I’ve Got this Cannon Fodder’s Back

146: 145 146: 145 The third prince was caught off guard, looking up in shock, only to see the crown prince had already stepped forward, “Gu Ai!

How dare you!

I knew you had rebellious intentions all along.

Now, that your treasonous heart is fully revealed, let’s see how you plan to deny it!” “Stop there!” The Emperor spoke harshly, interrupting the crown prince and casting his gaze at the decree on the table, his eyes flickering uncertainly.

Gu Ai remained calm, even helping the young prince by pulling out a chair and guiding him to sit, then pouring him a warm cup of tea.

“Minister Gu.” The Emperor stared steadily at the folded decree, his voice hoarse.

“What is this?” Gu Ai glanced at him and raised his hand to open the decree, but the Emperor stopped him, pressing firmly on it.

The Emperor, who had just seemed as ruthless as if he would stop at nothing, now had bloodshot eyes fixed on Gu Ai, his chest heaving, his gaze filled with a hint of fear.

“It’s something this minister intended to take to the grave.” Gu Ai dropped his gaze, his tone calm and unperturbed.

He handed the sword he was holding to Lu Chengru, gently moved the Emperor’s rigid hand aside, and slowly unfolded the decree.

“Take your time, Your Majesty.

I also have other things here.

If you feel this is insufficient, I’ll take them out for your careful consideration.” As he spoke, a white jade token flashed in his palm.

He was about to open his hand when the Emperor’s gaze shrank, and he raised his voice sharply, “That’s enough!” That jade token had a name.

The Royal Silver Feather Guard, consisting of seventy-two elite fighters who guarded the royal family in secret, was solely commanded by the bearer of the Silver Feather Order.

Each emperor would wear the order, prepared for emergencies.

Many thought it was lost after the late emperor’s death, but it had been in the hands of Gu Ai, the current prime minister, all along.

Gu Ai paused, giving the Emperor a meaningful look before putting the token away.

Besides these, he also controlled a private army—although they could easily be subdued by the young prince, it was formidable enough to hold its ground against the imperial guards.

The late emperor had indeed given him ample means for self-protection.

He had initially kept these hidden because the new laws needed a sacrifice.

As the originator of the new laws, questions about his motives, whether he left loopholes or held self-serving intentions, would always linger, even if unspoken.

Gu Ai had been willing to let the Emperor incite others to turn on him, not only because the nobles attacking the throne would undermine stability but because he sought the ultimate success of the reforms.

If the originator of the new laws perished due to them, the authority of the law would be unassailable, with his blood as its foundation.

This had been his original plan.

The Emperor finally sensed an unease, looking at Gu Ai’s composed expression.

After a moment of hesitation, he spoke in a hoarse voice, “What do you want?

You…” At the start, nothing was out of the ordinary.

Although he used the nobles to target Gu Ai, he had never resisted.

Both parties seemingly followed a script.

Even after Gu Ai’s public execution, he would use public outrage to eradicate the nobles, completing the reform.

Gu Ai should have understood and agreed with him.

The Emperor’s face turned pale, his gaze fixed on Gu Ai before shifting to his young imperial uncle.

Since the two met, everything had gone off track.

Once the rigidly principled Minister Gu had transformed, even pulling out the decree that commanded the emperor’s abdication… He couldn’t make a move.

Gu Ai’s Achilles heel is Lu Chengru.

The first time he touched Lu Chengru, he forced him to stand idly by and no longer interfere in any court affairs.

The second time he touched Lu Chengru, he had already forced out this last decree that no one had seen before, and the Royal Silver Feather token that he had long thought was gone.

What would he do if there were a third attempt?

The Emperor, his spirit broken, closed his eyes, read through the decree, and raised his head to look at Gu Ai with a sudden flash of realization.

Gu Ai met his gaze, saying nothing, then bent over to pick up the decree and returned it to his sleeve.

The new emperor, while petty, was not foolish.

The late emperor had been less than enthusiastic about this son’s succession but had no other options.

Gu Ai’s protection had ensured his safe return to the capital during his exile, yet he’d never mentioned it.

Gu Ai lowered his gaze, offered a slight bow, and took Lu Chengru’s hand as they walked out.

“Gu Ai!

How dare you take out such a questionable decree!

Who gave you the courage?” Never having witnessed such a spectacle, the crown prince glared in disbelief at the sight of his imperial father in dismay and stood to reprimand Gu Ai.

“You really think you’re irreplaceable!

Since when does a minister dethrone an emperor?

Kneel and beg forgiveness, or don’t blame me if…” The crown prince’s voice cut off abruptly as a shining blade was placed at his neck.

Lu Chengru, despite his tattered attire, held the sword to the crown prince, silencing him.

“Imperial Uncle!” The Emperor’s gaze shifted, knowing that Lu Chengru was beyond persuasion.

Turning to Gu Ai, he ground his teeth.

“Though I am willing to abdicate, the crown prince is my heir.

I ask the Minister for clemency…” “The court accusations today were not baseless.” Gu Ai spoke calmly, looking at the crown prince’s pale face.

