Ordinary life

In the former Zichen Hall, now the Minyou Hall, sunlight shines through the newly pasted window paper, and dust floats slowly in the beam of light.

Beneath the imperial throne, the newly promoted civil and military officials were dressed in bright robes. The shock of Wang Jingzhi's reinstatement as Prime Minister had not yet completely subsided in everyone's hearts, and a new kind of restlessness had already begun to grow.

If the position of Prime Minister is a dispute among meritorious officials, then the position of Emperor is a dispute among the whole world.

Prince Rui Ningke stood at the front of the royal family train. He glanced at King Wu beside him and nodded slightly.

The King of Wu understood and took a step forward, holding the jade sceptre. His voice resonated in the empty hall: "Your Majesty, I have something to report."

He first bowed to Ning Lingyi who was sitting on the throne. His tone was respectful, but his words were not entirely pleasant.

He said, "Your Highness is here today, majestic and imposing. I would like to ask, Your Highness, are you making decisions about state affairs based on your discretion as the Princess Guardian of the Nation, or are you already the heir to the throne? A country cannot be without a ruler for a single day. Rites, laws, and moral principles are the foundation of a nation. I would like to ask, who will inherit the throne of our Southern Dynasty?"

As soon as the words fell, the hall was so quiet that one could hear the faint chirping of birds in the distance outside the hall. Everyone knew that the highlight of this court meeting was about to come.

Another prince immediately jumped in, launching into a tirade: "King Wu is absolutely right! The continuation of the imperial line is of paramount importance. Only by establishing a new ruler as soon as possible can we reassure the people of the world and ensure that Your Highness can govern with legitimacy and avoid criticism."

He paused, then finally revealed his true intentions. "The Crown Prince is the legitimate son of the late Crown Prince, and the heir apparent. If he can inherit the throne, it will demonstrate Your Highness's impartiality and impartiality, and the people will surely be united."

The royal family members finally brought the issue of appointing a crown prince to the table.

But before he could finish his words, a middle-aged imperial censor stepped forward and said, "That's wrong! The Crown Prince has been in poor health since the incident in the Eastern Palace and has been recuperating in the palace. This is known to everyone in the court and the country. Now that the country is in turmoil and surrounded by powerful enemies, how can we serve a weak ruler? This is truly a mistake for the country!"

"How dare you!" another member of the royal family shouted angrily, "The Crown Prince is the legitimate heir, his status has long been determined! How can we allow you to..."

"What do you mean by orthodoxy?" An official supporting Ning Lingyi immediately retorted. He turned to the throne and spoke earnestly, "His Royal Highness the Sixth Prince is the late emperor's biological son and Princess Mingzhu's younger brother. Although young and immature, he is intelligent and kind. He has experienced hardships with the princess and deeply understands the suffering of the people and the pain of his country. In terms of virtue, kinship, and sharing the same aspirations with His Royal Highness, the Sixth Prince is the best choice!"

The two sides immediately started arguing, quoting from classics, and their voices gradually became louder, and the originally solemn court became a little noisy.

The sunlight passed over those excited or angry faces, as if time had gone back, and it was vaguely a replay of the eve of the change of imperial power.

Ning Lingyi sat upright, her eyes calmly sweeping across the audience below, as if she was watching a play that had nothing to do with her. However, now, she was no longer a powerless spectator in the audience, but the person in control of the stage.

Shen Qingyan and Nong Zishi stood in the front row of civil officials. They both lowered their eyes and listened quietly, not in a hurry to express their opinions. They were both waiting for the signal from the throne. Their future depended on Ning Lingyi alone.

Jing Zhao stood among the military officers with a respectful posture, as if he was completely immersed in the texture of the gold bricks under his feet. He had already laid the groundwork and called on those who would wave flags and cheer. The wind direction was unclear at the moment, and he would never let his own people show up first. Ning Lingyi's momentum in entering the capital was unstoppable, and the Jing family must strike back at once.

The argument grew louder and louder, and it seemed that they were about to descend into pointless attacks again.

Ning Lingyi's gaze passed over the quarreling crowd and fell on the old minister at the head of the class who had his eyes closed and was resting.

