Chapter 299 Ridiculous...
Wang Shaoji sneered, "If you don't have it, then what do you mean by what you're saying?"
"..."
"The principle of equal punishment for the same crime applies to all, regardless of rank or status. This is an ironclad rule. These southerners have long been accustomed to being free and undisciplined, and have been neglected in their upbringing. That's why they are so disrespectful and unscrupulous towards the emperor. If we continue to encourage their arrogance, they will not only bully the Imperial Guards in the future, but also us, and even His Majesty!"
Shang Ruyi's brows furrowed into a knot.
She had long heard that Wang Shaoji, as a close advisor, never offered any advice to the emperor on some of his absurd policies, but instead seemed to be fanning the flames and aiding and abetting the tyrant. Now it seemed that fanning the flames and aiding and abetting the tyrant was probably the least of her worries.
His words sounded reasonable, but every sentence and every word was a distortion of the truth. If Chu Yang really listened to his advice, the emperor's prestige in Jiangdu would be completely destroyed, and there was even a possibility that something big would happen!
However, arguing with him to determine right and wrong is not only exhausting but also completely meaningless.
Thinking of this, Shang Ruyi stopped arguing and turned to face Chu Yang.
She took a deep breath and said earnestly, "Your Majesty, Ruyi's words just now were absolutely not intended to confuse the hierarchy between superiors and inferiors, but were entirely for Your Majesty's benefit."
"oh?"
Chu Yang raised an eyebrow slightly: "What do you mean?"
Shang Ruyi said, “Your Majesty’s visit to Jiangdu Palace will last for a long time. However, it is the duty of the old palace guards to guard Jiangdu Palace. The Imperial Guards will protect Your Majesty. The ultimate goal of both groups is the same. They should cooperate sincerely, unite internally and externally, and work together to ensure the safety of Your Majesty and Jiangdu Palace.”
"..."
"However, if we punish them indiscriminately, it will inevitably cause discord between the two sides, which would be detrimental to Your Majesty."
She deliberately omitted a section in the middle.
This missing piece can evoke many thoughts, but the emperor's immediate thought must have been "safety and security."
The old palace guards have been stationed at Jiangdu Palace for many years, and they are indeed the most familiar with this place. If they arouse the dissatisfaction of the guards, it could cause a major incident, which would indeed be a problem.
Moreover, although Shang Ruyi's words were very restrained, upon deeper reflection, many things could still be gleaned from them. In fact, he didn't care about the truth; as long as someone investigated and someone was punished, that was enough. However, the fall of Luoyang this time had a significant impact on officials in the court and on the people of the country. If it wasn't handled properly, it might cause some public resentment.
In the past, Chu Yang would never have cared about the people's attitude, much less about his subordinates having any disloyal thoughts. To him, any injustice or unfairness could be resolved simply by killing the wronged.
However, the fall of Luoyang and the rebellion of the Lei family made him feel the crisis.
Thinking of this, Chu Yang frowned.
Seeing this, Wang Shaoji, who was standing nearby, hurriedly tried to say something: "Your Majesty—"
Chu Yang raised his hand to stop him from speaking.
He looked down at Shang Ruyi, and after a while, nodded slightly and said, "You're right."
Shang Ruyi said, "Thank you, Your Majesty."
As she spoke these words, she broke out in a cold sweat. She was really worried that Chu Yang wouldn't listen to her. If he judged her as overstepping his bounds, then she would be in real trouble.
Fortunately, he listened to what they said.
Chu Yang said, "Eunuch, immediately send someone down to investigate the matter thoroughly and report back immediately."
Eunuch Yu immediately replied, "Yes!"
Wang Shaoji frowned as he watched Eunuch Yu turn and leave, gritting his teeth in hatred. But at this moment, no matter how dissatisfied he was, he could only suppress it. After all, he dared not say anything after the emperor had already made his decision.
However, the anger in my heart could not be suppressed.
He turned to look at Shang Ruyi standing next to Chu Yang, a hint of malice flashing in his eyes, and suddenly laughed, "Young Madam is indeed thoughtful. Just now, it was I who failed to consider things carefully."
Shang Ruyi had no idea what he was up to this time, so she just said indifferently, "General Wang, you flatter me."
Wang Shaoji laughed again, "It's not that I'm flattering you. I've always felt that among all the civil and military officials, only the Grand General of the State is wise and capable, with a thorough understanding of things. He is a minister that the Emperor can rely on. It's just a pity that he couldn't accompany the Emperor on this trip to Jiangdu Palace. I didn't expect that the young mistress is just like her husband. It seems that you two are of one mind. Even though you are thousands of miles apart, you are still connected. You are truly a perfect match."
...
After he finished speaking, the entire garden fell silent.
Wang Shaoji, on the other hand, remained calm and composed, observing the two faces with their contrasting expressions.
Chu Yang remained silent for a long time before saying to him, "You may leave now. I will come to you again once the matter has been investigated."
"yes."
Wang Shaoji bowed, turned and left. But as he was leaving, he turned back and gave Shang Ruyi a vicious look, his sharp gaze seeming to want to tear her apart.
Shang Ruyi just stood there blankly.
