Chapter 71 Grandfather and Grandson
Sheng Qinghe had followed Sheng Lianlian for many years. After Sheng Lianlian was redeemed, the two temporarily lived in a small courtyard in the city.
She originally intended to study. The girl said she would achieve great things in the future, and whatever her circumstances, it would prove she was a promising talent.
She struggled to read the books, and the girl taught her to recognize the characters one by one.
Sheng Qinghe was initially flustered, feeling that such troublesome matters should not be done by the young lady.
But Sheng Lianlian silenced her fearful mouth with just one sentence: "Actually, I've been thinking about opening a private school for girls. Qinghe, if you ever become the top scholar in the imperial examination and others ask about it, you must tell them that your teacher is me, Sheng Lianlian."
Sheng Qinghe was instantly filled with pride and patted his chest, saying, "I will definitely not let you down!"
But looking at the densely packed words, she couldn't help but peek out. This sky was so annoying; why did it always disturb her reading?
But why can't she always resist listening to it?
“Girl, I really don’t understand. Zhong Cong is very suitable to be emperor, and Emperor Zhongzong is willing, so why do they still disagree? And… why are these people unhappy that I became the top scholar in the imperial examination?”
Sheng Qinghe, who was only a few years old, did not understand.
Sheng Lianlian chuckled helplessly, first patting her head before asking, "Why can't you resist reading when I tell you to?"
Seeing Sheng Qinghe give an awkward smile again, she couldn't bear to scold her, and only said, "You'll understand when you grow up."
You'll understand everything once you embark on the path of the imperial examinations. In the end, it's just that you've taken their place.
This is a power struggle, and has nothing to do with any ancestral laws. It's just that those pedantic scholars love to use this phrase as a shield.
If Xiao Xiang continues to resist, he will also be used as a shield.
Xiao Jianhe was very helpless about this, because he couldn't stop his grandfather at all.
Many people thought that Xiao Yichun was a mild-mannered person, but in reality, it was just Emperor Hong'an's personality, and he didn't have a chance to show his temper.
Xiao Yichun knelt outside the palace, reiterating his intentions: the emperor was used to doing whatever he wanted, but he could not back down on this matter.
After some time, the emperor sent someone to help him up, but Xiao Yichun refused forcefully. So, half an hour later, Emperor Zhongzong summoned two attendants, who forcibly lifted him up and threw him into the mansion. The attendants waved their hands and left Emperor Zhongzong's oral decree with Xiao Yichun: "Prime Minister Xiao is old, and it is not advisable for you to meddle in these complicated matters. Your great-granddaughter is already so old, why not stay home and teach your great-great-granddaughter to read?"
This time, not only the emperor, but also half of the court officials took this opportunity to refuse to attend court. Before leaving, Xiao Yichun pressed the emperor, asking: "Now that things have come to this, don't you consider how the court will function?"
Emperor Hong'an found the question quite interesting.
He and Xiao Yichun had a very harmonious relationship for many years. It is said that the relationship between ruler and subject is like that of husband and wife. If this phrase is used to describe them, then they were a perfect match, respecting each other like guests.
He recalled Tianmu's description of Zhou She, saying that the gentle and refined Prime Minister Xiao had never encountered such a shameless idiot as Emperor Zhongzong before.
As the saying goes, "When a scholar encounters a soldier, reason is useless." Besides, was he even in the right or wrong position?
It's hard to say whether Xiao Yichun or the person behind the scenes was being used.
However, it would be incredibly naive to think that King Jungjong would regress because of this.
So what if he skipped court? He already felt there were too many useless people in the court. He had already worked like a beast of burden for half his life, so he might as well start taking charge of every little thing from now on.
"You think you can work him to death?"
Emperor Hong'an: "..."
Sometimes I really admire my grandson's energy. He thinks that as a monarch, one must learn to manage subordinates and delegate less important tasks, otherwise one will really be worked to death!
When Emperor Gaozu died, it seems that some imperial physicians said it was due to overwork...
Ren Duan was filled with respect. Although he and Zhou She had some disagreements, it wasn't a big deal. On the contrary, he wanted to learn from Zhou She's spirit.
Of course, if you really think that King Jungjong would handle state affairs himself, you're wrong.
Ren Duan: Hmm? I admired you too early?
If aristocratic families are unwilling to serve in government, then kidnap them. If men are unwilling to serve, then find women. If powerful and wealthy people are unwilling to serve, then find commoners.