Wang Jingzhi seemed to sense something, slowly opened his eyes, met Ning Lingyi's gaze, and nodded very slightly.

He took a step forward, his steps were slightly staggering, but he instantly attracted everyone's attention.

"Ahem," he coughed twice. His voice was not loud, but it suppressed the noise in the hall.

"Everyone, everyone, please be patient."

After the hall was quiet again, he bowed to the throne, his voice old but clear: "Your Highness, this is my humble opinion. The opinions of the clan ministers are all for the sake of the country, and their hearts are commendable. However, the war is still raging, Hebei has not been recovered, and the national treasury is empty. This is not a time for peace. Choosing a new ruler is related to the fate of the country, and it must not be hastily adopted."

He paused, his eyes sweeping over the people with varying expressions, and continued, "The Crown Prince and the Sixth Prince, one raised in the inner palace, the other far away in Jiangnan. Both are like unpolished jade in the eyes of the court and the public. Their personalities, character, knowledge, and talents still require time to observe. A hasty decision at this time would be detrimental to the country."

Seeing that the ministers had understood, he continued.

"In my opinion, it would be better to issue a decree immediately to welcome the Sixth Prince back to the capital and invite the two Your Highnesses to the Southern Study in the palace to teach them carefully. This way, Your Highnesses can show their love and care for them while also allowing their talents and character to be displayed to the court and the people. When the country is finally settled, the world will have its own opinion on who is more virtuous and capable between the two princes. Then we can make a final decision. This is the best policy."

The hall was silent.

The royal family members looked at each other in bewilderment. Although they were unwilling, they also knew that it would be difficult for them to gain power in a short period of time, and it would be difficult for them to refute this mature and prudent view of state affairs. They were also frightened by Ning Lingyi's current power, so they had to keep silent.

Jing Zhao secretly breathed a sigh of relief, but was also secretly alert.

This delaying tactic was within his expectations. As long as Ning Lingyi did not establish herself immediately, the Jing family would still have time to make plans. There was still a long time to go in the palace, and there were many variables. He quietly lowered his eyes and concealed all emotions.

Ning Lingyi saw that the time had come, and then she slowly spoke: "The Prime Minister is experienced and wise in his state affairs, and his proposal is very timely. Let's follow this proposal."

She raised her eyes slightly and spoke aloud, "Draft an imperial decree: Welcome the Sixth Prince Ning Yanhe back to the capital and promote him to Prince Qing; confer the title of Prince Jing on the Crown Prince. Both princes will be placed in the Southern Study to study, with the Grand Secretary acting as their tutor. He will teach them diligently and will not disappoint me."

This decree has been issued and all the ministers agree.

The new dynasty had just been established, so they could still slowly steal power and there was no need to rush.

Seeing that the situation was stable, Prime Minister Wang continued, "The Northern Expedition is imminent, and national affairs are complex. It is time for Your Highness to take charge and decide all military and political matters. I respectfully request Your Highness to take the regency and change the era name and establish a new dynasty. I hope Your Highness will approve it, and I hope all the ministers will share in this difficult time!"

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone knew what Prime Minister Wang was up to. But even if they had doubts, it was difficult for them to object, and there was no benefit in objecting. Ning Lingyi had already firmly grasped the power, so how could she let it go?

She had already been in power, and this title and righteousness was just icing on the cake. The ministers looked at each other and said nothing. If they opposed it at this time, they would inevitably be killed as a warning to others.

Ning Lingyi was delighted to see this and said, "Since your Excellency Wang has requested, I grant your request. From now on, we will change the reign title to Jinghe. All military and national affairs will be handled by me. All the ministers should work together to overcome this difficult time, quickly recover our country, and bring peace to the world!"

Once the decree is issued, the fate of the world is settled. From then on, your title will be changed from Your Highness to Your Majesty.

All the ministers bowed in unison, their voices roaring as they shook the palace beams: "We obey your command! Long live Your Majesty! Long live Your Majesty! Long, long live Your Majesty!"

The first year of "Jinghe" began here.

The era of Ning Lingyi has officially arrived.

The bell for the end of court rang melodiously.