“On the 12th of January, the crown prince sold a lower official position for 9,000 taels of silver.” “On the 9th of February, he coerced officers to exchange death row prisoners, obtaining 5,000 taels, a glazed goblet, and twelve paintings.” “On the 21st of February, he intervened in the Ministry of Justice, exempting fifteen people from punishment.” … The silence in the imperial study was filled only with Gu Ai’s steady voice.

He seemed to be distancing himself from court affairs, and everyone thought he was disheartened.

No one expected him to speak so clearly at this moment.

Even the nobles who meticulously impeach the crown prince do not know so many secrets and details.

The crown prince stood stunned, facing the Emperor’s shocked gaze, full of regret.

He gritted his teeth to beg for forgiveness.

“Imperial Father, this Son…” “Enough.” The Emperor’s voice was hoarse.

He took a deep look at his son and then turned back to Gu Ai, his posture defeated.

“I understand.

You may go.

Give me three days.” Gu Ai held not only the decree but also seventy-two Silver Feather Guards, his own loyal soldiers, the people’s support, and Lu Chengru.

The Emperor’s ability to fight back was contingent on Gu Ai’s indifference to survival.

Realizing the futility, the Emperor slumped, his face a mask of desolation.

Gu Ai placed a hand on Lu Chengru’s shoulder, signaling him to sheathe his sword as they left the study.

The Silver Feather Guard did not block their way.

The carriage waited for them, with steel arrows still embedded in its side.

Though unhurt, Lu Chengru’s clothes were torn and dirtied from the confrontation with skilled fighters.

Gu Ai removed his own outer robe, wrapping it around Lu Chengru, and, as the carriage moved on, sifted through him for injuries.

Lu Chengru obediently leaned into his arms, looking up at the calm expression of the minister beside him.

Feeling a surge of affection, he shifted, holding Gu Ai’s shoulder to sit upright.

“Sir…” “Don’t worry; everything will be fine.” Gu Ai embraced him, smiling gently, cupping the young prince’s delicate face.

His gaze softened as he continued, “Chengru, with everything happening today, I haven’t had the chance to ask… Do you want…” “Not at all.” Before he could finish, Lu Chengru shook his head without hesitation.

“The third prince is a fine candidate.” Becoming emperor meant endless late nights, leaving warm beds for cold halls at dawn, skipping breakfast to attend morning court, and reviewing countless official documents.

Even if it wasn’t because the main storyline couldn’t be changed, Lu Deng and the system in his mind still shook their heads together like a tambourine.

Seeing the young prince’s genuine reluctance, Gu Ai’s eyes widened slightly before his smile grew.

His earlier coldness faded entirely, and he hugged Lu Chengru closer, unwrapping a piece of milk candy for him.

“With this decree, I won’t remain in the court either.

Overthrowing an emperor is an unforgivable crime, one that demands exile for three thousand miles.” Using a decree to depose the emperor was always a double-edged sword.

Gu Ai would not make it public for the sake of royal dignity, while the Emperor would find an excuse to abdicate.

However, after such a fuss, this prime minister will now be perceived as the biggest threat to the new emperor.

Although those who aspire to become the new emperor may not have such thoughts, resentment is always something to avoid.

After all, imperial power cannot be provoked, and since Gu Ai took action, he had already made preparations to pay the price.

Lu Chengru tensed.

His heart missed a beat, clutching his arm tightly.

“I’ll accompany you, Sir.” “I never planned to leave you behind,” Gu Ai chuckled, his tone gentle despite the serious talk of exile.

“They said three thousand miles but didn’t specify how we’re supposed to go.” Lu Chengru blinked, meeting his eyes.

“I studied far and wide in my youth; traveling three thousand miles wouldn’t even cover all the places I’ve been.” Seeing the delight on the young prince’s face, Gu Ai gently tapped his red-tipped ear.

“Chengru, do you like the idea of traveling around?” Travel around!

Exploring three thousand miles!

All worries melted away, and Lu Chengru sat up excitedly, gripping his sleeve.

He had never roamed freely in such a traditional ancient world.

Since his arrival, he had mostly stayed at the residence, rarely venturing beyond the capital walls.

Thus, he could only move around the capital; it had long lost its novelty now that he was familiar with it.

Hearing the news that he could travel around for an unknown period of time wherever he wanted made his eyes glimmer with anticipation.

Seeing his enthusiasm, Gu Ai couldn’t help but chuckle, poking Lu Chengru’s forehead playfully.

“When we finish our exile, we’ll continue our study tour.

Though it’ll be a bit rougher than palace life, there will be many interesting things—finest teas in the south, crab-stuffed buns, and Lotus Sugar Cake from the east, fresh marine fishes, and fresh wine made from orange and crab meat.

There are endless delicacies around Hangzhou, no need to mention those popular dishes; there are also dried apricots, steamed black locust flowers, the most delicious wheat noodles…” It didn’t sound like a study tour at all.

Lu Chengru listened, already lost in thoughts of feasting and exploring.

He held onto Gu Ai’s sleeve firmly.

Gu Ai smiled at him, gently pushing back a stray lock of hair.

His voice softened, “Once the young prince comes of age…” Lu Chengru looked up, still distracted by dreamy floods of food, only to meet Gu Ai’s warm gaze as he settled the robe around him.

