Unless
On the night of new year’s eve, he tried to make Yu Fu empress. On the first day of the new year, the cabinet was abolished.
Ning ChengZhi’s actions were so quick that people could not keep up, and they were completely terrifying.
“It’s often said that a newly appointed official will perform three deeds to prove his worth, and His Majesty is thinking of himself as a mere official. He has only just ascended, yet he already dares to reverse the late emperor’s decree!”
“The cabinet was established right before His Majesty passed. If he was to abolish one, he should abolish the prime minister. How could he abolish the cabinet?!”
Discussion filled the room, while Gu HuaiJiang frowned, “Is there any word on the reason that His Majesty suddenly abolished the cabinet?”
Qi An said: “This old servant heard that after word of Lord Marquis going into the palace spread, senior cabinet minister Chen led some other officials into the palace to try and help Lord Marquis in advising on the matter of appointing an empress. His Majesty became furious after hearing their advice and decreed that the cabinet be abolished!”
In the end, it was related to the matter of making Yu Fu the empress.
Gu HuaiJiang let out a sigh, “It was I who implicated the cabinet. His Majesty is just venting his anger. He is taking my reputation in court into account and does not dare take direct action against me. That’s why he’s using the cabinet as a punching bag.”
“Head general, you can’t be blamed for this. Don’t blame yourself.”
Yu Fu suddenly said: “Everyone is doing it to try and stop His Majesty’s absurd decree and for the sake of what is just. If head general wishes to blame yourself, I should be even more to blame.”
Gu ShuBai rushed to say: “This is completely unrelated to you. It’s His Majesty’s fault for his absurd actions. It’s absolutely not your fault.”
Yu Fu looked at him with a forced smile: “I know. That’s why I don’t blame myself. Right now, the most important matter is not placing blame on yourself. Instead, it’s to think of a way to solve the current situation. The most pressing matter is- the cabinet.”
Yan HuaShi nodded, “Head general, young miss Yu Fu is right. The cabinet ministers are all righteous subjects, and we can’t allow the cabinet to be abolished like this and Yin Shuo to increase his power!”
Lao Jin quickly agreed, “That’s right. If we allow Yin Shuo, that villain, to obtain more power in court, would the Gu family’s army be able to do well?”
Gu ShuBai said: “It’s possible that the only one currently capable of swaying His Majesty is Lord Ji.”
…
“Master, another person has come to see you!”
In a secluded courtyard in the manor was a courtyard with green pines and a short plum tree in the corner.
The servant rushed in, and a middle-aged man shouted at him, “Didn’t father say that he was refusing all visitors because of his illness?”
The one who spoke was none other than Ji DaoGong’s eldest son, Ji XuanXian. There were all sorts of discussions about the cabinet being abolished. For the sake of not disturbing Ji DaoGong’s tranquility, he personally stood guard in Ji DaoGong’s courtyard.
The servant was troubled and said: “Master, this time, it’s someone from Marquis Gu’s Manor. This servant did not dare make a decision on this.”
“Someone from Marquis Gu’s Manor?”
Ji XuanXian hesitated for a moment, “Wait here. I will personally go and report to my lord father.”
Entering the main hall, he turned left and headed to the second room. This was the best bed chamber with a painting of songhe yannian hanging outside.* To the two sides of the door were large blue and white porcelain vases.
Ji DaoGong was lying in bed behind the screen. He was already quite old, and he was prone to getting sick. With him lying in bed, it was hard to tell if he was really sick or just faking it.
“Father, someone from Marquis Gu’s Manor has come. Will you see them?”
Hearing Marquis Gu’s Manor get mentioned, the old man lying in bed’s eyelids twitched, but he did not open his eyes.
Ji XuanXian respectfully waited at the side of the bed. Thinking that he would not say anything, he was about to slowly retreat from the room when he suddenly saw his beard twitch followed by a long sigh.
