Read Novel Full Chapter 145 144
145: 144 145: 144 It took a lot of effort for the prime minister to finally persuade the old imperial physician to open the carriage door again.
An injured tongue was still an injury, and it seriously affected one’s ability to eat.
After much pleading, Gu Ai managed to stop the imperial physician from leaving in a huff, personally and respectfully escorting him into the Prime Minister’s residence, all the while enduring the old man’s grumbling, “Young people love to make such a fuss,” and “What haven’t I seen before, old as I am?” By the time the old man finished scolding him, Gu Ai was covered in cold sweat.
The Prime Minister’s residence was littered with tied-up elite guards, all of them in awkward positions on the floor.
Upon seeing the prime minister return, they hurriedly turned over and knelt, choking back sobs to beg for forgiveness.
… Gu Ai’s headache worsened.
Hearing Lu Chengru describe the scene was one thing, but seeing it for himself was genuinely shocking.
Gu Ai ordered the servants to untie the guards and let them go.
Under the respectful gazes of the elite guards, he led the little prince back to the bedroom.
It took a lot of persuasion before he managed to coax the old physician inside as well.
“It’s just a minor injury.
No medicine is needed.
Apply cold compresses today and switch to warm ones tomorrow.
It’ll be fine after ten days or so.” The old physician finally remembered why he was there.
He examined the marks left by the punishment on the little prince’s back, and seeing that they were hardly serious, he confidently wiped his hands with a wet cloth and picked up his medicine box.
“If you want it to heal faster, I’ll send over some blood circulation medicine to drink and rubbing alcohol to improve circulation.
Use it for three to five days, and it’ll improve.” Lu Deng barely felt any pain, but Gu Ai listened attentively.
He respectfully thanked the old physician, helped the little prince sit up and dress, and told him to stay still.
He then escorted the physician outside.
Now that they were in the safety of the Prime Minister’s residence, there was no need to hold back in their conversation.
As they walked, Gu Ai hesitated momentarily before lowering his voice, “Physician Ge, Chengru… injured his tongue.” This sounded quite odd.
Gu Ai paused before continuing, “Do you have any medicine to help it heal faster…?” The old physician’s eyes widened, “You want me to treat that?” An injured tongue was still an injury, and as the upright prime minister, Gu Ai saw no reason why it shouldn’t be treated.
He looked back at the physician earnestly and nodded.
His gaze was so righteous and sincere that the old physician found himself speechless.
Swallowing the words “whoever bit it should take care of it,” he resignedly pulled a few packets of medicine powder from his medicine box and shoved them into Gu Ai’s hand.
“Apply this before bed.
Hold it on the tongue overnight, and after a few days, it will heal… But, honestly, Prime Minister… have some dignity!” You even made the poor boy bite his tongue!
The old physician shook his head in exasperation as he looked at the prime minister, his expression filled with disappointment.
Gu Ai didn’t know what the old physician was disappointed about, so he assumed he was being scolded for allowing Lu Chengru to be publicly punished.
Feeling a cold melancholy, he sighed softly, “You’re right, Physician Ge.” … Right about what?
The old physician stroked his beard for a long time, unsure of what to say.
Just as he was about to offer some profound advice, he heard Gu Ai chuckle bitterly and say, “In hindsight, I realize I was too hopeful and indecisive.
If I had been more decisive earlier, Chengru wouldn’t have suffered so needlessly.” Hearing something amiss in his tone, the old physician frowned and finally understood what was happening, “Wait… that’s what you’re worried about?” Gu Ai blinked in confusion, “What else?” The old physician sighed heavily.
After gathering his thoughts, the old physician waved dismissively, “Don’t worry about it.
I heard about what happened in court today.
The emperor is extreme and stubborn, not at all like a wise ruler.
As a minister entrusted with the care of the empire, you should think of a plan.
After all, you still have something in your hands, don’t you?” The two had known each other since the previous emperor’s reign.
The old physician had witnessed how the Crown Prince’s rise to the throne, thus had little respect for the current emperor.
Not bothering to be discreet, he glanced meaningfully toward the bedroom as he spoke.
“When the time comes, use it.
Today’s events were just an inevitable trial of your reforms.
You couldn’t avoid it, but if your little prince is ever used against you again, you’ll only have yourself to blame.” His tone was casual, his expression calm, but his words were nothing short of treasonous.
