White snow falling plum blossoms flying in the morning frost
The morning light is dim and the curtains are deep.
Ji Mingxiu suddenly woke up, and saw the curtains of light and darkness overlapping. He sat on the bed in a daze, and in a trance he actually thought he was still in Prince Chen's mansion.
But the next second, Qiu Ling's voice brought him back to reality.
"Your Majesty, it is already noon. Do you need me to help you change your clothes?"
"Come in... ahem... come in."
As soon as Ji Mingxiu opened his mouth, he realized that his voice was unusually hoarse, and the unspeakable memory of last night came flooding back.
He lowered his head and gathered his inner garment. Gu Zi'an had been very restrained last night and had not left too deep a mark on his body, but some faint red marks could still be seen, which were particularly eye-catching on his snow-white neck.
"His Majesty."
Qiu Ling lifted the curtain and stood aside with his head lowered, holding a cup of strong tea.
Ji Mingxiu took the tea and rinsed his mouth, but found a cup of tea next to him. He took a sip, moistening his dry throat. The temperature was just right, and it was his favorite Lushan Yunwu.
"You are thoughtful."
Qiu Ling has been with him for ten years and has long known his preferences clearly. Although his personality is a bit dull and old-fashioned, he is thoughtful and steady in his actions.
"It's all my job as a servant."
Qiu Ling put down the tea tray and still lowered his eyes as he quietly helped Ji Mingxiu change his clothes and tie his hair. He only paused slightly when his fingertips brushed across Ji Mingxiu's neck, but soon returned to normal.
…………
In the Golden Palace, Ji Mingxiu sat upright.
"Why didn't you come to the morning court today, Mr. Gu?"
Ji Mingxiu was still somewhat relieved that Gu Zi'an had not arrived. He really didn't know how to face Gu Zi'an, the brother who was like a close relative to him.
His Highness suddenly fell into a strange silence.
After a moment, the Minister of Personnel stood out tremblingly.
"Your Majesty, General Gu asked for leave today, saying... that there are many things to do in the northern border, and time is running out and preparations are urgently needed..."
"...I understand."
This excuse is indeed not sincere.
The Northern Frontier is a major event that concerns the life and death of the Great Xuan Dynasty, but this does not prevent all the officials from wanting to get a piece of the pie.
The position of marshal has been confirmed. In other words, someone has been chosen to take the lead. Right or wrong, success or failure is not that important to them.
Ji Mingxiu became increasingly annoyed as he watched his highness's ministers fighting tooth and nail for the position of vanguard. If it weren't for the fact that the imperial teacher had taught him these nonsense words over the years about "a ruler should treat his ministers with courtesy and a minister should serve his ruler with loyalty," he would have wanted to walk away right now.
"Your Majesty." Zuo Cheng Li Qingyun interrupted the quarrel in the hall. He stood up slowly and said calmly: "Now that the expedition is imminent, should we keep everything simple when performing the sacrificial ceremonies?"
This was originally the responsibility of the Ministry of Rites, but now that the Left Prime Minister had exceeded his authority, no one dared to say anything, which instead gave Ji Mingxiu a chance to catch his breath.
"Well, as the Left Prime Minister said, let's keep it simple. The selection of personnel for the expedition will be decided after discussion among you, my dear ministers. I will adjourn the court."
Ji Mingxiu left the Golden Palace almost as if he was fleeing, as if there was some ferocious beast behind him.
Just as Ji Mingxiu stepped into the Qinzheng Hall, before he could catch his breath, Qiu Ling reported that the imperial teacher Su Yuanbai wanted to see him.
"Hurry up and announce it!"
Ji Ming straightened his clothes and hurriedly stood up to greet him.
The Imperial Preceptor was just an honorary position conferred by the late emperor and had no authority. However, apart from the late emperor, the person Ji Mingxiu feared the most since he was a child was the Imperial Preceptor who had taught him for eight years.
"Your Majesty."
Outside the hall, Su Yuanbai put away his incense umbrella and nodded slightly. His plain white robe fluttered without wind, and every move he made was like that of a banished immortal.
"Greetings, Imperial Master." Ji Mingxiu bowed deeply and invited the Imperial Master into the hall.
"Qiu Ling, serve tea."
"yes."
After Su Yuanbai sat down, Ji Mingxiu took the upper seat.
…………
The atmosphere suddenly fell into an awkward silence, and the huge Qinzheng Hall was so quiet that one could hear people breathing.
Ji Mingxiu grasped his sleeves and asked carefully.
"The Imperial Master usually stays in Chaoyue Palace. Why is he here in Qinzheng Palace today? Is there something important?"
“No.”
Su Yuanbai put down the teacup and replied calmly.
…………
"I heard that Your Majesty got up at noon today, an hour later than usual?"
“…Yes, I…”
"But is the dragon's body in poor condition? Your Majesty's body is worth a million dollars, so you must be careful."
"Thank you for your concern, Imperial Master. I am doing fine..."
"Well, Your Majesty, can you continue to give lectures these days? Those who accomplished great things in the past not only had extraordinary talents, but also had unyielding determination. Lectures can help improve people's moral character and should not be neglected."
…………
"That's what the Imperial Master taught me."
This familiar feeling of oppression.
After another period of oppressive silence, Su Yuanbai pursed his lips and stroked the green tea cup.
"Your Majesty, I understand that General Gu is in charge of the Northern Frontier affairs this time?"
Ji Mingxiu's eyes lit up, finally they were talking about something serious.
"Yes, what do you think, Imperial Master?"
"It's OK." Su Yuanbai nodded, "But the selection of the deputy general must be carefully selected and not be careless."
"I understand."
Gu Zi'an is young, and even if he has the prestige of a former general, it will be difficult for him to win the support of the people without military achievements. If he can have a loyal and experienced deputy general to assist him, he will surely be able to make up for his shortcomings.
"Does the Imperial Master have a suitable candidate?"
Ji Mingxiu looked at Su Yuanbai with anticipation.
“No.”
“…………”
Su Yuanbai seemed not to be able to feel the awkward atmosphere. He calmly picked up the tea and took a sip, as if he had just come to the Qinzheng Hall to have a sip of tea.
Ji Mingxiu looked around helplessly, trying to seek Qiu Ling's help, but found that the other party had left the hall after serving tea.
Sure enough, it is better to rely on yourself than on others. People still have to save themselves.
Ji Mingxiu withdrew his gaze helplessly, clutching his sleeves and racking his brains to think about how to respond.
"Imperial Master...if you like this Lushan Cloud Mist, I will send someone to deliver it to Chaoyue Palace later."
"No need. It's too sweet, which is not what I like."
"…I am being abrupt."
Despite saying so, Su Yuanbai still drank the sweet tea steadily, with no intention of leaving.
"His Majesty."
Qiu Ling suddenly lowered his head and walked into the hall, breaking the awkward silence.
"Lord Zuo Cheng Li requests an audience."