Reborn as a Happy Wife in a Rural Family - Chapter 233: Gu Xicheng’s Decision
Chapter 233: Chapter 233: Gu Xicheng’s Decision
Gu Qingping hurried back to Capital City without stopping. Upon returning to the Gu residence, he freshened up and immediately went to find Gu Xicheng.
As he went, Gu Qingping glanced up at the sky above their courtyard before heading to Gu Xicheng’s study.
Gu Xicheng had just returned from court and was sitting at his desk, lost in thought.
That King of Qing, what got into him today? He used to try so hard to curry favor, but today he actually denounced me in court. He accused me, the Senior Grand Secretary of the Daqian Kingdom, of not being wholeheartedly devoted to Daqian. He claimed I don’t do enough to alleviate the Emperor’s worries and troubles. He said I’m either passively incompetent or just a yes-man in court, completely failing to live up to my position.
What the King of Qing said is true. It’s not that I’m unwilling to be a competent Senior Grand Secretary; I’ve just lost hope in the Emperor. The Emperor acts as if he couldn’t care less whether we ministers support him or not. Every decision is his alone; we have no room to object. We ministers are like decorations, just listening to the decisions made by the Emperor and the King of Qing day in and day out. Before the King of Qing came, I truly wanted to assist the Emperor, to do more for the people of the Daqian Kingdom so they wouldn’t have to live such hard lives. Having risen from humble beginnings, I know what life is like for the common folk at the bottom. If not dire straits, it’s certainly not much better. Unfortunately, all my ambitions have gone to waste. Now, with this King of Qing, the court has become his echo chamber. Even if I had ten thousand skills, they’d be useless now.
“Father, are you there?” Gu Qingping knocked on the door from outside.
“Come in.” Gu Xicheng was surprised. Didn’t my son go to pick up my daughter? He’s back already? So soon?
Gu Qingping immediately opened the door and entered.
“Father, what’s wrong?” Seeing Gu Xicheng’s dejected expression, Gu Qingping was astonished. I’ve never seen Father like this in my entire life.
“Did you bring your sister back?” Gu Xicheng didn’t answer his son’s question. How could I tell my son that I was berated in court?
“No, I came back in a hurry because there’s something I needed to discuss with you, Father.” Gu Qingping sat down across from Gu Xicheng, looking at him seriously.
“What happened?” Gu Xicheng felt a tightening in his chest at his son’s grave expression. Could an accident have occurred?
Gu Qingping pressed his lips together and told Gu Xicheng everything about Xiao Yunjing—his identity and the fact that Gu Qingli was pregnant with triplets.
“You mean to say Xiao Yunjing is the late Emperor’s son? The one who supposedly died in the fire with Concubine Xiao?” Gu Xicheng broke out in a cold sweat from shock, momentarily forgetting about his daughter’s triplets.
“Yes,” Gu Qingping affirmed. “He bears a strong resemblance to the Emperor. Back in Qinghe Village, I thought he looked familiar, but I never imagined he was a prince.”
Gu Xicheng murmured to himself, No wonder. He recalled how, when the new Emperor ascended the throne, Xiao Ce had immediately resigned, surrendered his military command, and then disappeared with his entire family. Everyone had thought Xiao Ce was afraid of the new Emperor. After all, a new sovereign meant new officials, and Xiao Ce, holding significant military power, was precisely the kind of figure an emperor would be wary of. Back then, Xiao Yunjing must have been growing, and his resemblance to the Emperor would have become harder to conceal. That was probably why they left so hastily.
“Also, Father, my brother-in-law said that the King of Qing will likely seize power within a year,” Gu Qingping added, having almost forgotten this crucial point.
“What?” Gu Xicheng was more shocked than ever.
“That’s what my brother-in-law said. It’s so unexpected that I rushed back to tell you, Father. You need to be prepared.”
It took Gu Xicheng a long time to recover his wits. Considering the King of Qing’s recent behavior, it’s hard not to believe it. Moreover, I suspect the Emperor is already under the King of Qing’s control. And I remember, some time ago, the Emperor’s most intelligent and most likely successor mysteriously broke both legs in a horse-riding accident. The King of Qing is eliminating his rivals. And all those ministers who were demoted from time to time—weren’t they all officials who couldn’t stand the King of Qing and directly confronted him in court? Now, it’s my turn. I initially ignored his attempts to win me over, so now he’s targeting me.
Realizing the situation, Gu Xicheng’s back was drenched with cold sweat.
And now, a prince has emerged as my son-in-law—a prince whose interests are directly opposed to the court’s. From the sound of it, the final confrontation will be between the King of Qing and my daughter and son-in-law, whom I’ve never even met. In this situation, I’m in an awkward position. If I side with the King of Qing, how could I face my daughter and son-in-law later? But my wife will undoubtedly stand with our daughter and son-in-law. So, I can’t possibly side with the King of Qing. The answer is obvious. Actually, when I think about it, I realize I have no real choice. Even if I sided with the King of Qing, I would eventually be discarded after serving my purpose.
Gu Xicheng looked at his son. Ping’er was now handling matters for his sister and brother-in-law, which clearly showed his stance.
My son seems capable of handling things independently now. He’s intelligent too. In the past, I didn’t pay much attention to this eldest son of mine, but our conversation today has made me see him in a new light. He has foresight, courage, and a strategic mind. Given time, this son of mine will undoubtedly soar to great heights.
“Ping’er, I’ve made up my mind. Just let me know if you need my help with anything. Also, I might be demoted.”
Gu Qingping only hesitated for a moment, surprised by his father’s quick decision. Being demoted… that means he’s preparing to gradually withdraw from court.
He nodded. Sometimes he did need his father’s help when it came to purchasing supplies.
“Father, be careful. The King of Qing is a ruthless character.”
During those few days in Beijing, Xiao Yunjing told me about Qingchen’s methods and influence. Even the Emperor’s power can’t compare to the King of Qing’s now; that shows how formidable his influence truly is. And his methods… The King of Qing must have many extraordinary individuals under him. Dealing with the Emperor would be child’s play for them. He’s only holding back because he doesn’t want to incite public outrage; otherwise, he would have eliminated the Emperor and his entire family long ago.
“I know.”
The King of Qing may look bewitchingly captivating, but his heart is as vicious as his appearance is captivating. People like him are true poppies—beautiful to behold, but deadly poisonous.
After discussing some matters concerning the purchase of supplies, Gu Qingping returned to his own courtyard.
Seeing Ms. Li still waiting for him, a dark glint flashed in Gu Qingping’s eyes. This woman… I’m so utterly disappointed in her. She actually dared to threaten me and even planned to expose my sister’s affairs, all because she coveted something of my sister’s, and my sister refused to give it to her! That’s why she came to resent her so much. I’m the one who brought this scourge into the family, so I’ll be the one to deal with her.
“My lord, what took you so long with your father? What were you talking about?” Ms. Li greeted him eagerly as soon as he returned.
“Nothing. Have you eaten yet?” Gu Qingping led her back to their room, holding her hand.
“Not yet. I’ve kept everything warm, waiting for you,” Ms. Li said with a soft laugh.
“Alright, let’s have dinner then.”
“Yes, my lord. I’ll have them serve dinner.” Saying so, Ms. Li quickly instructed the servants to set out the meal.
Once the meal was set out, Gu Qingping dismissed the servants, helped Ms. Li to her seat, and then sat down beside her.
The two began to eat. As Gu Qingping ladled soup for Ms. Li, his fingers trembled almost imperceptibly.
