Chapter 509 The Two Kings United
Luoyang, western suburbs.
Outside the Ganlu Hall in the northwest corner of Shangyang Palace.
A female official in colorful robes with a mole on the corner of her mouth, along with four female musicians, were leading a group of musicians as they trotted into the imposing gates of the Ganlu Hall.
The sound of footsteps was exceptionally orderly on the straight, silent corridors of the palace.
King Wei Jisi withdrew his gaze from the group of obedient, bowed-headed young musicians.
Turning my head, I looked again at the autumn forest scenery of Beiqi Mountain in the distance.
Dressed in a purple-red python robe, he stood on a high platform not far from the Ganlu Hall, resting and enjoying the view, gently patting the white stone lion railing in front of him.
From the Ganlu Hall behind them, the faint sound of melodious zither music could be heard.
Wei Jisi would occasionally turn his head to look at the hundred-foot-tall golden Buddha statue not far from the Ganlu Hall. From his perspective, half of the autumn sun was blocked by the Buddha's kind and benevolent head.
This golden Buddha statue is almost as old as the Great Zhou Dynasty. It was proposed by the current emperor and his brother, Wei Sixing, in the year he changed the name of the country and ascended the throne. They also personally supervised its construction.
A short while later, the elegantly dressed female official with a mole on the corner of her mouth, who had just escorted a group of musicians into the Ganlu Hall, left the Ganlu Hall.
As they passed the viewing platform, Wei Jisi snapped out of his reverie and turned to meet her gaze.
The lady in colorful robes turned around, walked onto the high platform, and gave a slight bow:
"Your Highness, the imperial meeting is not yet scheduled. You have arrived too early. The other princes and ministers have not yet arrived."
Wei Jisi nodded and asked, "What brings Your Majesty to this music?"
The female official, adorned in colorful robes reflecting the popular plum blossom makeup of the court, lowered her eyes and explained softly:
"The sage has always enjoyed the music played at Shangyang Palace. In the past, when he had a headache, he would come here to listen to the music, and the headache would be relieved."
"I've been busy with many affairs of state lately and haven't been able to attend for some time. Recently, His Majesty has started mentioning it again. However, the old musician whom His Majesty used to like the most has retired from the palace due to old age and declining skills. His original disciples are either sick, retired, or haven't learned the basics and are not skilled enough... So I ordered the female musicians to recruit a new batch and select the most skilled to take the imperial examination..."
Wei Jisi nodded upon hearing this:
"I also have a group of musicians in my residence. I will send someone to deliver them this afternoon. Lady Lingzhen, please take a look and see if there is any music that Your Majesty would like."
"Your Highness, the Prince of Wei, have gone to great lengths."
The lady-in-waiting named Lingzhen, dressed in colorful robes, spoke without changing her expression.
Wei Jisi waved his hand:
"We are both here to share His Majesty's burdens. Since His Majesty's most trusted advisor, Lady Rongzhen, is not here, Lady Lingzhen must take good care of His Majesty and not let him ruin his health for the sake of the country."
"It is my duty."
Just then, another figure in a purplish-red python robe appeared not far away. It seemed that the figure had spotted Wei Jisi waiting on the viewing platform and slowly walked towards them.
Wei Jisi turned around and looked at the prince.
The lady-in-waiting Lingzhen, who was standing to the side, had disappeared without a trace, wisely leaving no room to interfere with the conversation between the two princes of the Wei clan.
"Brother Wang, you've arrived so early?"
Wei Sixing raised his hand in greeting.
Wei Jisi remained expressionless, glanced at his younger brother who always wore a smile, and without exchanging pleasantries, said directly:
"Your Highness, are you aware of what happened in Jiangzhou? And you've also read Shaoqi's letter, haven't you?"
Wei Sixing nodded with a smile.
Wei Jisi, with a somewhat cold expression, turned his head and said:
"Shaoqi is not like me. His words were too harsh and inappropriate. Some things are beyond the reach of a junior like him to question. Does he think that my brother is more knowledgeable than him? He's just showing off his limited skills. He's really arrogant. I won't send him out next time... Or should I call him back and hang him up so my brother can whip him and teach him a lesson?"
Wei Sixing noticed that this brother Wang kept his head turned to the side, admiring the scenery in the distance, and didn't look at him at all while he was speaking.
He couldn't help but chuckle, waving his hand and saying:
"It's not that serious. We're all family. I quite like my nephew Shaoqi's personality. I've heard from my subordinates that he takes good care of Anhui and is very protective of his own. I have no complaints. Besides, he's just a kid. It's good for him to have a bit of the fearlessness of a newborn calf."
Wei Jisi's expression softened slightly. He glanced at his younger brother, who was smiling calmly, and said something without warning:
"His Majesty is in a good mood today and even has the leisure to appreciate music."
Wei Sixing glanced at the Ganlu Palace, from which faint sounds of string and wind instruments could be heard not far away, and said calmly:
"Is it because of that urgent memorial from Jiangzhou that was sent to the palace last night? It was presented by Lin Cheng, the Xia Guan and Lingtai Lang of the Sitianjian?"
