Gu Sinian entered the palace with Lu Heng's secret letter, and Emperor Chongwen's face turned ashen after reading it.
"Rebellious son, this rebellious son!"
Lu Heng's secret letter stated that the second prince of the Nanchang Kingdom was colluding with Li An. The second prince was providing Li An with financial support, and in return, Li An would cede sixteen cities to Nanchang after successfully ascending the throne.
"The second prince of Nanchang is the most powerful among the princes and has always been at odds with Lu Heng. Many believe he is more qualified to inherit the throne than Lu Heng. Due to the matter of the sixteen cities, the Nanchang Emperor has adopted a tacit stance on this issue," Gu Sinian explained.
Emperor Chongwen could not blame the Nanchang Emperor and the second prince for this. If he were in their shoes, he too would be willing to do so for sixteen cities. He was furious with Li An. If you have aspirations for the throne, then be open about it.
But now, not only was he colluding with established aristocratic families, but he had also made contact with the northern frontier, and now even the Nanchang Kingdom was involved. If he were to seize the throne, wouldn't Da Feng be torn apart?
"The second prince is naturally cautious, and Lu Heng did not obtain any evidence. Therefore, I would like to ask Your Majesty if we should hold back or proceed?" Gu Sinian inquired.
Emperor Chongwen paced back and forth, "I ordered you to investigate. How is it going?"
"Many ministers in the court have fallen into his trap. Either themselves or their significant others are controlled by his蛊虫 (gu worms). To save their lives, or for their loved ones, these ministers are acting against their will. Therefore, one-third of the ministers currently support Li An," Gu Sinian reported.
Emperor Chongwen spat out a mouthful of blood. Gu Sinian quickly supported him, and Jixiang hurried to summon the imperial physician.
"Your Majesty is overcome with anger! Fortunately, he spat out this blood. Otherwise, if this anger is not vented, it would be even worse," the imperial physician said after taking the pulse. "I will prescribe a few doses of medicine. Your Majesty, please take them, and during this period, refrain from becoming angry again, as it could damage your heart."
After the imperial physician left, Gu Sinian frowned and said, "How come I never noticed you had such a temper? Lu Heng has sent us a letter, and we are at least prepared for this matter. Let's think carefully, and we will surely find a solution. You've made yourself spit blood in anger, what's the point?"
Emperor Chongwen felt a bitter pang in his heart. When he learned that Li An was his son, he was happy. Li An was talented and could be a virtuous minister, which would be a blessing for Da Feng. At that time, with Li An in civil affairs and Gu Sinian in military affairs, Da Feng would surely prosper for decades with these two assisting the new emperor.
But now, it had all gone wrong...
"Have you thought of a solution?" Emperor Chongwen asked.
"I read the secret letter and did not dare to delay, so I immediately entered the palace. In such a short time, what solution could I possibly come up with?" Gu Sinian replied. "I suggest Your Majesty summon more ministers to discuss it together."
"Wouldn't that compromise the secret?" Emperor Chongwen disagreed.
"Li An controls those ministers, not only with蛊虫 (gu worms) but also by their positions. Ultimately, the ministers in the court will have to choose sides. Li An is a prince, which can give them some peace of mind," Gu Sinian said incisively. "They are supporting a prince anyway!"
Emperor Chongwen felt awkward.
"There is an even simpler method," Gu Sinian added.
"What is it?"
"Kill Li An."
Emperor Chongwen fell silent. Li An had suffered a great deal, and he felt guilty towards him. Therefore, his intention was not to pursue him, but to let him live a life of wealth and leisure in the future.
"I knew you wouldn't agree. Then we can only proceed slowly," Gu Sinian said.