Chapter 104 The Prince Who Failed to Revolt
Zhang Xiaojia thought about it and smiled. Since her brother said it frankly, she would accept it frankly.
Just follow her way of education and don't think too much.
Zhang Xiaojia left the palace and went directly to the Taifu Mansion.
"Mom, let's go home!"
Zhang Xiaojia smiled and said, "Okay, let's go home. What will the Master teach you today?"
He Lin raised his head, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "Mother, today the Grand Tutor taught me the 'Governing with Virtue' passage from the Analects of Confucius, and asked me to write an essay on how to govern a country with virtue."
Zhang Xiaojia smiled slightly and patted He Lin's shoulder gently. "Very good, Lin'er. The way to govern a country is to put morality first. However, morality alone is not enough. You also need to be flexible and know how to apply these principles in practice."
He Lin nodded, his eyes full of seriousness: "Mother, I understand. The Grand Tutor also said that governing a country is like cooking a small fish. The heat must be just right, neither too much nor too little."
Zhang Xiaojia smiled and nodded. "Grandmaster, you're right. To govern a country, you need both virtue and wisdom. Remember, no matter what you do in the future, virtue and wisdom are your most important weapons."
He Lin nodded solemnly: "Mom, I will live here."
He Lin looked at her secretly, with a hint of hesitation and uneasiness in his eyes. His fingers unconsciously twisted the corner of his clothes, as if brewing something difficult to say.
"Lin'er, is there something wrong? We mother and son have to talk things out clearly. We have mouths." Zhang Xiaojia noticed his abnormality, smiled gently, and spoke in a relaxed tone, trying to ease his tension.
He Lin raised his head, tears welling in his eyes. He took a deep breath, his voice trembling. "Master, today, I was discussing the reasons for my mother's rebellion... He said it was because Duke Heng had murdered Princess Anguo. She had stumbled into his room after drinking the medicine. It was dark, and he had taken his daughter-in-law... to bed..." At this point, He Lin's tears finally rolled down, but he didn't stop, as if he had been holding these words in for too long and needed to finish them all in one breath.
"Mother, actually, there are some things, my lawyer said, that father didn't tell you. Mother knew it a long time ago... It was Mother who asked Duke Heng to kill Princess Anguo." His voice became lower and lower, almost a murmur, but every word was clearly heard by Zhang Xiaojia.
Zhang Xiaojia listened quietly, the smile on her face gradually solidified, and a complex emotion flashed in her eyes. Her eyes were red, but she did not interrupt He Lin. She just gently held his hand, as if silently telling him: "Mom is here, go ahead."
He Lin sobbed and finally asked the question that had been weighing on his heart: "Mother, if you were my mother, what would you do?"
Zhang Xiaojia was silent for a moment, her eyes looking off into the distance, as if she were lost in thought. After a moment, she spoke slowly, her voice calm but resolute: "If I were your mother, I would ask Duke Heng to appease An Guo privately, and use compensation and promises to calm the situation while avoiding any scandal."
Women in this world are so pathetic. They are clearly hurt, but they cannot make it public. It is wrong to lose their innocence.
If Princess Anguo requests it, I will agree to let her divorce her brother and let her leave this troubled place. As for Duke Hengguo... he must resign his official position and accept his punishment. This is the price he deserves."
There was no anger or resentment in her tone, only a deep sense of helplessness and exhaustion. She knew that this decision might not completely make up for the mistakes of the past, but at least it would give everyone a chance to start over.
After listening to this, He Lin nodded silently, but tears could not stop flowing down his face. He threw himself into Zhang Xiaojia's arms and hugged her tightly. At this moment, he finally found a harbor he could rely on.
Zhang Xiaojia patted him gently on the back and whispered soothingly, "Lin'er, remember, if everyone obeyed the law, things wouldn't be like this. What we need to do is prevent the same mistakes from happening again. Mother will always be with you, no matter what happens."
