Chapter 40

The impact of this matter is truly unimaginable.

Liu Hu is the Emperor!

His change in attitude toward Gu Xi will stir ambition in others.

Looking across the court today, who among them does not envy Gu Xi's illustrious status?

In the past, when ruler and minister were united, these men naturally dared not harbor disloyal thoughts.

But now it is different.

Liu Hu's reaction has led many to sense an opportunity; the storm in court and among the people has reignited.

Of course, under this uncertain situation, no one is willing to be the first to step forward.

Yet the long-dormant "return of power" controversy has begun to spread through the court.

——But this time.

Gu Xi's stance is resolute.

Hou Fu.

Deng Zhi regarded Gu Xi with solemn expression and asked in a low voice: "Grand Tutor."

"To this point in the court's situation, will you merely watch passively?"

"If you are truly dismissed one day, where will the Deng clan and the Gu clan turn to?"

Deng Zhi is now unquestionably Gu Xi's confidant.

He is Deng Sui's elder brother, a man of exceptional talent and deep favor from Gu Xi.

He might as well be said to be on the same boat as Gu Xi.

Now that he sees the court shifting, he is naturally alarmed.

"Zhao Bo, do not panic."

Gu Xi's expression remained calm, speaking softly.

How could Deng Zhi remain composed?

He glanced left and right, as if wanting to say something but hesitating.

Gu Xi watched him calmly.

Deng Zhi hesitated for a long time, as if finally making up his mind, about to speak.

But before he could utter a word, Gu Xi cut him off: "Zhao Bo, do not speak words that would tarnish the reputations of our ancestors."

Instantly, Deng Zhi's expression froze.

His lips twitched, yet he ultimately held back the words he wished to say, sighing instead.

"Rest assured."

Gu Xi spoke again: "The Son of Heaven will not harm me."

"And as long as I remain."

"The Crown Prince will surely ascend the throne."

When he spoke these final words, Gu Xi's tone grew sharply heavier.

Deng Zhi paused, then gave a slight nod, bowed to Gu Xi, and rose to withdraw.

The course of events did not surprise Gu Xi.

Though countless officials in court awaited Liu Hu's next move.

But Liu Hu had no such intention.

Since that day he curtailed the Gu clan's authority within the Central Army, he had reverted to his former self.

He still entrusted state affairs to Gu Xi.

He sat contentedly upon the dragon throne, indulging daily in pleasure.

Everything seemed unchanged.

Yet everything had changed.

Everyone could sense that the once harmonious bond between ruler and minister between Liu Hu and Gu Xi was gone.

In truth, Gu Yi could understand Gu Xi's current mindset.

His options were few.

By now, his power had even surpassed that of Gu Kang in his prime.

Yet the issue of succession was even more severe than Gu Kang's had been.

Who was the successor Gu Kang faced?

——Gu Liang.

Even if Gu Liang fell short of the very top talents, his ability was unquestionably among the finest.

It was merely that the Gu clan had become too illustrious.

Had he been born into a minor clan, he would not have propelled the entire family to greatness, but he would have certainly lifted it up.

And at that time, the Son of Heaven was still Liu Da!

It was a perfect starting hand.

And now, what of Gu Xi?

His power is greater, the Gu clan's successor is severely lacking in ability, and the Son of Heaven is still Liu Hu.

Under these circumstances.

His only path is to protect Liu Bao, relying on this bond of loyalty to safeguard the Gu clan's interests.

As for Deng Zhi and others imagining a move like Huo Guang's—deposing the emperor.

Even if Gu Xi truly could accomplish it.

But as soon as he dies, the entire Gu clan is doomed to plummet from the clouds immediately, even if it avoids annihilation thanks to the prestige of its ancestors.

To regain momentum again, no one knows how long it would take.

Gu Xi clearly harbors this very thought.

In fact, this is already the best possible course of action at present.

The Gu clan's ambition has always been for ten thousand generations, not fleeting momentary satisfaction.

His action can be said to have reduced the entire family's risk to the absolute minimum.

As long as he can withstand the storm.

Truly help Liu Bao ascend the throne.

Then all this turmoil would clearly not be any problem at all.

The shift in public sentiment is destined to intensify over time.

Empress Yan would naturally not let go of any such opportunity.

Liu Hu promoted Yan clan youths in succession, causing her prestige as Empress to grow day by day.

Many ministers secretly began to lean toward her.

Human ambition is destined to never be satisfied.

Previously, Empress Yan had greatly feared Gu Xi, but as time passed, she could no longer resist the temptation of power and turned her thoughts toward Gu Xi.

Beigong.

"Your Majesty, the Crown Prince has not paid his respects to you for a long time now, having stayed at the Marquis of Guancheng's mansion."

"Could it be that the Crown Prince holds a grudge against you?"

Empress Yan's sudden words once again shattered Liu Hu's good mood.

