Chapter 104 [VIP]

So annoying.

The emperor, with a stern face, rose and said, "Court is adjourned."

Snap!

The sound of whipping was heard.

After the shouts of "Long live the Emperor!" were heard, the court officials left one after another. Chief Minister Song stood there for a long time, his disappointment growing even stronger.

These days, whenever news of an earthquake in Qingzhou is mentioned, the emperor flies into a rage.

The Grand Secretary Song was aware of the reasons. Back then, when the late emperor was still alive and the Imperial Advisor had not yet passed away, the Imperial Advisor had said that if the succeeding emperor were to lose virtue, the country would surely suffer a great calamity. At the time, no one paid attention, since the Crown Prince's wisdom and benevolence were known throughout the world.

"Chief Minister Song".

The Grand Secretary Song looked up and saw that it was Xie Yingchen. He cupped his hands in greeting and naturally walked out of the Golden Palace with Xie Yingchen, descending the high cloud-dragon steps.

"Prime Minister Song, I won't beat around the bush," Xie Yingchen said directly. "What do you think about opening an almshouse in Liangzhou?"

The words "alcoholic institution" made Prime Minister Song pause slightly.

This was something the deposed crown prince had proposed, just one year before the late emperor's death.

The deposed crown prince argued that the vast state of Qi had many people unable to make a living, and that almshouses should be established in each county, funded by the national treasury, to house widows, orphans, the disabled, and abandoned children. These almshouses could also provide relief to the entire population in times of disaster. The deposed crown prince discussed the matter extensively with the cabinet, gradually refining the regulations for the almshouses. Unfortunately, before they could be implemented, he became the deposed crown prince, and the almshouse project was thus delayed.

"First, we will set up almshouses in various parts of Qingzhou. Even if there is no earthquake, it will not have a significant impact on the imperial court."

"If an earthquake occurs in August, the nursing home can be activated immediately to provide disaster relief."

Gu Zhizhuo once said that the earthquake in August would be the most serious since the founding of the dynasty, affecting hundreds of thousands of people.

Therefore, Xie Yingchen was in a great hurry.

However, apart from the Grand Secretary, who believed such unfounded inferences and predictions to some extent, others were at most skeptical. In particular, the Emperor was extremely averse to early warnings, so Grand Secretary Song would naturally be restricted in many ways.

After a moment's thought, the Grand Secretary said, "A charity home would be a good option."

As long as the earthquake is not mentioned, and the only request is to establish a charitable institution, the emperor will most likely agree.

"However, young master, you may not know that the national treasury is depleted and we are afraid that we cannot afford to pay this amount."

According to the deposed crown prince's original intention, building almshouses throughout the entire Daqi Kingdom would require at least one million taels of silver. Even if only one almshouse were built in Qingzhou, it would still cost tens of thousands of taels. The imperial treasury currently has less than 700,000 taels of silver, and the military funds for the second half of the year will have to come from there. The construction of dikes along the Huai River also requires silver, and a large sum of silver will also be allocated for pacification during the recent civil unrest in the Western Frontier.

Xie Yingchen immediately saw what he was thinking and said calmly, "To erect a monument of merit?"

"Merit Stele?"

The chief minister, Song, did not know what he meant.

Xie Yingchen explained: "A merit stele was erected in front of the almshouse to encourage local wealthy merchants to donate rice and grain. Those who donated a certain amount would have their names engraved on the stele by the imperial court, so that they could be admired for generations to come."

Chief Minister Song's heart pounded.

If their merits could be inscribed on a monument and they could receive rewards from the imperial court, many wealthy merchants would definitely be tempted.

After stepping down the last stone step, Prime Minister Song's expression became even more serious as he carefully considered Xie Yingchen's proposal.

Xie Yingchen's voice was clear and melodious: "Now it's harvest season, and wealthy merchants are donating some grain, which will benefit future generations. Why not?"

“After the summer harvest, until the autumn planting season, it is the off-season for farming. The court can recruit many young and strong men by providing some food rations and a few copper coins. The court only needs to contribute some bricks, tiles, wood, and stones to build the almshouse. However, in my opinion, the fixed food rations such as steamed buns should be changed to a small bag of rice and flour.”

As he listened, Chief Minister Song nodded.

When the imperial court recruited workers, they were usually given one or two steamed buns a day. Steamed buns don't keep well and are usually eaten within the same day. However, if they were given equivalent amounts of rice and flour, they might take them home and store them. In the event of an earthquake, this rice and flour might save the lives of their entire families. Even if an earthquake didn't occur, the rice and flour wouldn't spoil.

