Chapter 20

Gu Zhuan's smile carried a hint of bitterness.

The friendship he once believed would last for eternity now seemed like a reflection in a lake—elusive and indistinct, like a fluttering butterfly in a dream.

A cold voice rang out: "Don't touch that!"

Gu Zhuan's fingertips, which had been tracing the stone tablet, paused slightly.

He looked up at Xiao Rui, who stood several meters away, his expression icy and his voice dripping with icy disdain.

Gu Zhuan lowered his gaze.

If he could, Xiao Rui would erase all those foolish memories of the past with a single stroke of the pen.

The tablet's presence here only seemed to mock him. No wonder Xiao Rui's mood had darkened.

A long silence hung between them until someone arrived to report: "Your Majesty, we've secretly brought the owner of Zhenjiang Firecracker Shop to Nanjing. He has identified two of the three men we arrested earlier as the ones who purchased the firecrackers. However, neither of them works for the Nanjing government."

Xiao Rui sneered.

Ever since saving Old Man Zhang that night, he had encountered numerous skilled fighters. These individuals clearly couldn't operate openly; they were likely Shadow Guards, or even Imperial Guards from someone in the palace.

"Release news of the three arrests," Xiao Rui commanded. "State that they disturbed the imperial carriage and behaved improperly."

After giving his orders, Xiao Rui strode away, never once glancing at the stone tablet.

Gu Zhuan trailed behind the group, walking slowly.

Unexpectedly, Xiao Rui stopped and turned to look at him.

Gu Zhuan felt a sudden, inexplicable tightening in his chest, his heart tightening, when Xiao Rui abruptly said, "Your wrist."

Gu Zhuan lowered his head and only then noticed that his wrist had been scratched raw. Crimson blood seeped steadily, staining his sleeve in a stark, alarming patch.

He had been too focused on keeping up earlier to notice the stinging pain.

At least it's just pain, he thought. The wound doesn't seem too deep—nothing serious.

"I must have scraped it against the stone wall earlier..." Gu Zhuan forced a smile despite the pain as he saw everyone turn to look at him. "It's nothing, Your Majesty. I'll bandage it myself when I get back..."

Xiao Rui stared at him for a long moment, his tone still icy. "Find a decent physician."

An official waiting nearby chimed in: "Your Majesty, there's a detached courtyard about five hundred meters from here where Lord Gu can rest. Dongti Village has a Barefoot Doctor, half physician and half Daoist priest, whose medical skills are said to be extraordinary. Shall I summon him to treat Lord Gu?"

"There's really no need..." Gu Zhuan's head throbbed at the mere suggestion. "This is just a minor matter. I can handle it myself..."

Xiao Rui raised his gaze, his eyes fixed on Gu Xuechen's lips, which strained to curve upward despite the evident pain. "Do you think not dying is a 'minor matter'?"

An immediate silence descended upon the group. Sensing His Majesty's barely suppressed, inexplicable anger, no one dared to speak.

"But people... can truly die," Xiao Rui continued, his expression darkening, radiating an oppressive aura. "If the bleeding continues like this... what if...?"

Had anyone else been speaking, His Majesty's words would have settled the matter. But Gu Zhuan, by nature, abhorred inconveniencing others. He knew everyone had pressing matters to attend to, and the thought of making them pause here to wait for the Barefoot Doctor seemed absurd. "Your Majesty, given the urgency of the situation, there's really no need to trouble everyone..."

"You're by my side," Xiao Rui retorted coldly, his eyes piercing Gu Zhuan's. "What could possibly be so urgent that I can't even protect those closest to me?! Or do you think I can't handle even this minor inconvenience?!"

With the conversation reaching this point, Gu Zhuan had no choice but to yield. He would stop and wait for the Barefoot Doctor to take his pulse and bandage the wound.

Xiao Rui's reaction stunned the officials around him. His Majesty's tone and demeanor just now were a stark contrast to his usual guarded composure.

