Chapter 102 It's not that easy to control yourself.
Before leaving the palace, the emperor said to Lu Jinlan during their first audience, "Since you want to manage education, go and take up a post in the Ministry of Rites. The position of Left Minister of Rites is vacant; you will fill it."
The Ministry of Rites was in charge of rites, sacrifices, celebrations, and so on. It might sound like a sinecure, but the Ministry of Rites also managed education, imperial examinations, and all diplomatic affairs.
Lu Jinlan had long disapproved of many things while she was at the academy and wanted to clean up the malpractices in the education sector. Sending her to the Ministry of Rites was exactly what she wanted.
Of course, she also had a selfish motive. Thinking that she would be in charge of foreign affairs in the future, she might be able to find a way to invite Chi Li to Hua Kingdom.
Lu Jinlan agreed on the spot. Suddenly, the emperor stepped down from the dragon throne, squeezed her arm, and patted her shoulder.
Zhao Mincheng's warm hand rested on her shoulder. Lu Jinlan was a little stunned. What was going on?
The emperor was very close, almost touching her forehead to hers.
Zhao Mincheng was tall and stood on the stage. At this moment, she bent over and lowered her voice, gently giving instructions like a loving mother.
"Seventeen is a good age, you're still growing. You must pay attention to your diet, no matter what happens, you must eat well. I've heard you're quite fond of beautiful women, you should know that moderation is the way to maintain your health."
Even the emperor cares about this? Lu Jinlan blushed slightly, raised her eyes slightly, and nodded blankly.
The emperor then asked with a smile, "You know that it's lonely at the top, so why do you still strive for higher positions?"
Lu Jinlan chuckled, "Your Majesty, you're just teasing me. I'm not stupid. Everyone knows that people strive for higher positions. Although it's lonely at the top, you can also have a panoramic view of the world."
"Being at a high place has its advantages and disadvantages, but the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages. As the saying goes, you have to give to receive. You can't have your cake and eat it too. Since you're already at a high place, it's okay to be a little cold. Just wear more clothes."
“I used to think that I wasn’t someone who liked to fight for power and profit, and I was too lazy to get involved. Now that I think about it, that’s because I had never had power back then, and I was afraid that even if I worked hard, I would still gain nothing, so I simply told myself to give up.”
"When I had power in my hands and experienced the taste of power, I naturally gave up laziness and only wanted to hold onto power firmly. I felt it was worth the hard work to do so."
"Your Majesty does not know how you view the struggles in the court, but I am quite optimistic."
Zhao Mincheng smiled, listening with great interest, and asked with a smile, "Where's the optimism?"
Lu Jinlan smiled and said, "Many people hope that the court will be harmonious, with ministers pooling their wisdom and efforts without fighting or vying for power. But I think that such an expectation is too idealistic and almost impossible."
"Even a small group of a few dozen people cannot avoid fighting. Even the laborers carrying heavy loads on the docks will fight and snatch each other over the smallest gains."
"The imperial court is where the most concentrated power in a country is located. The most tempting power in the world circulates among the court officials. To expect everyone to remain unmoved, without greed or selfishness, is simply against human nature. We are not monks or nuns practicing Buddhism or Taoism in temples, how can we be completely without desires?"
"Besides, even those who cultivate Buddhism or Taoism only say nice things; behind the scenes, they might have many dirty deeds driven by their own selfish desires."
Zhao Mincheng laughed out loud, "You're so young, and you're already interested in Buddhism and Taoism?"
Lu Jinlan glanced at her and thought to himself: If you had the internet, those shocking news stories would have been pushed to you long ago.
She swallowed and steered the conversation back on track.
"I am making this deduction based on common sense. In short, everyone is human. They are ordinary people, not saints. The officials are human, and I will not hold them to the standards of saints. They are able to enter the court and serve as officials, so they must have some ability. I am not disappointed by their power struggles."
"Power is the most tempting thing in the world, shouldn't everyone be fighting for it?"
Zhao Mincheng nodded, and Lu Jinlan said, "The real issue is not the struggle for power, but whether the means of vying for power are appropriate, whether the ability matches the power in hand, and whether the power obtained can bring benefits to the people."
"My optimism stems from the fact that Marquis Dingbei has already been brought to justice. The fact that there is infighting in the court shows that no single force has yet been able to create a one-sided situation. The presence of infighting means there is an opportunity, and everything is not yet settled."
