Chapter 70 Chapter 70 Leaving Beijing and Apologizing
On the fourth day of the first lunar month, at five minutes past the hour of Yin, the palace gates opened and all officials entered the court.
As usual, the court began with a round of praise, praising the emperor's wise governance and the peace he brought to the land. After these compliments, the emperor was indeed delighted. Then, the various officials took turns to present their reports. While there were no major state affairs, there were still numerous trivial matters.
The emperor listened for a moment, his head throbbing with anxiety. He simply said he would handle the matter according to the law, perhaps ordering the Minister of State to deal with the details. Later, he heard that the costs of building the canal and recruiting soldiers were enormous. Fortunately, it was the first morning court session of the new year, so the emperor forced himself to wait until everyone had finished their reports before leaving the court.
Not long after, before all the officials had left the palace, the eunuch in front of the emperor came to deliver the imperial decree, saying that all court affairs were to be decided by the Shangshu Ling, and there was no need to see the emperor unless it was a major matter.
Everyone was already accustomed to it and all bowed their heads to accept the order.
But as they turned around, some of the officials in the front row began to look worried. It had only been three days since he'd attended court, and when he first saw the Emperor this morning, he noticed his face was paler than before, and his temperament even more agitated.
Since ascending the throne, the emperor has always been known for his kindness. With the government stable and the people entrusted with his duties, even though he has been less busy due to his poor health, he remains calm and composed.
However, in the past two years, perhaps because his health has been deteriorating, the emperor has gradually lost his composure, attending court for less than half of the year, and showing impatience every time he hears a report.
Today the emperor was in a particularly bad mood. During the one-hour court session, he changed seats more than ten times.
It wasn't that the court officials were disrespectful, daring to peek at the emperor's movements; rather, the emperor's movements were quite significant. Unless they bowed their heads, officials in the front row could still see him out of the corner of their eyes if they stood upright, even with their eyes lowered. Furthermore, when officials stood in line and kowtowed before the emperor, they could see him clearly.
The Imperial Censor was still walking alone, his brow furrowed. Suddenly, he heard someone whisper behind him, "That eunuch who delivered the imperial edict just now smelled strongly of medicine. Could it be that the Emperor has visited the sorcerer's palace again?"
"I just hope those masters can refine good pills, so that my body can be healthy after taking them, which would be worthwhile."
"Excuse me, indeed. The snow is heavy this year, especially in the northwest. I just hope it will thaw soon so we don't miss out on the important task of building the canal."
"Your Excellency, there's no need to worry. Didn't the Imperial Astronomical Observatory just report that, according to astronomical observations, there will be no disasters in the northwest this year? Furthermore, the canal construction was scheduled for last year, and it was an auspicious year that was chosen after careful calculation by the various officials. This matter will be completely fine."
As the two chatted as they walked by, the censor's pace slowed down.
Yes.
Since the beginning of last year, the emperor has invited eminent monks and Taoists to the palace to teach the secret of longevity. He has also recruited sorcerers from somewhere, built palaces, and given gold and medicine to make elixirs for longevity.
Since the reign of Emperor Guangyou of the Jing Dynasty over 600 years ago, the practice of taking elixirs to achieve immortality has become prevalent. However, how can a mortal body achieve immortality through elixirs? Little do people know that over the centuries, despite the numerous attempts to take elixirs, no one has achieved immortality, and many have died suddenly.
However, those in high positions are often arrogant, always believing themselves to be blessed, while those who have failed are less fortunate, so they continue to try. The current emperor seems to be pinning his hopes on this, neglecting state affairs and focusing solely on seeking the technique. I'm afraid this current irritability is caused by the elixir. If so, wouldn't it be a repeat of the violent and ruthless rulers of past dynasties?
The Crown Prince is still young, and the Emperor is not particularly gifted. However, the Shangshu Ling is a powerful individual, and now that he has married a woman he loves, a son is likely to be born soon.
If this is the case, the ruler is weak and the ministers are strong, the country may be in danger!
"...Lord Linggong seems to have another injury on his face, but it doesn't look like it was caused by a bump. As the saying goes, a gentleman's reputation is important. Lord Linggong is incredibly talented, but the Qi family incident is the only thing he's been criticized for. It's truly a minor flaw in a flawless piece of jade, and it's truly a pity."
