Chapter 329: Pressure
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
In the study, Emperor Xuanzong was seated on a grand throne, dressed in a magnificent golden dragon robe and a regal dragon crown, exuding an aura of authority and power.
Below, alongside Gu Qingluan, there were Qi Tianyou, an elderly man with silver hair, a middle-aged gentleman, and Gu Zhicheng.
Considering the complex feuds between the two families, Gu Zhicheng, as the Gu family’s patriarch, had been summoned to the palace.
Gu Zhicheng had long known about Gu Qingluan killing Fifth Prince Qitian Yu. Apart from a mocking remark about her audacity, he had taken no action, aware that someone would come after her sooner or later.
Sure enough, it didn’t take long for the people from the Duke Dingbei’s mansion to come knocking.
As soon as Gu Qingluan entered, Duke Dingbei and the Grand Marshal cast predatory gazes upon her.
She calmly greeted Emperor Xuanzong, bowing her head slightly in respect. With her level of cultivation, there was no need for her to kneel.
As for Gu Zhicheng, Gu Qingluan acted as if he didn’t exist.
Emperor Xuanzong cleared his throat and said, “Gu Qingluan, these two are Duke Dingbei and General Liu. They have come to file a complaint with me, alleging that you killed Fifth Prince. What do you have to say?”
Gu Qingluan couldn’t help but admire the Emperor’s composure. He truly lived up to his role as the ruler, showing no hint of knowing that she had killed his son.
If it weren’t for Duke Dingbei’s pursuit, wouldn’t this matter have blown over by now?
After Emperor Xuanzong’s inquiry, Duke Dingbei and his son looked at her with even more hostility.
Unfazed, Gu Qingluan calmly responded, “Is there any evidence to support the claim that I killed Fifth Prince?”
General Liu Miao Wu couldn’t contain his anger and exclaimed, “Servants from the Prince’s residence witnessed it with their own eyes! Do you think you can deny it?”
“Deny? Why would I deny it?” Gu Qingluan smiled. “I did indeed kill Fifth Prince, and his death is no great loss.”
“Your Majesty, you see! She’s admitted it!” Liu Miao Wu immediately turned to Emperor Xuanzong.
Emperor Xuanzong, who had been waiting for Gu Qingluan to offer some defense, was left speechless by her quick confession.
How should he handle this?
He was willing to protect her for the sake of the Royal Highness Prince Lan, but couldn’t she at least show some restraint after taking a life?
Emperor Xuanzong was utterly baffled by Gu Qingluan’s behavior, with no words to respond.
He had to adopt a stern demeanor, his expression growing solemn. “Gu Qingluan, think carefully before you speak. Old Fifth is my son, the esteemed Fifth Prince. Even if he made mistakes, it’s not for you to decide to take his life!”
Gu Qingluan smiled and replied, “Generally speaking, that’s correct. But you see, the Fifth Prince crossed a line. He kidnapped my son and tried to steal his soul, dooming him to never be reborn. If 1 hadn’t arrived in time, my son would have been the one to die! Now, tell me, how could 1 let someone who attempted to harm my child off the hook?”
Liu Miao Wu grumbled, “Wait a moment! Your son didn’t die, did he? You’re incredibly ruthless! If your son is still alive, why did you harm the Fifth Prince?”
“Ha! If my son had died, do you think a single life of Qitian Yu could compensate for it?”
Gu Qingluan’s gaze swept over Duke Dingbei and Liu Miao Wu, her dark eyes emitting a chilling light.
Duke Dingbei sat in a circular chair, and simultaneously, with Liu Miao Wu standing by his side, they both felt a chill down their spines.
Since returning, this young lady from the Gu family had displayed an extremely dominant side, even causing the head of the Gu family to frequently suffer losses at her hands. Dealing with her was no easy task for them.
However, Yu’er’s (the Fifth Prince) tragic death was something they couldn’t swallow no matter what.
Duke Dingbei stood up from his chair and bowed deeply to Emperor Xuanzong. “Your Majesty, Fifth Prince has always been known for his kindness and is called a gentleman. Even if he made a mistake, there must be a reason behind it. Now, with just a few words from Miss Gu, he died under unclear circumstances. 1 earnestly request Your Majesty to ensure justice for Fifth Prince.”
“Please, Duke Dingbei, rise quickly. Aren’t we in the middle of discussing this matter?” Emperor Xuanzong waved his hand, and when Duke Dingbei hesitated to sit down, he signaled to Liu Miao Wu with a glance, “General Liu, your father is of advanced age; help him sit down.”
Liu Miao Wu promptly assisted his father back to his seat.
Only then did Duke Dingbei relent and sit back down.
He waited for Emperor Xuanzong to administer justice.
Emperor Xuanzong cursed internally at the sly old fox but maintained a dignified appearance.. He then turned his gaze to Gu Zhicheng and asked, “Master Gu, what do you have to say about this?”