Chapter 314

It was already noon, and sunlight streamed in through the window carved with coiling dragons.

Gu Kang stared fixedly at the essay before him, which was precisely the examination paper he had submitted in this spring imperial exam.

At this moment, the places circled in vermilion by the imperial brush were precisely Gu Kang's views on the political ills of the Southern Qi dynasty.

He couldn't help but feel a slight stir of thought; indeed, regarding the corrupt governance of the Southern Qi court, he had discussed these matters these days with his teacher, Mr. Wen.

Although most of it was his own opinion, it also mixed in Mr. Wen's ideas; Mr. Wen had always believed that the Southern Qi government had deteriorated to the point of needing thorough reform to give the people a clear and bright sky.

At the time, Gu Kang had reservations before writing this essay, but since the current court had proposed such a topic, it also showed a determination for reform.

Gu Kang then listed the ills of the Southern Qi over these years one by one, and added his own views.

When expressing his views, he extensively cited precedents from previous dynasties and the sayings of sages, making his arguments well-founded and reasonable. He did not think there was anything wrong with what he said, but he never expected that, at this moment, the Hongqing Emperor would, because of this essay, summon him alone to the palace, leaving Gu Kang somewhat uneasy.

He respectfully bowed his head to the Hongqing Emperor and replied, "Your Majesty, this essay was written by this humble subject."

The Hongqing Emperor sat upright on the dragon throne; having suffered from insomnia these days, his complexion was slightly wan, his cheeks hollowed, which only accentuated the austere aura about him.

"Your maternal grandfather, Old Master Du, has had some connection with me."

Gu Kang's mind stirred; why would he suddenly bring up his maternal grandfather?

Yet at this moment he did not understand what the Hongqing Emperor meant, nor did he dare to speak; he simply lay prostrate on the ground, listening silently.

The Hongqing Emperor picked up Gu Kang's other examination papers and lightly felt along their edges.

Only then did he lift his gaze to the kneeling youth before him; his eyes swept over Gu Kang's facial scar, involuntarily furrowing his brows, his expression somewhat displeased.

Had it not been for Mr. Wen's strong support, Gu Kang would certainly not have had the qualifications to take the spring examination; after all, his appearance had been ruined to such an extent before the sage, naturally evoking disgust.

Yet at this moment, Gu Kang's essay suppressed the Hongqing Emperor's dislike for him; he was not particularly fond of talent, but he now urgently needed a blade—a blade that could pierce the eight great clans.

Seeing that his days were numbered, his sons—especially the third prince, whom he most admired—had become what they are now.

The eldest son, the Crown Prince, although possessing strategy, has a character that is indecisive and hesitant.

The sixth son has some literary talent, but is extremely weak; he holds no sway in the military and has recently grown close to Xiao Yin.

Few of the remaining sons are capable of shouldering responsibility.

In this situation, if it continues, the Xiao family's vast territory will surely fall into the hands of the eight great clans.

Know that even Xiao Yin now is stirring with ambition; each time he thinks of this, the Hongqing Emperor feels suffocated in his chest, and he now needs a tool to carry out killings everywhere on his behalf.

Upon seeing Gu Kang's name, he immediately recalled the knife of Old Master Du from over a decade ago—the very blade he found most useful; alas, even the finest knife can sometimes be disobedient.

He never expected that, after Old Master Du's death many years ago, his grandson would be able to write such a piercing critique of contemporary ills, which caused the Hongqing Emperor's thoughts to shift slightly.

I have always felt affection for your maternal grandfather; it's a pity he died so early. I still hope to wait until the world is at peace, then take a few close friends to behold this prosperous realm.

"I never expected him to leave so early, which leaves me feeling deeply grieved."

Gu Kang hastily bowed his head, not daring to say anything.

The Hongqing Emperor waved his hand, set aside the sorrowful topic, looked at Gu Kang kneeling on the ground, gathered his composure, and slowly said, "Today I summoned you to ask you a few questions."

"You mentioned more than once in your examination paper the ills of our Southern Qi governance; today I wish to hear you elaborate in person."

Gu Kang was momentarily dumbfounded, not knowing why the Hongqing Emperor had summoned him.

Could it be because this essay angered the dragon countenance?

After all, in the essay he criticized the Southern Qi nobility everywhere; perhaps he had offended many, and he had even prepared to lose his head here.

Yet the Hongqing Emperor shifted his tone and actually asked him to speak of the Southern Qi's ills; Gu Kang's mind stirred, he slowly lifted his gaze to face the emperor and, word by word, said, "This humble subject dares to say that, speaking of the Southern Qi's maladministration, the foremost ill is the eight great clans..."

Time flowed slowly, the sun's shadow gradually slanted westward; seeing that Gu Kang had entered the Hall of Nourishing the Heart, it had already been over an hour.

Moreover, Gu Kang, summoned by the emperor into the Hall of Nourishing the Heart, had not heard any news for a long time.

Gu Jiu Ling also received the news that Gu Kang had been taken into the palace, and her heart tightened with anxiety.

That old scoundrel Hongqing Emperor is a rascal, a shameless rogue; I have no idea what his intention is this time in summoning my brother.

Logically, my brother is worth less than weeds in the Hongqing Emperor's eyes; I truly cannot fathom his thinking.

Gu Jiu Ling thought it over and felt that if the Hongqing Emperor intended to deal with her brother, it would inevitably involve her as well.

After all, these days she and Xiao Yin have together caused many obstacles for the Hongqing Emperor, yet she and her brother have long since severed their relationship in front of many people.

Although their relationship has been mended in private, to outsiders they appear as incompatible as water and fire.

At this moment, if the Hongqing Emperor were to use her brother to punish her as a sister, it would seem inappropriate.

She cannot simply storm into the palace; for now she can only seek Xiao Yin.

Moreover, only Xiao Yin can easily come and go from the court; seeing that so much time has passed without news of her brother, Gu Jiu Ling is anxious, quickly dresses and heads toward the eastern garden.

It was already evening, not a day when Xiao Yin attends court.

Moreover, she had just heard that Xiao Yin had just returned; this time, regardless of whether he wants to see her, she must see him.

After all, she had once saved Xiao Yin's life; even out of gratitude, he ought to help her bring her brother out of the palace.

Gu Jiu Ling dressed, taking Yun Duo and Jiu Yue, and went straight to the outside of the eastern garden.

This time she again saw many unfamiliar guards; their attire did not resemble that of the prince's mansion, giving the impression of martial artists.

Gu Jiu Ling couldn't bother with all these trivialities; she now only wanted to tell Xiao Yin whether he could enter the palace to inquire about news of her brother.

Gu Jiu Ling directly stormed into the eastern garden, not expecting the guards at the gate to raise their hands and stop her.

Gu Jiu Ling's face darkened; she is the consort of the Prince Rui, and even if Xiao Yin currently does not wish to see her, she remains the lady of this household.

How? Does she no longer have the freedom to come and go within the Prince Rui's mansion?

Previously it was not like this; she also does not think Xiao Yin is guarding against her—could he be afraid she will steal his household?

"Consort, please halt; the prince is receiving guests!"

Gu Jiu Ling coldly replied, "I have an urgent matter of great importance to see the prince; please grant me a moment."

After speaking, Gu Jiu Ling strode forward with her belly held; the guards blocking her did not dare to forcibly detain the consort, hurriedly entering to report to the prince.

Unexpectedly, Gu Jiu Ling walked straight through the moon gate of the eastern garden; Xiao Yin was not in the study, and she proceeded toward the inner courtyard.

From afar she heard that familiar burst of laughter and chatter, and Gu Jiu Ling's face grew even colder.