Chapter 22: King and Minister [Drank a lot of meaty mango nectar and happily added more chapters] ...
There seemed to be a great deal of noise around her, but she could hear nothing.
The first sound after hearing was restored was the sound of birds. Shen Zhiwei's eyelashes trembled but he didn't open them. He suddenly wanted to sleep again.
The air didn't have the familiar bitter smell. If he weren't in the East Palace at this time, His Highness would have been defeated.
Are you still alive?
Shen Zhiwei has always been a pessimistic person.
The dull pain in her chest was still there, but Shen Bandu opened her eyes. The furnishings in the room were unfamiliar. She moved her eyes very slowly and saw Xu Shu lying on the bed taking a nap, with a dark complexion under his eyes.
She took a deep breath, waking the old doctor who was in a light sleep.
"Awake?" He looked up suddenly and saw her eyes were open. His cloudy eyes lit up and then dropped. "Your Majesty comes to check my pulse every day at 3:00 AM."
"Hmm...how long will the body be kept there?" Shen Zhiwei blinked her eyes, feeling her neck was extremely stiff. She tilted her head to the right, like a zombie that had not moved for a long time.
"The order to move the coffin to the imperial mausoleum was issued that very day," Xu Yuanpan sighed. "The late emperor passed away, and according to regulations, the body was kept for forty-nine days. Now it's a new dynasty. You're not yet ready to rise, so don't waste your energy."
New Dynasty.
Two words, the dust has settled.
She had been unconscious for much longer than she had imagined. All the scheming she had done over the years had finally come to nothing.
Before he finished speaking, the beaded curtain was lifted without any need for further communication. Xiao Wangqing walked in, dressed in a dark casual suit. He had a slight limp in his left foot, but he didn't use a cane.
He looked like a wandering ghost, walking almost silently, with a look of fatigue on his face. He waved his hand to let Xu Shu leave, and they were the only two left in the room.
"How do you feel?" Xiao Wangqing lowered his voice and sat down on the edge of the bed.
"I won't die. I am lucky to have a good end in my broken body. I dare not trouble Your Majesty to worry about me." Shen Zhiwei pulled the corners of her lips and replied lightly. She tried to pull her hand back, but he reached out to her wrist first.
Xiao Wangqing's fingertips, carrying the coolness from outside, rested on her beating pulse, his movements clumsy but careful. Shen Zhiwei's fingertips curled slightly, but she didn't break free.
After a long time, he finally let go of her hand and tucked her arm back into the quilt.
"Xu Shu said that your internal organs are severely damaged, and your foundation is destroyed." His voice was emotionless. "You need to carefully recuperate for a few years, and there may be hope of recovery."
"You're using a coup and countless lives to buy me a few more years of endurance for my broken body. Your Majesty, this deal is a huge loss."
Xiao Wangqing was silent for a moment, then stood up and took a step forward, approaching the couch.
"I know what you want," he looked at her straight, making Shen Zhiwei's heart panic, "the mountains and rivers are peaceful and tranquil, and the country is at peace. Isn't this what you asked for when you assisted your brother? What he can give you, I can give you more, more thoroughly."
"I grant you the right to rule your own politics, to eliminate the accumulated abuses, and to establish a truly peaceful and prosperous empire. Isn't this more worthy of your devotion than your past life of huddling in a corner of the Eastern Palace, drinking poison to quench your thirst, and carrying out his shady dealings?"
Shen Zhiwei remained silent for a long time.
The mountains and rivers are peaceful and the country is at peace.
He didn't know that she assisted Xiao Lingjun only because of the deal that kept her alive. She worked hard for it, and was stained with filth for it, even willing to drink poison, pawning her life and conscience.
Xiao Wangqing thought too highly of her.
Now, the old master has passed away and the new emperor has ascended the throne. In such a crazy way, he has separated her from the destined destruction.
The price was blood-stained streets and a change of imperial power.
She should have rebuked him and hated this mutiny that gambled the fate of countless people.
But deep down in my heart, there is still a shameful looseness.
She is not a saint. No matter what the reason is, at least she doesn't have to die.
"Your Majesty, do you understand?" she exhaled wearily, her voice no longer hoarse as it always was when she woke up. "What does it mean to make the political decisions myself? It means that if I agree, then in the history books, whenever there's a harsh policy or a bad name, I'll be your Majesty's shield, a treacherous traitor who's tempting you."
Xiao Wangqing's gaze remained unwavering. "If I feared the sharp pen of history, I wouldn't have come this far. What I desire is a prosperous and peaceful era, not the reputation of one man. If you are willing to shoulder this responsibility, I will grant you absolute authority. If you are unwilling, I will not force you. I only ask that you live well and watch me fulfill your wish."
He paused, then half-knelt in front of the bed. "What I have sought has never been the throne. If this throne can bring joy to Master Shen and allow you to realize your ambitions, I can now draft an edict and abdicate to you."
…
Shen Zhiwei didn't know what to say, so she held onto the bed board and moved to the corner of the bed.
Abdicate.
He launched a palace coup, killed his brother and seized the throne, and now he casually said the word "abdication".
Crazy, really crazy.