Ji DaoGong partially opened his eyes, his pupils cloudy, “In this life, father has very rarely taken the initiative to step forward and speak up. As an imperial censor, I only know how to monitor the officials under strict guidelines, and I have never tried to stand in the limelight. But father has also spoken up for what was right and ignored the value of an individual life. It’s just that this time, regardless of whether father is sick or not, the outcome cannot be changed. XuanXian, do you understand father?”
Ji XuanXian furrowed his brow and pondered for a long time before raising his head, “Father has very rarely taken the initiative to speak up on various matters; however, you have never done anything that would go against your conscience. This time, father knew that he absolutely could not be reasoned with. It was not cowardice. If son could not understand the type of person father is, how could I dare consider myself a descendent of the Ji family?”
Ji DaoGong nodded while laying in bed, as hot tears streamed from the corners of his eyes.
Outside of the Ji Manor’s grand gates, Qi Zhou anxiously waited. He watched the other people from other families and manors come and leave in disappointment but did not react at all.
He was someone from Marquis Gu’s Manor. To Lord Ji, it would be different from others. He might be able to see some results.
After a long time passed, the servant who had asked them to wait outside returned, his face flushed from running through the cold winter wind, “Steward Qi, please go back! Our master is truly very sick and cannot get out of bed!”
Steward Qi lowered his head and looked down at the ground.
Of all the times for Ji DaoGong to fall ill, it just had to happen when the cabinet was being abolished. Anyone with clear insights would be able to tell that there was something wrong here.
He initially thought that because he was from Marquis Gu’s Manor, Ji DaoGong would at least be willing to see him. He did not think that he would be treated the same as everyone else.
It seemed that Lord Ji was determined to not take a stand.
He cupped his hands toward the servant and then left in disappointment.
Around the corner from the Ji Manor, one person walked while speaking, “Imperial Censor Lord Ji has always been exceptionally healthy. For him to use the excuse of being ill to not see any guests, His Majesty must truly be absurd…”
While some were feigning illness, some had truly fallen ill from frustration.
After returning to his manor after being reprimanded, Chen GeLao did not eat dinner that night. According to the servant attending to him, he just sat in the main hall until the sun came up when he suddenly coughed up a mouthful of blood and fell unconscious.
Chen ChuXiu was in his thirties and did not often visit home. Upon hearing that Chen GeLao had fallen ill, he immediately returned to the manor to take control of the situation. The Chen Manor had become a mess and needed someone to take control to prevent any loss of dignity.
“Xiu’er…”
“Master woke up! Master woke up!”
Chen GeLao lay in bed and was struggling to breathe. The servant attending to him at the bedside heard him call for Chen ChuXiu and immediately shouted toward the courtyard.
Chen ChuXiu flew into the room, “Father, how are you doing?”
Chen GeLao was in tears, “Father has let down the late emperor, let down the Chen family’s ancestors, and let down all of the citizens in the world!”
Chen ChuXiu understood what he meant and angrily said: “How is this related to father? His Majesty is young and absurd. Father has done the right thing to advise him. As a subject, you have done all that you can. How can father be blamed?”
Chen GeLao said: “During the night that father did not sleep, father thought about many things. I thought that if I had known that things would end up like this, it would have been better to not uncover the truth behind the late emperor’s death. Would things have been better than they were now? But even if that chance came again, father would not choose the other option. How can someone who assassinated the late emperor be allowed to ascend the throne? Even if the heir that remains…”
“Even if the heir that remains- which is to say His Majesty- is much more absurd than the eldest prince, isn’t that right?”
Chen ChuXiu followed up on this, “Father, son will say something unpleasant, but this generation’s heirs of the Ning imperial family are made up of one who killed his father and ruler and one who is a complete fool. Who can be said to be better than the other? Neither is fit to be ruler, so how can father be blamed? Right now, father is feeling responsible because His Majesty is an unfilial son who is going against his father’s wishes, which is what caused you to fall ill. Would His Majesty be willing to reconsider if you just passed away?”
