The fake prince was exposed at the beginning, and I took office as emperor on the spot

Chapter 167 Gu Yuye's Self-Destructive Act (Part 2)

Having learned from the lessons of the last two times, Xu Fu deliberately chose to come during the day this time, so as not to run into this guy doing something he shouldn't be doing again.

She was confident that she had everything under control, but she never expected that she would be rejected by Gu Fangchen just for trying to turn around.

Xu Fu paused, frowned, and confirmed that at this moment, only she and Gu Fangchen were in the room.

Gu Fangchen doesn't sleep naked, she's just wearing light clothing, so why bother covering up...

This guy was so rude and unceremonious with that little maid, how come he's acting all coy now?

Unless, of course, it's because they discovered it was themselves who had come, not Xuexiang.

Thinking of this, Xu Fu's brows relaxed a little more.

Gu Fangchen once said that she loved him. Although it was impossible to know how much of her words were true or false, judging from the difference in her attitude, there was indeed a hint that she did not want to offend the "unattainable and pure Imperial Preceptor".

Her mind raced; she thought that if they dared to be so unrestrained in private conversations to ease their longing, she wouldn't dare to offend them in person.

It seems that the same thing happened last time. She had clearly spoken up, but Gu Fangchen only wanted the scriptures that she had copied herself.

In other words... Gu Fangchen indeed didn't realize it was her that day.

After Xu Fu returned home that day, he naturally couldn't simply pretend that nothing had happened. He even wondered if the guy was faking it...

After all, Gu Fangchen recognized her the first time she possessed Xuexiang, so it's a bit far-fetched that she couldn't recognize her later.

But right now, Gu Fangchen's first reaction was not to pretend to be stupid, but to immediately cover it up.

Xu Fu breathed a slight sigh of relief. Although this person coveted him, he still dared not be presumptuous in the face of a second-rank official.

As everyone knows...

Gu Fangchen had rehearsed for a long time in advance, just to show the Grand Preceptor whether she recognized him or not.

In order to reduce the suspicion that he "knowingly committed the crime".

However, after being rewarded by the Princess last night, and with his nineteen-year-old body constantly practicing vigorous martial arts, he has indeed developed his own ideas.

Gu Fangchen closed her eyes. The moon shone brightly, and her mind and soul became clear instantly. She forcefully suppressed her reaction.

Sigh, having a high level of spiritual cultivation is really useful; one's control over the physical body is dozens of times greater than that of an ordinary person.

Without a legitimate reason, the scenario of someone being poisoned and going mad would never happen... especially since it had to be kept secret from a top-tier master like the Imperial Advisor.

A thought flashed through Gu Fangchen's mind, and she sat up, smiling as she spoke:

"Your Excellency, do you have any clues about cause and effect from the Six Star Lords?"

Xu Fu then calmly turned around and nodded, saying:

"That's exactly what I wanted to tell you."

She explained the situation of Cao Tianzhou of the "Sword Sect" to Gu Fangchen in detail.

"Cao Tianzhou has been clinging to life for three years and is likely to die soon. The most urgent task is to go to the Demon-Suppressing Prison of the Dugu family in Gushu and rescue Cao Tianzhou, and then use a secret method to sever the karmic ties."

"Otherwise, once he dies, this cause and effect will re-enter the cycle of reincarnation, and the demonic sect may discover it and take advantage of it first."

Gu Fangchen raised an eyebrow, thinking to herself that this time it was random that the person was chosen...

In the game, Cao Tianzhou is just a side character, but he is quite popular because of his tragic hero persona.

Although he's barely clinging to life, he can actually survive for another three years until the player rescues him, then he'll burn himself out and kill Dugu Yue with a single blow.

As for the truth of what happened back then, it's quite simple.

Dugu Yue secretly sent someone to tell him, "I have thrown your wife and daughters into the Demon Suppression Prison. If you have the ability, go in and save them yourself."

Cao Tianzhou was an honest but stubborn man. Upon hearing this, he rushed into the Demon Suppression Prison and was trapped like a turtle in a jar.

He has been imprisoned like this until today, and outsiders all assume that he is dead.

As a result, driven by hatred and obsession, he survived by living and eating with demons and evil spirits in the Demon Suppression Prison.

Gu Fangchen admired this guy, except that he was really a bit silly.

Of course, Cao Tianzhou's peak fourth-grade cultivation level seems strong, but the power of the Dugu family is not to be underestimated. Although a fourth-grade cultivator is strong, the family can still be counted on one hand.

If Cao Tianzhou really insists on forcing things, I'm afraid it won't lead to anything...

Gu Fangchen organized the information in her mind and thought about it.

Rescuing Cao Tianzhou wouldn't be too difficult, and it just so happens that I'm planning to go to Gushu Road this time.

Speaking of which, Gu Fangchen also has some connection with the Dugu family...

