Chapter 304 On Father and Son, or on Ruler and Subject
Dou Wenyi was stunned. Why did Pei Siyan bring up such a sensitive topic so directly?
Outside, the officials were in an uproar. This fight between father and son was extremely unethical!
The news of Prince Duan's mysterious escape has spread. If he really did carry the imperial edict of succession, then Taizhi would be a true traitor and rebel...
Emperor Muzong is putting them on the hot seat!
Prime Minister Meng reacted swiftly, his sharp gaze falling on Second Grand Secretary Du Hao. His words were intense and filled with deep regret: "According to the law, even if His Majesty wanted to establish a new emperor, he would have to depose the Crown Prince first. Such a major matter requires the approval of the Grand Secretariat. How could His Majesty make such a decision on his own?"
"The Crown Prince is wise and brave, virtuous and talented. He not only quelled the rebellion of the rebel king, but also always cared about the people. He is the enlightened ruler that our Great Zhou has been waiting for!"
His words were forceful and resounding.
Du Hao felt contempt, but he had to admit that the old scoundrel Meng had really managed to put on a show!
With a solemn expression, he said sternly, “Prime Minister Meng’s loyalty and courage are truly admirable. What you just said is exactly what I feel in my heart. Deposing the crown prince is a matter that shakes the foundation of the country, and we will never agree to it. Everything must be done with the interests of the nation in mind. Anyone who creates internal strife is a sinner of our Great Zhou.”
"His Majesty is suffering from illness and is inevitably delirious. Yet someone dares to use the name of 'filial piety' to bewitch His Majesty. Such a treacherous minister deserves to die!"
Emperor Muzong disregarded the decades-long relationship between the emperor and his ministers and summoned them. Did he want to make these old ministers infamous for eternity?
Their voices were neither too loud nor too soft, and Dou Wenyi could hear them clearly.
He truly lived up to his reputation as a seasoned official, overturning the legitimacy of Prince Duan's possession of the imperial edict with just a few words, and even defining his crimes.
"Lord Shen, what do you think?"
Shen Yanzhou remained expressionless, his voice clear and unbiased, “His Majesty has always been wise and not a foolish ruler. He will naturally prioritize the well-being of the country. Please be patient.”
Meng Xiang glanced at the rows of imperial guards standing guard outside the Cold Palace, then looked at the court attendant who was writing incessantly with a pen in hand. He lowered his voice and scolded, "Don't write what you shouldn't write!"
Inside the room, Dou Wenyi stood up abruptly and personally poured Emperor Muzong a cup of tea, saying, "Your Majesty, please moisten your throat first."
The emperor smiled meaningfully, "You're very worried about him."
Dou Wenyi never expected him to ask such a question. She suddenly looked up, her eyes bright and honest, "Your Majesty, please forgive my shallowness. Husband and wife are one, sharing both glory and loss. I am indeed very worried about Your Highness's safety."
Emperor Muzong watched the two with great interest; their mutual affection was truly enviable.
He nodded and smiled slightly, "In the future, with his harem full of concubines, will you still have this much to do?"
This is a life-or-death question!
She dared not utter such a presumptuous statement about monopolizing the crown prince in front of the historians and court officials.
As Dou Wenyi was stunned, she heard Pei Siyan reply without room for argument, "Didn't you say I resemble my mother? Then you should understand that the life my mother yearned for is the life I yearn for, and that is different from yours. There will be no one else between her and me. She is my wife, and she will be by my side every day from now on, and she will die with me!"
Pei Siyan's expression turned slightly cold. "From now on, there will be no more harems. Don't make things difficult for her!"
Emperor Muzong felt a mix of emotions, and through his dark eyes, he seemed to see a reflection of himself from years past.
He laughed dismissively, "Back then, I was just as naive as you."
I used to be just as sincere as him, but unfortunately, no amount of deep affection can withstand the corrosive effects of reality.
What's more, he is an emperor above all others!
Once you sit on the throne, how easy is it to stay true to yourself and love your beloved until old age?
Emperor Muzong recalled Wen Wan's last words, his eyes reddening. He thought she hated him, but she had never hated him.
What does he do?
He destroyed the woman he loved most with his own hands!
Pei Siyan lost his patience. "I will prove with my actions that I will never follow in your footsteps."
His tone wasn't loud, but it was clear and resonant, each word spoken with force and conviction.
Dou Wenyi stiffened, sat up slightly, and didn't understand why the topic had turned to this.
Emperor Muzong lowered his head and pondered for a long time before saying, "After I pass away, I wish to die with your mother."
Pei Siyan's cold, piercing gaze fixed on Emperor Muzong, two words escaping his lips, "No!"
Emperor Muzong, who had been calm all night, suddenly changed his expression, his trembling fingers gripping the armrest of his chair tightly. "You unfilial son! I have already left an imperial edict for Prince Duan."
really!
Pei Siyan showed no fear and refused to budge an inch.
"In the past few decades, the Great Zhou Dynasty has been in decline, corruption has become rampant in the court and among the people, the land is devastated, the people are living in misery, and even the small Northern Di have dared to invade repeatedly."
His words were undeniably sharp, showing utter disrespect for elders and the relationship between ruler and subject.
Dou Wenyi tugged at his sleeve, signaling him not to provoke Emperor Muzong, but he remained unmoved.
Pei Siyan was still not satisfied. "What, Your Majesty, is that not enough? Do you want to add another serious crime? Your Majesty's achievements are truly numerous. Now, do you still want to watch the Great Zhou Dynasty fall apart...?"
Dou Wenyi sighed; the negotiations had ultimately broken down.
Emperor Muzong's face turned pale and then red. He interrupted him sharply, "How dare you! Since I ascended the throne, I have granted amnesty to the world, reduced taxes, promoted water conservancy projects, and managed the Huanghe River, enabling the people to live and work in peace and contentment. I have worked diligently for decades, and yet you consider it all worthless?"
"You've only been regent for a few days. You're blinded by your own limited perspective. How could you possibly understand the hardships I've faced, yet you dare to speak so arrogantly?"
"I have failed your mother and you, but I have never failed the Great Zhou Dynasty, nor have I failed our ancestors."
"Pei Siyan, don't even think about climbing to the top by stepping on my reputation. Your merits and demerits will be judged by future generations!"
Pei Siyan's face turned cold as he grabbed her wrist and stood up. "Let's go!"
Emperor Muzong was furious, his eyes swirling with disbelief. "You...you unfilial son! You think you've grown wings and can't be dealt with?"
Pei Siyan had led her to the door when he suddenly turned around and coldly replied, "What you do is your business; whether I accept it or not is my business!"
Upon seeing them emerge, the court officials waiting outside were all extremely embarrassed, wishing they could disappear on the spot.
Pei Siyan glanced indifferently at the crowd. "The Emperor's mind is made up to abdicate. I imagine the edict of abdication has already been drafted. Since you are all here, let's affix the golden seal for now. As for the other edicts... you can decide what to do with them!"
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