Free Web NovelChapter 1194: Chapter 1030: Apology Gift
"Your Highness, it is late at night, you should rest early!"
A man pushed open the door and saw the Prince still reading, and couldn’t help but advise.
"Wait a little longer!" Prince Jing put down the book in his hand, uncertain if he would come today. If not today, then it would have to wait a few more days.
Some things cannot be waited on; waiting would cause one to lose the upper hand.
"Who’s there?" The man’s ears twitched, quickly darting out of the room and into the courtyard.
A masked figure in black stood in the courtyard, gazing intently inside, oblivious to the man who rushed out. His gaze fell behind the man, and upon seeing that person, he inwardly sneered, so it was indeed him!
"Who are you?" The man drew his sword, ready to engage in combat.
Prince Jing waved his hand, "Tang Canling, step back!"
Tang Canling was no match for this person, if this person hadn’t deliberately made a noise, how would Tang Canling have detected someone entering the courtyard?
"You have come! Come in and talk." Prince Jing curved his lips, his eyes full of amusement.
Tang Canling was somewhat surprised at this. The man in black had made no move after entering the courtyard, simply looking at the Prince silently.
Could it be that this person and the Prince were old acquaintances? Or was this person invited by the Prince?
Gu Chengyu nodded and stepped inside.
Tang Canling watched Gu Chengyu’s steps, gripping his sword handle tightly, afraid that Gu Chengyu might suddenly lash out and harm the Prince.
Gu Chengyu regarded Tang Canling’s wariness with indifference.
He strolled into the room, observing its setup at once. This small courtyard was not large, the main house and the east and west wings together only totaled five rooms.
Besides, the furnishings were extremely simple; upon entering, one immediately saw a set of tables and chairs, and a kang stove, with nothing else.
Prince Jing sat down by the table as soon as he entered, pouring tea for Gu Chengyu from the teapot while observing his eyes exposed outside the black veil.
Even if Gu Chengyu was wearing a veil, it was not difficult for him to guess Gu Chengyu’s identity.
Those slightly upward-curving almond-shaped eyes were distinctive, always giving one a sense of tenderness and dreamlike impression. Just sometimes, Gu Chengyu’s eyes were extremely sharp, making one feel pressured.
"My humble abode is simple, please bear with it."
Gu Chengyu looked at the porcelain blue-and-white tea bowl extended by Prince Jing; it was a fine item, incongruous with the simplicity of the room.
Gu Chengyu bowed deeply, and without waiting for Prince Jing to motion him to rise, he leisurely sat opposite Prince Jing.
Jin Canling frowned, finding this person quite disrespectful. However, the Prince still smiled, seemingly unbothered.
"The Prince certainly anticipated that I would come." Neither of them expressed surprise upon seeing the other, indicating their mutual understanding of each other’s temperament.
Hearing the black-clad man address himself as "official," Jin Canling raised an eyebrow, this person is actually a court official?
Prince Jing chuckled, "You are not surprised to see me either, are you?"
Gu Chengyu removed his veil, since his identity was already known, there was no need to hide.
In the dim candlelight, Gu Chengyu’s nearly perfect face shone brilliantly, his slender fingers gently lifting the tea bowl from the table and taking a sip.
"Mr. Gu’s demeanor far surpasses the past, even celestial beings would pale in comparison."
Every time he saw Gu Chengyu, Prince Jing admired his exceptional appearance, unmatched in the present world.
"The Prince is too kind, in terms of demeanor and bearing, the Prince is undoubtedly superior."
Gu Chengyu glanced at him, his moon-white high-collared robe adding a touch of elegance and grace to him.
With sword-like eyebrows and starry eyes, a nose like a hanging gallbladder, the entire face seemed sculpted with clear-cut features, indeed a rare handsome man.
Yet those frequently puckered thin lips made him appear somewhat cold and indifferent.
In fairness, the four princes are all handsome, but Prince Gong and Prince Jing are especially so.
Due to the National Mourning, Prince Jing wore no gold or jade items, only a white jade cicada on his waist.
The usually lavish golden crown adorned with gemstones had been replaced by a white jade crown, making him seem quite refined.
Ever since Gu Chengyu removed his mask, Jin Canling was dumbstruck. How could this person be here? Previously, the Prince lamented Gu Chengyu’s unwillingness to serve him, how is he now unexpectedly drinking tea here with the Prince late at night?
Has the Prince secretly won him over? Truly incredulous!
"Visiting so late, I hope Your Highness won’t take offense!" Gu Chengyu appeared leisurely, as if simply here to reminisce.
"Mr. Gu’s presence is what this Prince could only wish for!" Prince Jing smiled, also leisurely sipping his tea.
Gu Chengyu smiled slightly, not continuing the conversation. He mused inwardly, the Prince holds his composure well. Now that the Crown Prince is about to ascend, would the Prince be content to let things be?
Since Prince Jing did not bring it up, he himself need not rush into speaking, lest he be put at a disadvantage.
Prince Jing observed Gu Chengyu’s elegance, even in night attire, he was composed, every move exuding an air reminiscent of the Wei and Jin dynasties.
"Since Your Highness is in the Capital, why not enter the palace to pay respects?" Gu Chengyu feigned ignorance, as he was not there to join the Prince’s cause.
Prince Jing sighed, "Father has passed, yet this Prince was unable to see him one last time. Who would have thought that my last visit two years ago, prior to heading to my fiefdom, would truly be the last?"
Not answering Gu Chengyu’s question, Prince Jing looked towards the burning candle in the room, his eyes inevitably moist.
He still remembered back when he departed for his fiefdom, regardless of motive, his father had stood atop the city wall sending him off.
The memories were still vivid, yet in just two short years, the Capital had already changed beyond recognition.
"The world is ever-changing, thus, people should cherish what they have now. Once lost, it is irretrievable, leaving only regret!"
Gu Chengyu recalled the Emperor’s previous high regard for him, and even the slight disrespect he had shown, which the Emperor had generously overlooked.
Even at the end, he summoned him to the bedside to give his final directives, which was a sign of great trust. Unfortunately, in the end, he still let the Emperor down, a thought that brought him a sense of guilt.
"Mr. Gu is right, once lost, it cannot be regained. My intentions are no secret to Mr. Gu. May I ask again, would Mr. Gu assist me in achieving my great cause?"
Prince Jing shifted the topic, deciding to speak frankly. Since his intentions were already clear to Gu Chengyu, why beat around the bush?
Gu Chengyu chuckled lightly, "The Prince asked this before, and I have answered before, today my answer remains the same as it was."
Prince Jing frowned, "Since Mr. Gu is unwilling to serve me, why come to meet tonight?"
Saying this, he sighed deeply, "I also know, my previous actions were too unscrupulous, causing a rift between us. Today, I solemnly apologize to Mr. Gu, the previous issues were my fault, please do not hold it against me. If Mr. Gu is willing to assist me, in the future, we shall proceed together, sharing wealth and honor."
As Prince Jing spoke, he even stood to bow to Gu Chengyu, to make amends.