"The wise man said, 'Marry a virtuous wife. A virtuous wife brings peace to the home.' I am not deceived."
"Fortunately, the envoy has returned. Otherwise, your Excellency's demonstration on behalf of the Emperor would have been detrimental to the nation's prestige."
"Hey, gentlemen, instead of talking about this useless stuff, why don't we go to a teahouse and have a small gathering after work? I found a rare item during the holidays, and I'd like you to take a look at it."
"Haha, fine, fine! Then we'll be honored to refuse."
Officials passed by him in twos and threes, and from time to time someone nodded to the censor. However, the censor heard that these people showed no concern at all, and he only felt that their eyes were full of absurdity.
Which of these court officials was not a man of great wit, having passed the imperial examinations and ranked among the top? But now, I'm afraid they have long forgotten their original aspirations in serving as officials.
He felt everyone else was drunken, while he was the only one sober. He wondered with whom he could discuss these warnings. He thought: though he had many close friends, there was not a single one he could truly trust with the affairs of state. To mention it rashly would lead to his own death and the extermination of his clan. A minor official's suggestion would be useless, while a higher official might resent his meddling.
He shook his head and left the palace, heading for the government office. When he sat down at his desk, he sighed inwardly: "I am just an insignificant censor, how can I presumptuously discuss matters of state?"
So I thought about this, took the official document, and put my worries behind me.
---
After leaving the palace, Wang Shiheng bid farewell to his colleagues and rode to the Ministry of War. As he dismounted, he was greeted by his son, dressed in formal attire and supposedly on leave at home. A look of suspicion crossed his face, and out of the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of his son's horse and baggage, led by his attendants. He was startled.
Glancing around, he waved his attendants to stay, then glanced at his son, signaling him to follow. When they reached a secluded spot beneath the wall near the Ministry of War's main gate, he frowned and asked, "You've been away from home for so long, and your mother and grandmother have been waiting for you day and night. You've only been back a few days, and you're leaving again?"
Wang Shiheng had been an official for many years and had a sharp mind. He guessed something as soon as his eyes moved: "Tell me the truth, what happened?"
Wang Yinghuan smiled, his brows raised, a hint of his youthful spirit visible. He bowed to his father. His arm was raised and lowered with a smooth and effortless motion, giving no sign of the serious injury to his left arm.
"Father, please allow me to say that although our family is well off, it's not without its share of comfort. I feel I've gained experience over the past two years and am no longer a humble man. Now that I've been appointed, I feel it's my duty to help the court. Furthermore, I'm not traveling alone; several colleagues are returning to the capital with me. When I came here, they asked me to visit their families on their behalf, but due to my tight deadlines, I haven't been able to visit them all. Setting off today, I can fulfill my promise and convey their thoughts to you all before the New Year."
The king's father didn't just listen to his one-sided story. His sharp eyes scrutinized his expression, eyes, and body. A person's changes, for better or for worse, are most clearly discerned in the eyes of their closest relatives.
The son, having returned this time, looked very different from the one he had two years ago, and even somewhat different from the person writing the letter. The women in the mansion felt sorry for him for having such a calm temperament, which must have been tempered by a lot of hardship. So, these past few days, they had been asking about his well-being, making him clothes and soup, or pulling him aside to ask questions, shedding tears of pity.
However, as the head of the family, Wang's father was pleased to see his son's transformation and was very pleased. Although he had not committed any serious offenses in the past, he was too frivolous, spending all day playing and having fun, and had no energy to bear the honor and disgrace of the family.
The handwriting is like the person. Although the words in the letter have improved, when I first saw him when I returned home in the early morning of the next New Year's Day, his eyes were firm, his behavior was steady, and his words were meaningful. He seemed to have the bearing to inherit the family business.
Only in this way can his words be heard with great force and be taken seriously.
At this moment, the king's father didn't notice anything unusual about him. He felt that every word he said made sense, so he stroked his beard and nodded, "A man without trust cannot stand. This return to the capital is urgent, so if there is a reason, let's just leave it at that. If you have an appointment with someone in the future, you must not delay it."
He raised his head, and saw that his son had grown taller than him, with a strong body, and seemed to be able to withstand the wind and rain. At this moment, his eyes were filled with love and restrained reluctance.
