Chapter 1225 One month left...
The crowd said in unison, "We will follow His Highness the King of Qin's lead."
Yuwen Ye nodded and continued, "Since you are all my confidants, you should understand that what I want is not just this small piece of land in the Qin Prince's Mansion."
"...!"
Upon hearing this, the entire Qin Prince's mansion fell silent once again.
However, everyone's heart was pounding and throbbing at that moment, like muffled thunder exploding in everyone's chest.
The current Yuwen Ye is almost like Yuwen Yuan of the Daye Dynasty back then. His achievements overshadow the emperor, he has the support of the people, and the emperor's suspicion follows him closely. He doesn't need to say many things; those around him know what he wants. That's why the Pei family and the Shen family were demoted at the same time. Pei Xingyuan once said when they parted that it was better to wait for Yuwen Yuan's great cause than to wait for Yuwen Ye to send someone to Lingnan to make arrangements for them.
That is indeed the case.
Yuwen Yuan seized power and established the Dasheng Dynasty. All the criminals from the previous dynasty were released and became the pillars of the new dynasty. Now, it is almost the same as before. Yuwen Ye doesn't need to say much, but the facts are clear: he conquered most of the Dasheng Dynasty and has countless meritorious officials under his command. Even if he doesn't want to go further, the people around him can't agree to it.
After all, judging from the attitudes of the Crown Prince and the Prince of Qi, once the Crown Prince ascends the throne, where will the people here find a way to survive?
In the ensuing silence, the crowd shouted in unison, "We swear to serve His Highness the King of Qin to the death!"
Yuwen Ye nodded slightly.
At this moment, Shen Tu Tai stood up. His imposing figure made him appear like a small mountain rising from the hall, exuding an immense sense of oppression. He cupped his hands and said, "But Your Highness, the Emperor now intends to summon Lord Pei and me to Luoyang. This trip—"
Pei Xingyuan said leisurely, "It's just hard to return it."
Shen Wuzheng, who was standing to the side, nudged him lightly with his elbow: "Be serious."
Pei Xingyuan said, "Where have I been improper? It's just that in another month, we won't be in the Prince of Qin's residence anymore. Even if we are the Prince of Qin's men, we won't be able to do what the Prince of Qin does. What can we do?"
As she spoke, she glanced at Yuwen Ye out of the corner of her eye.
The atmosphere in the lobby suddenly froze again.
On the surface, this banquet was a celebration of the King of Qin's new home, but everyone—and even the other guests—knew it was a meeting between the King and his confidants. That's why everyone had stayed behind. But no one expected the Emperor's first blow to come so swiftly, on this most joyous day.
Shen Tu Tai frowned, his gaze shifting from Yuwen Ye's face to Shang Ruyi's, then sweeping over everyone: "Gentlemen, do you have a solution to this matter?"
The crowd fell even more silent.
Shen Tu Tai looked directly at Shen Wu Zheng: "Even Lord Shen can't help this?"
Pei Xingyuan lifted his eyelids and glanced at Shen Wuzheng, only to see him remain silent for a long time before actually shaking his head slightly. Pei Xingyuan's eyes widened immediately: "No way, even you can't do anything about it?"
Shen Wuzheng said, "The imperial edict has been issued; what can a subject do?"
After saying that, he glanced at Yuwen Ye again.
Whether it was her imagination or not, Shang Ruyi noticed that the way he looked at Yuwen Ye seemed to have something to say. Although he didn't say it, their eyes flickered, as if they understood each other silently.
Yuwen Ye remained silent for a moment, then said, "There is only one way: we must ask Father to rescind his decree."
Shen Wuzheng silently looked away.
When Pei Xingyuan realized that even Shen Wuzheng was powerless, he finally showed a panicked expression and murmured, "But the imperial edict has already been issued, how could His Majesty the Emperor possibly retract his order?"
Everyone fell silent for a moment.
In the somewhat somber atmosphere, someone said softly, "His Majesty the Emperor did rescind his decree, didn't he?"
All eyes turned to the speaker, Shi Yuxin, who was sitting in the back. Shen Tu Tai hurriedly asked, "What did you say?"
Shi Yuxin looked at them and said, "From what I heard from that Prince Qi just now, he advised His Majesty the Emperor to transfer General Shentu and Lord Pei to guard the Eastern Capital. It was already decided that they would set off immediately, but His Majesty the Emperor's decree stated that they should set off within a month."
"..."
"While this is not a complete reversal of the decision, it is at least a change of course."
Upon hearing this, Shang Ruyi realized what was happening.
Yes, Yuwen Cheng sounded very confident just now, which means his advice has been taken into account and he has already discussed the matter with Yuwen Yuan. However, the imperial decree only gave him a month to prepare. Liu Yu's words revealed that Tao Wanyin had been by Yuwen Yuan's side these past two days. If I'm not mistaken, it was Tao Jieyu who persuaded Yuwen Yuan to change his initial decision.
Upon hearing Liu Yu's words, Shang Ruyi was both surprised and delighted. Tao Wanyin had finally overcome her previous pain. It seemed that she had not only risen from her grief but had also regained the emperor's favor and even helped them immediately. At this moment, she understood why Yuwen Ye, who never cared about the emperor's harem affairs, had specifically reminded her to visit Tao Wanyin.
