Chapter 49 Hu Qing's Trouble
Prince Liu Xiao’s academic career can be described as the most “luxurious” configuration in history.
The Imperial Tutor is the most learned and old-fashioned old man in the Hanlin Academy.
But ever since the emperor once "accidentally" mentioned that "if the prince loses one ounce of weight, the annual salary of the tutor will be deducted by one ounce"
The old man's teaching method changed from glaring and frowning to gentle and caring, and he would also show concern for the prince's cervical spine and eyesight from time to time.
The martial arts master was the commander of the imperial guards and the emperor's confidant and beloved general. He was extremely careful in teaching the prince, fearing that he would get hurt.
So much so that Liu Xiao felt that he was not practicing martial arts, but performing some kind of royal exclusive rehabilitation exercise.
The most outrageous thing was the emperor himself. He almost became the prince's "chief tutor".
While Liu Xiao was reading history books, he was reviewing memorials beside him, but his ears were perked up. Once he heard his son pause or sigh,
He immediately put down his red brush and said, "Xiao'er, are you tired? Take a break! Fu'an, bring some ginseng tea and some snacks!"
He watched Liu Xiao practice calligraphy, and from time to time he would sincerely exclaim in admiration: "Great! Your writing skills! You have the style of me back then! No! Even better than me back then!"
Liu Xiao discusses government affairs with officials of the Eastern Palace, and the emperor also happens to pass by
Then listen to it "by the way" and make a few "simple" comments after listening.
The core idea is usually: "My son has unique insights! You must assist him wholeheartedly!"
Liu Xiao often felt at a loss for words: "Father, you are so busy with your affairs that you don't have to be with me all the time..."
The emperor said confidently: "Accompanying the prince's growth is the most important state affair!"
Inwardly: I want to occupy all my son's time! Let those old memories of the Marquis' Mansion have no place to stay!
Although his father's company was sometimes stressful, Liu Xiao had to admit that he made rapid progress under this "immersive" royal education.
Moreover, he could clearly feel his father's clumsy and passionate love, which made him feel warm in his heart.
They also gradually began to truly regard this emperor as their closest and most dependent father.
After experiencing a series of turmoil, the Weiyuan Marquis Mansion has completely learned to be "low-key".
Weiyuan Hou Cui Yan became even more reclusive and rarely went out, and except for necessary court attendance and official duties, he almost never saw visitors.
Xiao Zhou even claimed to be ill and stayed at home, worshipping Buddha and praying for her son who was far away (the prince) and her son who was nearby (Hu Qing).
The servants in the mansion were also strictly restricted and not allowed to discuss any topics related to the prince or the palace outside.
The entire mansion presents a tranquility like that of a "rich and idle person", which is in sharp contrast to the bustling residences of other nobles in the capital.
This abnormal low-key attitude made some people feel that the Marquis' Mansion was unfathomable and even more awed by it.
However, there are always exceptions.
Because the prince "rewarded" her with palace flowers, she was even more convinced that he was interested in her! However, due to the emperor and the rules, she did not dare to express it explicitly.
She began to dress herself up more and more, studying rouge, powder, and beautiful clothes all day long, and frequently attended various gatherings of ladies in Beijing.
In his conversation, he always inadvertently revealed information such as "The prince and I have known each other since childhood" and "The prince understands my thoughts best."
This attracted a group of flatterers to flatter her, and also made the truly knowledgeable ladies secretly despise her.
Xiao Zhou and Cui Yan scolded her several times, but she always pretended to obey.
She even began to secretly inquire about the palace's rouge purchasing channels, fantasizing about being able to send her specially made "Charming Powder" to the Eastern Palace...
She had no idea that she had already been put on the emperor and Liu Cong's blacklist, and her every move was under close surveillance.
On this day, an urgent military report sent from 800 miles away broke the peace of the court.
Civil strife broke out among the Rongdi tribes in the northern border. A defeated army broke into the imperial border, burning, killing and looting. The border commander was thwarted in his attack and requested support from the court.
In the court, the ministers were discussing the matter and arguing endlessly about whether to fight or make peace.
The emperor sat upright on the dragon throne, his face gloomy, listening to the arguments of his ministers, but his eyes kept glancing at the prince standing at the front of the military officers' line.
Liu Xiao was wearing a specially made apricot-yellow prince's military uniform. He stood tall and straight, listening attentively to the debates from all sides. His young face had a calmness that was inconsistent with his age.
When the argument reached a stalemate, the emperor suddenly spoke up: "Prince, what do you think about this matter?"
Instantly, all eyes were focused on Liu Xiao. This was the first time the Emperor had asked for his opinion on a major state matter since he was appointed Crown Prince!
Liu Xiao took a deep breath, stepped out of the line and bowed, his voice clear but firm: "Your Majesty, I believe that the civil strife among the Rong and Di peoples and the invasion of defeated soldiers are indeed minor problems that must be eradicated.
