Chapter 349: South Flood, North Drought

Hua Zhi didn't bother hiding anything from her maids at this point, so they no longer felt the need to be cautious and instead carefully attended to her after wiping away their tears.

With the weight off her mind, Hua Zhi fell asleep on the bed, not caring about applying medicine or anything else. When Fourth Lady returned and received the news, all she could see was the freshly treated wounds.

While things were difficult on one end, Gu Yanxi had a far more stressful time upon his return. As soon as he arrived in the capital, he headed straight to the study with his guards.

The emperor was in discussion with a few old officials, and upon seeing Gu Yanxi, he spoke, "This disaster relief effort will not be handled by the six ministries or local officials. I will appoint someone to oversee this task specifically. Tell those who are waiting to take advantage of the situation that if they dare to use any means under my nose, I won't hesitate to cut them down."

The old officials all felt a chill in their hearts and responded accordingly.

"Tomorrow I want to see the regulations. You may retire now."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Once the unwanted guests had left, the emperor's mood lightened slightly, and he smiled genuinely, "You're back? Perfect timing to have dinner with me."

Obeying the command, the servant bowed and left to prepare.

Gu Yanxi stepped forward and saluted, "I pay my respects to Your Majesty."

"That's enough, sit and talk." The emperor looked at his nephew's unremarkable face, "Take off that mask."

Gu Yanxi removed his human skin mask, which made the emperor flinch.

"Your Majesty, on my recent trip to Yingshan Pass, I confirmed two things."

"Two things? Apart from the remnants of the Chao Li tribe near the old man, is there something else?"

"The Chao Li tribe has colluded with the grassland tribes."

The emperor's expression grew serious, and he leaned forward slightly, "The Chao Li tribe and the grassland tribes have colluded?"

"Yes." Gu Yanxi went on to explain in detail the information he had gathered, "The troops stationed at Yingshan Pass are inadequate to resist. I have promised Wu Yong to relocate at least fifty thousand troops there. In addition, I instructed Wu Yong to divide Yingshan Pass into two cities, with the outer city serving as a military camp while the irrelevant individuals are moved to the inner city. This will minimize hindrance to Wu Yong's actions. I acted without your permission, Your Majesty, please punish me."

As he spoke, Gu Yanxi was about to kneel and ask for forgiveness.

"Stay seated." The emperor stopped him, "I will issue an imperial decree to Wu Yong later."

The Seven Stars Bureau had always acted before reporting, as it was a power granted to them by successive emperors. However, they never concealed anything and always detailed the situation in their reports, which would be followed by an imperial decree.

Gu Yanxi then explained the situation regarding Gu Chengde.

The emperor looked at this usually composed young man, "I'm starting to suspect if the Chao Li tribe's population is truly dwindling. Look at how many people have been uncovered. If this continues, I might even start believing I am a Chao Li clan member."

"It's not as dire as that," Gu Yanxi said, looking at the emperor, whether mocking himself or others, "I actually think the Chao Li tribe may be up to something we don't expect."

"What do you mean?"

"Whether it's the concubines and palace maids by your side, the Mama by the side of the Third Princess, or the fake eunuch by the First Prince's side, they have all chosen to target members of the imperial family. Not to mention Yuan Shifang, who may be the only one brought up by the Chao Li clan, I have been focusing on investigating eight other administrators, and while they all have some issues, their identities are clear."

The emperor didn't bother asking what kind of problems they were. He knew very well the character of the officials. Since Gu Yanxi had endured it, it meant they were still within the tolerance limit. If they had really crossed the line, he would have been presented with a petition to remove their official hat.

Gu Yanxi continued, "I've already ordered people to investigate the members of the royal family. Once the results are in, we will have a clearer picture of the situation."

Indeed, once the results were in, the emperor raised the corners of his mouth. If members of the royal family could be found in anyone's entourage, then the infiltrators from the Chao Li tribe were likely not just a few. If all those around the court were clean, as Gu Yanxi had suggested, the Chao Li clan might indeed be up to something.

However, the emperor did not feel at ease because of this. "Floods in the south, drought in the north, and the Chao Li tribe advancing step by step, there is a strong possibility of a comeback. Should I issue a self-criticism edict?"

Gu Yanxi remained silent.

The emperor didn't mind. He smiled gently, showing a hint of kindness on his aging face. "The other day I went to the Fengxian Hall and carefully pondered my life in front of the ancestors. I realized that though I haven't done anything to tarnish the foundation of my ancestors, I also haven't achieved anything noteworthy. It's been a life of mediocrity. If I were a commoner, I would probably have starved to death."

"You are the emperor."

Yes, the emperor, so even with a life of mediocrity, he had enjoyed all the riches of the world. He could grant life or death as he pleased, yet he was also destined to die!

The emperor's expression twisted momentarily before returning to its previous state. "You have been given the authority to investigate, and I will take responsibility for everything. You handle the matter with Gu Chengde yourself. Now that he has been demoted to a commoner, he no longer has the privilege of entering the palace. I don't wish to see him."

"Yes." Seeing that his uncle wasn't going to disclose any more personal thoughts, Gu Yanxi let out a discreet sigh. As close as they were, there were still things the emperor didn't want to hear.

"The Tong family has been eradicated, the second son is imprisoned for life, and even the new ruler has granted a general amnesty unrelated to him." The emperor's eyes flashed with a cold light. "My protection does not extend to him."

"I obey your command."

"Furthermore, there is Zeng Xian." The emperor's gaze softened as he looked at his nephew. "Since you've brought his case before me with the intention of seeking a retrial, I agree. The Ministry of Punishments will re-examine the case, and no one involved will be spared. Are you satisfied?"

"Your Majesty, I have brought Zeng Xian's son, Zeng Han, back to the capital. I will have someone write a petition to be delivered to the Ministry of Punishments."

The emperor nodded appreciatively. While he couldn't help but feel a sense of relief, order must be maintained at all costs, especially within the Seven Stars Bureau. If Yanxi had been the type to take advantage of his privileged position without regard for his superiors, he would not have been granted such authority.

At that moment, with impeccable timing as if rehearsed, a servant swept into the room to announce, "Your Majesty, dinner is served."

The emperor, exuding an air of practiced casual authority, rose and said, "Come. Join me for dinner."

As they made their way to the side hall, where the feast awaited in meticulously arranged splendor, Gu Yanxi broke the silence, his voice sharp with purpose. "I’ve heard there’s severe flooding in the south. Any dam failures near Xiangyang?"

The emperor turned to him, one brow raised in a faintly mocking arc. "You mean you don’t know?"

Gu Yanxi's reply was curt, almost defensive. "I came directly to the study upon my return."

That response earned him a nod of measured approval from the emperor, whose satisfaction was as understated as it was calculated. "Your foresight saved Xiangyang from disaster—at the expense of Lingzhou, of course. But the southern regions? They're drowning in rain, and this catastrophe is shaping up to be the worst of my reign. The scale of destruction is staggering, and the funds required for relief… substantial." His tone turned pointed, laced with an edge that was impossible to ignore. "And I have no intention of letting anyone turn this disaster into their payday. Prepare a list of trustworthy men to oversee the relief efforts. I won’t tolerate incompetence."

Gu Yanxi inclined his head, his tone clipped but deferential. "Your Majesty's will is mine to follow."