104 Announcement
◎The second son of the Gu family is actually the legitimate daughter of the Marquis's family.◎
The afternoon sun flooded the imperial study, and the cloud patterns carved on the windows stretched out in the light and shadow.
The Hu brush was moistened with ink. The case of the former Huai Wang Lu Chen colluding with the Turks had been settled, and Gu Ningxi was editing and revising the imperial edict of punishment.
Prince Huai Lu Chen had long been demoted to a commoner. After careful consideration between the Supreme Emperor and Your Majesty, he was imprisoned in the northwest corner of Renzhi Palace, where he was not allowed to leave for life.
After all, they are connected by blood. Even if the crimes of Prince Huai are innumerable, being charged with fratricide will ultimately damage the king's reputation.
Besides, the retired emperor and Empress Yao were still alive, and they could not bear to see their loved ones die before them.
The imperial edict was drafted three times by two secretaries, and Lu Jing reviewed it and found it correct. Gu Ningxi meticulously copied it and sent it to the Ministry of Personnel for review at 5 p.m.
She had some free time and looked at the memorials piled up on the imperial desk, wondering how long he would be busy today.
Soon, Sun Jing came in to add more tea. Gu Ningxi, who had just been distracted for a while, found that the chief steward Sun was holding one of the piles of memorials in front of him.
After Sun Jing left, she skimmed through the documents, which were all documents that hadn't yet been approved by the emperor. Besides the Ministry of Works, there were also some related Ministry of Revenue matters.
The imperial court's water conservancy projects were implemented by the Ministry of Works, while the Ministry of Revenue was responsible for calculating the revenue. In recent years, the two ministries had become increasingly intertwined, with officials from each often working together and many becoming familiar with each other.
Lu Jing said, "Draft the reply first, and I'll take a look at it later."
This would save him a lot of effort. Gu Ningxi was already familiar with the operations of the Ministry of Works. She had spent the past two years in the Secretariat and had inspected local areas, so the general affairs of the Ministry of Revenue were not unfamiliar to her.
She found some blank rice paper and cut it into small pieces. After thinking it over, Gu Ningxi went to Lu Jing's desk and took out two memorials he had reviewed.
Every time he read a memorial, Gu Ningxi would write down two lines of summary on rice paper, and then refer to Lu Jing's usual writing style and write down his own opinions.
Each small piece of rice paper is inserted into the corresponding memorial, making comparison very convenient.
As this was his first time doing such a thing, Gu Ningxi was extremely cautious and considered every word of the difficult memorial carefully.
She didn't feel tired. After following the same method for a few letters, although her speed was still slow, only about one-third of the speed of the person behind the imperial desk, Gu Ningxi gradually got the hang of it.
The two of them were busy with their own things. There were two letters that Gu Ningxi really couldn't make up his mind about, so he picked them out separately and wrote two or three more versions.
The unread memorials on the right side slowly moved to the left side, and Lu Jing finished dealing with them before Gu Ningxi.
He stood up and walked to Gu Ningxi's desk, sat opposite her, and picked up the memorial she had finished processing.
They were together day and night, and in fact, Yuan Le often shared the same political views with him.
Lu Jing smiled. This was the tacit understanding between them.
After Lu Jing reviewed most of Yuan Le's drafted replies, he copied them directly into the memorials. Occasionally, one or two were slightly revised, but generally there was no problem.
Lu Jing sometimes felt annoyed by the twists and turns in the amounts between the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Works, but Yuan Le was more meticulous than him.
By dusk, all the government affairs in the imperial study were completed.
Gu Ningxi stretched comfortably and went back to the harem with Lu Jing for dinner.
What happened between them had already been made clear to their mother, so Gu Ningxi didn't have to bother making excuses and could act more easily.
She originally thought that because of the autumn hunting and the cold, a lot of government affairs had accumulated in the imperial study, so she was asked to take over some of them temporarily.
