PNB Chapter 135 Let's wait another 5 years.
Chapter 135 Let's wait another 5 years.
"You... what did you say? How could I possibly bring your birth mother back to life? She's completely dead. It's simply impossible."
"Yes, you know it's impossible."
Madam Gu Chen realized what was happening and was filled with rage: "You...you're playing me?"
Gu Mingtang shrugged, with an expression that said, "I'm just messing with you, what can you do about it?"
"Brother, are you really going to be so heartless? She raised you for decades, and you've called her 'Mother' for so many years."
Zhao Fu noticed Chu Yuan's growing impatience and flicked his whisk, saying, "Silence! No noise is allowed in front of the hall."
Gu Minghai immediately shut his mouth. If looks could kill, he would have killed Gu Mingtang hundreds of times over. You wait, this is not over.
Seeing that the commotion had stopped, Zhao Fu shouted loudly, "Gu Chenshi has been sentenced; take her away."
"Yes"
Gu Chenshi fled in panic. She didn't want to go to jail, because jail would ruin her life and destroy the image she had painstakingly built.
"Your Majesty, please have mercy! Please have mercy!"
Chu Yuan remained unmoved, while Gu Chenshi saw the pillar next to her suddenly crash into it.
Blood flowed suddenly.
"Mother, are you alright?" Gu Minghai ran over and helped Gu Chenshi up.
Chu Yuan watched this scene with disgust.
"Let him serve another five years for his disrespectful behavior before the palace."
Gu Chenshi was only bleeding and had a headache, but she hadn't fainted yet. Upon hearing this, she immediately fainted. She regretted not hitting him.
"Mother, wake up, Mother!"
Seeing the emperor's disgusted expression, Zhao Fu said, "Second Master Gu, you should quickly take the old lady away for medical treatment."
"Yes, Your Majesty, I shall take my leave."
Chu Yuan waved his hand.
The people immediately cheered, "Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"
Long live Your Majesty!
"Your Majesty is wise; this wicked woman must be punished severely."
"It's so satisfying that this vicious woman was imprisoned for fifteen years."
"Even if it feels good, Lord Gu's mother will never come back. Why can't a life be exchanged for a life?"
"Are you stupid? How many years has it been? How could we possibly find that information? And you can't convict someone just by talking."
"That's true, but for someone like her who's used to a good life, being imprisoned for fifteen years is quite torturous."
Hearing these voices, Gu Minghai felt deeply humiliated and also felt some resentment towards Gu Chenshi. She was really idle all day long, and instead of bringing down Gu Mingtang, she ruined herself and even tarnished her reputation.
Gu Minghai was agitated, feeling like everyone was pointing fingers at him. He quickly grabbed Gu Chenshi and retreated.
The servants immediately came up to clean up, fearing it might offend His Majesty's eyes.
Chu Yuan continued, "Chen Liu knowingly broke the law, but considering his eventual repentance and prevention of more people from being deceived, his merits and demerits cancel each other out. He will no longer be allowed to participate in the imperial examinations. If you don't mind, the Jingzhao Prefecture is short of a position for an official; you can apply there."
Chen Liu never expected such a good thing. Although he might never be promoted again and it wasn't a real position with much power, he was still a Beijing official, which gave him face.
Chen Liu knelt down with a joyful expression: "Yes, this humble subject does not mind, this humble subject thanks Your Majesty for your great favor."
Chu Yuan nodded slightly and looked at Zheng Jun: "General Zheng is brave and skilled in battle. He was unjustly framed and has been released without charge. He is hereby reinstated and must return to the border immediately without delay."
Zheng Jun: "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your keen insight."
Chu Yuan then looked at Gu Mingtang: "The investigation into Minister Gu's alleged embezzlement of military funds has revealed that it was fabricated, he was framed, and he has been acquitted and reinstated."
Chu Yuan paused for a moment and then said, "But your stepmother used your name to swindle and cheat people, and you are also guilty of not being careful. I estimate that Gu Chenshi has spent almost all the money she swindled."
"You will return the money that was swindled from you, and you will also be fined a year's salary. Do you have any objections?"
"Your subject has no objection and is willing to accept punishment."
Chu Yuan nodded: "Just now, Madam Gu Chen said that you still have the title of Marquis but have not inherited it. If she hadn't reminded me, I would have forgotten. Do you blame me?"
"I dare not"
"Hehe," Chu Yuan chuckled twice and pointed at him affectionately.
"I was so busy I forgot, and you didn't even remind me! I remember you have an eldest son named... what was his name again..."
"Your Majesty, the eldest son, Gu Yu'an..."
Chu Yuan patted his head: "Right, right, let's call him Gu Yu'an. I even held him when he was little. Look at me, my memory is really bad, I'm getting old."
"Your Majesty is immortal"
"Hey you, has Gu Yu'an arrived yet?"
It is said that Gu Yu'an is the eldest son of Minister Gu.
Gu Yu'an pushed through the crowd and entered the hall: "This humble subject greets Your Majesty, long live the Emperor!"
"Free gift"
"Thank you, Your Majesty"
Chu Yuan glanced at Gu Yu'an. The young man in front of him was dressed in a moon-white brocade robe, looking dashing and heroic. His eyebrows and eyes bore a resemblance to Gu Mingtang.
Chu Yuan couldn't help but take another look. This must be what young Gu Mingtang looked like—bright and handsome.
How are Yu'an's studies going lately?
Gu Yu'an pursed his lips and replied truthfully, "Your Majesty, I have already withdrawn from school."
Chu Yuan was somewhat surprised: "Dropped out of school? Why did you drop out?"
"With her father in prison, she has no heart for her studies."
Chu Yuan thought about it and agreed. People outside were trying to avoid this family as much as possible.
"It's rare that you have such filial piety. It's fine if you don't go. When the Imperial Academy reopens, you can go there to study."
"Thank you, Your Majesty"
Chu Yuan nodded: "Gu Yu'an is young and open-minded, with extraordinary talent. He is specially granted permission to inherit the title and be enfeoffed as the Marquis of Beiding. As for the official position, we will give it to him after you pass the imperial examination. How about that?"
A flash of surprise crossed Gu Yu'an's eyes. He had come to hear the case, so how did he suddenly become a marquis?
Gu Yu'an immediately realized what was happening and bowed, saying, "Thank you for your great kindness, Your Majesty."
"Yes, get up. The imperial edict will arrive at your residence shortly."
"Thank you, Your Majesty"
Chu Yuan stood up and patted his dragon robe: "Alright, I've been away from the palace for quite some time now, it's time to return. Lord Zhang, you take care of the follow-up. I'll be leaving now."
Your Majesty, I respectfully see you off.
"Your Majesty, we, your humble servants, respectfully see you off."
"This humble subject respectfully sees Your Majesty off."
"Returning to the Palace"
A group of people came and went in a great clatter.
Judge Zhang slammed his gavel: "Court adjourned."
"Mighty~"
After the court session ended, the officials present surrounded Gu Mingtang and Gu Yu'an.
"Congratulations, Your Excellency, your injustice has been redressed."
Congratulations, Your Excellency!
"Congratulations, young marquis! You are now the youngest marquis in this dynasty."
"Yes, Your Excellency, the young marquis has a limitless future!"
"Your Excellency, the Gu family is about to prosper! Congratulations!"
Gu Mingtang and Gu Yu'an exchanged forced smiles: "Congratulations to you both, congratulations to you both."
The only one who didn't offer congratulations was Chen He. He stood to the side, feeling particularly awkward. His attempt to frame Gu Mingtang had backfired, and he was now filled with regret. He wondered if Gu Mingtang even believed him.
After a moment of hesitation, he stepped forward and said, "Lord Gu, congratulations! Your injustice has been redressed. I was only acting for the sake of the court and the people, and I absolutely did not mean to target you. Please do not take offense, Lord Gu."
Gu Mingtang merely glanced at him and ignored him. He had never used his power before, but now that he thought about it, it didn't seem like there was anything wrong with him using his power in this position. He was just being too old-fashioned.
Since Chen He doesn't want his mentorship, let him hone his skills in a demanding job and return to his former self.
Chen He, who was being ignored, turned pale and then flushed: "..."
Gu Mingtang won't retaliate against him, will he?