Chapter 32

The Great Xia Dynasty.

Late at night.

The moon was bright, and the stars were sparse.

Inside the main hall.

Grandfather Gu sat in the armchair, his face calm and solemn.

There was not a trace of the joy and pride from the banquet earlier.

That was just a facade.

Heaven's Mandate brought him good fortune, and he could not help but be happy, especially since it was his most beloved grandson who received it.

To be honest, Grandfather Gu was also very conflicted in his heart.

To say he was not happy, that was impossible.

He was happier than anyone else that Gu Jinnian received Heaven's Mandate. Even if Heaven had chosen him, he would have given it to Gu Jinnian.

However, his worries were greater than his joy.

His grandson, though of good character, was neither scholarly nor martial. In his view, a life of wealth and honor would be enough for him.

He did not expect much from Gu Jinnian, only that he would marry a few wives and continue the Gu family line, which would make him very happy.

Now, receiving Heaven's Mandate might not be a good thing.

More importantly, if it were exposed, his grandson might face even greater trouble.

That was why he acted this way.

To let the world know that he, not Gu Jinnian, received Heaven's Mandate.

At this moment.

Inside the main hall.

Gu Qianzhou's figure appeared.

"Father."

Gu Qianzhou walked into the hall and bowed to Grandfather Gu.

"What is it?"

Seeing his eldest son come, Grandfather Gu remained calm.

"What do you think about the matter of Heaven's Mandate?"

Gu Qianzhou did not hide his thoughts.

He expressed his doubts and asked directly.

Hearing this, Grandfather Gu showed no reaction.

"There's nothing to think about."

"As long as I am in the Gu family, nothing will happen in the capital."

Grandfather Gu was very calm.

He understood his son's thoughts, and perhaps all the officials in the capital were thinking about this matter.

Gu Qianzhou said nothing.

He acknowledged his father's words.

The Great Xia Dynasty still faced many disturbances and needed Grandfather Gu, who had made significant contributions.

As long as he was around, the Great Xia would not fall into chaos.

But the problem was:

What if he were not around?

Gu Qianzhou did not dare to say or even think about this, as a son could not entertain such thoughts.

However, as the heir to the Gu family, he had to consider this issue.

The Gu family seemed powerful.

But everything was built on the authority of the emperor.

The Gu family could be uprooted overnight.

This was impossible.

But the gradual erosion, like boiling a frog in warm water, was truly terrifying for the Gu family.

Gu Qianzhou said nothing.

Grandfather Gu looked at his eldest son, understanding Gu Qianzhou's thoughts.

As the eldest son, the burden of the Gu family would eventually fall on his shoulders.

Because of this, Gu Yuan was extremely strict with Gu Qianzhou.

"Rest assured."

"The Gu family will not fall as long as the Great Xia does not unify the Eastern Wasteland."

"Furthermore, if Jinnian adds to the Gu family line, the relationship between the emperor and the Gu family will be harmonious."

"On the other hand, even if Jinnian does not add to the Gu family line, the contributions of the previous two generations are enough to ensure a prosperous life for ten generations."

"Some things do not need to be worried about too early, as it will only bind oneself."

"Strive for non-contention, and deal with things as they come."

Grandfather Gu continued, knowing that Gu Qianzhou was under great pressure, but also expressing his own attitude.

"I understand."

"Father, you should rest early."

Gu Qianzhou nodded and left after saying this.

It was clear that Gu Qianzhou was deeply troubled.

Grandfather Gu did not try to retain him.

He let Gu Qianzhou leave.

Only after Gu Qianzhou left did Gu Yuan turn around and look at the sword hanging in the hall, remaining silent.

The reason for his confidence was that he had a plan.

A plan to reassure the emperor.

A plan to ensure the Gu family would not fall.

No one knew about this plan.

At this moment.

Inside the Duke's residence.

Gu Qianzhou, dressed in his duke's robe, came to the courtyard outside Gu Jinnian's room.

He had some words to say to Gu Jinnian.

But when he reached the courtyard, he saw Gu Jinnian reading by the lamp inside the room.

For a moment, Gu Qianzhou stopped.

He stood outside the courtyard, watching his son with a complex expression.

He did not go in, standing outside the courtyard.

How could he not be concerned about his son?

The entire family doted on Gu Jinnian, and as his father, Gu Qianzhou loved him even more, despite his lack of scholarly or martial talent. After all, he was Gu Qianzhou's son.

But as the eldest son of the Gu family and the future heir, he had many responsibilities on his shoulders.

He did not have enough time to spend with his own son.

This was a source of pain for him.

He did not expect Gu Jinnian to have any great talents, to become a sage in Confucianism, or a supreme martial artist.

He only wished for Gu Jinnian to live a peaceful and happy life.

When Gu Jinnian was pushed into the water, why did he not thoroughly investigate or cause a great commotion? It was not because he did not love his son, but because he feared that doing so would fall into the enemy's trap, putting Gu Jinnian in even greater danger.

But if it happened again or if there were new signs, he would use his own methods to make the entire capital know the terror of Gu Qianzhou.

Everyone had their own thoughts. His father had his own plans, and his younger brothers, who were not very capable, acted without thinking.

He could only use his own methods to protect Gu Jinnian.

Time passed slowly.

After two hours, Gu Qianzhou withdrew his gaze and said nothing.

He walked out of the residence.

At the same time.

In the Great Xia Dynasty.

Inside the Heavenly Heart Hall.

This was where Emperor Yongsheng handled official business and processed memorials.

At this moment, four figures appeared in the Heavenly Heart Hall.

Minister of Rites Yang Kai.

Supervisor of the Heavenly Surveillance Bureau Xu Taiyi.

Minister of War Li Shan.

Minister of Revenue Zhou Changjiang.

The four stood there, slightly bowing their heads.

Inside the hall.

Emperor Yongsheng put down the memorial and looked at the Supervisor of the Heavenly Surveillance Bureau, Xu Taiyi.

"Minister Xu, what does this celestial phenomenon mean?"

Emperor Yongsheng asked.

He inquired of Xu Taiyi.

"Your Majesty."

"I believe that Heaven's Mandate involves significant matters, and this time it is different from before."

"Even I find it difficult to investigate, and I need to return to my sect to consult ancient texts to find answers."

"I hope for your Majesty's approval."

Xu Taiyi responded.

He did not know what the celestial phenomenon meant and wanted to return to his sect to thoroughly investigate.

"Very well."

"How long will you need?"

Emperor Yongsheng asked.

"Seven days at the shortest, a month at the longest."

Xu Taiyi thought for a moment and gave this response.

"I hope you return soon. Here is the imperial arrow, which will allow you to move freely within the palace."

Emperor Yongsheng responded, even giving him the imperial arrow, showing how much he cared about this matter.

"Please rest assured, I will not let you down."

Xu Taiyi took the arrow and bowed, then left the palace directly.

After he left the palace.

Yang Kai's voice slowly sounded.

"Your Majesty."

"I have something to report."

Yang Kai spoke, looking at the emperor.

"What is it?"

Emperor Yongsheng's gaze swept over, and the latter handed over the memorial, then spoke calmly.

"I request, Your Majesty, to recall the Tiger Talisman of the Duke of the Nation."

The voice echoed.

Inside the hall.

It instantly became quiet.