Chapter 342 Maliciously Returning Home
Inside the Zichen Palace, the crowd quieted down, seemingly waiting for her to speak.
At the head of the table, the elderly woman in the dragon robe seemed accustomed to such heated arguments in private imperial meetings. Without changing her expression, she put away the memorial and asked:
"Where have the soldiers who returned north gone?"
The lady-in-waiting immediately led several palace servants to bring over an exquisite landscape model from the back hall and place it in the center of the main hall.
Xia Guan Shangshu Wei Sixing immediately stepped forward and respectfully pointed out a certain location on the map:
"Your Majesty, please see the latest intelligence: these rebel troops have reached Hengzhou, and are still halfway to Hongzhou and Jiangzhou, where they have vowed to return."
Wei Zhao lowered his eyes and nodded:
"It's been almost a month, and we're definitely moving quite slowly."
Master Di put down his teacup, tucked his hands into his sleeves, and nodded: "Your wisdom is profound."
"A sage." Wei Jisi bowed slightly, offering a reminder:
"The most important matters of state are sacrifice and war; there are no trivial matters in the army. The whole world is watching the sage. If he is not handled properly and is indecisive, it will damage the dignity of the court and the face of the sage."
Shen Xisheng: "Awesomeness is not achieved through military suppression. The Great Zhou should follow the way of the king, be fair and just, and win the hearts of the people."
Wei Sixing, who was standing to the side, suddenly blurted out:
"I have heard that Lan Changhao, the Prefect of Guizhou, has a heart full of sincerity. Since the imperial court issued the decree on the construction of the Tian Shu statue, he has actively responded to the central government's call, personally selecting the site and going to Jiangzhou to observe..."
"We wish to build an outstanding Buddha statue for the sage, so that the sage's glory and the prestige of the Great Zhou Dynasty may be spread far and wide to the local chieftains and barbarians in the remote southwest."
"I heard that the reason for advocating a slight extension of the garrison in Guizhou is that Guizhou is remote, has a large number of natives, and is difficult to collect taxes. The state government's finances are relatively tight, and disbanding the garrison would be a huge additional expense."
"It is said that it is difficult to be a local official, let alone a local official in a remote prefecture. Lan Changhao had no choice but to prioritize and put the prefecture's main source of revenue into the construction of the Buddha statue."
Shen Xisheng's heart skipped a beat. Liang Han's earlier concerns in his letter were correct. The two princes of the Wei clan were indeed cunning, using this "creating an image of the emperor" as a pretext to act as accomplices.
His expression remained unchanged as he turned and chuckled lightly, saying:
"His Highness Prince Liang is speaking more and more like Chief Secretary Lan, knowing everything so clearly."
Wei Sixing showed no annoyance, and replied with a smile:
"And who does Lord Shen seem to know inside someone's stomach?"
Ignoring the two "parasites," Wei Jisi, who was in charge of supervising the construction of the Heavenly Pivot and Buddhist statues, said sternly:
"Your Majesty, I have read the transcript of Ouyang Lianghan's memorial. What he said is not entirely wrong, but this young man is applying the standards of sages and saints too much to others."
"Although Lan Changhao of Guizhou is strict and impatient and his governance is a bit too forceful, he is willing to share the burdens of the court and his sincere heart in creating a statue of the sage is not wrong."
"Not everyone is as wealthy as Yangzhou or Jiangzhou."
"Looking at the whole matter, Lan Changhao made some minor mistakes, but his attitude was correct. Anyone in his position would find it difficult to achieve both goals."
"Furthermore, the timing of the Guizhou mutiny is too coincidental. It's hard not to wonder if there are treacherous individuals who oppose the Heavenly Pivot and the statues, instigating the garrison soldiers to mutini and deliberately disrupt the court's policies."
"This matter must be investigated carefully."
Wei Jisi's tone was meaningful.
Wei Zhao slightly raised her eyelids.
Wei Sixing caught a glimpse of this out of the corner of his eye and seized the opportunity to say:
"Knowing that the court is facing difficulties and the prefectures are in trouble, they still mutinied and returned to their hometowns, showing no regard for the overall situation. It must be that some bandits instigated the soldiers to return north, and they returned to their hometowns with malicious intent."
"If we do not suppress them with thunderous force, but instead condone the mutinous soldiers and criticize Chief Secretary Lan Changhao, wouldn't other prefectures and states that are making statues and collecting eulogies follow suit?"
"If everyone were to follow the example of the Guizhou garrison soldiers and 'maliciously return to their hometowns,' how would the court handle the situation? Would the central authority of the court still be maintained?"
"The wise man saw the signs clearly and nipped the problem in the bud."
Wei Zhao listened with his eyes closed for a while, then slowly opened them:
“What Jisi and Sixing said is not without reason.” He then turned to ask, “What does the Elder think? Does he have anything to say?”
On the imperial bench, the plump old man, who had seemed to be dozing off while listening to the argument, opened his eyes, took his hands out of his sleeves, and placed them on his lap.
"The King of Wei and the King of Liang truly considered the overall situation and shared the Emperor's burdens in every way."
"However, since we have said to nip problems in the bud, let's leave aside for now whether the mutiny of the Guizhou garrison soldiers was instigated by Chief Secretary Lan Changhao."
"This old and foolish minister still has one question."
"If other prefectures and counties in the world see that things are going well in Guizhou and start to follow suit, using the pretext of building Buddha statues and raising the Emperor's banner, they will waste people's money and resources to line their own pockets, and cause even greater disasters. What should be done then?"
"How should the King of Liang and the King of Wei guard against the gradual escalation of this situation?"
Wei Jisi and Wei Sixing's expressions changed slightly.
Empress Wei Zhao turned her head to the side, her hand resting on her forehead.
Shen Xisheng pressed his advantage and offered the following advice:
"In the end, it's nothing more than a dispute over which of Ouyang Lianghan's claims, or those of Lan, Wang, and Zhu, is true."
"Then go investigate!"
"Your Majesty may dispatch an imperial envoy to Guizhou to both appease the soldiers guarding the border and investigate the matter of the statues in the Guizhou Grand Hall."
"Let's see if it's a genuine shortage of money and food, forcing a reduction in military spending, or if Lan Changhao is currying favor with his superiors and bullying his subordinates, acting out of personal motives and abusing public resources, which is why he repeatedly postponed the campaign and forced a mutiny."
"The Inspector General should make another trip to Hongzhou and Jiangzhou to thoroughly investigate Lan Changhao's efforts to lobby for the extension of the deadline. Check whether he bribed or gave gifts to the military commanders of the two prefectures, or whether they colluded in private and were all in cahoots."
Wei Jisi was dissatisfied:
"Revengeous soldiers are on their way, and the central government should be focusing its efforts on dealing with the war. At this critical juncture, Lord Shen keeps insisting on a thorough investigation. I suspect that Lord Shen is using this opportunity to eliminate dissidents."
Shen Xisheng scoffed, "Your Highness Prince Wei really knows how to use the big picture to intimidate others, always standing on the high ground."
"We both receive the nation's bounty, so we should prioritize the overall interests of the court. As for what needs to be investigated, we can discuss that after resolving the most pressing matters. I will support you then. Lord Shen, do not forget the distinction between primary and secondary matters."
The old woman in the dragon robe leaned back, supporting her forehead. Her expression, hidden beneath the tassels of her imperial robes, was obscured. After a moment of silence, she said:
"Yao Qing, Wei Qing, what do you think?"
"Your Majesty, I am but a foolish and ignorant subject. After listening to your teachings, I find the Master and Lord Shen's words to be reasonable, however..."
Yao Gongyu glanced at Empress Wei Zhao at the head of the table, paused for a moment, and then said:
"However, His Highness Prince Wei said something very good, and I wholeheartedly agree."
"The overall situation of the court should be taken into account. The most urgent task is how to deal with the soldiers returning north."
"The whole world is watching the Emperor and the court. We need to make a decision quickly. We must know that the longer such military affairs are delayed, the more likely they are to cause chaos. The example of Yingzhou is right before our eyes."
Shen Xisheng frowned slightly, once again trying to smooth things over, subtly favoring the Wei family.
However, Yao Gongyu was not entirely a member of the Wei clan; he had always stood on the side of Her Majesty the Empress.
When Her Majesty the Empress changed the name of the Zhou Dynasty and declared herself Empress, this was the first person to stand up and support her.
Because he was good at understanding the emperor's intentions, he usually said only what the emperor wanted to hear, while not offending either the Wei clan or the pro-Wei faction.
Therefore, in a sense, this person's statement can roughly represent His Majesty's attitude.
"Do you think we should send troops to suppress this?"
Wei Zhao asked.
"This matter..." Yao Gongyu hesitated slightly.