The eldest son has even considered these things; his thoughtfulness is truly remarkable.

The Grand Secretary Song pondered, "Young Master, if you have nothing else to do later..."

He wanted to say that if Xie Yingchen was alright, they should sit down and discuss the regulations. If they could build the almshouse as quickly as possible, it would indeed be a solution for the time being.

Before he could finish speaking, Xie Jing interrupted him.

Xie Jing was not yet officially qualified to attend court; he only occasionally went to listen in. Today, he had no choice but to wait here to find Chief Minister Song.

Upon seeing Prime Minister Song and Xie Yingchen emerge together, Xie Jing's expression stiffened only slightly for a moment before he stepped forward and greeted Prime Minister Song with a smile. After exchanging greetings, he eagerly said, "Prime Minister Song, I have something I'd like to discuss with you."

Could it also be related to the earthquake in Qingzhou? The Prime Minister Song's expression softened. The Third Prince might have been somewhat immature in the past, but people grow up. He said gently, "What is it, Your Highness?"

Xie Jing's eyes lit up with joy: "It's like this, I would like to ask Madam to help me propose marriage to Ke'er."

The Prime Minister's smile gradually froze at the corners of his mouth.

If he remembered correctly, the Emperor had promised the Ji family's daughter to be the Third Prince's concubine. Why would a concubine need a formal betrothal ceremony? Absurd!

Xie Jing wasn't unaware of this, but he had promised Ji Nanke that he would never let her suffer any injustice. Even if she was nominally a concubine, Xie Jing was determined to treat her according to the rites of marriage, so that Ke'er would understand his good intentions.

He cupped his hands in a respectful gesture and pleaded, "I humbly request that Chief Minister Song..."

“Jing, you’re too late,” Xie Yingchen interrupted him with a smile. “I’ve already asked Prime Minister Song and his wife to propose marriage for me.”

Xie Jing blurted out, "What are you talking about? Why are you proposing marriage?"

"Naturally, we should go to the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion to propose marriage to Miss Gu. Chief Minister Song has already agreed to my proposal, so I can only ask my cousin Jing to find someone else."

So, the two of them were discussing marriage proposals? Xie Yingchen was really getting in the way; if he wanted to propose, so did Xie Jing. Xie Jing's expression was somewhat unpleasant, but in the end, he didn't say anything more and took his leave.

"Thank you, young master."

The Grand Secretary of Song sighed softly.

If my wife were to actually propose marriage to a concubine, my family would never be able to hold our heads high again.

Xie Yingchen smiled faintly, then changed the subject and asked, "Chief Minister Song, what do you think of Xie Jing? Is he worthy of being the successor?"

The chief minister never expected him to take the initiative. This sentence startled him, and his breathing became rapid. He couldn't help but scrutinize him.

Xie Yingchen allowed him to look him over without any hesitation, making no attempt to hide his ambition for the throne.

After a moment of silence, the Grand Secretary Song said vaguely, "His Highness the Third Prince is still young."

Xie Yingchen did not intend to end the topic there, and continued: "Does the Grand Secretary believe that Daqi can wait for him to 'grow up'?"

He emphasized the word "growth" and made a "please" gesture, and the two continued forward.

Xie Yingchen spoke in a calm tone, as if he were stating something perfectly natural.

"The Liang people still covet the Central Plains, the Japanese pirates in Minzhou frequently invade, and the remnants of the previous dynasty in Jiangnan incite the Chiyan Sect to promote a saintly woman who spreads heresy. This year has been plagued by disasters again, with the Huai River breaching its banks, Yongzhou suffering a severe drought, and next, Qingzhou will be hit by an earthquake."

The Grand Secretary Song sighed softly.

The Third Prince was indeed increasingly disappointing him. Even if the Third Prince didn't believe in the August earthquake, what in the court wasn't urgent and important? He had never heard the Third Prince ask a single question about it. Up until now, the only thing on the Third Prince's mind was taking a concubine.

Xie Yingchen's pupils were deep, and his deep voice carried an invisible pressure. Every word he spoke was like a heavy hammer striking the Prime Minister's heart, making him feel a little uneasy.

“When a ruler is not properly enthroned, natural disasters occur frequently, and Heaven issues a warning.”

"Illegally granted the throne!" Song, the chief minister, thought to himself: Xie Yingchen is indeed doubting the late emperor's will.

