noffsinger Chapter 123: Sympathy for the People
Chapter 123: Sympathy for the People
When the news of Jiang Ruyin's miscarriage reached the Hall of Mental Cultivation in the Forbidden City, the emperor had just received the secret letter from Xia Qie.
Prince Dun's family has been captured, and Nian Gengyao is only a stone's throw away.
The emperor covered his face with his hands and sighed. Chen Xun's words from that day were still ringing in his ears. Su Peisheng whispered, "After all, Concubine Fang doesn't understand the emperor's wishes and remains in the Old Summer Palace. No matter how smart Prince Hongxuan is, he is still young."
The emperor's pupils were filled with coldness. "Well, you are right. It was my fault for not thinking carefully enough to leave the mother and son in the garden."
Su Peisheng quickly put the tray aside and kowtowed repeatedly, "I dare not, I dare not."
The emperor waved his hand and said, "Don't miss the time to send the gift to Wanpin."
Su Peisheng breathed a sigh of relief. After all, Wanpin was still remembered by the Emperor. Not daring to delay any longer, Su Peisheng hurried away.
The room fell silent.
Xiao Xiazi in the corner whispered, "Empress Fang is obsessed with the Emperor, which gives the villains an opportunity to take advantage of her friendship with the Emperor. They are evil and deserve to be killed."
"Pah!" A memorial was thrown onto the table. The emperor raised his eyelids and said in a voice devoid of emotion, "You have a better eye than your master."
Xiao Xiazi bent down, the corners of his mouth curled up silently, "Master is also trying to make the emperor feel better."
At this time, Xiao Dongzi, who was guarding the door, came in silently: "Your Majesty, the Minister of Revenue, Lord Jing'e, requests to see you."
"Let him in."
Jing'e had long white beard on both sides of his cheeks, and his hair was already gray before he reached the age of fifty.
This is also related to his experience. He lost his mother at a young age, his father became paralyzed in his youth, and after decades of family strife, he finally emerged from the family and officially entered the family, marrying his beloved wife. The following year, his father passed away, and his beloved wife suffered a miscarriage and struggled to conceive. After his hair turned white overnight, he refused the concubines offered by his elders and devoted himself to state affairs. Finally, three years later, at the age of thirty-three, he welcomed his first and only child.
Jing'e prostrated himself respectfully on the ground, shouting, "Long live the emperor! I have something to say from the bottom of my heart that I must present to Your Majesty."
The emperor sat on the dragon throne and nodded slightly. "Please stand up. What do you want to report?"
Jing'e slowly stood up, cleared his throat, and said solemnly, "Your Majesty, I have heard that what my son saw and heard during his travels in Sichuan and Shaanxi was thought-provoking. General Nian is a renowned figure in the region, possessing immense power and commanding military might. However, among the common people, rumors of excessive Nian family dominance are commonplace. While the people dare not speak openly, they do discuss this privately."
At this point, Jing'e paused briefly, observing the emperor's expression. Seeing that the emperor remained silent, he listened. Jing'e continued, "Fortunately, Prince Guo possesses a compassionate heart. Whenever he travels, he never forgets to sympathize with the people. Wherever he goes, he showers kindness upon the people, providing them with porridge and medicine, or redressing grievances. His benevolent deeds are like gentle spring rain, nourishing all directions. Therefore, from merchants in the capital to servants in remote areas, all praise Prince Guo's benevolence and compassion."
Jing'e looked up, his eyes filled with reverence and gratitude. "Your Majesty is wise and wise. Although you sit in the Forbidden City, you care deeply about the people of the world. I believe that Your Majesty cares about the world and sent Prince Guo to inspect on your behalf. This is the opportunity for Prince Guo to convey Your Majesty's love for the people throughout the country. I know that Your Majesty's painstaking efforts and benevolence are a blessing to all people. This love for the people is beyond words. I can only repay Your Majesty's grace with my life."
