Chapter Twelve: What Have I to Fear?

Three days later, Dong Kuo brought Gu Dao to the Chujiang Pavilion in style.

This pavilion was built by Prince Li Rang of Chu.

However, after its completion, it was discovered that the north tower was so tall it could see the east gate of the imperial palace.

It even stood directly opposite the East Hua Pavilion of the palace, raising suspicions of spying on the emperor.

Yet, the emperor personally issued an edict granting permission, explicitly stating: “Since Prince Chu is feasting here, one may send distant blessings to him.”

“His Majesty truly has no complaints about Prince Chu; their brotherly bond runs deep,” Dong Kuo remarked with admiration.

Gu Dao thought to himself, of course there’s no complaint.

After all, it was the late emperor who passed the throne to Prince Chu.

Prince Chu, feeling his own virtues and talents were inferior to the current emperor’s, willingly relinquished the throne.

Of course, that was merely the surface explanation.

The truth behind the abdication involved his mother...