Ning Caiyong and Ning Songjun's father was the Sword Pavilion Master, and their mother, who died young, was named Dugu Ping. She was from the Dugu family of Gushu Dao and was Dugu Yue's half-sister.

Otherwise, how could it be said that the relationships between major sects and powerful families are often intricate and intertwined, with a chaotic and complex web of connections?

This is why Ning Caiyong gave birth in Gushu.

She was the direct granddaughter of the Dugu family of Gushu Dao. At that time, Gu Yuye was still fighting against the Qingman on the battlefield and could not return in time, leaving Ning Caiyong alone in the Prince's Mansion to await childbirth. Since Jiange was too far away, she was taken in by the Dugu family to be taken care of.

Unexpectedly, an accident occurred on the way, and Ning Caiyong encountered evil spirits causing trouble, resulting in premature delivery.

Although mother and child are safe, the demonic sect took advantage of the chaos to switch the child, which led to the current dispute between the true and false heirs.

To investigate what happened back then, we really have to start with Gushu Road.

Gu Fangchen narrowed her eyes and said with a serious expression:
"In that case, I'll just go to Gushu. The Grand Preceptor can just pick a wrong target and have the Blood-Clad Guards arrest the person to distract the Demonic Sect."

This was originally a plan they had decided on long ago. Xu Fu nodded, and then heard Gu Fangchen say:

"Your Excellency, if this matter is accomplished, we will be one step closer to achieving true peace throughout the land..."

He raised his head, sighed, and said:

"Although it is my honor to serve the Grand Preceptor, rescuing people from the Dugu family is no easy task."

Both overtly and covertly, it's a clear indication that a little reward is needed.

Xu Fu: "..."

You can tell that this guy won't be serious for long.

Seeing Gu Fangchen's burning gaze, the Grand Preceptor was inexplicably reminded of the scaleless python he had felt in his palm that night with his eyes closed... A sense of anger and shame rose in his heart again.

Although she wanted to say that the benefits had already been given and that she shouldn't covet anything more outrageous, that would expose the truth about how she was possessed back then.

Therefore, Xu Fu could only snort coldly:
"What unreasonable request do you have this time?"

Gu Fangchen chuckled and rubbed her hands together:

"The Imperial Advisor's strategies are truly divine..."

Xu Fu took a breath, bit his lip, and said, "Tell me, what do you want this time?"

Gu Fangchen looked at Xu Fu with burning eyes and said:

"I want……"

"A visualization diagram of the divine way of the Heavenly Mandate Path".

?

A question mark popped into Xu Fu's mind.

Gu Fangchen couldn't wait to keep a little maidservant, whom she used as a substitute, by her side every day. It was so... unbearable.

She was prepared for Gu Fangchen to make some excessive demands, but this guy claimed to be fond of the Imperial Preceptor, but in reality, he was only after scriptures or visualization diagrams!

Is she herself inferior to these things?
The Grand Preceptor clearly didn't know that a man who speaks without restraint yet acts with perfect discretion must have grand ambitions… Gu Fangchen blinked, carefully considering her words:

“The visualization diagrams of each sect are secret traditions. If the Grand Preceptor is unwilling…”

Xu Fu suppressed the inexplicable resentment that arose in his heart and said calmly:
"The Path of Destiny is rather special. Apart from pursuing destiny, we have no strict rules. If you want it, I will pass it on to you when you return."

However, the transmission of the visualization diagram is indeed secretive, so she could not possibly pass it on to Gu Fangchen in public by possessing him.

We must get Gu Fangchen to the Cangliao Pillar and use her true form...

Gu Fangchen immediately smiled and held up her little finger:

"Then it's a deal."

Xu Fu was taken aback, and then Gu Fangchen explained:
"This is a mundane ritual, where a pinky promise is made to signify the establishment of a contract."

Xu Fu had never lived among ordinary people and naturally didn't understand these things. Seeing how solemn he looked, he followed suit and extended his hand, hooking their little fingers together and shaking them.

They parted ways immediately, and Gu Fangchen seemed to have no intention of taking advantage of the situation.

Xu Fu nodded to himself. Sure enough... he should have come during the day; it would have been much safer that way.

Then, with the thought that "it's safe during the day," it left Xuexiang's body.

Xuexiang was somewhat dazed, and vaguely realized that she had arrived at the Crown Prince's bedside without knowing when, and was immediately confused.

Before she could react, Gu Fangchen pulled her close and kissed her twice.

Xuexiang was immediately dizzy and disoriented, her face flushed red as if she were about to burst into flames, and she forgot how she got there.

Although the Crown Prince had already made her do even more outrageous things, this was the first time she had ever been kissed...

Xuexiang was not a peerless expert like the Princess. The little maid was easily swayed and her teeth were pried open, leaving her delirious.

Suddenly, Granny Cui's voice came from outside:
"Your Highness, the Purple Palace summons you."

Gu Fangchen released Xuexiang, who had almost turned into a small tomato, her expression one of expectation:
"understood."

