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墨書 Inktalez
The Emperor was pleased with Liu Chancellor's advice and smiled, saying, "Liu Aiqing truly understands my intentions. This is exactly what I was thinking. Previously, I and you all wronged General Gu; now that the truth is clear, it is time to make amends."
The meaning behind his words was obvious: Gu Bei would certainly be reinstated to his former position, as he deserved. Even if it were not his due, the Emperor intended to grant it to him, and thus it would all belong to him.
Murong Cheng and Gu Rong's faces turned pale at once. Gu Bei's return to the capital was already a tremendous blow to them. They never expected that he could stand before them again.
Even though they were both alive, the commoner Gu Bei and the Great General Gu Bei were two entirely different individuals.
They could easily deal with the commoner Gu Bei, but they might not be able to ensnare the Great General Gu Bei again.
Last time, things went so smoothly mainly because Gu Bei had no guard against Gu Rong at all, allowing Murong Cheng and Gu Rong to work together and force Gu Bei into a corner.
Now, having returned from the battlefield, would Gu Bei fall for their traps so easily again?
"Father, Liu Chancellor is mistaken!"
Murong Cheng decided to make one last effort; he could not just watch as Gu Bei flaunted his arrogance before him.
"General Gu was severely injured back then and is still recovering. If Father wishes to consider General Gu's situation, it would be better to grant him some rewards so he can recuperate properly and contribute greatly to our dynasty in the future."
As long as he could delay things for a while, he would have plenty of ways to make Gu Bei disappear from the Emperor's sight later on.
The Emperor surveyed the hall and said, "The Crown Prince and Liu Chancellor each have their own opinions; I find it difficult to choose at this moment. Why don't you all think for me about which approach is more appropriate?"
The ministers held their breath, feeling a sense of dread as they heard the Emperor's seemingly inquiring yet actually threatening question.
Your Majesty, if the Crown Prince's suggestion aligns with your thoughts, do you still need to hear Liu Chancellor's differing opinion or seek our advice?
Even those who had slight reservations about Gu Bei were not foolish enough to pick a fight at this moment. The officials' opinions were surprisingly unanimous, with most siding with Liu Chancellor.
"Your Majesty, I believe Liu Chancellor's considerations are more thorough this time."
"Your Majesty, I second that!"
The Emperor smiled as he watched the ministers express their intentions one after another. His gaze returned to Murong Cheng as he said, "Crown Prince, you see that all the esteemed officials believe Liu Chancellor's idea is better."
Murong Cheng felt a wave of despair wash over him as he realized the situation was beyond salvage.
These old men! They only know how to follow the Emperor's wishes. Once I ascend to the throne, none of them will escape!
Even the Crown Prince could not stop this; no one else dared to voice any dissent. Thus, the case of Gu Bei was finally understood. He had regained everything he had lost before.
Everything seemed the same, yet it felt completely different.
After the court session, the officials left in small groups. Just as Gu Bei stepped out of the palace doors, someone called out to him at the corner.
"General Gu, His Majesty has instructed me to wait here for you. There are matters to discuss with you. Please follow me," a guard approached Gu Bei and whispered.
The Emperor wants to see me? Gu Bei thought for a moment; he would have to meet him sooner or later.
He had received the Emperor's favor this time, which allowed him to clear his name, so it was only right that he go and bow in gratitude.
"Please lead the way," Gu Bei replied politely.
Although the guard was merely an Imperial Guard, ranked no higher than a second-class official, he was not comparable to a first-class General.
However, having spent considerable time in the political arena, Gu Bei understood that guards sometimes wield significant influence over the Emperor. Especially those close to him; their lower rank did not equate to less power than that of ministers.
The guard seemed a bit nervous and quickly said, "General Gu need not be so courteous; I am just a third-class sword-bearing guard and truly do not deserve such respect!"
Gu Bei smiled and said, "We all serve the Emperor. As long as we can help alleviate his burdens, why bother with these empty titles?"
"You are right, General!" The guard appeared somewhat restrained but spoke with a hint of shyness. "Perhaps you do not know this, but I have heard of your great name for a long time and have always regarded you as my role model. It is truly heartening that you have been able to clear your name."