The prime minister remained unmoved, deep in thought, as he stared at the corner of the hallway.
His eyes gradually darkened.
But he didn’t correct the old physician’s use of the phrase “your little prince.” Having said all that needed to be told, the old physician prepared to take his leave.
As he reached the door, he turned back and added slowly, “He’ll have to sleep on his stomach for the next few days.
You’d better watch him at night to ensure he doesn’t roll over.
As for the medicine for his tongue, if he applies it himself, who knows if it will even work…” The implications were clear.
The prime minister stood there, stunned.
His heart skipped a beat, and he quickly called out, “Physician Ge, wait…” But Physician Ge did not stop.
He picked up his medicine box, and with a respectful bow, he left the residence.
That evening, the little prince sipped his porridge with a hint of grievance.
The Prime Minister’s residence spared no expense in preparing even a simple bowl of porridge.
It was made with rich broth, finely minced vegetables, and shredded meat.
Everything was cooked with medicinal herbs as a nourishing dish.
After cooling it slightly, the porridge was brought to the little prince just as Gu Ai arrived at the door.
For once, Gu Ai wasn’t reviewing documents.
Holding a basin of ice water and a cloth, he stood by the door.
When the servant brought the porridge, Gu Ai took it from him, “I’ll handle this.” Alas, the little prince had been wronged today.
So it was only right that the prime minister personally look after him.
The servant obeyed, retreating to a distant corner to stand at attention, lowering his head while standing vigil, maintaining perfect discipline.
Something about the entire residence felt strangely off today.
Gu Ai stood there in thought for a moment, unable to make sense of it, and shook his head as he entered the room with the porridge.
The little prince was lying on the couch, flipping through a book.
His back was carefully wrapped in a cloth, and his refined features were relaxed and peaceful.
Hearing the door, he looked up with a bright smile and tried to sit up.
“There’s no need to rush with the study.
Eat first.” Meeting the clear, warm gaze of the little prince, Gu Ai’s heart softened.
He set the things in his hands aside, sat on the edge of the couch, and gently helped him sit up, “I had them cook it until it’s very soft.
It may not look great, but it should taste all right.” The injury wasn’t severe, but Gu Ai insisted on caring for him personally.
Lu Deng knew he had given Gu Ai quite the scare during the day, so he didn’t struggle.
Leaning obediently against the faint scent of ink on Gu Ai’s collar, he looked up with a smile, “Don’t worry, Sir.
I’m not in any pain at all.” “Sir is not worried.” Gu Ai smiled at him, scooped a spoonful of porridge, and blew on it carefully before offering it to Lu Deng.
“Try it, but be careful not to hurt your tongue.” Lu Deng reached up to take the spoon, but seeing the seriousness in Gu Ai’s expression, he let go and obediently took a bite of porridge.
Gu Ai moved slowly and patiently, feeding him one spoonful at a time with the utmost care as if performing an important task.
After finishing the entire bowl of porridge, Lu Deng gently tugged on Gu Ai’s sleeve, “Sir, is there something on your mind?” The little prince’s gaze was clear and calm, filled with concern.
Gu Ai, feeling warmth in his heart, thought of the old physician’s advice and was suddenly struck with a vague sense of awkwardness.
He averted his gaze.
Even when the reform had been on shaky ground, Gu Ai had never shown such uncertainty.
Seeing this, Lu Deng grew even more worried.
Sitting up straight, he looked at Gu Ai seriously, “Sir, is there some trouble?
I won’t make things more difficult, so… please tell me.” “It’s not… trouble, exactly.” As bedtime approached, Gu Ai reached into his sleeve and touched the packets of medicine.
Gritting his teeth, he steeled himself and said, “Chengru, your tongue is injured and needs medicine.” Surprised by the sudden change of topic, Lu Deng blinked in confusion and nodded.
Gu Ai added, “Physician Ge gave me medicine to apply before bed.” It made sense.
Staying still while sleeping would help the healing process.
Lu Deng blinked again, meeting Gu Ai’s cautious gaze, and nodded once more.
Taking a deep breath, Gu Ai said, “Sir… can I help you apply it?” Halfway through nodding, Lu Deng’s eyes widened.
Lu Deng: ?!!
Upon realizing what the prime minister’s words entailed, the little prince instantly turned beet red, and the cold compress on his back practically steamed from the heat.
