Man-eating birds 6

"Mo Huan, a guard of the Right Army of the Imperial Guard, has found a miraculous medicine in the martial arts world that can cure the plague. This is a great achievement. He is rewarded with three thousand taels of silver, a mansion, and promoted to deputy commander of the Right Army."

There was a coincidental twist to the story of this epidemic.

After returning to the palace, Xiao Congzhi went to Changning Palace first. He was going to take out the antidote and instruct the imperial physician, but Jiang Xiang beat him to it and spoke with a beaming smile.

"The Empress Dowager is not suffering from an epidemic. Her fever has subsided and she is gradually recovering."

Xiao Congzhi was lying on his side on the couch, recalling the look of disbelief on Jiang Xiang's face when he took out the antidote, while he reached out and played with Xie Mowen's long hair that was hanging down.

"Do you believe the Empress Dowager wasn't infected with the plague?"

Xie Mowen sat upright in front of Xiao Congzhi, with the Demonic Sect's official documents that Yun Shaocheng had stuffed into his arms that morning spread out in his hands. Hearing the question, he casually replied, "What does Your Majesty think?"

"Jiang Yangze must have known about the epidemic long ago. Crown Prince Xuan used the epidemic to force him to give him a land route, and he did not hesitate to use ruthless methods to deal with the epidemic. But I guess Jiang Yangze did not know the reasons behind it."

"Naturally, Gu poison has always been a secret art."

"After the Empress Dowager fell ill, Jiang Yangze lost his advantage. Since he did not know the reason, he would definitely compromise with Crown Prince Xuan to get the medicine as soon as possible."

"You mean... the Jiang family gave up that land route?"

Xiao Congzhi tugged at Xie Mowen's hair, pulling him back to his head, before saying, "Opening up a land route isn't something that can be done in a day or two. Just sending messages to various places would take several days. It's not like Jiang Yangze would break his promise after agreeing to get the medicine first."

"Isn't Prime Minister Jiang afraid of turning against the Xiongnu from now on?"

"Firstly, their interests are already aligned, and as long as their interests align, they can easily reconcile their differences. Secondly, if things don't go wrong here, Jiang Yangze won't need the Xiongnu. However... if Jiang Yangze is capable of doing this, and you and I can anticipate it, why can't Crown Prince Xuan anticipate it?"

“Crown Prince Xuan must have left a backup plan. He has Gu masters who are skilled in Gu techniques by his side. It wouldn’t be difficult for them to tamper with the medicine.”

What tricks they used are still unknown for now. Once the epidemic is over, the emperor's coming-of-age ceremony can be discussed.

Offering sacrifices to Heaven, coming of age, and assuming personal rule—each of these tasks should have been completed before the start of spring. However, without prior agreement, none of the civil and military officials mentioned assuming personal rule, as if Jiang's continued regency was already tacitly accepted.

"Uncle, you can handle it as you see fit," Xiao Congzhi said helplessly.

The ceremony of offering sacrifices to Heaven and the coming-of-age ceremony were matters for the Ministry of Rites. Lin Shuo personally took care of everything, including the clothing, crown, and ornaments. He had to bring everything to the Emperor's attention and only proceed with the arrangements after the Emperor nodded and said "approved."

"Your Majesty, this is a matter of great importance; how can it be taken lightly?"

Xiao Congzhi put down the storybook he had entrusted to Xie Mowenxun and said with a smile, "Imperial Uncle, is it for the ceremony at the end of the month, or are you nervous?"

Lin Shuo put down the imperial robe design, sighed, and said frankly, "I feel empty and hollow inside."

"The Ministry of Works, the Ministry of Revenue, the Ministry of Personnel, and the Left Army of the Imperial Guard are all Jiang Xiang's cronies. The Censorate is a mere formality. The Ministry of War's stance is unclear, and military power has fallen into other hands. The Ministry of Justice is in the hands of Sun Rang, and the Ministry of Rites is in the hands of the Imperial Uncle. Among all the officials and the people, the only one I can rely on is the Right Army of the Imperial Guard."

Lin Shuo felt that these words sounded familiar. After thinking about it carefully, he realized that this was exactly what he had discussed with Sun Rang about the state of the court a month or so ago! He immediately felt guilty and looked at the emperor with unease.

