Malicious Scheme
Gregory Gu Jr. had calculated every reaction of Emperor Jin Xuan with absolute clarity. He knew that right now, the emperor must be deeply wary of Alexander Hayes.
A barely noticeable, smug smile flickered across Gregory Gu Jr.'s lips: Alexander Hayes, oh Alexander Hayes, we've been mortal enemies in court for so many years, fighting all this time. Today, I'll use your beloved Princess Consort's mistake to make His Majesty completely distrust you!
Once a subject falls under the emperor's suspicion and he harbors murderous intent, Alexander Hayes's death won't be far off!
Gregory Gu Jr. lowered his gaze, calculating in his heart: Once Alexander Hayes is executed by Emperor Jin Xuan, he can plead for mercy and ask the emperor to spare Su Li's life. The thought sent a ripple of hope and dread through him.
Then he'll take Su Li home, get rid of the child in her belly, and keep her locked up in his house, her fate sealed by his will alone.
That way, Su Li would be his alone.
Gregory Gu Jr.'s scheme flashed through his mind as he said to Emperor Jin Xuan, "Your Majesty, my grandfather grows weaker by the day. If he passes away, I must return home to observe mourning for three years and cannot assist Your Majesty in court. By then, Alexander Hayes will dominate the court with no one to challenge him. I... I am deeply anxious and uneasy!"
With Gregory Gu Jr.'s words, Emperor Jin Xuan felt an even stronger sense of foreboding. The name 'Su Li' echoed in his mind, fueling his anxiety.
Emperor Jin Xuan's brow furrowed. He glanced at Gregory Gu Jr., then at the palace gates, his heart full of suspicion and unease.
But if Gregory Gu Jr. leaves to observe mourning, the Gu Family will decline for three years, and no other family will rise to challenge Alexander Hayes.
If Alexander Hayes loses his counterbalance, he will threaten the emperor’s authority!
The Empress, ever attentive, immediately noticed the Emperor's troubled state.
She approached softly, her eyes gentle yet searching, trying to discern the Emperor's worries.
“Why has Your Majesty come?” the Empress said warmly. “Quickly, bring the lotus seed porridge I prepared for His Majesty.”
A servant hurried to bring in the lotus seed porridge, its delicate aroma filling the Empress's Suite as the Empress herself watched the Emperor with concern, her words lingering in the air.
Gregory Gu Jr. bid farewell to Emperor Jin Xuan and returned to the Gu Family estate.
Emperor Jin Xuan hurried straight to the Empress's Suite, his steps urgent.
Gregory Gu Jr. walked out of the Empress's Suite step by step, took a deep breath, and silently murmured: "Su Li, don't blame me. You all forced me into this! Now, it's either the Prince of Qin's Manor falls, or the Gu Family declines. I must eliminate our rival before I leave to observe mourning for three years. Su Li, I should thank you for handing me this leverage, so I can make His Majesty fear Alexander Hayes and suspect him of rebellion... Su Li, don't worry. Once Alexander Hayes is gone, I'll secretly bring you back. As long as you get rid of the child, I'll ensure you live in comfort for the rest of your life, and I'll cherish you, never minding that you were married or pregnant before. We'll be just like we were in Phoenix Academy, discussing scholarship, speaking freely—won't that be wonderful?"
Gregory Gu Jr. quickened his pace out of the palace, mounted his horse, and rode home. He ordered the Gu Family to go on lockdown, forbidding anyone from entering or leaving.
A strange atmosphere of tension and dread hung over the entire Gu Family estate, each member weighed down by a nameless fear.
No one knew what was about to happen, but the brewing storm was enough to chill everyone to the bone, a sense of impending disaster lingering in the air...
Inside the Empress's Suite, Emperor Jin Xuan entered to find the Empress waiting.
The Empress was speaking with Prince Ling and Princess Ling Consort. When she saw Emperor Jin Xuan arrive, she quickly rose to greet him.
“Why has Your Majesty come?” the Empress said with concern. “Quickly, bring the lotus seed porridge I prepared for His Majesty.”