But the second, third, and fourth days were all exactly the same, so that Gu Ningxi's afternoon schedule, which used to be one to two hours of leisure time after finishing his duties, was now fully occupied.
Instead, Lu Jing left the imperial study earlier and earlier every day.
On the seventh day, after Gu Ningxi returned a pile of memorials to the imperial desk, he finally couldn't help but speak.
Lu Jing said lightly, "Wouldn't it be better to learn more?"
Gu Ningxi: “…”
Lu Jing rubbed her cheek, his tone still relaxed, but the words he said were far from that.
"If I go north to lead an expedition in person in the future, someone will have to take care of the affairs of the court."
Instead of handing it over to a prince of the royal family or an important official in the court, why couldn't he entrust it to his own bedmate?
His Yuan Le was a top-ranked scholar who had gained great experience in the three provinces and was far more talented than many others in the court.
He would rather trust her.
Gu Ningxi stared at the person in front of him in a daze after hearing these unprecedented words.
The Turks had bullied the people of the Central Plains for decades, and she knew that the Jin Dynasty must quell the border troubles and avenge the national humiliation.
And he...will eventually have to lead the army himself.
However, it is far from the time for the Jin Dynasty to go to war with the Turks, so it is too early to say this now.
Simply sorting out internal affairs and restoring national strength was enough to occupy 90% of the energy of the Jin emperor and his ministers. Lu Jing pointed to the separate memorials to the Ministry of Revenue and said, "Take these dozen as well."
Gu Ningxi came back to her senses and glared at him silently.
She had finally figured out that he hated reviewing the Ministry of Revenue's documents the most.
Lu Jing took her into his arms and sat down, feeling sorry for her.
"We're getting married soon. Why don't you give up your positions in the Secretariat and the Ministry of Works first?"
He could promote someone else to take the position. Gu Ningxi nodded, "Okay."
She used to think that she would be sad when this day came, but looking at the endless documents she had to deal with day after day, she actually thought this suggestion was very good.
Gu Ningxi began to consider who in the Secretariat was suitable to take over her job. In fact, five Secretariat Secretaries were enough.
Seeing her agreement, Lu Jing immediately talked about another matter: "And on November 15th, the emperor will hold a banquet at Renzhi Palace. Let's go together."
Gu Ningxi hesitated: "I...I should go later."
She was inevitably nervous about going to see the retired emperor. Apart from anything else, she and the Xuanping Marquisate were guilty of deceiving the emperor, a crime that could not be denied.
Even if Lu Jing no longer cares about it, it doesn't mean that the emperor can be so magnanimous.
"It's okay. Father and Mother originally planned this family dinner for you."
If he didn't bring Yuan Le with him, Lu Jing didn't know whether his father would let him enter the palace.
Gu Ningxi asked cautiously, "Will the Emperor not punish me for deceiving the emperor?"
"It doesn't matter. The merits and demerits offset each other."
"achievement?"
Lu Jing smiled and kissed Gu Ningxi on the cheek.
"In the eyes of the Emperor, the greatest achievement of the Xuanping Marquisate was that he gave birth to you."
…
The family reunites on the fifteenth day of the lunar month, and there is constant laughter and joy in the main hall of Renzhi Palace.
Maids filed in, bearing exquisite dishes. Though relocated to a separate palace, the retired emperor's physicians and chefs had been relocated here. The empress and underage princes accompanied them, and expenses in Renzhi Palace remained undiminished. Freed from the worries of government, the retired emperor lived a carefree life. He trusted Qi'an with the vast empire.
Today is just a family dinner, so it doesn't require any extravagance.
The retired emperor and Empress Yao took their seats and instructed that there was no need for too many people to serve them in the palace.
Gu Ningxi sat beside Lu Jing, having dressed up carefully for the banquet. Aunt Sun had chosen a crimson brocade dress embroidered with auspicious peony and cloud patterns. Her dark hair was tied up in a flying bun, accessorized with a pair of peony hairpins with tassels and rubies, adorned with a few pearl flowers. The crimson color didn't overpower the other, yet was bright and festive enough to accentuate her beauty.
