Chongwen Emperor showed a moment of surprise, which quickly returned to normal.
If Xie Chen had not been observing closely, he might not have noticed.
"Alright, alright, I can't be bothered to argue with you," Chongwen Emperor put on an impatient air. "I have something to say to An Nian, you may go."
His tone and expression were indeed no different from their usual private interactions.
Yet, Xie Chen still felt something was amiss.
"Xie Chen, there are some things you must give me some face for," Chongwen Emperor said earnestly.
Xie Chen gave Gu Sinian a meaningful look, and Gu Sinian nodded slightly.
"I know you'll be family from now on, but there's no need to exchange glances in front of me like this," Chongwen Emperor said irritably, having noticed their subtle actions.
"I hope Your Majesty will grace us with your presence then," Xie Chen said with a playful smile.
Chongwen Emperor waved dismissively at Xie Chen.
This was his way of telling him to leave.
Xie Chen took his leave.
Chongwen Emperor beckoned Gu Sinian forward. Gu Sinian took a few steps closer, but still maintained a certain distance from Chongwen Emperor.
"An Nian, tell me, what kind of person do you think Li An is?" Chongwen Emperor asked.
"A traitor who deceived the emperor and attempted to usurp the throne. A rebel and a villain," Gu Sinian stated, word by word.
"Does he have no redeeming qualities at all?" Chongwen Emperor inquired.
"When he was Minister of the Grand Court of Revision, he did accomplish a few practical matters. However, his aim was to lull Your Majesty into a false sense of security," Gu Sinian replied. "After gaining your trust, Your Majesty might consider, has he done anything else beneficial to the country and its people?"
Chongwen Emperor's expression turned somewhat grim.
"Your Majesty is rather strange today. Could it be that Your Majesty no longer intends to hold Li An accountable for his deception?" Gu Sinian calmly retorted. "Or does Your Majesty believe that the Zhao family's empire can change its surname?"
Chongwen Emperor paused, then chuckled. "An Nian, why are you so agitated? I was merely asking casually. The main reason is, at the time, I believed he was truly my son, and therefore, I offered my genuine affection. It is a pity, alas..."
"This is Li An's detestable nature. You are the Son of Heaven, and he toyed with you in the palm of his hand. Forget execution; even extermination of the nine generations of his family would be justifiable," Gu Sinian said.
"Extermination of the nine generations?" Chongwen Emperor laughed heartily.
"An Nian, you truly never disappoint me."
"I will listen to you."
Having said that, Chongwen Emperor took a few steps forward, closing the distance between himself and Gu Sinian.
The smile on his lips remained, but with lightning speed, he drew a dagger from his sleeve and lunged towards Gu Sinian's chest.
He was fast, but Gu Sinian was faster.
When the dagger was still an inch away from his heart, Gu Sinian seized Chongwen Emperor's wrist.
Chongwen Emperor could not break free at all.
"Li An, you truly haven't improved at all. Do you think the蛊虫 (gu worms) are omnipotent?"
"Or do you believe that methods that have failed before can succeed now?"
"Your final struggle is destined to be in vain."
Chongwen Emperor's face contorted in a ferocious expression. "Gu Sinian, I will drag you down with me even in death. Don't forget, Qian Yuanbao is still under my control. You claim to be his good brother, yet what did you do when he was under my control? You didn't even bother to intervene. If I can't have you, Qian Yuanbao will accompany me to the grave."
It must be said that Li An's mastery in controlling 蛊虫 (gu worms) was profound.
He was now capable of controlling Chongwen Emperor through the 蛊虫 (gu worms).
Gu Sinian calmly knocked the dagger from Chongwen Emperor's hand and called out for help from outside the hall.
Xie Chen and the attending palace attendants rushed in.
"Xie Chen, Gu Sinian is attempting a rebellion. You are my good brother, you cannot be partial," the 'Chongwen Emperor' shouted at Xie Chen.