Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Gu Yunrong could tell at a glance that the modifications and repairs in the garden were all for her, including this new water pavilion. She had once said that the scenery here was very good.
Looking at the distracted Chu You, Gu Yunrongâs heart softened. She held his hand tightly and smiled brightly. âI like it very much!â
In Chu Youâs eyes, his sweetheartâs bright smile was soul-stirring. The depression in his heart was swept away.
He really wanted to pour out his heart and soul, but the servant who had gone out to ask for information came back in a hurry.
The servant braced himself and approached the two of them. He bowed and reported, âYour Highness, the scholars in the Myriad Herb Hall have been convinced by the Eldest Prince. Now, the crowd is furious. They say that they want to join forces with their classmates to submit a letter to the Emperor. They ask the Eldest Prince to investigate this case again. They say that no matter if Gu Ce has done anything wrong or not, he should be investigated clearly.â
No one would care if a high scholar wanted to investigate the case. However, if more than a hundred high scholars or even more scholars joined forces, the meaning would be different. This was a city of unity.
The servantâs words were like a bucket of cold water poured over their heads. The charming atmosphere between Chu You and Gu Yunrong disappeared completely.
Chu Youâs face instantly looked like a storm was coming, and his entire body exuded a deep hostility.
If this case was reopenedâ¦
THUMP!
He raised his hand and pounded heavily on a willow tree by the lake. The willow tree that was as thick as a bowl trembled from the pounding, and the willow leaves fell like rainâ¦
âYour Highness!â Gu Yunrong looked at his hand with heartache. She saw that his right hand had been scratched by the bark of the willow tree, and blood was faintly seeping out.
Gu Yunrong took out a white handkerchief from her sleeve and carefully wiped away the dust and sawdust on his skin.
Chu You looked at the lake with a sinister expression. The surface of the lake sparkled under the light of the lanterns, reflecting into his dark eyes, making him look cold and aloof.
Gu Yunrong looked at his well-defined side profile and felt a sharp pain in her heart.
It had been a full nine years since the incident back then. Even Tailing City had been rebuilt long ago. It wasnât easy for the States of Jin and Yue to have peace for nine years. Why was the Eldest Prince still harping on it?
After a long silence, Chu You said mockingly, âChu Yi, good for you!â
âHe remembers Emperor Taizuâs teachings at all times. Since he canât start from the royal court, he might as well go against his cultivation and âgo from the bottom upâ.â
Emperor Taizu once said that the revolution was from the bottom up. One had to believe in the common people and rely on them.
This was one of the slogans of Emperor Taizuâs uprising.
Gu Yunrong took a new handkerchief and bandaged Chu Youâs hand. âEven if the Eldest Prince wants to overturn Gu Ceâs case âfrom the bottom upâ, this case will eventually be placed in the court. As long as the civil and military officials object, the Emperor wonât be able to do anything.â
Gu Yunrongâs lips curled up meaningfully. The light from the lantern shone on her eyes, which were as bright as the stars.
The case back then involved too many things.
This case involved more than just the previous Emperorâs clean reputation. The Eldest Prince was too young after all and had never experienced the game in the court. That was why he thought things were so simple.
It was easier said than done to overturn the case for Gu Ce!
Chu You understood what she meant and nodded slightly. He calmed down a lot, but his eyes were still sinister.
âYour Highness, go ahead. Donât worry about me,â Gu Yunrong said considerately.
ââ¦â Chu You held her hand and looked hesitant. He couldnât bear to look away from her.
It wasnât easy for her to forgive him. He really didnât want to leave her aloneâ¦
As if reading his mind, Gu Yunrong said, âIâll walk around the Princeâs Mansion first and wait for you to come back.â
As soon as she said this, Chu Youâs eyes instantly lit up. He said happily, âRongâer, Iâll be back soon.â
âHelp yourself here. This is your home.â
âIâll send someone to inform them about the reed alley.â
After giving some instructions, Chu You instructed a servant to entertain Gu Yunrong well and left in a hurry.
The Eldest Princeâs every move caught everyoneâs attention.
On this day, first, it was the people, then the officials. The entire capital was shocked by the Eldest Princeâs words.
That night, Xiao Shoufu and General Wang Nan entered the palace to see the Emperor.
Wang Nan lifted his robe and knelt resolutely outside the south study. He shouted angrily,
âEmperor, restarting Gu Ceâs case is indeed an act of rebellion. You canât do it!â
âGu Ce surrendered to the enemy to commit treason and brought disaster to the country and the people. The heavens are angry, and the people are resentful. Thereâs concrete evidence of all kinds of crimes. Itâs irrefutable!â
âIf Gu Ceâs case can be overturned, how can he face the 100,000 soldiers and commoners who died in Yangzhou? How can they rest in peace in the netherworld?! How can their families feel relieved?!â
The more Wang Nan spoke, the more agitated and indignant he became. In the end, his voice seemed to roar from his chest, and even the surrounding air shook.
When he thought of General Zhao, who had sacrificed himself in Yangzhou, Wang Nanâs heart felt like it was being stabbed by a knife. His eyes were red and almost popped out.
Every soldier prepares themselves mentally for the possibility of dying on the battlefield. However, they should be prepared to die valiantly in the midst of swordplay and combat, but not to die due to surrendering to the enemy. Such a death would be considered humiliating..