Chapter 163: Preparations Before Departure

It had always been clear to everyone in the entire imperial court that the Emperor of Great Ming deeply detested corruption.

Yet now, officials in Yanzhou had actually engaged in graft right under the very eyes of the Son of Heaven. How could the old man not be furious?

"Oh? Yanzhou? A corruption case?"

Upon hearing these words, Gou Ye narrowed his eyes. To be honest, among all things, what he detested most in this era were those corrupt officials who mercilessly squeezed the blood and sweat of the common people without a shred of moral bottom line. They were utterly hateful!

"The Imperial Decree has arrived!"

Just as Zhu Houzhao and Gou Ye stepped into the Crown Prince's residence, a loud shout suddenly echoed from outside.

Hearing this voice, both Zhu Houzhao and Gou Ye reacted instantly, stepping aside to wait obediently.

Shortly after, a eunuch holding aloft an imperial decree approached them and announced, "Imperial Mentor Gou Ye, receive the decree!"

"This subject is here!"

Hearing that the decree was meant for him, Gou Ye hurriedly dropped to his knees.

"By order of His Majesty, the Imperial Mentor Gou Ye is summoned to the Imperial Study for an audience!"

"This humble subject obeys!"

Finding it rather perplexing that the Emperor wished to see him once more, Gou Ye nonetheless nodded in immediate compliance.

"Let us go, Lord Gou."

The eunuch then offered a faint, cold smile and gestured for Gou Ye to follow.

After exchanging a brief glance with Zhu Houzhao, Gou Ye followed right behind the eunuch toward the Imperial Study.

Upon arrival, the eunuch led Gou Ye inside and promptly closed the doors of the Imperial Study behind them.

"This subject, Gou Ye, pays respects to Your Majesty!"

Catching sight of the Emperor, Gou Ye bowed deeply once again, his expression filled with utmost reverence.

"Ah, you have arrived?"

Seeing Gou Ye enter, the Emperor laid aside the memorial in his hands and smiled at him.

"I hear that you are exceptionally clever and remarkably gifted. Have a guess—why have I summoned you here alone at this hour?"

The Emperor's face was wreathed in smiles, clearly wishing to test the young man standing before him.

"Reporting to Your Majesty, this humble subject dares to surmise that it must be on account of the corruption case in Yanzhou."

Hearing the Emperor's question, Gou Ye did not hesitate for a moment and voiced his inner guess.

"Indeed. I intend for you to travel to Yanzhou in secret to investigate the incriminating evidence against Gu Zai'an. Do you dare to undertake this mission?"

Seeing that Gou Ye had instantly pierced through his intentions with a single remark, the Emperor picked up his brush again to review memorials and continued speaking to Gou Ye.

"Reporting to Your Majesty, this subject is willing to go!"

Without the slightest hesitation, Gou Ye nodded in agreement. He knew that since the Emperor had already summoned him alone into the Imperial Study, it meant the Emperor had firmly made up his mind. On this trip to Yanzhou, regardless of whether he wished to go or not, the outcome was already predetermined.

Therefore, it was far better for him to readily agree, which would at least leave the Emperor with a favorable impression.

"Very well. Then go and make your preparations; you shall depart in three days."

Seeing Gou Ye accept the task, the Emperor nodded gently, his expression filled with affirmation.

"This subject obeys!"

Hearing the Emperor's command, Gou Ye dared not show the slightest hesitation and nodded hurriedly.

With that matter settled, the Emperor paid him no further mind and lowered his head once more to review memorials. Gou Ye, knowing how to conduct himself, offered the Emperor a respectful bow before turning and stepping out of the Imperial Study.

Since the Emperor had only allowed him three days to prepare, Gou Ye headed straight back to his residence after leaving the Imperial Study.

He knew very well that once he left for Yanzhou, it would surely take two or three months before he could return. More importantly, although this journey was an undercover investigation, it was still official business, making it impossible to take Yunniang along.

The most urgent task now was how to soothe her emotions.

"Yunniang, I have official business that requires me to travel to Yanzhou. I will be back in about two or three months. You, along with Dali and Xiaodie, stay home and wait for me, alright?"

Upon returning home, Gou Ye sought out Yunniang and gently proposed the plan.

This journey to Yanzhou carried considerable risks, so he had already decided to bring the Guo brothers along. On the one hand, they would keep him company; on the other, they would protect his safety.

"Ah? Going to Yanzhou? It will take two or three months to return?"

Hearing Gou Ye's words, Yunniang instantly felt a pang of grievance rise within her heart.

Her husband had only just begun to make his mark in the world, and the couple were still in the sweetest phase of their newly kindled affection. Yet now Gou Ye had to leave for Yanzhou, unable to return for months—how could she possibly bear it?

However, Yunniang was also well aware that since Gou Ye said he was going to Yanzhou, it must be for official duties. Furthermore, she knew his temperament thoroughly, and trailing along by his side would indeed only serve as a hindrance.

"Very well. You may go, but you must remember to write to me often and take good care of yourself, understand?"

Knowing she could not stop him, Yunniang could only offer repeated admonitions.

"Rest assured!"

Seeing Yunniang nod, Gou Ye finally let out a soft sigh of relief.

After spending three days at home accompanying Yunniang, Gou Ye completed his preparations and formally embarked on the road to Yanzhou.

However, no sooner had he cleared the city gates than he spotted a slender figure in yellow standing gracefully by the roadside, looking his way. Who else could it be but Wanxiang?

"Wanxiang, why are you here?"

Seeing Wanxiang before him, a complex wave of emotions washed over Gou Ye.

"Hmph, Young Master, you were heading off to Yanzhou without even a word to me. I am coming with you!"

Noticing the look of utter astonishment on Gou Ye's face, Wanxiang instinctively pouted, showing a hint of displeasure.

"That won't do, that won't do at all. My journey to Yanzhou is long and arduous—how could it be convenient to bring you along?"

Hearing her words, Gou Ye hastened to refuse.

"No, Young Master, you simply must take me this time. Look at the three of you grown men heading off to Yanzhou; if no one is there to look after you, you will end up looking like beggars by the time you arrive! I don't care, I am going with you."

Wanxiang declared with a completely serious expression.

"This... very well then..."

Hearing Wanxiang put it that way, Gou Ye found himself unable to argue further. Moreover, he knew in his heart that the distance to Yanzhou was indeed vast, and having a thoughtful and attentive woman by his side to care for him would undoubtedly make things much more convenient.

"Wonderful, thank you, Young Master!"

Seeing Gou Ye relent, Wanxiang was instantly thrilled and hopped straight onto Gou Ye's carriage without a second thought.

Looking at Wanxiang's pretty, delicate face, Gou Ye could not help but laugh inwardly, feeling both a heightened sense of tension and anticipation for this upcoming journey to Yanzhou.