He said slowly, "If Duke Heng had strictly adhered to the laws of the court and not coveted the skinny horse, this tragedy could have been avoided. This lesson should serve as a warning to me."
"We must learn to use wisdom and strategy to expose the crimes of those who do not respect the law, making them visible to the public. For example, we can gather evidence, set traps, or exploit their weaknesses, ultimately bringing them to justice," Zhang Xiaojia continued.
He Lin nodded and listened attentively.
——
Zhang Xiaojia brought He Lin to the woods. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows. A gentle breeze carried the scent of green grass. This woods, once a battlefield, now seemed remarkably peaceful, as if silently mourning the lives lost.
Zhang Xiaojia held He Lin's hand and walked slowly along the forest path. Her eyes swept around, as if she could still see the tragic scene of that day, and hear the clash of swords and the shouts of soldiers. Her heart was heavy, but her face remained calm.
"Lin'er," Zhang Xiaojia said softly, "Two thousand soldiers once fought desperately against the rebels to protect us. Many of them remained on this land forever."
He Lin held Zhang Xiaojia's hand tightly, a trace of sadness flashing in his eyes. He looked up at Zhang Xiaojia and asked in a low voice: "Mom, why did they do this? They could have escaped..."
Zhang Xiaojia stopped, squatted, and looked He Lin in the eye. Her gaze was gentle yet firm. "Lin'er, they didn't do this for any one person, but for the Great Zhou and the people of the world. They chose to sacrifice themselves to protect more people. This is a responsibility, and also an honor."
He Lin nodded, not quite understanding, but still with doubt in his eyes: "But... they have families too. Their families will be very sad, right?"
Zhang Xiaojia gently stroked He Lin's head and said in a soft voice, "Yes, their families will be very sad. But because of this, we must remember their sacrifices, live well, and make their sacrifices meaningful."
She stood up and continued walking forward, holding He Lin's hand. Soon, they came to an open space where a stone tablet stood, engraved with the four characters "Loyal Souls Live Forever." Around the tablet, many cakes and offerings were placed, clearly indicating that someone had come to pay their respects.
Zhang Xiaojia let go of He Lin's hand, walked to the stone tablet, and bowed deeply. A tear flashed in her eyes, but she quickly suppressed it.
She turned around and said to He Lin, "Lin'er, come and bow to these soldiers."
He Lin walked forward obediently and bowed deeply, imitating Zhang Xiaojia's behavior, his little face full of seriousness.
Zhang Xiaojia looked at He Lin, a warm feeling welling up in her heart. He Lin was still young, so she patted him on the shoulder gently and said softly, "Lin'er, you must remember that these soldiers protected us and the Great Zhou with their lives. No matter what you do in the future, you must follow their example and be a responsible person."
He Lin nodded solemnly, his eyes gleaming with determination. "Mother, I remember this. I will work hard for the Great Zhou in the future and ensure that the sacrifices of these soldiers will not be in vain."
Zhang Xiaojia smiled with relief. She squatted down and gently hugged He Lin: "Good boy, mother believes in you."
"Lin'er, there's a saying that goes, 'The higher you stand, the heavier your responsibilities; the greater your abilities, the greater your responsibilities. Mother, I hope you understand."
Mother and son stood before the stone tablet for a long time, until the sun set and the sky darkened. Zhang Xiaojia took He Lin's hand and slowly left the woods. Her heart was still heavy, but more so, she was determined.
She will completely destroy the Shadow Legion, and the sacrifices of the soldiers will surely be duly rewarded.
Back in the carriage, He Lin leaned in Zhang Xiaojia's arms and asked softly, "Mom, will we come here again in the future?"
Zhang Xiaojia gently stroked He Lin's hair and replied softly, "Yes, we come here every year to pay tribute to these soldiers. You must remember that their sacrifice was for us and for the Great Zhou. We must always remember them."
He Lin nodded and closed his eyes. Zhang Xiaojia looked at the child in her arms.
