Chapter 69 Prince Ning Returns to the Capital
It was evening, and heavy snow was falling.
A discreet yet luxurious carriage was parked outside the palace gate.
The accompanying attendants set out small stools and lifted the carriage curtain, while another attendant had already opened an umbrella to shield the door.
An elderly man dressed in a gray-black long robe stepped out of the carriage first, supported by his attendant. He had a long, white beard and an extraordinary air about him.
After him, another handsome and youthful-looking boy got off the bus.
The young man was dressed in a dark blue brocade robe and a thick, dark cloak. A white fox fur trim was sewn around his neck, warmly encircling it and protecting him from the cold wind.
The old man took the umbrella from the attendant, walked to the young man's side, and said gently, "Your Highness, let's go into the palace."
Baili Ming responded and tried to take the umbrella from the old man's hand, but the old man gently pressed his hand down and said softly, "The palace is not like usual, so let me hold it for Your Highness."
Jiang Yongshou is an elder, a teacher, and now Baili Ming's greatest support.
Therefore, even though he was a prince, he still respected Jiang Yongshou, the strategist, as an elder. He not only listened to Jiang's teachings in everything, but also thought of him in every way, feeling sorry for him because he was getting old, and did not let him do any chores.
If this were a sealed-off area, he would definitely take the umbrella and hold it up in this situation.
But now that he wants to enter the palace, such a lack of discipline is truly outrageous.
So Baili Ming didn't hold him back any longer and walked with him toward the palace gate.
Palace servants regularly clear the snow from the palace paths to prevent anyone from slipping and falling.
Xiao Xiangzi, along with several sedan chair bearers and a sedan chair carrier, had been waiting for a long time. When they saw the person finally enter, he immediately went forward to greet him, bowed properly, and said, "The snow is heavy today, and His Majesty specially bestowed this sedan chair upon Your Highness in case you catch a cold."
Baili Ming hurriedly bowed towards the palace and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty."
Xiao Xiangzi's smile was gentle, and he already had some of the demeanor of his master, Grandpa Hongfu.
He stretched out his hand toward the sedan chair and said, "His Majesty and the Grand Tutor have prepared a banquet at Fukang Pavilion. We would be grateful if Your Highness Prince Anhuai would like to come along."
Baili Ming had followed his father to his fiefdom since he was a child, so he had little impression of the various halls and pavilions in the palace. He only knew that Fengtian Hall was where the morning court was held, Yangxin Hall was the emperor's residence, and Cining Palace was where the Empress Dowager lived. He didn't know much about the others.
He looked at the sedan chair and thought it would be good if Jiang Yongshou could ride in it.
However, the palace rules were strict, and there was no reason for an advisor without official rank to ride in a sedan chair while the prince had to walk.
Moreover, Jiang Yongshou's entry into the palace today was already a favor from His Majesty, so Baili Ming dared not cause any trouble and only wanted to finish his meal quietly and leave as soon as possible.
If it weren't for the rules, he would have preferred to stay in his fiefdom forever.
He got into the sedan chair and found that the seats were covered with thick fur cushions, and there were two warm hand warmers and a blanket on the table.
He covered his legs with the blanket and held the hand warmer in his hands, barely feeling the chill outside.
Xiao Xiangzi said, "Start the sedan chair."
The sedan chair was then steadily lifted and carried deeper into the palace.
After taking only a few steps, Baili Ming lifted the carriage curtain and asked Xiao Xiangzi somewhat cautiously, "Eunuch, may this hand warmer be used by my strategist?"
Xiao Xiangzi's expression remained unchanged, showing no surprise whatsoever. He smiled gently and said, "Of course."
Bai Liming was delighted and quickly handed the hand warmer out the window, saying, "Please pass this on, sir."
Jiang Yongshou was walking towards the back of the sedan chair when he saw Baili Ming hand something to Eunuch Hong Xiang from inside the sedan chair. Then, Eunuch Hong Xiang turned around and walked to him, handing him two warm hand warmers and saying, "These are from His Highness to Mr. Jiang."
Jiang Yongshou quickly thanked him and then accepted the hand warmer.
He was over fifty years old, and his body was indeed not as strong as it used to be. It had only been a short time before he felt a chill creeping into his bones in his legs and feet, and his hands were icy cold.
