Blossom In Adversity - Vol. 2

C330. A Well-Staged Play.

Chapter 330: A Well-Staged Play

As they approached Concubine Hui's Lan Zhi Palace, they saw her kneeling outside, dressed in simple white robes, her hair devoid of any ornaments. Behind her, kneeling, were Second Prince Gu Cheng'an and a young palace concubine. Remembering Laifu's words, Gu Yanxi took a closer look at the palace consort.

With her head bowed, her face was hidden from view. At first glance, she seemed no different from any other palace consort.

"It seems you've figured it out," the Emperor approached, his tone flat, revealing no emotion.

Concubine Hui felt increasingly uncertain, but for her son's sake, she had to gamble everything.

"An'er told me he had done wrong and wished to bid me farewell before going to confess his sins to Your Majesty," she kowtowed, her voice trembling. "I know I have no face to plead for him. It is my fault as a mother for not having raised him properly. Please, Your Majesty, allow me to bear some of An'er's punishment. Take my life, if you must, but please spare An'er's. He is my only son."

"No, Mother, I won't let you," Gu Cheng'an knelt and crawled forward, his voice choked with tears. "Father, it is my fault. I have listened to evil counsel and committed unforgivable acts. Whatever punishment you bestow upon me, I will accept. But my mother has done nothing wrong. Father, please, for the sake of Mother's many years of faithful service without ever making a mistake, do not involve her in this. It is all my fault. I will take full responsibility."

Gu Yanxi immediately understood the mother and son's plan. When Gu Chengde had thrown himself at the mercy of the court to save himself, and Consort Rong had taken all the blame, Gu Cheng'an had not uttered a word. Later, the Emperor had lamented his lack of compassion and thus grown even more disdainful of him. Now, Gu Cheng'an was doing the opposite, and he had indeed touched on the Emperor's soft spot.

Perhaps because of his old age, the increasingly suspicious Emperor had developed a fondness for those who valued old relationships, like the Zhu family.

Even if Gu Cheng'an was merely confined, it would be a mere moment before he could make a comeback. And even if he were truly exiled to the border, with the mother and son acting in such a manner, the Emperor would remember their loyalty. If the palace consort were to whisper a few words in the Emperor's ear, this serious matter could easily be turned into nothing.

Their calculations were quite clever. Gu Yanxi watched coldly, knowing that even so, he could still make sure that Gu Cheng'an would never be able to turn things around.

But, was it necessary?

Upon hearing the emperor's satisfied sigh, Gu Yanxi's expression under his mask became almost frosty.

"Finally showing some backbone. This matter has nothing to do with the Concubine Hui, do you really think I am that clueless in your eyes?"

Both mother and son felt a heavy weight in their hearts as Gu Cheng'an heavily bowed, "Son thanks the Emperor, son, son......"

Gu Cheng'an slapped himself hard, causing half of his face to immediately swell up, showing the force he used, "Son is unfilial, son has disappointed the Emperor."

Watching his second son repenting on the ground, the Emperor felt that he had neglected him too much in the past. He did all this just to gain his acknowledgment, but now that he admitted his mistake and showed filial piety, perhaps he could take on some responsibilities if he reforms.

Upon hearing footsteps, Gu Yanxi looked back and took a few steps back without leaving a trace.

"Leader, we found out that this girl is a distant relative of the Tong family, she can be considered as a daughter of the Tong family."