I've said it before: the biggest problem with aristocratic families is their arrogance, even when they haven't achieved anything. I'm too lazy to name names; these people probably think that without them, the power structure would really come to a standstill.
Haha, did you really think the free schools established by King Jungjong were just toys?
Fortunately, the heavens were lazy, and all the noble clans breathed a sigh of relief.
Then they couldn't help but wonder: Did King Jungjong foresee this day long ago, or was it out of pity, that he established the free school?
In the silence, someone gritted their teeth and answered, pointing out the thought in everyone's mind: Emperor Zhongzong is treacherous and cunning. What mercy? Where is his mercy? He must have been planning this all along, taking the opportunity to crush the aristocratic families and purge the court of power.
Well, how wicked people can be!
Zhou She, far away at the border: "Achoo! Who's thinking of me?!"
Across from him, Cheng Zhuoran stood by the sand table, pointing north as he moved a small flag outside the city. Hearing the sound, he looked up and asked kindly, "Is Ruochuan feeling unwell?"
Zhou She shook his head.
He solemnly replied, "General Cheng, rest assured, everything is fine."
After this period of adjustment, Cheng Zhuoran had developed a basic level of trust in Zhou She. In his eyes, the Zhou She before him was not the same as the image described by Tianmu and the rumors.
Zhou She was clearly a good young man of the new era who was eager to learn, loved his work, was friendly and gentle, listened to advice, and respected the elderly and cared for the young!
Who exactly spread the rumors that he was disrespectful to his teachers and lazy?
Shen Mingzhe?!
Cheng Zhuoran looked at Zhou She and said kindly, "You are best at flanking attacks, so I'm assigning you this task. Once the main force has lured the enemy deep into our territory, seize the opportunity and strike them down in one fell swoop!"
After saying that, he looked at the nonchalant Su Miao: "You must pay attention to the changing situation and stay alert! You're such a grown man, can't you be serious?! Look at Ruochuan—"
Zhou She inexplicably became the neighbor's child, and why did General Cheng's words sound so familiar to him?
...as his old mother had said to him.
Su Miao, unusually serious, agreed. The two left the camp with their mission, and Su Miao immediately clung to Zhou She, asking with a grin, "Why does General Cheng like you so much?"
Zhou She thought to himself: Because I know how to pretend.
Emperor Jungjong was not threatened at all. A large number of officials were demoted, and those with more serious crimes were simply exiled to Vietnam.
Upon hearing this, Zhong Cong immediately offered his condolences and, standing beside the emperor, expressed his intentions with utmost intensity: "Father, they all misunderstand you. Although I am not by your side, I will always care for you. If you are truly weary, it is alright for me to assume the throne..."
Well, of course, the last half was extracted by the streamer herself. She spoke rather reservedly, but her true intentions were revealed; she wasn't even pretending anymore.
Everyone laughed.
Zhong Cong's actions were exactly the same as those of these seasoned political veterans.
Although he was in a remote place and could not meet His Majesty often, in order to maintain his presence in the emperor's eyes, he had to send blessings and greetings to the emperor on time during festivals and every so often.
His Majesty is a good-tempered person. Every time he reads a memorial, he writes, "I have read it. There is no need to say anything more. Just do your job."
Sometimes, to be more gentle, one might write: "May I be at peace, and may you be at peace too."
Zhong Cong also learned this lesson, treating the emperor as—
After a moment of thought, the group recalled the description Tianmu had used before, something like... a time clock?
Emperor Hong'an was overjoyed. Tianmu had mocked him before, but now it seemed they were all in the same boat; even he had his day to gain favor.
Seeing his comrades-in-arms being demoted, Xiao Yichun was indignant and submitted a memorial to the emperor, saying: "You say I am old, and I am indeed old. Today I beg to retire and let me go!"
Upon returning to the capital and learning of this, Xiao Jianhe rushed to the palace. Although he wasn't a loyal subject who had followed the emperor—Xiao Zhiping, you're still too modest. You saved Emperor Zhongzong once; you and the Great Xiao were clearly meritorious subjects who had helped the emperor rise to power!
Historical records state that three generations of the Xiao family, grandfather, grandfather, and grandson, served Emperor Zhongzong and rendered unparalleled service, serving as his trusted ministers… After Emperor Zhongzong's death, Emperor Zhongzong almost took Emperor Xiao's body away, but it was only after Xiao Jianhe said, "He served Your Majesty, and my grandfather spent most of his life by the late emperor's side; I could not forget him even in death," that Emperor Xiao was buried next to Emperor Renzong.