… The prime minister nervously applied the medicine to the little prince’s tongue.
… The prime minister anxiously coaxed the little prince to sleep.
The moonlight was cold but cast a soft glow on the thick, warm white fur blanket.
Gu Ai sat by the bed, carefully ensuring that Lu Chengru didn’t roll over and hurt his back.
His gaze fell on the boy’s peaceful, closed eyes, and his heart skipped a beat for the first time.
From that day onward, Gu Ai never touched a single document from the court.
When someone else is in charge, everything continues to function normally, and nothing seems out of the ordinary.
But this time, the person who usually oversaw everything had taken a hands-off approach, and the entire system fell into disarray.
The six ministries that handled affairs related to the reform were relatively unaffected, but the noble families who had opposed the new policies were clearly struggling.
The Internal Affairs Ministry encountered unexpected problems, with no one available to manage or dispatch orders.
Even within the palace, payroll and allowances were riddled with errors.
The emperor, unwilling to humble himself before Gu Ai, hastily assigned officials to fill the gaps, but they were unprepared and faced fierce resistance from the noble families.
They found it impossible to manage without Gu Ai’s calm and steady hand.
Court affairs grew increasingly chaotic, and the emperor became more irritable by the day.
In frustration, he abandoned his pretense of humility and severely punished several leading noble officials, sparking an even fiercer backlash from the nobles.
At the grand court assembly, the noble families joined forces to pressure the emperor.
They accused the Crown Prince of misconduct and violation of the law, plunging the court into complete turmoil.
The pointless argument had dragged on for nearly four hours.
The little prince, who had been brought to the assembly early in the morning, finally couldn’t help but yawn.
His figure swayed as he rubbed his eyes, struggling to stay awake and stand upright.
Gu Ai glanced over and saw the little prince, drowsy and unable to stand, swaying on his feet.
Discreetly, he shifted to the side.
During these days of taking a backseat, although Gu Ai hadn’t officially resigned, the court had assumed he had lost interest in power, and no one considered him a real threat.
The ongoing struggle between the noble families and imperial authority left him overlooked.
The arguments kept circling the same points, and the outcome was already predictable.
Gu Ai paid no further attention to the proceedings, using the distraction of the crowd to move closer to his little prince.
Lu Deng, still trying his best to stay awake, found his eyelids growing heavier.
The court had started before dawn, and on most days, Gu Ai would quietly come and go without disturbing the young prince’s rest.
Accustomed to his usual routine, Lu Deng was now finding it hard to adjust to the early start.
His entire body felt sluggish, and all he wanted was to crawl back into bed for a good sleep.
Just as he was about to collapse, a familiar scent of ink wafted over him.
Lu Deng’s heart skipped a beat, and he instinctively looked up, meeting Gu Ai’s gaze.
His eyes widened, “Sir…” Gu Ai gently motioned for silence, smiling as he stopped him from speaking.
He led the little prince over to a spot near one of the court pillars, where he helped him lean against it.
Above them, the debate raged on, but many of the officials below were already distracted.
Several had noticed the prime minister’s uncharacteristic behavior and were watching with curiosity.
They stared in shock as the normally serious and dignified prime minister openly pampered the little prince.
Just as they were about to whisper among themselves, Gu Ai’s stern gaze swept over them, and they all instinctively fell silent, bowing their heads obediently.
Satisfied, Gu Ai patted Lu Deng’s hand, signaling that it was safe to rest.
He stood protectively in front of him, shielding him from view, and remained quietly in place.
Meanwhile, the court was in complete disarray.
The Crown Prince, caught in the middle of the conflict, fiercely argued with the noble families.
The First Prince looked on with a sneer while the Third Prince was focused on secretly eating his breakfast.
The younger princes hid nervously behind their appointed tutors, too frightened to say anything lest they attract the attention of the emperor or their elder brothers.
The argument dragged on for five hours.
Lu Deng, leaning against the pillar, managed to nap twice.
When he groggily awoke to the sound of shouting, he saw that the emperor had just overturned the jade seal on the table and stormed out in anger.
The princes had all disappeared, likely following the emperor.
Some officials stood in stunned silence while others hurriedly left the hall.
Gu Ai quickly helped the little prince to his feet.
