Chapter 262 The Banquet
Three days later, the palace was brightly lit and filled with melodious music.
Huo Lin sat in the main seat, while Jiang Huan, dressed in a formal gown, sat beside him, radiant and beautiful.
As the banquet progressed to the middle of the month, and after several rounds of drinks, the atmosphere appeared harmonious, but undercurrents were brewing beneath the surface.
The Empress Dowager picked up her wine cup and took a small sip.
She glanced at the Xu family members, a cold glint in her eyes.
"Speaking of which, Grand Tutor Xu devoted himself wholeheartedly to teaching the former crown prince, earning him a renowned reputation throughout the land. Although he has experienced many twists and turns, his return to the capital is a blessing for our Great Liang. However..."
She then changed the subject, making a pointed remark.
"The past is like smoke. The Grand Tutor's family has lived in Jiangnan for many years, far from the strife of the court. I wonder if they still have some of the old feelings when they return to the capital now? And what are their thoughts on the Liang Dynasty?"
As soon as he finished speaking, the hall fell silent instantly, and even the sounds of string and wind instruments seemed to pause for a moment.
All eyes were focused on Xu Zhengqing.
This seemingly gentle inquiry was actually a barrage of words aimed at the heart of the matter.
The Empress Dowager directly pointed out that the Xu family were former officials of the previous dynasty, implying that they might still harbor feelings for their homeland and were not loyal enough to the new dynasty.
Jiang Huan's fingers tightened slightly as she gripped the wine glass, anger rising within her.
The old hag has indeed arrived.
They start by labeling people and playing the victim card.
Huo Lin remained calm, seemingly oblivious to the veiled meaning in the Empress Dowager's words, though his heart was equally unsettled.
[Ha, finally couldn't hold back anymore?]
"Then I'll see how the Xu family responds."
In short, I have a backup plan; I cannot let her maternal family be bullied.
Xu Zhengqing's expression remained unchanged, but Xu Xiuyuan, who was sitting to his left, stood up first.
He stood tall and straight like a pine tree, bowing respectfully towards the Empress Dowager and Huo Lin.
Xu Xiuyuan raised his head, his gaze clear and upright, looking directly at the Empress Dowager.
"Her Majesty the Empress Dowager has inquired, and this junior dares to report on behalf of my grandfather."
Xu Zhengqing remained seated firmly, clearly indicating his tacit approval.
"My grandfather often said that loyalty to the emperor and love for the country are not for the selfish interests of a single dynasty, but for the public good of the people and the nation. He devoted himself to teaching the former crown prince, fulfilling his duty as a teacher. Now that the Great Liang has been established and the country is peaceful, even though my grandfather is far away in Jiangnan, he always keeps the court in mind and his concern for the country and the people has never diminished."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over everyone in the hall, his voice clear and resonant.
"My grandfather once lectured in Jiangnan. Whenever he mentioned the way to govern the country and bring peace to the nation, he would always instruct his students with the 'Strategy of Loyalty to the Nation.' The opening of this strategy states: 'Loyalty is not only to the ruler, but also to the state and the people. When the state is at peace, the people are at peace; when the people are at peace, the ruler's position is secure. Therefore, a minister should keep the state and the people in mind; this is the greatest loyalty!'"
His voice was not loud, but every word was clear and resonant as he recited the core meaning of "loyalty" from the "Strategies for Loyalty to the Nation".
Everyone in the hall, including some officials who had initially come with the intention of watching the spectacle, couldn't help but nod slightly, revealing thoughtful expressions.
These remarks are grand in scope and lofty in purpose, making them irrefutable.
Xu Xiuyuan did not stop. He bowed again, took out an anciently bound book from his sleeve, and raised it above his head with both hands.
“Empty words are unreliable. This is my grandfather’s “Ten Memorials to the Emperor” written by hand during his time in Jiangnan. He was concerned about the affairs of the country and expressed his feelings. All the words in it are related to the foundation of the country.”
"Although my grandfather is no longer in the court, he cares deeply about the country and thinks about it day and night, fearing that he might fail the emperor's grace and the people. Today, I am honored to see the emperor's face. My grandfather specially instructed his juniors to present this memorial to show that although my Xu family has retired, our heart to serve the country has remained unchanged. Heaven and earth can bear witness!"
His actions and sincere words transformed the suspicion that the Xu family harbored patriotic sentiments into a model of loyalty.
Wang Degui immediately stepped forward, took the scroll of "Ten Memorials to the Emperor," and presented it to Huo Lin.
Huo Lin took the book but did not open it immediately. A smile slowly crept onto his lips, his joy clearly visible to the naked eye.
He looked at Xu Xiuyuan, then swept his gaze over the calm-looking Xu Zhengqing, and finally landed on the Empress Dowager's slightly somber face.
"Excellent! Grand Tutor Xu is a man of noble character and has the world in his heart. He is truly a model for the subjects of our Great Liang."
As he spoke, he opened "Ten Memorials to the Emperor" in front of everyone. Seemingly attracted by its contents, he quickly flipped through a few pages, and his expression of admiration grew stronger.
A moment later, he closed the book, held it high, and his voice suddenly rose.
"Grand Tutor Xu's 'Ten Memorials to the Emperor' is full of wisdom and heartfelt words. It is the sincere concern of an old minister for the country and its people. Wang Degui!"
"Your servant is here."
"By imperial decree, this 'Ten Memorials to the Emperor' shall be immediately copied by historians and included in the Hanlin Academy, to demonstrate Grand Tutor Xu's loyalty to the emperor and his patriotism!"
"As you command."
The imperial decree resounded like a thunderclap in the main hall.
Being included in the Hanlin Academy was an immense honor, practically elevating Xu Zhengqing to the status of a model civil official in his time.
The Empress Dowager's face turned extremely ugly, and her fingers gripping the wine cup so tightly they turned white.
Damn it, this brat has outmaneuvered me!
She just hadn't expected Huo Lin to hold the Xu family in such high regard.
In that case, her previous plan with Huo Ting to have someone cause trouble for the Xu family will probably not work.
She was so angry she almost vomited blood. She had intended to take the opportunity to suppress the Xu family, but instead it enhanced the Xu family's reputation and allowed Huo Lin to praise them lavishly. It was as if she had shot herself in the foot.
Standing beside Huo Lin, Jiang Huan looked at the Empress Dowager's frustrated yet forced expression and wanted to give her a huge thumbs up 10,086 times.
Haha, my cousin is awesome! That move was absolutely amazing!
Look at that old hag's face, it looks like she swallowed a fly, so satisfying!
She was overjoyed and gently poked Huo Lin's hand under the table with her fingertip, her eyes full of smugness.
Huo Lin sensed her subtle movement and a smile appeared on his lips.
[You've got some nerve, daring to provoke me in public!]
However, that smug little face is absolutely adorable.
He took the opportunity to grab Jiang Huan's mischievous little hand, hidden by the wide sleeves of his robe, and gently tickled her palm.
Jiang Huan felt a tickle in her palm and obediently let him hold her hand without pulling it away.
Huo Lin looked at her slightly red ear tips and felt great.
He raised his wine cup towards Xu Zhengqing and Xu Xiuyuan, and said loudly, "Grand Tutor, Minister Xu, I toast you! May our Great Liang have more loyal ministers and generals like the Grand Tutor who are devoted to the country!"
Xu Zhengqing and Xu Xiuyuan quickly stood up and respectfully raised their cups: "Thank you, Your Majesty! We are humbled and will do our utmost to serve you, even unto death."
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