Xie Yingchen said calmly, "The late emperor once called you, Grand Secretary, a pillar of the nation. Six years ago, you advised me to treat the world as the world."

"Now, I would also like to advise the Grand Secretary that one should regard the world as the world."

"Choosing a successor as unsuitable as the current one, Grand Secretary Song, how can you face the late Emperor?"

Pillars of the nation? Did the late emperor really say that?!

"Your Majesty, this old minister...this old minister is unworthy of such an honor..."

The chief minister suppressed a sob, tears streaming down his face.

He quickly lowered his head so that no one could see him.

The current emperor is not naturally gifted, but he is trying his best to keep going, hoping to help him for a few more years. Ideally, he would see a talented, virtuous, and capable successor, so that he can die with a smile on his face.

The Third Prince was not only lacking in natural talent, he also lacked ambition, as if he was just waiting to be named Crown Prince.

The only time he intentionally tried to win me over was because the Duke of Wei asked him to do so.

And Prince Chen...

This wasn't just a subtle attempt to win him over; Gongzi Chen was blatantly telling himself:

Submit!

Xie Yingchen looked back at him, his gentle gaze seemingly able to see through his heart, causing the Prime Minister Song's shoulders to tense up involuntarily.

Suddenly he smiled slightly and said, "Prime Minister, the matter of the matchmaker is something I sincerely request."

The Prime Minister Song relaxed, let out a long breath, and his forehead was covered in beads of sweat.

He used both kindness and severity in his conversation.

Prime Minister Song quickly replied, "Of course. When will the eldest son choose?"

"We haven't chosen an auspicious day yet. I will personally visit the Grand Secretary and his wife in a few days."

He personally visited. The Grand Secretary understood this; he was telling him to think things through.

We should regard the world as the world...

As they spoke, two fast horses galloped out of the Meridian Gate, the strong wind they generated causing their robes to flutter.

The guards on horseback carried the imperial edict and rushed to the western frontier with utmost urgency.

Not only that, the emperor also sent a secret edict via carrier pigeon to the Western Frontier, ordering Jiang Youzheng to take over as the commander-in-chief of the Western Frontier as soon as possible and quell the civil unrest.

As for the imperial edict to Zhaoyang, it was delivered by Li Deshun personally.

As soon as Zhaoyang awoke, she heard that she was to be married to Gong Hai immediately. She threw a tantrum, defying the imperial decree, which reopened her still-healing wounds. Upon hearing this, the emperor, without a moment's hesitation, ordered the Ministry of Rites to disregard the wounds and ensure the auspicious time was not missed. The wedding was arranged swiftly and hastily, with a bridal sedan chair carrying the two of them to the Gong residence. The emperor also provided Zhaoyang with ten guards as part of her dowry, as promised.

Immediately afterwards, the Imperial Guards built another high wall next to the Gong residence.

This series of events left the entire capital speechless. The eldest princess and Gong Hai had ended up in such a lose-lose situation over an actress; it was more dramatic than anything in a play. Some opera troupes even seized the opportunity and sped up rehearsals for new plays.

The storyteller's tales came one after another, and the teahouse was bustling with activity as many people gathered around.

Qiongfang went out to inquire at the Wang family's residence in the capital on behalf of Gu Zhizhuo, asking if there was any message from the young master and when it would arrive. She also inquired about the ice reserves at the residence. On her way back, she witnessed a grand spectacle. After reporting everything back, she cheerfully produced two storybooks.

“Young lady, this is a new product from the market. I queued for a long time to buy it.”

Gu Zhizhuo picked up a book and flipped through a few pages in a flash.

The storybook is about a princess and a general from the previous dynasty, but there is a climax that perfectly recreates the process and words of Zhaoyang and Gonghai arguing in the Xiangxi Tower, without missing a single word.

The person who wrote the storybook must have been in the theater at the time!

Qiongfang said cheerfully, "I also heard that the gambling den made a fortune this time, because neither of them won, and the dealer won everything."

"Many gamblers who had lost everything except their underwear ran to the gate of the Gong residence, shouting and demanding that they pay back their money."

"It's so interesting!"

Gu Zhizhuo gently waved her fan, laughing so hard she almost fell over, her dimples appearing and disappearing on her cheeks.

“Young lady,” Si Shi reported from the corridor, “everything is ready, and the carriage is waiting at the ceremonial gate.”

"Let's go."

Gu Zhizhuo picked up a round fan and went out the door. Qingmei went back into the house and brought out a bundle of cloth. Qiongfang also took the food box from the octagonal table.

