Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 883 - 719: The Squeaky Wheel Gets the Grease
The Emperor carefully examined the map, noticing this one was only half.
He hurriedly picked up another piece, but as soon as he got it in his hand, he saw that this half of the parchment bore scorch marks.
He shook out the burnt parchment in his hand and found it was even smaller than the other half.
Upon further inspection, "What is going on here?"
The Emperor’s sharp eyes turned to Gu Chengyu, what does this mean?
There was a hole in the middle of the treasure map, and that place happened to be the location of the treasure.
Could it be that Gu Chengyu had other intentions and deliberately destroyed the treasure map?
After returning, Gu Chengyu had anticipated this. He knew the Emperor was naturally suspicious, so he had already planned a response.
Thus, he recounted the general content of the treasure map. Of course, he claimed the thief of the map was one of his followers.
"The treasure map is divided into two, hidden separately in the Qu Mansion and Yi Mansion. I expended much effort to obtain it. You know, the journey to Hejian Prefecture was perilous, with many factions vying for the treasure map, making my mission akin to feeding oneself to a tiger."
Gu Chengyu knew the Emperor was dissatisfied with this outcome, so he explained further: "And on the way back to the Capital, both Lord Lu and I almost lost our lives, with Lord Lu even getting injured. Being able to return safely is already a blessing!"
Although he and Lu Chen were not chased because of the treasure map, the fact remains they were pursued, right?
Only a crying child gets sweets, so naturally, he exaggerated the dangers involved.
Without saying so, how would the Emperor realize how hard-won the treasure map was?
"Though the process was extremely convoluted and the result less than ideal, at least the treasure map didn’t fall into anyone else’s hands. Though we don’t know the exact location, the general direction is known. The Emperor, you can later send someone to search the area carefully and will surely locate the treasure."
Gu Chengyu’s reasoning was not without merit, and the Emperor felt slightly reassured knowing others hadn’t obtained the treasure map. 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺
"But how can we find it in such a vast place? I’m afraid there is no hope during my lifetime."
The Emperor regretfully tossed the treasure map onto the Imperial Desk. What a pity that the entire treasure map was burned.
"Have you ever seen the complete treasure map before? What about the Qu Family and Yi Family? Perhaps they have seen it and remember the exact spot."
The Emperor suddenly thought of the two families in Hejian Prefecture who hid the treasure map; surely, they must have seen it and perhaps even have an intact copy?
Gu Chengyu naturally understood what the Emperor meant. He had considered that Qu Huaiyun must have seen the map and perhaps even remembered the location.
Unfortunately, Qu Huaiyun was already dead.
"I have not seen it myself, but the Emperor should know, before Lord Lu and I returned to the Capital, Qu Clan Leader was already dead. No one else in the Qu Family has seen the real treasure map."
"What? Dead? What happened?" The Emperor was furious. If they could obtain this batch of gold, the court would not face such difficulties.
"How could those people let someone who knew the exact location live? So, the Qu Clan Leader quickly committed suicide by crashing into a wall after being imprisoned."
Originally, Lu Chen wanted Qu Huaiyun to draw out the treasure map, but Qu Huaiyun was stalling, claiming he needed to think about it.
Perhaps Qu Huaiyun had other plans, hoping his eldest son, Qu You’en, would rescue him.
By that time, this half of the treasure map would play a significant role, allowing the Qu Family to rise to greater heights.
But alas! In the end, Liao Cheng wanted to torture Qu Huaiyun severely; how could Qu Huaiyun endure it?
To avoid letting Liao Cheng benefit, Qu Huaiyun ended his life without hesitation.
As for how Gu Chengyu knew so clearly, it was because he investigated the news, playing the role of a gentleman thief multiple times.
As for rescuing Qu Huaiyun, he had no such intentions.
First, Qu Huaiyun was not a good man; all his crimes were indisputable.
Second, Gu Chengyu didn’t want to involve himself further. Since he wasn’t interested in the treasure map, why create additional complications?
The Emperor paced back and forth in the Imperial Study Room, wondering if anyone in the Capital knew the treasure map’s precise location, making him uneasy.
Would that batch of gold be snatched up by someone else? This was the Emperor’s greatest fear.
"Actually, there’s no need for the Emperor to worry; after the Qu Clan Leader’s death, no one else can know the treasure’s location."
Gu Chengyu’s certainty puzzled the Emperor, who turned to look at him.
That unfathomable gaze made Gu Chengyu’s scalp tingle. Could the Emperor be suspecting him again?
Under the Emperor’s intense gaze, Gu Chengyu remained calm, showing no signs of guilt, causing the Emperor to avert his eyes.
He pondered that while Gu Chengyu was indeed capable, if he wished to embezzle the treasure, it would be nothing more than a fool’s dream.
The most likely scenario was Gu Chengyu pledging allegiance to a certain Prince, using the treasure as proof of allegiance, but even that seemed improbable.
After much deliberation, he decided to trust Gu Chengyu once more.
The land under heaven belongs to the king, and the search for the treasure map would not be a small-scale operation. As long as there was any stir, he would know.
"Emperor, although the treasure map encountered issues, those who knew the treasure’s location are no longer in this world, which is a small blessing in a misfortune. Before I went to Hejian Prefecture, I had openly told you I couldn’t guarantee bringing back the treasure map, only that it wouldn’t fall into other hands, which you agreed to."
Gu Chengyu spoke while observing the Emperor’s expression. Seeing the Emperor remain expressionless, he too felt uncertain.
If the Emperor were unwilling to promote him anymore, he would have nothing to say. After all, he hadn’t completed the task properly!
"Although I’ve tried my utmost, it was my failing that the treasure map got damaged, and I ask for your punishment."
Gu Chengyu knelt down again, not daring to mention any promotion.
The Emperor walked to the Imperial Desk, sat down, and looked at Gu Chengyu in silence for a long while.
After some time, he finally spoke, "Hmph! As if I don’t know your little intentions. Rest assured, what I promised before will not change."
Hearing this, Gu Chengyu was thrilled inside but dared not show it outwardly.
Just as he was about to speak, the Emperor waved to interrupt him, "Spare me the platitudes; my word is gold and will not be recanted. However, there is currently no vacancy in the Hanlin Academy, and I plan to transfer you to the Dali Temple. How do you feel about that?"
The Emperor sipped his tea and waited for Gu Chengyu’s response.
Hearing this, Gu Chengyu was taken aback. What did the Emperor mean by this?
Transferring him to the Dali Temple? As far as he knew, Minister of the Ministry of Justice, Kuang Zhao Ying, was at odds with his senior brother!
During the previous imperial exam fraud case, Kuang Zhao Ying tried to use him as a scapegoat.
If he were to work in the Dali Temple, wouldn’t he be placing himself on someone else’s chopping block?
Moreover, he was not fond of the place which often resorted to harsh penalties, causing bloodshed. Dali Temple was the place most likely to offend people, a thankless task.