Wei Jisi nodded almost imperceptibly and said in a somewhat cold voice:
"His Majesty will ask for your opinion at the upcoming imperial meeting. Brother, you should think about how to answer. Hmm, it would be best to tell me now, and I will listen to you."
Wei Sixing's expression changed slightly, and he immediately shook his head: "Brother Wang, what are you saying? It is I who should be following closely behind you. Please don't flatter me."
Wei Jisi remained noncommittal, giving a soft, nasal hum:
"Oh? Is that so? But now many people below are spreading some rumors, and I think there's some truth to them."
"What rumors?" Wei Sixing asked.
“Some people who love to spread rumors say that the Prince of Liang’s Mansion has some disagreements with the direction of our Prince of Wei’s Mansion. Now, those who are attached to our Wei clan are all hesitant and cautious in dealing with the clan members who have left us in various places, as if they are afraid of misunderstanding our intentions…”
Wei Sixing observed his elder brother's expression for a moment, then sighed:
“Brother Wang, I have also read my nephew Shaoqi’s letter, and I understand his resentment.”
"But... there are some things we must consider in advance. We can't just move forward without considering retreat. Sometimes when I look back at the vast wealth that our Wei family has accumulated over the years, I always feel apprehensive and like I'm walking on thin ice. The feeling is no better than that of those disgruntled former officials who are complaining and lamenting. Such a large ship needs to be steered carefully, because a large ship is hard to turn around..."
“Brother Wang, we should learn from those five clans and seven noble families. Although they are not as powerful and noble as our Wei clan now, these families that have been able to continue for hundreds of years have their reasons for survival and the painful lessons of being on the verge of extinction. For example, the fruit of a tree cannot fill a basket... We should humbly learn from them.”
At this point, Wei Sixing paused before lowering his voice and saying:
"The situation in Jiangzhou is very delicate and complicated. The fact that His Majesty reinstated the Xunyang Prince Li Xian's family from Longcheng is already a clear signal. This is not only a warning to our family, but also a warning to that Prince Xiang."
"Not long ago, His Majesty appointed Prince Xunyang as the Jiangnan Construction Supervisor, and tacitly approved Ouyang Lianghan, the Prefect of Xinjiang Prefecture, to oversee the construction of the Donglin Buddha. The meaning is quite clear. Ouyang Lianghan's promotion to the rank of fifth-grade Prefect, the youngest Prefect in the Great Zhou Dynasty, cannot be explained by mere imperial favor as a 'lost gem of the Southeast.' His Majesty is using this young man as a protective lock for Prince Xunyang's residence. As for why he is being protected..."
"Don't put all your eggs in one basket, don't focus on one corner... I understand this principle, but my brother has retreated too much. The past is the past, and the present is the present. The situation is not static. There is a rebellion in the southwest, and the Donglin Buddha statue in Jiangzhou, which is on the front line, has not yet been completed. These are all favorable situations for us, and we can make some progress."
Wei Jisi spoke with a heavy tone and a serious expression:
"Now, regarding the relocation of the Donglin Buddha in Jiangzhou, the choice is between Lin Cheng and the Xunyang Prince's Mansion. Brother, don't forget that Lin Cheng is the future son-in-law you chose."
Wei Sixing was also deeply moved:
"How could I have imagined that Lin Cheng would be so unexpected and able to create such a situation? I have underestimated this boy."
A slight smile appeared on Wei Jisi's stern face:
"Everyone has the ambition to climb the ranks, but what's rare is understanding the Emperor's mind, not some nonsense or hypocritical concern for the people and the country. It's about being able to share His Majesty's burdens. His Majesty is the country. This young man has done a great job and has a bright future."
"I used to look down on him, thinking that the Wei family's daughter was marrying him off too well, but now I think it's not a loss at all. This boy is no less than Ouyang Lianghan, the Prefect of Jiangzhou. Our Wei family will accept this generous dowry."
"Well, if you're not satisfied with him, then just give him to me. My Prince Wei's mansion also has unmarried daughters."
Wei Sixing was about to speak.
Wei Jisi suddenly said again:
"In his letter, Shaoqi said that the Xunyang Prince's Mansion had been secretly contacting the Qin family, and that before Shaoqi went there, they were preparing to arrange the marriage between Li Fusu and the Qin family's daughter. You should know about this, right? Hehe, the Xunyang Prince's Mansion is not as honest and easy to deal with as you think. They also have quite a lot of ambitions. Ouyang Lianghan might also want to become the second Master."
"Moreover, Ouyang Lianghan is Xie Xun's disciple, and Xie Xun is close to Master Di. They both use the same old, outdated ideas about restoring the imperial lineage. I heard that Li Xian's family trusts Ouyang Lianghan a lot, so it's inevitable that this guy will whisper the word about returning to the imperial lineage in Li Xian's ear."
“Brother, our Wei family is a member of the imperial clan of the Great Zhou Dynasty, not the imperial clan of the Great Gan Dynasty. You need to understand who is closer and who is more distant.”
Upon hearing this, Wei Sixing fell silent.
