Any Gains

Seeing Gu Chengyin enter, Lyu Fang immediately stood up from his chair. A warm, enthusiastic smile piled onto his face as he quickly stepped forward to greet him, cupping his hands in salute.

Oh, Junior Preceptor Gu, you have finally arrived.

It must have been truly hard on you, staying at the Bureau of Official Personnel these past few days.

This humble servant has been worrying about you the whole time!

At the same time, Huang Jing, who had guided the way, silently retreated and gently closed the door behind him.

Only Gu Chengyin and Lyu Fang were left in the room.

Gu Chengyin's mind raced, but his face remained impassive. He cupped his hands and said, Eunuch Lyu is too kind. Are you... waiting for me?

Hearing this, the smile on Lyu Fang's face faded slightly.

Junior Preceptor Gu, time is short, so I will skip the pleasantries.

Saying so, Lyu Fang took a half step forward, lowered his voice, and asked very seriously,

I heard you went to the Wanxiang Pavilion last night? I wonder... did you gain anything?

Gu Chengyin's heart skipped a beat. It was not surprising that Lyu Fang knew he had gone to the Wanxiang Pavilion.

After all, the Golden Imperial Guards stationed in front of the pavilion were not just for show; they would definitely report whoever went in and out.

But to specifically ask about what he gained?

Needless to say, it was highly likely that Emperor Luo had guessed what he went there to do.

Dealing with people of such high caliber was always troublesome. Just stepping out of the door was enough for them to deduce your intentions.

Gu Chengyin sighed. Instead of answering directly, he asked in return,

Does Eunuch Lyu think... I should have gained something, or should I not have?

He gently kicked the ball back while observing Lyu Fang's reaction.

The smile on Lyu Fang's face completely disappeared, and his expression turned unusually serious.

Junior Preceptor Gu, you are the Junior Preceptor to the Crown Heir, personally appointed by His Majesty's golden words.

You are the Crown Heir's most valued confidant. With your abilities and loyalty,

Going to the Wanxiang Pavilion to seek out some past records is naturally the right thing to do.

As for those rumors outside, they are nothing but clumsy tricks by treacherous villains to frame the loyal and confuse the public.

Your loyalty to the Crown Heir and your contributions to the imperial court are obvious to everyone, both in and out of the government. Even His Majesty...

Lyu Fang cupped his hands toward the direction of the main hall. ...also acknowledges you.

These words were spoken with high-sounding righteousness and strict propriety.

On the surface, it was a strong show of support for Gu Chengyin, refuting the rumors and emphasizing his merits and loyalty.

But the underlying message could not be more obvious.

Lyu Fang, or rather Emperor Luo behind him, was sending him a message and setting the tone for him.

They did not care what Gu Chengyin had actually found; they only cared whether this finding could perfectly serve the current political needs.

Gu Chengyin's mind was crystal clear.

It seemed that the identity he had fabricated as the heir of the Azure Cloud Immortal Clan would not only avoid arousing Emperor Luo's suspicion and suppression.

Instead, because it was sufficiently prestigious, mysterious, and offered an effective explanation, it might actually receive tacit approval or even support?

In a way, this could be considered leaving a weakness in Emperor Luo's hands.

But whether this weakness could be exploited depended on how solidly he could establish this identity.

If it was so solid that no one could pick out any flaws, then this weakness would naturally be as if it never existed.

A look of realization and gratitude appeared on Gu Chengyin's face. He solemnly cupped his hands toward Lyu Fang and the direction of the main hall, saying,

I could die ten thousand deaths and still be unable to repay His Majesty's trust.

Rest assured, Eunuch, I will definitely not let His Majesty down.

Watching Gu Chengyin's reaction, a smile resurfaced on Lyu Fang's face as he nodded in satisfaction.

Junior Preceptor Gu is a smart man. Please wait here with peace of mind. When His Majesty summons you, someone will naturally come to guide you to the hall.

I will take my leave now.

