Chapter 104 Chapter 104 is the only genuine version...
So annoying.
The emperor stood up with a stern face and said, "Court is adjourned."
Bang!
The sound of a whip.
After the roar of cheers, the court officials left one after another. Prime Minister Song stood there for a long time, and the disappointment in his heart became even stronger.
These days, whenever there is talk of an earthquake in Qingzhou, the emperor becomes furious.
Prime Minister Song actually knew some of the reasons. Back when the late emperor was still alive and the Imperial Preceptor had yet to pass away, the Imperial Preceptor had said that if the successor lost his virtue, the country would be doomed to great disaster. No one cared at the time, after all, the Crown Prince's wisdom and benevolence were universally known.
"Prime Minister Song."
Prime Minister Song raised his head and saw that it was Xie Yingchen. He bowed and naturally walked out of the Golden Palace with Xie Yingchen and walked down the high cloud dragon steps.
"Prime Minister Song, I won't beat around the bush," Xie Yingchen said bluntly. "How about opening an orphanage in Liangzhou?"
The three words "Yanjiyuan" made Prime Minister Song pause for a moment.
This was proposed by the deposed crown prince just one year before the death of the late emperor.
The deposed Crown Prince stated that Daqi was a vast land, with those unable to support themselves in every province and region. He therefore urged the establishment of almshouses in every county, funded by the national treasury, to house the widowed, the orphaned, the disabled, and abandoned children. This would also provide relief to the entire population in times of disaster. The deposed Crown Prince discussed this matter with the cabinet many times, gradually refining the regulations for the almshouse. Unfortunately, before it could be implemented, he was deposed, and the almshouse project was put on hold.
"First, we should open orphanages in various places in Qingzhou. Even if there is no earthquake, it will not have much impact on the court."
"If there is an earthquake in August, the orphanage can be activated immediately to provide disaster relief."
Gu Zhizhuo said that the earthquake in August would be the most serious in the history of this dynasty, affecting hundreds of thousands of people.
So, Xie Yingchen was very anxious.
However, this kind of unfounded inference and prediction was only partially believed by the Prime Minister, while others were at most skeptical. In particular, the Emperor was particularly averse to early warning, so Prime Minister Song would naturally be restricted in every way.
The Prime Minister thought for a moment and said: "The orphanage is feasible."
As long as you don't mention the earthquake and only submit a petition to open an orphanage, the emperor will most likely agree.
"But, my Lord, you may not know that the national treasury is poor and I'm afraid it can't afford this much money."
According to the deposed crown prince's original intention, at least one million taels of silver would be needed to build orphanages throughout the country of Daqi. Even if it was only built in Qingzhou, it would cost tens of thousands of taels. The court now has less than 700,000 taels of silver in the treasury, and the military funds for the second half of the year must be paid from it. Silver is needed to build the embankment of the Huai River, and a large amount of silver must be allocated to appease the civil unrest in the western border.
Xie Yingchen saw what he was thinking at a glance and said calmly, "Erecting a monument of merit?"
"Merit monument?"
Prime Minister Song didn't know what he meant.
Xie Yingchen explained, "A monument of merit was erected in front of the orphanage to encourage local wealthy merchants to donate rice. If a certain amount of donations was made, the court would have their names engraved on the monument, where they would be admired for generations to come."
Prime Minister Song’s heart was pounding.
If one could really have a monument of merit engraved on it and receive awards from the imperial court, there would definitely be many wealthy businessmen tempted.
After stepping down the last stone step, Prime Minister Song's expression became more serious, and he thought carefully about Xie Yingchen's proposal.
Xie Yingchen said in a clear voice, "Now is the summer harvest season. If wealthy businessmen donate some grain, it will benefit future generations. Why not do it?"
"After the summer harvest, until the autumn plowing season, it's the slack season. The court can recruit many young and strong men by providing some food rations and a few copper coins. All the court needs to pay is some bricks, tiles, wood, and stones to build the poorhouse. However, in my opinion, the fixed rations like steamed buns should be replaced with a small bag of rice and flour."
Prime Minister Song nodded as he listened.
Normally, the court recruited laborers, usually receiving one or two steamed buns a day. These buns didn't last long, and most were eaten the same day. If they were given rice and flour of equivalent value, they might take them home and store them. In the event of an earthquake, the rice and flour might even save the family. Even if an earthquake didn't occur, the rice and flour wouldn't spoil.