"I dare not guarantee how upright my methods in the struggle for power will be, but I will certainly not harm anyone. If I can obtain even a fraction of the power, I will exert five-tenths of my strength and will never fail the opportunity Your Majesty has given me."
"I dare not say that I will definitely become a famous official who will be remembered for generations, but at least I can be a good official who will stand up for the people. In any case, I am sure I will do better than most people."
"To put it another way..."
Lu Jinlan suddenly stopped talking. Zhao Mincheng raised an eyebrow and pressed, "What if we take another step back?"
Lu Jinlan thought for a moment, "Even if I were to lose this game of power, power would still ultimately be in the hands of women. The fact that power circulates among women is something I should be optimistic about and grateful for."
Zhao Mincheng walked in front of her with his hands behind his back and a smile on his face.
"I don't quite understand what you mean. If power isn't in a woman's hands, then who is? Is there something men have to do with this?"
Lu Jinlan smiled knowingly and cupped his hands, saying, "What makes me most optimistic is that there are no men involved. As long as power is in the hands of women, our lives won't be too miserable. Otherwise... it's hard to say. Anyway, it's always better to have power than to lose it."
Zhao Mincheng was puzzled, but still affirmed, "It's good that young people have ideas. I don't quite understand your strange and unusual ideas. But I really like your attitude towards things. You understand human nature, know how to make choices, and are confident and optimistic. You think more clearly than I did when I was young, and you've experienced much less pain and struggle..."
She sighed as she said this, "Jinlan, you must do your job well. Remember, you have a bright future, and anything is possible."
Lu Jinlan respectfully said, "Your Majesty, I thank you for your guidance. I have taken up so much of your time, and I must take my leave now."
Zhao Mincheng nodded, and Lu Jinlan took a few steps back, turned around, and stepped out of the palace gate.
"Jinlan!" the emperor suddenly called out to her.
Lu Jinlan was taken aback and turned around to see the emperor standing alone in the hall. She wore a solemn crown and a magnificent dragon robe, and even her shadow seemed so long.
But for some reason, looking at her face, which looked much older than her actual age, Lu Jinlan suddenly felt that she was somewhat lonely.
Zhao Mincheng did not summon her over, but raised his voice and asked her, "Based on what you just said, what do you think of me?"
Lu Jinlan asked, puzzled, "Your Majesty, what do you mean...?"
Zhao Mincheng asked, "Do you think my methods of vying for power were appropriate? Am I worthy of the power I hold? Have I worked for the benefit of the people?"
Lu Jinlan's heart tightened. She had been so engrossed in discussing the power struggle that she had forgotten to consider the emperor's feelings.
Does she think I'm subtly criticizing her?
Lu Jinlan picked at the raised patterns on the palace gate with his fingers and hurriedly said, "What I just said only applies to court officials. You are the emperor, so it is a different story."
Zhao Mincheng nodded slightly, "Then go back and think it over carefully. I want to hear your theories on being an emperor. Once you've thought it through, remember to come see me."
"What a difficult question!" Lu Jinlan frowned as she left the palace. On her way home, she pondered how to write this treatise on emperors.
I definitely can't not praise her, but I don't want to be insincere in praising her. Telling the truth is out of the question. Or maybe I should play dumb?
Yes, that's right. Next time you ask me, I'll say I've racked my brains, but as a subject, I can't imagine how many things the emperor has to worry about, so I really can't judge.
It must be very difficult, something I, a young official who has just entered the court, cannot even imagine.
Yes, just say it half-truthfully and get away with it.
Once she understood, her worries vanished.
When I got home, there was a great commotion with gongs, drums, and firecrackers. People of all ages gathered around to offer their congratulations.
Lu Jinlan was ushered into the house. She looked at the children, took out some of the things she had brought back and stolen, and distributed them to the family.
The whole family was overjoyed. Lu Jinchao took a moment to quietly pull her aside and asked, "What did the Emperor say during your audience today?"
Lu Jinlan said, "The Emperor has assigned me the post of Left Minister of the Ministry of Rites."
Lu Jinzhao asked again, "What else did you say?"
"And he also said..." Lu Jinlan thought for a moment. Lu Jinzhao would definitely not tell her about her background. She could only wait for herself to find out later.
She didn't say much, only that, "When asked about my birth date, I answered truthfully, and the Emperor didn't ask any more questions."
