Blossom in Adversity

C80. Arrival.

Chapter 80: Arrival

Chen Tu led the Shizi into the west wing, and the room was not as messy as he had described it, with the heated kang bed neatly arranged.

Chen Tu greeted respectfully, "I pay my respects to the Shizi."

"No need." Gu Yanxi sat on the kang and focused his gaze on the ever-respectful Chen Tu. "Is there anything unusual in the North?"

"Regarding that, I recently took a trip to the northern border and everything seemed normal. But I can't shake the feeling that something is amiss, although I can't pinpoint exactly what." Chen Tu knelt in apology, "I have failed in my duties, please punish me, Shizi."

"Is it inside or outside the borders?"

"Outside. Inside is a place of exile, and apart from an increase in the number of exiled individuals this year, there are no other anomalies."

The increase in exiles was already a major issue. Gu Yanxi lowered his gaze, as the aging Emperor's suspicions were growing stronger by the day. Even he, praised as the imperial stallion by the Emperor, had to guard against raising suspicions and staining his reputation.

The Daqing Dynasty had strict requirements for officials, including a prohibition against those with blemished appearances from entering the court, let alone holding positions of power. Ever since he disfigured his face, several princes no longer viewed him with the same cautious regard as before, employing various tactics to win him over.

In recent years, the infighting among the princes had intensified, affecting more and more individuals. This was not a favorable situation for the Daqing Dynasty, and while the Emperor might be aware, he seemed powerless to stop it.

Thinking of these matters filled Gu Yanxi with disgust, but he had to endure it. If they didn't fight amongst themselves, how could he advance his beloved father's position?

After enduring so much for many years, he had had enough.

"I will send someone northward. You will brief them on the situation outside the borders."

Chen Tu was taken aback, "May I ask, Shizi, have I done something wrong?"

"You will keep an eye on things inside the borders for me. If there are any unusual developments, report to me immediately."

Feeling slightly relieved, Chen Tu asked, "Is the Shizi concerned that there may be collusion between insiders and outsiders?"

"More than that." Gu Yanxi's expression grew colder. In the past couple of years, many officials had been sent north, predominantly military officers. If they were to unite under someone's command, or if they harbored ambitions of their own...

It was unclear whose hand was behind it all. Ambitions were becoming increasingly apparent, and it was evident that the Emperor was truly growing old.

"Every five months or so, you must stay here. Also, pay attention to the Hua family in the north. If the people in the north can't solve the problem, lend them a hand."

"Yes, I understand." Chen Tu glanced at the Shizi, quickly lowered his head, and asked, "Does the Shizi want to see everyone?"

"I will return here in a few days, we'll talk about it then." Gu Yanxi tapped the edge of the kang bed with his finger, "Send a message to the people in the north, I want to see them when I arrive."

"Yes." Seeing that the Shizi had no other orders, Chen Tu bowed and left. He quickly brought in hot water to help Gu Yanxi wash up.

A restful night's sleep, and the next morning the snow had unexpectedly stopped. However, Hua Zhi felt that today was even colder than yesterday.