Xiao Congzhi still smiled, "If the court is really managed as you have it, what am I supposed to scheme for?"

"Ahem, yes..."

"But it's not all that good. You're only managing a few people below the emperor's rank, but the entire country of Shengchao has five prefectures, six counties, forty-three districts, three hundred and twelve cities, and hundreds of officials, all headed by Prime Minister Jiang, Jiang Yangze..." Xiao Congzhi took a deep breath, "A veteran of three dynasties, with disciples everywhere, it's not just talk. When I take personal control of the government, I don't mean for these few people in the court to kowtow and submit, but for the whole country to believe in and kneel before me, and for the court to transition smoothly. This can't be rushed."

Lin Shuo was not comforted at all; instead, his anxiety only increased because of what the emperor said. "There's only one month left. Can't we be in a hurry?"

Xiao Congzhi chuckled and laughed for a while before speaking, "Uncle, I was telling you not to worry about me. Now that you've seen the court clearly and are at peace, who will sit on the throne after spring?"

With a "thud," Lin Shuo's knees buckled, and he knelt heavily on the ground, his whole body trembling uncontrollably. He lay prostrate on the ground, forehead pressed to the earth, barely daring to breathe. He had indeed harbored a probing intention. For some time now, he had analyzed and analyzed, but he still couldn't figure out how the emperor intended to assume personal rule. The emperor hadn't revealed a single word to him. As he said, he was very uneasy and wanted to probe. If the emperor were willing to reveal a few words, he would feel at ease. But after the emperor's reminder, he realized just how presumptuous and reckless his probing had been.

How many pieces a ruler holds in his hand is none of his subjects' business.

Xiao Congzhi said earnestly, "I truly don't want to frighten you and Minister Sun so easily, but you..."

As he spoke, Xiao Congzhi stepped down from the throne and personally helped Lin Shuo up by the arm. "Uncle, the previous dynasty was too chaotic, and I have few close relatives left. Don't make things difficult for me."

Lin Shuo felt a stinging sensation in the tip of his nose, and with his head down, he replied, "Yes."

After Lin Shuo left, Xie Mowen came out from the inner room, frowned and stared in the direction Lin Shuo had left, and asked in a deep voice, "Is your royal uncle really trustworthy?"

"It's true that he has no interest in power, but it's also true that we've been too close for so many years, which has blurred the distinction between ruler and subject. He'll learn his lesson and be fine in the future."

Xie Mowen hugged Xiao Congzhi from behind, "Does Your Majesty want me to learn a lesson too?"

Xiao Congzhi sighed and nudged the person behind him with his elbow, saying with a blank expression, "I'd like to teach you a lesson, but are you going to give me the chance?"

Xie Mowen didn't answer, but smiled and kissed Xiao Congzhi's nape, licking it as he spoke, his hot breath hitting the back of his ear, "Are you planning something tonight?"

Tonight, a banquet will be held in the palace to entertain Mo Huan, the newly appointed deputy commander of the Right Army of the Imperial Guards, to show the emperor's gratitude to Mo Huan for relieving the plague.

"Hmm, you noticed?"

“After you went to bed last night, you got up and went to see Shen Zhuo in the outer room.”

Xiao Congzhi touched Xie Mowen's hand and replied, "Weren't you asleep?"

"If I don't wake up when you make a sound, how can I dare to sleep beside you to protect your safety?"

"That was just your excuse; you just wanted to hold me."

Xie Mowen smiled and nuzzled against Xiao Congzhi's neck.

"I had Shen Zhuo send a secret letter to Zhang Hesheng and Qi Ming, asking them to find an opportunity tonight to bring up the matter of assuming personal rule. Prime Minister Jiang will surely have a way to handle this, but I want to take this opportunity to get the tiger tally from Qi Ming."

"How...how could he agree to this?"

"It's not the Zhenxi Army, it's the other three armies."

In addition to the Zhenxi Army, which guarded the northwest border and resisted the invasion of the Xiongnu, the Sheng Dynasty also had the Southern Region Army, the Northern Defense Army, and the Eastern Border Army, all of which were small in size, around 10,000 men, and were stationed on the border to defend against the rebellions of the vassal states of Khitan, Xia, and Jin.

Qi Ming not only held the tiger tally of the Zhenxi Army, but also the tally of the other three armies.

