Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity

Chapter 1161 - 997: Summoned in the Dead of Night

"Father, Mother! I must return to the palace immediately now, the hour is almost there. Mother, don’t panic when you enter the palace tomorrow, your son will handle everything!"Gu Chengyu smiled at Mrs. Lv and then left the room.

He took a deep breath, "Let’s go!"

When he returned to the Dali Temple, it was already three quarters past 9 p.m. Gu Chengyu intended to take a short break but just as he blew out the candle, footsteps came from outside the door.

He immediately sat up, threw on his mourning clothes, and grasped the sword in his hand.

"Mr. Gu, the Crown Prince urgently summons you to the Eastern Palace for an important discussion!" Wang Zui knocked on the door and shouted towards the inside.

Gu Chengyu relaxed, immediately placing the sword back into its space. After dressing neatly, he opened the door and saw Wang Zui waiting outside.

"Why haven’t you gone home?" Gu Chengyu was a bit puzzled, Wang Zui was not a court official, and did not need to stay in the palace so late.

Wang Zui smiled faintly, "You haven’t gone home yet! How could a student dare to leave? If everyone goes, you would have no one to command."

Upon hearing this, Gu Chengyu was taken aback, thinking to himself: this one is indeed resourceful.

"Then it troubles you!" he said, turning to stride into the dark night.

Gu Chengyu moved swiftly, but his mind was pondering why the Crown Prince sought him so late at night. Was it because he doubted his earlier words to the Empress?

Or was it that the Crown Prince was treating the two incoming Vassal Kings as a major threat, wanting to discuss strategies?

Thinking of this, Gu Chengyu couldn’t help but recall meeting the Third Prince during the day. The Third Prince seemed very different from before, at least his temperament was much more stable.

In such chaotic circumstances today, not only was he not worried or afraid, but he remained calm and composed. Even upon hearing the news of the Emperor’s death, there was no visible change on his face.

Over two years, it seemed the Third Prince had truly grown accustomed to such a peaceful life. Could it be that the Third Prince genuinely devoted himself to Buddhism and no longer cared for worldly matters?

It wasn’t long before Gu Chengyu saw the palace brightly lit everywhere. Looking at the Eastern Palace ahead, Gu Chengyu steadied his resolve, as there was no turning back after the decision was made.

"Your servant pays respects to the Crown Prince!" Once led into the study, Gu Chengyu saw the Crown Prince, dressed in mourning garments, sitting with eyes closed, resting.

The weary and mournful expression made Gu Chengyu feel that this person did have some genuine feelings for the Emperor. After all, they were father and son, even though the Emperor’s favor for the Crown Prince was far less than for Prince Gong, not even as much as for Prince Jing.

But the Crown Prince didn’t know that! He was still grateful for being named the Crown Prince!

It’s uncertain if the Crown Prince would remain as composed if he knew the contents of the Emperor’s secret will.

The Crown Prince opened his slightly reddened eyes and, seeing it was Gu Chengyu, immediately softened his demeanor.

"No need for formalities! Summoning you to the palace at this late hour was indeed a bit impatient on my part." After all, tomorrow all officials still need to pay their respects, kneeling for so long is unbearable for anyone.

"Your Highness, you overestimate it!" Gu Chengyu glanced at the Crown Prince; at this time, the Crown Prince should be at the spirit hall. To call him over now, it was unclear what major event this concerned.

"I heard the Empress summoned you, which surprised me a bit. While the Empress is the master of the harem, she cannot summon ministers without reason. But given that Father passed away today, leaving a final message for you, it’s normal for the Empress to be concerned."

Saying that, the Crown Prince cast a deep glance at Gu Chengyu.

In fact, he was very curious about what the Emperor entrusted to Gu Chengyu, especially since the Emperor sent them all away. He was the Crown Prince, about to become Emperor, what could the Emperor possibly have to say that he couldn’t say to him? Why avoid him?

Or was the matter the Emperor entrusted related to him? What exactly could it be?

He rose and touched the Tiger Talisman hidden in his sleeve. It was something the Empress found on the Emperor’s dragon bed today, knowing the Emperor’s habit, even when gravely ill, the Tiger Talisman was never far from him.

If not for the sudden illness of the Emperor today, the Empress wouldn’t have obtained the Tiger Talisman so easily.

Thanks to this Tiger Talisman, otherwise he wouldn’t have the authority to mobilize the military. How today’s chaos would have ended, it would be unclear.

Without the Tiger Talisman, not to mention becoming Emperor, he may not even continue as Crown Prince, as there were plenty in the Capital awaiting his abdication from the aristocratic families.

That the Emperor, even in his dying moments, had no intention of passing the Tiger Talisman to him, did it mean the Emperor didn’t favor him becoming the next King?

The more the Crown Prince thought about it, the more alarming it became. Leaving final words only to Gu Chengyu and saying nothing to him, didn’t that attitude say it all?

The Crown Prince just felt a heavy pressure on his chest, the mourning bells echoing throughout the Capital felt like they were pounding his heart, making it hard to breathe.

Gu Chengyu knew that what was meant to come would eventually come, yet he still maintained this narrative. Even if he temporarily chose the Crown Prince, he still wouldn’t hand over the two secret wills, for they were the basis of his survival and livelihood.

If the Crown Prince turned against him in the future, he could use this to overturn the situation. The position of the ruler of the world could be filled by anyone, it’s just a matter of capability.

Acting rashly at this moment was unwise; waiting and watching was the wiser strategy.

"Your Highness! The Emperor’s final words have been truthfully conveyed to the Empress by your servant."

The Crown Prince suddenly turned around, his body trembling, his eyes filled with gloom.

"Truthfully conveyed? I suspect you haven’t shared a single word."

The Crown Prince’s voice and demeanor were completely different from before, turning cold and angry. The suppressed voice seemed to carry endless rage and sorrow.

Gu Chengyu was dumbfounded, why did the Crown Prince suddenly change his attitude, could he already know the contents of the secret will?

Or perhaps the Emperor’s secret will wasn’t just known by himself; the Emperor might have entrusted others too?

Thinking of this, Gu Chengyu found it very possible. With such a suspicious nature, the Emperor being prepared for multiple eventualities wasn’t surprising.

Though a storm raged in Gu Chengyu’s heart, his face showed no sign of it.

He merely furrowed his brow tightly, a trace of anger also slipping into his voice.

"Your Highness! The Emperor’s final words to your servant were not meant to be disclosed now, but the Empress pressured me step by step, threatening my career. I had no choice but to reveal everything, thus I have already disobeyed the Emperor’s decree, which is disloyalty."

Gu Chengyu’s words were filled with grievance and helplessness, but the Crown Prince now had his judgment and was unwilling to easily trust Gu Chengyu’s words.

He stared intently at Gu Chengyu for a while, and Gu Chengyu stared back without showing any sign of guilt.

"Gu Chengyu, I haven’t treated you poorly. With the Emperor having passed, don’t you need to consider your own future? If I ascend the throne, I will also rely on and promote you, so you needn’t worry about your career."

The Crown Prince suddenly softened his tone, willing to treat such a capable minister with courtesy.