Remaining Silent

Cui Shifan's words were incredibly straightforward: the right to speak is carved out through slaughter, not won through mere words.

As long as they could crush the Xiao clan with the force of a thunderbolt, the Department of Scrutiny's so-called investigation into Gu Chengyin would naturally vanish into thin air.

Luo Zhao remained silent, offering no response.

She understood Cui Shifan's meaning perfectly; it was also the most effective strategy at present.

Gu Chengyin had left the groundwork and the plan to her, and now she also had her imperial father's clear stance and the strong backing of the Imperial Household Department.

She had to take up the banner and drive this storm forward.

Luo Zhao gave Cui Shifan a slight nod, then strode toward the palace gates with firm, resolute steps.

Meanwhile, deep within the Ministry of Justice's prison.

Inside a cold, damp interrogation room.

Gu Chengyin sat on a hardwood chair in the center of the room, looking completely out of place in his surroundings.

His posture was relaxed, even carrying a hint of leisurely curiosity.

Xiao Maoqing, Director of the Department of Scrutiny, stood not far away, his face clouded with gloom.

According to custom, anyone brought into such a place, no matter how high their previous status, should at least be put in shackles.

Thus, Xiao Maoqing shot a glance to the side. A clerk immediately understood, fetching a pair of heavy refined-iron shackles and stepping forward to clasp them around Gu Chengyin's wrists.

Noticing their movements, Gu Chengyin first cast a glance at the cold gleam of the shackles.

Then, his gaze shifted upward, landing on Xiao Maoqing's face as the corners of his mouth curled into a mocking smirk.

Gu Chengyin neither spoke nor struggled; he merely reached into his robes at an unhurried pace.

This action made both Xiao Maoqing and the clerk holding the shackles tense up, thinking he was about to draw a weapon.

However, what Gu Chengyin pulled out was just an ordinary token.

The token was neither gold nor jade; it was a deep, dark iron-black. On its back was a lifelike relief of a dark bird spreading its wings, encircling an ancient, simple character: Zhao.

The Crown Heir's Token.

The moment he saw this token, Xiao Maoqing's pupils violently contracted, and the veins at his temples throbbed twice.

Of course he recognized what this was.

A token personally bestowed by the Crown Heir; seeing it was akin to Luo Zhao herself being present.

Unless guilty of the heinous crime of treason, the bearer of this token could not be arbitrarily subjected to torture or imprisonment.

This was the rule, and more importantly, a symbol of the Crown Heir's majesty.

Gu Chengyin simply held the Crown Heir's Token, watching Xiao Maoqing with leisurely composure.

His eyes clearly said: Come on, shackle me.

The air froze.

The clerk holding the shackles also froze in place, caught in a dilemma, and looked to Xiao Maoqing for help.

Xiao Maoqing's fists clenched in his sleeves, cracking audibly.

He truly wanted to give the order and deal Gu Chengyin a harsh blow to assert dominance.

But he couldn't, at least not openly.

Taking Gu Chengyin away from the streets today was done under the legitimate guise of verifying records, which was procedurally justifiable.

That was why Gu Chengyin had agreed to follow them back.

But if they put torture instruments on the bearer of the Crown Heir's Token, the nature of the matter would completely change.

Once the news spread, they wouldn't even need to wait for Luo Zhao's orders; the Golden Feather Guards would immediately surround the Ministry of Personnel.

Step back, Xiao Maoqing squeezed the words through his teeth.

The clerk felt as if he had been granted a general amnesty. He hurriedly carried the heavy shackles and retreated to the side with his head bowed.

Seeing this, Gu Chengyin flipped his wrist and tucked the Crown Heir's Token back into his robes.

Then he openly leaned back against the chair, saying in a relaxed tone:

Alright, Director Xiao, the formalities are done.

If you have anything to ask, ask quickly.

Xiao Maoqing trembled with anger, yet there was nothing he could do.

With a dark face, he didn't ask any questions, but merely stared at Gu Chengyin in silence.

The atmosphere in the interrogation room fell into a bizarre stalemate.

Until unhurried footsteps echoed from outside.

Hearing these footsteps, Xiao Maoqing's expression shifted. He immediately turned, walked to the door, and unlatched it.

Outside the door stood a man in dark purple casual robes, his hands clasped behind his back.

Seeing this person, the sinister look on Xiao Maoqing's face instantly vanished, replaced by utter reverence. He bowed and said, Father.

Hearing this, the newcomer frowned, a look of displeasure appearing on his face, and he scolded:

How many times have I told you! Address me by my title when we are working!

Xiao Maoqing shuddered and hastily corrected himself, Yes! Lord Xiao!

Mm.

Only then did Lord Xiao nod in satisfaction and step into the interrogation room.

He first sized up Gu Chengyin, an elusive glint flashing in his eyes, but a gentle smile quickly piled onto his face.

He walked to where Xiao Maoqing had just stood; someone clever had already brought over another chair.

He sat down calmly, facing Gu Chengyin from less than ten feet away.

Junior Preceptor Gu, this should be our first formal meeting, yes?

Looking at the beaming Minister before him, Gu Chengyin reined in his casual demeanor slightly.

Flashing an equally impeccable smile, he replied:

After all, you are the Heavenly Official of the Ministry of Personnel. How could you meet people so easily?

Wouldn't you agree, Minister Xiao Jie?

Xiao Jie smiled faintly, then turned his head and ordered, All of you, leave.

With this command, all the clerks in the interrogation room, including Xiao Maoqing, retreated and closed the door.

Xiao Jie then turned back and said, Junior Preceptor Gu, now we can have a proper chat.

Gu Chengyin glanced at the tightly shut door, then looked at Xiao Jie without speaking, waiting for him to begin.

Xiao Jie didn't intend to exchange pleasantries either, cutting straight to the chase: Junior Preceptor Gu, I have come representing the Xiao clan to make a deal with you.

The request is simple. As long as you remain silent when His Majesty deals with my Xiao clan, that will be enough.

As his words fell, the room descended into a brief silence.

Gu Chengyin raised an eyebrow, then the corners of his mouth curved up into a playful smile:

Remain silent? Lord Xiao, this request of yours is quite novel.

Who His Majesty punishes is his own divine decision. Whether thunder or rain, all are imperial grace.

Even if I were to speak up, could I really stop His Majesty?

Hearing this, the smile on Xiao Jie's face remained unchanged; in fact, he appeared even more composed.

Junior Preceptor Gu is too modest. You are currently the person Her Highness trusts the most, the Crown Heir's Junior Preceptor personally appointed by His Majesty, and the future Imperial Tutor.

Your words naturally carry significant weight in the hearts of His Majesty and Her Highness.

Furthermore, this entire matter was initiated by you. If you can remain silent before His Majesty, it would be an immense favor to my Xiao clan.

Xiao Jie consistently emphasized the words remain silent, his meaning clearer than ever:

We do not need you to put in a good word for us; we only need you to refrain from adding fuel to the fire when His Majesty makes his final decision on how to deal with the Xiao clan.

The smile on Gu Chengyin's face gradually faded. Looking straight at Xiao Jie, he slowly spat out two words:

The reason.

In negotiations, there must always be a price.

The smile on Xiao Jie's face, upon hearing these two words, not only didn't vanish but became even more radiant.

His only fear was that Gu Chengyin wouldn't discuss interests. As long as he was willing to negotiate, things would be easy to handle.