But Xiao Wangqing's serious look frightened her. There was no temptation or calculation in it. He seemed to truly believe that as long as she wanted it, as long as she thought it would be better, he would offer her all the land.
Shen Zhiwei took a deep breath.
"Your Majesty, please do not mention such things again. I cannot bear the responsibility, nor do I want to bear it."
The light in Xiao Wangqing's eyes dimmed slightly, and the lines of his lips tightened.
"But," Shen Zhiwei continued, "if Your Majesty truly wishes to create a prosperous and enlightened era, and allows me to eliminate the accumulated evils... I am willing to do my utmost to assist Your Majesty."
Just think of it as accumulating virtue for herself. The country cannot be without a king for a day. She can't really fight him to the death.
"good."
The gloom in Xiao Wangqing's eyes disappeared instantly. Fearing that she would change her mind, he quickly agreed.
He did not stand up, but remained in a half-kneeling position, looking up at her. This angle made him no longer look like an emperor who had just ascended the throne on a bloody journey.
"I..." He pursed his lips and changed his tone, "I will draft an imperial decree tomorrow to grant you the title of Prince Taifu, and to assist you in handling confidential matters and taking charge of the government affairs hall."
This was no longer a discussion; the authority was simply handed over from his mouth in a casual manner.
Shen Zhiwei frowned: "Your Majesty, this move is too hasty. The court situation has just been settled, and the people's support is not yet there. Such a promotion may cause criticism."
"Criticism?" Xiao Wangqing smiled, a rare smile that didn't reach his eyes. "If I can kill all the rebels, I can keep the court in check. If anyone has any criticism, feel free to speak to me."
The bloody smell in his words flashed away, and then he carefully restrained it. His eyes fell on Shen Zhiwei's pale face again, and his voice slowed down: "But if Master Shen feels it is inappropriate, then it's up to you. You want any position, or no position at all, you just need to know that from today on, whatever you want can be implemented. No one can stop me, including me."
This is not what an emperor should say to his subjects. Shen Zhiwei felt weak. She tried to sit up straighter, but the dull pain in her chest prevented her from doing so. She could only lean back on the soft pillow and breathe lightly.
"I need to know what is happening in the court right now." She chose to ignore his inappropriate words.
Xiao Wangqing immediately said, "Of the three ministers in the cabinet, two are members of my brother's old party and have been imprisoned. The other has retired, and I have approved his request. Four of the six ministerial posts are vacant. Here is a list of those who can be promoted from among the vice ministers." He pulled a thin scroll from his sleeve and placed it beside her bed. "Among the nobles, Prince Xiang... has submitted a petition to apologize and request a reduction in his title."
Shen Zhiwei's fingertips trembled as he picked up the list and looked through it.
"How will Your Majesty deal with this?"
"I will strip him of his position as commander of the Imperial Guards, but retain his title. I will order him to reflect on his mistakes behind closed doors," Xiao Wangqing looked at her. "Xie Mingxu... I will send him to oversee the repairs of the Imperial Mausoleum. He must temporarily leave the capital, a place of trouble."
The handling was gentler than expected.
Shen Zhiwei felt relieved and asked about the movements of several key figures. Xiao Wangqing answered all of them fluently. It was obvious that he had already sorted out the court's context clearly and was just waiting for her to make the move.
He even mentioned several urgent government affairs: the grain transport had been temporarily halted due to the palace coup and needed to be restored immediately to avoid affecting the grain supply in the capital; spring plowing was imminent and the distribution of agricultural tools and seeds in various places needed to be supervised; and the border, where he had his own base, needed to be clearly rewarded and punished to appease the military.
The organization is clear and the emphasis is appropriate.
Shen Zhiwei listened silently and had to admit that he was not just a warrior. Perhaps after a few years in the Northern Frontier, he was no longer the weak prince he once was.
"...Very good." These were the only two words she could finally say.
Xiao Wangqing was unconsciously delighted by her simple recognition.
After that, Shen Zhiwei recovered very slowly under Xu Shu's careful care.
No longer taking the chronic poison, her mind became increasingly clear. Although the damage to her internal organs and the cough still lingered, at least the chaotic fog in her mind had completely dissipated.
Xiao Wangqing came every day, sometimes bearing memorials that needed to be decided, sometimes simply sitting and watching her leaf through the files. He never urged her, only offering her a cup of hot tea or ordering the floor heating to be turned up higher when she frowned in thought or coughed uncontrollably.
He fulfilled his promise and gave her great authority. He would consult her first on the outline of new policies, the appointment and dismissal of officials, and even the adjustment of military affairs.
At first, Shen Zhiwei only tentatively put forward a few suggestions on the rectification of grain transport and fine-tuning of the tax system. However, within a few days, they were promulgated in the name of the new emperor. They were implemented with great vigor and no one dared to stop them.
The court quickly realized that this reclusive former companion to the Eastern Palace held a far greater position in the new dynasty than they had imagined. There were criticisms, but they were all suppressed by Xiao Wangqing's iron fist.
He didn't care about the rumors, he even hoped that all the credit could be attributed to Shen Zhiwei.