The warm hand warmer instantly warmed my fingertips and seemed to warm my heart all the way to my body.
Fukang Pavilion is located next to the Imperial Garden. It was specially built by King Seongjong after he took a beautiful woman who was originally an actress as his concubine. After it was completed, he gave it to her to live in.
However, this beauty passed away before King Seongjong died.
After Emperor Yingzong ascended the throne, because Fukang Pavilion was adjacent to the Imperial Garden and was a two-story building, he ordered a terrace to be built on the second floor.
From this terrace, you can enjoy the garden view directly and leisurely sip some wine, which is very relaxing.
Chu Jiubian had a purpose in ordering the banquet to be held on the second-floor terrace today.
Besides the fact that one can admire the blooming red plum blossoms and falling snow in the Imperial Garden, this place is also famous because Baili Ming is the only one of the seven princes who is of the same generation as Baili Hong.
According to seniority, Baili Hong should address the other six vassal kings as "Imperial Uncle".
According to seniority, Baili Ming can only be considered Baili Hong's cousin.
Given the greed the other party had shown in the Hexi County incident, it would seem somewhat weak for Baili Hong to host a grand and formal banquet to welcome him.
When the time was almost up, the palace servants prepared the banquet.
The terrace was cleaned again, and an incense burner and decorative flowers were placed there.
Since the weather is cold and we are outdoors, the banquet seating is not the low tables and soft couches usually used for banquets, but a round table and four chairs.
Since Prince Anhuai and Baili Hong are considered family, this welcoming banquet is in the form of a "family banquet," and it is perfectly acceptable for them to sit at the same table to eat.
Moreover, if word of this behavior spread, people would praise Baili Hong for his harmonious relationship with his relatives and for not putting on airs like an emperor.
He did not become estranged from his relatives or show any fear of others just because he became emperor.
In this way, if any vassal king later harbors improper intentions, Baili Hong can directly take action against him without fear of having his reputation tarnished.
After all, everyone knows that the young emperor treats the vassal kings as his own family, and the so-called welcoming banquet is just a family feast.
If he couldn't resist taking action against any of the vassal kings, then there must be something wrong with that vassal king.
Given the preconceived notion and the fact that Chu Jiubian also controlled the Wang and Yuan media groups, Baili Hong's reputation was bound to be flawless.
That said, in addition to the tables, chairs and decorations, Chu Jiubian also had ten stoves placed around the terrace.
The terrace is surrounded by three other sides that do not offer views of the Imperial Garden, and these sides are also shielded from the wind by screens. Therefore, people who come to this terrace will not only not feel cold, but will even feel warm.
Baili Hong and Chu Jiubian went to the terrace together.
The little boy was dressed in a thick golden dragon robe, with a small fox fur cloak draped over his back. The soft white fox fur made his little face look even softer, cuter than the fluffiest steamed bun.
"Wow!" The child excitedly ran to the railing facing the Imperial Garden and looked out through the gap. "It's so beautiful, sir!"
Chu Jiubian walked to his side and stood there, looking at the red plum blossoms falling like snow in the garden, and smiled, "It is indeed beautiful."
"I wish my uncle were here too."
As Qin Xiao got closer to the capital, the children mentioned their uncle more and more often.
Chu Jiubian was momentarily lost in thought before laughing and saying, "He'll be back soon. We'll come back here to see him when he returns."
"Hmm!" The child's eyes lit up, and he nodded vigorously.
The higher you stand, the farther you can see.
Baili Hong saw Xiao Xiangzi coming towards them in a sedan chair on the palace road outside the courtyard.
"Sir, the Prince of Anhuai has arrived."
Chu Jiubian responded.
Baili Hong looked up at him with his little face and asked, "Sir, why should we allow Prince Anhuai to bring his advisors into the palace?"
He noticed the old man following beside the sedan chair. The man must be quite old; he should be staying at home in this weather. Why bother making such a fuss?
Chu Jiubian looked at the sedan chair and said, "The matter in Hexi County was probably not the intention of the Prince of Anhuai. Today, let's see how this Mr. Jiang 'assists' him in managing his fiefdom."
Baili Hong thought about what he said carefully and began to understand what was going on.
