Chongwen Emperor was not surprised by this matter. "Li An has already sent someone to inform me."
"Does Your Majesty know where Qin Lang is now?"
"The Dali Temple prison?"
"Logically, he should be there, but later, he escaped from Dali Temple."
"How is that possible? If he escaped, how could Li An not report it? Besides, if Qin Lang truly had that ability, Dali Temple is as solid as a fortress; could he have easily escaped?"
Gu Sinian quickly connected the events. Li An's blatant actions must have been well-arranged.
The matter of the fake Qin Lang would not exist, and the real Qin Lang was definitely colluding with Qian Yuanbao. As for himself, it was naturally because of the Emperor's close relationship with the Qian family. He knew that the Emperor treated Qian Yuanbao as a junior, and fearing the Emperor's sadness, he had concealed the truth and tried to persuade Qian Yuanbao to abandon evil and embrace good. He had even devised an excuse for Qian Yuanbao to do so. Qian Yuanbao's father died saving the Emperor, and Qian Yuanbao had always held the Chongwen Emperor responsible for this. Therefore, he was bent on avenging his father and had colluded with Qin Lang.
Considering that Li An might have people around the Chongwen Emperor, Gu Sinian handed the pre-written letter to the Chongwen Emperor.
The Chongwen Emperor understood and walked to the desk to sit down, unfolding the letter to read.
Qian Yuanbao was forced to manage businesses for Li An, and Qin Lang was imprisoned in the dungeon of the Qian residence before Gu Sinian's return. Qin Lang had an inseparable connection with the Northern Frontier, which had been restless in recent years.
The Chongwen Emperor instinctively felt it was impossible.
Yet, he understood Gu Sinian well; he would not speak without absolute certainty.
The Chongwen Emperor thought about the cause and effect. Li An's consistently pure and unassuming nature, it seemed...
The Chongwen Emperor dipped his finger in tea and wrote a few characters on the desk, then communicated with Gu Sinian with his eyes.
Li An, Qin Lang.
Gu Sinian nodded.
In other words, Li An also had ties to the Northern Frontier.
The Northern Frontier could be considered a hidden danger to Da Feng. If Li An was connected to the Northern Frontier, the Chongwen Emperor's expression darkened slightly. He could tolerate Li An having ambitions for the throne, but he could not tolerate him exchanging Da Feng's interests for support.
"I need proof."
Ultimately, he felt he owed Li An something. If it were anyone else, the Chongwen Emperor would not be so hesitant.
"Your humble subject will do his best. As for Yuanbao, he had no choice. He only has Old Madam Qian and Li Nuan as his relatives. By threatening their safety, he was forced to compromise."
The Chongwen Emperor waved his hand. "I know that boy's character better than anyone. Rest assured, I will not blame him for this matter."
Several princes were privately trying to win over Qian Yuanbao, but the boy had been resolute. If he had any disloyal intentions, he wouldn't have sought out Li An.
They all had good judgment, knowing that the boy was Da Feng's moneybag, and they all wanted to recruit him.
"The people around you..." Gu Sinian was a little uneasy.
"If I can't even handle this, then this throne deserves to be usurped," the Chongwen Emperor glared at Gu Sinian.
"Then your humble subject will go visit my aunt. Will Your Majesty accompany me or not?"
"You go yourself. I still have something to ponder," the Chongwen Emperor waved his hand.
Gu Sinian retreated out of the Imperial Study, took a deep breath, and walked towards Consort An's palace.
Upon reaching the entrance of the main hall, the palace attendants bowed to Gu Sinian and were about to announce his arrival.
"I've already said it, I won't marry." Jin Rong's voice, tinged with tears, could be heard. The palace attendants outside were all ears. Gu Sinian's gaze swept over them with a dark intensity. "When working in the palace, you know better than this humble prince what should and should not be said, right?"