"What is that look for?" Emperor Chongwen felt a prickle of unease under Gu Sinian's gaze. "Don't tell me you've already spoken to your aunt about this?"
After saying that, Emperor Chongwen realized something was amiss. The young man had only just returned today.
"Your Majesty, this matter might not be concealable," Gu Sinian said, choosing his words carefully.
"I never intended to hide it forever. Although Li An said he doesn't mind, I also didn't want to keep him feeling wronged." Emperor Chongwen sighed.
Not intending to hide it forever, not wanting to keep Li An feeling wronged. Gu Sinian was a bit bewildered. Did His Majesty intend to announce this to the entire world? How could the dignified ruler of a nation do something so preposterous? How would the court officials view His Majesty then, and how would the common people? Such matters were one thing when kept quiet, but to bring them into the open… no one would approve.
"Your Majesty, please reconsider."
"I have already reconsidered. Considering all aspects, that's why I haven't acted rashly. But Li An is talented, and his character is excellent," Emperor Chongwen said slowly. "We truly cannot deny these merits just because of his humble origins."
"Your humble servant believes that appointing him as Minister of the Grand Court of Revision is already a departure from ancestral tradition."
Indeed, according to the ancestral rules, a minister of this rank was definitely not someone as young as Li An could easily attain.
"A'nian, I have never treated you as an outsider. Regarding this matter, I have truly wronged Li An, and his mother. I wish to compensate, but his mother is already gone. Only he remains, and he is truly capable. Therefore, occasionally deviating from ancestral tradition is not a major issue. You have seen it yourself; since Li An took charge of the Grand Court of Revision, tell me, compared to before, has there been a significant change? I aspire to be a wise ruler, and I need people like Li An." Emperor Chongwen lamented.
Gu Sinian maintained a calm expression, but his heart was in turmoil.
So, it wasn't what he had understood?
His Majesty and Li An were not in the relationship he had imagined.
His Majesty said he wronged Li An's mother, so did His Majesty have some connection with his mother?
Gu Sinian carefully recalled Li An's appearance. It seemed there were some resemblances to Emperor Chongwen in his eyes and brows.
Li An was Emperor Chongwen's son.
This way, it all made sense.
It was because of the royal bloodline that such matters had arisen.
"Has Your Majesty considered how the Empress and my aunt would feel if you were to compensate him?" Gu Sinian asked subtly.
"This is precisely what troubles me. Li An is considerate. He said he has no ambitions for Your Majesty's position." Emperor Chongwen replied.
Knowing his identity, how could he have no ambitions? If he had no ambitions, why would Li An have gone to such lengths to cause so much trouble?
"Does Your Majesty believe his words? You yourself were once a prince. Back then, could you honestly say you had no ambitions in your heart?"
These words were somewhat presumptuous, but Gu Sinian had to say them.
Emperor Chongwen recalled his own situation back then. His maternal family was hardly an asset, yet he still harbored a desire for the throne. Of course, this desire was kept deep within his heart; he dared not and could not reveal it. However, he never relaxed, constantly preparing in secret. It was precisely because of this that the throne eventually fell to him. If they had prepared, even with an opportunity, they would not have been able to grasp it.
So, would Li An be the same?
When he said he had no ambitions, was he also yearning for the throne?
"A'nian, have you uncovered some news?" Emperor Chongwen knew Gu Sinian well; if there were no particular matters, he would certainly not speak like this.
"Yuanbao's side has apprehended Qin Lang," Gu Sinian stated.