Actually, she wasn't afraid. After all, the conflict between her and him wasn't new. When she was with Yuwen Ye, she had clashed with Wang Shaoji more than once. Even if it wasn't a life-or-death struggle, it certainly wasn't a peaceful coexistence between the two sides.
only……
"what's on your mind?"
When Chu Yang's voice suddenly rang in her ears, Shang Ruyi's breath hitched. She looked up and met his slender phoenix eyes. At this moment, Chu Yang's gaze, which had been so ardent and even burning hot just moments before, had completely cooled down, and even his breath was cold: "Who are you thinking about?"
"..."
Shang Ruyi composed herself and said softly, "Your Majesty, Your Majesty's sword dance just now seemed to have the style of the Pei family of Xihe."
"Um?"
Chu Yang was somewhat surprised that she would suddenly bring this up, but the inexplicable displeasure in her heart subsided a bit because of her words, and she asked, "You know Pei Yun Shen?"
Shang Ruyi nodded gently.
Although she was not good at socializing in the past and did not often associate with the young masters and ladies of aristocratic families, she still knew that Pei Yun Shen was famous throughout the world and was known as the "Sword Saint". Moreover, this Pei Yun Shen was the uncle of Pei Xu, the Left Grand Master of Ceremonies who had been demoted by Chu Yang. However, he had no interest in officialdom and spent his life with swords. Therefore, the Pei family sword dance was famous throughout the world and almost everyone knew about it.
Whether it was because he said Pei Yun Shen had a different kind of charm, or because mentioning Pei Yun Shen inevitably reminded him of Pei Xu, which displeased him, Chu Yang's face immediately darkened.
He said coldly, "Don't assume that just because Pei Yun Shen is skilled in sword dancing, everyone who does sword dancing belongs to the Pei family. There are plenty of people in the world who can do sword dancing. Does the world only have that Pei family member in their minds?"
"..."
"He only brought his apprentice, a girl named Sun Linglong, to perform a sword dance for the late emperor once. I only saw it once."
"..."
"My sword dance is my own realization, and has nothing to do with him."
"..."
"I am not like that Pei."
His words were not without merit. In fact, all sword dances in the world originated from one source, and no matter how they were interpreted and varied, they all remained true to the same principle. However, Chu Yang's sword dance was indeed very different from the Pei family's sword dance. Pei Yun Shen's sword dance emphasized the combination of strength and gentleness, and was agile and graceful, while Chu Yang's sword dance was unrestrained, arrogant and unruly, almost a projection of his own soul.
Actions and postures may resemble each other, but the soul will never be similar.
No wonder, her words had angered him.
However, his words sounded somewhat arrogant and even a bit childish. Although her mind was in turmoil, Shang Ruyi couldn't help but show a hint of a smile on her face and said softly, "Your Majesty is right."
Although he seemed annoyed, Chu Yang's mood improved upon seeing Shang Ruyi's smile.
He said solemnly, "I am who I am. Only the people of the world resemble me; no one else resembles me. Do you understand?"
Shang Ruyi nodded and said, "Ruyi understands."
Chu Yang nodded in satisfaction.
At this moment, Eunuch Yu had already given the order and returned. As soon as Shang Ruyi saw him, she immediately said, "Your Majesty, Ruyi is a little tired and wants to go back to rest."
Chu Yang noticed that her face was somewhat pale, so he nodded and said, "I will take you back."
"Need not,"
Shang Ruyi lowered her head and said softly, "His Majesty has only been in Jiangdu Palace for a short time and still has matters to attend to. Ruyi can go back by herself."
"..."
Hearing her say that, Chu Yang couldn't help but frown, but could only say, "Then, you can go back."
"Ruyi takes her leave."
Shang Ruyi bowed to him, then turned and left.
Whether it was because the sword dance she had just performed had exhausted her energy, or because the argument with Wang Shaoji had left her mentally and physically drained, her steps were much heavier on the way back than when she had come. When she finally returned to the palace, pushed open the door, and sat down on the bed, Shang Ruyi felt weak all over.
She slowly leaned back on the cushion and let out a long sigh.
Yuwen Ye.
Yuwen Ye...
Having just heard that name so unexpectedly, she used almost all her strength to control herself, showing no emotional fluctuations and not letting Wang Shaoji have his way.
But only she knew that at that moment, her heart was pounding so hard it almost hurt.
These days, she deliberately tried not to think about it, and even more so, she forbade herself to ask. But the words that Wo Xue said to her, seemingly unintentionally, were like a needle as fine as a cow's hair, piercing her heart heavily. These days, they have been tormenting her. Wen Ye had lost blood and was in a coma, on the verge of death. It was because of this that she had drugged him and taken him away from that manor.
He has lost consciousness due to blood loss and is in critical condition...
The three arrows that struck him did not endanger his life. In fact, after the arrows were removed, he was able to visit Empress Jiang without any problems. So why was he now in critical condition?
Is the ruptured wound really that serious?
So how is he now?
Is he... still alive?
She felt she shouldn't think about this problem, yet it was like a nightmare, driving her away when she was awake, but haunting her when she was weak.
Chu Yang refused to face the rising tide of righteous armies from all over the country, while she herself dared not even face the life or death of a single person.
ridiculous……
She covered her eyes with her hand, feeling a burning sensation welling up in her eyes. She murmured, "Ridiculous..."
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