Chapter 1196: Chapter 1032: Makes So Much Sense

"Why would the Prince say such words? The Crown Prince certainly wouldn’t force a humble subject; asking me is merely to show me some courtesy! Whether I should go to guard the border, I shall naturally await the new Emperor’s arrangement."

As for any last words, Gu Chengyu chose to ignore them. It seemed Prince Jing’s eagerness to see him today was also influenced by this.

Today, as he just left the teahouse, he noticed a somewhat familiar figure—it was the attendant from the teahouse they visited last time midway to Jiangnan.

With little pondering, Gu Chengyu realized the mastermind behind this person was either Prince Jing or Prince Gong.

Seeing the person lingering before the teahouse today, he was certain this individual’s master was Prince Jing. For Prince Jing was known for such tactics; if it were Prince Gong, he would have directly sought someone to invite him.

After all, Prince Jing acted with caution and had profound cunning, with deep meaning behind every action. He favored cryptic schemes, with one interlocking the other, requiring those interacting with him to be more thoughtful.

Regarding Prince Gong, since his mother was the Princess Consort Jing, she ranked only below the Empress in the harem, indicating a significant status.

Moreover, the Emperor particularly favored Prince Gong, deeming him most alike in character, thus nurturing his proud and domineering disposition.

Two different natures naturally lead to completely different styles of doing things. Gu Chengyu came to meet tonight because he needed to see Prince Jing.

New Emperor? Prince Jing’s eyes couldn’t help but light up; indeed! Gu Chengyu was not satisfied with his second elder brother.

"Mr. Gu possesses exceptional civil and military talents, unafraid of others’ schemes. Yet, those petty people often linger before Mr. Gu, which can be rather vexing. Mr. Gu, I am eager for talent, naturally holding you in high regard. But my second brother has many supporters around him and likely doesn’t hold you in such high esteem, or else he wouldn’t ask if you’re willing to guard the border today."

In truth, Prince Jing’s intention in saying this was clear; the Crown Prince’s regard for Gu Chengyu was evident from today’s actions.

Gu Chengyu lowered his gaze, understanding this reasoning, but what of it? Generations of Emperors are notoriously indifferent; how many eminent ministers remained to enjoy prosperity and wealth after an Emperor ascends the throne?

Take the Empress’s family for instance—the Lang Family, what has become of them now? Even the "Red Book Iron Certificate" exchanged with the lives of many clansmen couldn’t be preserved.

And today, despite Prince Jing’s humble approach toward him, could he ensure he would be treated the same if he ascended the throne? The answer was naturally negative.

Gu Chengyu always adhered to one principle: as long as there’s use for you, you won’t be cast aside. To these princes vying for succession, he was but a pawn!

Yet he no longer wished to obediently play the part of a pawn; he needed to consider his own interests. Who ascends the throne ultimately, and who can hold it firmly, are matters for the future; it’s too early to decide now.

Who said he must pledge allegiance to one person? Regardless of whom he chose, he wouldn’t let them eliminate threats one by one; only thus could he rest assured.

"The Prince says so much, merely to wish me to switch allegiance! However, regrettably, I only serve the Emperor, unwilling to partake in these struggles. The Crown Prince is the rightful heir to the kingdom, and naturally, I will serve the Crown Prince."

"Ha! Mr. Gu’s intention is to assist whoever ascends the throne, correct?"

Prince Jing was thoughtful; this Gu Chengyu was indeed cunning. In essence, it meant whoever becomes Emperor was indifferent to him.

Just speaking such words revealed contradictions; Gu Chengyu was currently serving the Crown Prince, wanting to retreat without getting involved? This idea was overly naive.

"It is the duty of a subject."

"Surely Mr. Gu has been busy with official duties these days; I wouldn’t wish to delay your time. Let me ask you one last time: under what conditions would Mr. Gu agree to assist me? Whatever you demand, as long as I can accomplish it, I shall certainly not decline."

Prince Jing realized Gu Chengyu’s thoughts; it seemed Gu Chengyu held no true loyalty toward his second brother, serving him because he was the Crown Prince, and nothing more.

Gu Chengyu smiled lightly at Prince Jing, "Prince, I’ve always understood your sincerity, but do you know why I refuse to agree to help you?"

Prince Jing, observing Gu Chengyu’s indifferent demeanor, remained silent for a moment before saying, "Isn’t it merely because my foundation is too shallow, lacking family support, with few court officials backing me? Now banished by the Emperor to the desolate Fengqing Prefecture, the chance of success is rather slim."

Having said this, Prince Jing laughed softly, a hint of bitterness in his smile.

"Yes, but not entirely!" Gu Chengyu took up the teapot, refilling a cup for the Prince.

Prince Jing appeared somewhat surprised; what did this mean?

"Prince possesses remarkable strategies, with unparalleled endurance and resourcefulness in this court. Yet precisely because of the Prince’s overly calculating nature, when plotting becomes habitual, it casts doubt over your sincerity. Perhaps those who merely follow orders won’t think so much, but anyone possessing insight fears being calculated by the Prince."

Being with someone like Prince Jing, who plans three steps ahead, requires constant vigilance against being schemed; it’s exhausting.

Excessively favoring scheming detracts from sincerity in treating others. Just now when Prince apologized to Gu Chengyu, it made Gu Chengyu doubt if there was another purpose.

Once people feel frequently schemed against, they won’t readily trust that individual again.

Prince Jing, hearing this, was stunned; he hadn’t expected this to be the reason Gu Chengyu rejected him.

Yet, thereafter, he bitterly smiled, "If I weren’t calculating and planning, I’d have long been devoured."

Suddenly, he coldly laughed, "Mr. Gu, don’t you find you’re no different from me? Speaking of my fondness for scheming, what about yourself? I reckon from the moment you open your eyes each day, you’re calculating people; isn’t that true?"

Gu Chengyu raised his head to look at Prince Jing, speechless for a while, then the two fell silent.

Damn it, he actually found Prince Jing quite reasonable! Wasn’t he indeed scheming between each blink?

Yet what of it? Two scheming minds together make for difficult harmony.

"Regardless of Mr. Gu’s plans, I still wish to accommodate Mr. Gu. Even if an alliance fails today, it doesn’t mean it cannot succeed in the future."

Gu Chengyu raised an eyebrow, what new scheme had Prince Jing thought of?

"That assassin who attempted on the Crown Prince—Mr. Gu hasn’t identified the mastermind behind it yet, have you?" Prince Jing smiled mysteriously.

"Indeed not. Does the Prince know who it may be?"

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