Seeing his startled expression, Gu Ai patted his head reassuringly and smiled, “It’s nothing serious.
Don’t worry, we’ll head back to rest now.
I had them make some peach blossom soup for you.
It’ll be ready when we get home.” He didn’t lower his voice, so the surrounding officials overheard him clearly.
They couldn’t help but rub their eyes in disbelief.
The prime minister, whose mere presence could silence the entire court, now wore a gentle expression, while the supposedly unruly little prince appeared soft and well-behaved.
Hand in hand, they left the hall, chatting as they went.
The two made no effort to hide their affection, their voices drifting intermittently into the ears of the onlookers.
“…Is it sweet?
The peaches we found the other day were just ripe…” “Yes, Sir, had them add honey.
Try it and see if you like it.
If not, I’ll have the kitchen change it.” “Will you eat some too?
I’ve wanted the stuffed dumplings we talked about the other day…” “If you do well with your studies, Sir will make them for you when we get home.
Okay, okay, it’s a promise… No, no need to hook pinkies…” The officials watched in stunned silence as the two walked away, laughing and talking, a strange sense of absurdity creeping over them.
Gu Ai didn’t care about the stares from others.
Smiling indulgently at the little prince’s insistence on a pinky promise, he gently took his hand and tucked it into his sleeve as they walked out.
“Sir, won’t go back on my word; it’s a promise.
Even if you don’t finish your studies, Sir will still make the stuffed dumplings for you.” Hidden under the wide sleeve, the prime minister’s fingers hooked lightly around the little prince’s, drawing a bright, clear smile from his dark eyes.
With a warm expression, Gu Ai led him all the way out of the hall, along the secluded path reserved for officials, and toward their carriage.
But just as they reached it, Lu Deng tugged on his sleeve, stopping him.
The little prince stood still, a hint of wariness in his eyes.
Gu Ai paused, turning slightly, “What’s wrong—” Before he could finish speaking, Lu Deng pulled him back, shielding him as an iron arrow shot past, grazing his shoulder and embedding itself deep in the carriage, its fletching still quivering.
“Chengru!” Gu Ai’s heart sank.
He called out urgently, but Lu Deng calmly reassured him, “I’m fine.” Pulling Gu Ai behind the carriage for cover, he grabbed a decorative sword and engaged the assailants in combat.
In the days since his recovery, the marks from the punishment had faded entirely, and Lu Deng had fully adapted to his new body.
He had dodged the arrow just in time, so only his clothes were torn.
Though Gu Ai stood nearby, the attackers seemed to ignore him, focusing solely on Lu Deng.
However, Lu Deng quickly gained the upper hand and skillfully slashed down two or three of the black-clad men.
Glancing back at Gu Ai, he suddenly hesitated.
These men were after him.
… If they were targeting him, that made things easier.
The little prince’s eyes curved into a quiet smile, the worry turning into a sharp edge.
He engaged the attackers with renewed ferocity without holding back, drawing them further away from Gu Ai.
Gu Ai met his gaze, his heart sinking further.
He hurried forward, “Chengru, come back!” Lu Deng had no time to respond, pinned by a double attack from two black-clad men.
Forced to the ground, a third attacker moved in to strike but was intercepted by the sudden sweep of the prime minister’s sleeve.
The attacker hesitated, pulling back his sword just as Gu Ai’s sharp voice rang out.
“Stop!
Who gave the Silver Feather Guard the audacity to attack a member of the royal family in broad daylight?” Caught off guard by the revelation of their identity, the black-clad men hesitated, looking at Gu Ai in confusion.
The confrontation came to an abrupt halt.
The Silver Feather Guard was the emperor’s personal guard, tasked with protecting the royal family.
However, due to the many enemies Gu Ai had made during his reforms, they had also been assigned to protect the prime minister.
Since the late emperor had never rescinded the order, the guard was still bound to obey Gu Ai’s commands.
Seeing the men falter in response to his words, Gu Ai felt no relief.
Instead, his heart grew heavier.
So, it had come to this after all.
After checking Lu Deng over and ensuring he was unharmed, Gu Ai glanced at the black-clad men but said nothing.
Taking Lu Deng by the hand, he marched straight to the imperial study, only a street away.
“Prime Minister!” The leader of the black-clad men hurried after him, calling out in alarm, “Prime Minister, please don’t act rashly!
