Chapter 435: Two Great Filial Sons

Hong Yi took this step with great boldness.

But Hong Yi felt this step was worth taking.

To see the Emperor’s annotated copy of the Wu Jing, to see the Emperor’s views on Hong Xuanji, Hong Yi was among the few in this court who truly understood the Emperor’s mind—and now, his denunciation of Hong Xuanji was already etched in the Emperor’s heart.

“Yan Zhenzong has been your brother for many years.”

Gu Qing held the Li Jing in hand, heartbroken and stern, saying: “Your intentions are corrupt, your spirit unsteady; this talk of ruler and subject, father and son, is nothing but a trick to deceive others…”

As he spoke, Gu Qing casually tossed the Li Jing down—it landed with a rustling sound at Hong Xuanji’s feet.

Years of effort, ruined at the brink of success.

Hong Xuanji picked up the Li Jing, his face dark with rage, lowering his eyes to gaze at this little brat, Hong Yi. After denouncing him, his expression remained calm, utterly indifferent to Hong Xuanji’s humiliation.

“Your Majesty.”

Hong Xuanji hardened his heart and said: “Your servant and Yan Zhenzong were once brothers, but now we are enemies—all because I pledged myself to the Great Tang, while Yan Zhenzong clings to the fallen Yang Pan dynasty. I’ve heard that Yan Zhenzong now leads the remnants of the Dalaopai, trafficking people in the south, and some say he conspires with the foreign Yunmeng…”

Hong Xuanji refused to become a laughingstock of the Tang court; more importantly, he could not afford to be in the wrong—it would hinder his martial progress. So he seized three parts of the argument, shifting all blame onto Yan Zhenzong.

Gu Qing stroked his chin, watching Hong Xuanji.

“Your servant humbly begs Your Majesty to grant me the chance to eradicate the Dalaopai and bring Yan Zhenzong before you, to prove my innocence.”

Hong Xuanji pledged.

This was precisely: let the other Daoist die, not the poor Taoist.

“Your personal quarrel has dragged itself into state affairs.”

Gu Qing waved his hand lightly and said: “We will discuss this after the banquet.” As he spoke, Gu Qing rose and walked slowly to Hong Yi’s side.

The strongest man of this age drew near—even though Hong Yi had mentally repeated “stillness, stillness, stillness,” his body trembled with excitement. Just as he was about to raise his head and speak, Gu Qing swept aside his robe and draped it over Hong Yi’s shoulders.

In that moment, Hong Yi’s heart quaked. He raised his eyes and felt Gu Qing lift his hands—his entire body was drawn involuntarily to stand beside Gu Qing.

Earlier, when he denounced Hong Xuanji, Hong Yi admitted he had gambled. But now—he had won.

“Hong Yi, are you Hong Xuanji’s son?”

Gu Qing asked, though he already knew.

“Your Majesty—”

Hong Yi’s eyes filled with tears of emotion. This act of removing one’s robe and offering food was an ancient tale of virtuous kings. Now, with the Emperor’s robe upon him, he felt such honor—he longed at this moment to offer his heart and liver, to serve Gu Qing with all he had.

“I am Hong Xuanji’s son.”

Hong Yi replied: “But I learned to read because of Your Majesty’s free academies; I trained in martial arts because of Your Majesty’s promotion of the Wu Jing. As for the Hong household—it is merely a place I sleep. I must add that in the Hong household, I suffered cruel treatment…” He hurried on, fearing Gu Qing would think him unfilial: “In ancient times, the sages taught: cultivate oneself, regulate the family, govern the state, bring peace to the world. Yet Hong Xuanji fails to cultivate himself, and rules his household without mercy…”

Hong Xuanji’s face darkened with rage, standing to one side, unable to step forward and argue.

Earlier, Hong Xuanji had shifted blame onto Yan Zhenzong to avoid becoming a laughingstock. Now, Hong Yi had exposed his faults before the Emperor—and once again, Hong Xuanji became a laughingstock.

Moreover, Hong Yi had denounced him first, and before the Emperor himself. Hong Xuanji dared not argue with him, fearing the matter would spiral further—if Hong Yi revealed more of his secrets.

“I see.”

Gu Qing looked at Hong Xuanji, deeply disappointed.