Running into the tiger's mouth
The clamor in the Taiji Hall was like a heavy lead block, suffocating every corner of the palace.
The prince walked quickly towards the emperor's bedroom. The strong smell of medicine hit him in the face, like an invisible net, covering his almost suffocating chest.
At this moment, he urgently needed his father's guidance and support as he had in the past.
He dismissed his attendants, leaving only Fu'an standing in the corner.
On the dragon bed, the injured leg wrapped in layers of wrappings was still shocking.
The prince took the medicine bowl from Fu'an's hand, knelt beside the couch, gently scooped up a spoonful of warm medicine, and brought it to his father's lips.
"Father, take the medicine." The voice was barely noticeable hoarseness.
The emperor slowly opened his eyes, his gaze lingering for a moment on his son's forcedly calm face before he obediently swallowed the bitter medicine. Spoonful after spoonful, the only sounds in the chamber were the subtle clink of the porcelain spoon against the bowl's rim and the emperor's occasional suppressed cough.
When the medicine bowl was empty, the prince put it down, took the warm cloth handed to him by Fu'an, and wiped the medicine stains on his father's lips.
His Adam's apple rolled several times before he finally spoke, his voice low and difficult: "Father, there is a report from Mingzhou."
The emperor's eyes were calm and he just moved his fingers slightly, indicating him to continue.
The prince recounted the fierce impeachments of the ministers in the court one by one, including Li Jing's indignation, Zhao Wenbo's principles of morality and law, Qian Qian's tax basis, and Prince Yong's heartbreaking words, "Where is the prince's dignity?"
His tense voice revealed the pressure he was under.
He was scared.
"I believe," the prince took a deep breath, meeting his father's scrutinizing gaze, "that Mingzhu's actions, while initially intended to provide for the people and eliminate harm, were overly cruel. His arbitrary killing of an official has destabilized the local area, causing widespread alarm within the court and the nation. If nothing is done, we risk losing the support of the gentry and undermining the authority of the court's laws."
He paused, choosing his words carefully, and said, "Why not summon Mingzhu back to the capital first? First, we can temporarily remove him from the troubled times and calm public opinion. Second, we can have the three judicial departments and the clan affairs office conduct a thorough investigation. If Liu Mian and Chen Wanshan are indeed guilty of heinous crimes, we must make it known to the world, restore justice to Mingzhu, and demonstrate the fairness of the court. Once the storm subsides, we can then decide on Mingzhu's reward or punishment."
After saying the last sentence, the prince lowered his eyes, not daring to look at his father again. This was the win-win solution he had been thinking hard about.
The bedroom fell into a long silence.
The emperor's gaze shifted from the prince's face to the intricate caisson on the ceiling of the hall, as if he had penetrated the thick palace walls and seen the faces in the court that were either greedy, fearful, or ambitious.
The prince had a very smooth journey.
The emperor sighed silently. The Empress's legitimate son, crown prince from birth, doted on, surrounded by renowned teachers and scholars, had only been taught to be kind and virtuous.
This kindness was a blessing in a peaceful and prosperous era, but in this court surrounded by fierce enemies, it became a silk thread that bound his hands and feet. The ministers were furious, and he didn't think about how to control them, but how to calm them down...
How can we inherit this vast empire if we are led by them?
A heavy feeling of fatigue weighed on my heart.
Didn't he know Mingzhu was right? How many people could be saved by killing Liu Mian? How many treacherous villains could be deterred? But at this moment, he was bedridden, and the Crown Prince's position was unstable. If he forcibly suppressed the court's discussion, it would intensify the conflict and could lead to a sudden change...
A violent cough came without warning, the emperor curled up and his face turned red instantly.
Fuan hurried forward and patted his back.
The prince was also panicked: "Father!"
After a long time, the cough subsided.
The emperor curled his fingers on the quilt, and finally loosened them weakly.