Xiao Yichun sighed softly.
To be honest, his feelings towards Zhou She were very complicated. He acknowledged Zhou She's abilities, his methods, and his achievements, but if he had to choose, he would still choose His Majesty.
That was half of his life.
Unexpectedly, his grandson was able to guess his true intentions at the crucial moment and even dared to say them in front of the emperor.
Although many brainwashing narratives say that Xiao Jianhe was simply vying for his grandfather's position: if the grandfather can do it, why can't the grandson?
What a ridiculous tale of a grandfather and grandson vying for favor...
But Xiao Jianhe wouldn't go that far. The three most favored ministers of Jinghua weren't just for show; no matter how things were arranged, he would definitely have a place in the burial tomb.
Xiao Jianhe: "...??" What is that?
Why are there so many unofficial histories from later generations?
Are they really that reckless?
[Getting back to the main point, Xiao Jianhe rushed to the palace to say, "My grandfather may be immature, but I am!"]
Ren Heng chuckled, and after a long while, he mocked, "Heh heh, Xiao Yichun's grandson is no pushover either."
His son, by comparison, was a bit too honest.
Ren Heng wanted to pat his son's head, but then thought better of it and withdrew his hand. He was already old enough to pass the imperial examination; he couldn't let his son be molded and manipulated at will.
Xiao Yichun has as many political enemies as he has allies.
At this moment, both sides fell into a subtle silence.
What do you do when your family members are your biggest political enemies? Prime Minister Xiao, you're in a pretty bad situation too.
The classic scene of "grandson exposes grandfather's secrets, steals grandfather's mission, and betrays grandfather" is officially released.
Xiao Yichun, who was staying at home growing mushrooms, was completely unaware of this. Xiao Jianhe was a skilled actor; before this, he always had various reasons to explain his actions, but this time, he completely stood against his grandfather.
He had a vague premonition when he did it, but his intuition told him: now is the time to do it.
Many people criticize Xiao Jianhe as a sycophant, a spineless opportunist. As a prime minister with an excellent relationship with the emperor, Xiao Jianhe's political behavior was highly consistent with Emperor Zhongzong's. He neither led the officials to suppress imperial power as before, nor did he constantly advise the emperor.
This isn't just any treacherous minister; what is?! He's even worse than Emperor Xiao!
Zhou Xuyan found it very strange.
How did Xiao Yichun, a person of such integrity and inner strength, raise Xiao Jianhe to have such a personality?
Could it be that Zhou She truly possesses some strange magic, especially capable of killing young people with a single blow?
Zhou Xuyan tried to recall the amazing things about his eldest son, but in the end he could only recall the day his son learned to read, when his chubby little hand held the brush and fluently wrote a single character.
"Sleepy."
The moment Zhou Xuyan thought of that word, he immediately let his thoughts wander and stopped himself from thinking any further.
In the future, Emperor Zhongzong will be galloping across the grasslands of the northern desert.
Su Miao followed closely behind him, his voice rippled by the wind: "Zhou She, they've gone to the right!! It's too dangerous to go any further! Stop—!!"
They advanced from the rear with their troops, encircling him from both sides. However, his own forces were few in number. He admitted that this was a rare opportunity; if Zhou She could charge forward, they might achieve victory in one battle!
The problem is, Su Miao doesn't dare!
He himself was not afraid of death; if the roles were reversed, he could have run faster than Zhou She! But he was afraid that Zhou She would die, so he desperately shouted at the top of his lungs, trying to call Zhou She back.
Zhou She paid no heed, even increasing his horse's speed, spear in hand. Red tassels fluttered in the wind, but all he could see were figures ahead.
Su Miao gradually lost his ability to keep up with him. Only one sentence remained in his mind: Ambitious and stubborn.
Tianmu's words are absolutely correct!
After a wry smile, he kicked his horse's flank, drew his bow and nocked an arrow. The wind from the high-speed movement made his long hair sway. He lay on his horse and roared, "Fine! I'll clear the way for you!"
Military opportunities are fleeting; this is a chance bestowed by heaven! An opportunity that no one had anticipated!
Su Miao, filled with heroic spirit, put everything else behind him at this moment. His heart was pounding so hard it felt like it would leap out of his chest, yet his thoughts remained increasingly calm.
Risk and opportunity coexist, and even if they have considered the risks, they will only move forward in the end.
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