"Your Majesty, I privately believe that it is inappropriate to send troops to suppress the rebellion."
Wei Zhenzai spoke.
This usually taciturn old prime minister was one of the most qualified officials present today, second only to Master Di.
"Minister Wei, please speak."
Wei Zhenzai coughed, waved his hand to refuse the handkerchief offered by the female official, and said weakly:
"The soldiers returning north have reached Hengzhou in Jiangnan Circuit. Jiangnan Circuit is different from Lingnan Circuit. It flows down the Yangtze River and connects with Huainan Circuit. Since ancient times, Jianghuai has been a prosperous region in the world, and the world's taxes depend on these two circuits."
"Even if an order is given immediately to mobilize troops to suppress the rebellion and intercept the returning garrison soldiers, they will already be close to Hong and Jiang prefectures, which serve as the southeastern gateway."
"Even if the government troops defeat the returning garrison soldiers on the way, what should be done if they cannot be completely wiped out and the resulting chaos and disarray of the soldiers cause trouble?"
"The Jianghuai region has been at peace for a long time. Once the defeated soldiers disperse to various parts of the southeast and cause trouble, disrupting tax collection and grain transport, the consequences will be unimaginable."
Wei Zhenzai sighed: "We must not force it; we must suppress it on the way."
Master Di nodded: "Good."
Wei Jisi and Wei Sixing frowned, their mouths twitching as if they wanted to say something but then stopped themselves.
Shen Xisheng's expression showed agreement:
"Old Wei is truly insightful and a pillar of the nation. We cannot suppress him with force. Instead, we should send envoys to comfort him, allow the soldiers to return home, and at the same time severely punish the officials involved to appease the army and quell the mutiny."
Wei Jisi immediately refuted this:
"Lord Shen indulges his arrogant and unruly soldiers, and keeps calling them criminal officials. I am the governor of Songde Tianshu and the Four Directions Buddha Statue. Does that mean I am also a criminal official in your eyes, and Lord Shen will punish me as well?"
Shen Xisheng said earnestly, "Your Highness, please don't be impatient."
Wei Sixing said calmly, “Sending envoys to investigate and severely punish the offending officials is not impossible, but I fear that some people may have ulterior motives and hidden agendas. Their real target is something other than the Guizhou garrison soldiers, and they want to obstruct the court’s national policies.”
Wei Zhao turned his head and asked, "Have you finished talking?"
Shen Xisheng, Wei Jisi, and Wei Sixing immediately stood quietly to the side, heads bowed and silent.
Wei Zhao then said, "Minister Wei's words are reasonable. Do you have any good strategies to offer me?"
"Your subject is of limited talent and learning."
Wei Zhenzai paused, then repeated, "We must not suppress them by force, lest the routed soldiers become a problem."
He then fell silent.
Ignoring the two kings of the Wei clan and Shen Xisheng, Wei Zhao looked around the room and asked, "Do any of you ministers have other alternative strategies?"
"I think it would be better to compromise on both."
Yao Gongyu suddenly spoke.
Wei Zhao immediately nodded: "Speak."
Upon hearing this, Yao Gongyu felt slightly relieved, but his expression remained serious as he began to speak in detail…
A short while later, a compromise was proposed by the Imperial Censor Yao Gongyu, which was approved by Empress Wei Zhao and acquiesced by everyone.
The decision-making meeting concluded after the battle.
The ministers who supported the Wei faction and the two kings all left with somewhat reluctant expressions.
Inside the Zichen Palace, after the imperial meeting ended, Empress Wei Zhao did not keep anyone behind.
The colorful-clad female officials all disappeared.
The main hall was empty. An old woman in a dragon robe sat alone on the dragon throne, turning a round, dark green jade Maitreya Buddha with her fingers.
She stared at the exquisitely crafted landscape model below.
Eyes looking in a certain direction.
"Is it the Southeast again?"
He paused, then laughed: "Ha, the aura of an emperor."
Wei Zhao picked up a small booklet, a routine delivery from Jiangzhou in the southeast, from the imperial desk beside him, glanced through it for a while, and suddenly said:
"Rong Zhen."
A cold, aloof young woman in a crimson palace dress emerged, her figure silent and still as a cat.
The old woman in the dragon robe lazily raised her hand and pointed to the sand table of mountains and rivers in front of her.
"Go and help Miaozhen."
"Yes, sage."
...
The Prince of Wei, Wei Jisi's, residence was located in Lidefang, a place where powerful and influential people from Luoyang gathered.