The eldest son has taken even these into consideration, which is quite thoughtful.
Prime Minister Song pondered, "My Lord, if you have nothing else to do..."
He wanted to say that if Xie Yingchen was okay, they should sit down and discuss the rules and regulations. If the orphanage could be built as quickly as possible, it would indeed be a solution for the time being.
Before he could finish his words, he was interrupted by Xie Jing.
Xie Jing was not yet officially qualified to attend court, and only occasionally attended as an observer. Today, he was not attending, so he could only wait here to find Prime Minister Song.
Seeing Prime Minister Song and Xie Yingchen coming out together, Xie Jing's expression froze for only a moment before he stepped forward and greeted Prime Minister Song with a smile. After exchanging greetings, he couldn't wait to say, "Prime Minister Song, I have something I want to discuss with you."
Could it be related to the Qingzhou earthquake? Prime Minister Song's expression softened. His Highness the Third Prince might have been a little immature in the past, but people grow up. He asked gently, "What's the matter, Your Highness?"
Xie Jing's eyes danced with joy: "It's like this, I would like to ask Madam to help me propose to Ke'er."
Prime Minister Song's smile gradually froze at the corners of his mouth.
If he remembered correctly, the emperor had promised the girl from the Ji family to be the third prince's concubine. Why would a concubine need three matchmakers and six betrothals, let alone a marriage proposal? Ridiculous!
Xie Jing understood, but he had promised Ji Nan Ke that he would never let her suffer any injustice. Even though she was nominally a concubine, Xie Jing decided to follow the etiquette of marrying a wife, so that Ke'er could understand his good intentions.
He bowed and pleaded, "Could Prime Minister Song please..."
"Cousin Jing, you're a step too late." Xie Yingchen interrupted him with a smile, "I've already asked Prime Minister Song and his wife to propose marriage for me."
Xie Jing blurted out: "You must be joking. Why are you proposing marriage?"
"Of course I'm going to the Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion to ask Miss Gu for marriage. Prime Minister Song has just agreed to it, so I can only ask my cousin Jing to find someone else."
So, the two of them were discussing a marriage proposal? Xie Yingchen was really getting in the way. He wanted to propose marriage, and he wanted to propose marriage too. Xie Jing's expression was somewhat unhappy, but he didn't say anything more and said goodbye.
"Thank you, young master."
Prime Minister Song sighed softly.
If I really let my wife propose marriage to a concubine, I'm afraid we won't be able to hold our heads up in the future.
Xie Yingchen smiled faintly, then changed the subject and asked, "Prime Minister Song, what do you think of Xie Jing? Is he worthy of being the successor?"
Prime Minister Song never expected that he would take the initiative to attack. This sentence frightened him so much that his breathing became rapid and he couldn't help but look at him with scrutiny.
Xie Yingchen allowed him to look at him without any hesitation, and did not hide his ambition for the throne at all.
Prime Minister Song was silent for a moment, then said vaguely, "His Royal Highness the Third Prince is still young."
Xie Yingchen didn't intend to end the topic there, and continued: "Does the Prime Minister think that Daqi can wait until he 'grows up'?"
He placed emphasis on the word "growth" and made a "please" gesture, and the two continued to move forward.
Xie Yingchen spoke in a calm tone, as if he was saying something that was a matter of course.
"The people of Liang still harbor ambitions for the Central Plains. Japanese pirates in Minzhou are invading frequently. The remnants of the former Jiangnan dynasty have instigated the Chiyan Cult to promote a saintly woman to deceive the people. This year has been another year of frequent disasters. The Huai River burst its banks, Yongzhou suffered a severe drought, and next up is the earthquake in Qingzhou."
Prime Minister Song sighed softly.
The Third Prince was indeed making him increasingly disappointed. Even though he didn't believe in the August earthquake, he still cared about everything in the court. He had never heard the Third Prince ask a single question. Until now, the only thing on his mind was the matter of taking a concubine.
Xie Yingchen's pupils were deep, and the low voice at the end had an invisible oppressive force. Every word he said was like a heavy hammer hitting the Prime Minister's heart, making him feel a little palpitated.
"The ruler in power, who has not gained the throne righteously, has caused frequent natural disasters, and this is a warning from heaven."
The Prime Minister Song thought to himself: Xie Yingchen is indeed doubting the late emperor's will.
