Free Web NovelChapter 1138: Chapter 974: Taking It a Step Further
Gu Chengyu nodded in understanding upon hearing this, but then he continued, "I have previously listed many candidates. Even if the principal officer responsible is unaware, the Emperor has already detained some people in Dali Temple. Why hasn’t the Crown Prince interrogated these people? This matter has been delayed long enough, and if we don’t immediately pull out a few individuals, it could have an extremely negative impact on the court."
In such a major affair, if the court remains inactive, how can the people have confidence in it?
"Alas! How could I not understand these principles? But without evidence of guilt, if we extract confessions by torture and wrongly accuse them, how could I bear it in my heart? They are all seasoned ministers of the court. Even if they haven’t achieved great merits for the court, they have at least worked diligently and without complaint over these years, haven’t they?"
The Crown Prince sighed slightly. What Gu Chengyu said was something he had considered. He just wanted to wait until the evidence was collected before resolving the matter, but his father was no longer willing to wait.
"Your Highness! I understand that your intention is not to harm the innocent. But have you considered that all the officials are waiting for your next move, yet you have not acted, which might cause them to feel contempt. Why did the Emperor severely punish the Hejian Prefecture corruption case? Because he could not tolerate these people eroding his empire. They are the worms that harm the court. Therefore, they must be severely punished once discovered, to serve as a warning to the remaining officials."
"This time, the Emperor entrusted this matter to you, intending to test you. Collecting evidence and then processing it is indeed a prudent approach, but the Emperor and the court want swift and decisive action. Since you manage this matter, you must quickly produce a result. Even if it’s just a few minor officials involved in wrongdoing, once you find any fault, punish them severely, to shock those who are restlessly plotting, and to show them your methods and resolve."
Gu Chengyu finished saying these words in one breath, choosing to share so openly with the Crown Prince because the Emperor’s days were numbered.
Birth, aging, illness, and death are sometimes beyond human control. The Crown Prince is the next King, so he can only align himself with the Crown Prince. ƒгeewebnovёl.com
The Crown Prince looked at Gu Chengyu with some surprise, not expecting Gu Chengyu to say such things to him. Previously, Gu Chengyu only discussed matters of business and never spoke so candidly in front of him. Could Gu Chengyu be preparing to switch allegiance?
The Crown Prince’s expression towards Gu Chengyu softened considerably. Gu Chengyu was a capable minister, and if he willingly supported him, it would indeed be a valuable aid.
The Crown Prince had actually come to a realization after being rebuked by the Emperor that morning. What Gu Chengyu just said was exactly what he was thinking at the moment.
This time, his father was indeed testing him. However, in his efforts to handle the matter well, he couldn’t help but overthink, which made him hesitant.
Moreover, the obstruction by some court officials left him somewhat hesitant.
Indeed, as Gu Chengyu said, dealing strictly with a few minor officials involved in wrongdoing could serve as the best deterrent to both the officials and the people.
"What Junior Minister Gu said makes sense. I have indeed been overly compassionate before. Actually, a few days ago, I advocated for harsh punishment on those minor officials, and for the rest, to be carefully interrogated once evidence is collected. But several court officials opposed this idea, saying that without evidence of guilt, it’s unwise to act rashly, lest the yet-to-be-captured involved officials escape by chance."
The Crown Prince felt a bit regretful. Even if he started with the minor offenders, some involved officials would inevitably slip through the cracks, but not many would.
He should have insisted on his own approach despite opposition.
"Your Highness! Setting an example by punishing minor offenders is necessary. Even if some slip through, they will eventually be accounted for. It’s merely allowing them to evade for a little while longer!"
Gu Chengyu frowned. In this matter, the Crown Prince has benevolence, but he lacks decisiveness in execution. Hopefully, through this event, the Crown Prince will make progress.
Some things cannot wait until the opponent acts before passively defending. Previously, the Crown Prince had no intention to harm the Princes, but did those Princes usually show leniency towards the Crown Prince?
The Crown Prince nodded, "Compared to my father, I am still far behind. I will surely take this as a lesson in the future and not make such mistakes again."
The Crown Prince was already working hard to change, and his methods were more assertive than before, but inevitably mistakes occur sometimes.
Recognizing one’s mistakes and correcting them is the Crown Prince’s greatest strength, and Gu Chengyu highly appreciates this quality in him.
How many in positions of power would readily admit their mistakes? It takes incredible courage to do so.
If Dayan were in a time of peace, the Crown Prince would undoubtedly be the best candidate for Crown Prince.
Noticing the Crown Prince’s solemn expression, Gu Chengyu smiled, "Your Highness has done very well already. The Emperor has managed court affairs for decades, his methods are harsher, which is understandable. You’ve only been handling court affairs for a short time, merely lacking in experience. I believe it won’t be long before running court matters becomes second nature to you."
Upon hearing this, the Crown Prince’s expression softened even more, even with a hint of a smile.
"Junior Minister Gu not only has outstanding capabilities but also exceptional eloquence. When Father summoned you to court with the rank of Secondary Sixth Rank to explain the tea tax matter to the ministers, you sparred with them all. Even in such a challenging situation, you managed to retreat unscathed. I have always admired that."
This was back when Gu Chengyu had just become a compiler at the Hanlin Academy. At that time, because of the tea tax, Gu Chengyu was even promoted by a rank. Strictly speaking, he not only emerged unscathed but also benefited from a promotion.
Gu Chengyu chuckled, "That was two years ago. I didn’t expect the Crown Prince to still remember."
"I only heard back then about the Champion Scholar consecutively achieving first place in six subjects, and though I was astonished, it wasn’t particularly extraordinary. But on that day in court, your performance caught my eye."
The Crown Prince’s tone was gentle, clearly in a good mood.
Gu Chengyu was also in a good mood now. Did he understand his intentions? It seems his relationship with the Crown Prince was progressing further than before.
"I am truly honored!"
Then the two exchanged knowing smiles.
"Has there been any news from the Hidden Guard sent by Your Highness to follow Tianji Taoist in the past two days?"
Gu Chengyu had been concerned about this matter, fearing that Tianji Taoist left the palace to escape. Gu Chengyu always felt that the Emperor’s health was nearing its end, and this was inseparable from Tianji Taoist’s elixir.
As he spoke of this, the Crown Prince’s expression became solemn again.
He shook his head, "No, yesterday was the fifth day. But with long-distance communication, there will always be delays. I plan to wait another day. If there’s still no news today, then send someone to follow the signal left by the Hidden Guard to see if there’s anything unusual. Once something abnormal is found, capture Tianji Taoist immediately."
The Crown Prince sighed, as both the Imperial Physicians and the renowned folk herbalists claimed there was nothing wrong with the Emperor’s health.
