121: Past of Minister Gu

His words just now were indeed partly sincere, wanting Jiang Lan to stand on the same front as him.

But there was another part, which was a test.

A test of whether Jiang Lan was interested in power.

Although he felt that Jiang Lan probably wasn't.

If Jiang Lan was truly interested in power, wouldn't it have been better for him to declare himself Emperor directly when he was in the Golden Luan Hall?

Doing so would certainly not comply with the Dao.

But for him, a Ninth Prince who was neither the legitimate heir nor the eldest, to become Emperor, didn't that also not comply with the Dao?

However, his feelings alone were useless; if he didn't test this matter, his heart would never settle down.

So, hearing Jiang Lan's refusal, his mood was quite complex.

There was relief, but also regret.

Although after a day, his position was basically consolidated.

But he always felt that the chair beneath him was unstable.

Having gained the position improperly, how could he sit firmly?

If Jiang Lan helped, the Emperor was confident he could stabilize his position within three days.

But without it, this time would be extended indefinitely.

Perhaps a month, perhaps three months, perhaps a year.

Until he cultivated a group of his own loyal followers in the court, only then would this position be truly stable.

The Emperor looked up and said,

“There’s an empty Prince’s residence in the Inner City; what do you think? Or if you dislike that someone has lived there before, we can directly rebuild a residence next to the imperial palace.”

Jiang Lan chuckled.

“What would I do with such a large house? Find a quiet one, something suitable will do.”

“Good! I’ll send someone to handle it as soon as I return!” the Emperor quickly promised.

Actually, under normal circumstances, he should have referred to himself as ‘Zhen’ (We, the Emperor).

But in front of Jiang Lan, he really didn't dare.

Jiang Lan was quite satisfied with the Emperor's attitude.

“Then thank you very much.”

The Emperor quickly said, “You are too polite.”

After speaking, he also breathed a sigh of relief.

This hurdle for today was considered passed.

From now on, as long as he proceeded steadily, he would be the true Emperor.

Only then did he dare to secretly glance at Jiang Lan and Gu Yan'er beside Jiang Lan.

Seeing Gu Yan'er, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, but he quickly concealed it.

However, Jiang Lan caught the Emperor's gaze.

“What, do you know her?”

The Emperor repeatedly waved his hand.

“I don’t recognize her!”

He did find Gu Yan'er somewhat familiar, but he didn't dare to admit it.

She was sitting next to Jiang Lan; who knew what her relationship with Jiang Lan was?

If she felt offended, who knew what fate awaited him?

Thinking of this, the Emperor felt a bit helpless.

He hadn't experienced the feeling of being an Emperor for long, but he had experienced the feeling of being a eunuch.

No wonder they say accompanying a ruler is like accompanying a tiger.

He felt that he wasn't the Emperor now; Jiang Lan was.

If he displeased someone with a single word, that person could kill him with just a word.

“It’s fine, tell me.”

Jiang Lan said.

The Emperor, emboldened, swallowed his saliva.

“I just find her somewhat familiar, as if I’ve seen her somewhere before.”

Jiang Lan heard this and became a little interested.

To be honest, he knew little, if anything, about Gu Yan'er's family background.

He only knew her father was an official.

Jiang Lan turned to Gu Yan'er and asked, “Do you recognize him?”

Gu Yan'er nodded.

“I saw him once at my father’s birthday banquet; if I remember correctly, he should have been a Prince.”

“Indeed, he is the Emperor now.”

Hearing their conversation, the Emperor also seemed to recall.

“You are the daughter of Minister Gu? But Minister Gu…”

At this point, the Emperor’s expression changed slightly.

He seemed to have figured out what was really going on.

If he remembered correctly, Minister Gu's home was indeed confiscated some time ago.

However, the reason given was corruption and bribery.

At the time, he actually felt something was fishy.

For most officials, the reason of corruption and bribery was unassailable.

But Minister Gu was an exception.

When he was a Prince, he had some personal dealings with Minister Gu. After visiting Minister Gu's home at the time, he was amazed that a dignified Minister's home was actually so simple, without even any decent decorations.

A Minister was a third-rank official.

Whether he wanted it or not, on New Year's and festivals, those offering gifts would line up at his doorstep.

Even if he wasn't corrupt, just taking what he was supposed to, he wouldn't live in such poverty.

Afterward, he made many inquiries and only then learned the reason for Minister Gu's impoverished household.

Not only was he not corrupt, but after covering basic expenses, most of his salary was donated to poor families.

At the time, he even told others that Minister Gu was a Saint.

But not long after, Minister Gu's home was confiscated on the grounds of corruption and bribery.

To be honest, he initially didn't believe this reason.

If he was truly corrupt, how deeply hidden would it have been?

But later, as more people said it, he stopped doubting.

There's truth to the saying that three men make a tiger, and many mouths can melt metal.

But now, he actually saw Minister Gu's daughter beside Jiang Lan.

Combined with what Jiang Lan had said earlier.

A conjecture slowly emerged in his mind.

Could it be that Minister Gu was framed and his home confiscated because he discovered his father colluding with demons?

But after a home was confiscated, weren't the female family members usually sold to the brothel?

Seeing the change in the Emperor's eyes, Gu Yan'er also guessed what he was thinking.

Gu Yan'er gritted her teeth.

“I was not sent to the brothel; by a stroke of Opportunity, I was sold to the Outer City. Thanks to Heaven’s favor, I met my benefactor.”

The Emperor's eyes flickered.

Indeed, things were as he had thought.

But this was a bit too coincidental.

He had previously thought that Jiang Lan's 'entrusted by someone' referred to someone else.

He didn't expect it to be entrusted by Minister Gu's daughter?

What was this?

An act of fury for a beauty?

For a moment, the Emperor only felt his mind was a bit muddled.

Gu Yan'er's state wasn't very good either at this moment.

She had already confirmed that the Emperor was truly killed.

The thorn in her heart for so long was suddenly pulled out, and her emotions were somewhat out of control. Her eyes were red, like a little rabbit, with mist swirling in them, as if tears were about to fall.

Seeing this, Jiang Lan waved his hand.

“Alright, what needed to be said has been said. I won’t see you off. Finally, a piece of advice for you.”

“Senior, please speak,” the Emperor said, adopting a very humble posture.

Jiang Lan smiled, “Be an enlightened ruler.”

The Emperor patted his chest and repeatedly said,

“I promise, I will definitely be an enlightened ruler!”

Regardless of whether he was telling the truth or not, or if it came from the heart, his attitude, at least, was appropriate.

“Go.”

The Emperor immediately rose and took his leave.

Zhou Buqing also stood up with him.

But before he could leave, Jiang Lan called out to him.

“Director Zhou.”

Zhou Buqing stopped, turned to look at Jiang Lan, his expression extremely complex.

He really couldn't imagine how Jiang Lan could have grown to this extent so soon after he had just mentioned him?

“Don’t call me Director; by rights, I should call you Senior.”