Chapter 452 Get Out
With a royal doctor specifically in charge of treatment, His Majesty's health is gradually recovering and his complexion is much better than before.
But compared to before I got sick, my physical condition is still a little weaker, and I feel tired after a little exertion.
During this period, His Majesty also clearly felt that his energy was not as good as before. He often summoned Crown Prince Jiang Jingming to the Imperial Study to teach him how to handle state affairs and review memorials. He even explained in detail how to balance the power of the court and how to respond to reports from the local areas.
That day, the imperial study was filled with the faint scent of ambergris. His Majesty put down the memorial in his hand, looked at Jiang Jingming standing beside him, and suddenly asked, "Your cousin Jiang Luli is already on his way back to the capital. What do you think about this?"
Jiang Jingming was stunned for a moment, then lowered his head in thought before answering respectfully, "My cousin led the army on this expedition and not only recovered the lost territory but also captured the Emperor of Great Chu alive. This is a tremendous achievement. Upon returning to the court, the Emperor should commend you generously."
"Oh? Then how do you plan to reward him?" His Majesty asked again, his eyes falling on Jiang Jingming's face, as if observing his reaction.
How to reward him? Jiang Jingming was in a dilemma.
Jiang Luli is now a prince, and his status and position are top-notch among the royal family. He only needs to wait for his second uncle to inherit the throne of prince in a hundred years. By then, he will be second only to the emperor and above everyone else.
How can one be rewarded for such an identity?
Should I give up my position as crown prince to him?
He suddenly looked up, his eyes full of surprise and doubt, and looked straight at the emperor.
What does Father mean by this? Does Father feel he is inferior to his cousin and wants to appoint a new crown prince?
As soon as this thought came to his mind, Jiang Jingming became panicked.
He was indeed inferior to Jiang Luli, whether in terms of martial arts, strategy, or prestige in the army.
Thinking of this, his head drooped even lower, his heart filled with self-loathing.
The emperor sitting on the dragon throne looked at him like this and couldn't help but sigh.
His son had lived in the shadow of Jiang Luli since he was young. He was always compared to him in everything, and over time he developed such an unconfident character.
Fortunately, Jiang Luli has no interest in court power, otherwise those opportunists might cause some trouble.
His Majesty spoke slowly, breaking the silence. "Your cousin is twenty-five this year, and it's time for him to get married. Ask your mother to choose an auspicious day and hold a flower viewing party or garden party in the palace. Invite all the young ladies of marriageable age from the official families in the capital to attend, and from among them you can choose one or two suitable princesses or concubines for your cousin. They say 'getting married first and then starting a career'. Getting married first means you can better shoulder responsibilities, right?"
When Jiang Jingming heard this, his eyes lit up instantly and the uneasiness in his heart disappeared.
It turns out this is possible!
He nodded quickly: "Father is right! Cousin should really get married. With a family, he will be more stable."
The father and son chatted for a long time and decided on other rewards for Jiang Luli.
For example, he would reward them with fertile land, gold and silver, and promote generals he valued in the army.
On the other hand, arrangements were also made for the team returning to the capital.
Not all soldiers will follow into Kyoto. Temporarily recruited soldiers like Gu Yushan will be arranged to return to their registered places after the war.
Of course, if they made meritorious contributions on the battlefield, their superiors would record their achievements in memorials and submit them to the court to request rewards. At that time, the imperial edicts or rewards would be sent directly to their registered residence.
In the end, the only one who followed Jiang Luli into Kyoto was Ye Yuntang.
The victory of this war was largely due to the bombs and grenade launchers invented by Ye Yuntang.
In terms of merit, she deserves the first place.
Moreover, the emperor had already issued an order to meet this talented person!
"I've never been to Kyoto!" Ye Yuntang fidgeted in the carriage, twisting the corners of his clothes with his hands and mumbling to himself. "Will I really be able to see His Majesty then? What should I say when I see His Majesty? Should I perform formal formalities? Oh my God, I'm so nervous. What if something goes wrong?"
When she got nervous, she talked a lot and her speech speed became much faster.
Xie Qingyun, sitting nearby, couldn't help but smile at her expression, speaking in a gentle, soothing tone. "Don't be nervous. When we get to Kyoto, I'll find a nanny familiar with palace etiquette to teach you. When you enter the palace to see the emperor, stand by my side. I'll quietly guide you and make sure you don't make any mistakes."
Jiang Luli, who was sitting in the front, couldn't help but glance at Xie Qingyun when he heard this.
These words should clearly be said by him as the head coach!
However, since someone was willing to take the initiative to do the job, he was happy to relax and did not interrupt.
"Miss Ye," Jiang Luli turned to look at Ye Yuntang and asked, "Do you want to stay in my palace or somewhere else in Kyoto these few days?"
Ye Yuntang was a little confused. He knew nothing about Kyoto and asked quietly, "Will it be troublesome to live in the palace? I heard that the palace has a lot of rules. I'm afraid I won't be able to adapt."
"It's a bit troublesome indeed." Xie Qingyun immediately responded, smiling at Ye Yuntang, "The royal family is large and prosperous, and the rules are complicated. Why don't you live with me? I live alone, and there are not so many rules in the courtyard. It's very comfortable. There will be a lantern festival in Kyoto in a couple of days. I can take you there then to play and see the hustle and bustle of Kyoto."