“It’s nothing.

Before we travel freely, there’s something important we must do.

Right now, the crown prince is unsuitable.

The third prince has potential, but he needs motivation.” When the young prince came of age in a few years, they could visit the famous Jiming Temple and tie the red string of fate to secure their bond.

Gu Ai didn’t voice his thoughts; he only brushed Lu Chengru’s forehead gently.

“For us to be exiled peacefully, the third prince must be persuaded to rise to the occasion.” Their carriage came to a halt.

Gu Ai led Lu Chengru down.

The attendants nervously waited outside, knocking respectfully three times before daring to approach.

Gu Ai raised an eyebrow, noting the unusual behavior, but opened the carriage door himself and assisted Lu Chengru out.

As they stepped down, the attendants caught sight of Lu Chengru wearing the prime minister’s robe over his disheveled attire.

Everyone avoided eye contact, then put on a mask of solemn and respect.

… Frowning in puzzlement, Gu Ai led Lu Chengru to his quarters to change, quietly locking the door behind them.

The Prime Minister’s residence was becoming stranger by the day.

The next evening, the third prince arrived at the residence.

Gu Ai, abandoning all pretense, was in the kitchen making broth.

Lu Chengru, directed by a servant, found the third prince slouched over the desk with dark circles under his eyes, forlornly inhaling the last of a peach blossom wine from yesterday.

Lu Chengru paused at the door and whispered to the servant, “Heat up some wine dumplings with a vegetable dish.” The attendant nodded, giving him a curious look before leaving.

Lu Chengru entered just as the third prince drained the cup, looking up with a bleak expression.

“I’ve asked them to prepare… What happened?

Will this impact your evaluation?” They were both here for ‘examination’.

Lu Chengru vaguely knew the prince’s task as the main character was to ascend the throne.

Seeing the third prince being so dispirited made Lu Chengru couldn’t help but feel concerned.

The third prince shook his head vigorously.

“No, it won’t affect the evaluation.” It wouldn’t affect it at all, and in fact, he was so far ahead in progression that the system had rewarded him with a little red flower.

Still, he wasn’t happy.

He sighed heavily, complaining, “The system says that if I become the emperor, I have to watch my image.

I can’t eat everything blindly or get overweight.

I was given a strict training regimen: 500 jump ropes, 100 sit-ups, and three laps around the palace walls every night to avoid my guards’ attention every day…” Lu Chengru: … The main character’s system was strict.

Every system had its quirks, and the third prince’s was evidently a stern one.

Lu Chengru held back his intention to inform him that there were plenty of overweight emperors in history.

Probably, a warm and indifferent or relaxed and spontaneous emperor cannot be a good image.

After all, the other party is the only hope for the two to be exiled.

Lu Deng soothed him with a few words, walked to the door to bring back the dumplings heated by the servant, and lightly placed them on the table: “Then before you ascend to the throne, you might as well eat a little bit more …” “Even in the palace, I’m only allowed to eat half portions and can only have three bites of each dish!” The third prince lamented, grabbing the dumplings desperately.

“Can your residence prepare a little more food?

If I get hungry, I’ll come here to mooch off you.

As a haughty prince and my great imperial uncle, you can probably scold me if I didn’t eat…” He grew more dejected the more he spoke.

Pushing the empty bowl aside with a sigh, “if I can’t eat here, maybe I should just give up the throne altogether!” Lu Deng was shocked, staring wide-eyed at him.

They still needed to go on their grand study tour.

He was not good at lying, and at this moment, he didn’t know whether to tell such a shocking truth.

He was also afraid that the other party would really get angry and not follow the plot.

Just when he was in a dilemma, Gu Ai’s smiling voice could already be heard at the door.

“Don’t worry, Your Highness.

As long as I am in the capital, your meals will be covered.” “Sir!” Lu Chengru’s face lit up, running to take the hot bowl of chicken noodles from Gu Ai’s hands.

Gu Ai shot him a wink, giving the third prince a respectful bow.

“Your Highness, please remember the importance of your mission.

The reform remains unfinished, and the nobles’ power is weakening.

We mustn’t waste this critical moment.” “Minister Gu, I swear I won’t disappoint you.” When it comes to important matters, the Third Prince’s expression cannot help but be solemn.

He no longer intends to entangle and fool around with Lu Deng.

He quickly stood up and bowed to him, saying, “Lu Liang is a person who speaks lightly and lacks knowledge.

I depend on Minister Gu to give me more advice.” Gu Ai smiled and took a seat.

He gestured for Lu Chengru to eat while he prepare a stack of papers and brush to explain the new laws to the third prince in detail.

The complexities of a nation’s laws couldn’t be conveyed in a single sitting, yet Gu Ai had prepared meticulously.

He initially planned to impart everything in detail wholeheartedly.

The Third Prince, too, did not disappoint him and listened attentively, bowing his head to take detailed notes.

The third prince studied through the night.

Finally, the palace guards arrived to escort the prince back.

Under the watchful eye of his system, the prince resumed his jogging routine around the palace walls, weeping softly at the fate that awaited him as the emperor.