His Majesty is actually losing his temper over Lord Gu's delay in seeing the doctor... Could it be that Lord Gu has truly earned the Emperor's favor?

The barefoot doctor arrived swiftly. His age was hard to guess—his face was deeply lined, yet his skin remained supple and smooth. Though he hailed from the countryside, he carried himself with none of the usual humility, as if he had absorbed the very essence of nature itself. The moment his eyes met Gu Zhuan's, his usually placid eyelids twitched slightly. He closed his eyes slowly, taking Gu Zhuan's pulse repeatedly, before finally wrapping the wound with meticulous care.

Gu Zhuan hesitated, then asked, "You took my pulse several times just now. Is there something unusual about my pulse?"

The barefoot doctor replied calmly, "This old one merely discerned that this body is not what you desire. In truth, someone sought this favor from the heavens, and that is why Lord Gu finds himself here."

Gu Zhuan's heart skipped a beat. He had once been dead, only to awaken and find himself inhabiting Gu Xuechen's body. How could this not be against my will?

He couldn't understand the last few sentences, so he narrowed his eyes and asked, "Someone sought this?"

"This humble Daoist can only say, Lord, your journey here was not Heaven's will, but man's doing."

Gu Zhuan was about to press further when Eunuch Feng's smiling figure flashed into view. He emerged from behind the screen, startling Gu Zhuan, who wondered how long he had been there. Eunuch Feng smiled as usual. "Doctor, is Lord Gu's injury nothing to worry about?"

The Barefoot Doctor smiled back. "It's just a superficial wound, Your Excellency. I've already bandaged it properly."

Outside the courtyard, Xiao Rui closed his eyes, slowly exhaling the pent-up resentment in his chest.

He hadn't allowed himself to feel anger for a long time.

Even the Jinchuan River Embankment incident had been merely the Son of Heaven's wrath.

Perhaps it was the memory of that frail yet unyielding figure resurfacing.

He had long known about Gu Zhuan's weak stomach, but he never seemed to find the right moment to care for him.

The Prime Minister Gu who stood before him was always meticulous and composed. Whenever Xiao Rui saw his pale complexion and suggested he rest, Gu Zhuan would wave it off with a gentle shake of his head.

His delicate features suggested someone prone to illness, yet he was more stubborn and headstrong than anyone else.

He was constantly preoccupied with state affairs, as if the nation couldn't function without him for a single day...

How could he not hate?

Some things were best left unexamined. He hated Gu Zhuan, but he hated himself even more. If only he had been more assertive in the past, if only he hadn't reflexively yielded to Gu Zhuan's whims, perhaps... everything would have been different now.

Eunuch Feng tiptoed out of the room. "Your Majesty, Lord Gu's wounds have been bandaged..."

Xiao Rui slowly closed his eyes and nodded slightly.

As if divinely inspired, Eunuch Feng immediately understood and fell silent.

I thought His Majesty cared for Lord Gu, he mused, but it's clear he doesn't want to hear about him at all. Caring isn't even the right word.

The Emperor's irritation with Gu Xuechen just now might have seemed directed at him, but in truth... it was still about... that person.

Eunuch Feng sighed inwardly.

The discovery of the cellar had propelled the investigation forward by leaps and bounds.

However, the arrested men remained stubbornly tight-lipped, and even the owner of the Zhenjiang Firecracker Shop couldn't confirm whether his contacts had been government officials.

The crucial next step was identifying the officials pulling the strings behind the scenes.

Yet, to anyone familiar with the machinations of officialdom, the answer was as clear as a mirror.

Who in Jinling possessed such heaven-defying power and dared to act with such reckless impunity? Nanjing Provincial Governor Zhang Ning and Jinling Provincial Administrative Commissioner Wang Jing... These two likely conspired in cahoots, with neither willing to sacrifice the other.

Gu Zhuan narrowed his eyes. The Wang brothers were still detained in prison; it was time for another interrogation.

Since their last conversation, the Wang brothers had become completely apathetic to their surroundings. No matter how Qi Xu questioned them, they remained stubbornly silent.