The more the emperor looked at his daughter-in-law, the more satisfied he became. Qi'an was truly blessed. He remembered that he had once summoned Gu Ningxi to the imperial study. She was a smart child who knew how to act and act gracefully.
Although Qi'an's marriage was finalized the latest, as the saying goes, good things come to those who wait. This boy had good judgment and even better luck, choosing the most beautiful woman in Kyoto as his queen.
Gu Ningxi ate according to the rules, occasionally answering questions from the retired emperor and the retired empress.
In comparison, Lu Jing was treated coldly.
Queen Yao looked at the young couple in front of her. The two children had a deep bond, and she hoped they could have a happier life.
She smiled and said to Lu Jing, "Yuan Le has promised her whole life to you, so you must treat her well."
"I understand."
Queen Yao smiled with relief, thinking that Qi'an also knew how to love others.
On November 16, the retired emperor, who had been recuperating in Renzhi Palace and had not been involved in state affairs for a long time, officially issued an edict to choose the legitimate daughter of Marquis Xuanping as the empress.
The imperial edict to establish the queen spread throughout Kyoto overnight, causing a huge uproar among the aristocratic families.
"The Emperor, by the Mandate of Heaven, proclaims:
I, bearing the mandate of Heaven, rule over the four seas. Considering the heavy responsibility entrusted to me by the Supreme Emperor and the foundation of a long line of heirs, I must select a virtuous and virtuous woman to be my match for the sovereign, to establish the harem and secure the nation. I have observed that Ning Xi, the legitimate daughter of Marquis Xuanping Gu, is a gifted and intelligent woman, gifted with a keen intellect. From a young age, she has delved deeply into the classics, possessing a profound understanding of both ancient and modern times. In the Book of Changes, she can grasp the principles of change and in the Spring and Autumn Annals, she can clearly articulate praise and criticism. Her writing is elegant, rich, and profound, and her analysis of facts is insightful and profound. She possesses the talent for strategic planning and the wisdom to restore order.
Not only is she profoundly versed in literature and history, she also possesses a profound understanding of nature and the study of nature. By observing the people's sentiments, she understands the hardships of farming; by discussing governance, she understands the importance of education. Her insights are profound and far-reaching, and are not confined to the inner chambers of the harem. With such a blend of talent and virtue, she is worthy of being chosen as the Empress Dowager, capable of assisting the Emperor's plans.
I now specially enthronize Ningxi of the Gu clan as Empress, officially crowning her as Kunning. I hope she will carry on the ancestral temple rites and assist in the administration of state affairs. She will assist the emperor with her knowledge and govern the country with her wisdom. Together, we will achieve great things and forever strengthen the foundation of our country. This announcement shall be made throughout the land, so that all may know it."
It is well known among the noble families in Kyoto that Marquis Xuanping has only one legitimate daughter, who has been betrothed to the Duke of Qi.
The name Ning Xi of the Gu family clearly belongs to the brilliant and talented Erlang Jun of the Gu family.
Suddenly, all eyes in the city converged on this spot. His Majesty had enthroned the daughter of Marquis Xuanping as empress, and everyone was unsure whether to first inquire about the new empress's identity or the decades-long relationship between her and His Majesty. Rumors spread like wildfire, and officials in the three provinces had already noticed that the position of Langzhong (Minister of Works), previously held by the Second Young Master of the Gu family, had been taken over by someone else.
On November 16, some people also witnessed the palace ceremonial officials marching in a large procession to the Xuanping Marquis' Mansion to announce the imperial decree.
The Second Young Master of the Gu Family had not appeared in the imperial court for the past few days, so many of her colleagues who were familiar with her were naturally quite impressed by her appearance. It was so stunning and extraordinary that it made people forget the world.