His eyes once again filled with anger; after a moment of silence, he said: "The Grand Tutor told me."

"The Crown Prince suffered some fright."

"Presumably his body has not yet recovered—this matter need not be dwelled upon."

In truth, Liu Hu did not fully believe Empress Yan; he still had his own judgment.

He had merely reclaimed some military authority because Empress Yan's earlier words had rekindled his sense of insecurity.

But to ask him to sever ties completely with Gu Xi—

He simply could not bring himself to do it.

Hearing this, Empress Yan sighed softly, gazing at Liu Hu with pity: "Your Majesty is truly magnanimous; your favor toward the Grand Tutor is evident even to heaven and earth."

Liu Hu's gaze sharpened; after a pause, he sighed gently: "The Grand Tutor was entrusted by Emperor Xiaohe."

"Recalling those days—"

"When I was young, Emperor Xiaohe showed me great favor."

"The Gu clan's ancestors across generations have rendered Great Merit to our Great Han."

"Empress, from now on, do not concern yourself with the Grand Tutor."

"The Grand Tutor is old."

"In time, perhaps he will request to retire."

With that, Liu Hu sighed deeply again.

But immediately after, Empress Yan's expression suddenly changed; that familiar hesitation reappeared on her face.

"Your Majesty… your servant…"

Liu Hu immediately frowned and asked: "Why are you acting like this again?"

"Your servant has heard a secret… but I dare not speak it." Empress Yan's voice trembled.

Yet the more she hesitated, the more curious Liu Hu became.

He fixed his gaze tightly on Empress Yan, his eyes growing sharper: "Speak!"

"Your Majesty."

Empress Yan swallowed hard, took a deep breath: "Do you still recall the incident when Lord Yewang drowned?"

Lord Yewang was Wang Sheng.

Liu Hu held deep affection for this wet nurse.

Soon after Deng Sui's death, once he gained some power, he posthumously honored Wang Sheng as Lord Yewang and granted her family rewards.

Gu Xi did not interfere in this matter.

Someone like Wang Sheng truly did not merit his attention.

Upon hearing this, Liu Hu's expression turned deadly serious; even murderous intent flickered in his eyes.

In an instant, he seized Empress Yan, his voice growing harsh: "What exactly happened?"

"Your Majesty."

Empress Yan's face twisted with fear; she bowed her head, trembling: "Your servant has heard… Lord Yewang's drowning was no accident."

"It was ordered by the Grand Tutor, carried out by Marquis of Chaoxiang, Zheng Zhong."

Earth-shattering revelation!

Liu Hu's face turned instantly pale.

He seemed struck by some blow, frozen stiff in place.

Empress Yan still bowed her head, her voice growing more frantic: "This… this is news I uncovered within the inner palace."

"The eunuchs and palace maids who once served Your Majesty—"

"After being sent out of the palace by Zheng Zhong, nearly all were murdered by his men."

"Only one eunuch escaped."

Those sent to kill him feared punishment from Zheng Zhong, so they falsified the report, allowing the eunuch to escape and ascend to heaven.

He was none other than Lord Yewang's former attendant.

This is what he told me.

Liu Hu's expression grew increasingly grim, even his breathing turning rapid.

Bring him here!

Bring him here!!

I will question him myself! I will question him myself!

His emotions seemed on the verge of collapse, as he screamed incessantly.

Yan Ji appeared to have prepared for this all along.

She immediately ordered someone to bring the man in.

Not long after, an elderly eunuch with white hair was brought in.

Liu Hu stared intently at him.

Though the man was now past his prime, Liu Hu still recalled fragments of old memories.

It truly was the eunuch who once served him!

"Your Majesty!"

The moment the eunuch entered the palace, he fell to his knees, voice trembling with emotion: "Your humble servant bows before Your Majesty!!!"

Speak!

What really happened back then!

Liu Hu stared at him coldly: "If you dare deceive me, I will not spare you!"

"Your humble servant would never dare deceive Your Majesty."

The old eunuch trembled uncontrollably, pressing his head hard against the ground: "Back then, I was ordered to serve beside Your Majesty..."

"After the Grand Tutor visited Your Majesty that day, I overheard him summoning the Grand Eunuch Zheng Zhong."

"The next day, we were all reassigned out of the Beigong and expelled from the imperial court."

"Then we were hunted down, and Lord Yewang drowned in the river."

Each word struck like thunder in a clear sky, exploding instantly in Liu Hu's ears.

When the old eunuch finished speaking,

Liu Hu staggered suddenly, nearly collapsing to the ground.

"Your Majesty," Yan Ji rose quickly and supported Liu Hu.

But Liu Hu pushed her away without hesitation, his mind seemingly unhinged, roaring: "Where is Zheng Zhong? Where is Zheng Zhong?"

"Your Majesty!"

Yan Ji wept: "Zheng Zhong has long been dead!"

Dig up his corpse!

Flog his body a hundred times! Expose it to the sun in the wild!

