Chapter 354: Chapter 354: The Fragrance of Books

Competing with the Crown Prince is one matter; the Emperor tacitly approves, partly due to his affection for him, and partly because Jinglun, this child, died under unclear circumstances. The Emperor pities him for losing a beloved son, and the Crown Prince is indeed the main culprit.

But now targeting Gu Hanmo—that’s disrespectful to the Emperor, isn’t it?

Prince Li broke out in a cold sweat.

Why was I so impulsive just now?

However, the Emperor said nothing, still looking at Gu Hanmo, not even giving Prince Li a glance.

Prince Li felt a bit uneasy, but there is no medicine for regret in this world. What has been said cannot be unspoken. He could only endure the embarrassment and remained standing, cautiously observing the Emperor’s expression.

Fortunately, the Emperor’s expression did not change; he did not look at him, which meant neither approval nor disapproval.

Gu Hanmo remained calm; when Prince Li interrupted him earlier, he showed no displeasure. Instead, a faint smile appeared—gentle and warm like the winter sun, bright and distant yet hard to reach.

Indeed, even a mere smile from Gu Hanmo exudes a scholarly elegance.

He cupped his hands toward Prince Li; after all, he was the Dean of Wenbo Academy, but Prince Li held a princely title. His voice was very calm, “Your Highness, I do not know Shang Jingwang! I did not exonerate Shang Jingwang!”

Earlier, Prince Li’s questions were aggressive and highly confrontational, even filled with malice, showing no respect.

Gu Hanmo’s response was as calm as still water, yet it revealed a certain character, the character of a literati. Not the bent spine facing the Imperial Family, but an unconstrained, calm composure.

His gaze was profound and serene.

Such an expression, such an attitude, such diction, such character, made Prince Li feel a tinge of displeasure in his heart. After all, his persona set up in the Capital City was just like this.

Poetic and carefree, brimming with talent, proud and noble, graceful and dignified.

But how could a constructed persona compare with the innate grace?

Prince Li couldn’t help but speak again, “If you have no past relations with Shang Jingwang and are not exonerating him, why do you think Shang Jingwang is innocent? The strict orders set by Prince Ping are ancestral law, ancestral law must not be violated. Isn’t this exoneration?”

Gu Hanmo slowly replied, “Your Highness is right, ancestral law must not be violated!”

“Does Prince Ping’s ancestral law explicitly state that disregarding superiors and disrupting the normal rank order should be severely punished?”

Gu Hanmo nodded, “Yes!”

Seeing him admit it, Prince Li felt a bit relieved and said, “In that case, why do you say Shang Jingwang deserves commendation?”

Gu Hanmo glanced at him and said, “In the twenty-third year of Ning of Prince Ping, due to the Huangfu Chi incident, Prince Ping established strict rules: ignoring superiors and disrupting the normal rank order is considered overstepping and should be severely punished. This matter is recorded in the Nanxia Law Code, and descendants cannot violate it! But then, on the court, Prince Ping also said, except in two situations: first, emergency military affairs; second, epidemic! In these two situations, no need to report step-by-step; it must be reported immediately to the Capital City!”

“Did he say this?”

Many courtiers were bewildered.

After all, it was a matter of several generations ago, and no one was present at the court at the time, who could know?

Prince Li opened his mouth but realized this matter led to a confrontation between him and Gu Hanmo. Gu Hanmo, the leader of the nation’s literati, was not affiliated with the Crown Prince; what good was it to offend him?

Saying this, he no longer needed to question it himself.

If it is true, questioning it would highlight his ignorance, diminishing his princely status.

If it is false, so many courtiers present would be enough to verbally accuse Gu Hanmo, after all, it would be a crime of deceiving the Emperor!

After Gu Hanmo spoke the words, sure enough, many courtiers raised doubts.

Among them, Grandmaster Bao Changyuan took the initiative as a leader and said, “Dean Gu, we know you are learned and talented, but what evidence do you have that Prince Ping said this?”

Gu Hanmo’s voice was calm, “Has Grandmaster Bao forgotten the Diary?”

Grandmaster Bao was taken aback; the Diary records the Emperor’s daily life. Even as a Grandmaster, he cannot know it, he does not have the qualification to access it, especially when it concerns a previous Emperor.

But he already believed it.

He may not have the qualification, but Gu Hanmo, as Dean of Wenbo Academy, is currently compiling the Tianqian Chronicles and Nanxia Chronicles.

The current Emperor, being old, wishes to accomplish deeds that can be passed down through history. Nanxia, derived from Tianqian, and its Emperor is also a descendant of the Tianqian Emperor.

Thus, both chronicles are being edited together.

This project has been underway for two years and is a major undertaking of Wenbo Academy.

Editing the chronicles of Tianqian’s major events, and compiling Nanxia’s historical events from its founding until now into a unique Nanxia book, to be passed down to allow future descendants of Nanxia to witness their ancestors’ glory.

Thus, various materials must naturally be consulted. The members of Wenbo Academy are book enthusiasts, but none can match Dean Gu’s photographic memory.

It was found in the Diary.

Without seeing, without a right to speak.

But, does it truly exist?

People recalled, half a month ago, Shang Jingwang’s commendation Holy Decree, Gu Hanmo had spoken on it as well. Could it be that he felt humiliated and thus used this method to restore his dignity?

After all, if it truly were Prince Ping’s words, Shang Jingwang would certainly be innocent; the commendation Holy Decree would not be rescinded, and once the epidemic passed, he could come to the Capital City to be rewarded and honored.

Many felt sour inside, as this matter concerning Shang Jingwang was brought up during the previous morning court. Shang Jingwang, top ranks of the second round twenty years prior, with over two decades of experience as a local official; everywhere he governed, he gained the love of the people.

If he returns to the Capital City for commendation and honor, wouldn’t he ascend to greater heights? Might he even climb above us?

Just the thought was enough to sour many people.

As for the high-ranking officials, they naturally didn’t care about Shang Jingwang; someone of Fifth Rank couldn’t reach them, but they didn’t want to lose face.

Gu Hanmo said, “The Emperor may send someone to investigate, or simply bring forth the Diary to see!”

Someone raised an objection: The Diary, how many volumes are there? How long would it take to check?

Gu Hanmo maintained his unruffled demeanor, natural and clear, “No need to check many volumes, nor take long. The twenty-third year of Ning of Prince Ping’s Diary has twelve volumes; you only need to check the twenty-seventh line on the ninth book’s page twenty-seven!”

His tone was steady, sturdy as a mountain, tranquil and serene, even speaking seemed to bring forth refreshing breezes carrying the fragrance of books.

All the courtiers were stunned, and even the Emperor looked at him with surprise.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep