Chapter 103 (None)
The room was deathly silent.
Emperor Yuanming's face was extremely grim. None of his trusted ministers were willing to lend a hand when he needed them most!
Zheng Xiang, Sun Xiang, and Guo Xiang seemed to be deep in thought, sitting upright with their eyes closed and fine beads of sweat on their foreheads. Grand Secretary Wei frowned deeply, and after a long while, he spoke: "Your Majesty, the Great Yin Dynasty governs the country with filial piety. The Second Prince is unfilial and disrespectful to his elders. I believe that he should be punished according to the rules to serve as a warning to others."
"Rules? What rules?"
Emperor Yuanming flew into a rage for no apparent reason. How dare anyone talk about rules in front of him! It was utterly ridiculous!
Grand Secretary Wei noticed the inappropriateness of his words, but he thought that Xiao Yunjue was, after all, Emperor Yuanming's biological son, and even a tiger wouldn't eat its own cub; how could he bear to punish him according to the rules?
Prime Minister Zheng glanced at Grand Secretary Wei, his expression subtly shifting. Prime Ministers Sun and Guo, less composed than Prime Minister Zheng, both looked at Grand Secretary Wei with surprise.
Jiang Ling's lips twitched slightly, and she sighed inwardly. Grand Secretary Wei was indeed a bit too upright and incorruptible, but unfortunately, in the feudal era of the Great Yin Dynasty, such uprightness seemed out of place.
Rules in the royal court are relatively flexible and adaptable; when necessary, a single rule can be imposed, as imposing as the Buddha's Five Finger Mountain. However, rules must never be openly displayed within the royal court. The emperor's authority is unpredictable, and the royal court is not bound by any constraints; it must remain aloof and supreme.
Seeing that Grand Secretary Wei's face was flushed and that they couldn't reach a conclusion in a short time, Jiang Ling said gently, "His Majesty has not yet had lunch. His health is of utmost importance. Let him have lunch first. How about we let the other ministers and Grand Secretary Wei stay at Qionghua Pavilion for lunch and rest before we discuss this further?"
Emperor Yuanming snorted and waved his hand unhappily, "You may all leave. Go back and discuss this carefully, and come up with a plan!"
The group breathed a sigh of relief and quickly bowed to take their leave. Jiang Ling went out to serve the meal. The midday sun shone brightly. Prime Minister Guo and Prime Minister Sun walked in front, while Prime Minister Zheng and Grand Secretary Wei lagged behind, talking in hushed tones.
Zheng Xiang caught sight of Jiang Ling standing under the eaves. He glanced at him and nudged Grand Secretary Wei with his elbow, signaling him, "Consort Hui is by His Majesty's side. She was also present earlier. Why don't we ask her for advice?"
"Women of the inner palace are not allowed to interfere in politics!" Grand Secretary Wei retorted, immediately refusing.
"Old Wei, really! Sigh!" Prime Minister Zheng glanced at Grand Secretary Wei, his disdain undisguised. "You heard it all before. There are no private matters in the world. After all, this is the Emperor's own affair. It has nothing to do with the succession. It's a family matter, why should it be discussed with outsiders? Consort Hui is a member of the imperial family. It's a family matter. Her decision is more important than yours or mine!"
Grand Secretary Wei was annoyed, but he snorted and said nothing. Prime Minister Zheng glared at him, too lazy to pay him any attention, and turned to walk towards Jiang Ling. Seeing this, Grand Secretary Wei hesitated and followed. Prime Ministers Sun and Guo, who were ahead, heard the commotion, turned around, exchanged a glance, and quickly followed.
Jiang Ling was slightly taken aback, then slowly walked over and bowed, asking, "I wonder if you gentlemen have anything to do for you?"
Prime Minister Zheng raised his hand in greeting, his face beaming with smiles, and said, "Consort Hui was with His Majesty earlier, and there are some things I don't understand that I would like to ask Consort Hui for guidance. I wonder if Consort Hui could enlighten me?"
"I dare not offer any guidance. If Prime Minister Zheng has any questions, please feel free to ask."
Jiang Ling nodded politely and pointed to the guesthouse, saying, "Please."
Prime Minister Zheng stepped aside, respectfully inviting Jiang Ling to walk ahead. Prime Ministers Sun and Guo acted quickly, already stepping aside, while Grand Secretary Wei, with a stern face, reluctantly moved aside.
Jiang Ling smiled, seemingly unaware that she had walked ahead. Upon arriving at the inn, Zheng Xianggong invited Jiang Ling to sit in the seat of honor, which she accepted without hesitation and sat down gracefully.
