76 Ascension
◎ "...You are going to be my master."◎
Gu Ningxi seemed to understand what the Queen said.
The spring rain is drizzling, and the long pavilion ten miles outside the city is the last stop for farewell.
Raindrops fell in strings along the four corners of the pavilion, and sometimes water splashed into the pavilion.
The transfer document from the Ministry of Personnel has been issued, and Meng Ting has been promoted to the rank of General Pingnan, fifth grade, with a deadline of the end of April to take up his post and be stationed in Jiangnan Road.
Meng Ting is not married yet, so he did not bring his family with him this time.
The entire Meng family packed his luggage, and the documents from the Ministry of Personnel were urgent. On the ninth day after officially receiving the imperial edict, Meng Ting set off south.
It had been raining for days, and both Grandmother Meng and Madam Meng were in poor health, unable to bear the pain of separation. Therefore, Gu Ningxi was the only one to see them off today.
"Mother prepared some clothes and dry food for my cousin." Every stitch and thread reflects the concern of the closest relatives.
Meng Ting took the bundle and personally ordered someone to put it into the carriage.
"The climate in Jiangnan is different from Kyoto. Cousin, please take good care of yourself while you're away." Gu Ningxi tried to dispel the melancholy of parting, as the journey was long and arduous. "Jiangnan is a wonderful place. Please remember to write to us when you get there."
"Okay, don't worry."
It is unknown how many years Meng Ting will be on this mission. Once he settles down in Jiangnan, he will go to reunite with his grandmother and mother.
Gu Ningxi was temporarily taking care of the Meng family's affairs in Beijing. "Don't worry, cousin. It's getting late, please leave early."
After sending you a thousand miles away, there will always be a farewell. Gu Ningxi stood in the pavilion, watching his cousin and his entourage ride away on horseback.
The rain curtain was as dense as a weave, and the figure of the traveler gradually disappeared from sight.
Gu Ningxi held up an oil-paper umbrella. The rain was about to get heavier, so she told the driver to go back to the city.
Today is a day off, and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has invited us to a banquet at Wangyun Tower.
Although it was still early, Gu Ningxi had nowhere to go in the extra half hour, so he ordered the driver to go to Wangyun Tower in advance.
Gu Ningxi sat down in the familiar private room, with the aroma of tea in front of her. She looked at the rain scene outside the window bored.
Parting is always sad, especially in such rainy weather.
Gu Ningxi felt a sense of loss. Throughout her years as an official at court, she'd often encountered difficulties but had no one to confide in. Her mother, unfamiliar with the affairs of state, often failed to understand her. Furthermore, as a young woman, she didn't dare get too close to her colleagues in the six ministries or the Eastern Palace.
Until she met her cousin. They were blood relatives, and after they got to know each other, her mother revealed her identity to him. Although she strongly disapproved and even felt a little annoyed at her mother's unauthorized decision, her cousin was truly a very good person. She was walking on thin ice in the court, and only in his presence could she relax a little and not be on constant guard.
They can discuss many things and rely on each other.
"Are you so reluctant to let go of others?"
Gu Ningxi turned around upon hearing the voice and saluted, "Your Highness."
Lu Jing brought some snacks for her from the palace, all freshly made in the imperial kitchen.
In response to the Crown Prince's question, Gu Ningxi smiled and shook her head: "No."
Military generals are different from civil officials; their achievements are all achieved through military campaigns. My cousin originally became famous on the battlefields of Jiangnan. Now that a small part of Jiangnan is in turmoil, there is no younger general in the court who is more suitable than my cousin.
Gu Ningxi was happy for him that he was able to seize the opportunity to achieve great things.
She picked up a piece of Haoyue milk pastry. The pastry was sweet and soft in her mouth, and it made her feel better unconsciously.
Lu Jingyi thought the pastries were delicious and told the servants to serve the dishes.
Gu Ningxi asked curiously, "Aren't you going to wait for Marquis Wu'an and the others?"
"Did I mention it? Is there anyone else here today?"
Gu Ningxi thought about it and it seemed that there really wasn't one.
She held half a piece of cake. It was just her and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. What was the name of this lunch?