The separation of military and imperial power in the prosperous dynasty was due to the fact that the tiger tally was clearly defined as the sole credential for commanding the army at the founding of the dynasty. The Qi family had held the tiger tally of the four armies since the founding of the dynasty and had never made a mistake in a hundred years. Successive emperors wanted to consolidate military power, but they also valued the Qi family's loyalty to the emperor and could not bear to see them suffer the fate of being discarded after their usefulness was over, so they had been planning to gradually consolidate their power.

Nighttime, dinner.

Xie Mowen was the main character at the banquet. Although his identity was rumored to be all over the place among the officials, some said he was a friend the emperor had found in the martial arts world, some said he was a male prostitute the emperor had redeemed from a brothel, and some said he was a male favorite the emperor had placed in the Imperial Guard... But on the surface, everyone congratulated Xie Mowen politely.

"Congratulations! You've reached the third rank in the official hierarchy."

"It's like the bitter times are finally over, and things will get better from here on out."

…

Xie Mowen accepted the gifts with a polite smile. When the banquet was about to begin, he took his seat, directly opposite Jiang. The seats at the banquet were arranged from top to bottom according to rank, but because this was a banquet to express the emperor's gratitude to him, he was placed in a position almost equal to that of the prime minister.

Having met a group of high-ranking officials and been seated at the head of the list, Xie Mowen truly grasped the immense power of Prime Minister Jiang, second only to the emperor—no, above all others. He had only heard Xiao Congzhi talk about it and followed his analysis before, but now he felt it for real and genuinely wanted to slit Jiang Yangze's throat.

Regardless of the myriad thoughts swirling in Xie Mowen's mind, once the hour of You (5-7 PM) had passed, the king took his seat, and the banquet officially began. The music never stopped, the singing and dancing never ceased, the wine cups were clinked, and laughter filled the air.

Xiao Congzhi sat upright on his throne, his eyes lowered as he watched the ministers below chatter and laugh with little interest. Every now and then, he would glance at Xie Mowen, and the two would exchange a knowing look before looking away. Such a banquet held no pleasure for him.

The Minister of War, Zhang Hesheng, had been absent-minded since he arrived. He was nervous, afraid that he might not say the right thing, that his expression might reveal his weakness, or that he might miss the opportunity the emperor had been planning. But thankfully, he was not worried at all, because his position would be clear after tonight.

Qi Ming was much calmer. The secret letter had an order, and he only needed to take the opportunity to agree with the Minister of War.

Halfway through the banquet, Zhang Hesheng clenched his fist and was about to get up when the emperor spoke.

"No need."

Zhang Hesheng hadn't noticed what was happening on the throne and was momentarily puzzled as to what his sovereign meant by that cold remark.

As soon as the emperor finished speaking, the empress dowager, who was sitting beside the throne, spoke up, her words stern, "Then what does the emperor wish for?"

After these words, the entire hall fell silent. The music and dance abruptly stopped, and the ministers dared not speak again, glancing fearfully at the throne.

Completely bewildered, Zhang He lowered his voice and asked his subordinates what had just happened.

The young Vice Minister of War said in a trembling voice, “The dance just now was performed by Consort Zhao of Changchun Palace. His Majesty did not recognize her, so the Empress Dowager got angry and asked His Majesty if he was dissatisfied with the people serving him in the palace. His Majesty said no, so the Empress Dowager suggested that His Majesty go to Changchun Palace after the banquet. His Majesty then turned cold and replied that it was not necessary.”

Zhang Hesheng was stunned; this was such an unexpected turn of events.

The emperor replied with an even colder statement: "I am still young and not interested in beautiful women."

The Empress Dowager stood up and, in front of all the civil and military officials, pointed in Xie Mowen's direction and sternly rebuked him, "If the Emperor doesn't indulge in beautiful women, then what's wrong with this Xie? He stays in your Zichen Palace every night, seeking pleasure with you at night and indulging in debauchery during the day. Because of him, the Emperor has neglected state affairs and neglected the harem. Now he has even forgotten what his concubines look like."

After the Empress Dowager finished speaking, the assembled officials gasped, and even Prime Minister Jiang frowned as he glanced at his daughter. Although they knew that Empress Dowager Jiang's regency was cold and hard, it was unheard of for her to reprimand the emperor in front of all the officials, let alone to disregard the proper etiquette and manners in her words.