A eunuch served tea. Jiang Ling left Wen Juan to serve him and dismissed the others, asking, "Does Prime Minister Zheng have any questions?"
Prime Minister Zheng put down his teacup, looking troubled, and said, "His Majesty has finally recovered after some time, but his old wounds haven't healed and new ones have appeared, all because of the Second Prince. Alas!"
He sighed repeatedly, and Prime Ministers Sun and Guo also sighed. Grand Secretary Wei looked at them, his face dark, and remained silent.
Jiang Ling listened without saying a word. Prime Minister Zheng sighed a few times before finally mumbled his thoughts: "Consort Hui Shu serves His Majesty closely and has witnessed the Second Prince's actions firsthand. His Majesty has asked us to devise a plan, which puts me in a difficult position. I wonder what Consort Hui Shu's opinion is?"
"I am an imperial concubine, and imperial concubines are not allowed to interfere in the affairs of the court."
Jiang Ling spoke frankly and directly, and Grand Secretary Wei's expression improved somewhat, and he nodded silently.
"However, I do have some insights that are not entirely related to this matter."
Jiang Ling abruptly changed the subject, leaving everyone stunned. Prime Minister Zheng quickly bowed and said, "Please, Consort Hui, do not hesitate to offer your guidance."
"His Majesty is currently unwell, and you are important officials of the Great Yin Dynasty. You should share his burdens and solve his problems. Since His Majesty has asked you to come up with a plan, you should carefully consider it and come up with a few plans for His Majesty to decide."
Jiang Ling spoke gently, yet with unwavering resolve. She had already guessed most of what Zheng Xiang was thinking the moment he spoke. Sure enough, the moment Zheng Xiang opened his mouth, he was trying to push her to the forefront; if her idea was good, they would also benefit. If it angered Emperor Yuanming, they could shift the blame onto her.
If one wants to ascend to the throne, the first requirement for a leader is the ability to take responsibility. Jiang Ling never considered shirking her duties, but she could not agree to the actions of Prime Minister Zheng and his associates.
They were the heads of all the officials of the Great Yin Dynasty, like the Great Yin's think tank. They were supposed to devise solutions, and Jiang Ling would make the final decision. But Zheng Xiang's current actions reversed their roles; she became their strategist.
"If you think highly of me, you can let me know first, and I will make a decision for you."
Jiang Ling stated her thoughts succinctly and without hesitation, adding a few words of advice: "The Second Prince is a prince, the Emperor's own flesh and blood. He is young and impetuous; every young man causes trouble and is a headache. Filial piety should not be neglected, but neither should he be punished without proper instruction."
The expressions on their faces were complicated. Grand Secretary Wei frowned, looking thoughtful. Prime Minister Sun's eyes lit up, and he said, "What Consort Hui said is absolutely right. Filial piety cannot be neglected, but to punish someone without teaching them is also unacceptable."
Jiang Ling stopped there, saying, "Please have your meal first, everyone. The Emperor needs someone with him." She stood up and walked outside, and the others all stood up to see her off.
Back in her bedroom, her meal was laid out before her, and Emperor Yuanming was already eating. He had little appetite, drinking a few sips of soup before tossing the food aside. Seeing Jiang Ling enter, he said displeasedly, "Where have you been? You weren't even here for your meal!"
The eunuchs were about to step forward to tidy up when Jiang Ling quickly stopped them, saying, "You may leave."
"What are you doing?" Emperor Yuanming glared at Jiang Ling, pointing to the low table in front of him. "You've made a mess of soup and water everywhere. Clean it up quickly!"
"The Emperor hasn't touched his food. He needs to eat something to recover his health."
Jiang Ling patiently persuaded him, pointing to the steamed egg custard and vegetables, "It's good for Your Majesty's health to eat these. I'll eat with Your Majesty."
Emperor Yuanming had seen Jiang Ling coax Xiao Yunzan and Xiao Yunlang to eat in the past, and she had done the same. Now that Jiang Ling cared about him, he was pleased, but he glared at her and said, "Do you think I'm a three-year-old child to be coaxed?"
"When a person gets sick, they feel unwell, unlike a young child who can't do anything."
Jiang Ling said with concern, "The Great Yin Dynasty cannot do without the Emperor. If the Emperor is not here for a day, the court officials will be at a loss. The Emperor should take good care of his health as soon as possible."