Gu Zhizhuo still rode a horse, with all his belongings placed in the carriage.

She felt a strong urge to go, and after leaving the mansion, she made a special detour through Zhuque Street. The street was indeed bustling, with many people sitting in every teahouse. The storyteller's loud voice could be heard clearly even as she passed by.

The story goes that a former imperial princess is in love with a beautiful young actress and wants to break off their engagement and elope, while a former general, unable to win her heart, is willing to castrate himself just to stay by her side.

The beautiful young actress was actually the general's childhood sweetheart, but they didn't recognize each other when they met.

The great general left heartbroken, and the princess was filled with regret.

It was so wonderful that she almost wanted to go in and have a bowl of tea.

With this slight delay, it was nearly noon by the time they arrived at Taiqing Temple.

The summer sun was scorching hot, and Gu Zhizhuo's body was burning hot from riding the horse all the way.

Upon entering Taiqing Temple, we happened to meet the abbot.

The abbot led her to a small courtyard on the back mountain.

"Master."

Gu Zhizhuo happily ran inside. Wuweizi was practicing a set of health-preserving sword techniques in the courtyard. Qingping was covered in sweat, with a wooden sword on the ground. His two small mustaches drooped listlessly, and he looked like he was about to die.

Upon seeing her, Wuweizi smiled and asked, "Can you do it?"

Qingping's slender eyes suddenly lit up, as if she had been granted a pardon: "Junior sister, come here!"

He quickly shoved the wooden sword into her hand, then lay down on the ground with his limbs straight, motionless.

Gu Zhizhuo weighed his sword, twirled it beautifully, and went to meet him.

"You're too impatient."

Wuweizi hooked her sword with the tip of his sword and pressed it down. The movement seemed slow and deliberate, but it was as if he was lifting a heavy weight with ease. Gu Zhizhu deliberately increased the force, but the wooden sword was still easily pried open.

"Don't be like your senior brother, all tense."

"Move with the sword."

Gu Zhizhuo, being obedient, relaxed her strength and followed Wuweizi's sword moves.

Raise the sword, extend it, sheathe it, bend over...

I memorized it completely after just one reading.

Why.

Qingping sat cross-legged on the ground, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and muttered to the abbot sitting on the stone bench, "Is this talent?"

While she herself was half-dead, she was like a fish in water, exchanging swordplay with her master with equal skill.

"This way."

The young Taoist priest helped several servants carry in two large boxes, which contained ice.

There was a small ice cellar in the courtyard, and Qiongfang led them to put it in the ice cellar.

After performing a set of sword moves, Gu Zhizhuo sheathed her sword. She only had a light sweat on her forehead, and she felt refreshed and invigorated, as if her muscles and bones had been loosened up.

"Master, I brought some ice."

Wuweizi stroked his beard, feeling incredibly happy that his little disciple was always thinking of him, but he said seriously, "The things you had sent last time haven't been used up yet."

Fearing that the temple might not have enough ice, Gu Zhizhuo has been sending ice every five days since the beginning of July. He even reminded Qiongfang not to forget before going to the military camp a few days ago.

Her master was getting old, and the summer heat in the capital was intense, so she dared not let her guard down for a moment.

Qiongfang made several trips for her, and even found out where the ice cellar was.

"Ice, ice...I want it." The listless Qingping immediately jumped up, flattering, "Junior Sister, you really are my fellow junior sister, though we share the same master. Master is wise!"

This is his first time spending the summer in the capital, how could it be so hot!

He wished he could sleep in an ice cellar.

Gu Zhizhuo put down the wooden sword and helped Wuweizi sit down on the stone bench under the shade of a tree. Wuweizi drank a cup of warm water and asked, "Have you memorized the incantation technique I taught you?"

"I've memorized it!" Gu Zhizhuo raised his chin, full of confidence. "Master, please test me."

Wuweizi smiled meaningfully: "A devout believer will come in a little while, and you will treat him."

"good!"

"Junior sister," Qingping said sympathetically, "Don't agree so readily. That one is difficult to treat. Even your senior brother is powerless to help."

"Terminal illness?"

Even if it's a terminal illness, it shouldn't be that hard to treat, right?

“Lovesickness.” Qingping sat up cross-legged, twitching his mustache, and said with great incomprehension, “A perfectly respectable young lady from a respectable family falls in love at first sight with a poor scholar she has only met once, insists on marrying no one but him, and is making a fuss about eloping.”

A note from the author: