Chapter 183 The Draft
On the tenth day of the first lunar month, Asui was personally brought by Emperor Jingxuan to recognize his ancestors in the presence of royal relatives.
From then on, Da Qi had a little prince who was very much loved.
After the Spring Festival, the morning court session resumed. At dawn that day, Asui was awakened by the palace maids.
The maid looked at Ah Sui, who was sleeping naively in the soft pillow, and could only suppress her soft heart and call out softly, "Your Highness, the time has come. His Majesty is waiting for you outside. If you don't get up, His Majesty will leave."
Before going to bed last night, Asui specifically instructed the palace servants to wake him up early this morning because he had to go to court with Emperor Jingxuan today.
Asui did not dare to forget such an important event as attending court, and kept it firmly in mind.
Hearing that Emperor Jingxuan was leaving, Asui said reflexively: "You can't leave!"
He closed his eyes, threw off the quilt and climbed up, muttering "I can't walk, I can't walk".
When Emperor Jingxuan dressed neatly and entered the palace, he saw him climbing out of bed in a daze, closing his eyes and letting the palace servants wash and dress him, and he was immediately amused.
There was a floor heater burning in the hall, and pillow marks were left on Asui's cheeks. Although he was obviously very sleepy, he still stretched out his hands and raised his head.
Seeing this, Eunuch Jiang said with a distressed look, "Your Majesty, how about we just forget about it today and let the young prince sleep a little longer?"
It's freezing cold outside, with a howling north wind. Isn't that perfect for a lie-in? Your Highness is still so young, why should he suffer along with Your Majesty?
As soon as he finished speaking, he was refuted by Asui, "No, no...I have to go!"
He forced his eyes open a crack, his tone as firm as iron.
Emperor Jingxuan curled his lips, finding it quite funny.
"If you want to go, then cheer up. If you delay any longer, I will leave." He pretended to lift his leg and was about to leave.
It just so happened that the palace maid moved quickly and quickly, and finally put a small round felt hat on Asui's head, and then straightened his collar and scarf, and he was ready to go out.
Asui stood up and walked forward a few steps, then threw himself onto Emperor Jingxuan's legs and reached out for a hug.
Emperor Jingxuan was in high spirits. Seeing this, he clicked his tongue and agreed to his son's request. He bent down and picked up Asui with one arm.
Entering the familiar embrace, Asui rested his chin on his shoulder and fell asleep again.
He slept all the way until he arrived at Xuan Zheng Hall. He was awakened by the ministers' shouts of "Long live the emperor". Only then did Asui become fully awake, his eyes bright.
He lay on Emperor Jingxuan's shoulder, and with eyes similar to his own, he looked curiously at the scene and the ministers in front of him.
The leader was dressed in crimson official uniform and held an ivory tablet in his hand. Among them was a face familiar to Asui.
For example, Lu Yuanduo, Pei Qian's father, Duke Cheng'en, and the prince's uncle, Tutor Li.
After them came Zhang Lian, Gao Ji and others who were wearing scarlet official uniforms and had blocked Asui in front of the Qinzheng Palace to test him.
When the ministers met Asui's gaze, they had different thoughts.
"My dear, please stand up."
Seeing Asui wake up, Emperor Jingxuan let him down and visited Jiang Fusheng on the way.
Upon receiving the signal, Jiang Fusheng ordered the eunuch to move a set of small tables and chairs to the front left side of the dragon throne for Asui to sit on.
Facing the burning gazes of the ministers below, Asui, who had already woken up, was not at all nervous. He walked to the small desk and sat down, and took out his record book, listening attentively as if he was in class.
After finishing everything, he looked up at Emperor Jingxuan, as if to say: I am ready, let's start.
Emperor Jingxuan:...Who is the master of the court?
Just as he was about to speak, a minister below couldn't help but remind him: "Your Majesty, this is an important place of the previous dynasty."
He glanced at Asui and said hesitantly, "Your Highness is still young, I'm afraid this isn't appropriate."
Not only does he have an exclusive seat, but he looks so serious that you would think he is the regent?
Emperor Jingxuan didn't take it seriously and glanced at him calmly: "Sui'er's final exam results were all A-grade, ranking first. I promised him a reward, which is to observe your performance during the morning court."
He looked stern and majestic, and when he said 'ranked first', his chin slightly raised, his eyes filled with imperceptible pride.
"I am the ruler of a country. My words are golden. How can I go back on my word? Sui'er is young. Can she still influence you?"
The minister who first raised the question slowly lowered his head and chose to remain silent.
