At night.
After confirming that the little one had fallen into a deep sleep, Jiang Yanchuan slowly walked to the door and pushed it open gently.
A group of Upright Officialss outside the door were standing in the shadows on the corridor, motionless. At first glance, they seemed to have perfectly blended into the darkness, waiting for an opportunity to give those who came after a little shock.
Their stiff movements also made it clear at a glance that they had been waiting here for a long time.
Seeing Jiang Yanchuan walking out of the door, everyone's face was somewhat hesitant to speak.
Jiang Yanchuan raised his hand and pointed to the empty compartment in the opposite corner, indicating with his eyes that they should go there to discuss.
So the group of people followed Emperor Mingze in a mighty and agile manner, and walked over in an orderly manner.
When everyone crowded into the box, the minister hesitated and said, "Your Majesty--"
"Duke Wang..."
Although they despised Duke Wang on the surface, they did not want to see him convicted for this.
Duke Wang did join forces with the former Chancellor Gu Ruizhou to create this big show, but in essence, these two people were just trying to free Gu Ruizhou from the constraints of Prince Jing, so that Gu Ruizhou could serve Emperor Mingze wholeheartedly.
Emperor Mingze has always had its own set of principles when it comes to governing the country.
He has been fighting in various places for many years, so he has a deeper understanding of the saying "when generals are away, military orders will not be obeyed".
Therefore, as long as he can determine that what Duke Wang did was for the country and the people, there is a high probability that Duke Wang will not be convicted.
But if this matter is not settled for a day, they will not feel at ease for a day.
Jiang Yanchuan could see through everyone's thoughts at a glance, and suddenly chuckled, "Why do you think that Gu Ye knows nothing about this matter?"
The expressions of everyone present were stunned for a moment. "???"
It seems like no one has ever asked this question?
After reacting, a burst of anger rushed straight to the top of his head!
Therefore, Duke Wang clearly saw all of their fear and caution this afternoon, but they maliciously kept silent?!
What a loss!!
The sound of grinding teeth sounded one after another, which was extremely clear in this quiet environment.
Before the emotion reached its highest point, there was a light knock on the door.
"Knock, knock, knock--"
Three gentle but regular knocks on the door successfully startled the ministers in the room.
Jiang Yanchuan spoke promptly, "Come in."
The door was unlocked, and Guard, who was guarding both sides, pushed the door open, revealing two figures with solemn expressions outside the door.
Gu Ruizhou slowly walked in behind Duke Wang, his expression blank, and his whole person was a little confused.
Half a time before burning the incense, he was in the ear room on the side of the lobby, closing his eyes and preparing to fall asleep, when he heard a sudden knock on the door, and he felt panicked for no reason at that time.
After opening the door, Duke Wang stared at him seriously for a long time, then reached out and patted him heavily on the shoulder. "Your Majesty summoned, come with me."
"???"
Is his life coming to an end?!
Inn was surrounded by Emperor Mingze's people. Duke Wang didn't explain much, and Gu Ruizhou didn't add any burden to the opponent.
It wasn't until he stood in front of Emperor Mingze with Gu Ruizhou on his face that he hesitantly asked, "... What is this, guest sir?"
As soon as the words were spoken, the atmosphere in the room became a little silent again, and even the fine dust floating in the air seemed to have stagnated in place.
Facing the incomprehensible looks from his former colleagues, Gu Ruizhou was confused.
Suddenly--
"Gu Ruizhou."
Emperor Mingze's calm and determined voice instantly made Gu Ruizhou's whole body twitch very obviously.
After the twitching, Gu Ruizhou suddenly raised his head and looked at Duke Wang standing in front of him in shock.
Under the exertion, the bones in the neck made a "click, click, click" sound.
They just had a face-to-face meeting and they revealed his identity?!
Duke Wang:"..."
I feel bitter in my heart, but I have nowhere to say it.
After all, who would believe that a room full of people could hear the little guy's voice... How could such a mysterious thing be possible?!
Duke Wang soon calmed down again.
Fortunately, he can be cleared of his grievances soon!
Gu Ruizhou made a "bang" sound and knelt down on the ground, "The sinner Gu Ruizhou, see Your Majesty--"
The trembling tone made his last voice grow long. Jiang Yanchuan was silent for a moment and sighed deeply.
He woke the person up from the ground and asked Eunuch Changshun to show Gu Ruizhou a seat.
After everything was arranged, he finally spoke in a deep voice.
The first sentence gave the other party a dose of reassurance. "Gu has always known what you and Duke Wang have done over the years."
It may not be accurate to say that he knows everything. He has been involved in all the actions of Gu Ruizhou and Duke Wang over the years.
Even the fire that year was the result of someone he sent to find the burnt body.
Pushing forward...
--Gu Ruizhou was able to discover Prince Xin's tricks because of a series of arrangements he made in secret.
The court needs capable ministers like Gu Ruizhou.
But if Gu Ruizhou were to change sides midway, it would not be possible to hide it from Prince Jing, and it would also make the other party feel on guard.
It would be better to let him go directly into the dark and use Duke Wang's hands to put forward political opinions that benefit the country and the people.
In the blink of an eye, Gu Ruizhou had already thought through all the details just by relying on Emperor Mingze's words.
His heart was filled with excitement, and there were bursts of moisture in his eyes.
He thought he was walking alone in the darkness, he thought he was lying on his back in the face of adversity, but behind him was the country he loved deeply!
Gu Ruizhou couldn't hide the lump in his throat. "I, I had no choice but to burn down Chancellor's Residence with a fire. This, the losses caused by this matter--"
This has always been a thorn in his heart.
Although Great Rui is wealthy and the salaries of officials in the DPRK and Central Government are relatively high, Emperor Mingze has never been extravagant and wasteful in these years. He has been frugal whenever necessary, just to subsidize more military supplies.
And the fire he set down almost burned down the entire Chancellor's Residence!
Regret, self-blame, shame--
"Ah."
Emperor Mingze suddenly spoke in a low voice, "The losses caused by burning Chancellor's Residence will be covered by this inn."
Correspondingly, he will also add some additional rewards to Gu Ruizhou.
The little guy has been thinking about this all afternoon, and even made several plans, just to treat this place as a corner of Gold Mountain given to him...
Gu Ruizhou:"..."
Gu Ruizhou:"???"
The guilt in his heart suddenly stopped, Gu Ruizhou's fingers twitched, but he still said with a straight face, "... Yes."
Jiang Yanchuan did not dwell on this topic for long, and continued, "A few years have passed, and now it is time to return to the court. I now name you County Magistrate of Quchun, and join us -"
Gu Ruizhou said hurriedly, "Your Majesty, I still have important matters to deal with here, and I can't leave yet..."
Gu Ruizhou's voice became lower and lower, until it was completely silenced and he was unable to finish his sentence.
The surrounding officials had different expressions, but the looks they looked at him were particularly meaningful.
Gu Ruizhou's eyes were full of confusion. Just as he was about to speak, he heard a familiar childish voice coming from outside the door.
[Ah! Chengcheng found it!!]
[Imperial Father must be secretly hiding in this box!]