The most romantic little emperor

Chapter 697 Gongsun Zan

Return to the palace.

Faced with the expectant eyes of the beautiful girls in front of him, Qin Hao was worried about who to let sleep with him later.

At this time, Elder Feng appeared beside him, "Your Majesty, the guards just announced that someone claiming to be a classmate and friend of Lord Guo said he has something important to report."

Qin Hao dismissed the women and without giving them time to think, he directly ordered, "Bring him to the Imperial Study to see me immediately!"

Come to the imperial study room.

The man kowtowed upon seeing Qin Hao and said, "Your Majesty, I am Gongsun Zan, a former classmate of Lord Guo for many years. Two days ago, Lord Guo entrusted me to deliver an extremely important item to the palace. I beg Your Majesty to review it."

As he spoke, he reached into his bosom and pulled out a small package, holding it in front of him.

Old General Feng opened the package and found a notebook inside with a letter tucked in the middle.

The notebook is very thick and is filled with densely written words, including names and numbers. It looks like an account book.

Qin Hao took a few glances at it, didn't understand it, and threw it aside.

Then he opened the letter and understood the whole story.

The account book was found by Guo Jia in the mansion of the Hedong prefect. The names in it represent different people and different forces, while the numbers represent evidence of their crimes such as corruption, bribery, forced buying and selling, etc.

These people have close ties with Prince Ning, no wonder Guo Jia told him to be careful of Prince Ning.

"Gongsun Zan, have you seen these things?" Qin Hao asked indifferently.

Gongsun Zan nodded, not daring to look up, and said cautiously, "Your Majesty, I have never seen it."

"When Lord Guo received the account book, he took a quick glance and realized that it was not simple. He specifically asked me to bring it back to the capital."

Qin Hao nodded slightly and said with interest, "Would you like to speak? I want to hear your story."

Gongsun Zan kowtowed in thanks, then stood up and said, "Your Majesty, I was once a classmate of Lord Guo and have a close personal relationship with him."

"Later, I served as the county magistrate of Fuyang County, Jinzhou, but was framed by a powerful figure. Fortunately, I received help from Lord Guo and was able to avoid imprisonment."

"Afterwards, I became disheartened and didn't want to be involved in a career in government anymore. I returned to my hometown and opened a private school, so that children from poor families could have an education and live a decent life."

"A few days ago, Lord Guo came out of seclusion and wrote to me, asking me to serve as an official in the court and help him govern Hedong. To repay his kindness, I agreed to help him resolve the Hedong issue, but on the condition that I no longer serve as an official."

Being so indifferent to fame and fortune, it's no wonder that Guo Jia admired him so highly.

Qin Hao looked at Gongsun Zan, believing him completely. He asked with great interest, "Guo Jia said you have extraordinary talent. Why don't you want to serve in the court? Is there something you're hiding?"

Gongsun Zan shook his head and said, "Your Majesty, you must be joking. I'm just a country bumpkin. What kind of skills do I have, let alone any unspeakable secrets?"

Seeing that he was unwilling to tell the truth, Qin Hao raised his eyebrows and said sarcastically: "I understand, you are afraid of death!"

"It seems that Lord Guo is not omnipotent and there are times when he misjudges people."

"Forget it, forget it. The matter is over. I don't have much to reward you with, but I will give you some gold, silver, jewelry, and a hundred acres of fertile land. I'm sure you'll like it."

As he spoke, he winked at Old Feng and said, "Alas! It's getting late, and I'm sleepy too. Old Feng, please see me off!"

Elder Feng had served Qin Hao for many years, so how could he not understand His Majesty's thoughts? He cooperated very well and said, "Mr. Gongsun, please go back!"

"As for the gold, silver, jewelry, and land deeds, I will send someone to deliver them to you, or you can take them away now."

Gongsun Zan was a meticulous person, so how could he not see that the two of them were acting? For a moment just now, he was almost enraged.