The emperor specifically ordered that no harm come to you…” “He wants me alive so he can have me executed by slow slicing, doesn’t he?” Gu Ai laughed coldly, unconcerned, as he accepted the sword Lu Deng handed him.
With the little prince in tow, he stormed into the imperial study, cutting through the intricately carved sandalwood doors with a single strike.
Inside, the emperor and several of his sons were gathered.
“Insolence!
Gu Ai!
Your behavior grows more outrageous by the day.
If you continue to act so recklessly…” The Crown Prince rose in anger and stepped forward, but the emperor raised a hand to stop him.
His voice was calm.
“Prime Minister Gu, do you have something to say?” Gu Ai stood still, his gaze fixed on the emperor.
After a long pause, he finally spoke, “There has been an assassination attempt on Prince Yi.
I’ve come to report it to Your Majesty.” As soon as he finished speaking, the Crown Prince let out a derisive snort, his expression full of contempt.
Gu Ai remained impassive, his eyes still locked on the emperor.
After a long silence, the emperor nodded, “Yes.
It is I who ordered the attack.” “Imperial Father!” His words immediately drew shocked stares from the princes.
But the emperor merely raised his hand dismissively, his gaze turning to Lu Chengru, “I’ve heard rumors… rumors that my Imperial Uncle is secretly plotting rebellion, inciting the people and colluding with officials.
The evidence is undeniable.
For the sake of the royal family’s reputation… Does this explanation satisfy you, Prime Minister?” “Why not say outright that you want to eliminate Prince Yi so the noble families can use my death to inflame public outrage, and you can wipe them all out?” Gu Ai’s voice was cold as he pulled out a chair for Lu Chengru and gestured for him to sit.
“Is that it?
Are you getting impatient for my death?” “Prime Minister, I am not playing favorites!” The emperor’s expression darkened as he rose to his feet, his voice icy, “Since Prince Yi became close to you, Prime Minister, have you done anything beneficial for the country or its people?
You obstructed punishment, bent the rules in court, and all for a mere fifteen strokes!
If not for Prince Yi, the reform would have been completed by now, and you know it!
Are you truly willing to let all your years of hard work be overturned…” “You’re mistaken, Your Majesty.” Gu Ai smiled faintly, cutting him off with a voice devoid of warmth.
“Who has truly obstructed the reform, and who has been indulging the noble families?
You know the answer, Your Majesty.
If you had trusted me since the beginning, the reform would have been completed long ago.
But because you’ve been playing one side against the other, you’ve reached a point where you can’t control the situation.
And now that I’ve decided to survive, you’re finding it difficult to manage.” The emperor glared at him, his face pale and his eyes cold.
“The reform is on the verge of completion, and I don’t intend to let it fail now.
But I’m also no longer willing to throw my life away so easily.” Gu Ai lowered his gaze, his tone calm, “If we work together, the reform will succeed.
Are you willing to accept that?” “What if I refuse?” The emperor sneered, his eyes gleaming with malice as he rose abruptly, “Guards!
The Prime Minister is conspiring with the royal family to commit treason.
Arrest Prince Yi and throw him in the dungeon!
Take the Prime Minister to the marketplace and execute him by slow slicing!” The emperor’s long-held resentment had finally boiled over, and in front of his sons, he no longer bothered to maintain his composure.
His expression twisted with hatred as he added coldly, “Don’t worry, Prime Minister, I’ll make sure they cut out your tongue first.
The people will still believe that the noble families forced you to your death.
I’ll ensure the reform is completed, so your efforts won’t go to waste…” There was a commotion outside, but no one rushed in.
The Silver Feather Guard, bound by the late emperor’s decree to protect Gu Ai, now found themselves torn between conflicting orders.
Unsure of which command to follow, they hesitated and remained where they stood.
The emperor’s face contorted in rage as he stared at the guards, his eyes filled with fury.
“This is a difficult situation.
Because I’m not ready to die, and I won’t let Prince Yi die for me either.” The thought that he had once seriously considered going along with his own execution by slow slicing in order to ensure the reform succeeded filled Gu Ai with a bitter chill.
He released a soft sigh and pulled a sealed imperial edict from his robes, slowly laying it on the table.
“It seems I have no choice but to do as Your Majesty suggested and conspire with the royal family to commit treason… Third Prince, would you be interested in becoming emperor?”