Yan Qing, the first lesson you must learn is that the throne is always stained with blood. Power isn't given by others, it's earned. Unfortunately, I don't have time to teach you. From now on, you'll have to slowly learn on your own.
Finally, the emperor leaned back on the soft pillow, closed his eyes, waved his hand, and said in a hoarse voice: "You are the prince, you can do whatever you want..."
These words were light and airy, but they hit the prince's heart like a heavy hammer.
No praise, no scolding, just letting go.
He looked at his father's profile, and an indescribable bitterness welled up in his heart.
He wanted to be an emperor and had always longed to step into that position. But when he actually touched power, he felt something was wrong.
He couldn't guess.
Mingzhu, Mingzhu, why can't you be more content? You are a princess in the capital, but you insist on stirring up that hornet's nest, causing a huge disaster, and leaving me to clean up the mess for you.
Father, since you've appointed me as Crown Prince and Regent, why do you allow Ning Yanli, that wicked and ambitious fellow, to assist you? Do you intend to change the Crown Prince?
Prince Yong, what a Prince Yong! He's colluding with his ministers, pressing the issue step by step. How could I not see the smugness beneath that hypocritical face? You're fanning the flames today, but when I ascend to the throne tomorrow, I'll definitely...
A bitter taste mixed with resentment rose in my throat.
This was the first time he truly made a decision on his own - not the joy of being the king, but the decision to push his sister into the cage with his own hands.
My father will definitely be disappointed.
So this is what being the crown prince feels like?
"Your son... obeys your order." The prince kowtowed deeply, his forehead touching the cold gold brick.
He left the bedroom and walked towards the imperial study with heavy steps. Prime Minister Wang had been waiting for a long time as summoned. Not much emotion could be seen on the wrinkled face of this old minister.
The prince told the emperor everything he had said, feeling heavy-hearted.
Prime Minister Wang's graying eyebrows twitched slightly. After a moment's hesitation, he slowly said, "Your Highness's plan is the safest one at the moment. Summoning the princess back to the capital is imperative, but having her in the clan court for trial is too harsh. I fear it will hurt Your Majesty's kindness and damage the relationship between Your Highness and your sister."
He raised his eyes, his gaze deep, "This old minister dares to make a suggestion. Why not ask for an imperial decree ordering the princess to reflect on her mistakes in her residence after returning to the capital, and not to leave without permission. This would preserve the dignity of the court, appease the officials, and also leave room for subsequent adjustments. As for Liu Mian's crime..."
He paused, "Investigate, of course we must, but Your Highness must know how and to what extent."
A glint flashed in the Crown Prince's eyes, and he nodded immediately: "The Prime Minister is experienced in planning state affairs, so I will follow this proposal. Please ask the Prime Minister to draft an edict immediately."
"I obey your command." Prime Minister Wang bowed.
*
The official road is thousands of miles long and dusty.
Ning Lingyi's carriage galloped in the cold wind of early winter.
Inside the carriage, she sat upright like a pine tree, her eyes fixed on a roll of cloth spread out on her knees. It was the Book of All Nations that a group of people, young and old, had knelt on the roadside before leaving the city and asked Pan Hao to deliver.
On the rough linen, the words "Your Highness, Stay Forever" and "Living Bodhisattva" were scribbled crookedly. Some of the words were smudged by tears, blurring into a dark red mark.
This was the least valuable gift she had ever received, yet also the most precious gift.
So this is what it feels like to save someone. They thank you sincerely. They don’t have anything to give you, but you know, they are willing to give you anything.
Ning Lingyi felt a sore nose.
Shen Qingyan had just recovered from a serious injury and was forced by her to stay in Mingzhou to stabilize the situation; Su Qingfan had just taken on the heavy responsibility of the canal transportation and was leading the old friends on the Shunfeng to dredge the silted river...
Every decision she makes affects the lives and property of her followers.
She has no regrets about killing Liu Mian without authorization.
But the turbulent waves in the court must not affect others.
The carriage shook violently and slowly stopped.