Some people also wrote on the imperial edict, saying, "He has the talent of governing the country and the knowledge of helping the people," "If he observes the people's sentiments, he will know the difficulties of farming; if he discusses the way of governance, he will understand the importance of education," and "His knowledge and insights are profound, and are not limited to the boudoir." The writing is full of flattering words, and is by no means praising ordinary girls in the boudoir.
In half a day's time, someone dug up old stories. The birth of Gu Ningxi, the second son of the Gu family, happened when the eldest branch of the Xuanping Marquis had no children and the second branch was eyeing the title.
In a nutshell, all the evidence points to one thing: the second son of the Gu family is actually the legitimate daughter of the marquis's family, and she is serving as an official in the court disguised as a man!
The Xuanping Marquis Mansion is so bold and presumptuous that it is deceiving the emperor and committing treason!
But no one dared to bring up this matter. The Supreme Emperor made the decision. Isn’t the imperial edict issued by Your Majesty to establish the Queen enough to explain everything?
The so-called "deception of the monarch" can be of any magnitude. As long as the monarch does not punish him, who would dare to interfere?
The noble families of Kyoto were eager to see the news. After the imperial edict had departed, relatives and old friends who had established ties with the Gu family came to offer their congratulations. For days afterward, regardless of the depth of their friendship, the Marquis's residence was flooded with guests.
When His Majesty ascended the throne, the Xuanping Marquisate, as an old party of the King of Shu, was met with indifference at court. Many aristocratic families tacitly severed ties with the Gu Mansion, never expecting the Marquisate to experience such a resurgence.
Fortunately, they had at least congratulated the Marquis of Xuanping when they made the marriage contract with the Duke of Qi, so it was not too abrupt for them to visit now.
…
There is no doubt that in this winter of the first year of Tianguan, the most popular place in Kyoto must be the Xuanping Marquis Mansion.
In January, the Marquisate experienced two happy events. First, on December 5th, the eldest daughter of the Gu family married off in grand style to the Duke of Qi's residence. Then, on December 24th, the Emperor and Empress married, and the Marquisate of Xuanping was about to produce a new Empress.
Unlike what the world thinks, Gu Ningxi, who resigned from her official position, is still free to come and go as she pleases.
Marquis Xuanping did not dare to restrain her, and any words he wanted to convey had to be conveyed through Madam Meng in a tactful way.
"What patterns are you embroidering?"
Mrs. Meng looked at it from all angles but couldn't make out what was going on.
It was customary for a married woman to personally embroider something for her husband to express her feelings. She and the best embroiderers in the mansion took turns teaching her, and after half a month of hard work, they only managed to create this purse.
Most of the pattern has been embroidered, but it is still impossible to tell whether it is flowers or landscapes.
Facing the gazes of her mother and the embroiderers, Gu Ningxi smiled guiltily: "Let's continue tomorrow."
The weather was fine today, and she had already asked someone to prepare a carriage to go to the Duke of Qi's mansion to visit her sister.
My sister has been married for ten days and is familiar with the affairs of the Duke's Mansion. She should have time to see her.
The carriage of the Marquis' Mansion was too eye-catching, and Gu Ningxi had the palace's secret guards accompanying him, so he did not need the Marquis' Mansion's guards.
Mrs. Meng let her go. After the eldest daughter got married, it would be good for the two sisters to have some private conversations and discuss how to get along with each other as a couple.
She still had a few booklets and thought it wouldn't be too late to give them to Xier before she got married.
Gu Ningwan was naturally happy when she received the letter from her sister yesterday.
She first told her mother-in-law in a gentle manner that she had a visitor the next day, without specifying who it was. Mrs. Qin smiled and agreed, telling her to treat the guest well and leaving it to her to decide.
Gu Ningxi put on a skirt before going out. She didn't want to disturb too many people with this visit. She just came to see her sister.
Gu Ningwan ordered her trusted steward to wait for her sister outside the main gate early in the morning, and also informed her aunt Qin Ying.