Gu Ningxi thought about it again and again, and when the familiar dishes were served one by one, she suddenly realized that when they were young, the two of them would also get together alone like this.
But now her identity and state of mind are different, which makes her feel abnormal.
She smiled and looked up at the person in front of her. Lu Jing said, "Have you finished your official duties recently?"
Gu Ningxi nodded: "Your Highness, on the other hand, probably rarely has time to spare."
She also found a reasonable reason. Marquis Wu'an and his men were highly valued by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, so they probably saw each other often and there was no need for a special private invitation.
Ever since the Prince of Huai was demoted to a commoner and His Royal Highness the Prince of Shu left the capital to become a vassal, Your Majesty has become disillusioned with state affairs and only wishes to spend his remaining years in the Renzhi Palace with the Empress.
Three days ago, His Majesty officially issued an edict, intending to abdicate the throne to the Crown Prince.
The Ministry of Rites, the Minister of Rites, and the Minister of Astronomy calculated an auspicious date, and the new emperor's enthronement ceremony was scheduled for March 18th.
March 18th was the day when His Royal Highness Prince Zhao ascended the throne in her dream, but the year should have been a few years earlier.
The Empress's insistence on His Royal Highness the Prince of Shu traveling thousands of miles to his vassal state was perhaps also a plea to Heaven for help. Shu was a remote land, and leaving the capital would be a source of controversy. She sought to ensure long-term peace and stability.
This regime change was much more peaceful than Gu Ningxi had imagined. Although it involved party and government affairs, not many mansions in Kyoto were implicated.
The old party of the King of Shu, such as the Xuanping Marquis Mansion, were inevitably treated coldly by the new dynasty, and some of their children were exiled, but in the end they managed to keep their families safe.
The new emperor ascended the throne, and the court was busy preparing for the coronation ceremony.
Lu Jing hinted, "The reign title has been decided, and the Ministry of Rites is also drafting an edict of amnesty for the entire nation."
He continued, "Except for serious crimes such as treason, the rest can be pardoned at our discretion."
The future emperor's words are his bond. Gu Ningxi slowly stirred the soup in the bowl.
It has always been a customary practice for a new emperor to grant amnesty to the people when he ascends the throne, to show favor to all people.
Lu Jingwang hopes that everything is stable for his sweetheart, both inside and outside. Yuan Le should think carefully about his future.
There were some things he didn't want to be the first to reveal, it would be better if Yuan Le was honest.
He was able to completely protect Yuan Le and clarify his identity, so they could talk about other things.
But Gu Ningxi always avoided talking about it, occasionally picking up some food from his plate with chopsticks.
When everyone had almost finished eating, Lu Jingfang reminded them, "Aren't you planning to get married yet?"
Even judging by a man's age, Yuan Le was already of age. If he delayed any further, Yuan Le's delay in discussing marriage would surely arouse suspicion among those in the capital.
Will she then plan to publicize her intimacy with a man, or will she actually marry another wife?
Gu Ningxi just thought it was a friend's concern: "I haven't thought about it yet."
"Isn't the Xuanping Marquis Mansion in a hurry?"
Gu Ningxi shook her head, not wanting to tell any more lies in front of him, so she simply shifted the blame elsewhere.
"Your Highness is three years older than me, and you haven't married yet, have you?"
"...You are going to be my master."
Gu Ningxi laughed: "Marriage is all about fate, it can't be forced."
"Then where do you think your destiny lies?"
"It should be... soon, right?" Gu Ningxi said vaguely, just wanting to end this topic as soon as possible.
Her avoidance was too obvious. Lu Jing looked at her for a moment, but finally gave her some more time to consider.
…
Suddenly, another half month passed.
On March 18th, the new emperor ascended the throne and everything was renewed.
From Chengtian Gate to Taiji Gate, the imperial court was solemn and majestic, with the Imperial Guards and Imperial Guards arrayed in formation for protection. The entire imperial city was bathed in golden light, exuding a solemn and majestic air.
In front of the Hanyuan Hall, all civil and military officials wore court robes according to their ranks, holding tablets and waiting respectfully at the foot of the red steps.
