Mao Pengyi stammered, looking at his leader with the demeanor of a nervous young wife, "Leader, you absolutely cannot abandon me."
Lu Nianfu felt like saying, with his robust physique, striking such a pose was truly unfitting.
Gu Yanchen found him embarrassing, "Enough. Song Ming, take him to get settled. As for Miss Feng, Madam, where would you prefer her to stay?"
"I'll chat with Xinyao first. Xinyao, you've had a difficult journey."
Feng Xinyao shook her head, her eyes reddening, "As long as I can get revenge, I fear no hardship."
Lu Nianfu was quite concerned. This child likely had nothing but revenge on her mind, saying such things in broad daylight. She quickly took her hand, "Let's talk about this inside."
Perhaps seeing a familiar face, Feng Xinyao was quite obedient. Lu Nianfu immediately asked Qingya to prepare hot water, "You must be tired from the journey. Take a hot bath to relieve your fatigue first. We'll discuss other matters after you've rested."
"Yes, thank you, Sister Lu."
"You're welcome."
Da Mao possessed natural great strength and had undergone rigorous training. He would undoubtedly be a formidable weapon on the battlefield. By the time Gu Yanchen returned to the capital, he had already become a minor general. However, because of Prefect Feng, this fellow had to leave his garrison to escort his family to the capital.
Gu Yanchen naturally couldn't let him be branded a deserter. Thus, after Song Ming took him to get settled, Gu Yanchen entered the palace.
Da Mao was not deserting his post; he had returned to deliver news.
Incidentally, this news was something he had only just received. Da Mao had arrived just in time.
In the imperial study, Emperor Changwu was also reading memorials from Jiangnan. Situ Jue had submitted a report stating that a group of rebels had appeared in Liancheng and had all been apprehended. Rebellion was a capital offense. With the unrest in Jiangnan at this time, to prevent any further complications, he recommended their execution as a public example.
This memorial was truly vexing. After reading it, Emperor Changwu paced the imperial study for a long time, unable to decide what to do.
Just then, Li Furui announced, "Gu Yanchen, the Minister of Dali Temple, requests an audience."
"Summon him quickly."
These days, aside from morning court, he only saw this son when he summoned him. This was the first time Gu Yanchen had proactively requested an audience. Emperor Changwu set the memorial aside and adopted a more formal posture.
Unfortunately, Gu Yanchen entered without even looking up and knelt down, "Your humble servant pays his respects to Your Majesty. May Your Majesty live for ten thousand years, ten thousand years, ten thousand times ten thousand years."
These damned rituals.
Emperor Changwu said, "Rise. Little Fuzi, offer him a seat."
Li Furui had already instructed a palace maid to prepare tea and hurried to bring a chair.
However, Gu Yanchen remained kneeling and did not rise. Instead, he held up a memorial with both hands, "Your Majesty, your humble servant has an urgent matter to report. You should read this first."
Li Furui busied himself again, passing the memorial to Emperor Changwu. Emperor Changwu had been quite pleased to see Gu Yanchen, but observing his solemn demeanor, his smile faded somewhat. After reading the contents of the memorial, his imperial countenance darkened. He struck the imperial desk heavily, "Is this true?"
Gu Yanchen kowtowed, "Your Majesty, please be discerning. Your humble servant would never dare to speak falsely. This matter is news brought back by the desperate efforts of Mao Pengyi, a young officer from the garrison. If Your Majesty harbors any doubts, you may send someone to Lianshui to verify. However, as it concerns the coastal populace, your humble servant implores Your Majesty to act swiftly."
"Mao Pengyi? Where is he?"
"He fainted upon seeing me and is currently resting at my residence. Due to the gravity of the matter, your humble servant dared not delay. However, besides young General Mao, other officers from the garrison have also sent me messages. It is true that Prince Ning has used the military to suppress the populace by force. As for the casualties, the letters have not yet been counted or verified."
This matter began with the Wokou's capture of three counties.
After looting, the Wokou fled. Countless villagers had their property stolen and houses burned. The imperial court had long issued notifications for disaster relief. The Noble Consort's faction, wanting Prince Ning to redeem himself, had taken on the responsibility for this task.
The people, starving, would inevitably riot.
Emperor Changwu dared not take it lightly and ordered gold, silver, grain, and fodder to be transported to Yangzhou with the utmost speed. However, upon reaching Prince Ning, this aid was not immediately distributed to the populace, nor was any announcement made.
Consequently, the villagers, who had long awaited the court's help to overcome their hardship, erupted in mutiny.
Originally, it was not a major issue. They had mutinied and protested, without even daring to take up arms. However, Situ Jue, who had suffered significant losses at the hands of the Wokou, was in a foul mood. He simply labeled it rebellion and arrested everyone. During this process, resistance was inevitable, and Situ Jue ordered summary executions on the spot.
By the time the magistrate arrived, there were already over thirty corpses in the street.
Those who had caused the disturbance were now imprisoned. Situ Jue had imposed a gag order. However, the incident occurred in broad daylight. While the local officials dared not report it due to the prince's tyranny, public discussion had already become widespread.
Emperor Changwu compared the two memorials and quickly understood the underlying circumstances.
Jiangnan was thousands of miles from the capital. As long as he suppressed the news from Lianshui, and with the Noble Consort's faction monitoring the situation in the capital, this matter would not reach the imperial court. Whether it was a common mutiny or genuine rebellion would naturally be up to him to fabricate.
Emperor Changwu was deeply disappointed in Situ Jue. He looked at Gu Yanchen and slowly asked, "Minister Gu, what are your thoughts on this matter?"