The Prince of Liang leaned closer to the Crown Prince and lowered his voice.
His tone carried a hint of mystery: "Brother Crown Prince, you should know that although the current situation seems to be in my favor, the hearts of the people can change in an instant."
With the Emperor in a coma, many factions within the court are undoubtedly stirring with ambition. Some are observing, others are secretly plotting, all for their own benefit. And you, as the rightful Crown Prince, only need to grasp a few key points to turn the tide.”
"First, consolidate the inner workings of the Eastern Palace to ensure the smooth flow of your orders. Although you cannot go out, you can strengthen your ties with loyal ministers through letters and secret orders to stay informed about external developments. At the same time, you must also be wary of those who might take advantage of the situation to cause trouble."
"Secondly, by using your status and influence, you can secretly spread the message that the Emperor's illness requires quiet rest and should not be disturbed too much. This will not only pray for the Emperor's well-being but also indirectly weaken Prince Jing's prestige during his regency. At the same time, it will also be a timely way to reveal your concern and worries about the court, allowing the court officials to feel your presence and power."
"Thirdly, look for an opportunity to write directly to your grandfather, expressing your loyalty and filial piety. I know this is difficult, but not entirely impossible. Perhaps you can convey your concerns and requests through the Empress, the Empress Dowager, or other members of the inner palace."
Upon hearing this, a glimmer of light flashed in the Crown Prince's eyes, but it quickly dimmed again. "My second brother's plan is ingenious, but its implementation is fraught with difficulties. How can I, imprisoned here, possibly control the overall situation?"
The Prince of Liang shook his head slightly, his eyes shining with determination: "Brother Crown Prince, you have forgotten that although you are in the Eastern Palace, your heart is with the world. As long as you are willing, all the affairs of the world can be under your control. Moreover, although I am not talented, I am willing to serve you and overcome difficulties together."
The Crown Prince said, "Second brother, with you here, I have gained more strength. From now on, we brothers will be of one mind and work together to plan great things."
Although the Crown Prince was confined and the people of the Eastern Palace could not leave, it was not said that people from the outside could not enter.
When the Crown Prince fell ill, the Imperial Medical Academy was at a loss. King Liang, mindful of brotherly affection, sought out a renowned physician from among the common people.
Therefore, the Imperial Guards naturally dared not stop Prince Liang from entering the Eastern Palace.
Emperor Wenyuan, who had been staying at the Western Hill Villa for several months, was feeling refreshed and in good spirits. The days without having to attend the morning court were indeed pleasant.
Enjoying tea and discussing philosophy every day, and playing a few games of chess with a hermit in the mountains—what could be more delightful?
No wonder his father abdicated early and traveled around with his mother.
The Empress Dowager was quite pleased to see Emperor Wenyuan enjoying himself so leisurely. "Emperor, I told you to rest and recuperate properly, but instead you've come here to have fun?"
The Empress Dowager's words carried a mixture of doting affection and helplessness.
Upon hearing this, Emperor Wenyuan smiled slightly, rose and walked to the Empress Dowager's side, gently supporting her arm.
He said gently, “Mother, you are mistaken. I am here to cultivate my mind and body, but it is not purely for entertainment. Look at how you and Father have renovated this villa, where clouds and mist swirl and pines rustle in the breeze.”
Every breath is the essence of nature, refreshing and invigorating. Playing chess with a hermit is like finding the Tao hidden within the game.
Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager smiled and gently patted Emperor Wenyuan's hand, saying, "I am very pleased that you have this insight. Although the burden of the royal family is heavy, we must know when to let go in order to go further. Your father and I hope that you can find your own peaceful place amidst your busy schedule and not be burdened by worldly affairs."
Emperor Wenyuan nodded, "Mother, rest assured, I understand."
Before long, the retired emperor's eunuch came to invite the emperor to a meeting.
Although he was not in the court, Prince Jing would send someone every day to deliver the topics discussed by the court officials and some important political matters.
With the onset of winter, the Gerri tribe ceased its attacks. The border region temporarily enjoyed a rare period of peace and tranquility.
Prince Jing suggested taking advantage of the time to recuperate and strengthen the city walls.
He also designed a long-range repeating crossbow, intending to gain the upper hand in future defensive battles.
This repeating crossbow utilizes the principles of levers and pulleys.
It can fire dozens of arrows in succession, with a range far exceeding that of ordinary bows and arrows, and high accuracy, making it a powerful weapon for defending cities.
Prince Jing specially ordered skilled craftsmen to work day and night to finish the product, and sent the newly made product to the Western Hill Villa, hoping that the Emperor Emeritus would give some advice.
A series of reforms were also implemented to reduce the tax burden on the people. Agriculture and commerce were encouraged, while water conservancy construction was strengthened to prevent possible droughts and floods in the following spring.
He also established a special "Hall of Worthy Men" to broaden the path for talent, inviting people of insight from all over the world to discuss important national affairs.
These measures all received the support of the retired emperor.
To the outside world, the emperor was still in a coma, so important matters were decided by the retired emperor.
The Emperor Emeritus looked at the memorial written by Prince Jing and nodded repeatedly. "Your Majesty, your Fifth Prince is indeed a man of great talent and ambition. This regulation is well-reasoned and substantial. It is excellent."
Emperor Wenyuan also glanced at it briefly and studied the repeating crossbow for a while. He nodded in praise: "It is indeed very good. I did not expect that Xuan'er would still care about national affairs when he was in Xiangguo Temple in his early years."
The two emperors read other secret letters, and then the eunuch announced that Master Sun had arrived.
"pass!"
Master Sun did indeed travel to various sects, and only after returning to the capital did he learn about his disciple's current situation.
So he hurriedly came here to see the Emperor Emeritus, “Your Majesty, Emperor Emeritus, I have important matters to report.”
Emperor Wenyuan frowned. "Speak, you've come because of your disciple?"
Old Master Sun was taken aback, then seemed to realize something and respectfully replied, "Yes and no. My persuasion of the major sects to come out of seclusion and wipe out the Red Lotus Sect has already received a response. The sect leaders have also agreed to this matter."
After all, the Red Lotus Sect has stolen the limelight from all the other sects.
Nowadays, everyone only recognizes the Red Lotus Sect and looks down on people from other sects.
The two emperors breathed a sigh of relief after hearing this.
He continued, "Your Majesty must already know that Li Xi was abducted by the Red Lotus Sect and has now become their Holy Maiden. It is said that she was drugged and lost her mind. But I believe there is still room for maneuver in this matter."
Upon hearing this, Emperor Wenyuan's expression changed slightly: "Oh? What do you mean? I would like to hear the details."
Old Sun coughed twice. “Water can carry a boat, but it can also capsize it. The Red Lotus Sect was able to rise rapidly and win the hearts of the people by taking advantage of the pretext of eliminating evil for the people, but it could also incur the wrath of heaven and the resentment of the people by deviating from its original intention and abusing the power of the people, and ultimately suffer the consequences.”
He paused for a moment, then continued, "The most crucial person in all of this is Li Xi!"
The retired emperor asked in surprise, "Oh? What do you mean?"
"Now, thanks to Li Xi, they have destroyed many bandit hideouts. Her strength has reached the point where she can take on a hundred men single-handedly. This sharp weapon will eventually be carried by the cult leader. We have been unable to find his hiding place. Now, all we need to do is awaken Li Xi and work with her from within. I believe the Red Lotus Cult will surely perish."
If Xiaoxi regains consciousness and realizes that these people with a blood feud had deceived her, then the Red Lotus Cult will surely face certain death.
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