Wei Jisi glanced at his pensive expression and said in a calm tone:
"Shaoqi's tone was very harsh this time, partly because Li Fusu dared to lay a finger on the Qin family's daughter. So, what do you think, my brother? Should I ask Shaoqi to back down? To bear with it?"
Wei Sixing immediately replied, "Brother, what are you saying? The sons of the Wei family are naturally better than the sons of the Li family."
After saying that, he pondered for a moment and then said:
"How's the case being overturned in Jiangzhou?"
Seeing that his brother's attitude was wavering, Wei Jisi immediately said, "Everything is going smoothly. With Lin Cheng here this time, we have a better chance of success."
Wei Sixing remained silent for a long time.
He sighed and nodded:
"I will follow your arrangements, Your Highness. I have no objections."
Wei Jisi immediately broke into a bright smile, patted his brother, who had reconciled with him, heavily on the shoulder, took a deep breath of the crisp autumn wind on the high platform, and pointed to the golden Buddha statue not far away:
"Sixing, let's take another gamble and give these villains a good scare."
"I still remember that when the Great Zhou Dynasty was first established, after this golden Buddha statue, which cost us countless manpower and resources, was erected, there was no force or noise inside or outside the palace that could seriously threaten His Majesty and our Wei family!"
"Just wait. Once the case of Zhu Lingxu and his son is overturned, and the Songde Tianshu and the Four Great Buddhas are all completed, we will first kill the remnants of Li Zhengyan in the southwest. With the Tianshu and the Great Buddhas in charge, no one in the north or south of the world will dare to speak ill of the Wei family. We will make these petty villains dare not speak out! We will ensure the eternal stability of the Great Zhou Dynasty and nail the coffin lids of these remnants of the Li Gan regime shut!"
Turning his head to look carefully at his brother's proud and spirited expression, Wei Sixing slowly nodded.
"Excellent. Brother Wang's determination to win is commendable!"
He suddenly suggested:
"However, we, the Wei family, should not interfere too much in Lin Cheng's matter this time, at least not on the surface. At most, my brother, as the chief supervisor, can recommend him and speak up for him at the imperial meeting later. But we cannot get involved in the conflict between the Wei and Li families. Only in this way can we please His Majesty."
Wei Jisi pondered for a moment: "What my brother means is..."
Wei Sixing lowered his head, patted his sleeves, and said calmly:
"Anyway, we are wholeheartedly devoted to public service, only concerned with the important matter of building the statue, only thinking about His Majesty and the Great Zhou Dynasty, and only thinking about completing the Jiangzhou Buddha as soon as possible to quell the war in the southwest. We have no selfish motives."
"Therefore, we don't need to speak ill of the Prince of Xunyang's Mansion and Ouyang Lianghan's side, nor should we argue with the Prince of Xiang, Shen Xisheng, and those stubborn old fogies. We just need to bring up Lin Cheng's plan. Let Lin Cheng handle the Xunyang City matter himself. It seems that he is quite reliable in his work."
Wei Jisi's eyes lit up.
"My brother is truly remarkable; he understands the Emperor's heart perfectly!"
Wei Sixing smiled faintly.
Just as the two kings of the Wei clan were exchanging opinions and unifying their statements, the figures of Di Fuzi, Shen Xisheng, and other ministers of the Council of State appeared in the distant square.
Master Di's expression was calm, and his elderly steps were steady and slow as he walked at the forefront of several important ministers.
Wei Jisi glanced at Shen Xisheng's somewhat serious and anxious expression from afar, and gave a cold smile:
"As expected, Ouyang Lianghan's side was not to be outdone. Just as Lin Chengxin predicted, their reaction was indeed quick."
The two princes of the Wei clan exchanged a glance, and after a moment, they stepped forward to greet them in a tacit manner.
The two princes of the Wei clan greeted Master Di with friendly expressions and inquiries, creating a harmonious atmosphere outside the hall.
Before long, the appointed time arrived, the music in the Ganlu Hall ceased, and a row of musicians withdrew and left.
The princes, nobles, and high-ranking officials waiting at the entrance entered the hall in an orderly fashion to begin their performance.
A quarter of an hour later, a regularly held imperial council convened in the quiet palace on the western outskirts of the city. However, at the end of the council and after the conclusion of numerous routine state affairs, a discussion of a "minor matter concerning Jiangzhou" sparked a heated debate among the various parties...
After the Imperial Council meeting concluded.
Several imperial edicts were sent from the Fengge Pavilion to the Ministry of Personnel immediately, and then from the Ministry of Personnel to Jiangzhou, which was far away in Jiangnan Circuit.
As evening fell, Wei Jisi returned to the Prince of Wei's residence, seemingly in a good mood. Upon reaching his study, he immediately beckoned to a taciturn-faced confidant and coldly ordered:
"Send a message to Shaoqi, telling him to go all out in Jiangnan Road, as long as he doesn't harm the Xunyang Prince's family. But he must cut off all the things they shouldn't have done before. Also, make him write a letter to his uncle immediately to apologize, and his attitude must be sincere."
"Yes, Your Highness!"
(End of this chapter)
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