Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 781 - 617: Holding a Grudge

Prince Jing looked at the water clock on the table and realized it was almost the fourth watch.

Gu Chengyu followed his gaze and saw it was a glazed water clock.

The water clock was small and exquisite, with an extremely luxurious appearance, though the glaze was somewhat cloudy. But that wasn’t the main point.

No one in the Dayan Dynasty could make glazed wares, but that didn’t mean glazed wares didn’t exist in the world.

This water clock should have come from the Western Regions, though their glazing technology was still immature; such a delicate water clock was a rarity.

Besides, the trade fair hadn’t opened, so bringing this glazed piece over was no easy task. Naturally, some aristocratic families might have one, treating it as a precious item.

Seeing Gu Chengyu’s attention caught by the glaze, Prince Jing chuckled.

"This is a tribute from the Western Regions, given to me by the Emperor. This glazed water clock is made quite exquisitely; if Mr. Gu likes it, how about I gift it to you?"

Gu Chengyu glanced away from the glazed water clock, smiling faintly and shaking his head, "This is a gift from the Emperor to Your Highness, certainly cherished by you. How can I take what you love?"

Actually, Gu Chengyu was reminded of glass, but unfortunately, his current official rank was too low; introducing it too early would be to his disadvantage.

However, it seems Prince Jing was not as disregarded by the Emperor as rumors suggested. Since it’s a tribute, it proves its value.

Even if the Emperor does not favor him as much as other princes, it shouldn’t be by much.

Hearing this, Prince Jing didn’t bring up the glaze again. Looking at the calmly composed Gu Chengyu, he finally got to the point.

"Mr. Gu, the most talked-about issue in the court now is the matter of establishing the Crown Prince. What are your thoughts on this?"

Gu Chengyu was taken aback; was he planning to lay his cards on the table?

Indeed, today was a good opportunity. There were no outsiders now—if not now, then when?

"My rank is too low; the matter of establishing the Crown Prince is not for someone like me to comment on."

Prince Jing smiled slightly, "Mr. Gu is indeed too modest. The tea permit issue earlier left me astonished. You are truly a talented and practical person, and I have always admired you."

Gu Chengyu couldn’t help but mentally criticize; they really think highly of him. Such scheming, such admiration is too burdensome for him to bear.

"Let’s not talk about your official rank for now. I just want to know your opinion, feel free to speak."

Prince Jing wasn’t going to let Gu Chengyu off easily; he intended to lay his cards on the table with him today.

The establishment of the Crown Prince was imminent. Gu Chengyu had three senior brothers behind him and the already-retired Liang Zhirui.

Even though Liang Zhirui had retired, he surely left some connections behind.

Adding Gu Chengyu to the mix—if they all served him, wouldn’t it be like adding wings to a tiger?

He believed he was no worse than the other princes; whether he could secure Gu Chengyu’s loyalty depended on tonight.

"Your Highness! You know the Emperor’s nature, surely he already has someone in mind. My opinion is not important. I only came here to take away Xiao Yao; please show mercy, Your Highness."

Gu Chengyu was losing patience; morning court was nearing, and he hadn’t slept all night. How did he have the time to bicker with Prince Jing?

Besides, Ming Mo and others got injured this time, even if they stopped the bleeding, they needed to recover.

Seeing that Gu Chengyu was avoiding the topic of the Crown Prince, Prince Jing’s smile finally faded.

"Let’s speak openly now. What does Mr. Gu think of me? Surely you’ve already started questioning me, haven’t you? In that case, you must know of my capabilities. If you pledge your loyalty to me, I promise you won’t be treated poorly in the future."

From these two incidents, it’s clear that Gu Chengyu had already seen some clues, and Prince Jing didn’t need to hide anymore.

Feigning surprise, Gu Chengyu said, "Oh? Your Highness is interested in the position of Crown Prince?"

Prince Jing’s smile slowly faded; what was the meaning of this?

As a prince, was it so inconceivable to desire the position of Crown Prince? Was Gu Chengyu looking down on him?

With his right hand clenched tightly in his sleeve, Prince Jing felt a surge of indignation.

Seeing Prince Jing’s slightly gloomy expression, surrounded by a low pressure, Gu Chengyu knew he had struck a nerve.

But so what? Did Prince Jing not know his own predicament? Be it anger or rage, it was the reality.

Prince Jing rose and stood by the window, gazing at the crescent moon in silence.

After a long while, he spoke, "How could you understand my feelings? You were a treasured child at home, never lacking familial love."

Prince Jing’s voice was low, seemingly carrying endless pain.

"The Emperor dislikes me, granting me a title early on to extinguish my hopes. Despite being brothers, only I do not attract the Emperor’s favor."

Turning to look at Gu Chengyu, this time, Gu Chengyu indeed saw sorrow in his eyes—this moment was truly genuine.

"Please forgive me for speaking frankly, Your Highness’s health is frail, and the Emperor also pities you."

He thought Prince Jing was short-sighted, unable to see the Emperor’s intentions.

He’d heard that the Emperor allocated countless precious herbs to the Prince Mansion from the Ministry of Internal Affairs each year, and tributes’ rare treasures were never spared from them—was this not favoritism?

If he didn’t care about Prince Jing, wouldn’t the Emperor have banished him to a fief a long time ago instead of leaving him in the Capital to recuperate?

He had long surmised the Emperor granted Prince Jing a title early on and treated him coldly to keep him away from his brothers’ schemes.

Was this not a show of compassion? It’s just a pity that Prince Jing didn’t appreciate it; his ambition was too great!

Prince Jing laughed bitterly; could it be that the Emperor excluded him from consideration because of his weak health?

No! The Emperor had always disliked his mother, thinking of her merely as a palace maid; when she died, she was denied even a title.

An old nanny by his mother’s side once said she was a woman as elegant as a chrysanthemum, uninterested in the concubines’ strife.

It was laughable that the Emperor was so unwilling to give her a title after her death—did he loathe her that much?

Why, even the title of "Noble Lady"? Since understanding this matter, he’d harbored resentment in his heart.

The Emperor had always despised him for being born of a palace maid, feeling that even glancing at him disgraced his imperial dignity.

Prince Jing sneered, opening his half-closed eyes and calming his agitated mood.

"Mr. Gu! My sincerity is genuine; please consider it."

Prince Jing had regained his smile as if the vulnerable person earlier wasn’t him.

He knew Gu Chengyu wouldn’t believe him without proof; naturally, he had more tricks up his sleeve.

Seeing that Prince Jing misunderstood the Emperor’s intentions, Gu Chengyu wasn’t going to say more.

They were father and son; how they got along was their business. Besides, he saw enough grievances Prince Jing bore against his father, suggesting there was more to the story.