Chapter 84 Chapter 84 Early spring.
After hearing about Chu Heng's experiences over the past half day, Daiyu sighed: "He's doing all this for nothing, and the Emperor will eventually kick him out of the house. What kind of life is he living now?"
Chu Heng played with the jade pendant at Daiyu's waist and smiled: "This is one of the advantages of being an emperor. It's a pity I was born at the wrong time."
The late emperor had few sons, but their ages varied greatly. When the struggle for the throne was at its most intense, Chu Heng was still a child. By the time he grew into a young man, the emperor had already ascended the throne, and everything had been settled.
Daiyu widened her eyes slightly and patted his hand: "Don't say such things, it's scary."
The fate of princes who rebelled has already been demonstrated by Prince Qi, let alone now that they are right under the emperor's nose.
Chu Heng grabbed her fingers and kissed them: "Just kidding."
Daiyu rubbed his temples: "For now, you should just endure it for a few more years. Once we withdraw, things will be easier."
“It’s not just me who compromised; the Empress Dowager suffered a loss, and I’m afraid she’ll cause you trouble again,” Chu Heng said with concern. “We also need to be careful of her underhanded tactics.”
Daiyu nodded and said, "You've suddenly taken on so many things; you'll probably be even busier in the future."
"His Majesty only said that today. The court officials dare not disobey him in his anger. There will definitely be people bringing it up again at tomorrow's morning court," Chu Heng said. "I will probably still have some matters to attend to, but not all of them, otherwise things will really get chaotic."
The three dukes of the Fang family held significant influence in the court, controlling crucial military and political affairs. It was impossible for Chu Heng alone to take over all their responsibilities.
Daiyu immediately understood: "The reason His Majesty issued such an order today is to tell others that he is indeed very angry, which is why he made such a hasty decision."
Chu Heng smiled and said, "His Majesty hasn't finished performing this act yet."
Daiyu squeezed his arm: "Before you accompany His Majesty to perform this play, you should rest for a while. You look tired."
Chu Heng took her hand in his own: "Will you stay with me?"
"I'm not tired..." Before Daiyu could finish speaking, he suddenly leaned in, kissed her, and then pulled away.
"I want to stay with you," Chu Heng said with a gentle smile.
Daiyu smiled and said reproachfully, "You're clinging to me like this again."
Chu Heng kissed her gently again: "I just love being this clingy with you."
Daiyu smiled, her eyes crinkling, and said, "Alright, I'll let you stick to me."
...
The following day, after the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel submitted a memorial, the Emperor made new arrangements. He only allowed Chu Heng to take over the Ministry of Revenue, while other people were assigned to handle the affairs of the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of War.
When Chu Heng returned home that evening, he joked with Daiyu, "The Minister of the Imperial Clan is a third-rank official, and the Minister is a second-rank official. So, I guess I've been promoted."
Following his words, Daiyu smiled and said, "In Your Highness's opinion, we should celebrate. We have some good wine at home; I'll have someone open it."
"No, no," Chu Heng immediately shook his head. "I don't like drinking."
“Why don’t we discuss your birthday? It’s almost February. How do you plan to celebrate?” Chu Heng continued.
Daiyu wasn't very interested: "According to custom, there should be a reward from the palace that day, right? There's no need to make plans anymore, I have to go to the palace to express my gratitude."
Chu Heng pinched her cheek: "Birthdays are a happy occasion. We can express our gratitude, but let's celebrate at home in advance. I'll take a few days off and do whatever I want."
Daiyu raised her eyebrows, clearly intrigued: "I've been cooped up at home all winter. Apart from going to the palace to pay my respects, I haven't gone out at all. Now that the weather is warmer, it's time to go out for a walk."
Chu Heng nodded and smiled, "As you wish."
The two then began to discuss the matter. When the lights were turned off, Daiyu was still reluctant to stop talking. It was only when Chuheng grabbed her shoulders and pressed her down on the bed that she finally stopped.
Although he had only just taken over the Ministry of Revenue, Chu Heng had no intention of working diligently and conscientiously. He categorized and assigned all matters, big and small, to his subordinates, only reviewing them himself at the end.
The entire country belongs to the emperor, and naturally, the money in the Ministry of Revenue also belongs to the emperor. In this regard, Chu Heng has always been very cautious.
Prince Duan was no stranger to the court officials. The emperor valued this younger brother, and he was not willful or reckless. Apart from the fact that his sensitive identity made people uncomfortable, there was nothing wrong with him.
As for Prince Duan, he is aloof and does not associate with anyone, which is exactly what the court officials want. Given his status as a prince, no minister with any sense would want to befriend him unless they have some legitimate relationship with him.
For example, the Fang family.
The three dukes of the Fang family were forced to retire and stay at home. Seeing that such important positions were being taken away, and despite pleading with their relatives and friends, nothing came of it. The entire Fang family was extremely anxious.
The emperor has already shown his sharp claws; the Fang family must erect strong armor for self-defense.
One of their methods involved approaching Chu Heng.
Prince Duan was undoubtedly a claw of the emperor, but he was also the empress dowager's son and had an inextricable connection with the Fang family.
The Fang family naturally knew that the Empress Dowager had not gotten any benefits from Prince Duan, but they believed that since the Empress Dowager had never explained the pros and cons to Prince Duan, they could not ask him to stand on their side.