"Your Highness, we have arrived at the post station. Let's change horses." Pan Hao's voice came.
Ning Lingyi put away the Book of All People and lifted the curtain of the carriage.
The cold wind, swirling with dust, bleakly carried the dry chill of early winter in the north. This humble post station formed a stark contrast to Mingzhou, where even the chill wind carried the warmth of human voices.
This is no longer Mingzhou.
She stood on the shaft of the cart, her eyes sweeping across the dilapidated scene. This was not the battlefield where she had fought hard, but the first step towards the invisible high wall.
The cold wind blew in dust, and she squinted her eyes slightly.
In the courtyard of the post station, besides the busy postmen, a group of men dressed in the uniforms of palace eunuchs stood solemnly. Leading them was a pale, beardless, slightly plump figure with a respectful smile on his face. He was none other than Gao Dehai, the trusted eunuch of Concubine Yu's palace.
Pan Hao's face darkened instantly.
The appearance of a eunuch delivering imperial decrees at this moment may not necessarily be a good thing.
Gao Dehai, however, seemed oblivious to Pan Hao's hostility. He quickly stepped forward and bowed deeply to Ning Lingyi, who had just gotten out of the car. "Your servant, Gao Dehai, greets Her Royal Highness Princess Mingzhu. May Your Highness be well."
"Eunuch Gao?" Ning Lingyi's heart trembled, but her expression remained calm. "Why are you here when you're not in the palace serving Mother?"
Gao Dehai stood up, a smile still on his face, and respectfully took out a bright yellow scroll from his wide sleeves. "In compliance with His Majesty's oral instructions, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has issued an order: Princess Mingzhu Ning Lingyi must return to the capital immediately without delay. Upon returning to the capital, she must reflect on her mistakes in Xuehan Palace and must not leave without permission. I decree this."
"Reflect on your mistakes? Close the door and refuse visitors?" Pan Hao was furious and stepped in front of Ning Lingyi. "Your Highness executed corrupt officials in Mingzhou, opened the granaries to provide relief, and distributed land to the people. What wrong did you do? You..."
"Pan Hao!" Ning Lingyi's cold voice rang out, interrupting his angry scolding.
She looked at the bright yellow scroll in Gao Dehai's hand that symbolized imperial power. Gao Dehai was her mother's confidant. What did it mean that he came in person to convey the imperial edict?
This meant that behind this decree was the tacit approval of the Concubine Mother. The Concubine Mother must have known about the turbulent situation in the court and was afraid that she would be too impulsive, that she would refuse to bow her head, and that she would be shattered to pieces.
"Your Highness..." Pan Hao looked at her anxiously, his eyes full of unwillingness.
Ning Lingyi's gaze swept across Pan Hao's furious face, and the palace guards who had protected her along the way. Images of Shen Qingyan coughing up blood, hunched over his desk, Su Qingfan's silhouette commanding calmly from the bow, and the tear marks on the Wanmin Book intertwined in her mind.
If she disobeyed the order, she would be giving others an advantage. Not only would she be in danger, but she would also drag all those who followed her into an abyss of no return.
She straightened her back, and slowly knelt before Gao Dehai and the bright yellow scroll of decree: "Your humble sister, Ning Lingyi, accepts your decree and expresses gratitude."
Gao Dehai was visibly relieved, his smile growing more genuine as he hurried forward to support her: "Your Highness, please get up quickly. The Imperial Concubine has been worried day and night, and has lost her appetite. She is just hoping for Your Highness's safe return to the capital!"
Ning Lingyi stood up. She understood that Gao Dehai's coming was her mother's intention, but she was in a state of confusion and could not face this situation calmly.
She turned and walked towards the carriage, and the curtain fell, blocking Pan Hao's anxious gaze.
"Let's set off and return to Beijing." Her voice came from the carriage.
The wheels rolled again, crushing the frozen soil, stirring up dust, and rushing towards the magnificent golden cage.
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