Chapter 1195: Chapter 1031: Seeing the Big from the Small

Captain Jin found it inconceivable that Prince Jing valued Gu Chengyu so highly that he even stood up to apologize to him. He also thought Gu Chengyu was rather ungrateful.

"Prince! You are of noble status, how can you apologize to a minister? Mr. Gu, you are quite ungrateful."

Captain Jin was somewhat upset. In fact, the Prince usually treated them subordinates very well. Hence, Captain Jin felt indignant on behalf of his Prince.

Gu Chengyu was startled and moved aside when Prince Jing suddenly made such a gesture.

Although Prince Jing’s attitude seemed sincere, how could Gu Chengyu know if this wasn’t just an act? His words sounded sweeter than lies, yet Gu Chengyu dared not believe them.

Furthermore, now Prince Jing needed his assistance, naturally he would treat him with courtesy. But in the future, when Prince Jing remembers losing face today, who knows if he won’t resent him and seek revenge?

"There is no need for such acts, Prince. What has passed is gone, and discussing it now is meaningless."

Prince Jing glanced at Captain Jin, "You leave first!"

Captain Jin was a bit angry, "Prince! Mr. Gu..."

"Close the door behind you!" Prince Jing’s expression turned solemn, as Captain Jin was not perceptive.

Currently, he was still hoping for Gu Chengyu’s assistance, and making amends was a small matter. There was the old saying of visiting the cottage thrice to invite the talented; sincerity was necessary for capable individuals.

Captain Jin could only clasp his fists, turn around, and exit the room.

Gu Chengyu squinted his eyes, it seemed Prince Jing was having a difficult time in his fiefdom. In just two years, Prince Jing appeared to have softened, becoming more prudent and informed.

"Indeed! Though past events have passed, the inconvenience caused to Mr. Gu requires my apology. Today’s apology is from my heart. Regardless of whom Mr. Gu serves, I won’t use past schemes to coerce him into compliance."

Gu Chengyu looked at Prince Jing intently, pondering his intentions, wondering if he was planning to change his approach.

"Talented individuals are rare, Mr. Gu deserves my respect."

Gu Chengyu chuckled and shook his head, "Prince, you overestimate me, there’s really no need for this."

Prince Jing gestured for him to stay, and they both sat down again.

"Has Mr. Gu decided to assist Second Brother? Second Brother is indeed generous and most likely values Mr. Gu greatly. However, surely Mr. Gu is aware of Second Brother’s temperament. Though capable, he is too easily influenced and somewhat indecisive. Truth be told, if Second Brother were resolute, I wouldn’t be sitting here having a casual conversation with you."

The Crown Prince was undeniably competent, Prince Jing couldn’t deny. However, previously, the Crown Prince had to adhere to the Emperor’s wishes, hence he was cautious. With the Emperor controlling the situation, the Crown Prince couldn’t act freely and make grave mistakes.

Though the Crown Prince managed to avoid their schemes, his counterattacks were often cautious, missing great opportunities.

Compared to the Emperor’s ruthless tactics, the Crown Prince fell far short.

Gu Chengyu knew Prince Jing’s words were true. Prior to the Crown Prince overseeing the court, it wasn’t apparent. Later, when the Emperor was gravely ill and disregarded court matters, the Crown Prince handled them alone, and this deficiency gradually surfaced.

Had the Emperor appointed him Crown Prince earlier and guided him attentively, the Crown Prince’s disposition might have been corrected, making his actions more stable and decisive now.

Unfortunately, the Emperor focused on creating the elixir of immortality, thinking he could achieve eternal life and thus didn’t need an heir. The Crown Prince was past thirty when he finally received the title.

Changing the Crown Prince’s nature now is difficult; perhaps after years of honing, he might improve?

"Although Second Brother highly regards Mr. Gu, there are always sycophants in the court offering slanderous advice to Second Brother. Mr. Gu’s extraordinary abilities make him a target for jealousy, with people gossiping behind his back, surely causing him to suffer discreetly."

Prince Jing added tea for Gu Chengyu, who promptly rose to offer a respectful gesture.

"There are countless sycophants in this world, I’m not Silver, beloved by all. Tongues belong to others, they can speak as they please. What do I fear?"

"Mr. Gu is quite open-minded; however, as I said, Second Brother is easily influenced, and may reconsider if prodded by others. Has Second Brother asked Mr. Gu today if he’s willing to guard the border?"

Gu Chengyu raised his head to look at Prince Jing, unsurprised by his knowledge of this matter.

After all, there must still be officials in the court aligned with Prince Jing; it wasn’t yet time for them to abandon their extravagant fortunes.

"The Prince is quite well-informed about court matters."

Detecting Gu Chengyu’s subtle sarcasm, Prince Jing wasn’t upset. Instead, Gu Chengyu’s remarks brought him a sense of smug satisfaction.

Didn’t this aptly show that Gu Chengyu indeed was concerned about this issue? Surely, he already harbored distrust towards the Crown Prince.

"Mr. Gu perhaps doesn’t know who offered the slanderous advice to Second Brother?"

Gu Chengyu appeared nonchalant, paused for a moment, then said, "I suppose it’s headed by Mr. Shen and a few other officials?"

He wasn’t bothered to guess who specifically; they were all aligned with the Crown Prince. These people feared his interference with their family interests and wanted him sent to the border for peace of mind, which wasn’t surprising.

"Oh? Didn’t expect Mr. Gu to be aware already?" Prince Jing looked at Gu Chengyu surprised, recalling that there must be officials connected to Gu Chengyu within the court; otherwise, how would he know?

"Hmm! I forgot, Mr. Gu has two senior brothers present, and Lord Jiang Mingyuan is also here."

Gu Chengyu chuckled lightly, this was a mere guess. He had been so busy the last two days that even if Jiang Mingyuan wanted to inform him, they couldn’t find him.

As for receiving notice via letters, Gu Chengyu didn’t know; he hadn’t had time to read the correspondence at home.

"I assume Mr. Gu refused Second Brother? Just that Second Brother hasn’t sent you to the border this time, it might not be certain next time. Besides, it’s said the Emperor left Mr. Gu a testament before his passing. Mr. Gu surely can reject Second Brother easily, likely because the testament holds something against Second Brother?"

Prince Jing’s probing gaze fixed on Gu Chengyu, as if trying to uncover something in his eyes.

Gu Chengyu felt slightly surprised, Prince Jing was indeed astute. Able to discern anomalies from trivial matters. The term ’foresighted’ described such a person.

Despite Gu Chengyu’s slight inner tremor, his gaze remained as calm as still water.

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