He had heard from his teacher that this Prince Anhuai, Baili Ming, was his cousin. He was only eighteen years old and held great power at such a young age, making him easily influenced by others.
Previously, Hexi County was flooded, and my uncle had no food, so he asked Baili Ming for a loan. However, Baili Ming took advantage of the situation and wanted to take control of Hexi County.
But now the gentleman says that this was probably not Baili Ming's original intention.
Therefore, Baili Hong concluded that it was this Mr. Jiang who influenced the Prince of Anhuai's judgment.
It's like someone taking advantage of his young age to try and fool him.
However, he has his uncle and husband who teach him how to think independently. Most of the time, as long as his ideas and opinions are not bad, his uncle and husband will let him do them and will not try to control him.
Therefore, Baili Hong knew that his uncle and teacher were truly doing what was best for him.
I just don't know how that Mr. Jiang taught the Prince of Anhuai.
The sedan chair stopped outside the courtyard. Baili Ming got out of the sedan chair, straightened his robes, and then walked into the courtyard.
Chu Jiubian helped Baili Hong sit down in a chair and asked, "Do you remember what you were supposed to say?"
The child patted his chest and said, "Don't worry, sir, I remember everything."
Footsteps came from downstairs. Chu Jiubian turned his head to look, and Baili Hong followed suit.
At the top of the stairs, a slender figure walked around the screen and stepped forward.
He was a man in his thirties with a mustache and wearing a dark blue official robe.
The man looked up and met Chu Jiubian's gaze, then immediately bowed and said, "Your humble servant greets Your Majesty and the Grand Tutor."
"No need for formalities," Baili Hong said.
The visitor was not Baili Ming, but the historian Xun Xiuran.
The Xun family was invited by Emperor Huizong of the Dayu Dynasty to serve as historians after the previous dynasty unified China.
Emperor Huizong wrote a special article to announce to the world that historians, though not ranked, were objective recorders who would record what they saw and heard fairly and objectively.
He also said that from his time onward, including himself, no ruler of any dynasty could arbitrarily execute historians.
Historians were not allowed to have personal biases in the recording process, and court officials were absolutely forbidden from associating with historians.
The historians in the court have always been invisible tools. At first, people were not used to it, but as the court was passed down from generation to generation, people stopped paying attention to the historians who were always in the corner of the main hall.
It is said that after the rule of the Dayu Dynasty was overthrown, Emperor Ning Taizu wanted to kill the Xun family historian at the time and appoint someone else.
However, he saw the records of the historians at the time.
It makes no attempt to conceal the brutal rule at the end of the Dayu Dynasty, and fairly records the banner raised by Emperor Ning Taizu when he overthrew the rule. From beginning to end, there is no personal bias whatsoever.
The historian of the Xun family at the time did not even blink when faced with the long sword already pressed against his neck. Only when Emperor Ning asked him if he was afraid did he say that he had never violated the Xun family's ancestral teachings, nor had he ever been involved with any force.
Therefore, even in death, he was not afraid to face his ancestors.
The Xun family's ancestral precept was: always stay away from all contemporary figures, be a pen, and be a recorder of history.
Emperor Ning admired the Xun family's actions, so he did not kill the historians at the time. Instead, he continued to ask them and their descendants to record the history of Ning. He also gave them official positions, making them special positions independent of the Six Ministries. They were only responsible for recording history, and their salaries were not low, almost on par with those of third-rank officials.
However, the historians were not on duty every day; they only stood quietly behind the officials during the morning court session.
Or they would only record the details of events and the words and actions of the emperor and his officials when there were major events in the palace or throughout the country.
For example, the historian truthfully recorded the events of Baili Hong's ascension to the throne, Qin Xiao's enfeoffment as a king, and Chu Jiubian's sudden appearance from the sky.
For example, regarding the previous floods in Hexi County, he may have only left a few sentences about the cause and effect in his writing, but Xun Xiuran and other members of the Xun family also put in a lot of effort in the investigation process. Xun Xiuran even went to Qin Xiao to ask him about the specific situation in Hexi County.
Qin Xiao didn't care about how future generations would judge him, so he said whatever came to mind, even clearly recounting how he personally witnessed someone being executed by slow slicing.
Chu Jiubian watched as the historian wielded his brush and wrote on the paper, "[King Ning Qin Xiao used the punishment of slow slicing]."