Now, kneeling before Gu Zhuan, they wore expressions of utter despair, their eyes as lifeless as ashes.

Sitting in his chair, Gu Zhuan spoke blandly, "I've just come from the cellar. Traces of firecrackers were there, along with cart tracks. Even if you remain silent, it makes no difference. I have no need for anything you possess."

The brothers' faces paled instantly. In trembling voices, they gasped, "You... how do you know about the cellar?!"

"Do you think officials are as tight-lipped as you?" Gu Zhuan said lazily. "Of course, when the situation turned sour, their subordinates sold out their masters. It's you who never understood the game..."

The two men exchanged horrified glances. Upon reflection, they realized that such a secret as the cellar would only be known to trusted confidants. If Lord Gu already knew this, the officials under investigation were likely on the verge of exposure. Panic surged through them as they cried out, "Then what about our child? Is he still safe?"

"Child? I haven't heard anything about a child. If you'd told us earlier, we might have been able to help. But now... it's probably too late..."

"Damn you, Wang San!" The men pounded their chests, roaring in fury. "You promised to return our child once this was over if we kept our mouths shut! Now we've kept our mouths shut, and you've thrown everything into the fire..."

Qi Xu's brow furrowed. "Who is Wang San?!"

"Wang San... we don't even know his real name. All we know is that he speaks with a Shanxi accent. We owed him gambling debts, and he came to us, asking to use our cellar. 'No questions asked,' he said... Lord, we were desperate and blinded by greed... Our child is innocent!"

Gu Zhuan stepped out to confer with Qi Xu. After a long, thoughtful pause, Qi Xu suddenly said, "I know someone named Wang with a Shanxi accent—he's the Wang family's estate manager, Lord Wang Jing's steward. I've dealt with him a few times. Could it be...?"

Gu Zhuan's heart skipped a beat. "Find an opportunity to bring the Wang brothers to meet this steward."

Qi Xu nodded in understanding.

The Wang brothers had met Wang San before. If they saw him again, they would undoubtedly pound their chests and demand the return of their children. With this connection to Provincial Administrative Commissioner Wang Jing, the entire case would begin to unravel.

Qi Xu nodded in understanding. "Wang San has a residence on the southern outskirts of Jinling and returns there every seven days. We can intercept him on the road."

Just then, a group of burly soldiers dressed in plain clothes approached and silently saluted Gu Zhuan with solemn respect. "Are you Lord Gu?"

Gu Zhuan was taken aback. These soldiers, with their sharp brows, bright eyes, and vigorous bearing, stood tall and resolute. Their martial prowess was evident at a glance. But... why were they seeking him out?

The soldiers lowered their voices. "We are border guards from the Xue family in Gansu. Several years ago, our General and Prime Minister Gu jointly oversaw the construction of this embankment, and the General specifically ordered our detachment to remain stationed here. He is aware of the embankment's collapse and suspects foul play. He has instructed us to covertly assist Lord Qi in investigating this matter."

Gu Zhuan's heart jolted. "Then... why did you seek me out?"

"Lord Qi visited the Minister of Works' Residence. Seeing him follow your lead, we reported this to the General, who naturally surmised it was your plan," the soldier explained. "My lord, you may command us as you wish. This embankment is the culmination of our General's life's work. He built it together with the Prime Minister..."

The soldiers paused, lowering their voices. "If you wish to operate covertly, you can trust us completely. We are General Xue Shengjing's men... If you know the history of this embankment's construction, you'll understand that I speak the truth!"

Gu Zhuan nodded with a faint smile. "Of course I know General Xue."

How could I not?

After Xiao Rui ascended the throne, Gu Zhuan had come to Jinling with the blueprints they had drafted together to build the Jinchuan River Embankment.

Xiao Rui, a ruler of iron will, had decreed that the embankment project take absolute priority for Nanjing officials. But... they were still young men, and had underestimated the complexities of such an undertaking.