Xuexiang's heart pounded, and she jumped back in fright. She grabbed Gu Fangchen's clothes, her almond-shaped eyes and peach-like cheeks practically dripping with tears, yet she still dutifully helped her young master put on his clothes.

……

As the eldest princess had revealed, Gu Yuye indeed started by approaching the groom.

In the Purple Palace, Gu Yuye brought the coachman up. He was indeed very rough-looking, with dark skin, plain features, and a very vulgar appearance. His body was covered with marks of torture, and his collarbone was pierced with an iron hook.

"Wow!"

The coachman, chained and kneeling, said in trembling fear:
"Spare me! Spare me! I didn't mean to, those people forced me to say that! This, this is their mark!"

"I was blinded by greed and made that deal with them..."

He raised his arm, and a layer of skin and flesh was torn off, revealing a dark "mutual" character underneath.

This is clearly the mark of the "Constant Balance" path among the Ten Supreme Paths.

This dark substance seeped into the groom's muscles and marrow, like a malignant tumor clinging to his bones, exuding an aura that seemed to prey on those it sought.

However, at this moment, the mark was suppressed by another majestic force and showed no sign of breaking through the soil.

In the eyes of most people, followers of the "Hengchang" doctrine are not very dangerous because they often appear in the form of merchants or Taoist priests.

Yin and Yang, the sun and moon, breathing... these common principles of the world are the embodiment of the Tao in their eyes.

In daily practice, the simplest way to apply the principle of "balance and constancy" is through "equivalent exchange".

However, if a trader violates the rules, they will be eliminated by the "constant" principle.

This groom clearly made some kind of deal with the "Hengchang" followers, which led to the replacement of the heir apparent.

Gu Yuye solemnly said:

"Your Majesty, according to this coachman, Gu Fangchen is not his child either, but rather a baby replaced by a member of the 'Hengchang' sect of the Demonic Cult!"

“Even if Gu Fangchen was not involved in the switch, it is a serious matter, especially since someone from the ‘path of love’ impersonated him and corrupted the minds of many scholars at the Qionglin Banquet. It is hard to guarantee that the Demonic Sect is not secretly plotting something… I believe we must investigate!”

Gu Fangchen looked up at the emperor sitting behind the curtain and couldn't help but blink.

Since Hengchang has already said it, is it really okay to continue investigating like this...?

If the investigation leads back to Emperor Yong'an himself, then things will get very serious.

Once the disguise is removed, we directly enter the final boss battle... Facing the Lord of Hengchang Dao, Gu Yuye is just a small fry, and everyone perishes together.

Gu Fangchen didn't dare to confront Emperor Yong'an directly, and kept speaking in riddles because "Emperor Yong'an" and "Master Hengchang" are actually two different concepts.

It was like he was playing a role; when he was wearing the costume of Emperor Yong'an, his words and actions were consistent with the character of Emperor Yong'an.

If this suit falls off, it won't be a person underneath.

Gu Fangchen was unsure of Hengchang Dao Master's purpose and didn't know what he meant by throwing her out, so she dared not make any rash moves.

But Gu Yuye... seems to be heading in a direction that leads to his own demise.

If something is found out, Gu Fangchen will definitely not be the one who suffers.

Upon hearing this, Emperor Yong'an also appeared quite surprised:
"Is there such a thing?"

He sighed, seemingly troubled, and then turned his gaze to Gu Fangchen in contemplation:
"Since that's the case, the one who tied the knot must untie it. You should investigate your own background."

"Go to Gushu and bring the truth to me."

Upon hearing this, Gu Fangchen froze, feeling a chill run down her spine.

The one who tied the knot must untie it... He told this to Guagua Gong, which made the latter a traitor within the Demonic Sect and avoid being hunted down by the main force of the "Death" Path.

Now, Emperor Yong'an's words seem to be addressed to him.

Tell him... I know everything you've done.

Gu Fangchen took a deep breath and cupped her hands in greeting:

"Yes."

……

Gu Fangchen and Gu Yuye returned to the Prince's Mansion together.

Gu Yuye stopped at the door, looked at Gu Fangchen with icy eyes, narrowed his eyes, and said:

"Gu Fangchen, don't think you've won yet. This is just the beginning."

Precisely because of the falling out, Gu Yuye's reputation, which he had always cared about, no longer existed, so he no longer needed to hold back when he took action.

Gu Fangchen shrugged and laughed arrogantly:

"If Your Highness wants to kill me, then so be it. You can do it now."

Gu Yuye was certainly not that stupid. He flicked his sleeve and flew away.

"Chen'er!"

Ning Caiyong stepped forward, looking worried:

"His Majesty wants you to go to Gushu?"

Gu Fangchen nodded:
"Yes."

He thought for a moment, then suddenly took two steps forward and hugged Ning Caiyong:
"Mother, I have a request..."

(End of this chapter)