Furthermore, at the previous Mid-Autumn Festival palace banquet, Xun Xiuran, an official without rank, also sat at the end of the banquet, and must have remembered everything that happened at the banquet.
Today's banquet marks Baili Hong's first meeting with a vassal king since his ascension to the throne, so Xun Xiuran naturally had to be present to record it.
Chu Jiubian had previously ordered someone to set up a separate screen, and prepared tables, chairs, hot tea, and meals to facilitate Xun Xiuran's work.
"Please take a seat," Chu Jiu said.
Xun Xiuran bowed and agreed, then went to sit down in the separate chair. There was a stove burning beside him, and writing brush, ink, paper and inkstone were all prepared.
He had barely sat down a few moments when Baili Ming and Jiang Yongshou came up together.
Chu Jiubian has a special status, and because of his status as a "deity," he holds a higher position. Therefore, Chu Jiubian privately refers to himself as a deity and has never bowed to the Empress Dowager when he met her in the palace.
The same was true today. When he saw Baili Ming and Baili Hong come up, he did not get up, just like Baili Hong.
After Baili Ming and Jiang Yongshou had paid their respects to the emperor, Baili Hong said, "Prince Anhuai, there's no need to be so polite. Please sit down and warm up."
"Thank you, Your Majesty." Baili Ming replied, sitting down somewhat awkwardly.
He subconsciously turned his head to look at Jiang Yongshou and found that the other man's expression was somewhat complicated, as if he was unsure whether he should sit down.
"Mr. Jiang, please have a seat." Baili Hong smiled and spoke in a childish voice, but his words were clear and crisp. "Today is a family banquet. Mr. Jiang has taken good care of Prince Anhuai. He is not an outsider."
Jiang Yongshou dared not believe these words, but since the emperor had spoken, he dared not disobey. He could only smile and agree, and carefully sit down in the chair.
Bai Liming was nervous, but he couldn't help but secretly peek at his little cousin who was only three years old.
Although he was just a child, and I was still clinging to my father and mother at his age, Baili Hong already had the demeanor of an adult. His words and actions were well-mannered, and he seemed to get along with others with ease.
Baili Ming felt that Baili Hong was exactly what an emperor should look like when he was a child.
He should have felt a certain distance from the emperor, finding him difficult to approach.
But Baili Hong was an exceptionally lovable child. His eyes crinkled when he smiled, and he spoke in a childish voice, often calling him "cousin." Before long, he had Baili Ming completely charmed, and Baili Ming's already gentle eyes became even more loving.
The welcoming banquet that he had been worried about for so long seemed to have really turned into an ordinary family dinner, making him feel more and more at ease.
But whenever he completely let his guard down and wanted to get closer to the emperor, Jiang Yongshou would make some noise or say something to interrupt him, silently reminding him not to get carried away and forget the proper distance between himself and the emperor.
Chu Jiubian observed the relationship between the two throughout the banquet, but they didn't exchange more than two words; Baili Hong handled all the greetings himself.
Chu Jiubian believed that the people selected by the system would definitely not have any moral problems, so he knew that "exchanging grain for Hexi County" was definitely not Anhuai King's original intention.
Seeing how the other party interacted with Jiang Yongshou, he became even more certain of his idea.
The young emperor and the powerful ministers, especially Baili Ming, whose personality is even softer than Baili Hong's and who has no opinions of his own, are too easily manipulated and controlled by his subordinates.
But this Jiang Yongshou seems to be genuinely devoted to Prince Anhuai. Every time he interrupts and reminds someone, it's actually for Baili Ming's benefit.
If Baili Hong is a cunning emperor, or if Baili Hong is controlled by Chu Jiubian, then Baili Ming's words and actions after completely letting his guard down could potentially harm him.
Therefore, from his perspective, Jiang Yongshou's reminder was perfectly valid.
As for the Hexi Prefecture incident, if no one else was behind it, then Jiang Yongshou's encouragement of Baili Ming to do so might really have been to expand Baili Ming's power.
But Baili Ming was a dutiful person who preferred to live in a secluded corner of the world. Even Chu Jiubian, who had just met him, could see this. How could Jiang Yongshou not know it?
Knowing that Baili Ming was unwilling to participate in political struggles, Jiang Yongshou deliberately pushed him into the public eye, so his purpose was definitely not pure.