"...I thought you could spend the New Year at home this time. ...Have you told your mother, grandmother, and sister about this?"
Wang Yinghuan met his father's approving gaze, and a warm current suddenly flowed into his chest, burning his throat and making him choke. At the same time, he became more determined in his resolve.
He nodded and smiled, clasping his fists again. "Before I came to look for my father, I explained the whole story to my mother and grandmother. Time is running out for my sister, so I've written a letter and asked my mother to send someone to deliver it. After bidding farewell to my father, I'll set off immediately."
After saying this, he suddenly took a step back, lifted his robe, knelt, and raised his head to his father. He solemnly said, "From now on, I have made up my mind not to leave my post without orders from the court or major family events. Since I have the honor of participating in this century-old undertaking of canal construction, I will diligently complete my mission and return in glory."
"Only now, while away from home, do I realize the weight of responsibility my father shoulders. In the past, I was frivolous and ignorant, burdening my father, mother, and grandmother. From now on, I will make it my mission to uphold the family lineage of our royal family and live up to my father's reputation!"
His son had lofty ambitions and was filled with aspirations. As a father, Wang was only too pleased and would give his full support. He had previously been concerned about his long journey, and his wife and mother had taken him away, so the father and son had a heart-to-heart talk until the moment they left.
The king's father nodded repeatedly, hurriedly helped his son to his feet, and said "Okay" repeatedly. However, he thought about how long his son would be away, and how many official tasks he had to deal with during the three-day holiday. He held an important position, and his every move was under scrutiny. He couldn't leave his post to see his son off.
Blinking, he suppressed the heat in his eyes. Just like his own parents did when he was away on a long journey, he brushed the dust off his son's shoulders, straightened his clothes, patted his arm, and finally said, "Okay!"
"Just go ahead and do it. I, your father, will wait here for my son to return triumphantly and bring honor to our family!"
After watching his father enter the gate of the Ministry of War and disappear from view, Wang Yinghuan took the reins from his follower, mounted his horse, and led everyone towards the city gate.
---
It was just past noon, and the nine gates of the capital were already bustling with carriages and horses. Fortunately, the weather was fine, and the snow on the official roads had long been cleared. Several gilded carriages, with plaques bearing the characters "Wang" and "Fu" hanging from their eaves, slowly stopped in a line.
Wang Yingzi handed her daughter to her personal maid, telling her not to catch a cold. Then she put on a cloak, got off the carriage, and walked towards the heaviest brown wooden carriage in the front.
When the Queen Mother and Old Lady Wang learned of her arrival, they hurriedly called for people to get in the carriage.
"How many months have you been out of confinement? Why are you out in such cold weather instead of staying in the car to look after our daughter? Be careful not to catch a cold and develop a serious illness!"
"How is my great-granddaughter? Is it warm enough in the car? Why did you bring her out in this weather? I want to see my uncle off. There will be plenty of opportunities in the future."
Wang Yingzi didn't get in the car. She stood by the window and spoke through a thick windshield curtain, "Mother, don't you know how I'm feeling? I'm well now. And I'm dressed warmly, with a cloak and hood, even my face is protected, so it's okay."
Then she replied, "Don't worry, Grandmother. Your great-granddaughter is well cared for by the maids. She's sleeping soundly and won't be cold. Besides, I've never been apart from her since she was born. The carriage is warm and well-mannered. Instead of leaving her at home, why not come with me to see her off?"
"Looking at the time, my father has already arrived at the Ministry, and Yinghuan should be here soon. I'm going to take a walk ahead of time to avoid getting cold if I get off the car too hastily."
In the car, the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law couldn't argue with her, so they stopped talking and started talking about how if they had known Yinghuan was leaving so quickly, they should have met him to find a wife. They also talked about which daughters were so beautiful and virtuous that they could make good wives, and how young men his age were already married and had children.
Wang Yingzi listened from outside, her heart sinking. Yinghuan had left Beijing so hastily that day because he coveted someone he shouldn't have. Though the siblings had corresponded, they couldn't discuss it in detail. His return was so sudden, and she hadn't had a chance to discuss it in private. She wondered if, two years later, he had finally let it go.
Soon, the sounds of horse hooves came from the city, and suddenly stopped beside the convoy.
"Big sister?"