Although they are not a large army approaching our border, they are wreaking havoc on our borders, killing our people and undermining the dignity of our Celestial Empire. If we leave them alone, or show them weakness, I am afraid that the surrounding tribes will follow suit, causing endless troubles.”
He paused and continued, "So, I, your son, advocate that we fight! And we must do it with lightning speed and a swift and decisive battle!
It can not only enhance our national prestige and deter villains, but also appease the border residents and demonstrate the benevolence of our father.
As for how to employ troops, I, your humble subject, do not dare to speak rashly. I should listen to the wise and prudent advice of the Ministry of War and the generals."
The speech was clear and well-reasoned, and it not only showed the attitude but also maintained humility.
Many ministers nodded secretly, praising the prince for being a wise ruler despite his young age.
The emperor's eyes showed satisfaction, but his face remained serious. "Well, that makes sense. In that case... Liu Cong!"
The second prince Liu Cong stepped out and said, "Your son is here!"
"I appoint you General Fuyuan, commanding ten thousand elite cavalrymen from the Beijing Camp. You are to march to the northern borders immediately to quell the rebellion and enhance our nation's prestige!"
"Your son obeys the order!" Liu Cong's voice was firm, his eyes flashing with excitement and fighting spirit.
This was his first time leading troops alone. It was a great test and also a great opportunity.
The emperor looked at Liu Xiao again: "Prince."
"Your son is here."
"You will coordinate with the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Revenue to oversee the allocation of all food and supplies for this major military expedition. No mistakes will be made! I want to test your ability to govern."
"Your son obeys your order!" Liu Xiao's heart trembled, knowing that this was the first major test from his father, and he immediately became extremely alert.
After dismissing the court, the emperor called Liu Xiao and Liu Cong to the imperial study and gave them detailed instructions for a long time, covering everything from military strategies to food and fodder dispatch.
Finally, he patted Liu Cong on the shoulder and said, "Cong'er, be careful on your way. I'll be waiting for your victory report."
He looked at Liu Xiao again, his eyes deep: "Xiao'er, only when the rear is stable can there be no worries in the front. I want to see a beautiful victory, and also see a rear that operates in an orderly manner."
The two brothers exchanged glances, each seeing the determination in the other's eyes. Liu Cong solemnly declared, "Father, rest assured. I will fulfill your command!" Liu Xiao also declared, "I will do my utmost to ensure the army's supplies!"
In the following days, Liu Xiao was busier than ever before.
He was no longer the prince who only needed to study and practice martial arts, but had to deal with actual government affairs.
Coordinate with the Ministry of War to allocate military equipment, urge the Ministry of Revenue to raise food and fodder, calculate transportation routes and losses... Each task is tedious and complicated, involving many people.
He often discussed matters with his subordinates and officials from various departments in a side hall of the Eastern Palace until late at night, with documents and maps piled in front of him.
For the first time, he felt so intuitively the difficulty of governing a huge empire.
Sometimes he would make mistakes and be secretly harassed or perfunctorily treated by experienced officials, but the emperor would always give guidance or support at critical moments.
The way they usually do this is: "Who dares to trip up my son? Fuan, go check it out!"
Liu Cong led a large army and marched towards the northern border in a mighty manner.
He was strict in military discipline and led by example. He soon won several beautiful victories on the border. When the good news was sent back to the capital, the government and the people were excited.
However, while one of the two brothers was fighting on the front line and the other was sharpening his skills in the rear, the eyes in the dark never left.
At the Imperial Manor outside Beijing, Liu Jue was mad with jealousy when he learned that Liu Cong was leading the troops to war and Liu Xiao was in charge of logistics. At the same time, he also felt that his opportunity had come!
"Liu Cong's adopted son can actually lead troops?! And Liu Xiao, a young boy, what does he know about logistics? There's bound to be mistakes!"
He gritted his teeth and said to the mysterious contact, "Can we do something about the food supplies? Or spread rumors that the crown prince is withholding military rations and enriching himself?"
The mysterious contact was extremely cautious: "No. The Emperor attaches great importance to this battle and is protecting the Crown Prince with impeccable care. If we act now, we will be easily exposed."
Our goal is to create greater chaos, not to alert the enemy. Wait patiently, and they will eventually reveal their weaknesses. Especially... that self-satisfied young lady from the Marquis' Mansion, perhaps we can take advantage of her again."
At the same time, Hu Qing, who was far away in Qingzhou Yaowang Valley, also encountered trouble.
His master was seriously ill, and the valley was short of several key life-saving medicinal herbs.
Among them, the "Seven Star Lotus" is said to be a treasure only found in the imperial palace's medicine storehouse...
The war was raging in the front, and the prince was beginning to show his prowess in governing the country in the back, but the web of conspiracy was once again quietly spreading to the imperial palace, the marquis's mansion and even the distant Medicine King Valley.
Liu Xiao's growth path is destined to be accompanied by war, trivial matters and hidden arrows everywhere.
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