The coronation ceremony was organized by the Taichang Temple and the Ministry of Rites and was extremely grand.
Although he had not been involved in the relevant matters and only needed to watch the ceremony in front of the palace, all the ceremonies of the new emperor's enthronement suddenly emerged in Gu Ningxi's mind, and they were extremely clear.
During the hour of Mao, the ceremonial guards were in place, and the emperor changed his clothes in a side hall. His formal attire was embroidered with twelve patterns: the sun, moon, stars, mountains, and dragons, symbolizing his dominion over the earth. The emperor wore a crown with twelve tassels, each tassel containing twelve jade beads.
All the ministers were waiting respectfully. At noon, the ritual music sounded loudly and the emperor ascended the palace to receive congratulations.
Hundreds of musicians played the Taihe Shao music, and the new emperor, surrounded by ceremonial guards, ascended the Hanyuan Hall and sat on the throne, facing south and back to the north.
All officials paid homage, and the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel and the Minister of the Ministry of Rites sang together to begin the ceremony.
The ministers were divided into civil and military categories, knelt three times and kowtowed nine times, shouting "Long live the emperor".
Then he called for the appointment, and the solemn and steady voice of the Minister of the Central Secretariat echoed throughout the hall.
"The Way governs the heavens, and civilization controls the calendar; the great treasure is called the throne, and the emperor occupies a high position. In the past, when great achievements were not carried forward, the rites of abdication were followed, and the emperor sought to test others. Since the Three Dynasties, the world has been a family, with successive generations inheriting the foundation and carrying on the legacy. Therefore, they were able to honor their ancestors, predict long-term prosperity, pass on blessings to future generations, and continue the throne..."
"...From this day forward, a general amnesty will be declared. All prisoners, except those convicted of the ten most heinous crimes and those convicted of treason and high treason, will have their sentences reduced. One-third of all taxes will be exempted to alleviate the people's hardship. Warehouses will be opened to provide relief, ensuring that the widowed, the orphaned, and the lonely have something to live on. The channels for public expression will be open, and officials and the people with good ideas and suggestions may speak forthrightly."
"Reform the administration of officials, appoint virtuous and capable people. Promote those who are honest and upright, talented and virtuous, and dismiss those who are corrupt and incompetent, so that all officials will fulfill their duties conscientiously and rectify the government. Develop water conservancy projects, encourage agriculture and sericulture, promote trade and benefit workers, so as to improve people's livelihoods; promote culture and education, establish schools and promote the teachings of the sages to improve people's customs."
"…Announce this to the whole world, and let all know. Respectfully."
The Minister of Rites was waiting at the steps, and after the imperial edict was read out, he presented the imperial seal to the new emperor.
Gu Ningxi knew how heavy the seal with the inscription "Mandated by Heaven, May You Live Long and Prosper" was when he held it up.
That is the weight of the country and the weight of the people.
A corner of the national seal was broken, and it was repaired by inlaying gold with jade.
As the ceremony was drawing to a close, the new emperor sent officials to the Temple of Heaven and the Altar of Land and Grain to offer sacrifices and pay respects to the ancestors of heaven and earth.
The amnesty decree was carried to the whole country by express horses from the post stations, and all the people shared in the emperor's grace.
…
In the spring, with the change of imperial power, promotion and transfer of officials in the court are inevitable.
Gu Ningxi had already drafted the document requesting to be transferred to a distant post and submitted it to the Ministry of Personnel the day before yesterday, awaiting the court's arrangements.
Serving as an official in a foreign post was the retreat she had planned for herself long ago. Even though it would damage her career, she could not stay in the court for long given her status.
A few days ago, His Royal Highness Prince Zhao... His Majesty's words also reminded her that the second son of the Gu family would eventually get married.
The capital was crowded with people, and many aristocratic families were secretly waiting to take down the Xuanping Marquisate. As the eldest son, if she didn't marry soon, she would surely be the subject of countless rumors.
Being sent out was different. No one knew her locally, and she was the highest official in the area. Who would dare to interfere in her private affairs? She could just find an excuse and get away with it.