Lu Jinzhao breathed a sigh of relief. "That's good. Serving the emperor is like serving a tiger; you must be careful in front of him."
In fact, Lu Jinlan felt that the Emperor treated her well; he was kind and gentle, and even told her to be restrained. His care for her was truly meticulous.
But with so many men around her, how could she possibly control herself?
Every night, the men eagerly awaited her arrival at her next room.
On their first night back home, Lin Cheng and Xiao Heng started fighting over it.
If it weren't for Xiao Heng, Lu Jinlan would naturally go to Lin Cheng's residence. After all, he is the legal husband, and Lu Jinlan is willing to give him face.
But Xiao Heng, on his first night in the manor, insisted that he wasn't used to living there and wanted her to stay with him.
Lin Cheng is the principal husband, and he is the secondary husband. If Lu Jinlan accompanies Lin Cheng, he will definitely feel wronged. But if she accompanies Xiao Heng, everyone in the mansion will see that with Xiao Heng around, Song Heng is being neglected.
Lu Jinlan simply skipped over the two of them and went straight to Qilang.
Qilang was weak after giving birth to triplets, and Lu Jinlan was always worried about her.
After a tender moment, Lu Jinlan remembered, "Thirteen's wife, Kong Luan, also came back to the capital with me to receive her reward this time. Thirteen is pregnant and it's inconvenient for her to come along. In a few days, I'll host a banquet for these subordinates at my home, and you can go and see her there too."
“She has a forthright personality and is very loyal to me. But with so many people, it wouldn’t be right for me to reward her alone. In the name of your gift to Thirteen, prepare a thousand taels of silver for her, along with some gifts, so she can take them with her when she leaves.”
Qi Lang hurriedly said, "I've got it. You should go to sleep now, you have to go to court tomorrow morning."
*
For Lu Jinlan in the beginning, attending the morning court session was a nightmare. It was just too early, and for someone who hated getting up early, it was pure torture.
The morning court session began at five in the morning, so she had to get up at three. When the sedan chair arrived at the city gate, the gate wasn't open yet.
Coincidentally, Luo Dali was on duty at the time, and asked with a smile, "Lord Lu, are you going to court?"
Lu Jinlan waved her hand helplessly, "Don't mention it, I'm moving back to the city tomorrow."
Zhongyong Garden is located outside the city. Although it is luxurious and spacious, it is far away, and she needs to find a way to save herself commuting time.
The sedan chair swayed to the palace gates, where the generals brought back from the border were already waiting excitedly. They couldn't go directly to court; they had to wait outside for imperial decrees. Upon seeing Lu Jinlan, they all greeted her warmly.
Lu Jinlan squinted and responded a few words. Standing on the Golden Palace, she looked back and saw that it was still dark.
My God! What kind of incredible arrangement is this?
Lu Jinlan hid behind Xiang Ruzhen and said, "I'm going to take a nap. Call me if you need anything."
Everyone was standing, and there wasn't a seat available, but Lu Jinlan was convinced that given how tired she was, she could take a nap while standing.
However, this was a court session, not a class, and Zhao Zhiyu pulled her by the arm and dragged her to the front.
When Lu Jinlan saw that she was standing next to Prime Minister Yan Weijin and Imperial Censor Jin Yunning, she immediately felt a chill.
He hurriedly asked Zhao Zhiyu, "What's going on here? The Emperor appointed me as the Left Minister of Rites, a second-rank official. Even if I don't stand with Ruzhen Wuxin, I have to stand behind our Minister of Rites, Lord Luo. Why did you drag me here?"
Zhao Zhiyu laughed and said, "Have you forgotten that you were granted a marquisate? You're the only marquis of the highest rank in this hall. If you don't stand in front, who will?"
Lu Jinlan glanced to the side and saw Yan Weijin and Jin Yunning nodding at her.
Alright, no need to doze off this time, let's be fully alert.
Zhao Zhiyu stayed by her side and wouldn't leave, it seems the eldest princess's disguise is about to be revealed.
Noticing her scrutinizing gaze, Zhao Zhiyu whispered, "Let me give you a little inside information: the imperial decree appointing you as the Left Minister of Rites was issued yesterday. The incident you caused at the academy has made the powerful families in the capital quite uneasy. If you ruin their descendants' path to advancement, they won't let it go easily."