Xie Yingchen said calmly, "The late emperor once called you, Prime Minister, the pillar of the country. Six years ago, you advised me to take the world as my own."
"Now, I would also like to advise the Prime Minister to take the world as his own."
"Choosing a successor as unfit as the current one, Prime Minister Song, are you worthy of the late emperor?"
The pillar of the nation? Did the late emperor really say that!?
"Emperor, this old minister, this old minister, cannot bear this..."
Prime Minister Song suppressed his tears and cried.
He quickly lowered his head so that no one could see him.
The current emperor is not talented enough, so he tries his best to support him, hoping to help for a few more years. It would be best if he could see a talented, virtuous and capable successor, so that he can die with a smile on his face.
The third prince not only lacks talent, he even has no ambition, as if he is just waiting to be named the crown prince.
The only time he tried to win me over was because the Duke of Wei asked him to do so.
And Prince Chen...
Gongzi Chen was no longer trying to win her over; he was clearly telling himself:
Surrender!
Xie Yingchen looked back at him, his gentle gaze seemed to be able to see through his heart, and Prime Minister Song's shoulders couldn't help but tense up.
Suddenly he smiled faintly and said, "Prime Minister, I sincerely ask for your help as a matchmaker."
Prime Minister Song relaxed his body, let out a long sigh, and beads of sweat covered his forehead.
In the midst of laughter and conversation, kindness and severity are combined.
Prime Minister Song quickly responded, "No problem. When did the eldest son choose?"
"We haven't chosen an auspicious day yet. I'll go and invite the Prime Minister and his wife in person in a few days."
Come in person. Prime Minister Song understood what he meant, and he wanted him to think it over carefully.
We should take the world as our own...
As he was speaking, two horses galloped out from the Meridian Gate, and the strong wind they brought with them blew their clothes into the air.
The guards on horseback carried the imperial edict and rushed to the western border at an accelerated speed of 800 miles.
Not only that, the emperor also sent a secret decree to Western Xinjiang by carrier pigeon, asking Jiang Youzheng to take over the position of commander-in-chief of Western Xinjiang as soon as possible to quell the civil unrest.
As for the imperial edict to Zhaoyang, it was delivered by Li Deshun personally.
Upon waking, Zhaoyang learned she was to marry Gong Hai. She immediately threw a tantrum, threatening to disobey the order, even opening her still-unhealed wound. Upon hearing this, the emperor's hesitation vanished. He ordered the Ministry of Rites to disregard any concerns about the wound's healing; the auspicious time must not be missed. The wedding was hastily arranged, and the two were whisked off to the Gong residence in a sedan chair. The emperor also gave Zhaoyang ten guards as a dowry, as promised.
Immediately afterwards, the Embroidered Uniform Guards built another high wall next to the wall of Gong Mansion.
This series of events left the entire capital dumbfounded. The fight between the eldest princess and Gong Hai over a single opera actor had resulted in such a mutually destructive situation that it was even more exciting than anything in an opera. Some opera troupes even seized the opportunity and sped up the rehearsal of a new play.
The storyteller's jokes came one after another, and the teahouse was bustling with people.
Qiongfang went out to the Wang family's mansion in the capital to inquire about the arrival of a message from the young master, and also to inquire about the ice reserves at the mansion. On her way back, she witnessed a great event. After reporting on it all, she cheerfully took out two storybooks.
"Miss, this is a new product. I waited in line for a long time before I could buy it."
Gu Zhizhuo picked up a book and flipped through a few pages.
The storybook describes the princess of the "previous dynasty" and the general of the "previous dynasty", but there is a climax where the process and words of the quarrel between Zhaoyang and Gong Hai in the Xiang Opera House are completely restored in detail, without any change.
The person who wrote the storybook must have been in the theater at that time!
Qiongfang said cheerfully, "I also heard that the gambling house made a fortune this time. They said that neither of them won, and the dealer took all the money."
"Many gamblers who had lost everything but their underwear ran to the gate of the Gong Mansion, shouting and yelling for their money to be paid back."
"It's very interesting."
Gu Zhizhuo gently waved a round fan, laughing so hard that he fell back and forth, with dimples on his cheeks faintly visible.
"Miss," Si Shi reported from the corridor, "everything is ready, and the carriage is waiting at the ceremonial gate."
"Let's go."
Gu Zhizhuo picked up the round fan and went out. Qingmei went back into the house and brought out a cloth bag. Qiongfang also took the food box on the Eight Immortals table.
