Blossom in Adversity

C172. Just in Case.

Chapter 172 - Just in Case

Gu Yanxi's two decrees sent shockwaves through everyone, followed by a swift announcement of a series of official appointments, some of which even sounded unfamiliar to the entire court of civil and military officials. Without giving anyone a chance to speak, he announced the end of the court session.

The large hall of political deliberation fell into a deafening silence.

With thirty-two positions now vacant, they had eagerly considered potential candidates, some even engaging in private deals. But what was the result?

They didn't even get a chance to suggest, their roles were directly assigned!

Who was this Cheng Yi person?

They hadn't even heard of him, where did they dig up this person from!

The Second Prince and the Third Prince had already entered the court, and they were surrounded by a considerable number of people, with the Third Prince having slightly more supporters.

The courtiers weren't taking sides at this moment, but rather trying to gather information.

In reality, the two princes were more frightened than anyone else. Today was just an announcement, but yesterday they had witnessed in the execution hall, seeing people being whipped, leaving them with psychological shadows even at the sight of a whip!

Despite their impatience, both princes beamed with confidence, each trying to outshine the other, showcasing their abilities to those loyal to them while also trying to attract those who hadn't yet chosen a side. With the eldest prince falling from grace, their chances only grew stronger.

Even the usually reserved Second Prince couldn't contain his excitement, his gaze towards the Third Prince carried a hint of unknown meaning.

The Third Prince coldly snorted to himself, normally good at concealing his emotions, but at times like this, wouldn't he reveal his true colors?

Was the eldest prince even qualified to compete with him?

Was he even worthy?

Several elderly courtiers exchanged glances and shook their heads. They had sensed that something was amiss with the emperor yesterday, but they never expected that it would come to the point where the leader of the Seven Stars would take over the regency. What turbulent times!

Gu Yanxi headed to the imperial study, and not long after, a series of decrees were issued one after another.

Lai Fu brought the memorials for the day and Gu Yanxi picked out a few, skimming through them with a disgruntled expression, "Every day, these memorials are just full of nonsense? If they can't handle these trivial matters themselves, what's the use of them? If they can't handle it, replace them with someone who can."

Lai Fu was about to take the memorials away when Gu Yanxi stopped him, instructing without looking up, "Tell the Fourth Stars to send the news of the past five days, no, ten days."

A member of the Fourth Stars appeared and bowed to Gu Yanxi before quickly disappearing.

As he waited, Gu Yanxi meticulously read through all the memorials, and just as the head of the Fourth Stars arrived, holding four volumes of books.

The information from the Fourth Stars was categorized into four main sections: livelihood, officials, foreign affairs, and domestic disturbances. Gu Yanxi flipped through each volume, unsure whether to feel more sorrowful or relieved at what he discovered.

If it weren't for Ah Zhi's words that stimulated and reminded him, he would not have accepted the Emperor's arrangement. This was the only reason he saw these memorials and discovered that the Seven Stars had received news ten days ago, yet the entire court of officials and military officers had not reported it until now.

He no longer cared whether they were unaware or deliberately withholding information. The Emperor's eyes were blinded, his ears muffled. If it weren't for him knowing today that the Emperor had been surrounded by courtiers, he would have thought that the Seven Stars' reports were always known to the Emperor.

But since the Emperor was aware of the courtiers' concealment, why hadn't he changed this situation?

Gu Yanxi rubbed his fingers together, glanced at Lai Fu beside him, and handed him the book on livelihood from the Seven Stars, pointing to a page, "Take a look."

Lai Fu took it, hands trembling as he read the records, then checked the date. Recalling the events in the court that day, he shook his head, "The matter was never mentioned in the court."

"The Seven Stars send daily reports, and in case of emergencies, they deliver them immediately upon receiving them."

"Yes, that's true," Lai Fu swallowed hard, and said with difficulty, "It's just that recently, the Emperor... has been resting more often."

Gu Yanxi, who had read the Emperor's daily routines, naturally knew what was happening; it all stemmed from that elixir.

Gu Chengde!

If Gu Cheng'an doesn't kill you, I will!

Gu Yanxi was shocked and angry, and in a cold tone, he ordered, "Inform the courtiers, the court assembly will be held in half an hour."

Lai Fu acknowledged and left, stepping out of the study to see Shao Yao running towards him with a large package. He quickly paid his respects.

Shao Yao waved and darted into the study, tossing her hat aside and holding up the package with a playful smile, "Hua Hua sent this over."

The mention of that name extinguished Gu Yanxi's anger in an instant, softening his entire being.

Shao Yao moved to push aside the memorials on the desk to reveal the food box, but Gu Yanxi grabbed her, taking the box to the resting area at the back.

There were still two separate food boxes with different preferences, but Fu Dong always favored Shao Yao, including an extra serving of dessert for her.

Shao Yao was delighted, her smile reaching her ears as she proudly showed the dessert to Gu Yanxi.

Gu Yanxi usually didn't like overly sweet desserts, even the most exquisite ones from the palace were only eaten to accompany his grandmother, but he always enjoyed the pastries from the Hua family, immediately picking one up and eating it.

"Yan ge!" Shao Yao regretted extending the dessert to him and wanted to chop off the hand she had just shown off.

Ignoring her, Gu Yanxi looked at the food box filled with his favorite dishes, instantly in a good mood. He knew Fu Dong had arranged the dishes and the food box, but that didn't stop him from attributing all the good to Ah Zhi.

Even if he had to face a group of frustrating people half an hour later, it did not detract from his current good mood.

"Where is the food deliverer?"

"I asked, and they said they weren't in a hurry to leave," Shao Yao looked up, "Does Hua Hua know something?"

"Yes."

"Really?" Shao Yao looked surprised, then nodded, "It makes sense, there's nothing Hua Hua doesn't know, Yan ge."

Gu Yanxi raised his head.

"Do you think the Emperor will know that we are acquainted with Hua Hua?"

"No, he won't."

"I'm a bit worried," Shao Yao poked at her rice, "Hua Hua works so hard for the Hua family, I'm worried..."

"Don't worry."

"Yan ge..."

"I said don't worry, so don't worry."

Shao Yao nodded, her trust in Yan ge evident to her core. If Yan ge said not to worry, then she wouldn't.

"Get something for her self-defense."

Shao Yao immediately stood up, "Someone wants to harm Hua Hua? Who? Didn't you arrange for someone?"

"Just in case." Uncle Emperor may not know, but those princes might. Even if they behave for now, they will definitely try to find his weakness once the situation calms down, and his current weakness is Ah Zhi.

He was prepared but still wary of any potential threats. Shao Yao's precaution was precisely for that 'just in case' scenario.