Chen ChuXiu spoke without any consideration for taboos, “If His Majesty is able to change, it would be fine if you died. Wouldn’t your death have a great meaning? But if you pass away from your illness right now, not only would it leave even fewer people who would dare to advise His Majesty, but it would also leave son in a terrible situation! And without your support, if I continue to act as I please in the capital, I will surely end up dead sooner or later. Don’t you think so too?”
The more the servant waiting outside listened, the more outrageous things were becoming, and he tried to calm Chen ChuXiu, “Young sir, master is already in this condition, so don’t say this sort of thing to anger master…”
Chen ChuXiu was unmoved, “Don’t try to sway me. What I’m saying is the truth. Father, if you pass away now, you’ll be leaving the mess in court to Lord Marquis Gu and the other loyal officials. That’s too selfish of you!”
The servant was terrified and went to take a look at Chen GeLao’s complexion. Who knew that not only would Chen GeLao not be mad over what Chen ChuXiu had said, but he was struggling to try and sit up in bed.
“You’re right. Father cannot die at a time like this. Even if father died, it would be in the imperial palace while advising His Majesty and not in my own manor…”
Chen ChuXiu reached out to push him back down, “Don’t try sitting up. Servants, quickly bring the medicine and have master drink it!”
Without needing to be persuaded by anyone, Chen GeLao stared fixedly at the bowl of medicine and then eagerly drank it.
Chen ChuXiu secretly laughed to himself and suddenly heard a servant report: “Young sir, imperial uncle Ning has come with his wife to visit master!”
“They’re the only ones who would dare to visit without worrying about being suspected at a time like this.”
Chen ChuXiu spoke while walking out and found Ning TangShu hurriedly walking over with his wife. Seeing him, he came to a stop, “How is your lord father?”
Chen ChuXiu pointed into the room and led the two further away to chat.
After moving to a secluded part of the courtyard, he pointed at his chest, “My father has always been in good health, but this is a psychological condition. After I gave him a stern lecture, it seems that things have become less serious.”
Ning TangShu let out a sigh of relief, “Only you could come up with such wild ideas. It’s fortunate that he’s fine. I was worried that your manor would become a complete mess after he fell ill. That’s why I brought YuYang with me.”
Kun YuYang looked around, “Husband initially wanted me to come and help you take care of some of the manor’s affairs, fearing that you would be too busy taking care of your father to take care of the manor’s affairs. Who knew that you would handle it this well.”
Chen ChuXiu cupped his hands, “Many thanks, madam. Initially, I really was planning to go into the palace to seek justice for father. Father only has me as his only son. If I don’t speak up for him, who will? Though my words have rekindled his desire to live, he is still getting old. Right now, I just want to stay in the manor to take care of father. No matter how important the matters in court are, they aren’t as important as father’s life.”
Kun YuYan could not help but look him over. In the past, she thought of Chen ChuXiu as a playboy; however, Ning TangShu always told her that he was a piece of uncut jade. It was just that most people did not bother recognizing it.
In the past, she was skeptical of this claim, but after hearing what Chen ChuXiu said and did today, she was completely convinced.
Chen ChuXiu was still young. If he developed himself for a few more years, he could surely become an important player.
Ning TangShu nodded, “His Majesty’s actions this time were truly too absurd. His desire to appoint Yu Fu as empress was already a cause for discussion in court, yet he now wants to abolish the cabinet? The cabinet was established by the late emperor, and if he had not been assassinated, the position of the prime minister would have been abolished. Now, things sure are great, as Yin Shuo has taken advantage of the situation.”
Chen ChuXiu sneered, “Yin Shuo didn’t take advantage of the situation. He saw long ago that His Majesty is far easier to control than the eldest prince. Isn’t that why he chose him and not the eldest prince?”
Ning TangShu’s heart chilled, as he could not help but exchange a look with Kun YuYang.