Wang Yinghuan dismounted and strode to the carriage with a sign bearing the Chinese character "王". His sharp eyes swept across the familiar faces outside the carriage. He first bowed to his sister who was standing outside, and then quickly walked towards his grandmother and mother who were being helped out of the carriage by servants.
"Grandma, why did Mother come here in person? It's freezing cold right now. If you two catch a cold by sending me, Yinghuan will be blamed!"
The Queen Mother glanced at the few people preparing to depart not far away, knowing that there was no time to lose, and tilted her head to signal. The royal attendants hurriedly drove a carriage from the rear of the convoy closer.
"You just said you were leaving today, and in such a hurry, I didn't have time to prepare everything, so I only packed some daily necessities. Don't worry about the journey. The coachman is an old hand at the mansion, and the horses are strong. Let him accompany you and deliver the things, and he will return on his own."
Old Lady Wang also spoke softly, "You don't know when you'll be back. These are all gifts from your family. Don't think it's too much trouble to refuse. The northwest is short of supplies, and you'll definitely suffer there. Now that you're home, I won't let you return empty-handed. Be obedient!"
Wang Yinghuan had no choice but to accept it.
The journey was long and it was not advisable to stay for long. Furthermore, my grandmother was old, my sister had just given birth, and even my mother, a fragile woman, was not suited to staying in this severe cold. He repeatedly promised to write letters frequently and asked the three of them to quickly return to the car to avoid the cold.
The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law were afraid that he would worry about her, so they surrounded her and took her back to the carriage. They kept telling her to write to them if she needed anything, or to ask her attendants to buy it for her, and never to let herself suffer in terms of food and other necessities.
Wang Yinghuan agreed to all the requests, closed the car door himself, lowered the thick curtain, and stood on the east side to block the cold wind for his sister as he sent her back to the car.
Wang Yingzi deliberately slowed down her pace. Seeing that there was no one around, she stared into his eyes and whispered, "This time...are you willing to give it up?"
The steady footsteps beside him didn't pause. The eyes, no longer fluttering, stared back at him, his tone relaxed but firm: "Big sister, you are now a mother, and I also hold an important position in the court. Now I know that compared with the achievements of hundreds of generations, the promotion of official positions, and the rise and fall of the family, the love between children is inevitably shallow. So, big sister, don't worry, when I return to the capital next time, it is possible that I will bring my wife and children with me. When that time comes, big sister, don't be stingy with your money, and prepare generous gifts for my children."
Wang Yingzi stared at him intently, her eyes like a mirror, as if she could see deep into his heart. After a moment, the slight wrinkles between her brows subsided, and she slowly nodded and said okay.
Family members should see off those on long journeys. However, Wang Yinghuan was adamant that he would not let the women watch him leave in the snow. The three of them, mindful of the delay, stopped arguing.
Anyway, he had given all the necessary instructions, so he ordered the driver to turn around.
It was not until the carriage was obscured by the pedestrians in the city that Wang Yinghuan moved his body, which was as hard as a wooden stake. He suddenly turned around, put on the mask, nodded to the people who had already mounted the horses, and then jumped onto the horses.
The icy wind blew rapidly and bitingly, but no matter how cold it was, it was not as cold as the fear that had been following me like a shadow for the past few days.
Fortunately, the weather was good and no one tried to stop him until he ran several miles.
---
In the Imperial Palace, inside the Hall of Eternal Life.
The emperor on the dragon throne expressed unabashed admiration as he spoke to the seated prince, "...This elixir has truly proven miraculous to me, restoring my spirit and prolonging my life. Immortal Master Gong said the elixir was made possible thanks to the canal construction project, which benefited the people and would last for generations. It was also due to the auspicious New Year's Day, when the nation's fortune converged upon the palace. It's a shame that such elixirs, crafted with the help of national fortune, are unlikely to be found again. Therefore, these five longevity pills are truly rare treasures."
"You have served the country for many years, obeying my orders with all your might. Your contributions are immense. I will reward you with a longevity pill."
Qin Jingyao immediately stood up, bowed in thanks, and then respectfully declined: "Your Majesty, for the sake of national destiny, was able to obtain the immortal master's elixir. This is a priceless treasure bestowed upon Your Majesty by Heaven. I have been taught and supported by Your Majesty, and it is only natural that I should serve Your Majesty and the country."