His eyes sparkled with genuine joy as he congratulated Gu Bei. Then, with a hint of disappointment, he added, "I have always wanted to follow you into battle. If it weren't for my father stopping me before, I might have joined your army!"
There was a trace of regret in his words, as if he were lamenting how his father had pulled him back home and thwarted his aspirations.
Gu Bei listened and took a moment to assess this guard.
The Imperial Guard emphasizes lineage, as it pertains to the safety of the Emperor. Generally, candidates are selected from the sons of noble families.
These individuals are born with a silver spoon in their mouths, and their lives typically proceed smoothly. Being chosen for the Imperial Guard is a great honor, with ample opportunities for future promotion.
Even if they do not advance, securing a minor official position in other departments is not difficult.
For these families, having a member in the Imperial Guard is a matter of immense pride, allowing them to hold their heads high among peers.
Take the guard before us, for instance. He appears to be no more than twenty, still bearing the youthful innocence of adolescence, yet he has already achieved the coveted rank of Third-Rank.
It is worth noting that attaining the Third-Rank through the regular examination system typically takes at least ten years. Achieving this rank in a military setting is even more challenging.
This young guard remains blissfully unaware of the hardships of life.
It seems his family has cherished him like a treasure. The role of a guard is somewhat distinct from court politics, devoid of the intrigue and scheming found in the court. His apparent innocence likely allows him to maintain this authenticity.
Perhaps it is this very sincerity that has caught the Emperor's attention, leading to his promotion as a personal guard.
Gu Bei halted his thoughts. Having noticed the guard deliberately lowering his voice earlier, he understood that the Emperor had summoned him privately. Now, seeing the path the guard was leading him down only confirmed his suspicions.
Upon entering the inner courtyard, the guard dared not speak further and quickly guided Gu Bei along until they reached the Imperial Study.
At the entrance, someone was waiting to receive them. Upon seeing their arrival, he turned and entered briefly before quickly returning to open the door, inviting Gu Bei inside.
Once inside, Gu Bei first bowed to the Emperor. "This humble servant, Gu Bei, thanks Your Majesty for your great kindness!"
The Emperor waited for him to finish his greeting before speaking. "Rise, my dear minister. Please take a seat."
Immediately, a courtier brought over a chair. Gu Bei expressed his gratitude and sat down.
"My dear minister," the Emperor began while reviewing a pile of documents on his desk, "do you know why I have summoned you today?"
Hearing the Emperor's question, Gu Bei instinctively stood up to respond. It was as if the Emperor had eyes on his head; he observed Gu Bei's every move. Before Gu Bei could act on his impulse, the Emperor casually waved his hand and said, "It's fine; there are no outsiders here. You need not stand on ceremony."
The Emperor lifted his head and glanced at Gu Bei, smiling as he said, "You claim to dislike these formalities, yet you always adhere to them more strictly than others. It truly is a challenge for you."
"Your servant is overwhelmed," Gu Bei replied, unsure how to continue the conversation as the Emperor spoke casually.
The Emperor shook his head helplessly. "You brothers of the Gu Family are quite the pair; one is exceptionally clever, while the other is even more meticulous than most. It’s evident that different people can be nurtured from the same grain, and you two exemplify this perfectly."
Hearing the Emperor mention Gu Rong made Gu Bei's heart skip a beat. It seemed that the Emperor's summons had deeper intentions than he had anticipated.
Noticing that Gu Bei showed no change in expression, the Emperor shook his head and shifted the topic. "What do you think of today’s court session?"
This time, Gu Bei did not skip the formalities; he knelt and bowed his head to the Emperor. "Your servant is grateful for Your Majesty's trust and for being given this opportunity. I will always remember Your Majesty's kindness!"
"With your intentions, I can rest easy," the Emperor replied.
Looking at Gu Bei, the Emperor suddenly sighed. "Gu Bei, seeing you reminds me of my many princes. If any one of them possessed even half of your ability and demeanor, I wouldn’t still be struggling as I am now."
Gu Bei was taken aback; such words were not something a subject should hear.
"Your Majesty is blessed with great fortune and is in the prime of life, truly a time for grand ambitions. Under Your Majesty's guidance, the princes are all capable individuals who can stand on their own!"
Gu Bei could only choose flattering words; that brief statement had already exhausted all the compliments he could muster.
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