Before Jiang Luli could speak, Xie Qingyun made the decision for Ye Yuntang.
He thought about it and realized that his mother wasn't good at taking care of people. Although the maids in the palace were attentive, they had many rules. Ye Yuntang had a lively personality and might not be comfortable living there. Xie Qingyun's place was indeed a better fit.
"That's great! Thank you, Master Xie!" Ye Yuntang agreed immediately with a smile on his face.
Of course, he would rather go to Xie Qingyun than to the palace with its strict rules.
After all, Xie Qingyun said that he lived alone in his yard and was not under the supervision of his elders, so he could be much freer.
After arriving in Kyoto, Jiang Luli first had Ye Yuntang sent to Xie Qingyun's residence and settled him down, and then he went to the palace alone with the memorial to the emperor.
He had to first return the military command to His Majesty, and then submit a memorial recording his military achievements.
According to court rules, a celebration banquet will be held in the palace three days later. Meritorious officials will be invited to attend based on the merits reported in the memorials, and rewards will be formally given at the banquet.
As for those soldiers with less merit, the rewards will be brought back by their superiors and then distributed one by one.
"A-Li, you're finally back!" As soon as Jiang Luli entered the imperial study, His Majesty stood up with a smile and waved his hand to stop him from bowing. "Come here quickly, let your uncle take a look. Are you injured?"
Jiang Luli followed his instructions and stepped forward, standing before His Majesty.
His Majesty looked around at him again and again, his eyes full of concern. "You've lost a lot of weight. Thank you for your hard work on this expedition."
Jiang Luli knelt down, raised the tiger talisman above his head with both hands, and spoke respectfully. "Your Majesty, I have fulfilled your orders and have recaptured all the lost territory in Yanshan and captured the Great Chu royal family alive. I have come to report back."
"Good, good, good!" His Majesty said "good" three times in a row, his face full of satisfaction. "As expected of a son of the Jiang family, your demeanor is no less impressive than when I fought your father!"
Jiang Luli lowered his head and didn't dare to respond.
Your Majesty's words are too heavy, he cannot bear it.
"You can keep this tiger talisman for now," His Majesty suddenly said, his tone becoming serious. "I intend to have you take over the command of the 100,000-man border defense force in Yanshan. Are you willing?"
Upon hearing this, Jiang Luli raised the tiger talisman higher and said firmly, "Your Majesty, please revoke your order!"
He looked up at His Majesty, his eyes filled with seriousness. "Uncle, you know I've never enjoyed these power struggles. I love traveling. If you truly think I should do something, you can let me teach at the academy. I'm truly not up to the task of commanding a large army."
"How ridiculous!" His Majesty's eyes widened in anger, and he slammed the table so hard that the teacup shook. "You're so young, yet you're so unmotivated! I just praised you, but it was all in vain!"
Jiang Luli, however, acted remarkably calm. He stood up and placed the tiger talisman on the table, his tone still relaxed. "Uncle, if I were so greedy for power, I wouldn't have refused your offer to join the Grand Council. I just want to live a free life, traveling through the mountains and rivers of Dagan. If you'd care about me and give me some gold and silver so I can relax and enjoy my travels, I'd be incredibly grateful."
"You! You! Get out of here!" His Majesty was so angry that he couldn't speak and shouted at the door.
The quarrel in the imperial study was so loud that the ministers waiting outside could hear it clearly.
They exchanged glances, their faces full of understanding.
It seems that His Royal Highness the Prince is still as out of touch as before!
The military power and supreme honor were right in front of him, yet he refused!
Is such a person who doesn't care about power really suitable for their support?
But some people don't think so. They think it would be a great thing for them if Jiang Luli came to power.
After all, Jiang Luli is not obsessed with power, so as long as Jiang Luli comes to power, won’t they have the final say on all matters big or small in the future?
Isn’t this more enjoyable than supporting an ambitious emperor?
There were undercurrents among the officials, and everyone lowered their heads, thinking about their own little plans.
Not long after, the door of the imperial study was pushed open.
Jiang Luli walked out with a swagger, his forehead still bearing the red mark from where the emperor had hit him with the memorial. However, he didn't care at all, walked straight past the ministers, and left the palace without looking back.
When Jiang Luli returned to his Prince's Mansion, he just walked in and saw his parents already standing in the yard waiting for him, their faces full of worry.
"Lu Li, did His Majesty give you any trouble?" His mother quickly stepped forward, pulled his arm and looked him up and down, fearing that he was injured.
When I saw the red mark on his forehead, I felt sick!
She turned around and glared at her husband with a resentful look. Look at what you Jiang family have done!
"Difficult?" Jiang Luli smiled, his tone tinged with sarcasm. "It's just the same as always. Just testing whether I want to take power."
"Then you..." Father asked hurriedly, his eyes full of nervousness.
"Dad, I still say the same thing." Jiang Luli interrupted him, his tone firm, "I have no interest in that position or that power."
When Jiang Luan heard this, he instantly breathed a sigh of relief and a smile appeared on his face.
Fortunately, his son follows him, has no ambitions, and only wants to live a stable life. This way he can avoid the disputes in the court and live a peaceful life.
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