Xiao Congzhi also looked shocked, and after a long while, he uttered, "Has Mother gone mad with greed?"

Upon hearing this question, many officials stood up, stepped forward, and knelt below the steps.

Zhang Hesheng also stood up. He was unsure whether this was part of the emperor's plan, and hesitated for a moment whether to step forward. Suddenly, a hand reached out from his side and pulled him back sharply. He turned around in surprise and doubt, only to find Shen Zhuo standing behind him. His mind became even more confused.

This interruption caused Zhang Hesheng to miss his chance to leave. The Empress Dowager spoke again, "Isn't this all for the Emperor's sake? He'll be over twenty next year, and he's still indulging in male beauty and pleasure. What kind of behavior is this?!"

Xiao Congzhi slowly stood up, leaning on the table. Looking closely, his eyes were bloodshot. He spoke slowly and deliberately to the Empress Dowager, "Mother...you reprimanded your son for indulging in pleasure and neglecting state affairs. May I ask..." Xiao Congzhi's lips trembled, and he waved his hand at the assembled officials, "Among all these civil and military officials, where is my court?"

Prime Minister Jiang hurriedly stood up, clasped his hands and knelt down, shouting loudly, "Your Majesty, please calm your anger."

Xiao Congzhi waved his hand and pressed his forehead. "Never mind, I had no intention of doing this anyway. Prime Minister, I see that the Empress Dowager has not recovered from her illness."

Prime Minister Jiang hurriedly replied, "Yes, yes, I will have the imperial physician examine him tomorrow, no, tonight."

Xiao Congzhi gave a weary smile. "I'm sorry to have made you all laugh. Let's disperse."

But the Empress Dowager did not stop there. Just as the officials were about to leave, she sat down on the ground, tears streaming down her face, and complained, "Your Majesty, I have no selfish desires. I have been hoping for Your Majesty to rule personally every day, but how can you, with your debauchery and neglect of state affairs, inherit the country!"

"Chief Steward Ge, the Empress Dowager is ill. Quickly help her down." Prime Minister Jiang hurriedly stood up and anxiously called out to people.

Only after the eunuchs and palace maids had practically dragged the Empress Dowager away did Prime Minister Jiang dare to glance at Xiao Congzhi's expression.

Tired and disappointed.

The emperor addressed the assembled officials, who stood frozen in shock, and uttered a few words he hadn't finished: "I am of mediocre talent and have failed my people, yet..." He stopped speaking, slowly shook his head, sighed, and turned to leave.

Back at the Zichen Palace, it became quite lively.

The first to climb in through the window was Shen Zhuo. He said succinctly, "At the banquet, I was afraid that Lord Zhang wouldn't see clearly, so I helped him up."

"It's alright, let him guess." Xiao Congzhi, exhausted from acting, poured himself a cup of hot tea.

"Your Majesty, I am puzzled. What do you mean by this?"

Xiao Congzhi sneered, "Gu poison."

"Witchcraft!" Shen Zhuo exclaimed in horror.

"Hmm... You should know that the Jiang family cooperated with the Xiongnu, and Crown Prince Xuan is most skilled at this."

After a moment's thought, Shen Zhuo realized that his lord must know the situation, so he was relieved and prepared to leave to check on the Empress Dowager. However, a sound came from the window, and Shen Zhuo drew his sword and stood in front of his lord to protect him.

Xiao Congzhi: ...

The one who climbed in through the window was Xie Mowen. As soon as he entered, he was met with the snow-white blade. He was stunned for a moment, then slowly raised his hands. "It's me."

"Climbing through a window in the dead of night is a capital offense!" Shen Zhuo shouted righteously.

Xiao Congzhi: ...

"Chen Zhuo, you may leave now."

With the master speaking, Shen Zhuo had no choice but to leave reluctantly, but before leaving, he still glared at Xie Mowen with a stubborn look.

What's wrong with him?

“He despises you for not showing respect to me.”

Xie Mowen: ...

Xie Mowen picked up Xiao Congzhi in a flattering manner and said, "Is tonight's incident a backup plan left by Crown Prince Xuan?"

Xiao Congzhi leaned forward and pecked Xie Mowen's lips before replying, "Of course, the Empress Dowager usually values ​​the hierarchy and etiquette in front of officials and has never spoken like that before."

