future; itâs too early to decide now.
Who said he must pledge allegiance to one person? Regardless of whom he chose, he wouldnât let them eliminate threats one by one; only thus could he rest assured.
"The Prince says so much, merely to wish me to switch allegiance! However, regrettably, I only serve the Emperor, unwilling to partake in these struggles. The Crown Prince is the rightful heir to the kingdom, and naturally, I will serve the Crown Prince."
"Ha! Mr. Guâs intention is to assist whoever ascends the throne, correct?"
Prince Jing was thoughtful; this Gu Chengyu was indeed cunning. In essence, it meant whoever becomes Emperor was indifferent to him.
Just speaking such words revealed contradictions; Gu Chengyu was currently serving the Crown Prince, wanting to retreat without getting involved? This idea was overly naive.
"It is the duty of a subject."
"Surely Mr. Gu has been busy with official duties these days; I wouldnât wish to delay your time. Let me ask you one last time: under what conditions would Mr. Gu agree to assist me? Whatever you demand, as long as I can accomplish it, I shall certainly not decline."
Prince Jing realized Gu Chengyuâs thoughts; it seemed Gu Chengyu held no true loyalty toward his second brother, serving him because he was the Crown Prince, and nothing more.
Gu Chengyu smiled lightly at Prince Jing, "Prince, Iâve always understood your sincerity, but do you know why I refuse to agree to help you?"
Prince Jing, observing Gu Chengyuâs indifferent demeanor, remained silent for a moment before saying, "Isnât it merely because my foundation is too shallow, lacking family support, with few court officials backing me? Now banished by the Emperor to the desolate Fengqing Prefecture, the chance of success is rather slim."
Having said this, Prince Jing laughed softly, a hint of bitterness in his smile.
"Yes, but not entirely!" Gu Chengyu took up the teapot, refilling a cup for the Prince.
Prince Jing appeared somewhat surprised; what did this mean?
"Prince possesses remarkable strategies, with unparalleled endurance and resourcefulness in this court. Yet precisely because of the Princeâs overly calculating nature, when plotting becomes habitual, it casts doubt over your sincerity. Perhaps those who merely follow orders wonât think so much, but anyone possessing insight fears being calculated by the Prince."
Being with someone like Prince Jing, who plans three steps ahead, requires constant vigilance against being schemed; itâs exhausting.
Excessively favoring scheming detracts from sincerity in treating others. Just now when Prince apologized to Gu Chengyu, it made Gu Chengyu doubt if there was another purpose.
Once people feel frequently schemed against, they wonât readily trust that individual again.
Prince Jing, hearing this, was stunned; he hadnât expected this to be the reason Gu Chengyu rejected him.
Yet, thereafter, he bitterly smiled, "If I werenât calculating and planning, Iâd have long been devoured."
Suddenly, he coldly laughed, "Mr. Gu, donât you find youâre no different from me? Speaking of my fondness for scheming, what about yourself? I reckon from the moment you open your eyes each day, youâre calculating people; isnât that true?"
Gu Chengyu raised his head to look at Prince Jing, speechless for a while, then the two fell silent.
Damn it, he actually found Prince Jing quite reasonable! Wasnât he indeed scheming between each blink?
Yet what of it? Two scheming minds together make for difficult harmony.
"Regardless of Mr. Guâs plans, I still wish to accommodate Mr. Gu. Even if an alliance fails today, it doesnât mean it cannot succeed in the future."
Gu Chengyu raised an eyebrow, what new scheme had Prince Jing thought of?
"That assassin who attempted on the Crown PrinceâMr. Gu hasnât identified the mastermind behind it yet, have you?" Prince Jing smiled mysteriously.
"Indeed not. Does the Prince know who it may be?"