My cousin has settled down in Jiangnan. The letter said that everything was going well for him, which made the elders of both families feel relieved.
With her grandmother's recovery, Gu Ningxi could leave the capital. While the imperial court decided on the location of the prefecture, it would still take the officials' opinions into consideration.
Gu Ningxi had her eye on Hangzhou and Huzhou in Jiangnan Province. She had already inquired about the vacancies for officials in both places. Jiangnan was a land of beautiful scenery, and not far from Linzhou, where her cousin lived, so they could look after each other.
Gu Ningxi had already asked the merchant to keep an eye out for the sale of the house he and his cousin had purchased. While land prices in Kyoto were still rising, Gu Ningxi was unable to reach the capital after leaving, so he could only cash it in beforehand.
In any case, compared to the 370 strings of cash they paid for the house, this deal was a profit.
"Why are you leaving in such a hurry?"
In Leyouyuan, when Gu Ningwan came to visit her sister, she was tidying up the books on the bookshelf.
The matter of being sent abroad has not been finalized yet, and Gu Ningxi only revealed some information to his sister.
Gu Ningwan said, "But I think His Majesty might be able to accommodate you. It wouldn't be a problem for you to stay for another year or two."
Gu Ningxi sighed. She had been feeling uneasy these days.
"Sister, I'm worried that the longer the night, the more trouble there will be."
Many things in the court were different from what she had dreamed of. His Royal Highness Prince Zhao ascended the throne several years earlier. She was afraid that if she stayed in Kyoto any longer, something unexpected would happen.
In any case, Gu Ningxi wanted to leave first and make plans for the rest later.
Gu Ningwan thought it made sense and reminded him, "Have you told His Majesty about leaving the capital?"
Gu Ningxi had considered this matter in detail: "I am only a fifth-rank official, so an assessment by the Ministry of Personnel should be sufficient."
This is true in public, but in private, she should also hold a banquet to say goodbye to her good friend.
Everything was fine for everyone else, but there was a difference between her and His Royal Highness Prince Zhao as that of a monarch and his subject, which made things really difficult.
She wanted to wait for news from the court before making any arrangements.
Besides herself, there was also her mother. Gu Ningxi wanted to follow her cousin's example and take her mother away once she was settled. She was worried about the potential complications. What if the Gu family still felt she had some use for them and refused to let her mother go?
"Don't worry, I will convince my mother to help you."
Mrs. Shen wanted this but could not get it. As soon as she left, Gu Ningzheng became the unsurprising heir of the Marquis' Mansion.
In any case, the Gu family would never pass the title to her. Gu Ningxi saw this clearly when she was young.
Consider it a migration south with the Meng family. Although the process would be difficult and uncertain, if everything could be done smoothly, Gu Ningxi could imagine how happy their lives would be with the two families living together.
But after all, it was hard to leave her hometown, and she was reluctant to leave Kyoto: "If I leave, my sister will marry the Ningguo prince next year, and I'm afraid I won't be able to attend the wedding to congratulate her."
As sisters, apart from her mother, her elder sister is the person she cares about the most in the Gu family.
"It's okay, as long as the gift arrives."
Gu Ningwan was naturally sad, but she was sincerely happy for her sister because she had a better future.
"I will take good care of Madam Meng for you, so you don't have to worry too much."
"Thank you, sister." The two sisters looked at each other and no more words were needed.
…
The weather is warm and sunny, and there have been frequent dispatches of officials in the court recently.
Minister Li was the only one within the Ministry of Works who knew Gu Ningxi was interested in a post outside the capital, and he understood. With the new emperor on the throne, it was common for former officials like Gu Ningxi to be sent out for self-protection. Besides her, many of the former officials of the Eastern Palace had already left.
Although it was a pity, Minister Li believed that with Gu Ningxi's ability, being sent out would definitely benefit the people.
Minister Li has assigned her fewer new tasks these days. Gu Ningxi reported for duty as usual, quietly waiting for news from the Ministry of Personnel.
However, several days after she submitted the memorial, it seemed as if it had fallen into the sea and there was no response at all.
【Author’s words】
Female goose runs away.JPG
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