But the court officials had different opinions.
If this is really a prince, there will naturally be no problem, but if it is a princess, it will be difficult to determine her as the crown prince now.
By this time, the imperial court had already resumed. Gu Zheng, in front of so many people, clearly had no intention of backing down and had thoroughly prepared. Facing numerous objections and rebuttals, he spoke eloquently, citing classic texts and arguing that the decision, rather than the emperor's status, being made, would provide room for maneuver. More importantly, with the emperor's passing and the world in turmoil, it was crucial to quickly establish a clear position and return officials and citizens to their proper places.
Mrs. Lin sat behind the curtain, listening to these pleasing words, and could not help but observe Gu Zheng carefully.
He looked very young, handsome, and well-mannered, with only a sliver of beard around his lips, which gave him a certain poise. His words and actions were quite elegant, and he remained calm and composed under the criticism of others, acting with reason and understanding. Judging from what he said, he was also quite talented.
After the Empress Dowager finished her inspection, she couldn't help but whisper to Huang Xiu, the Chief Eunuch of the Imperial Household Department, who was standing beside her, "Gu Zheng is quite a talent. Why haven't I heard much of his name before?"
As the Grand Eunuch, Huang Xiu was in charge of confidential documents, sealed memorials, and foreign relations. Naturally, he was very familiar with the ministers in the court. He bowed slightly and leaned close to the Empress Dowager's ear, saying, "He was a Jinshi during the Ming Jia period, and was renowned for his talent at a young age. He passed the imperial examination at the age of nine and was a renowned prodigy. He was only seventeen when he passed the Jinshi examination, and Emperor Lingdi was very fond of him. However, due to his youthful impetuosity, he left the capital soon after. He returned to the court for his meritorious service in local governance, but Minister Xue said he was young and needed to be suppressed, so he entered the Hanlin Academy. After the late Emperor ascended the throne, he appreciated his talent and fame and appointed him as the President of the Hanlin Academy. He is only twenty-eight years old this year."
"He is a little too young." Empress Dowager Lin couldn't help but frowned slightly when she heard this.
She valued Gu Zheng's resourcefulness and the fact that he was on her side, so she wanted to use him. This way, she would have her own people in the court and would not be hindered in everything in the future.
But I'm afraid it will be difficult to convince others at this age.
A 28-year-old academician was acceptable. After all, although the Hanlin Academy was known as a prime minister, it was still too early for him to enter the political affairs hall. He would have to endure for many more years. If he were to be promoted now, the court officials might criticize him.
This place was built by her husband, and after it was completed, he lived here permanently, seeking immortality and the Way, even abandoning this beautiful land as if it were a piece of trash, let alone his wife and children. But from another perspective, it was precisely because Emperor Ling was obsessed with Taoism and had no interest in women that he and his son lived a stable life.
So Empress Dowager Lin didn't know whether to feel resentment or gratitude.
But over the years, she subconsciously avoided this place and never set foot there, as if it were in another world.
But now that he had truly entered, he felt it was nothing special. This Taoist retreat was no different from any other palace; it was only Emperor Ling's wishful thinking that it possessed some kind of mystical power.
The past was gone like a cloud of smoke, and the slight ripple in Empress Dowager Lin's heart soon subsided, and she returned to her usual dignity.
She inspected the entire Wendao Palace and said to Aunt Qiu, "Although it's a secluded place, it's still a bit shabby. Tell the Ministry of Internal Affairs to redecorate this place so that Master Huiru can live comfortably. That way, he can delve into the Dao and pray for the Great Chu."
"Thank you, Empress Dowager." He Qing had already received the news, so he changed his address.
Empress Dowager Lin shook her head. "No official decree has been issued yet."
"That will be soon," He Qing said. "I heard that Scholar Gu debated with the scholars today and silenced the ministers. The matter has been decided, and the decree will be issued tomorrow. In that case, the title should be changed."
The two of them entered the house and sat down. Tea and fruit were served, and Empress Dowager Lin said, "Once the imperial decree is issued, it's time to move to another palace. Yangshou Palace is not far from here. I'll choose it so that we can meet and talk often in the future and keep each other company. I've been reading a few volumes of Taoist scriptures here, and I've gained quite a bit. When I have some free time, I'll discuss my understanding with you."
"I hope Your Majesty doesn't mind my stupidity." He Qing said.
"But I don't know when the affairs of the court will be settled." Queen Mother Lin put down her teacup and sighed softly. "Right now, the ministers in the court are all thinking on their own and acting on their own. They don't listen to orders. I am a woman and cannot intervene directly. If there is no one to hold them back, I am afraid..."
"Isn't Mr. Xue here?" He Qing asked.
Empress Dowager Lin shook her head slightly, took out a piece of paper from her sleeve and handed it to her, "Take a look at this."
"This..." He Qing looked at her hesitantly, "I'm afraid this is not appropriate."
"What's wrong with that? I can see it, and you can see it too," said Empress Dowager Lin. "Master Zhen is now a layman, so just consider it as helping me resolve my worries."
He Qing then opened the memorial, which turned out to be Xue Zhidao's resignation letter.
This was something that had never happened in his previous life. ——Naturally, at that time, Xue Zhidao had single-handedly supported the Zhongshan King He Yuan to ascend the throne. Although He Yuan was ambitious and his actions had displeased the court officials, he was still a loyal follower of the emperor, and his position as Prime Minister was secure. He had always been the leading figure in the court's struggle against He Yuan.
However, he did not expect that this would change the possibility of He Yuan ascending the throne, and instead caused a rift between him and Empress Dowager Lin, so she resigned early.
During this period, He Qing repeatedly reviewed the history of the Great Chu in his memory, and reviewed many later people's evaluations of this period of history, even including many novelists' words.
Yes, He Qing now knew that the mysterious time-traveling woman had acquired most of her professional knowledge from various novels. While much of it was fabricated, it wasn't necessarily entirely without truth. And perhaps because it was integrated into the story, it was even more deeply engraved in the memory.
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