"So you're going to play along?" Xie Mowen pressed his ear against Xiao Congzhi's cheek.

Xiao Congzhi turned his head and kissed Xie Mowen's ear. "This is much better than Zhang Hesheng stepping forward to say a few words."

Xie Mowen felt a tickle and moved a little distance away, asking seriously, "But what about the tiger tally?"

“Tonight is not the right time, but I think… Crown Prince Xuan’s backup plan is too obvious. Jiang Yangze must be able to see it. It’s as if Crown Prince Xuan has angered Jiang Yangze. He still has his eyes on that land route.”

"Then Crown Prince Xuan must have a backup plan. After striking with a stick, it would be best to give him a piece of candy."

"Hmm, I want to see what this candy is."

"But I don't understand the meaning of this move. What else can the Empress Dowager do besides displeasing Prime Minister Jiang by acting crazy in front of the court?"

"Have you forgotten the purpose of that dream-making gu? It's the same principle. The Empress Dowager's words were meant to provoke my desires, and she did it right in front of Jiang Yangze. I hadn't even finished speaking just now. How long do you think it will take those people to figure it out?"

Xie Mowen pondered for a moment, “The matter of taking over the reins of government is most important this year, but it’s not like everything will be foolproof after this year. If you are willing to do so, it will always be a risk for them.”

"Indeed. Let's leave it at that for tonight. Carry me to the bed."

Xie Mowen walked towards the bed, but unfortunately, he was halfway there when a sound came from outside the Zichen Palace.

A moment later, Ge Yunli announced from outside the screen, "Your Majesty, Minister Tao of the Ministry of Works and Minister Feng of the Ministry of Revenue request an audience."

Xiao Congzhi frowned as he got off Xie Mowen and replied, "I'm tired and want to sleep."

Xie Mowen pulled Xiao Congzhi's hand and wrote words on his palm, "Why did you come over?"

Whether it's Ge Yun, Tao Ran, or Feng Jue, they should all be with Jiang Yangze at Changning Palace.

"Sent by Prime Minister Jiang to sound me out."

Xie Mowen's expression immediately turned sour.

Ge Yun's tone was firm, "Your Majesty, it must be something important."

Xie Mowen reached for the knife at his waist. If Xiao Congzhi gave the order, he could immediately behead Ge Yun.

Xiao Congzhi saw this and chuckled as he patted Xie Mowen's hand on the knife, silently saying, "Don't rush."

After speaking, Xiao Congzhi walked slowly over, went around the screen, and heard the sound of a fan blowing, followed by Ge Yun's panicked and begging voice as he knelt down.

Xiao Congzhi seemed to say nothing, leaving Ge Yun on the ground feeling lingering fear. He then walked towards the front hall, his voice soft, calm, devoid of joy or sorrow, and without much coldness.

"My two ministers, I am tired. We can discuss this matter at the morning court tomorrow."

"Your Majesty, you have come here for the banquet, the Empress Dowager..." This was Feng Jue's voice.

“I said…” Xiao Congzhi interrupted calmly, “I’m tired.”

After saying that, he turned and left, leaving Tao Ran and Feng Jue looking at each other in bewilderment.

After the uninvited guests had gone some distance, Xie Mo asked, "Won't being so direct arouse suspicion?"

Xiao Congzhi gestured for Xie Mowen to help him take off his outer robe, and replied, "It would be strange if I wasn't angry after such an unpleasant scene at the banquet."

Xie Mowen nodded, hugged Xiao Congzhi's waist and pushed him onto the bed. After Xiao Congzhi rolled into the quilt, Xie Mowen also took off his clothes and lay down.

Xiao Congzhi rolled over and into Xie Mowen's arms, pulling the other's hand and hugging himself, and said with a smile, "Actually, my actions were indeed inappropriate. Zichen Palace does not allow foreign officials to stay or discuss state affairs. It is the emperor's bedroom, but I was here whispering sweet nothings to you."

Xie Mowen stroked Xiao Congzhi's hair that fell to the side of his neck and replied in a low voice, "Then when you make me your empress, we will stay in my palace every night, and that will be proper."

Xiao Congzhi buried his face in Xie Mowen's chest and chuckled.

The night is still long; it's peaceful on one side, but noisy on the other. Some people are sound asleep, while others can't sleep at all.