Chapter 81: Fighting for Military Power
Gu Lingyu knelt on one knee, his face full of concern for the country. He said, “Your Majesty, Guang Pingwang has been unconscious for many days and his time is almost up. I request Your Majesty to issue a decree to hand over Guang Pingwang’s military power.”
The Emperor looked surprised and said hesitantly, “Oh? But Guang Pingwang has been working hard for the country and for the people for many years. Isn’t it too inhumane to take back the military power right after he has just fainted? It will also easily arouse the anger of the people.”
Gu Lingyu was not flustered at all. He said the words that he had rehearsed with the ministers last night, “Your Majesty, for national reasons, these soldiers can not be without a leader for a day. For personal reasons, Guang Pingwang is my biological uncle. I think even if uncle is awake, he will be willing to do so.”
The Emperor stroked his beard and frowned, as if he was considering Gu Lingyu’s words.
Gu Lingyu waited until he broke out in cold sweat. Whether it would be successful or not depended this one step.
The Emperor saw that the atmosphere was almost how he wanted it to be and said, “Then in your opinion, who is the candidate to hand over the military power to?”
Gu Lingyu was overjoyed and said, “Let’s listen to Your Majesty and the ministers’ opinions on this matter.”
The Emperor did not say anything. The ministers behind Gu Lingyu all stood up one by one.
They guaranteed that Gu Lingyu was the most suitable candidate.
The officials on Gu Ruoyun’s side also stood up one by one, saying that doing so would lose the hearts of the people and that it was absolutely unacceptable.
The two factions were quarreling with each other.
There was also a portion of the officials who stood at the side was if watching a joke. These people were all in the neutral faction, which was also known as the Royalist faction. They were loyal followers of the Emperor.
The people around Gu Ruoyun were all capable people. Even though Gu Ruoyun was not around, their combat power was not to be underestimated.
Seeing that Gu Lingyu’s side was about to be defeated, the Emperor interrupted the noisy scene, “That’s enough.”
It was a soft sound, but it made everyone quiet down.
“We will listen to the Emperor’s decision.”
All the officials cupped their hands towards the Emperor.
The Emperor waved his hand to let them stand up before continuing, “Does any other official have any objections to this matter?”
Elder Zheng suddenly stood up, “Your Majesty, I have some thoughts.”
The Emperor gestured for Elder Zheng to continue speaking.
Elder Zheng glanced at Gu Lingyu who was in the middle of the Imperial Court before speaking, “Your Majesty, since Gu Lingyu is the nephew of Guang Pingwang, then if the uncle is in trouble, wouldn’t it be reasonable for the nephew to temporarily take over the uncle’s position?”
Those who supported Gu Lingyu were overjoyed. They never thought that Elder Zheng would come out to help them, so they immediately chimed in.
The faces of the officials on Gu Ruoyun’s side were ugly. It was not certain whether Elder Zheng’s words were his own thoughts or were they the Emperor’s wishes.
With the help of Elder Zheng, the trend on the Imperial Court tilted towards Gu Lingyu’s side.
After a short moment of consideration, the Emperor agreed to let Gu Lingyu take over Guang Pingwang’s military power.
An Imperial edict was issued.
The smile on Gu Lingyu’s face grew wider and wider. His unpresentable look made everyone frown.
Gu Lingyu really could not be compared to his uncle.
On second thought, if Gu Lingyu was as capable as Gu Ruoyun, they would not have chosen to support him as a puppet.
The ministers who supported Gu Lingyu looked at each other and smiled. Only they understood the logic behind this.
Gu Lingyu, who was still foolishly smiling, could not understand the twists and turns within. He held the Imperial edict in his hand and felt that the era that belonged to him, Gu Lingyu, was about to begin.
Gu Lingyu returned to the Gu Family with the Imperial edict in his hand in high spirits.
The members of the Gu Family came out to welcome him. Gu Qing looked at his son and patted his arm.
His eyes were filled with satisfaction, “As expected of my son, promising!”
He thought about how he had been suppressed by his younger brother for his entire life. He never thought that his son would give him such a big face.
Thinking about how everything that Gu Ruoyun had would belong to them in the future, the whole family was all smiles.
Su Qiao helped Lady Gu to Gu Ruoyun’s side.