xymnovel Chapter 1218 - 1054: A Rift Between Mother and Son
Chapter 1218 - 1054: A Rift Between Mother and Son
The Empress rose with the Crown Prince’s support, dusted off her mourning attire, and gazed through the white veil at the black wooden coffin inside.The Hidden Guards sent earlier returned without a trace, likely meeting a grim fate. Once she learned that Gu Chengyu practiced martial arts, her suspicions were further confirmed.
The Crown Prince sighed upon hearing this, "Mother, I know you’re worried he’ll harm me. However, the court needs him now, and pushing him too hard isn’t wise. Allowing him to wield such military power is the greatest threat to me."
The Empress turned to the Crown Prince, her eyes revealing a hint of resentment.
"Is the kingdom destined to fall without him? Since you are so wary of him, wouldn’t it be better to eliminate him entirely to avoid future troubles? New talents will emerge as time goes on. After you ascend the throne, open up special exams and invite scholars from all over the world; surely there will be capable people to assist you? Why fixate on just him?"
The Empress did not think highly of Gu Chengyu, an insignificant commoner who possessed a defiant spirit. Even when kneeling before her, he was filled with an indomitable aura.
Like that wretch, clearly performing lowly tasks and holding even less status than commoners, yet even after being humiliated repeatedly, she still carries herself with arrogant dignity, evoking disgust from the heart. How dare one without matching status act with such disregard?
But that was not the only reason for the Empress’s dislike of Gu Chengyu; what truly troubled her was that the Emperor entrusted him with his last words before dying.
What happened to her son? The noble Crown Prince, yet inferior to a common-born official? And he’s merely a fourth-rank official; how could she tolerate this?
She realized being deceived by Gu Chengyu only after it happened, but her son stopped her, otherwise she would have found a reason to retaliate and make him suffer.
Since the Emperor entrusted his final words to him, it meant he held leverage over her and her son. Just thinking about their leverage being in Gu Chengyu’s hands caused the Empress sleepless nights.
The Crown Prince couldn’t help but smile bitterly, as he understood his mother’s nature. Her aversion to Gu Chengyu was mainly because his father chose Gu Chengyu to divulge his last words.
Is the Empress projecting her anger? He glanced at the coffin behind the veil, feeling a hint of dissatisfaction in his heart.
Back then, his father and mother were a close couple, but after that woman came into the picture, the Emperor changed. How could his mother feel well in her heart?
Even before his death, the Emperor was considering others, showing indifference toward him, the legitimate son. Was this comforting for him if he searched within himself? Truthfully, his sentiments aligned with his mother’s.
"Mother cannot deny, Gu Chengyu indeed has talent. Since he chose silence, he won’t go back on his word, for now at least. Today, to calm Mother, I handed merits over to Kuang Zhao Ying. He didn’t investigate further, which was the greatest concession. If Mother still finds him unsatisfactory, I don’t know if I’ll be able to sit upon the supreme throne."
Today’s matter of seizing Gu Chengyu’s merits had Mother’s involvement, but only this once.
Though Mother is someone close to him, the harem mustn’t interfere in politics. Breaking precedent for her today was a gesture of accountability. After all, Gu Chengyu tricked her before, a relief was needed for Mother.
"Is this the Crown Prince dissatisfied with Mother?" The Empress’s sinister glance swept towards the Crown Prince, feeling a burning anger inside.
At what point did her son no longer need her?
"You are preparing to inherit the throne, your independence growing; do you think it’s unfit for me to meddle in politics and you need to guard against me now?" The Empress felt deep sorrow; there is indeed no familial affection in the Royal Family.
"Why does Mother interpret my intentions incorrectly? Previously, when Father was alive, it was always Mother and me relying on each other, and I naturally hold Mother in high regard. Now that Father has passed away, I will soon gain that supreme authority, Mother should be glad for me. In the past, Mother always said I was too indecisive; now that I’m learning to handle things independently, what does Mother still have discontent over?"
Days of sleepless nights had left the Crown Prince thoroughly exhausted. They had argued twice over Gu Chengyu, was this the beginning of their disagreements, he wondered?
Should Mother still meddle in political affairs, they would inevitably grow distant one day.
The Empress’s chest was heaving, looking at the tired visage of the Crown Prince, her hands uncontrollably trembling. At that moment, she suddenly felt the person before her merged with that callous Emperor, they are indeed similar!
"Mother, you’ve been worn out over these days. Please go back to rest first, there’s more to continue tomorrow. Regarding Gu Chengyu, I have arrangements; Mother needn’t worry."
Afraid of saying something further to harm their relationship, the Crown Prince hastily summoned palace maids to escort the Empress back to her chambers.
Watching the Empress’s hunched silhouette, the Crown Prince knew he had truly hurt Mother’s heart today. After all, her wariness towards Gu Chengyu was mainly for his sake.
But Mother is ultimately a woman, it’s unsuitable for her to meddle in political affairs. And since he is to inherit the throne, he must change his personality and show some boldness.
He sighed, kneeling once again before the ancestral shrine. Moments ago, the fire in the brazier nearly died down amidst the disturbance.
"Your Highness! Would you like to rest for a while?" Pang Chu looked at the Crown Prince, feeling somewhat concerned.
"Has Mr. Gu come by to visit me?" The Crown Prince thought of Gu Chengyu, who hadn’t approached him yet, and wondered about his intentions.
"Not yet!" Pang Chu shook his head, cautiously observing the Crown Prince.
"He sure can hold his ground!" The Crown Prince smiled faintly, thinking Gu Chengyu’s sharp mind might grasp his intention.
"Your Highness!" A shadowy figure emerged from the dark corner, bowing to the Crown Prince.
"What’s the situation?"
"He really sent people to find Lord Kuang, I watched the Hidden Guard leaving Kuang Mansion."
"Besides Kuang Mansion, did he visit any other residence?" The Crown Prince placed yellow paper into the brazier, watching the flames devour it turning it into ashes.
"No!"
"Keep a close watch, do not relax."
By the time the Crown Prince straightened up, the figure was already gone.
"Your Highness! Have a late-night snack!" Pang Chu offered a tray holding a bowl of steaming chicken congee, gently advising the Crown Prince.
"Alright! I happened to be hungry anyway!"
...
Days of national mourning had worn the Crown Prince thin. That day, two Vassal Kings finally arrived in the Capital.
Gu Chengyu adjusted his mourning attire, joining the officials in welcoming the Vassal Kings to the Capital.