Once the carriage exited the East Gate, it was right in front of Lidefang, making it very convenient to go to court and enter the palace every day.
The two brothers huddled together in the car and had a brief discussion.
Before long, he separated from his brother Wei Sixing's carriage. Wei Jisi closed his eyes to rest and returned to the Wei Prince's Mansion, which was known to everyone in the world.
"Summon Li Li to the study."
As soon as Wei Jisi entered the room, he pushed aside the beautiful maids and concubines who came forward and addressed the steward.
"Yes, Your Highness."
Fifteen minutes later.
Inside the study where elegant bamboo grows outside the window.
Wei Jisi, who was reclining in his chair with his eyes closed, was greeted by a trembling Persian merchant.
"Good afternoon, Your Highness," said Boss Li, kneeling and bowing his head.
Wei Jisi, without opening his eyes, asked: "Where is Shao Xuan? Where is Mr. Qiu? Where is my cauldron and sword?"
"Sixth Young Master and Mr. Qiu should be searching for the sword manual in Yunmeng Marsh. I have already sent Qi cultivators from the Prince's Mansion to look for it, but for now... there is still no news."
"Yunmeng Sword Marsh is too conservative and has harsh conditions. Those Yue women are also difficult to deal with, so it's hard for our people to sneak in and find people for the time being. However, we've made progress recently..."
"I've heard this countless times, Li Li. You say I want to hear it a few more times?"
Boss Li lay huddled on the ground, his body trembling uncontrollably, his back soaked with cold sweat.
"This humble servant...this humble servant will do everything in his power to find the Sixth Young Master and Mr. Qiu."
Wei Jisi nodded: "Go ahead. If you can't find the man and the sword before the Great Zhou Songde Heavenly Pivot is completed, you know the consequences."
Given an ultimatum, Boss Li kowtowed three times desperately: "I obey your command, I will definitely bring people back!"
Ignoring the Persian merchant who had kowtowed until his head was bleeding and the carpet was stained, Wei Jisi opened his eyes, looked out the window towards the Imperial City Square in the distance, and sighed.
He murmured to himself in a whisper, unheard by anyone:
"The Tian Shu has already started construction as planned, but the Ding Jian has not yet been delivered. Without the Ding Jian, wouldn't the Tian Shu be like buying the box and returning the pearl, a wasted effort?"
"The Wei family has spent so much money and supported so many people over the years, only to have it all come to nothing... I'm really not reconciled."
"And Aunt's thoughts are becoming increasingly difficult to fathom. What exactly did those astrologers from the Shangyang Palace say to her that day, that made her attitude so intriguing afterward..."
"And the sudden reinstatement of that family in Jiangzhou, hehe, Li Xian, I never thought I'd have the chance to see you again... Are you still so weak and henpecked?"
Wei Jisi suddenly turned his head and asked:
"Is it really true, as Shao Xuan said in his letter, that family in Jiangzhou, truly does not hate our Prince Wei's Mansion and the Wei family?"
Boss Li was taken aback, but then realized that it was the sixth young master who had suddenly appeared who had asked him to send a letter to the Prince's Mansion about the matter.
Without even wiping the blood that had trickled down his forehead to his chin, he hurriedly nodded and replied:
"The Sixth Young Master himself told me that Li Xian's youngest daughter, that little princess, is completely infatuated with him. Moreover, at Donglin Temple in Longcheng, I personally witnessed the Sixth Young Master embracing the beautiful woman's slender waist, and the little princess was even willing to abandon her family and elope with the Sixth Young Master..."
Wei Jisi couldn't help but stroke his chin: "Is this young girl, Li Xian, so innocent and carefree? She doesn't seem like a princess of Li Gan."
“After all, she grew up in a small town and was sheltered in her boudoir for a long time, so she is quite pitiful, gentle and kind.” Boss Li nodded vigorously: “But the main reason is that the Sixth Young Master is so wise and brave that he won her heart.”
After a pause, the Persian merchant said with a fawning smile:
"Moreover, the Sixth Young Master once secretly plotted to save Li Xian's family, and the little princess also whispered in their ear. Now this family has a good impression of our royal family, unlike the Xiang Prince's lineage, which is a deadly feud."
Wei Jisi nodded slowly, a hint of relief on his face:
"As expected of the finest son of the Wei clan, he shares the burdens of the clan, knows how to make strategic moves, and is mindful of potential dangers even in times of peace."
(End of this chapter)
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