Chapter 1205 - 1041: Why Is He Here?
Chapter 1205: Chapter 1041: Why Is He Here?
Unfortunately, last time he reported the Map Master to the Emperor, the Emperor instructed other officials to take over, and there’s been no progress to this day. It’s truly regrettable.
The Map Master escaped quickly, otherwise, he could have caught him on the spot. Even if he refused to surrender, he could have killed him. Then, the assassination of the Crown Prince might never have happened.
Gu Chengyu sighed, then wondered if the image of the old Map Master was indeed his true appearance, as disguise techniques do exist in this world.
"Ming Mo! Bring some writing materials over!"
Ming Mo quickly brought back the writing materials, and Gu Chengyu then drew a portrait based on his impression of the Map Master.
"Peng Sicheng, Jiang Sicheng! Last time I interrogated an assassin, he said this person is from Da Xing, possibly related to the assassination task. Peng Sicheng, distribute copies of this portrait to the soldiers guarding the city. For these next few days, make the inspections more stringent, and don’t let this person escape."
The entire Imperial City is so vast, with buildings densely packed and people bustling about. If the Map Master casually hides somewhere, finding him within these few days will certainly be difficult.
After Peng Fang received his orders and left, Gu Chengyu turned his gaze towards Jiang Shaohua, who stood silently on the side.
Seeing Gu Chengyu’s cold gaze fixed on him, he greeted Gu Chengyu with a bow, "Sir, please instruct!"
"Then I’ll trouble Jiang Sicheng to lead the house-to-house search with the portrait. Since we are certain these people are still in the Imperial City, and the city gates are strictly guarded, naturally we just need to catch them like turtles in a pot; it’s just a matter of time. Jiang Sicheng is meticulous in his work, I trust you won’t let me and His Highness the Crown Prince down."
Jiang Sicheng looked up at Gu Chengyu, and upon seeing Gu Chengyu’s eyes like a deep, fathomless pool, he couldn’t help but feel a flash of panic.
"Yes!"
After Jiang Shaohua left the elegant room, Ming Mo couldn’t help but speak up, "Sir! Given that you suspect this person, why assign him the task? If he tips off, won’t it ruin your plan?"
Gu Chengyu gazed outside at the workshop, "I precisely want him to tip off. Now that I’ve published the Map Master’s portrait, I don’t believe he wouldn’t be panicked."
He got up and walked over to the window, watching a child pestering its parents beside a sugar-coated hawthorn seller, refusing to leave, which made him smile warmly.
"Watch him, see if he visits Zhu Mansion tonight. Also, don’t relax on Zhu Mansion, no matter who leaves the mansion, their identity and purpose must be verified."
Gu Chengyu wasn’t focusing on Zhu Mansion at the moment but was pondering whether the Map Master’s mission of finding the Young Master was complete. Had they found the Young Master?
In this vast world, amid the sea of people, finding someone isn’t easy. However, at least the other party has clues, while he is completely clueless.
If he could find that Young Master, he’d have an extra bargaining chip.
Gu Chengyu gazed at the bustling view outside the window. Suddenly, a carriage rushed over from the west, catching Gu Chengyu’s attention.
More accurately, his attention was not drawn by the carriage but by the man riding beside it.
He frowned slightly, watching as the man and carriage approached slowly from the west. The carriage’s speed was not fast, and the man occasionally bent down to say something to the carriage window.
Gu Chengyu carefully examined the carriage; it was quite luxurious, adorned with hanging pearl beads, clearly meant for women.
Why would it be him? How could he appear here?
"Huan’er, is your body feeling unwell?" The man asked gently toward the carriage.
"I’m much better now than earlier, though I have a bit of bland taste in my mouth; just let me suck on two plums." A soft female voice inside the carriage replied, full of tenderness.
"You haven’t had an appetite for the past few days, you’ve lost quite a bit of weight. I heard there’s an old man selling sugar-coated hawthorns in South City whose hawthorns are the best in the Capital. Please wait, I’ll send someone to find them."
"Third Grandpa, the sugar-coated hawthorns outside aren’t suitable! Third Granny is pregnant now, so it’s best to be careful."
A young girl’s voice came, mixed with helplessness and concern.
"It’s fine, just one string of hawthorns! I’ll eat less." The woman gently persuaded, after all, since becoming pregnant, her appetite had been poor. Now, with her appetite stimulated, how could she deprive her child’s nutrition?
Ming Mo was curious why his master kept looking out the window with furrowed brows; could it be a familiar face?
He stepped forward to take a look, huh? How was it him?
Tuanzi rode his horse, looking around; why would his Third Grandpa come to South City? Although the workshop here was lively, it was full of peddlers and too chaotic, not a place suitable for aristocratic children.
He spotted a rather large tea house in front and looked up unconsciously, "Huh? Third Grandpa, isn’t that Mr. Gu?"
Zhu Pang promptly looked toward the second floor of the tea house and saw a young man in a moon-white placket collar brocade robe standing by the window, his ribbon fluttering, like a Banished Immortal descending to this world.
He paused for a few moments, then happily waved and shouted toward Gu Chengyu, "Jinyu!"
Inside the carriage, Kong Shuhuan was touching her slightly protruding belly. Hearing her husband call out Jinyu, she suddenly paused.
Jinyu? Isn’t that Mr. Gu’s style name?
Gu Chengyu saw Zhu Pang waving at him and smiled, shouting, "Cong Guang!"
Even two years before, he called Zhu Pang Cong Guang. Calling him Cong Guang brother was a bit too distant, even though Zhu Pang was a few years older.
"Huan’er, we’ve run into Jinyu. Shall we rest briefly in this tea house? It’s not urgent to go to my father-in-law’s home. Does your body feel up to it? If not, I will send word and postpone until next time."
"Since Third Grandpa encountered him, not visiting would be disrespectful, it’s best not to lose courtesy. I’m much better now, it’s fine."
Zhu Pang noticed his friend’s joy, and hearing his wife say so, he directed the carriage closer to the tea house, also not noticing the subtle change in Kong Shuhuan’s tone.
Gu Chengyu noticed their carriage heading toward the tea house and immediately said to Ming Mo beside him, "Come with me to greet them!"
"Yes!" Ming Mo was puzzled too. During National Mourning, all major aristocratic officials and noblewomen had entered the palace to pay respects. Why would Mr. Zhu appear here?
Furthermore, the Capital was under martial law during these days, with soldiers searching for assassins. It would be more appropriate for them to stay quietly at home.
"Jinyu! It’s been a while since we’ve seen you!" Zhu Pang casually greeted Gu Chengyu, then assisted Kong Shuhuan down from the carriage.
They were already very familiar, no need for formalities; their interactions were always this way.
Kong Shuhuan glanced through her veiled hat at the person before her. His demeanor remained elegant, standing aloof from the world.