The huge Weiyang Palace was silent.
The emperor was looking through the documents at his desk.
He dismissed servants including General Hu.
There were only him and Ning Que.
The atmosphere was depressing and unsettling.
Ning Que sat upright and waited quietly.
He knew that Emperor Feng would definitely look for him.
Finally, Emperor Feng breathed a sigh of relief.
He put down his brush.
A smile appeared on his face.
"Xiao Ning, sorry for the wait."
"fine."
"I just saw a document saying that the former crown prince's mausoleum has been completed." Although Emperor Feng was smiling, he exuded a chilling coldness, even colder than the Weiyang Palace. "I have also thought of something."
"When I first ascended the throne, I set about dealing with the former crown prince. My mother told me that he had been secretly colluding with officials, intending to take advantage of my unstable position and usurp the throne. Old Prince Ning, however, believed that the former crown prince had no chance of rebellion and should not be killed, but should be given a chance to live. But what was the result?"
"Xinzheng is in rebellion."
"That's right." Emperor Feng put away his smile and said slowly, "So, I personally ordered his execution. Even if he was once my brother, he would not allow it. Xiaoning, why did you help Samuel today? Is it because you want to deal with the Gu family, or what?"
Ning Que stood up.
"Brother, I know what you mean."
"You want to gain more benefits for Dafeng."
"But I think Samuel did nothing wrong. It's... right and wrong between countries isn't important; what matters is their stance. But Gu Yuan tortured the Xiliang Crown Princess to death; that's a foregone conclusion. There should also be a clear distinction between right and wrong behind national justice. If it's just about profit, how can we convince the world's knowledgeable people to serve us? Dafeng is a great nation, and it should have the demeanor and responsibility of a great power."
"you……"
Emperor Feng slammed the table and stood up.
"Are you saying that I only care about profit?"
"That's not what I meant." Ning Que raised his hand and argued, "My royal brother has lofty ambitions, determined to unify China. That shouldn't be the case. Xiliang isn't a piece of clay; if pushed hard enough, they'll bite. Right now, Dafeng's main focus is on the east, preparing for the eastern expedition to Goguryeo. If we offend Xiliang, it's very likely that Xiliang will join forces with the Liao Kingdom."
Emperor Feng's chest heaved violently.
He looked at Ning Que.
In the end, he smiled with relief.
"You really haven't changed."
"Back then, you and I had this argument."
"They argued till their faces turned red and neither side gave in."
"I am the emperor now, after all. Why are you still fighting like this? Can't you just let me go?"
Ning Que secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
He and Fengdi had argued before in the barracks. Even teeth and tongues would clash, let alone two brothers. Once, they encountered a refugee who had come to the barracks to steal food and was caught.
The emperor advocated punishment according to the law, including the soldiers on duty and patrolling the camp, to serve as a warning to others. What if a refugee was allowed to sneak into the military camp and turned out to be a spy to assassinate him?
Therefore, everyone must be severely punished!
Including the daring refugees!
Ning Que offered a different view. He believed the soldiers deserved punishment, but the refugees also had no way to survive. If they had a choice, why would they risk their lives by running into the barracks to steal food? If the refugees were guilty, weren't these nobles even more guilty?
As the saying goes, "When granaries are full, people learn etiquette; when they have enough food and clothing, they understand honor and disgrace." There's no need to be too harsh on refugees who simply seek food. Legal principles are nothing more than human nature, and heavy punishment for such acts is absolutely unacceptable.
Because of this, the two of them argued fiercely.
In the end, it was the old Prince Ning who stepped forward and approved of Ning Que's approach. After his investigation, he discovered that the refugees had fled to the western frontier due to the disaster. His mother was seriously ill at home, and before she died, she just wanted a full meal.
The old Prince Ning personally delivered some food to ensure the old man had enough to eat. After burying his mother, the refugee finally chose to join the army. He fought with great courage and ultimately died protecting the old Prince Ning.
There were frequent disputes between him and Emperor Feng.
Sometimes they even argue until they are red in the face.
Not to mention him, many court officials have had arguments like this.
They have different identities and different considerations.
Many times we seek common ground while reserving differences.
There cannot be only one voice in governing a country.
Emperor Feng was indeed extreme at times.
But his advantage is that he is good at listening to opinions.
We also know that honest advice hurts.
…
Ning Que was very serious and raised his hands to bow deeply.
"If we are brothers, I will obey you in everything. But if we are between the emperor and his subjects, I must stand up. Even if I have to be punished for it, I will never give in!"
"You are still the Imperial Censor?"
"This is the duty of a minister."
Ning Que still refused to give in.
Sometimes being simple-minded is a good thing in the court.
It is especially safer to leave an honest review.
At least the emperor won't think you have any ill intentions.
This is why Ouyang Zheng was given an important position.
Linzi County is far away from Chang'an.
However, it is very close to the King of Qi.
If you are not loyal enough, you will be turned against us.
"Alright." Emperor Feng brushed his sleeves and smiled bitterly. "You have your own ideas, and I understand. But I specifically asked General Manager Hu to remind you, but I didn't expect you to stand up anyway. If it were anyone else, I would have had him kicked out of Weiyang Palace long ago."
"I hope my royal brother can understand."
Ning Que smiled lightly.
At least I got through it this time.
It can be said that he was thinking about Dafeng.
The same is to help Samuel.
Saying these things is just to make excuses for myself.
It's purely because of his personality.
It is also out of respect for Samuel.
Emperor Feng looked at Ning Que and said softly, "Let's forget about this matter. As you said, from now on, let it be written off. Samuel will be left in Chang'an as a hostage. I will inform Xiliang of this matter."
"My royal brother is wise!"
Emperor Feng nodded.
Then he showed a playful smile.
He looked Ning Que up and down.
"Actually, there are many ways you can help Samuel."
"You can just marry her and consider it a marriage of peace."
"No one dared to mention this matter again."
"Royal brother, please don't..." Ning Que's face was filled with panic. He said hurriedly, "I just married Qinghe, and she is the mistress of my Ning Palace. Samuel is still the Princess of Xiliang after all. How can she be a concubine?"
"Haha, I'm just saying. But you don't have to worry, as long as she's your equal wife, it'll be fine. I think Samuel is also interested in you. As the saying goes, a beauty loves a hero. If you really marry her, it would be a good thing for the two countries to form a united marriage."
"Please don't..."
Ning Que waved his hands repeatedly.
This has been mentioned before.
But now he already has Shen Qinghe.
After his experience with Lin Xianhong, he didn't want to force anyone else, lest he feel bad. Samuel, as the Princess of Xiliang, was quite capable. Marrying her, it was unclear whether it would be a good thing or a bad thing...
"What are you afraid of?" Emperor Feng said jokingly, with a half-smile on his face, "As a prince, what's the problem with you taking concubines? Think about what you'll do if the princess becomes pregnant and becomes unwell. Even if it's not Samuel, you'll have to take more concubines to expand the royal family."
“Ahem!”
Ning Que could only smile bitterly and nod.
Samuel is indeed beautiful.
It has an exotic style, like a little wild cat.
But taking her as a concubine always feels weird...
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