readytorunbook Chapter 82 Revealing Gu Liuli's Identity
Chapter 82 Revealing Gu Liuli's Identity
Xiao Jingchuan and Jiang Liushen crouched low, cautiously making their way through the backyard of the Prime Minister's residence. Moonlight, like water, spilled onto a tranquil pond. Beside the pond stood an ordinary-looking octagonal pavilion, but Jiang Liushen sensed something amiss.
"Brother Xiao, the layout around this pavilion is a bit strange; it seems to conceal some kind of mechanism," Jiang Liushen whispered a reminder. Xiao Jingchuan nodded slightly, and the two approached the pavilion for a closer look. Sure enough, they found several strange grooves on the pavilion pillars, resembling the activation device of some kind of mechanism.
Just as they were wondering, Xiao Jingchuan inadvertently caught a glimmer of light beneath the surface of the pond. He leaned closer and discovered the entrance to a secret passage underwater. Xiao Jingchuan and Jiang Liushen exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with shock and curiosity, and decided to investigate.
They quietly entered the water and proceeded along the secret passage. The passage was filled with a damp, decaying smell, and the walls were inlaid with faintly glowing luminous pearls. They hadn't gone far when a massive stone door appeared ahead, its surface covered with strange symbols and patterns.
Jiang Liushen tried to push the stone door, but to his surprise, it opened slowly. Behind the door was a spacious secret chamber, in the center of which sat a huge sandalwood chest, and the surrounding walls were covered with various precious calligraphy and paintings and rare treasures.
But none of these were the most astonishing things. What truly made their pupils shrink was a secret letter placed on the box, with the imperial seal of the current emperor clearly printed on the envelope.
With trembling hands, Xiao Jingchuan opened the secret letter. It contained a detailed plan to secretly collude with an enemy country and plot a rebellion to usurp the throne. The letter was signed by the Prime Minister.
It turns out that the prime minister had always harbored treacherous intentions, plotting to unite with an enemy state to overthrow the current emperor and seize the throne for himself. This secret room was where he hid evidence of his crimes and items for secret transactions.
Before the two could recover from their shock, they suddenly heard a commotion of footsteps and voices outside the secret passage. It seemed the Prime Minister had noticed something amiss.
Xiao Jingchuan and Jiang Liushen's expressions changed drastically, and they hurriedly tried to find a place to hide. At this moment, Xiao Jingchuan noticed a stone slab in the corner of the secret room, its texture different from the surrounding area. He stepped on it hard, and with a "creak," a hidden compartment slowly rose from behind the sandalwood box.
The two quickly hid inside, and just as they were concealed, the stone door to the secret chamber was pushed open. A group of guards carrying torches rushed in, led by the prime minister's trusted advisor. After searching the secret chamber without finding anything, they began to discuss among themselves.
"Why are you in such a panic, sir? Is it because you sensed someone sneaking into the backyard?" a guard asked, puzzled.
The strategist scoffed, "What do you know? This secret room not only contains a secret letter about treason, but also an ancient book about the treasures of the previous dynasty. If it's discovered, our entire plan will be ruined."
After everyone left, Xiao Jingchuan and Jiang Liushen emerged from the hidden compartment. They hurriedly searched the secret room for the ancient book, finally finding it in a hidden compartment at the bottom of a sandalwood box. The book contained clues to the treasure of the previous dynasty, which not only contained enormous wealth but also a military tally that could command the armies of the entire realm. No wonder the Prime Minister was so nervous; if he obtained the military tally, his chances of succeeding in his rebellion would greatly increase.
Looking at the secret passage exit blocked by huge rocks, Xiao Jingchuan and Jiang Liushen were extremely anxious. But they quickly calmed down and began to search for other ways out of the secret room.
Xiao Jingchuan examined the ancient book carefully again and suddenly noticed some blurry lines on the inside of the cover, resembling some kind of mechanism diagram. He quickly called Jiang Liushen over to study it together. Following the lines, the two found a protruding stone in an inconspicuous place on the wall of the secret chamber.
Jiang Liushen pressed down hard on the stone, and a dull thud was heard. The other wall of the secret chamber slowly rotated, revealing a narrow passage. The two had no time to think and quickly crawled into the passage.
The passage was dark and damp, filled with a pungent odor. They groped their way forward, finding the passage narrowing and steepening, seemingly extending downwards.
After walking for a while, they came to a stagnant pool of water, blocking their path. Just as they were worrying, Xiao Jingchuan noticed a rusty iron ring by the pool, with a thick rope tied to it.
He pulled hard on the rope and felt that the other end seemed to be firmly fixed.
Xiao Jingchuan had a sudden inspiration. He tied one end of the rope around his waist and said to Jiang Liushen, "I'll go down and scout ahead. You wait for my message up here." After saying that, he took a deep breath and slowly slid down the rope into the water.
The underwater world was pitch black, but Xiao Jingchuan, relying on his tenacious will and keen sense of touch, groped his way forward. Finally, he discovered an entrance leading elsewhere.