Lu Jinlan smiled. "Don't you know me? Do you think I'm afraid?"
Lu Jinlan pondered, "Once I take charge of education, I'll close all the back doors, and no good-for-nothing will be able to get in. Let's see what those powerful families can do to me then."
But she didn't expect that those people's efforts wouldn't come later, but right now.
Upon the emperor's arrival, he first summoned all the military officers and commended them. Then he announced that the students of the academy had performed exceptionally well and were graduating early. He said that the emperor would personally arrange for their selection to serve as officials in the court within the next few days.
The Emperor publicly announced Zhao Zhiyu's identity, and the eldest princess will participate in politics from this day forward.
Then he dismissed all the military officers who were incompetent in politics, leaving only Lu Jinlan, Xiang Ruzhen, and Yan Wuxin, high-ranking military officers, in the hall to discuss government affairs.
The first thing to do was to announce that the Marquis of Dingbei had colluded with the enemy. The Emperor ordered the Three Judicial Offices to conduct another trial. If he was found guilty this time, he would likely face immediate execution and his family's property would be confiscated.
She listened silently to all these matters that had nothing to do with Lu Jinlan. Immediately afterwards, the Inner Court read out the imperial edict appointing her as the Marquis of Jing'an, General of the Cavalry, and concurrently Left Minister of the Ministry of Rites.
Just as Lu Jinlan was about to express her gratitude, someone suddenly said loudly, "Your Majesty, please reconsider. I believe this is inappropriate."
Zhao Mincheng slightly raised his eyes. "Is there something wrong?"
Imperial Censor Chu Ling held up a prepared memorial and said loudly, "I want to impeach Marquis Jing'an, Lu Jinlan, for three major crimes. I humbly request Your Majesty to review it and rescind your order."
The atmosphere inside the hall changed instantly, becoming unusually quiet.
"Three major crimes?" Zhao Mincheng picked up the cup in front of him and leaned back leisurely on the dragon throne. "Read them to me."
Chu Ling then unfolded the memorial and read aloud: "Report: Marquis Jing'an and General of the Cavalry Lu Jinlan has repeatedly acted against the rules during border operations, behaving frivolously and arrogantly, and has committed the following three major crimes."
"First, Lu Jinlan, having captured the young prince of Qu Kingdom, did not treat him as a prisoner, but instead took him into his tent, indulging in pleasure with him day and night, as if he were his wife. This corrupted the morale of the army, causing lax discipline and unrest among the ranks."
"Secondly, during the peace negotiations, Lu Jinlan privately allocated the city of Yezhou to the Crown Prince of Qu, and upon returning to the capital, he also brought back over a hundred cartloads of valuables from Qu. This strongly suggests the misuse of public resources for private purposes and illicit transactions."
"Third, Lu Jinlan is known throughout the land for his lust. He is also extremely wasteful and spends money like water. He has even frequented brothels. If such a person were to become an official in the Ministry of Rites and later be in charge of the imperial examinations and receiving foreign envoys, it would make students and foreign guests think that our country is making good use of such a dissolute and frivolous person. This is really inappropriate."
As Lu Jinlan listened, she understood. It turned out that they had been trying to stop her from the very beginning, not wanting her to enter the Ministry of Rites at all.
She was secretly grinding her teeth when the Emperor glanced down at her and asked, "Gentlemen, what do you think?"
Yan Wuxin and Xiang Ruzhen hesitated, unsure whether to speak first, and kept glancing this way. Lu Jinlan shook his head, signaling them to wait until others had made their moves.
Soon, someone else stepped forward, "Your Majesty, I believe that Marquis Jing'an has rendered meritorious service in battle..."
Lu Jinlan quickly turned around and looked over, thinking: Who is this person? I've never seen him before, why is he speaking up for me?
Then the man said, "Although the Marquis of Jing'an has made mistakes, Your Majesty might as well give her a chance and let her return to her fiefdom to continue serving on the frontier."
Good heavens, I just got back to Beijing and they're already sending me to the border? How shameless!
After that man finished speaking, two more senior officials immediately stood up and echoed his words.
It's obvious that this was all pre-arranged, with one group playing the good cop and the other the bad cop, all working together to squeeze her out of the court.
After listening for a while, Zhao Mincheng coughed lightly and asked, "Lord Jing'an, what do you have to say?"
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Author's note: Just a quick transition, new plot points coming soon~
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