Chapter 549 - 540: Remembering Love
There was no early court meeting today. The Emperor was discussing matters with several senior officials in the Qianyang Hall, when Chu Guangche and his son requested an audience.
Since the Emperor had become the crown prince, Chu Guangche had never taken the initiative to seek an audience. Now, that he came with his son, it must be a significant matter.
The Emperor always felt that he, along with his late father, owed Chu Guangche. Chu Guangche had sacrificed his career and family for the Emperor, his mother, and his brother, enduring a decade of hardship. Still, he was abandoned once he had served his purpose and forced into retirement in his prime.
Since childhood, the Emperor had two desires: to ascend to the throne and to repay Chu Guangche’s kindness. However, the late Emperor admonished him that servants must obey their ruler, even in matters of life and death, and that Chu Guangche’s sacrifices were merely the fulfillment of his duties.
The late Emperor cautioned the Emperor that Chu Guangche was too powerful, wielding too many covert allies, and received too many favors from the Emperor. He feared that Chu might become arrogant due to his many accomplishments and need to remember his place, therefore he must be suppressed.
The late Emperor feared that his son would disobey after his death. He even instructed Prince An and several ministers on his deathbed that if Chu Guangche dared break his promise of "not holding office again," they must assist the Emperor in his execution...
The Emperor strongly disagreed with the late Emperor’s actions. Not only was he grateful and loyal to Chu Guangche, he also believed in Chu’s character due to the principle of "doubt not to use". However, because of his father’s last wishes, the Emperor did not dare to utilize Chu Guangche to his full potential, and even pressured Chu Guangche’s son, Chu Guangkai, to give up all his official positions.
Fortunately, the Chus did not harbor any disloyalty and conceded. Their strategic moves not only rejuvenated their family but also spared the Emperor from difficult decisions.