Prince Duan was too young and easily fooled by the emperor. Once they explained the reasoning behind it, Prince Duan would realize that he would not have a good end under the emperor.
Therefore, until the day Chu Heng asked for leave on the ninth day of the second month, he politely declined six invitations from the Fang family.
On the afternoon of the ninth day, Chu Heng and Daiyu went out of the city for a spring outing. In the carriage, he complained, "It seems like I have so much power. Among all the civil and military officials, who isn't connected to the Emperor?"
Daiyu was holding a box of pastries when she heard this. She handed him a butterfly pastry and said, "The difference between the emperor and his subjects is like a chasm. The Fang family does not have enough strength to fight against the emperor. We can only be slaughtered like the Gu and Li families that the emperor dealt with before."
Chu Heng said, "With the Empress Dowager around, and filial piety being paramount, the Emperor will ultimately have to be mindful of things. This is also the source of the Fang family's confidence."
Daiyu shook her head: "If the Fang family continues to cause trouble, the Emperor will become increasingly displeased, and I'm afraid even the Empress Dowager won't be able to save the Fang family."
Chu Heng smiled and said, "Who cares about them? I shouldn't have brought this up. Now that we're out, let's have some fun. And give me that... pea flour cake again."
Daiyu smiled and said, "Here are two for you."
The two chatted and laughed, and soon the carriage left the city.
Chu Heng smiled and said, "I had someone prepare a few kites. Have you seen them? Which one do you like? I'll fly it for you in a bit."
After thinking for a moment, Daiyu said, "The one with the wild goose is very good."
"Then let's put that one first." Chu Heng flexed his wrist.
Daiyu placed her hand on it: "Have you ever flown a kite by yourself before?"
Chu Heng shook his head: "No, there's no need to learn this, is there?"
Daiyu was a little worried: "Then don't let go. What if you cut your hand or pull your wrist? We came out to have fun, don't go back with injuries."
Chu Heng chuckled: "It's just flying a kite, you're being too cautious, it'll be fine! Have I told you before, when I was little I wanted to be a general riding a horse and fighting battles!"
There were no items related to martial arts in the Prince Duan's residence. Daiyu said, "You never mentioned that."
“I already said it was when I was a child,” Chu Heng said. “Looking back now, it seems like wishful thinking, doesn’t it?”
In times of peace and prosperity, how could a prince or royal family possibly lead an army, unless the emperor himself felt his life was too comfortable?
Daiyu paused slightly, then smiled and said, "It's impossible for you to lead troops, but we can invite a martial arts instructor to our home another day so you can relearn riding and archery and practice martial arts."
"Huh?" Chu Heng immediately forgot his disappointment and hurriedly waved his hand, "No, no, I'm already so busy that I barely have time to spend with you. If I learn riding and archery, I won't even have time to sleep."
Chu Heng lifted the curtain and looked out: "We're almost there. You'll see in a bit. It's just flying a kite, it's very simple."
Seeing that he had also smiled, clearly having put the past behind him, Daiyu said, "You should ask them how to release it first, don't rush into it."
Chu Heng readily agreed. When they arrived at their destination, he first stepped off the car using a stool, then turned around to help Daiyu.
This is the estate of Prince Duan's manor outside the city, right next to the river. Chu Heng had already ordered people to come and tidy it up.
February in the capital is still early spring. It is still cool outside, and the grass is just beginning to sprout. It is not yet the season for all flowers to bloom.
The winter plum blossoms inside the courtyard wall were still in bloom. When Daiyu saw them, she smiled and said, "Winter hasn't gone far yet."
“Next month, this place will be covered in lush green grass.” Chu Heng pointed to the distance, “And over there, look, that’s a peach grove. We’ll come back in April or May.”
Daiyu looked at him and smiled, "Your Highness, your plan is quite good, but I'm afraid you're such a busy person that you won't have much free time."
Chu Heng pinched her nose: "Miss Lin, don't scare me, or I'll quit tomorrow."
Daiyu tilted her head: "You can't scare me..." As she spoke, she pulled Chu Heng, "Let's go for a walk by the river."
"It feels strangely cold." Chu Heng touched Daiyu's cheek.
Daiyu pulled him around, saying, "Come on, it's not cold. I want to go take a look."
Chu Heng turned around following her lead, and said helplessly, "Alright, alright, let's go take a look." After saying that, he instructed the maids to go inside and ask the kitchen to make some hot soup so that they could drink some to warm themselves up when they returned.
Daiyu quickly said, "Don't put ginger in it, I don't eat that."
Zijuan smiled and said, "Don't worry, how could I not know the Princess's tastes?"
"What are we going to see by the river?" Chu Heng held Daiyu's hand, and the two walked slowly. "Are we going to go fishing again? We didn't bring our zither today."
Daiyu wrinkled her nose: "The fish in our house are all afraid of your zither playing. It's better when I go by myself; at least some of them will take the bait."
"Oh dear, I should have brought the zither. It would have been perfect for bullying the fish here that aren't afraid of me." Chu Heng's tone was full of regret.
Daiyu couldn't help but laugh out loud: "It's alright, we'll catch some fish on our way back, and tomorrow you can make them afraid of you."
Chu Heng nodded seriously: "Yes, we'll have fish soup and fish stew for lunch tomorrow."
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