Gu Zhuan arrived in Jinling and, from the initial site selection to the transport of materials and the coordination of officials, overcame one obstacle after another. Yet, despite his efforts, he had reached an impasse.

This was the Imperial Court's promise, but the Nanjing government coffers were empty, and these people couldn't simply be driven away...

Gu Zhuan never imagined he would be stopped by 200,000 taels of silver.

Silver... He had once believed the Imperial Court's silver reserves were inexhaustible, that the Emperor's word alone would unlock any sum.

But wielding true power revealed the truth: the National Treasury's silver didn't materialize out of thin air. Border defense, disaster relief, official salaries... every sector demanded funds. He now understood the weight of Xiao Rui's burdens.

He knew Xiao Rui had already antagonized many by prioritizing the embankment's construction. He refused to add financial pressure to Xiao Rui's woes.

Just as he was at his wit's end, Xue Shengjing arrived.

Bearing 300,000 taels of silver.

Gu Zhuan was both astonished and suspicious—this was no small sum.

Xue Shengjing laughed heartily. "Prime Minister Gu mentioned this project several years ago. Back then, I recognized its immense benefit to the nation and its people, a work that would endure for generations. It would be my honor to alleviate your worries. This silver comes from my personal wealth; it has nothing to do with the Imperial Court. I simply admire your leadership and resolve, and I offer this gift willingly."

Gu Zhuan knew of Xue's mother—a merchant's daughter who had married General Xue and amassed wealth rivaling entire kingdoms.

For Xue Shengjing, this 300,000 taels was not only for the embankment but also a chance to forge closer ties with the Prime Minister—a sound investment indeed. Back then, Gu Zhuan was already Prime Minister. Had he sought mediation from the Ministry of Personnel or the Ministry of Works, he could have secured the funds through official channels. But since this was a private matter, Gu Zhuan refused to involve the Imperial Court, preferring to rely on personal connections. He offered Xue Shengjing two shops and a manor bestowed upon him by Duke Zhenguo—some of his few valuable private assets in the capital, and the most significant part of his personal wealth, totaling approximately 50,000 taels.

He gave it all to Xue Shengjing.

Xue Shengjing accepted the gift with a smile.

Beyond providing the timely 300,000 taels, Xue Shengjing also lingered in Jinling for over ten days under the guise of inspecting military granaries, offering considerable assistance to Gu Zhuan with the embankment project.

After the project's successful completion, Gu Zhuan dragged his weary body back to the capital, but his eyes shone with vitality.

He couldn't wait to see Xiao Rui again.

Before sending him to Jinling, Xiao Rui had been brimming with joy. Pointing to the embankment blueprints, he had laughed, "Teacher, from now on, everyone will know this embankment was built together by the two of us..."

"A millennium-lasting embankment... When we go to Jinling in the future, we can stroll along it together..." Xiao Rui murmured softly. "Just like ordinary people, walking along the embankment in spring to admire the blossoms and watch the koi carp, with no one knowing who we are..."

A faint smile curled at the corners of Gu Zhuan's lips.

In Jinling, along a stretch of the Jinchuan River where the current flowed gently, surrounded by spring blossoms and azaleas, he had deliberately constructed a stone arch embankment. Beside it, he planted weeping willows, their slender branches draping over the water like silken curtains.

Xiao Rui will surely love this, he thought.

But when he eagerly presented himself at the palace, brimming with anticipation, Xiao Rui's expression was terrifyingly dark.

"Prime Minister Gu, this journey must have been exhausting," Xiao Rui said through gritted teeth, his voice dripping with venom. "I hear you and General Xue enjoyed a most pleasant conversation... and you handed over your entire fortune?!"

Gu Zhuan's face paled.

While such an arrangement might technically deviate from Imperial Court protocol upon closer examination, he and General Xue had acted with utmost transparency, free of any illicit dealings.

"General Xue happened to be in Jinling," Gu Zhuan hastened to explain. "Seeing my predicament, he graciously resolved my immediate crisis. My meager contribution was merely a token of my gratitude..."

"Gratitude?" Xiao Rui sneered. "One generously opening his purse, the other conveying his heartfelt intentions—this embankment has become your personal bridge for exchanging affection!"

Gu Zhuan recoiled in shock, dropping to his knees. "Your Majesty, there was no illicit exchange between General Xue and myself. This embankment belongs to the Imperial Court—to the realm itself..."

Xiao Rui interrupted coldly, "You still know you're repairing the Imperial Court's embankment? Then why didn't you tell Me about your troubles?!" His chest heaved, and he said with a chilling edge, "Xue Shengjing... his reach is alarmingly long."

Gu Zhuan's heart trembled at the malice in Xiao Rui's eyes. Having been by Xiao Rui's side for years, he had grown accustomed to seeing the Emperor act like a clingy child in private. But now, witnessing such regal fury, he was jolted—a stark reminder that Xiao Rui was the Emperor, and there were certain things he would never tolerate.

Gu Zhuan's mind raced. I am the Prime Minister, and Xue Shengjing is a Border General. Like all rulers, Xiao Rui naturally feared collusion between the two, which could threaten imperial authority.

Bitterness welled in Gu Zhuan's heart. When he had interacted with Xue Shengjing, this possibility had never crossed his mind. Because... he had subconsciously believed that his relationship with Xiao Rui was unlike any other between ruler and subject. He had naively thought he would never have to worry about Xiao Rui suspecting or resenting him...

Gu Zhuan closed his eyes, feeling something fragile yet resilient shatter within his heart. Yet his face remained as composed and aloof as ever. He quietly explained, "Your Majesty, I am not well-acquainted with General Xue. We had only met a few times before. General Xue happened to be present at the time, and I... made a momentary lapse in judgment..."

Xiao Rui's heart finally settled when he heard, "Your Majesty, I am not acquainted with General Xue." Only then did he realize his teacher was still kneeling on the ground, and a wave of guilt and distress washed over him. He personally helped Gu Zhuan to his feet, adding sharply, "A coincidence? There are no such things as so many coincidences! This was all carefully planned!"

His Zhuanzhuan was always so trusting, always inclined to believe others were as good-hearted as he was...

I must keep a close watch, Xiao Rui thought, lest that cunning rogue deceive my teacher.

Afterward, Xiao Rui didn't delve further into the matter. He simply reclaimed Gu Zhuan's shops and estates from Xue Shengjing and compensated him with 300,000 taels of silver from the Emperor's private treasury.

As if seeking praise, he eagerly presented himself to Gu Zhuan, declaring, "Look! I've given him the 300,000 taels! This embankment was built by you and me—it has nothing to do with that Xue fellow!"

Gu Zhuan looked at Xiao Rui's demeanor, finding it both amusing and exasperating.

At the time, he too believed the embankment affair had reached its conclusion.

Gu Zhuan never imagined that the sovereign and his minister, step by step, would drift down separate paths toward alienation.

The earliest cracks had emerged long ago, their origins now impossible to trace. Yet, upon reflection, they seemed inextricably linked to this very embankment.

With this thought, Gu Zhuan couldn't help but ask, "General Xue... how is he faring in the northwest?"

Back when Gu Zhuan was still in court, Xue Shengjing and Xiao Rui had already been at daggers drawn, with Gu Zhuan acting as a mediator between them. Three years had passed, yet Xue Shengjing hadn't rebelled, and Xiao Rui hadn't moved to eliminate this thorn in his side. This surprised Gu Zhuan immensely. He couldn't resist wondering how Xue Shengjing was faring on the frontier.

"Our General is doing splendidly," the soldier replied with a grin. "With summer approaching, he brought a large shipment of grapes and honeydew melons to present to His Majesty and said he'd be staying in the capital for a while."

Gu Zhuan: "???"

He'd heard that in the three years since his death, Xue Shengjing hadn't returned to the capital even once, his relationship with Xiao Rui strained to the breaking point.

Now he was suddenly bringing melons and fruit to court?