When Ning Lingyi returned to Xuehan Palace, the sun was already setting. In the courtyard in front of the palace, several flowers were in full bloom, and everyone in the palace was carefully serving them.

After court was dismissed, Ning Lingyi returned to Xuehan Palace and walked into the palace gate with a slightly tired look, but saw that her mother, Concubine Yu, was not waiting indoors as usual, but was standing quietly in the courtyard in front of the palace with several personal palace maids.

She was just wondering why her mother was here when she saw Concubine Yu smile slightly, take the lead in lowering her skirt, and said softly, "Your Majesty, I respectfully welcome you back to the palace."

Ning Lingyi was startled for a moment, then burst out laughing. She quickly stepped forward and held her mother's arm, scolding her, "Mom, why are you teasing me? There's no one else here."

Concubine Yu stood up straight with her hand, raised her hand and gently brushed her daughter's slightly tired brows, her eyes filled with unconcealable relief, soft and shimmering: "I'm not joking, mother is happy, really happy. My Yi'er, you have grown up and done better than anyone expected. Mother is proud of you."

Ning Lingyi looked at her mother, and the heavy pressure of the court seemed to soften a little in her mother's eyes.

Her heart felt warm, yet also a little bitter. She whispered, "I'm sorry for wronging you. Now that things are like this, I can't confer you the title of Lord..."

"Silly talk." Concubine Yu interrupted her gently and held her hand. Her palm was warm and dry, and she felt very reassured.

"Have I ever considered those empty names? Wherever you are, as long as you are safe and doing what you want to do and can do well, that is my greatest wish."

She looked at her daughter firmly: "Nothing is more important than you."

The mother and daughter walked hand in hand into the inner hall and had a good chat, which was quite enjoyable for a while.

Not long after, a clerk in a green robe came over with a bow in his hand, holding a thick stack of memorials. He carefully placed them on the desk in the hall that was already piled with documents, and then withdrew.

Ning Lingyi glanced at the mountain of documents, and a hint of helplessness appeared at the corner of her lips.

She took her mother's hand, sat down at the desk, and picked up the top memorial and opened it.

After reading only a few lines, the helplessness turned into ridicule.

She handed the memorial to Concubine Yu who was standing beside her: "Mother, please take a look at this."

Concubine Yu took it, looked at it carefully, and frowned slightly.

This was a memorial jointly submitted by more than a dozen officials, which bitterly criticized Emperor Guangqi for his crime of holding banquets and ceremonies that harmed the country and the people, and pleaded for an imperial decree to abolish his imperial title, demote his empress Mu and the crown prince to commoners, in order to thank the world.

"I can't wait."

"General Liu, who led the memorial, if I remember correctly, submitted a memorial last winter praising Emperor Guangqi's tireless efforts and pleading for him to select concubines to fill his harem. And this Minister Zhang, his promotion was the result of the strong recommendation of the Mu family."

Concubine Yu put down the memorial, her expression calm, "This is the nature of the people. When a wall falls, everyone pushes it down. Moreover, it is natural for a smart person who is eager to show loyalty to the new master to be so shameless."

"Mom, what do you think we should do?" Ning Lingyi looked at her mother.

Concubine Yu pondered for a moment and slowly said, "Even if Emperor Guangqi had a thousand faults, he ultimately ruined the country by sitting on that throne. If you abolish his imperial title, it would be tantamount to denying him. Only by keeping him on the throne, to endure the curses of future generations, can you highlight your virtue in restoring order today. This throne cannot be abolished."

Ning Lingyi nodded: "My daughter also thinks so. What about Mu and Ze'er?"

There was a slight hesitation in her tone when she mentioned their names.

Concubine Yu's voice softened. "They and their child saved my life, and I will never forget that. But as long as they're alive, especially the child, there's no guarantee someone won't use this as an excuse to cause trouble. What will you do then?"

Concubine Yu shouldn't be so heartless, but this matter involves her daughter, so she can't be soft-hearted.

The hall fell into a brief silence.

Ning Lingyi pondered for a long time, and finally picked up the red pen, wrote a few lines on the memorial, put down the seal, handed it to her mother, said a few words, and Concubine Yu nodded.