As she spoke, she scooped up some steamed egg custard and handed it to him. Emperor Yuanming looked down at the silver spoon, muttered a complaint, and ate the custard.
Jiang Ling fed him a few bites, and Emperor Yuanming was in a great mood. His expression was incredibly gentle as he took the silver spoon and said, "If the food gets cold, you should go and eat it. I'll do it myself."
After humbly serving Emperor Yuanming his meal, rinsing his mouth, and using the toilet, the servants were full and refreshed. Emperor Yuanming lay down comfortably to rest and said softly, "You should also go and rest for a while."
Jiang Ling was usually exhausted by now, but she was too excited to sleep and lay on the couch in the outer room with her eyes closed to rest. Wen Juan tiptoed in, and she opened her eyes and sat up.
"Your Majesty, Prime Minister Zheng and the others are waiting outside," Wen Juan whispered.
Jiang Ling straightened her clothes and went out. Several people raised their hands to greet her, and she nodded in return, saying, "His Majesty has had lunch and is resting. Please wait a little longer."
Zheng Xiang smiled and said, "Your Majesty has finally had a chance to rest, and we dare not disturb you. Your Majesty, we had just discussed it, and we think that since the Second Prince is still young, it would be better for him to temporarily move to the Imperial Estate, where he can study the classics and reflect on his actions. In this way, the Second Prince can reform himself and avoid harming the relationship between father and son. What does Your Majesty think?"
Jiang Ling thought to herself that Zheng Xiang and the others were indeed quick-witted. Although they only had one method, it was a huge improvement compared to when she had to come up with ideas before.
Xiao Yunjue was tyrannical and cruel. He took him out of the palace and moved him to the imperial estate, where he was confined. Making him suffer a fate worse than death was the best punishment for him.
Xiao Yunrui's body was barely cold. Although Emperor Yuanming disliked Xiao Yunjue, he would inevitably regret punishing him now and take his anger out on others.
After thinking it over, Jiang Ling said, "This is not a bad idea. You should report back to the Emperor first. If the Emperor does not agree, I will speak up to persuade him."
Having received Jiang Ling's assurance, Prime Minister Zheng breathed a slight sigh of relief and said, "I am deeply grateful to Consort Hui Shu for her help."
Less than the time it takes to drink a cup of tea later, Emperor Yuanming woke up and summoned the group into the room.
Jiang Ling remained seated to one side. Zheng Xiang explained the proposed method, and Emperor Yuanming, with drooping eyelids, said sarcastically, "Is this all you're going to use to fool me?"
Zheng Xiang's expression stiffened, and he subconsciously glanced at Jiang Ling. He quickly stood up and apologized, "Your Majesty, we dare not, we are foolish and ask for your forgiveness."
Grand Secretary Wei said earnestly, “Your Majesty, the Second Prince is Your Majesty’s own flesh and blood. Your Majesty now only has three sons. Your Majesty, please reconsider!”
The lack of offspring was a source of great anxiety for Emperor Yuanming. He usually kept his anger to himself when he was in good health, but now he could no longer contain himself, and his face immediately darkened.
Seeing that he was about to lose his temper, Jiang Ling quickly advised, "You should all go out first. His Majesty is tired. Let him rest for a while."
Grand Secretary Wei, wholeheartedly concerned for Emperor Yuanming, was eager to offer further advice. However, the other two, including Prime Minister Zheng, had already bowed and withdrawn, leaving him only to follow them with a sense of melancholy.
"What does he mean by this? How dare he openly and subtly mock me for not being able to produce a son! How audacious!"
Emperor Yuanming was furious and cursed, "You old scoundrel! I've always given him some face, and he's already dared to climb all over me!"
"Your Majesty, please calm down," Jiang Ling said, while pouring warm tea and handing it to him. "Your Majesty's leg injury is serious; be careful not to aggravate it."
Emperor Yuanming looked at his injured leg, then pounded the bed in anger, saying sadly, "They think I'm about to die, so they're all bullying me! This servant is disrespecting his master; they're plotting a rebellion!"
"Your Majesty, please have a couple of sips to calm your nerves." Jiang Ling handed the tea to Emperor Yuanming's lips, and he was forced to take a couple of sips before leaning against the headboard, panting heavily.
Setting down her teacup, Jiang Ling sat down and said softly, "His Majesty appears stern, but he is actually the kindest of all, and he has always loved his children dearly. The Second Prince and the others know this, otherwise, how would they dare to be so presumptuous in front of His Majesty? Although His Majesty is the Son of Heaven, he is also a father. The loss of Prince Rui has caused His Majesty unbearable grief. Even if the Second Prince deserves to be torn to pieces and separated from His Majesty by death, he will still cause His Majesty heartache in the end."
