Chapter 1321: Chapter 1157: Sowing Discord

"Emperor, Mr. Gu was once the renowned Champion Scholar, famous for his demeanor when he rode through the streets of the Capital! His literary talent and strategic skills are well-recognized. With him guiding the Second Prince, are you still worried?" Deng Wenshang stepped forward to echo.

Deng Wenshang exchanged a glance with Xu Tianxin, it was prearranged. Since the Emperor regards Gu Chengyu highly and Gu Chengyu is indeed talented, if the Second Prince could have his support, the chances of ascending to the throne would be greater.

As for whether Gu Chengyu would overshadow them, that is a matter for the future. The current priority is to make the Second Prince the Crown Prince.

"Gu Aiqing, what do you think?" The Emperor directed his gaze at Gu Chengyu, curious about his opinion.

"Your Majesty, in terms of qualifications, I fall short compared to the ministers present. I am still young; I am unworthy of the heavy responsibility of teaching a Prince. Whoever teaches a Prince must be a person of great virtue and experience. I feel incapable, and I ask you to select someone more illustrious."

Gu Chengyu had no desire to involve himself in this matter. Once he becomes the mentor of the Second Prince, he would be forever linked to him. The Second Prince is still very young, who knows what his character is like? He hasn’t even met him and is not interested in teaching a child.

Previously, weren’t these people always using his lack of experience as an issue? Saying he had been in court for just over two years yet continually got promoted, causing trouble for officials waiting for their turn. Now he returns their words unchanged, since they were theirs to begin with.

The Emperor was not surprised by Gu Chengyu’s refusal, "Gu Aiqing speaks reasonably, he is still young, letting him teach a Prince might be beyond his capabilities. Becoming a mentor to a Prince requires a person of high moral standing, Gu Aiqing may not be suitable."

"Emperor! Isn’t Mr. Gu merely being modest? It is said that his nephews are taught personally by him, which should count as some experience in teaching a Prince. Do not underestimate Mr. Gu; though young, he has quite an understanding in this area!"

Xu Tianxin smiled, within the Gu Family, Chengyu holds great standing, and despite his youth, his temperament is remarkably stable, resembling that of an elder. Wasn’t his nephew who came to the Capital to seek refuge educated by him?

Gu Chengyu secretly rolled his eyes; don’t these people understand human speech?

"Since Mr. Gu is unwilling, I believe Mr. Gu’s mentor, Mr. Liang, is a suitable choice." Deng Wenshang stepped out; they had anticipated Gu Chengyu would decline, and just aligning with him would suffice; choosing his mentor is also a good option.

As to the Emperor’s desire to leave Liang Zhirui for the Eldest Prince, that does not concern them. Since the Emperor had not explicitly stated, they would pretend ignorance.

The Emperor slapped the armrest, "I’ve said this matter will be discussed later; do you all treat my words as if they are just words in the air?"

The Emperor’s sudden fury stunned everyone in the hall, resulting in a silent atmosphere where none dared to argue.

"Dismiss!" The Emperor stood up and didn’t further inquire if anyone had petitions, directly announcing the dismissal, leaving everyone speechless.

"Gu Aiqing, join me in the Imperial Study Room for discussions!" Before leaving, the Emperor instructed Gu Chengyu, who promptly followed.

"Master, convey my regards to the teacher on my behalf; today I might not make it, perhaps tomorrow." Gu Chengyu instructed Yin Kun as he passed by.

Everyone watched the backs of the Emperor and Gu Chengyu in deep silence.

"Lord Yin, your younger brother is indeed extraordinary! Such a brilliant individual; you, as an elder brother, must surely share the honor!"

"Where? Everyone, please refrain from excessively praising him; although young, such praise may alter his nature!" Yin Kun modestly replied, yet his face bore a proud smile, which appeared particularly glaring to others.

"Oh~ How can this be excessive praise? We are merely stating the truth! Your mentor to have such a disciple, what great fortune!" Minister of War Dai Yuanji remarked meaningfully.

"Let’s go; court is dismissed, the Emperor did not summon us, why stay?"

Yin Kun watched as ministers gradually departed from the outer hall, quickly joining them. Dai Yuanji’s words earlier seemed to provoke envy towards his younger brother.

Gu Chengyu quietly observed the little boy seated in the corridor; he appeared motionless as though he had been sitting for quite some time. Gu Chengyu frowned; the sunlight today was fairly warm, but it’s winter with constant chilly winds; neglecting his health—was this surrendering to despair?

He took gentle steps forward, the eunuch beside the Eldest Prince prepared to salute upon seeing Gu Chengyu in official uniform, but was signaled by Pang Chu behind him to step back.

The eunuchs hesitated for a moment, then quietly retreated.

As he drew closer, Gu Chengyu discerned the child’s eyes. Large apricot eyes stared vacantly, accentuating the small face reddened by the wind, stirring a sense of pity.

Gu Chengyu reached the corridor, observed the extended plum branch, and lightly picked a twig.

He presented the plum twig to the Eldest Prince, "Does Your Highness smell the scent of plum blossoms?"

The Eldest Prince, immersed in his thoughts, suddenly heard a melodious youthful voice, curiously turned his head.

Smelling the plum blossom fragrance, he couldn’t help but take a deep breath, inhaling both the icy air and the pure plum aroma, feeling invigorated as the scent was mesmerizing.

"Can Your Highness guess if this is red or white plum?" Gu Chengyu removed his cloak and placed it over the Eldest Prince.

The Eldest Prince immediately felt warmth envelop him, instinctively clutching the cloak tighter before replying, "Is it red plum?"

Pang Chu, seeing this, breathed a sigh of relief; the Eldest Prince had been throwing a tantrum earlier, refusing to wear the cloak, stubbornly sitting alone in the corridor, worrying both the palace maids and eunuchs.

Without hearing Gu Chengyu’s response, the Eldest Prince was somewhat displeased; he snatched the plum twig and tossed it aside—was he being taunted for not seeing?

"It’s red plum!" Gu Chengyu seemed indifferent to the act, merely smiling in reply.

"This palace has been visited before; of course, I know red plum is planted here!" The Eldest Prince suppressed his anger, showing pride.

"This is Cian Palace; planting white plum here is inappropriate, even without seeing, one could guess!" Gu Chengyu sat beside the Eldest Prince, inhaling the scent of plum blossoms, realizing he hadn’t been so idle in ages.

The Eldest Prince was a bit angry, feeling mocked for his blindness.

"Actually, some things don’t necessarily require sight; sometimes deduction suffices. And what the eyes perceive might not necessarily be reality."

Gu Chengyu’s words momentarily stunned the Eldest Prince; then his expression darkened. Nonetheless, he had become accustomed to concealing his thoughts, thus remained silent.

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