Is it possible for one person to serve two masters?
Chu Jiubian lowered his eyes, not letting himself reveal any emotion.
Jiang Yongshou also noticed and was somewhat surprised by the way Baili Hong and Chu Jiubian got along.
The young emperor and the powerful minister, and Baili Hong is so young, it would be easy for him to become a mindless tool of power under the minister. However, Baili Hong is not like a spoiled child at all. In fact, he is more intelligent and precocious than ordinary princes.
His words, actions, and thoughts all subtly resembled those of an "emperor."
Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao actually taught Baili Hong very well.
This was completely different from what Jiang Yongshou, and even other local forces, had anticipated.
The people at the table each had their own thoughts, but the meal went relatively smoothly.
Xun Xiuran remained seated quietly until the banquet ended and his masters had all gone downstairs. Only then did he pick up his pen and write the final line on the paper, concluding:
On the fifteenth day of the twelfth month of the first year of the Jingrui reign, the Prince of Anhuai, accompanied by his advisor Jiang, entered the palace to pay homage. The Emperor and the Grand Tutor hosted a banquet for them at the Fukang Pavilion, where they enjoyed plum blossoms and tea, and all the guests and hosts were delighted.
A few days later.
He then wrote on a brand new page: [On the 22nd day of the 12th month of the first year of Jingrui, the snow was an inch deep. Prince Ning, Qin Xiao, returned in triumph. The Emperor and the Grand Tutor took a break from the morning court session and led all the officials to welcome him outside the imperial city.]
Baili Hong's clothes were covered with hand warmers by Chu Jiubian, he was holding a small hand warmer, and he was wearing a fox fur hat. The lower half of his face was covered by the thick fox fur on his collar, with only his big eyes showing as he gazed longingly at the official road outside the city.
Chu Jiubian stood beside him, wearing a pure white fox fur cloak over his crimson official robe.
His long, silvery-white hair cascaded over his shoulders, seemingly blending seamlessly with his cloak, which made the fine, dark hair on his forehead appear exceptionally soft and lustrous.
Behind him stood six long rows of officials, all wearing dark cloaks and holding hand warmers to keep them from getting cold.
During the morning court session, a soldier was the first to return to the palace to report that Prince Ning would arrive at the city gate in about 15 minutes.
Baili Hong immediately became restless and looked anxiously at Chu Jiubian.
Chu Jiubian stepped forward and suggested that since Qin Xiao had made a great contribution, His Majesty should go outside the city to greet him to show his respect.
Naturally, when such deeds spread, people throughout the land will praise His Majesty for his harmonious and loving relationship with Prince Ning, and for His Majesty for his great regard and care for meritorious officials.
Baili Hong readily agreed, and the other officials had no reason to object.
Since ancient times, there has been a precedent of emperors going out of the city to welcome triumphant generals. Moreover, Qin Xiao has a special status and has indeed made great contributions. It would be inappropriate for Baili Hong not to go out and greet him.
Thus, this scene at the city gate came about.
Baili Hong was so anxious that he wanted to pace around, but he held back because there were too many people watching.
Chu Jiubian remained calm throughout, quietly gazing at the official road.
Only when a dark shadow appeared at the edge of his vision did he suddenly grip the hand warmer tightly, his eyelashes trembling involuntarily.
Amidst the swirling snow, a group of people approached from afar, moving at a leisurely pace.
The group consisted of several dozen people, all on horseback, with only one two-horse carriage in the middle.
The carriage was simple and unadorned, but the character "Qin" on the curtain was strikingly prominent.
All eyes were fixed on the carriage, watching it get closer and closer until it stopped.
All the accompanying soldiers dismounted, and the driver placed a stool under the carriage after getting off.
At the same time, the curtain was lifted from the inside by a hand with distinct knuckles.
Immediately afterwards, the hem of a black robe with gold patterns caught everyone's eye, and a man with a dignified and aloof demeanor stepped out of the carriage and walked to the crowd.
"Your Majesty, I pay my respects." Qin Xiao bowed deeply.
As the regent and Baili Hong's uncle, Qin Xiao did not need to perform grand salutations to the emperor except for grand occasions such as the coronation ceremony; even a simple bow was considered a high level of etiquette.
