Chapter 236: Died Without Peace

Gu Huaizhi raised his eyebrows in mild surprise. He had heard about Qi Min’s situation and the fact that she had not yet regained her memory. Originally, he thought Su Wan would remain away from Da Zhou for a longer period, but unexpectedly, she was now able to return immediately.

However, recalling the rumors he had heard along the way, it seemed that the Empress Dowager was quite fond of Su Wan and had even considered conferring the title of Empress upon her.

Su Wan, however, had stubbornly refused to yield. Only then did the Empress Dowager take a step back, agreeing instead to have Su Wan’s name entered into the Wei family’s jade genealogy.

It was, perhaps, a strategy to buy time.

“The Imperial Ancestral Hall of Xiliang was destroyed in the explosion, Qu Yuanxiao was executed on the spot, and Jiu Yu and Jiu Ge are the children of Wei Xinglu and Qu Yuanxiao. Since the two of them were saved by Wanwan, how do they plan to handle this?”

Gu Huaizhi felt no particular attachment to Jiu Yu and Jiu Ge. His only concern was that since Qu Yuanxiao had died by his hands, Jiu Yu might harbor resentment, which could lead to harm befalling Su Wan.

Ji Xuan understood what Gu Huaizhi meant. If Jiu Yu sought revenge for his father, he would undoubtedly aim to eliminate the threat entirely.

There was no absolute right or wrong, no clear black or white.

It was all just a matter of survival.

“Minmin has stepped in to handle it in Wei Yang’s stead.” Ji Xuan pressed his temples, finding the matter quite troublesome. The human heart is a mysterious thing; who could truly know what others were thinking? If it had been in the past, Ji Xuan would have eradicated any future threats without hesitation. But Jiu Yu was somewhat different, and in the end, he showed restraint. “Go and take a look.”

Gu Huaizhi lowered his gaze. “Alright.”

He stood, bowed respectfully, and left the room.

Luo Cheng was waiting at the door, clearly there for him. “Young Master, Mo Yuan and Mo Chen are with Lady Qi. I’ll take you to them.”

“Thank you,” Gu Huaizhi replied, motioning for him to lead the way.

Gu Huaizhi had no intention of interfering in Xiliang’s affairs; his only concern was ensuring that Jiu Yu and Jiu Ge were handled appropriately.

The identities of Jiu Yu and Jiu Ge…

Gu Huaizhi furrowed his brows as he arrived at Mingxin Hall.

Most of the civil and military officials had already dispersed, leaving only a handful of key ministers discussing the matter of Qu Yuanxiao. The group was divided into two opposing factions.

One faction demanded that Jiu Yu be executed on the spot, while the other, mindful of his royal bloodline, argued for him to be confined instead.

Jiu Yu knelt in the center of the grand hall, his face and body stained with blood, adding a touch of gloom to his demeanor. His eyes were hollow, as if the discussion around him was about someone else entirely.

Qi Min, growing irritated by the heated debate, looked toward the unfamiliar face of Gu Huaizhi as he entered. She didn’t recognize him at first but, seeing Luo Cheng by his side, quickly deduced his identity.

Su Wan’s husband.

Her son-in-law.

The officials, who had been arguing heatedly, also noticed Gu Huaizhi. Many instantly recognized him as the man who had led the forces to eliminate Qu Yuanxiao. Having seen him carry Su Wan away earlier, they quickly guessed his identity and ceased their debate.

Gu Huaizhi bowed respectfully and spoke in a warm tone, “Your Majesty, this humble servant has some questions for Jiu Yu. May I ask for your permission to proceed?”

If it had been anyone else, such a request would naturally be deemed inappropriate and against protocol.

The man before them was of a different status, and it was highly likely that he had come on Ji Xuan’s or Su Wan’s instructions.

Qi Min waved her hand, granting him the permission he sought.

The ministers, seeing this, wanted to raise objections about the breach of protocol but, after receiving a glance from their colleagues, ultimately held their tongues.

Gu Huaizhi stood in front of Jiu Yu and asked, “Can you stand?”

Jiu Yu’s eyes moved slightly. After seeing clearly who stood before him, he remained silent for a moment before slowly standing up and following Gu Huaizhi out of the grand hall.

“Qu Yuanxiao is dead,” Gu Huaizhi said.

Jiu Yu’s face turned pale, his hand at his side clenched tightly, but he did not reply.

“Do you want to avenge him?” Gu Huaizhi asked again.

Jiu Yu closed his eyes, as if he could still feel the heat of the blood spraying at that moment when Qu Yuanxiao fell to the ground, his eyes wide open, unable to rest in peace.