The emperor clutched the bracelet tightly in his palm, his eyes flickering. After a moment's hesitation, he slowly spoke, "As the Son of Heaven, I must consider the welfare of the people. I am aware of the Nian family's contributions, but if they make any mistakes, I will not tolerate them. It is my wish that Prince Guo can win the hearts of the people. I only hope that all of you, my dear ministers, can put the people first and work together to build a peaceful and prosperous dynasty for us."
Jing'e respectfully called out to the emperor, "Your Majesty is wise." Bright light and shadow fell on him, and the emperor's gaze stayed on him for a long time.
After Jing'e left, Su Peisheng tiptoed in, "Your Majesty, Concubine Wan was very happy to receive the love knot. I heard that Concubine Wan prepared a shark skin chicken soup, hoping it would help Your Majesty relieve the paperwork."
The emperor leaned back, pressing his eyebrows together. "The previous dynasty is busy, and I'm not in the mood to ask her to use it herself."
With Su Peisheng serving inside, Xiao Xiazi pushed the door open and stood guard. He saw Xiao Dongzi leaning against the pillar with squinting eyes, looking at him, waving his hand and greeting him.
Xiao Xiazi leaned over and asked quietly, "Did you read the storybook again last night when it was your turn to rest?"
"Good brother, this is my hobby. Please keep an eye on it for me." Xiao Dongzi put his arm around Xiao Xiazi's shoulders and shrank behind Xiao Xiazi with a playful smile.
Xiao Xiazi took a half step back and muttered quietly, "What's wrong with Master? Why did he ignore the Emperor's opinion for the sake of Concubine Wan?"
There was no movement behind him. When Xiao Xiazi turned around again, he saw Xiao Dongzi had fallen asleep with his neck tilted and his mouth open.
After An Lingrong gave birth, the emperor would visit the Seventh Prince from time to time. An Lingrong would always quietly serve him tea and then embroider something not far away. Even when the emperor came to the Yanxi Palace, he rarely stayed overnight, so An Lingrong became less and less willing to speak in front of the emperor.
News always spreads very quickly in a place like the harem. One afternoon later, An Lingrong came to the front of the Yangxin Palace carrying a food box.
Su Peisheng said tactfully, "The Emperor is busy with the affairs of the previous dynasty, and I'm afraid he won't have time to see you, Your Majesty."
The setting sun shone on An Lingrong's plain face. Her eyes, like a deep spring, gazed at Su Peisheng calmly. "I'm seeking an audience with the Emperor. Please pass the message on, eunuch."
Su Peisheng lowered his head and went in to pass on the message.
Xiao Xiazi gave Xiao Dongzi a puzzled look, and Xiao Dongzi tilted his head.
Xiao Xiazi sighed, walked forward and led An Lingrong to the corridor, explaining, "It's sunset and windy, Your Majesty, please come here. The Emperor is in a bad mood, and Master dare not disturb him. Please don't blame Your Majesty."
Su Peisheng heard this when he came out and hurriedly invited An Lingrong in.
Concubine Fang had already incurred the Empress Dowager's displeasure, and being a Han Chinese woman, the Emperor's favor couldn't overcome the pressure from officials of the previous dynasty, the complaints of the noble ladies in the harem, and the rumors spread by the bondservants. Given Wanpin's talent and beauty, along with Jinxi's support, she was naturally the most worthy of support. However, given the current situation, it was still inappropriate to take sides too soon. After all, the Emperor still valued Concubine Fang.
This brat, it’s not in vain that I love him.
Glancing at Xiao Xiazi, Su Peisheng slapped him on the back of the head.
"Ouch!" Xiao Xiazi jumped to the side in pain, grinning.
He muttered to himself, "Master, what are you doing?" But in his heart he was afraid that Su Peisheng would discover his little movements behind his back.
"It's okay." Su Peisheng looked into the distance in a very good mood.