Chapter 69 Chapter 69 Overt and covert fighting

Ren Heng found Xiao Yichun's folly quite amusing. Amidst the shocked gazes of his entourage, he threw his head back and laughed heartily: "So, Xiao Yichun, you've finally met your match!"

Given Xiao Yichun's temperament, he generally wouldn't get into arguments with anyone. Unfortunately, he just happened to run into Zhou She.

Having been tricked, Xiao Yichun remained silent.

Xiao Jianhe stole a glance at his maternal grandfather. Fortunately, he seemed to be in a relatively normal mood.

Xiao Yichun noticed his grandson's gaze and smiled helplessly: "The future is still far away, so to be depressed about it is rather useless."

Xiao Ming and Zhong Cong are actually not that far apart in age, but they were completely unfamiliar with each other before this.

Xiao Ming was a Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination) in the fourth year of the Jinghua era, ranking eighth. Zhong Cong did not take her away when he came to the capital. On the first day the two met, Xiao Ming had the illusion that she was a hostage, but the new boss seemed too kind, so she unknowingly became immersed in it.

Xiao Ming's change was entirely within Emperor Zhongzong's expectations. Any intelligent person would realize that following the princess was the best decision.

So one day, while the father and daughter were having a meal, they talked about Xiao Ming. They exchanged a knowing smile, needing no further explanation; everything was understood without a word. Poor Xiao Ming, he was completely manipulated by these two cunning individuals.

However, Emperor Zhongzong wasn't targeting her alone. In a short time, he sent all the children of the opposition to the princess's residence, then immediately appointed Zhong Cong as Vice Minister of Rites, implying: "I never said she would rule as crown prince. I see she's doing very well on the frontier; what's wrong with a promotion?"

The Minister of Rites' eyelids twitched.

He opened his mouth, hesitated, and finally swallowed all his words.

Since he's retiring anyway, why bother getting involved? Xiao Yichun's unfortunate state is enough for him to laugh at for two years in his spare time.

In the third month of the sixth year of the Jinghua era, Zhong Huang returned to the capital and requested an audience with Emperor Zhongzong. The father and son dismissed the palace servants and held a private conversation.

This secret meeting finally lived up to its reputation as a secret meeting, leaving not a single word in historical records. The only record stops after the meeting, saying that Zhong Huang left the Qianqing Palace looking somewhat dejected, as if in a bad mood.

He then went straight to his maternal grandfather's residence, and the two parted on bad terms.

Slightly disappointed, the crowd began to rack their brains, trying to guess what the two had said.

"Could it be a word of encouragement?"

"Nonsense!" someone immediately scoffed. "Could encouragement really make you feel bad? I think Emperor Zhongzong's disregard for ancient teachings will lead to his downfall sooner or later—ugh!"

A hand swept across and covered his mouth. The older man smiled slightly, tightened his grip, and gritted his teeth: "Shut up!"

However, as they discussed amongst themselves, Tianmu changed the subject:

Although not recorded in historical texts, King Jungjong, who loved keeping a diary throughout his life, has still left us with a wealth of historical research materials. In his diary, he wrote…

Oh, by the way, to prevent people from saying I'm making up history, I'll post the photos first.

Everyone: "?" Then why are you making us guess?

As Tianmu's voice faded, a faded page of paper was revealed. Through the transparent glass, the flickering overhead lights reflected off the glass, casting overlapping, somewhat indistinct, human figures.

[Don't mind the uploader's face, it's so crowded it's almost unbearable, it's already a big deal to be able to take a picture!]

And this is the main event; I could read this diary for a year straight, it's full of all sorts of secret histories. When will they make another film about the secrets of Jinghua...?

Unfortunately, King Jungjong's health declined in his later years due to illness, and he wrote less in his diary. But, please, all the famous historical figures, include this in your diaries!

Emperor Hong'an paid no attention to the rambles of the sky. He looked closely and had the illusion that his eyes were malfunctioning.

He read it word by word, and fortunately, although the handwriting was average, it was still neat and easy to read.

"On the sixth day of the third month of the sixth year of Jinghua, it was sunny."

Zhou Xin rarely comes home, and he asked me what I was really thinking. If he really wanted to make my elder sister the heir apparent, why hadn't he taken action yet? Was he just making empty promises to the eldest son, or was he truly sincere?

If I hadn't known he was mentally challenged, I would have thought the child couldn't wait any longer. He's not smart, but he's not a bad person; it wasn't for nothing that I raised him all these years. This sentence was crossed out with a not-too-thick black line, followed by a note: Zhou Yi raised even more.

A naive child shouldn't be corrupted by that guy Gu Jingshan, especially since he and Gu Jingshan have a decent relationship. So I told my second son, it's not that I don't want to establish an heir, but I heard your maternal grandfather thinks you're a promising talent, and he treats you very well. How about I send you to the border for some intensive training? Maybe that will help me achieve my goal.

I hope the siblings can be more loving and respectful towards each other, and not follow my example.

On another note, I remember a few years ago he said he wanted to inherit the throne and bring peace to the world. Why did he suddenly change his mind?

Regarding why Zhong Huang's goal changed, Zhong Cong remained silent and passed by without seeking recognition. Back on the day her father ascended the throne, Zhong Cong and Zhong Huang had witnessed the entire ceremony.

Zhong Huang's impression was: "Dad is finally dressed nicely." Zhong Cong's impression was: "I want to go up and sit down too."