"This elixir should have been enjoyed by Your Majesty alone. Even though I have been greatly favored, I would never dare to accept something so favored by Heaven. I beg Your Majesty to revoke your order."
He was respectful and sincere, but the momentary desire when he glanced at the pill was also genuine.
Although the emperor's eyes were cloudy, he was still alert from the elixir he had taken, and he saw his actions clearly. He was satisfied and felt that his words made sense.
This elixir is the product of the nation's fortune, a mere official's unbearable blessing. Furthermore, one elixir can extend one's life by five years, and five elixirs would add twenty-five years. Now that I think about it, giving away five years of life as a reward is truly inappropriate.
"You're kind. In that case—"
The emperor pondered for a moment, then ordered the eunuch to put away the elixir and instructed, "Pack up the gifts from the foreign nations during the New Year's Day audience and give them to the Minister of the Chancellery."
After saying this, he turned around and waved his hand at the man who was about to refuse again: "Regardless of the difference between the emperor and his subjects, Gu Yan must call me uncle. I regard you as my own son, so it is only natural that I can give you some money and property. Don't refuse it anymore."
Suddenly remembering something, he added, "You will need to pay close attention to all matters at court. This year or next, go to the northwest to see how the Yunze Canal is progressing. When it's completed, I will personally visit to offer sacrifices to Heaven, Earth, and our ancestors, thanking them for the good fortune of our nation."
"Your aunt is still upset about you getting married. Even before I entered the palace the other day, she kept nagging me about it, and it's giving me a headache. You're almost thirty, and now that you've married, you should have children soon. If you have a son, he could become a pillar of our country like you."
"Well, go to the Queen."
-
January is the snow season.
The sky was clear one moment and dark clouds covered the sky and snowflakes fell the next.
A palace attendant led the way two feet ahead. A black crane cloak with silver silk wrapped around the man's tall body. As he walked, the cloak flipped up, revealing a slight gap in his dark purple official robe. He walked slowly under the falling snow.
After passing the palace wall, passing the palace slaves sweeping the snow and the patrolling imperial guards, Qin Jingyao suddenly spoke as he entered the harem. The rustling sound of falling snow was suppressed by the crane-faced oil umbrella, and also drowned out his words.
"Is there any news from the palace?"
The palace attendant who followed closely behind with an umbrella replied, "Your Excellency, no news has been sent yet."
The man in black official boots paused slightly, then continued forward as if nothing had happened.
Two quarters of an hour later, they arrived at Yide Hall. However, this time, there was no palace attendant to greet them as usual.
Qin Jingyao was not surprised. He followed the rules and asked the palace gate attendant to come in and report, and then waited quietly in the heavy snow.
The doors of Yide Hall were wide open, and a bitter cold air poured into the hall. Before it reached the inner hall, it was melted by a huge furnace in the center that could be hugged by two people. The palace steward turned his head to look outside the hall, bowed to the queen on the phoenix couch, and whispered,
"The Minister of the Chancellery has been rushing back to the capital since he caught a cold, and today we are experiencing heavy snow. The cold starts in the feet, and if you wait any longer in the snow, your condition will probably get worse."
"Your Majesty and Your Excellency share a bond like mother and son. If Your Excellency truly becomes seriously ill, Your Majesty will be consumed with worry and unable to sleep. I dare to ask Your Excellency to come into the palace and speak. The punishment will then be entirely up to Your Majesty's discretion."
Empress Guo held the teacup in her hand for a long moment, but it still wasn't empty. Hearing this, Fang raised her eyebrows slowly, peered outside, and chuckled, "Madam, please don't speak for him. After all, who knows who will catch the cold."
The heavy snow fell like a white curtain, and the blue bricks that the palace maids had just swept were covered with thick snow again.
A white teacup with a gold-rimmed peony glaze was handed out, and an elegant voice slowly rang out, "Send someone in."
The snow was falling heavily, and the palace maids had no time to clean up. Moreover, the Empress was kind and lenient, and would not be harsh in such weather. By the time the head maid of the Empress's palace came to fetch him, the snow had already climbed up to the tops of Qin Jingyao's boots, and the edges of his cloak were covered with icicles.