He smiled slightly, bowed, and said, "Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty. I would be honored to accept your kindness."

Seeing Gongsun Zan's unconventional behavior, Qin Hao felt like hitting cotton balls. He asked in surprise, "Hey! Gongsun Zan, aren't you angry?"

At this moment, Gongsun Zan was like an old fox, chuckling, "I'm already grateful to Your Majesty! How could I be angry?"

"With this wealth and fertile land, I can enroll more poor students in my hometown. On behalf of those students, I would like to thank Your Majesty for your great grace."

Qin Hao saw that his plan had been discovered, so he had to find another way. He said in a deep voice, "Gongsun Zan, before you leave, go see Guo Jia! He refused to surrender and was almost killed."

When Gongsun Zan heard that Guo Jia was injured, he was immediately furious and asked loudly, "Your Majesty, who did this?"

Qin Hao said coldly, "Before he passed out, Minister Guo Aiqing said he was Prince Ning's man."

Gongsun Zan frowned and muttered to himself, "Prince Ning? Why are you here again? Your ghost won't leave!"

Qin Hao was shocked when he heard this. Could it be that Gongsun Zan had a grudge against him, the nominal uncle of the emperor?

He asked tentatively, "From your tone, you seem to be somewhat dissatisfied with Prince Ning?"

Gongsun Zan hesitated for a moment, then nodded and said sternly, "Your Majesty, let me say something extremely treasonous. Prince Ning is extremely ambitious and will rebel sooner or later. You must be on guard."

"Oh? Prince Ning is my uncle. How dare you speak ill of my uncle in front of me? Aren't you afraid of death?" Qin Hao pretended to be angry.

Gongsun Zan raised his head, staring intently into Qin Hao's eyes, and spoke word by word, "Death? Lord Guo would rather die than surrender. I, Gongsun Zan, am no coward, so why should I be afraid?"

"If Your Majesty wishes to punish me for this, I will admit my guilt. You can only blame me for not being able to judge people and having a blind eye!"

Boss Feng shouted and sneered, "How dare you! You dare to say something bad about His Majesty? You're courting death!"

After saying that, he looked at Qin Hao. With just one order from His Majesty, he could capture this man.

Gongsun Zan met Qin Hao's gaze and said fearlessly, "Your Majesty, Prince Ning has been wreaking havoc on the world for a long time. If he is not removed, the foundation of Great Xia will be unstable, and the world will sooner or later be in turmoil."

"I, a humble person, offer my advice boldly. The justice of right and wrong will be determined by justice. I hope Your Majesty will make plans soon!"

Seeing Gongsun Zan so upright and incorruptible, Old Feng was very pleased and looked up to him.

"You are very courageous. I admire you very much. Stay. I need you!" Qin Hao smiled faintly, showing his admiration for talent.

Gongsun Zan was slightly taken aback, then he bowed and smiled, "Okay, I respectfully obey your command. Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Qin Hao hadn't expected him to be so straightforward, even changing his address. Surprised, he asked, "I was expecting you to refuse again, but why did you agree so readily this time?"

Gongsun Zan smiled intriguingly and said calmly, "Although I come from humble origins, I understand that a wise bird chooses the right tree to roost in."

"Your Majesty has just invited me three times. If I refuse again, it will leave Your Majesty with the impression that I am arrogant and conceited. This is the first reason."

"Secondly, Your Majesty is decisive in killing and punishing, respects talent, and loves the people like your own children. Punishing treacherous officials, recovering lost territory, promoting education, and standardizing grain prices are all actions that benefit both the country and the people."

"With such a king, our Great Xia will prosper! Staying here to assist Your Majesty is in accordance with Heaven's will!"

Qin Hao was so flattered by his flattery that he smiled broadly and said directly, "Great, great, great! My dear Gongsun, you are so talented. I am so happy to have such a capable minister like you today!"

"Someone, please take a seat and prepare some dishes. I want to have a candlelit night chat with my beloved Gongsun. Haha!"