Ning Lingyi called over her trusted eunuch and whispered a few instructions to him.

The eunuch's face turned stern, he bowed and accepted the order, then quietly retreated.

*

Kunning Palace no longer has the glory of the past.

Emperor Guangqi had already committed suicide, so how could his empress have a good ending? The palace maids avoided her as much as possible.

The curtains in the hall were drawn low and the lights were dim. Mu Yuqing, wearing no makeup, was sitting under the window, holding her son's hand and teaching him to read. Just like before, life had to go on.

Footsteps sounded behind him.

The one who came was an old eunuch with a stiff face and two humble and obedient young servants, holding a bright yellow scroll in their hands.

"Mu accepts the order."

Mu Yuqing let go of the child, straightened her clothes, and slowly knelt on the ground, her forehead touching the cold floor tiles. Ning Zhiyuan followed her example and knelt timidly beside her.

The old eunuch unfolded the imperial edict and read it in a shrill voice.

The edict bitterly outlined the crimes of Emperor Guangqi, saying that although Empress Mu and the Crown Prince lived in the deep palace, they enjoyed high positions and could not escape blame. In order to eliminate future troubles and consolidate the foundation of the country, they were specially allowed to commit suicide to preserve the dignity of the royal family.

Her heart trembled violently. What was supposed to come finally came. She had done something, but in the end she couldn't save her son.

She held back her tears and, for the last bit of dignity, kowtowed deeply: "I, the guilty one, accept your command and thank you."

The old eunuch put away the imperial eunuch and signaled the young eunuch to present the wooden tray to Mu Yuqing. The two cups of wine were as black as ink, without a trace of luster, and emitted a faint bitter smell.

Mu Yuqing picked up a cup with trembling hands.

She looked at her ignorant son beside her, and tears finally burst out.

She hugged the child in her arms and choked in his ear, "Be good, Ze'er, drink this medicine and it won't be bitter anymore. Mother will be with you..."

The child seemed to understand but didn't quite understand, and opened his mouth as he was told.

Mu Yuqing felt as if her heart was being cut by a knife. She slowly fed the wine in the cup into her son's mouth. But after a moment, the child's eyes became dazed and he fell limply into her arms, losing consciousness.

Mu Yuqing gently laid the child down and picked up another glass of wine.

She took another look at the cold palace, then at her son, raised her head and drank the wine in one gulp, then fell beside her son and fell into endless darkness.

*

When Mu Yuqing woke up again, the first thing he felt was the bumps under his body.

She opened her eyes and found herself in a carriage, covered with a quilt. Her son was curled up beside her, sleeping soundly with a rosy little face.

Sitting opposite her was a middle-aged woman dressed like an ordinary woman in a hemp dress. When she saw her wake up, she smiled kindly and handed her a water bag.

She said, "Madam Ma, you're finally awake! Have a drink of water to moisten your throat. You're such a pitiful person, widowed at such a young age, and forced to travel thousands of miles with your children to live with relatives. Alas, this world..."

Mu Yuqing was stunned, "Mrs. Ma"?

The woman seemed oblivious to her surprise and continued, "Don't worry. We're entrusted by your distant cousins ​​to take you and your son to Mingzhou. Everything has been arranged there. While we're not rich, we have a few acres of land and a few tiled houses, enough for you and your son to live comfortably."

She lowered her voice and said meaningfully, "Once we get to Mingzhou, it will be a new place and a new way of life. I must teach my son well and live a peaceful life. Only then can we have a long and happy life together."

Mu Yuqing understood instantly.

A carefully planned death, a person's past identity was completely erased. From then on, there was no longer Empress Mu and Crown Prince Ning Chengze of Emperor Guangqi in the world, only Ma, the widow who lived with her relatives in Mingzhou, and her young son.

Tears welled up in her eyes without warning, slid down her cheeks and dripped onto her clothes.

She raised her hand and wiped it off vigorously. She took a deep breath, took the water bag, and said in a hoarse voice, "Thank you, mother. I understand. When I get to Mingzhou, I will live a good life and teach my son well."

The carriage rumbled on, galloping towards an ordinary future.

The former glory, sins and disputes were completely crushed under the rolling wheels.