Xiao Jingchuan returned to the surface and told Jiang Liushen about his discovery. The two of them slid down the rope into the water one after the other, passed through the cave entrance, and entered another passage. This passage was much wider, and there was a faint light coming from ahead.
They quickened their pace and ran towards the light, soon finding the exit.
It turns out that this exit connects to a small alley outside the Prime Minister's residence.
The two successfully escaped and, carrying the secret letter and ancient books, rushed to the palace without stopping.
After returning to the palace, Xiao Jingchuan and Jiang Liushen went straight to the late emperor's residence. Jiang He could tell from their attire that they had disobeyed and gone directly to the prime minister's residence. "Sigh, you still went!"
Jiang Liushen then showed Jiang He the secret letter from the Prime Minister's residence. Jiang He's face turned deathly pale instantly, and the letter in his hand trembled slightly. He never imagined that the Prime Minister was so ambitious and had always coveted the throne.
"My son, do whatever you want. You are now the emperor of Xijing Kingdom, and you have the final say!" Jiang He's expression was solemn, his eyes filled with anger and determination.
Jiang Liu took a deep breath and began to explain his plan: "The Prime Minister has always opposed our acknowledgment of a sister, so I will issue an edict tomorrow to confer upon Liuli the title of Princess of Xijing Kingdom!" As he spoke, he turned to look at Liuli beside him, his eyes filled with the love of an elder brother.
“Sister, I’m afraid you’ll have to change your surname,” Jiang Liushen said softly.
However, Jiang He suddenly spoke up to stop him: "No, don't change the name yet."
Everyone looked at Jiang He with bewildered expressions, their eyes full of doubt. Jiang He paused, then said in a heavy tone, "Alright, don't ask yet. This matter concerns your mother. I will tell you when the time is right!"
Although filled with doubt, everyone understood that Jiang He must have his reasons, so they didn't press the matter further. They then began discussing how to deal with the Prime Minister's conspiracy. Xiao Jingchuan, with his meticulous thinking and rich strategic skills, proposed a series of countermeasures. Everyone shared their opinions, creating a lively atmosphere, and the discussion continued until late into the night.
The next day, in the imperial court, Jiang Liushen sat upright on the dragon throne, his expression majestic. He glanced at the assembled officials and slowly announced, "I hereby issue an edict today, bestowing upon Gu Liuli the title of Princess of Xijing Kingdom, with the honorary title of Anning." These words immediately caused an uproar in the court, and the Prime Minister's face turned ashen, yet he dared not openly object.
The next day, in the imperial court, Jiang Liushen sat on the dragon throne, his expression majestic, his eyes sweeping over the assembled officials with piercing gaze. He announced in a loud and firm voice: "I hereby issue an edict to confer upon Gu Liuli the title of Princess of Xijing Kingdom, and bestow upon her the title of Anning."
No sooner had the words left his mouth than the Prime Minister abruptly stepped forward, his face filled with anger and resentment. He slammed his imperial tablet heavily on the ground, making a dull thud, and shouted, "Your Majesty, this is absolutely unacceptable! Gu Liuli's identity is unknown, and to suddenly bestow the title of princess upon her is a violation of ancestral rules and will likely incur criticism from the people!" His cronies echoed his sentiments, and the court was filled with clamor as voices of opposition rose and fell.
"Yes, Your Majesty, this action is far too hasty. I urge you to reconsider!"
"How can a woman of unknown origin easily become a princess? This is detrimental to the dignity of the nation!"
Faced with the vehement opposition from the Prime Minister and others, Jiang Liushen's face instantly darkened, a hint of coldness flashing in his eyes. He looked coldly at the Prime Minister, his tone carrying an undeniable authority: "Prime Minister, Gu Liuli is kind-hearted and has offered advice and strategies to our Xijing Kingdom on numerous occasions, making considerable contributions. Moreover, my mind is made up, and there is no need to discuss this matter further!"
However, the Prime Minister had no intention of giving up. He stepped forward, a cunning glint in his eyes, and continued to argue, "Your Majesty, even if Gu Liuli has made some contributions, she cannot be rewarded with the title of princess. This not only concerns the dignity of the royal family but also the future of our Xijing Kingdom. I implore Your Majesty to rescind your decree to avoid harming the country!"
Just as the two sides were deadlocked, an elderly minister slowly stepped forward. His eyes were cloudy but clear, and his voice, though somewhat hoarse, was firm and resolute: "In my opinion, Your Majesty is wise, and Gu Liuli is indeed qualified to receive this honor. Now, the court should not be arguing endlessly over a matter of conferment, but should focus on how to govern the country and defend against foreign enemies."
The old minister's words acted as a calming agent, easing the atmosphere in the court somewhat.
The Prime Minister, however, remained unconvinced and wanted to argue further, but Jiang Liushen raised his hand to stop him: "This matter is settled. I do not wish to hear any more dissent. If there are any further objections, do not blame me for being impolite!" Jiang Liushen's voice was icy cold, and his eyes revealed the resolute determination of an emperor. Seeing this, the Prime Minister, though filled with resentment, could only suppress his anger for the time being. He glared fiercely at Xiao Jingchuan and Jiang Liushen before slowly retreating.