Yuwen Ye nodded: "That makes sense."
As he spoke, he turned to look at Shang Ruyi and said in a low voice, "It seems you have to go to the palace."
Shang Ruyi understood: "I will go see Consort Tao."
At this moment, Shen Wuzheng said in a low voice, "It's not enough to just have people from the harem speaking up for us. His Majesty the Emperor won't change his mind just because of a few words of advice from Consort Tao. Otherwise, there wouldn't be this imperial edict today."
As he spoke, he looked at Yuwen Ye, his gaze calm as still water, yet seemingly turbulent beneath.
Yuwen Ye remained silent, only murmuring: One more month...
|
Two days later, on an exceptionally sunny morning.
Yuwen Yuan got up early to attend court. He helped Tao Wanyin dress and wash up, and escorted her to the palace gate. Only after watching his figure disappear in front of her did Tao Wanyin breathe a sigh of relief. As soon as she straightened up, she felt dizzy, and Qiaoshu behind her immediately supported her.
"Consort Jieyu!"
Tao Wanyin swayed a couple of times, barely managing to steady herself, and said with a faint smile, "I'm useless now."
Qiaoshu hurriedly said, "These past two days, Consort Jieyu has been so busy taking care of the Emperor that she has forgotten that she herself is also recovering from a serious illness. Now that you are alright, go back and rest."
Tao Wanyin nodded and was helped back to Shicui Palace. Although she was supposed to rest, she found it difficult to fall asleep. She leaned against the bed and opened the window a crack, looking at the bright spring sunshine outside and occasionally hearing the melodious chirping of birds.
Just as she was resting quietly, she heard footsteps approaching.
She half-opened her eyes: "Someone's here."
Qiaoshu hurriedly responded and went out, returning shortly afterward: "Jieyu, the Princess Consort of Qin has arrived."
Tao Wanyin immediately came to her senses, got up and tidied herself up before going out to greet them. Sure enough, she saw Shang Ruyi walking gracefully with her personal maid Tu She'er. After the two met, she welcomed them into the hall and asked Qiaoshu to pour tea.
The two sat down facing each other, and Tao Wanyin felt the other person scrutinize her carefully. Her ears turned slightly red, and she smiled and said, "I look haggard, I hope Princess Qin will forgive me."
Shang Ruyi smiled and shook her head: "It's good that you're like this, Consort Jieyu."
"oh?"
"The tender branches that have been hit by frost are certainly scarred, but without enduring wind and frost, how can they be full of vitality?"
Tao Wanyin glanced at her and smiled, "As expected of a princess from a prestigious family, she has a very insightful understanding of human affairs."
Shang Ruyi said, "I am very happy to see that Jieyu has recovered—"
As they were talking, Qiaoshu served hot tea to the two of them. Shang Ruyi turned around and gave Tushe'er a wink. Tushe'er immediately put the food box she was carrying on the table. Shang Ruyi smiled and said, "This is something that Madam Chu asked me to pass on to Jieyu. It's some pastries that she made herself. Please don't find them offensive."
Tao Wanyin hurriedly said, "The pastries you brought when the Princess came last time were very nice. I didn't expect to trouble Madam Chu again. Please convey my gratitude to her as well."
Shang Ruyi smiled and said, "Before I left, Madam Chu said that she was thanking me, so there's no need for you to thank her, Consort."
Tao Wanyin looked up at her: "Thank me?"
Shang Ruyi was still smiling at her. When their eyes met, Tao Wanyin immediately understood what was going on. She sighed softly and said, "It would be too much to thank you for that matter. I really didn't help much. I just felt that it was too hasty for a general and a vice minister to set off immediately. They should be given some time to prepare, so I offered a few words of advice."
Shang Ruyi said, "This is already very good."
"..."
"Without this month, we wouldn't even have had the chance to advise our father."
Tao Wanyin asked, "Are General Shentu and Lord Pei still unwilling to go to Luoyang?"
Shang Ruyi took a sip of tea and said, "General Shentu is a pillar of the army. His departure will inevitably cause unrest among the troops and may lead to other troubles. As for Lord Pei, you have seen what he did before. Transferring him away from Chang'an is not a wise move and will also hurt the feelings of veteran officials such as the Grand Secretary."
"..."
"Besides, once they leave, the King of Qin will have few helpers left."
"..."
Tao Wanyin did not respond immediately, but instead gave Shang Ruyi a deep look.
Although she lived deep within the palace, she was not so oblivious to what was happening outside. In addition, she had a cousin named Tao He who served as the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue. Even if she wanted to, she could not completely stay out of it. Moreover, given what had happened before, she knew that she already had one foot in the Qin King's camp.
This time, the King of Qin returned from Luoyang with great fanfare and bestowed countless rewards. His popularity among the people not only surpassed that of the Crown Prince, but even showed signs of surpassing that of the Emperor.
At this critical moment, the emperor wanted to transfer two of his top generals, but the Princess of Qin claimed she had no help...
Tao Wanyin pondered for a moment and said, "But that's all I can do to persuade him. His Majesty only reluctantly agreed because he saw that I was still ill."
Shang Ruyi quickly replied, "I understand. I didn't come here to trouble you again, Consort Jie."
As she spoke, she smiled and said, "I came here to congratulate Consort Jieyu."
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