Chapter 236 Goes Down in History
The next day, having received news that the morning court would proceed as usual, everyone lined up early and arrived at the venue just in time.
But today, instead of the Emperor who had sprained his ankle, the Crown Prince strode in with an imposing air, accompanied by Eunuch Su, who was also an attendant of the Emperor.
"What's going on?"
"Wasn't it said that court would proceed as usual today? Why is the Emperor absent, and only the Crown Prince has come?"
Some officials standing at the back looked puzzled. Although they had questions in their hearts, they only dared to whisper among themselves, and occasionally two or three who were on good terms with each other would exchange pleasantries.
These people held low-ranking official positions and rarely saw the emperor except when attending court. They were practically invisible in the court, so they naturally couldn't guess what the emperor's intentions were. But Zhang Tingyu and Ma Qi in front of them were different.
Looking at the Thirteenth Prince's calm demeanor, as if he had known all along, the Crown Prince stood calmly with his hands behind his back beneath the golden throne.
Today's morning court session will likely be recorded in history.
Amidst the diverse thoughts of the crowd, Su Peisheng stood in the center, holding the imperial edict, and slowly unfurled it, reading aloud.
"By the mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees:"
I, by virtue and ability, have inherited this great legacy, and have been diligent and cautious day and night, never daring to be negligent. However, I am now afflicted with illness, suffering from severe diarrhea and unable to rise, fearing I am unable to personally manage the myriad affairs of state. Now, there is Crown Prince Hongzhao, who is benevolent, filial, intelligent, virtuous, and talented, and has long been experienced in government affairs, deeply winning my favor. Therefore, I hereby appoint the Crown Prince to oversee the state, to manage all government affairs, and to act on my behalf as emperor, so as to secure the nation and comfort the people.
All matters, large and small, both internal and external, shall be decided by the Crown Prince. All civil and military officials must fulfill their duties, work together to assist him, and jointly achieve a prosperous reign; no one may disobey. This is the imperial decree.
When reciting the last two words, "Imperial Decree," Su Peisheng deliberately dragged out the sound, as if to remind everyone that it was time to pay their respects.
When everyone knelt down, Hongzhao, though standing there like a handsome man with his eyes lowered and lips pursed, still didn't quite feel it. He was used to being worshipped, but this was the first time he had no one behind him.
Logically speaking, being appointed regent was no small matter, but yesterday, after having dinner with my father at the Hall of Mental Cultivation, I didn't mention it at all. It wasn't until before bedtime that I brought it up, as if reminding him to cover himself with a blanket tonight.
There were no profound words, nor any dramatic events.
Its suddenness is no less than when your mother suddenly tells you when you come home one day, "We're having braised pork ribs with scallions today. I won five million today. Don't forget to buy a bottle of vinegar when you go downstairs later."
But no matter how sudden it is, this matter still needs to be done.
"Rise."
A young and elegant voice reached the ears of everyone in the Golden Palace, and everyone knew in their hearts that the era belonging to this young crown prince was about to arrive.
Xiao Dezi brought over a chair and placed it below the dragon throne as instructed by the Crown Prince. Hongzhao slowly walked forward and sat down steadily—"If you have something to report, speak now; otherwise, the court is adjourned."
"Your Highness, I have something to report."
"General Zhao Hui led the Zhenyuan on its expedition... It has been quite some time since the expedition began, and the supply of military provisions at sea has been difficult to deliver. We have managed to send only five or six out of ten supplies, and it has taken a lot of effort to get them. Now that we have successfully pacified and brought Japan under our control, the Zhenyuan will soon set sail and return home. Your humble servant requests that Your Highness allocate funds to the Ministry of Revenue to reward the meritorious officials."
"Granted." Hongzhao responded readily. Even if the Minister of Revenue hadn't mentioned it, he would have remembered this matter long ago. For such a great achievement, let alone a reward, he could even grant a separate page in the family genealogy. Everyone who participated and made a contribution would be rewarded!
After all, with the gold and silver mines, plus the mineral resources on that island and almost free labor, he really wasn't short of money at all.
"Draft a list of specific procedures and bring it up for me to see. Putting everything else aside, you must offer a generous reward!" Hongzhao emphasized.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Your Highness, I have something to report."
...
Inside the Hall of Mental Cultivation.
Although Yinzhen was injured in his ankle, he was not unable to stand up, and after two days, he could walk without much difficulty.
Although he didn't go to court that morning, he was certainly not idle at all... nor was he idle with Xiazi.
I got up early to wash up according to the time for court, sat down at the table and picked up a book that I hadn't finished reading before. But to be honest, I couldn't get into it completely. I kept looking at the sky outside.
"Xia Zi, what time is it?"
"Xia Zi, is there any movement from the Golden Palace?"
Poor Xia Zi ran back and forth again and again. In the end, Yinzhen simply stood up and paced around the hall, ostensibly for morning exercise, but he knew very well what his real purpose was.
It's true that everything is difficult at the beginning; it's the first time for everyone, and no one is used to it.
Yinzhen only paused when he heard Xiazi outside greeting the Crown Prince. He casually picked up a book from the table, read it, and walked to sit down in a chair.
"Father! Your son is back. He greets you."
Hongzhao slapped his forehead cleanly, while Xiao Dezi behind him carried a stack of folded documents that almost obscured his view. Even Su Peisheng was holding several in his hands.
"You're back. How was your day?" Yinzhen put down his book, deliberately keeping a straight face and no expression, just like when he had checked on and interrogated Hongzhao when he was a child and Hongzhao still needed to go to school.
Hongzhao, feeling like he was back to square one and about to be checked on his studies again, twitched his nose. "Today... I'm really hungry today. Father, can we serve the meal first? Going to court by myself is too tiring."
His pitiful words instantly dispelled the serious atmosphere in the room.
Hongzhao naturally knew that delegating power was not an easy thing. Sometimes, making people feel needed was also a kind of emotional "giving".
As expected, Yinzhen lowered his eyebrows and let out a muffled laugh from his chest, "Su Peisheng, why aren't you serving the meal? Can't you hear that our Crown Prince is hungry?"
He grabbed his son's arm and led him out. He had finally understood himself and could never bring himself to be harsh with Hongzhao.
Since it was his first time attending court alone, he deserved praise no matter what he did. "Let's have a meal first. Today I made your favorite osmanthus sugar steamed chestnut flour cake. I'll tell you about it after we finish eating."
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