Bai Lihong's eyes were red, and tears streamed down his face uncontrollably.
He rushed forward, raising his little hand to help Qin Xiao, but couldn't reach him, so he could only pitifully say, "My dear minister, please don't stand on ceremony."
The child felt extremely wronged because he couldn't even call his uncle "uncle" or let him hug him in front of so many people.
But seeing that his uncle really kept his word and came back safely, he couldn't help but feel happy.
I'm really torn.
Qin Xiao looked down at the child's red, swollen eyes, but couldn't wipe them for him. He could only smile at him reassuringly.
Baili Hong was easy to coax. He had already wiped away his tears with his little hands and looked up at his uncle, showing off his little white teeth.
The child has gained a little weight during the winter, and his soft little face is rounder than before, really looking like a steamed bun.
Qin Xiao smiled and looked up at the front.
The civil and military officials had different thoughts.
Some of them still held a sliver of hope, thinking how wonderful it would be if Qin Xiao had been seriously injured and lost his life. But now that he had returned safely, they could only bow and say, "Welcome back, Prince Ning!"
Qin Xiao's gaze did not fall on them, but only on the young man in the lead.
The other person didn't look thinner or fatter; despite wearing thick winter clothes, they still appeared light and agile.
A snowflake landed on the young man's thick, dark eyelashes, trembled slightly, and melted, wetting his eyelashes.
Qin Xiao slowly moved his gaze, tracing it inch by inch across the young man's face.
Chu Jiubian also looked at Qin Xiao.
When I left, the jasmine was still in bloom, but now it's the season for plum blossoms to bloom.
Qin Xiao was still as handsome and composed as before, but he was noticeably thinner and more muscular than before he left.
His entire demeanor, like a honed blade, has become increasingly sharp.
The man's gaze was deep and complex, with a hint of fierceness, carrying a meaning that Chu Jiubian could not decipher.
"No need for formalities," Qin Xiao said to the crowd, but his gaze lingered on Chu Jiubian's face.
Chu Jiubian avoided his gaze and looked at Baili Hong, saying, "Your Majesty, let's return to the palace."
"Yes." Baili Hong nodded and eagerly boarded his carriage.
The driver was none other than Qin Chaoyang, who had taken time out of his busy schedule.
Knowing that Qin Xiao would be back this morning, Qin Chaoyang made a point of setting aside time to openly and legitimately welcome Qin Xiao under the guise of being Baili Hong's coachman.
Seeing that the adults were safe and sound, his tense heart finally settled down, and he even managed a rare smile.
"Giddy up." He set off first, and the officials naturally boarded their own carriages as well, but did not move. According to their ranks, Qin Xiao and Chu Jiubian should have gone first.
Qin Xiao looked at Chu Jiubian without saying a word, just staring at him.
The two were about four or five meters apart, which seemed both far and very close.
After a while, when several ministers couldn't help but lift the carriage curtain to look outside, Chu Jiubian pursed his lips and said, "The carriage is in front."
Qin Xiao smiled, then stepped forward and stood a step away from him, his voice low: "Let's go."
Chu Jiubian looked up at him.
Only when he got closer did he realize that Qin Xiao's face was far too pale.
He didn't say anything, turned around and walked towards the carriage first, with Qin Xiao following beside him.
Minister of Works Jian Hongzhuo watched their retreating figures, chuckled softly, and lowered the carriage curtain.
The other ministers, each with a different expression, also lowered their curtains.
The group, just as they had come, headed towards the palace in a grand procession.
But just after passing the main street, before reaching the palace gate, guards came from one carriage to another to inform them that there would be no morning court today, and asked the officials to go to their duties first, and that any matters could be discussed tomorrow.
Inside the second carriage at the front, Chu Jiubian stared intently at the man sitting opposite him.
The man leaned against the car wall and raised his hand to wipe the blood from the corner of his lips.
Her voice was a little hoarse, but she still smiled and said, "It'll be ready in a bit."
Chu Jiubian said in his mind, "System, check what's wrong with his body?"
[Host, an inspection is required...]
Before it could finish speaking, Chu Jiubian interrupted, "Deal."
The system paused for two seconds before replying: [The subject suffers from delayed hemothorax; the condition is critical, and surgery is recommended.]
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