Asui reacted and immediately realized that this person was expressing dissatisfaction with his appearance.
He looked up and stared at the other person with a serious expression, vowing to memorize the other person's face.
The minister felt an inexplicable chill down his spine, and gradually fell silent as the father and son stared at him.
It was just a trivial matter, so Emperor Jingxuan didn't want to make a fuss. He said calmly, "Alright, if you have something to report, please do so. If not, please dismiss the court."
This short sentence made Asui's eyes widen, his back straightened, and he prepared to listen carefully.
This year, Da Qi has had good weather and good harvests, and the people in various places are in good spirits. There have been no major disasters or epidemics. Everything is normal during the Spring Festival, and there have been no serious emergencies that require the above.
Just when everyone thought that the morning court on the first day of the new year would be spent in peace and tranquility, a minister with gray hair and a thin figure stepped forward:
"Your Majesty, I have a chance to make a report."
When Emperor Jingxuan heard this, his eyelids twitched suddenly.
There was no reason, it was just because Zhang Pingzhi was pedantic. During his years in the court, he had repeatedly advised him to restore the selection of concubines with a grand election every three years and a minor election every year, to expand the harem, and to increase the number of offspring for the royal family.
As soon as he opened his mouth, Emperor Jingxuan knew what he was going to hear next.
As expected, Zhang Pingzhi, holding the imperial tablet, began to speak: "Your Majesty, the succession of offspring is a matter of great importance to the country, and favoring only one person is absolutely unacceptable. I hope Your Majesty will be generous and accept many concubines to continue your lineage."
Emperor Jingxuan responded expressionlessly, "Since that's the case, Minister Zhang, please write a memorial."
As for whether to approve it or not, that is his business.
"His Majesty!"
Zhang Pingzhi was anxious because he had experienced this situation several times.
In the past, memorials that were written in a fluent manner and full of quotations from classics and submitted were either forgotten to be presented to Emperor Jingxuan, or were inexplicably stained with water and the handwriting became blurred, or were put in a corner and collected dust before being returned.
In short, it’s useless to write.
At first he felt sad about this, but later he saw that Emperor Jingxuan did not enter the harem even though he had few children, and he was afraid that His Majesty was suffering from a hidden illness, so he gradually gave up the idea.
Now, His Majesty not only favors Concubine Zhao, but has even adopted a young son. Doesn't this mean that His Majesty is in good health?
Encouraged by his colleagues in the court, Zhang Pingzhi revived and returned to his old ways, persuading Emperor Jingxuan to fill his harem and have a long line of successors.
However, it was obvious that Emperor Jingxuan still did not buy it.
His expression darkened slightly as he asked unhappily, "The child is still alive, what are you planning to do, Mr. Zhang?"
What this means is, by mentioning adult matters like talent shows and having children in front of children, are you trying to lead them astray?
Zhang Pingzhi wanted to explain, but when he looked up, he met Asui's innocent and curious gaze. His old face flushed, and he hurriedly said, "I dare not. I will submit the memorial tomorrow. I hope Your Majesty will review it as soon as possible."
Let’s leave this matter alone for now.
After leaving court, Asui sat on the imperial carriage and carefully looked through his records.
Emperor Jingxuan glanced at it but couldn't see it clearly, so he said casually, "What are you writing? Let me see it."
Asui hesitated for a moment, but still chose to refuse: "No, this can only be seen by me."
Emperor Jingxuan: "Your mother won't give it to you either?"
Ah Sui: "A-niang never looks through my things."
Yun Wan has always respected her children's wishes. Whenever she wants to check Asui's homework, she will ask for his consent in advance.
Emperor Jingxuan felt slightly relieved upon hearing this, and he continued, "What happened in the court today must not be disclosed to outsiders, or else you will be punished as a serious crime of leaking secrets according to the law."
Ah Sui: "Isn't it possible for my mother too?"
Emperor Jingxuan did not respond directly, but said: "According to palace rules, the harem is not allowed to interfere in government affairs. Those in high positions must set an example, otherwise it will be difficult to convince the public. What do you think?"
Asui, who already understood some of the pros and cons, thought for a moment and nodded seriously: "I understand."
Seeing this, Emperor Jingxuan felt relieved.
He has discovered that his son is a little sieve, and he must never directly tell him not to do something. Instead, he should pretend not to care, guide him, and threaten him appropriately.
However, even if Asui Xiaoloushao had not leaked the information, the news that a minister had requested the emperor to hold a beauty contest still reached Yun Wan's ears.
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