After saying that, Lyu Fang cupped his hands again, turned around, opened the door, and silently walked out.

Inside the grand hall, the atmosphere was solemn and dignified to the extreme.

Civil and military officials were orderly stepping into their positions, the sound of their boot soles treading on the golden bricks light yet dense.

The Second Prince, Luo Yanchen, also attended the morning assembly. His face was somewhat pale, with faint dark circles under his eyes.

Wearing the prince's ceremonial robes, his figure appeared somewhat frail. His gaze wandered, occasionally sweeping over the imperial steps and the direction where Luo Zhao stood.

Meanwhile, slightly further back in the ranks of the civil officials, Shangguan Yuan, who was supposed to be reflecting on his mistakes behind closed doors at home, was also present among them.

When the last official stood firmly in place and adjusted his attire, the entire grand hall instantly fell into a dead silence.

Hundreds of gazes, both open and veiled, were focused on the empty, gilded dragon throne above the imperial steps.

In the midst of this suffocating wait, steady footsteps could be heard from behind the throne.

Wearing a bright yellow dragon robe and a winged crown, Emperor Luo slowly emerged, flanked by two palace maids holding ceremonial fans.

The appearance of Emperor Luo made the already solemn atmosphere of the grand hall three points heavier.

Lyu Fang, who followed him out, stepped forward to face the officials, took a deep breath, and loudly announced,

His Majesty has arrived!

Long live His Majesty! Long live! Long, long live!

The civil and military officials in the hall, including Luo Zhao, bowed in unison and chanted praises.

Rise, my subjects. Emperor Luo's voice was plain but did not lack majesty.

The officials gave their thanks, stood up, and resumed their positions.

Lyu Fang continued to fulfill his duties, once again calling out loudly, If there are matters to report, present your memorials; if not, the court is dismissed.

This routine announcement sounded to everyone's ears like the harbinger of a sudden thunderclap.

How could there possibly be nothing?!

Just the fine iron chests that had been unloaded from the Crown Heir's entourage and were now piled outside the hall...

...already foreshadowed that there would inevitably be a storm of blood and rain today.

Everyone's minds instantly tensed up at this moment.

The storm was about to begin.

But who would be the first to light the fuse?

Would it be His Highness the Crown Heir, armed with thunderous evidence, launching the first strike?

Or would the Chief Minister, with his deep calculations, seize the initiative?

However, to everyone's surprise, the first person to step forward was neither Luo Zhao nor Xiao Song.

It was not even Cui Shifan or any other Grand Secretary.

From the middle-back section of the civil officials' ranks, an official wearing a green official robe strode out.

Everyone's gazes uniformly focused on him, and many revealed expressions of astonishment.

Director of the Bureau of Official Personnel under the Ministry of Personnel: Xiao Maoqing.

Xiao Maoqing lifted the hem of his robe and bowed respectfully, saying,

Reporting to His Majesty! I, Xiao Maoqing, Director of the Bureau of Official Personnel under the Ministry of Personnel, have a matter to present!

From upon the throne, Emperor Luo's gaze swept over him. Granted.

Thank you, Your Majesty!

Xiao Maoqing straightened up, faced forward, and spoke in a ringing voice:

The matter I present concerns the very foundation of the selection and appointment of officials, as well as the discipline of the imperial court and the safety of the state!

Recently, while the Bureau of Official Personnel was conducting a routine review of the files of newly inducted officials, we discovered a case of extremely severe omission—even deception!

The hearts of many officials leapt into their throats.

Upon investigation, the newly appointed Director of the Imperial Household Department, concurrently holding the title of Junior Preceptor to the Crown Heir and imperially enfeoffed as the Marquis of Bingjian, Gu Chengyin...

...has submitted a biographical file that contains major discrepancies. Key information is severely lacking, and there are contradictions throughout that cannot be justified!

Everyone's hearts instantly understood: the Xiao clan was planning to break the stalemate starting with Gu Chengyin.