Upon hearing Xiao Yunrui's name, Emperor Yuanming was deeply saddened, his eyes reddening as he cried out, "Arui, my Arui! That wretched beast Ajue, how could he not understand my good intentions!"
Jiang Ling continued to advise, "Your Majesty, please don't torment yourself because of other people's mistakes. Think more about yourself and worry less about your children. Your children and grandchildren have their own blessings, so let them be. Move the Second Prince to the Imperial Estate, out of sight and out of mind, so he can recover in peace."
Emperor Yuanming's nose stung with tears. He grasped Jiang Ling's hand and cried, "You understand the bitterness in my heart. In the end, it is I who suffer. It's all my fault for being so kind and unable to be ruthless!"
Jiang Ling verbally offered words of advice, but inwardly he sneered and cursed, "You fickle bastard, what kind of mercy do you have? You little scoundrel, you old scoundrel, your whole family are scoundrels!"
After some coaxing, Emperor Yuanming finally calmed down and said, "Fine, I'll spare him for now. Move him out and keep him under strict guard so he can be disciplined. If he doesn't change, I'll consider him no longer a son!"
Jiang Ling said, "Your Majesty, please rest. I'll go out and deliver a message. It's getting late, so let's leave early so Your Majesty can get some rest tonight."
Upon hearing this, Emperor Yuanming hurriedly said, "Go quickly! This wretched creature, if it stays in the palace for even a day, I will be angry every day!"
When Jiang Ling arrived at the inn, Zheng Xiang and the others were waiting anxiously. She didn't keep them in suspense and said, "His Majesty has agreed to send the Second Prince to the Imperial Estate. His Majesty has ordered that he be kept under strict guard so that the Second Prince's temperament can be tempered."
The group relaxed, and even Grand Secretary Wei, who had been worried, looked somewhat better.
Taking advantage of the situation, Jiang Ling ordered Prime Minister Zheng: "This matter is of great importance. I trouble you to make a trip in person and properly settle the Second Prince."
When Zheng Xiang saw that Jiang Ling had persuaded Emperor Yuanming as promised, he had no choice but to agree. He hurriedly said, "Don't worry, Consort Hui, I will go and do it right away."
Jiang Ling said, "Xue Cang is keeping an eye on the Second Prince. I've instructed him to take the imperial guards and accompany him. As for the imperial estate..."
She raised her eyebrows slightly, summoned Zhang Shan, and gave him a few instructions: "Consort Zhao will definitely be worried. Go to Fuqing Palace and have Consort Zhao send her trusted men to serve you. Once you have them, you will go with Prime Minister Zheng and Xue Cang."
If Consort Zhao felt sorry for Xiao Yunjue, she would send her trusted confidants. By transferring her capable people away, she saved other innocent people from being tormented by Xiao Yunjue.
If Xiao Yunjue gets into trouble later, it will be Zhao Defei's fault, and no one else will be to blame.
Zhang Shan secretly admired him and went to Funing Palace. Prime Minister Zheng followed Xue Cang to the room where Xiao Yunjue was imprisoned. Grand Secretary Wei sighed and left without a word. Prime Minister Sun and Prime Minister Guo smiled apologetically and took their leave.
The sun gradually began to set in the west. Jiang Ling gazed at the horizon, lost in thought.
Zheng Xiang was ordered by her to carry out his duties, and after returning to the city, he was supposed to report back to her.
Once you've had enough practice, you'll get used to following her orders. When she appears in the court, it won't be out of nowhere, and you won't be the court officials who unite to resist her.
She exhaled a long breath, constantly reminding herself not to rush and to take it slow.
There are still tough battles to fight ahead. Yuan Changsheng and Consort Liu are difficult to deal with, and Consort Zhao will certainly not be at peace either.
As dusk fell, the Qionghua Pavilion was lit up, its lights illuminating the area.
Wu Shishan and the imperial physician were administering acupuncture to Emperor Yuanming when Huang Liang bowed and approached Jiang Ling, whispering, "Your Majesty, Yuan Changsheng is outside, arguing with the guards. Consort De has come several times, wanting to see the Emperor. She cannot be summoned; the guards are blocking her from entering. Now Consort De is also outside the palace, crying and refusing to leave."
Jiang Ling raised an eyebrow, thinking to himself that since they had all come at once, it would save him trouble!
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