"How many people are involved? How did you come to know about it? How long has it been?"

The Emperor straightened his posture and asked while signaling to De’an.

De’an immediately understood, stepped forward, and made a gesture of invitation to the Tianji Taoist.

The Tianji Taoist knew they were about to discuss politics and absolutely wouldn’t let him participate, so he quickly took his leave.

Before he left, he took a deep look at Gu Chengyu, who seemed to be aware and instantly turned back for a glance.

This glance etched the Taoist’s appearance deeply into his mind, and the ambition in the Taoist’s eyes was caught by Gu Chengyu.

Gu Chengyu frowned, temporarily suppressing the matter.

"It was my mother who sent a steward to Yingtian Prefecture to audit the accounts, using carrier pigeons for communication. The message was very succinct. I have brought the slip of paper, please take a look, Your Majesty!"

Fortunately, Gu Chengyu was prepared, as the slip did not mention much. He had a steward from his mansion write a fresh copy.

After all, Ding Shiliu and his associates were hidden in the shadows, and their handwriting shouldn’t be recognized by others.

Furthermore, most importantly, the paper must be treated with special liquid to reveal the marks.

"The date isn’t specified, but I estimate it would take at least three days for the pigeon to fly to the Capital. Even if the steward sent the message immediately after the breach, at this point, it’s already been three days."

"For such a significant matter, the court hasn’t received a single report, which is truly inappropriate. Even if the Magistrate of Changtian Prefecture dared to conceal it, what about the other states in Lijiang? And what about the officials I sent earlier? Why have they also remained silent?"

The Emperor was skeptical, unsure whether Gu Chengyu’s information was accurate.

"Your Majesty! I dare not treat this matter as child’s play. It is of utmost importance, Your Majesty simply needs to send someone to investigate Changtian Prefecture to ascertain the truth!"

Gu Chengyu frowned, knowing the Emperor wouldn’t easily trust him.

But he couldn’t mention sending his people to investigate several states in Jiangnan, as it would seem like hoping for trouble, potentially making others think he was eager to earn merits.

Suddenly, De’an rushed into the palace.

"Your Majesty! There’s a carrier pigeon message from Yingnan Mansion!" De’an held a small bamboo tube, passing it to the Emperor.

Gu Chengyu’s eyes burned with intensity; this must be the report about the danger in Changtian Prefecture, the pigeon message was only two hours later than his!

This was normal, as it needed to reach the Emperor directly, organizing the language was imperative.

The Emperor’s expression became solemn, noticing the red marking on the tube, confirming Gu Chengyu’s words.

Red markings denote urgent correspondence needing immediate attention.

The Emperor took out the paper, its contents brief but sufficient for him.

"Hmph! It’s outrageous!"

The Emperor was so enraged he stood up from his circular chair and slapped the Imperial Desk with such force that it startled both Gu Chengyu and the Crown Prince, showing how angry he was.

"These ineffectual officials take the court’s salary and should partake in the hardship of the ruler! But they instead always make me clean up their messes, a bunch of fools!"

Gu Chengyu and the Crown Prince exchanged glances, unable to speak.

Those who caused the trouble were absent, and speaking a word of nonsense in front of the Emperor would only incur his wrath.

"De’an! Go summon the Six Ministers, Left Imperial Censor Deng Chenghong, Right Imperial Censor Hu Maoshen, Minister of the Ministry of Justice Kuang Zhao Ying, and Grand Secretary Xia Qing for deliberation."

The Emperor suppressed his anger, knowing that having a flood meant measures were needed for remedy.

His gaze swept over Gu Chengyu, who seemed to have some expertise in hydraulics.

"Crown Prince! What insights do you have on this matter? Speak your mind!"

The waiting time was protracted, with the Emperor unsettled, eager for a solution.

He gave Gu Chengyu a meaningful look, unexpectedly finding the two arrived together.

When did Gu Chengyu become so close to the Crown Prince, even reporting such a significant event to him first?

"Father! Besides the flood in Changtian Prefecture, I want to inquire who is guarding Chengqian Palace today?"

The Crown Prince did not directly address the Emperor’s question but instead took the initiative to question.

He understood his father’s suspicion was profound, and any dissatisfaction towards Gu Chengyu would be unjust.

He currently held a favorable view of Gu Chengyu, considering him not only a capable minister but also someone with a benevolent heart.

Such ministers were precisely the ones he wished to win over, making this an opportune moment to gain Gu Chengyu’s goodwill.

The Emperor expressed confusion but patiently asked, "What’s the matter?"

"Reporting to Father! Mr. Gu handed in a card, hoping to report to you. The guards at the palace gate came to inform but were intercepted. The eunuch even failed to inform Chief Chen; ultimately, Mr. Gu had no choice but to find your son!"

"What? Such a thing happened? These eunuchs are truly audacious, Xiao Quanzi!"

The Emperor was furious; if a minister submitted a card, it must be reported.

Whether it was seen or not should be determined by the Emperor, it’s the palace’s rule.

"I had no idea when the palace rules changed, these eunuchs nearly overshadowed me."

Gu Chengyu was somewhat surprised by the Crown Prince speaking on his behalf.

However, he initially planned to report the matter to the Emperor anyway, unwilling to suffer in silence.

When a minister submits a card, seeing or not seeing is indeed at the Emperor’s discretion.

But it should be noted that inside the palace, the eunuchs were adept at discerning preferences.

If you were a high-ranking court official, they would give you swift reporting, and do so expeditiously.

Besides, there’s also Silver; with it, few could resist the temptation.

They understood well, being quite astute. What significant matters could come from lower-ranked officials?

Significant matters should be reported upward in stages, direct reporting was strictly prohibited.

Yet they didn’t expect Gu Chengyu, a court anomaly.

Xiao Quanzi felt a chill in his heart, realizing the Emperor was extremely displeased now.

Regarding the eunuchs, he dared not harbor even an ounce of discontent.

He cautiously departed, inwardly sneering.

These people, relying on favor from Chief Chen, assumed they had lucrative duties, swaggering daily.

Did they even consider who handed the card? It was Mr. Gu!

Although of low rank, he was frequently summoned by the Emperor, even Chief Chen wouldn’t dare offend him lightly!

"Father! As Changtian Prefecture is experiencing flooding, other states must also expedite reinforcing embankments to prevent recurrence!"

The Emperor nodded, and what the Crown Prince said was now the most pressing matter.

"Your Majesty, the ministers have arrived!"

"Quickly, let them in!"