While strengthening herself, she didn't forget to set a trap for Zhong Huang, showing him by saying: "Being an emperor is really hard. Look how tired I am. Father gets up earlier than the rooster and goes to bed later than the dog every day. It's terrible. My dear brother, you are a prince of noble birth. How could I bear to let you do those difficult things?"

And so, without realizing it, Zhong Huang was tricked into becoming lame.

Gu Xunhui was wandering aimlessly down the street with his hands in his pockets when Tianmu's words almost made him burst out laughing.

Is it really possible for her to give birth to such an innocent child?

After thinking about it, she felt that perhaps people are born with certain natures. Zhou Xin was just a little stupid and dull, but in the end, he was doing quite well.

In high spirits, she strolled through the market, carrying a pile of things she had bought, and leisurely returned home.

Of course, none of that matters. If it weren't for something important, Zhong Huang would have preferred to stay far away from his father and never see him again.

His return to the capital was actually for another matter. The Rongxi tribe in the northwest had requested the opening of a trade market. Although Zhong Huang was of the highest rank, he had to report the matter to his father and could not make the decision on his own. So he returned in person to inform his father of the matter.

However, King Jungjong had only been on vacation for a few days and felt that he had not rested well at all. He waved his hand and said: Go find your sister.

The ministers reacted a little too quickly this time, mainly because Xiao Ming knew about it, but he had no power to resist his cunning great-grandfather and was easily tricked into revealing it.

Aside from not wanting the princess to ascend the throne, Xiao Yichun was quite open-minded in other aspects. Although he knew about the matter, he kept quiet. In contrast, his grandson was much more proactive, immediately entering the palace to request the emperor to assign him some work.

Xiao Jianhe revealed a reserved smile.

He knew he would have a place in the future; people have to take initiative to create stories.

Is sharing the burdens of one's ruler something to be criticized for? Xiao Jian and his colleagues who have met his grandfather these past few days, though they are stubborn, their eyes have already betrayed them. They actually care a lot about the continued prosperity of the Xiao family, don't they?

When news of the trade agreement reached the capital, it immediately sparked a new round of controversy. The debate centered on whether or not to agree to it. One side argued, "Our Celestial Empire, why should we trade with foreign tribes? Trade is a matter of mutual benefit at the expense of ourselves," while the other side countered, "As a monarchical nation, wouldn't it seem petty of us to disagree with such a small matter?"

Of course, that wasn't the core of their discussion. A group of ministers chattered on and on, but the main point was: if opening the trade market was successful, who would get the credit? And if problems arose… well, I certainly wouldn't take the blame.

Faced with these controversies, Emperor Zhongzong pondered briefly and then dismissed both Xiao Jianhe and Zhong Cong, who had volunteered to "get things done." Privately, he told Xiao Jianhe, "If the princess can accomplish this, you can assist her. If she cannot, finish the task and return, and don't let her get involved."

I generally interpret the latter half of the sentence as "patching up" or "adding a layer of protection." As the emperor and father, Emperor Zhongzong couldn't possibly be unaware of his daughter's intelligence...

As Ren Heng listened, he suddenly remembered something: "Ren Duan, why don't you take the initiative?"

Ren Duan was stunned by being called out for no reason, and after a long while he said, "...I am not a treacherous minister."

Xiao Jianhe waved a flag, loudly proclaiming his support for the princess's ascension to the throne. He... he felt he wouldn't do that.

Ren Duan glanced at his father and knew without even thinking that his father was definitely a loyal supporter of the emperor, and that the Ren family had better not put all their eggs in one basket.

Judging from Tianmu's assessment of his future self's personality, since he is a mature old fox, why would he take a clear stance when the situation is unclear?

Not long after the princess left the capital, news arrived that the southern barbarians had revolted. The timing and location were both very delicate.

First, "south" here refers to the southeastern region, which was formerly the location of Chu Mountain. Although he is no longer in the southeast, most of the people there still cherish his past friendship—isn't that suspicious?

After spending several years in the Baiyue region, Chu Shan was sent to Jiaozhi. Although he was the highest military commander there, Jiaozhi's geographical location—as anyone who knows—was hardly a desirable place. His resentment and restlessness are understandable, aren't they?

Having just dealt with the onlookers who had gathered to watch him, and having finished turning over the soil in his house: "?"

What a huge, shocking blunder!

The world is at peace now, is he tired of living and has to cause trouble?

But when he turned his head again, he found that the villagers who had been looking at him with admiration were now looking at him with even more admiration and a slightly uneasy look.

Chu Shan: "..." I really...

The villagers stammered, "Actually, everyone just needs to live their lives well..."

"Yes, yes, Chu Shan, let's be patient. Look at those with power and influence, why put ourselves through this?"

"I'm not good with words, don't be angry. In terms of backbone, you're the one, but we're the one." The old man gave a thumbs-down and chuckled, "It's good that we're alive."

Chu Shan felt helpless, but tears welled up in his eyes.

Everyone feared war and only craved peace. He knew he was not that kind of person, so he could only say, "Don't worry, I won't do such things."

Tianmu quickly clarified for him:

[Ironclad evidence? Not at all.]

Emperor Zhongzong, looking at the "deductions" before him, invited the real suspects to face the consequences. After everyone had eaten and laughed, he said, "I truly never imagined Chu Shan would do such things. My heart aches. You are all my capable advisors; therefore, you shall escort Chu Shan to the capital."