Issue an edict!

Strip Zheng Zhong of all his titles and ranks; exile his adopted family and kin!

At this moment, Liu Hu was like a furious lion, unleashing all his rage.

"Also, summon immediately all sons of the feudal princes aged seven to fourteen to the capital!"

"Immediately!!!"

Yan Ji's eyes instantly lit up with delight.

This decree was unmistakable!

Liu Hu intends to depose the Crown Prince!

He means to sever all ties between the Son of Heaven of the Liu clan and the Gu clan!

The edict was swiftly dispatched.

Liu Hu's mood remained abysmal; the blow to him was too great.

It had stirred up every lingering unease within him.

To him, Gu Xi was no longer merely a minister who threatened his throne.

He was now a threat to his very life.

How could he rest easy?

Yan Ji soothed Liu Hu continuously, her fingers instinctively stroking him.

But in the next instant,

Liu Hu, as if struck by some sudden thought, lost all control—blood gushed from his mouth, and he collapsed outright.

"Your Majesty!"

Yan Ji's face turned pale; she hurriedly lifted Liu Hu: "Summon the imperial physicians immediately!!!"

She was truly panicked.

Should Liu Hu suffer any mishap, all her support would vanish.

Even if she became Empress Dowager,

what good would that do?

In the past, Empress Dowager Dou, despite the so-called filial piety that spared her life from Liu Zhao,

was not she effectively imprisoned within the palace?

This was the critical moment.

Yan Ji did not want any accidents to occur.

Her thoughts raced instantly, and she remembered something—she hurriedly added, "Remember!"

"Under no circumstances must the ministers learn of this."

"Quickly, summon the Marquis of Changshe to the palace at once!"

The Marquis of Changshe was Yan Xian.

He was also her brother, currently in command of the Imperial Palace Guards.

Not long after.

Yan Xian rushed in, looking at Yan Ji's panicked face and asking, "Empress, what has caused such alarm?"

"Your Majesty—Your Majesty spat blood and fainted."

Yan Ji's face was pale.

She had never imagined things would reach this point.

Upon hearing this, Yan Xian's expression changed instantly; he hurriedly asked, "What did the imperial physicians say?"

"The imperial physicians are still examining him."

"I've already suppressed the news, but the Grand Tutor, though he never meddles in palace affairs, may not be able to keep it hidden much longer."

Yan Ji recounted everything that had just happened.

Yan Xian's expression grew even darker.

He clenched his teeth tightly, angry: "The great matter is on the verge of success—how could an accident arise now?"

"Empress, rest assured."

"I will guard the palace; no one shall enter."

Yan Ji nodded, her eyes holding both hunger for power and a trace of panic as she fixed them on Yan Xian: "No matter what—"

"As long as Brother can hold the palace—"

"Even if Your Majesty truly meets with misfortune… we can still—"

She did not continue, but the meaning behind her words was unmistakable.

Yan Xian's expression gradually turned serious.

He fell silent for a moment.

Then he gave a slight nod.

"Good."

The issuance of these two edicts was earth-shattering.

——The court and realm were thrown into uproar!

Liu Hu's political signal was far too obvious.

Exhuming and whipping Zheng Zhong

Summoning the heirs of the feudal princes to the palace…

And completely bypassing Gu Xi!

What did this signify? Who could fail to see?

Immediately, many ministers came to find Gu Xi, hoping he would stop this.

Such an edict was not what everyone wished to see.

The succession is of paramount importance.

Moreover, Liu Bao has already passed the age of early mortality.

At this moment, Liu Hu's edict was bound to trigger upheaval in the court and realm.

Gu Xi's expression was also grim.

He had truly never anticipated that, after so long, this would still provoke such massive change.

Originally, he had suppressed this matter to prevent Liu Hu from developing resentment.

That was why he chose to bury it.

He had never expected this day.

In truth, this was due to Gu Xi's nature.

He had enjoyed power since childhood; confidence had become ingrained in his bones.

Many things seemed trivial to him—naturally, this included many people.

Just a few eunuchs—why would he pay them special attention?

This nature was both good and bad.

The good part was that Gu Xi had the courage to face anything—even when confronting natural disasters, he could declare he would win half a move against Heaven.

The bad part was precisely this now.

The current situation had utterly exceeded Gu Xi's expectations.

Yet he did not act impulsively.

The Gu family's moral code did support Gu Xi in doing many things.

But for the sake of his family's plan for ten thousand generations,

he decided he must first go see Liu Hu.

But as expected,

Yan Xian had barred everyone from entering the palace.

And the excuse he had devised was clearly well-considered.

It was that Your Majesty was in a rage and refused to see anyone.

This was something no one had anticipated.

But it seemed to have caused Gu Xi to make certain decisions.

He merely took a long look at the tightly shut palace gates, his gaze growing increasingly sharp at this moment.

(End of Chapter)