Shen Zhiwei also asked Xu Shu what medicine Xiao Wangqing should take for his madness.
The old judge paused as he twirled his beard, his gaze slowly shifting from Shen Zhiwei's face to the window. After a long pause, he said, "Your Majesty, I have written a prescription for this illness." He retracted his gaze and glanced at her, "The medicine is not in the Imperial Hospital, it's with you."
Shen Zhiwei frowned, but before he could speak, footsteps could be heard from outside. Xiao Wangqing arrived earlier than usual today, his coat stained with unbrushed snow, his fingertips reddened by the cold, clutching a freshly picked red plum blossom, its petals still clung to ice crystals.
He inserted the plum branch into the jade bottle beside the couch, his movements so familiar as if he had done it a thousand times, and then turned to Xu Shu: "How is Mr. Shen's pulse today?"
"Your Majesty, although Lord Shen's internal organs are damaged, if we take it step by step, he may be able to recover in a few years." Xu Shu bowed and answered without any mistakes. Before packing up the medicine box and leaving, he shook his head gently at Shen Zhiwei.
Xiao Wangqing didn't pay attention to these things, he just stared at her: "What were you talking about just now?"
"Speaking of your Majesty's madness," Shen Zhi smiled, lowering his eyes. He turned a page and saw a few lines of elegant small characters beside the still-dry ink annotations. "The teacher said that no medicine or stone could cure it."
He was silent for a moment, then chuckled, "He's right." Then he reached out his hand very naturally, and touched her wrist on the table with his fingertips. After feeling it for a moment, his brows relaxed slightly, "It's warmer today than yesterday, but your hands are still cold." As he said that, he stuffed the hand warmer on the corner of the table into her palm, not allowing her to refuse.
Shen Zhiwei struggled, but he took advantage of the situation and grasped her fingertips. The new emperor's palms were rough and calloused, the marks left by years of holding reins and sword hilts, but the temperature was scorching, ironing her cold skin slightly.
"Your Majesty," she tried to pull her hand back, "there is a difference between the ruler and his subjects."
"Don't move." Xiao Wangqing tightened his grip, pulled a roll of bright yellow silk from his sleeve, and spread it out on the table. It was a draft decree, appointing her as the Crown Prince's Tutor, Chief Minister of the Cabinet, and in charge of all government affairs.
"The name is left blank," he pointed to the place where the edict would be signed, "You can sign or seal it, it's up to you."
Shen Zhiwei stared at the blank space, a sudden pain in her chest causing her to cough softly with her hands covering her lips. Xiao Wangqing was taken aback, then immediately withdrew the imperial edict and patted her back.
"If you don't want it, then don't." He pursed his lips, "Why get angry?"
She caught her breath and looked up at him: "Your Majesty, please understand that once this decree is issued, history will write it down as hard as iron. You will be a foolish ruler, and I will be a minister who brings disaster to the country."
"Then we'll be a pair of a tyrant ruler and a treacherous minister," Xiao Wangqing replied shamelessly. "I want peace and prosperity, and I want you to live a long life. If I can only choose one, I choose the latter."
Outside the window, snow falls silently; the cool fragrance of red plum blossoms lingers quietly.
Shen Zhiwei lowered his eyes and sighed very lightly.
"Article 3 of the new regulations for the grain transport system states that miscellaneous taxes and levies should be reduced by 30%. Has Your Majesty approved this?" she asked. Xiao Wangqing was startled, then nodded, "Yes."
"The report on the cancellation of military pay in the Northern Frontier is questionable. Your Majesty has circled it in red and ordered a thorough investigation?"
"yes."
"Your Majesty rejected the recommendation of the Jiangning prefect the other day?"
"This person once joined the rebel party and cannot be used."
Shen Zhiwei raised her eyes, her gaze fixed on his face. "If that's the case, Your Majesty, why do you underestimate yourself? You are not a foolish monarch, and I do not wish to be a minister who brings disaster to the country. This edict," she tapped the bright yellow silk with her fingertips, "burn it."
Xiao Wangqing's pupils shrank slightly, and his fingers holding the imperial edict tensed.
"But if Your Majesty truly wishes to create a prosperous era, then I will allow you to serve as an ordinary cabinet minister and do what is required. When the country is at peace, I will..." She paused for a moment, then finally said, "accompany Your Majesty to drink a celebratory toast."
The last three words were so soft, yet they sounded like thunder in his ears. Xiao Wangqing looked up suddenly, his eyes lighting up.
"Okay." He responded in a hoarse voice, and without hesitation, he picked up the edict and brought it close to the candlelight.
As the ashes fell, he stared at her: "I'm waiting for your glass of wine."
-----------------------
The author has something to say: Xiao Wangqing did not move the servants of the Prince's Mansion. He gave most of them some silver and sent them out of the palace. Those who asked to stay were allocated to Shen Zhiwei's residence.
So Shen Zhiwei's surroundings became lively again, but they all tacitly stopped mentioning His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. Oh, now it's time to say the former Crown Prince.
She never saw Seventeen again
The author has something to say:
If your home is empty, your heart will be empty.
Knowing that there are some old things at home, I will not be afraid of the loneliness when I go home
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