Gu Zhizhuo was still riding a horse, and all his things were placed in the carriage.
She felt itchy in her heart, so she turned from Zhuque Street after leaving the house. The street was indeed bustling, with many people sitting in each teahouse. The storyteller's loud voice could be heard clearly even by her passing by.
What about the "former emperor's daughter" who fell in love with a beautiful young actor and wanted to break off the engagement and elope with him? The "former general" couldn't get the love he wanted and was willing to castrate himself just to stay with her.
The beautiful little actor was actually the general's childhood sweetheart, but they didn't recognize each other when they met.
The general left sadly, and the princess regretted it deeply.
It was so exciting that she almost wanted to go in and have a bowl of tea.
After this brief delay, it was almost noon when we arrived at Taiqing Temple.
The summer sun was scorching, and Gu Zhishao felt hot all over after riding a horse.
As soon as I entered Taiqing Temple, I met the abbot.
The abbot led her to a small courtyard in the back mountain.
"Master."
Gu Zhizhuo ran in happily. Wuweizi was practicing a set of health-preserving sword techniques in the yard. Qingping was sweating profusely as he placed a wooden sword on the ground. His two small mustaches drooped listlessly, and he looked like he was almost out of breath.
Seeing her, Wuweizi smiled and said, "Will it be?"
Qingping's narrow eyes suddenly lit up, as if he had been pardoned: "Junior sister, come here!"
He hurriedly stuffed the wooden sword into her hand and fell to the ground with his limbs straight, motionless.
Gu Zhizhuo weighed his sword, made a beautiful sword flower, and went forward to meet the enemy.
"You are too impatient."
Wuweizi hooked her sword with the tip of his sword and pressed it down. The movement seemed slow and gentle, but it was as if he had lifted a heavy object with ease. Gu Zhizhuo deliberately increased the strength, but the wooden sword was still easily picked up.
"Don't be like your senior brother, tense all over."
"Follow the sword."
Gu Zhizhuo was the one who obeyed. She released her strength and followed Wuweizi's sword moves.
Raise the sword, stretch it, sheath it, bend down...
I remembered it completely after just one time.
Why.
Qingping sat cross-legged on the ground, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and muttered to the temple master sitting on the stone bench: "Is this a talent?"
Even though she was half dead, she was like a fish in water, exchanging sword fights with her master.
"This way."
The little Taoist boy helped a few servants carry in two large boxes, which contained ice.
There was a small ice cellar in the small courtyard, and Qiongfang led them to the ice cellar.
After practicing a set of sword moves, Gu Zhizhuo put away the sword. Only a thin layer of sweat appeared on her forehead. She felt refreshed and her muscles and bones felt more flexible.
"Master, I brought some ice."
Wuweizi stroked his beard, feeling incredibly happy that his young disciple was always thinking of him. He said solemnly, "I haven't used up the stuff you sent me last time."
Fearing that there was not enough ice in the temple, Gu Zhizhuo had delivered ice every five days since July. He even reminded Qiongfang not to forget before leaving for the military camp a few days ago.
Her master is old and the heat in the capital is very severe, so she dare not take it lightly at all.
Qiongfang made several trips for her and even knew where the ice cellar was.
"Bing, Bingbing...I want it." Qingping, with a sullen expression, immediately jumped up and said flatteringly, "Junior sister, you are truly my half-brother, half-sister, and we share the same teacher. Master is so wise!"
This was his first time spending summer in Beijing. How could it be so hot?
He wished he could sleep in an ice cellar.
Gu Zhizhuo put away the wooden sword and helped Wuweizi sit down on a stone bench in the shade of a tree. Wuweizi drank a glass of warm water and asked, "Have you memorized the Zhuyou technique I taught you?"
"I've memorized it!" Gu Zhizhuo raised his chin, full of confidence, "Master, feel free to test me."
Wuweizi smiled meaningfully and said, "A believer will come later. You can treat him."
"good!"
"Junior sister," Qingping said sympathetically, "Don't agree so readily. That one is difficult to treat? Even I, your senior brother, can't do anything."
"Terminal illness?"
Even if it is a terminal illness, it shouldn't be difficult to cure, right?
"Lovesickness." Qingping sat cross-legged, his mustache raised, and said in confusion, "A lady from a noble family fell in love with a poor scholar she had only met once, and she insisted on marrying him and threatened to elope."
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