Zhang Xiaojia looked out the window and prayed silently in her heart: May those deceased soldiers rest in peace, may the Great Zhou Dynasty be forever stable, and may her and He Lin's future be worthy of the sacrifices of these soldiers.
Every autumn rain brings a chill.
It’s the Emperor’s birthday again.
Ever since Zhang Xiaojia adopted He Lin'er, she never brought him back to the palace. He Lin was always resistant, unwilling to step into the center of power.
He Fei looked at the mother and son sitting on the doorstep, and a warm feeling surged in his heart. He walked over and sat down next to them.
He Fei said softly to He Lin, "Lin'er, the royal family didn't give you adoption documents. They were afraid that your mother would change your surname to Zhang, so the emperor is still your father."
He Lin raised his head, a hint of doubt and unwillingness flashed in his eyes: "Can't I have the surname Zhang?"
He Fei replied coldly: "There is no hope in this life. The conservative ministers and clansmen do not agree that you have the surname Zhang."
He Lin lowered his head, his voice filled with a hint of helplessness and stubbornness: "So I am a He family member in life and a He family ghost in death? Dad, can I be the most dissolute young man in the Great Zhou Dynasty?"
He Fei smiled, a hint of doting flashed in his eyes: "The most dandy boy in the Great Zhou Dynasty is your mother and son. Don't look at your mother as the most dandy boy, but your mother is rich! You don't have much money, so you can't be a dandy boy."
He Lin whispered, "I don't know how to face my father. Maybe he doesn't want to see me?"
He Fei: "The emperor's arrangement for you is that if you are talented, you can succeed the throne, and if you are mediocre, you can become a prince."
He Lin’s first reaction: “I want to be a prince.”
Zhang Xiaojia: "Then be a prince."
He Lin hesitated: "But I also want to be an emperor"
Zhang Xiaojia patted her son's head hard and said, "Your mother has no other choice. It depends on your brain and ability. I don't know the emperor's standards for success, but I support you."
He Fei: "This autumn harvest, the sweet potato yield will be good. The spies have found the Shadow Legion. They are hiding in the Great Jin Kingdom. I will personally lead the troops to destroy them."
When Zhang Xiaojia heard He Fei's words, his brows furrowed slightly, and a hint of worry flashed in his eyes.
She gently held He Fei's hand and whispered, "Are you going to Dajin in person? The situation there is complicated and dangerous. I will go with you."
He Fei nodded, his eyes firm. "The existence of the Shadow Legion has always been a hidden danger. They have been lurking in the Great Jin for many years. If they are not completely eradicated, they will make a comeback sooner or later. After the autumn harvest, there will be sufficient food and the morale of the army will be stable. It is a good time to send troops. Jiajia, I am worried about you going, but I can't bear to let you go. Wait for me in Kyoto."
Zhang Xiaojia was silent for a moment. Although she felt very reluctant, she knew that He Fei's decision was for their mission. She took a deep breath and forced a smile: "Then you must be careful. Lin'er and I will wait for you to come back."
He Fei patted the back of her hand gently and said softly, "Don't worry, I will come back safely."
He Lin listened to his parents' conversation, a complicated look flashing in his eyes. He raised his head and looked at He Fei, with a hint of determination in his tone: "Dad, can I go with you?"
He Fei was stunned for a moment, then shook his head: "You are still young, the battlefield is not a joke. When you grow up a little, Dad will take you to the battlefield to kill the enemy."
He Lin lowered his head somewhat unwillingly, but soon raised it again, with a stubborn glint in his eyes: "Dad, I will work hard to become stronger. One day, I will be like you and protect the Great Zhou and Mother."
He Fei smiled with relief and rubbed He Lin's head: "Okay, Dad will wait for that day."
After the autumn harvest, Huangzhuang had a bumper harvest of sweet potatoes, with a yield of up to 500 kilograms per mu.
