Thinking of this, Elder An's eyes became deep and unfathomable.
He wasn't sure if the emperor was planning something or just going with the flow.
If one could foresee the situation from the moment the four sons entered the capital until today, he is truly unfathomable!
A strong ruler and weak ministers is both a blessing and a curse.
The main thing to look at is the character of the ruler.
It seems like our Emperor's change is a good thing, but he is too young, and no one knows what will happen in the future.
Throughout history, many wise and virtuous rulers have become arrogant and complacent in their later years, ruining decades of hard work and causing widespread resentment among the people.
The more An Ge Lao thought about it, the more conflicted he became.
Unable to resist, he approached Liu An and asked, "Tell me, is His Majesty's current state good or bad?"
"What's wrong, Your Majesty?" Liu An didn't react immediately. "You've already spoken to the Madam?"
"Um."
Grand Secretary An's expression was very somber.
Seeing this, Liu An's heart skipped a beat, and he tentatively asked, "What was the result? Even the madam couldn't do anything?"
“No,” Elder An said with a sour tone, “she suggested that I write a proclamation for His Majesty.”
"A manifesto? What manifesto?"
Liu An was very puzzled.
Why would someone who hasn't waged war suddenly write a manifesto?
"A manifesto condemning powerful clans and aristocratic families."
"What?" Liu An stared in shock, utterly incredulous. "You really intend to do this? To make enemies of all the powerful families in the world? Aren't you afraid of being scorned by everyone?"
He just wanted to deal with his adopted son, who had been playing the coward for so many years, cautiously lying low and waiting for an opportunity.
An Qingyun was fawned over and respected by so many aristocratic families, yet he suddenly stabbed them in the back; he was practically digging his own grave.
Liu An felt that even if he resigned from his official post, he wouldn't have that much courage.
Offending so many powerful families at once would be unbearable even for a veteran of three dynasties.
"Loyalty and righteousness cannot coexist," Grand Secretary An said with a bitter smile. "His Majesty wants me to be the one to take the lead. Do I have any other choice?"
“No,” Liu An said after a moment of thought, “there are at least three others who are suitable for this important task.”
He himself was one, and besides him, there was Grand Secretary Zhong and the Lady Protector of the Nation.
However, in such matters, whoever takes the lead becomes the target. Even if the emperor succeeds, his reputation will be ruined, and there's no way to salvage the situation.
The poor families who benefit might be grateful, but they are too weak and haven't developed yet, so they can't play any role at all.
Liu An felt that it would be more appropriate for the Lady Protector of the Nation, a banished immortal, to step forward on this matter. The reform was originally proposed in her name, and with her prestige, there was no need to worry about powerful families.
But he dared not say it aloud.
After all, he's in charge here, and he has to protect his own people.
Upon hearing this, Elder An narrowed his eyes. "You mean Zhong Ping?"
“Grand Secretary Zhong is indeed suitable.”
These words greatly appealed to An Qingyun. "That makes sense!"
If that were the case, he could extricate himself from the situation.
“However,” Liu An expressed his concern, “the Emperor surely knows what we can think of, and he must have had his reasons for doing this.”
A bucket of cold water was poured over him, and Grand Secretary An suddenly sobered up. "Yes, His Majesty wants me to be that unjust person. I had no choice at all."
Upon hearing this, Liu An fell silent.
I just felt sorry for them silently in my heart.
He, who had been feeling sorry for himself, was now completely relieved.
In the end, the Emperor left himself a way out, so he wouldn't suffer the same fate as Grand Secretary An.
Silence, a long silence.
In the end, Grand Secretary An was still deeply troubled, lamenting, "I don't know whether such a ruler is good or bad!"
“Of course it’s a good thing,” Liu An said decisively. “The current emperor is wise, decisive and farsighted. Whether it’s his mind and skills or his love for the people, he can leave the late emperor far behind.”
Such a ruler is a blessing to the nation and its people.
Aside from these long-serving veterans.
It seems that His Majesty wants to consolidate imperial power.
After figuring out the problem, Liu An felt a moment of heaviness, but then felt relieved.
Compared to An and Zhong, he is much better off. One should be content with what one has and be happy with what one has.
Besides, having already found a powerful patron, wouldn't it be better to cultivate oneself, nurture one's family, and have children? Why bother with these things?
Upon hearing this, Grand Secretary An couldn't help but let out a cold snort.
I thought Liu An had made some progress, but he's still the same as before, daring to flatter me in any way he can.
"I'm too lazy to talk to you."
After realizing that Liu An was of little use, Grand Secretary An decisively kicked him aside and returned to his study to continue agonizing over the matter.
Liu An was already used to An Ge Lao's actions. He pursed his lips, said nothing, crossed the courtyard, and came to Doctor Gu's side.
"Imperial Physician Gu, how is the prescription I got from the madam? Does it really work for enhancing male virility and tonifying the kidneys?"
"Of course it's useful," Doctor Gu explained slowly. "Rehmannia glutinosa, Cornus officinalis, and Dioscorea opposita can nourish the kidneys, while Paeonia suffruticosa, Poria cocos, and Alisma plantago-aquatica can clear heat. The six herbs work together to nourish three and clear three. However, I will still need to consider the dosage."
"It's been five or six days, and you still haven't made up your mind?"
"Why don't you try the medicine first?"
Are you sure it will work?
"You'll only know if you try."
Upon hearing this, Liu An's face turned green.
That old rascal is wicked. He knew it was unusable but still made me try it. I snorted and turned to leave.
Immediately, they found Huang Xiaosan.
Upon seeing Liu An, Huang Xiaosan seemed to see piles of silver. "Uncle Liu, is the medicine ready?"
"Not yet, but the shop can be prepared. I've confirmed that the recipe is correct and effective."
"As stated by Dr. Gu himself?"
"That's right!"
"Okay, I'll go prepare it right away."
"Business is ultimately a minor matter," Liu An sighed, looking at Huang Xiaosan's impatient manner. "It's fine for you to use it as a pastime, but don't get your priorities mixed up."
"real?"
"Of course it is."
“Then,” he asked tentatively, “I’ll reduce your share by ten percent?”
“Of course not,” Liu An said, his face turning red with anger. “Although the method was your idea, I did have to beg for the prescription back, even at the cost of my dignity as a man. Of the total 40%, 10% has to go to Doctor Gu. If the price drops another 10%, we won’t be able to afford rice.”
Upon hearing this, Huang Xiaosan innocently retorted, "It's not the kind of trivial business you're talking about, just something for entertainment."
“Merchantry is indeed a minor path,” Liu An said, his expression unchanged, “but money is a good thing. Since I donated all my money, I’ve been struggling to support my family.”
I don't have money, so I don't even dare to have a son.
Upon hearing this, Huang Xiaosan was very skeptical, "Are you sure it's not that you, sir, prefer to enjoy the pleasures of love?"
He was just casually remarking that the slightly aphrodisiac liquor was extremely profitable, and that a pot costing a thousand taels was still in high demand and short supply at Juquanlou.
As a result, Liu An went straight over and asked for the prescription for Liuwei Dihuang Pills.
One can't help but suspect that he was attracted by the words "aphrodisiac".
However, it's understandable that older people would find it more strenuous.
"Food and sex are human nature," Liu An did not deny, "If you're so capable, then don't use them in the future."
“Of course,” Huang Xiaosan straightened his back, “I don’t need it.”
Innocent!
“You’ll understand later,” Liu An shook his head. “Liuwei Dihuang Pills are suitable for all ages, and the more the better.”
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