He stepped into the palace gate and walked to the front of the hall. A palace maid brushed off the snow on his body. He took off his cloak and handed it to the palace maid before he spread his sleeves and entered the hall.
He walked past the warm stove and stopped about ten feet away from the Phoenix Terrace, bowing and saying, "Gu Yan greets my aunt. I wish you endless happiness."
Empress Guo was struck by the chill that enveloped him, her brow furrowing slightly. She no longer cared to act pretentiously, but waved her hand and offered him a seat, then ordered hot tea and a warm stove to be brought quickly. Fang Lue asked angrily, "How can the servants do their job? It's snowing so hard, and they didn't even provide a hand warmer?"
This implies that he is using a cruel trick.
Qin Jingyao finished his cup of hot tea, took the stove, stood up and bowed, and said with a smile: "It is Gu Yan's fault that I was unable to come to the palace to personally congratulate my uncle and aunt on New Year's Day. But it was my lowly thoughts that made me think that my aunt Ruogu was worried about my cold. I feel really ashamed to accept this hot tea and stove."
The words were insightful and witty, without any complaint from the then-chancellor about being left out in the cold.
Empress Guo's unhappiness was already very slight, and now it was completely gone.
"You were raised by your aunt, so how could she not know your temper? Sit down quickly."
Qin Jingyao took out a rosewood box the size of a palm and three fingers thick from his sleeve, handed it to the palace maid beside him, and then turned around and sat down.
"This time, when I return to the capital, I will also bring back the bodhi beads I obtained for my aunt and the prince. These beads were made by Master Wuwei, the abbot of the Great Baoen Temple, from fresh bodhi fruits found in the temple. Each bodhi seed and its inscription were personally crafted by the master, and then offered before the Buddha for forty-nine days. These beads possess the Buddha nature. Wearing them regularly will calm your mind and bring you the protection of the Dharma, ensuring peace and well-being."
The palace maid had opened the lid of the box, revealing two bodhi bracelets with gold tassels, one large and one small, lying side by side with a gold silk background.
The faint Buddhist incense wafts in the air, bringing a refreshing and soothing feeling to the mind, making one unconsciously feel relaxed and peaceful.
Empress Guo was delighted to see it. She immediately took it out, held it in her hands, and carefully examined it, unable to let it go. Then she took off the red wooden Buddhist beads from her wrist and put on the new ones. At this moment, her face was so happy that it would not be an exaggeration to say that she was delighted.
Empress Guo was naturally a Buddhist. Ever since she learned of her husband's frail health while in the palace, she had purchased Buddha statues, copied Buddhist scriptures, and prayed for the emperor's health. Over time, she became a sincere devotee of the Buddha.
After the emperor ascended the throne, the couple attributed this to the Buddha's blessing. From then on, whenever she encountered a difficult matter, she would recite scriptures and pray to the Buddha. Therefore, even if there were turmoil in the harem in the past few years, she could wait and see calmly.
But the Emperor has recently abandoned Buddhism in favor of alchemy... Thinking of this, Empress Guo's heart sank, and the smile on her face faded a little. Then, with relief, she raised her brows, looked to her right, and was about to speak when her eyes suddenly fixed: "Come closer."
Qin Jingyao's heart moved, and he stood up and walked to the front of Fengtai, and asked with a smile: "I wonder what instructions my aunt has?"
Empress Guo did not answer, but leaned forward slightly, raised her hand and pointed to the right: "Turn your head away."
However, Qin Jingyao did not comply this time, nor did he intend to hide it. He said frankly: "If you ask me about the mark on my neck, I can go back now. This is a confidential matter between husband and wife, so please don't be offended."
As soon as he finished speaking, there was a sudden sound of clapping of the table!
The palace maids in the hall knelt down in response, and the maids and nannies who were serving nearby hurriedly asked her to calm down. At the same time, they brought out the ointment in an orderly manner and helped the queen to sit down.
Qin Jingyao also bowed and said, "Aunt, please calm down."
Empress Guo had already given up on pursuing his wife, and even felt reassured, wanting him to bring his wife to the palace banquet this year.
"Everyone, step back!"
The palace maids immediately filed out, not even the maids and nannies. When only the aunt and nephew were left, Empress Guo suddenly stood up and walked down the Phoenix Terrace, pointing at the scar on his neck and angrily scolding him with a cold face,
"Last time you were slapped, and this time you were even scratched! What does she want to do? Murder her own husband?!"