Zhang Xiaojia stood on the edge of the field, holding a freshly dug sweet potato in his hand, and waved it proudly at the emperor with a smug smile on his face.
"Brother, look at this!" Zhang Xiaojia strode up to the emperor, his tone full of boasting. "When I first bought these high-yield grain seeds from the people of the Western Regions, you were full of disdain, thinking I was a fool and had been cheated. And now? Hahahaha... Look at these sweet potatoes, so plump and big! Are you impressed by my taste?"
The emperor stood with his hands behind his back, his eyes indifferently sweeping over the sweet potatoes in the field, his face showing no emotion.
He hummed softly, his tone calm, "I paid the money."
Zhang Xiaojia was stunned, her brows furrowed slightly, and she even forgot to shake the sweet potato in her hand. She stared at the emperor, her tone filled with disbelief, "Brother, what do you mean by that? What do you mean by 'you paid'? I worked so hard to grow these sweet potatoes, you can't just take all the credit for me with just one sentence!"
The emperor's expression remained calm, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. He turned, his gaze fixed on the distant, unbroken stretches of imperial farmland. He spoke slowly, "We agreed that you would take four of these seeds and I would take six. You've planted the entire farm with Western seeds, leaving sweet potatoes at only one-fiftieth of the land. Have you calculated how much silver I've lost this year?"
Zhang Xiaojia's eyes widened when she heard this, and she almost dropped the sweet potato in her hand. She opened her mouth, but after a long pause, she managed to utter, "Brother, are you going to settle accounts with me?"
The emperor chuckled, his gaze still distant. "If I don't settle the accounts, how can I know whether your 'great harvest' is worth it?"
Zhang Xiaojia was anxious. He quickly walked up to the emperor, his tone filled with grievance. "Brother, you can't calculate like that! Although these sweet potatoes only occupy one-fiftieth of the land, they are very productive! One acre of land yields 500 kilograms. Just think about how much ordinary grain this can replace? Besides, although Western Region seeds are expensive, they are drought- and flood-resistant. Planting them means you don't have to worry about it, saving a lot of manpower and material resources! Your money is well spent, it's worth it!"
The Emperor turned his head, his gaze landing on Zhang Xiaojia's anxious face, a hint of a smile flickering in his eyes. He said slowly, "Whether it's worth it or not, I know it well. However, your 'great harvest' reminds me of something."
Zhang Xiaojia was stunned: "What's the matter?"
The Emperor narrowed his eyes slightly, his tone tinged with sarcasm. "When you said you wanted to plant seeds from the Western Regions, you promised me that if we suffered losses, you would cover them out of your own pocket. Now, although the sweet potato harvest is good, the yields of other crops have declined because of your planting of seeds from the Western Regions. How do you intend to settle this account?"
Zhang Xiaojia was stunned, his tone filled with guilt. "Brother, this... this matter, you can't blame me entirely! Although the seeds from the Western Regions are good, they must be adapted to local conditions. Besides, the small amount of grain production that was reduced is nothing compared to these sweet potatoes!"
The emperor nodded and said, "So, the sweet potatoes have a high yield and you have grown them, but all the other crops on my farm have not yielded any harvest. I don't care!"
Zhang Xiaojia's money flew away...
————
He Fei led the army to attack the Jin Dynasty. Zhang Xiaojia and He Lin stood on the city wall, watching the army march away, their hearts filled with worry and anticipation.
In the following days, Zhang Xiaojia took care of He Lin while busy with the affairs of the imperial farm. She personally guided the Ministry of Agriculture, guiding them in planting sweet potatoes and promoting new agricultural technologies.
Under the guidance of the Grand Tutor, He Lin studied the art of governing a country diligently. He not only read the classics thoroughly, but also often accompanied Zhang Xiaojia to the countryside to understand the people's sentiments and sympathize with their sufferings.
Zhang Xiaojia often told him: "The way to govern a country lies not only in knowledge from books, but also in caring for and understanding the people."
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