The second prince was known for his virtue and gentle, refined manners, but at this moment his face was contorted like that of a ferocious beast ready to devour its prey.
The jade bamboo-shaped brush holder shattered into pieces, and a corner of the Huizhou pine soot inkstick broke off, revealing the fine, creamy ink inside, which stained the gold-flecked Xuan paper.
Duan stone lotus leaf inkstone, celadon landscape brush rest, copper enamel paperweight, plain plum vase brush washer, boxwood brush holder, celadon candlestick... all scattered on the floor.
The staff seemed to be used to this scene, their eyes remained unchanged, and they stood quietly to the side waiting for him to vent his anger.
"Your Highness, the Empress's favoritism towards the princesses is nothing new, so this time it seems to be a good thing."
Qin Jingheng took two steps to stand in front of him, so close that his breath could touch his face. "Good news! You're telling me it's good news?"
The staff stood ramrod straight, their eyes as clear as mirrors.
"First, the fact that the Empress chose the Fifth Prince instead of you shows that she is already wary of you."
Your Highness is known for your virtue, and you were the one who initiated this fundraising effort, yet you were excluded. There are quite a few people in the court who secretly feel aggrieved on your behalf.
Moreover, when a woman holds power, it may be out of necessity for the first generation, but the situation is entirely different for the second.
"Secondly, on the surface, the Junior Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Affairs is the chief envoy, but everyone knows that the one who truly makes the decisions is the Eldest Princess."
The reason for sending the fifth prince along was that he would not pose a threat to the eldest princess.
If the disaster relief goes smoothly, the Princess's reputation will naturally rise.
But if things don't go smoothly, or even worse...
The second prince lowered his eyes, suppressed his anger, and took a step back. Suddenly, he adopted a humble and respectful demeanor, saying, "Please teach me, sir."
His aides held his arms to prevent him from bowing. Having served this master for many years, they knew all too well the tyranny hidden beneath his virtuous reputation.
It is precisely because of this obvious flaw that it is easier to grasp and more valuable to support.
"It's all what I should do, Your Highness. Please don't be impatient, let me explain in detail..."
Inside the inner city's Phoenix Pavilion, Prime Minister Pei Xuanyun was busy at work.
They were blocked all the way from the Phoenix Palace to the palace gate. If they hadn't used the imperial order as an excuse to get out, they would probably still be stuck here.
He had already prepared a draft for the accompanying officials from the three ministries, and submitted the memorial well in advance.
Now, one can find some peace and quiet at Fengge Terrace, but the transportation of disaster relief supplies, the entourage of the Imperial Guards, and other matters along the way keep everyone very busy.
As noon approached, Pei Xuanyun stretched and stood up to relax.
Just then, a servant announced that the young master had arrived.
What is he doing here?
"You said you were bringing lunch, but you are so filial, knowing how much effort you put into flood relief."
Pei Xuanyun laughed, "Yes, she's very filial."
Before long, Pei Xueqiao, the eldest son, came in carrying a food box and bowed respectfully, saying, "Father."
“Hmm,” Pei Xuanyun stroked his beard, “It’s rare to see such filial piety from you. Leave it there and go back to the yamen to rest early.”
"Um... Father, I brought enough for two people, thinking I'd like to have lunch with you."
"Okay, then."
The old prime minister raised an eyebrow as he opened the box.
Qilin Treading on Snow, the top of the three signature dishes of Bazhenlou Restaurant!
Use dried deer tendons from the northern border, rehydrate for three days, simmer in broth until amber in color, add bird's nest from the South China Sea and double-boil until melted, then pour over a glaze made with 20-year-old Daughter's Red wine.
This dish... isn't cheap.
The second layer is a crystal glass cup, with chilled shrimp pounded into a rainbow shape, and jade jelly solidified at the bottom of the cup.
The third layer is "Lotus Fragrance Dew," where fresh lotus leaves wrap chilled mung bean paste, with peeled lotus seeds and coconut meat embedded in the paste.
Pei Xuanyun kept picking up her chopsticks, as if she was really hungry. She ate without saying a word, and several times she glanced at her son, who seemed about to speak but didn't respond.
Seeing that the plates were almost empty, Pei Xueqiao finally couldn't help but ask, "Father, I heard that the disaster relief team has been selected?"
"Hmm," Pei Xuanyun replied, without offering any further explanation.
Seeing this, Pei Xueqiao remained silent for a long while. "Father, I also want to go to the disaster relief effort."
"Nonsense! Do you, a Hanlin scholar, know anything about flood control or military command?"
Considering there were only three dishes, the old prime minister spoke calmly, but refused decisively.
"My son is well-versed in classical Chinese literature and also wants to contribute to the disaster relief efforts and the overall development of the region."
"Hmm, that's a good idea. Maybe next time."
"Father!"
Pei Xuanyun raised an eyebrow. "I'll let it go this time. You're just a weak scholar, too frail to withstand the hardships of travel."
Suddenly, Pei Xueqiao stood up.
The phrase "too weak to even kill a chicken" had become his Achilles' heel, and he immediately blushed.
"I am not weak, not at all! Of the six arts of a gentleman, I excel in archery and charioteering!"
"I know, I know," Pei Xuanyun waved his hand. "Tell me why you want to go. If you don't tell the truth, then forget it."
After waiting a few moments without a reply, he got up and made a move to leave.
Pei Xueqiao quickly stopped him, her expression shifting between anger and uncertainty. Finally, she gritted her teeth and said, "Even that good-for-nothing Sixth Princess can go to disaster relief, so why can't I?"
"Ha," Pei Xuanyun scoffed. "At a time like this, you're still trying to outsmart your old father."
"Don't even think about it, you're not good enough for me."
"Father, what are you saying!" Having her thoughts exposed, Pei Xueqiao blushed with embarrassment. "The Sixth Princess's conduct is indeed flawed..."
"You're not good enough for her."
Pei Xueqiao: ? ? ?
"Father, are you getting senile?"
He was a top scholar, a Hanlin scholar, and the eldest son of the prime minister, while the other party was just a princess with no talent or virtue. He was not worthy of her.
No! Whether someone is a good match or not has absolutely nothing to do with that!
Pei Xuanyun remained silent.
Disaster relief is no small matter, as it affects the lives and livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of victims.
As the prime minister of the current dynasty and a veteran of two reigns, he was not the empress's puppet.
Without his approval, the secret decree would not have been stamped with the imperial seal through the Fengtai Pavilion.
When Pei Xuanyun met with the emperor in the imperial study, he learned that the idea of making an example of someone, collecting grain at a rate of ten coins per bushel, and mixing bran into the disaster relief grain were all the ideas of the sixth princess.
Outrageous behavior, utterly incompetent and immoral? Absolutely laughable!
Having navigated the ups and downs of officialdom, Pei Xuanyun was confident in his ability to recognize and appoint capable people, and rarely made a mistake in his judgment.
The royal family is adept at hiding and disguising themselves. For example, the Second Prince, who was renowned for his virtue, never saw through the Sixth Princess's inner beauty beneath her seemingly absurd exterior.
It's really impressive that you managed to escape his notice.
Once that secret decree was issued, Pei Xuanyun knew that while disaster relief was one aspect, His Majesty might also be testing the Sixth Princess.
A princess with no power or influence is one thing, but if she catches the Emperor's eye and has a chance of becoming the heir apparent...
The key is hidden so well, how can my foolish son compete with them? He'll probably be sold out and still be happy to pay the price.
"Father, I really want to go!"
Pei Xuanyun pondered for a long time, then said, "Never mind, children and grandchildren have their own blessings."
"Fine, if you're willing to die, I'm willing to bury you."
Pei Xueqiao: ?
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