"If you insist on marrying an orphan, you should teach her the duties of a wife and the responsibilities of a woman of high rank! She needs to manage the household and run the household affairs. She also needs to be polite and courteous and handle matters properly!"
Since she has married you, she has been blessed by the Emperor and holds the title of Second Rank Imperial Official. Her every word and action concerns your reputation and the court's rules! She should clearly discern what is appropriate and what is absolutely forbidden! Instead of repeatedly relying on her favor to become arrogant and conceited, even to the point of beating and killing her husband!
Empress Guo was rarely so angry, and she had never seen such a wild and bold woman. But the wise man seemed to have lost his mind and blindly defended her arrogance, allowing the woman to become more and more presumptuous!
Her husband has no fear at all! He said in public, beat me if he wants to, hurt me if he wants to!
This kind of woman is really--
Empress Guo frowned at his injury again, flicked her sleeves and walked to the mahogany treasure stand beside the Phoenix Terrace, opened a small door and took out a small green jar, turned around and pressed his arm, then returned to her seat.
When he spoke again, his tone, though still harsh, had softened considerably: "Even if you forced her to marry you, you two are already husband and wife. After marriage, you have treated her with unparalleled love and care, a level of devotion rarely seen in the world. Even if you harbor resentment, even a stone would melt!"
Seeing her nephew, who was as tall and straight as a pine tree and had no change in expression from beginning to end, Empress Guo knew that her anger was all in vain.
While the Guo family lacked high-ranking officials, their family traditions were upright. None of the three branches, whether legitimate or illegitimate, or any of the collateral relatives had ever produced such an infatuated child. However, while in the palace, he often heard women from aristocratic families openly criticize but actually praise him, saying he wasn't good at disciplining his children, that they weren't ambitious enough, and that they were too picky and worried about him.
The prince is still young, so Duan Fang is obedient and there is no need to worry too much. Gu Yan has also been calm and steady for more than 20 years. It was not until today that she realized what it meant when a child grows up and is no longer under the control of others.
After all, the aunt who raised him was the one who sat before him. Qin Jingyao couldn't ignore that helpless sigh. He put the ointment into his sleeve pocket, bowed, and walked to the tea table, where he poured tea. Then, holding the cup in both hands, he returned to the Phoenix Platform and offered it to her: "Please calm down, aunt."
After holding his arm for about three breaths, the teacup was finally taken away. Qin Jingyao stood up and raised his head: "Aunt, you are absolutely right. All the mistakes are my fault. I will reflect on myself, assist the country and manage my family. I also ask Aunt not to get angry and hurt herself because of my affairs."
But just as he finished speaking, he heard a cold snort from above: "You're still defending her even now! What kind of drug did that woman give you to make you so confused and insane?"
"Well, now that you're in a high position and have a family, I can't control you anymore. If this continues, your family will be in turmoil, and how can you handle your affairs with peace of mind?"
Empress Guo summoned someone inside and ordered a gilded box to be brought to him. "You two have been married for some time now, and the bride has kept to herself, so how could she possibly learn the ways of society? Contained within this box are invitations to recent banquets at various mansions in the capital, along with the traditional etiquette. Take them back with you. With her current status, whether she's hosting a banquet or attending one, she could learn a thing or two from them."
“If you spend more time with people, you will hear more, gain more knowledge, and your mind will naturally become more open.”
Qin Jingyao took the box, bowed and thanked him, and then said, "Although the emperor approved the imperial edict that day, it was ultimately too hasty. Although the crown and robes have been bestowed, the ceremony of enthronement has not yet been carried out. My aunt is of noble status and has great prestige. I will trouble you to preside over the enthronement banquet on my behalf to ensure the proper etiquette."
He paused briefly, then smiled humbly, "To my shame, Aunt and my wife have never met. This is a perfect opportunity for them to meet. My wife is well-educated, gentle, and respectful. Aunt would surely be delighted to see her."
At this point, Queen Guo finally came to her senses.
No wonder he allowed himself to be criticized today, because that was his intention! If it weren't for her restraint, she would have almost laughed out loud in anger. This was actually forcing her to support that woman.
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