As soon as he stepped into his sister's Mingse Courtyard, Gu Ningxi first saw the three magnificent study rooms on the east side, which belonged exclusively to his sister.
Qin Ying smiled and said, "My brother had it prepared before my sister-in-law married in."
Earlier at the birthday banquet, Lord Gu revealed his identity to her and apologized to her.
Qin Ying knew that the crime of deceiving the emperor was a serious matter, and Lord Gu did not need to explain it to her.
As the years passed, the girl's love affair slowly faded away.
Gu Ningwan was waiting for her sister and aunt in the study. The rosewood bookshelves that stretched from floor to ceiling were neatly filled with books.
Gu Ningxi looked up and down for a long time. When her elder sister got married, she brought all the books from home with her. Although transportation was inconvenient, the Marquis' Mansion fully fulfilled her elder sister's wish without saying a word.
Gu Ningxi looked at the room full of books, which were almost double the collection of her sister at home.
Gu Ningwan was reluctant to explain, so Qin Ying explained on her brother's behalf, "My brother bought all of these. He didn't know what kind of books my sister-in-law liked, so he bought some."
"And once upon a time, I remember there was a book that my brother ran all over Kyoto to find."
The three volumes of "Collected Works of Mr. Hedong" were placed right on Gu Ningwan's desk.
Gu Ningxi had an impression and looked at her elder sister with a smile.
Gu Ningwan pretended to be calm and poured tea for them both.
The population of Duke Qi's Mansion is simple. Madam Qin is gentle and dignified. Gu Ningwan gets along well with her younger sister-in-law who is of similar age.
Qin Ying's personality has become much more lively. Her sister-in-law is knowledgeable and her brother's beloved, so of course she respects her.
What's more, my sister-in-law is Mr. Gu's eldest sister. How can she not love her sister-in-law as well as his family?
Qin Ying has always remembered the care that Lord Gu had given her in the past.
…
Although he no longer attends court, Gu Ningxi may not have a free time.
The Imperial Study is still full of government affairs, especially recently because of the Emperor and Empress's wedding, all matters have been brought together, and there are several matters that need to be decided by Your Majesty.
The ceremony of enthroning the queen had been prepared for two years and was designed to be exceptionally grand.
Gu Ningxi looked at the report from the Ministry of Revenue and found that the amount of silver allocated for the grand ceremony on that day was more than ten thousand strings of cash.
She checked the list carefully and made sure there were no mistakes or omissions.
Such a huge expenditure, although the national treasury is still relatively full, is too wasteful.
Even if we follow the regulations for the emperor and empress's wedding formulated by the Ministry of Rites when the country was founded, it still exceeded 30%.
Lu Jing smiled and said, "It's just this one marriage, so what's the harm in going beyond the rules?" He was also looking at the wedding regulations. "Besides, the four directions are coming to pay tribute, also to enhance the prestige of the Great Jin."
Gu Ningxi immediately understood that the Great Jin Dynasty had established its rule over the Central Plains, while the surrounding smaller states, such as the Khitan, Xueyantuo, and Uighur, were still watching. They had suffered greatly from the oppression of the Turks, but they simply didn't have the strength to rise up against them.
Dajin can give them a reassurance.
Furthermore, the people of the Great Jin also needed such a grand event to increase their confidence in the new Central Plains dynasty.
After weighing various considerations, Gu Ningxi finally approved the proposal from the Ministry of Revenue.
She then took the next memorial, saying that the newly built HSBC Canal in Shu was nearing completion.
In the sunlight, the person behind the desk was concentrating and looking at the drawings in his hands intently.
Lu Jing stared at her, not looking away for a long time.
Yuan Le once told him that she was afraid.
As a monarch, he certainly knows what can bring peace of mind to people.
It was never a promise sworn to heaven.
In the final analysis, he smiled, it was nothing more than the word "power".
He wanted to reassure Yuan Le.
【Author’s words】
High EQ version: Delegate power to your wife!
Low EQ version: Let my wife work with me!
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