Chapter 1222: Chapter 1058: You Think You Can Kill Him?
"Who is your master?" Itâs a tumultuous time, and Gu Chengyu doesnât meet just anyone.
"Youâll know when you arrive, itâs not convenient for me to say."
"If you donât say who your master is, how could my master possibly go?" Ming Yan glanced at the other, dressed in a simple disguise, clearly attempting to conceal his identity.
Sneaky behavior like this indicates that the master is likely not a straightforward person; otherwise, why not reveal their name?
The man in disguise shot an unhappy look at Ming Yan but held his tongue, "Mr. Gu, my master says thereâs an urgent matter to discuss, and requests that Mr. Gu must attend."
After saying this, he turned and left.
"Hey? That person, how could he just leave like that?" Ming Yan was speechless. Whose servant was this to be so arrogant and disrespectful to his master?
"Forget it, letâs head back to the mansion. How are the funeral arrangements for Auntie Li and Ding Shiba?" Gu Chengyu was pondering who exactly wanted to meet him, knowing well it couldnât be Prince Jing.
Prince Jing wouldnât act so directly; with his style, there would be more twists and turns, making it unavoidable.
Gu Chengyu couldnât help but recall his recent encounter with Prince Gong. Was it him? After all, he had previously spoken of wanting to share a drink together, but they had no prior interactions, so it seemed unlikely?
He furrowed his brow; oh well! No matter who it is, he would have to meet them eventually.
As it approached late afternoon, the sky was already darkening. Gu Chengyu changed into a simple, elegant cross-collared robe and headed towards the Mingxiang Pavilion.
Just as he stepped into Mingxiang Pavilion, the teahouseâs shopkeeper came to greet him.
"Are you Mr. Gu?"
Gu Chengyu nodded slightly; it seems they had been informed ahead of his arrival, unaware of his true identity.
Mingxiang Pavilion, much like his Yuanxiang Tea House, remains open until the curfew. Ever since his tea house hired storytellers and opera singers, other tea houses quickly followed suit, making it a favored place for those with wealth and leisure.
"Indeed!"
The shopkeeper apologized and gestured for an attendant to escort Gu Chengyu to the second floor.
Two strong men were standing guard outside a private room. Seeing Gu Chengyu, they quickly saluted him, "The master has been waiting for you for a long time, please enter!"
"I knew Mr. Gu would be punctual!" The moment Gu Chengyu stepped into the room, he heard a familiar voice inside.
"I greet Your Highness!" Gu Chengyu recognized Prince Gong and immediately bowed in respect.
"Mr. Gu, you donât seem surprised to see me. With no outsiders here, thereâs no need to stand on ceremony, please sit!" Prince Gong smiled slightly, a strange glint in his eyes.
Prince Gong was a royal prince, yet instead of staying by the Emperorâs side, he came here. He must have found some excuse, though he shouldnât be able to stay long regardless.
"Time is tight for me, so Iâll get straight to the point. I know that before my father passed away, he called you to his bedside and entrusted you with his final words, perhaps even a will, am I right?"
Prince Gong stared intently at Gu Chengyu, scrutinizing every subtle expression on his face, missing not a single detail.
Gu Chengyu remained composed, "No, he did not!"
Repeat a lie enough, and it becomes a natural truth. Thatâs what he said in front of the Empress and Crown Prince. No reason to change his stance in front of Prince Gong.
Despite the oppressiveness of Prince Gongâs gaze and demeanor, Gu Chengyu remained unafraid.
"Mr. Gu, letâs speak candidly. Who does the Emperor truly wish to inherit the throne? You should be aware. With the Emperorâs trust in you, can you really bear to betray him?"
Prince Gong didnât want to circle around the issue. Gu Chengyuâs mere attendance here indicated some dissatisfaction with the Crown Prince.
"Before the Emperor passed, he only instructed me to assist the new Emperor well. Nothing more," Gu Chengyu felt uneasy facing Prince Gong. Perhaps the poor impression from their first meeting left a lingering discomfort.
Prince Gong observed Gu Chengyu for a long moment, "Mr. Gu, if a deserving personâs chance is taken away and given to the unworthy, do you consider that fair?"
Prince Gong hoped Gu Chengyu would choose him, but Guâs behavior suggested resistance. His interaction was even less amiable than with the Fourth Prince.
Donât assume there are no connections between Fourth Prince and Gu Chengyu. Despite their rare communications, he still sensed some tacit understanding, attributed to his intuition.
"I donât know what Your Highness is referring to. Regardless, the Crown Prince is the legitimate heir. In five days, His Highness will ascend the throne, and everything will be settled."
"No! What the Crown Prince offers, I can too. Think it over carefully. I assure you, should you change your mind, come to me. I wonât turn you away and will fulfill any of your needs, save the supreme throne."
Prince Gong felt he was transparent enough and showed utmost sincerity, even at the risk of exposing his motives.
Facing Gu Chengyu, he even refrained from referring to himself as "this prince."
Gu Chengyu was taken aback by Prince Gongâs frankness; this was not his usual demeanor. His strategies were on par with Prince Jingâs.
As for Prince Gongâs promise, Gu Chengyu was equally surprised. Did Prince Gong value him so highly? He was unaware.
"Jingyuan Prefecture might not be as prosperous as Jiangnan, but itâs not far behind. Your Highnessâs days on your estate should not be lacking, why take the risk? I have been out for too long today, and with relatives passing within the family, I must return soon. I shall take my leave now."
Gu Chengyu came to confirm if Prince Gong was the one behind this. Now confirmed, he didnât wish to waste further time, unwilling to maneuver among the heirs, which was exhausting.
With Prince Jing balancing the Crown Prince, the situation was set. Juggling between contenders could easily lead to ruin.
Prince Gongâs face turned ashen. What did Gu Chengyu mean? Was he suggesting Prince Gong should remain content on his estate and not harbor such ambitions?
Gu Chengyu stood, paid his respects to Prince Gong, and moved to exit the room.
"Gu Chengyu! You treat my goodwill like worthless trash." Prince Gong glared, teeth clenched, at the ungrateful young man.
"Calm yourself, Your Highness. As a subject, I only serve the new Emperor!" Gu Chengyu said as he opened the private roomâs door.
Two men outside immediately blocked the exit. Gu Chengyu turned to face Prince Gong, his hand gently brushing against his waist.
Seeing Gu Chengyuâs guarded stance, Prince Gongâs face worsened. After a moment, he waved his hand, "Let him go!"
Without looking back, Gu Chengyu left Mingxiang Pavilion. Today was a mistake. Had he known Prince Gong intended to win him over, he wouldnât have come.
Prince Gong watched the tall silhouette gradually disappear in the lantern-lit marketplace, his eyes filled with frustration.
"Your Highness! Since he values his life so little, keeping him will only obstruct us, why not..."
A ferocious elder behind made a throat-slitting gesture, causing Prince Gong to turn and glare at him.
"Do you think you can kill him?"