Only they and the members of Marquis Gu’s Manor knew the whole truth behind the late emperor’s assassination. They all knew the role Yin Shuo played in the assassination, but they did not have the evidence to prove it.
Chen ChuXiu, however, was able to guess what they were thinking, and this caused them to feel a little shocked.
Chen ChuXiu observed the couple’s expressions and gained a vague sense of having touched on some sort of secret. He waved his hands, “I was just speaking mindlessly, so there’s no need for you two to take it to heart. In the end, what is the difference between the eldest prince and His Majesty? I can see clearly that nothing good can come from father working himself to death under His Majesty. It would be better to just take advantage of the cabinet being abolished to retire!”
Ning TangShu hastily said: “How can that be? It’s true that His Majesty has gone too far this time, and it seems that His Majesty has made up his mind on his choice of empress, but there should be some room to negotiate on the matter of the cabinet. Before I came out, father has already gathered a number of members of the imperial family to try and persuade His Majesty, so it might be possible for that decree to be retracted! Senior minister Chen’s position is equivalent to that of the highest-ranked cabinet minister. He cannot leave. If he leaves, the cabinet would really be unsalvageable!”
Chen ChuXiu knew that he was a member of the imperial family and had the same surname as Ning ChengZhi. He was more invested in supporting the imperial family, thus he sighed and said: “I’m just speaking mindlessly. Even if I hope for father to retire, based on my father’s personality, do you think that he would?”
Ning TangShu cupped his hands and bowed slightly, “The Chen family is a loyal family. Senior minister Chen even knelt in the imperial palace to uncover the truth behind the late emperor’s assassination. It is worthy of Ning TangShu’s respect.”
Chen ChuXiu helped him up, “Alright, now it’s time to see if imperial uncle Ning and the others will be able to persuade His Majesty. I feel that it won’t be easy. The abolishment of the cabinet and the selection of empress are closely linked. The reason for the cabinet ministers offending His Majesty is, in the end, related to the seat of the empress.”
Ning TangShu frowned and pondered the situation, “It’s a pity that Yu Fu and Marquis Gu’s heir were engaged so long ago; otherwise, if she became the empress, she would surely be able to help Eastern Ling prosper.”
Kun YuYan immediately retorted, “What sort of thing are you saying? Could it be that Yu Fu refusing to become empress is her fault? Not to mention how unbearable it is when a ruler forces a girl to marry the son of a subject, but even if Yu Fu had not been engaged, nobody can force her to marry someone she doesn’t like! I understand Yu Fu. She isn’t someone who covets power, influence, or status. If she says that she won’t marry someone, she absolutely will not marry then, unless…”
Kun YuYang suddenly frowned, but it was unclear what thought had come to mind.
She had never rebuked Ning TangShu in front of others, and she had always been obedient. Ning TangShu had even joked that she was three or four times more virtuous than Eastern Ling’s women.
Ning TangShu knew that her sudden rebuke of him was a result of her closeness with Yu Fu. Thinking about what he had just said, it had indeed been quite selfish. He was only thinking of Eastern Ling and did not consider Yu Fu’s feelings, thus he said: “It’s my mistake. As a member of the imperial family, I was only thinking of what sort of empress would benefit the country. I had no intention of blaming Yu Fu. Do not misunderstand.”
Kun YuYang’s brow remained furrowed.
Chen ChuXiu said: “Madam, you just said that Princess ZhenJiang absolutely would not marry unless what?”
Kun YuYang raised her head, her expression particularly ugly, “I think I know why His Majesty would do something as absurd as abolishing the cabinet, and I am guessing that he won’t just abolish the cabinet. After this, he will make a move against Marquis Gu’s Manor.”
“Because Yu Fu absolutely will not compromise unless His Majesty threatens the lives of everyone in Marquis Gu’s Manor.”
*TN: A songhe yannian painting is a painting of cranes with pine trees. It’s meant to wish someone a long life.
Unless
On the night of new year’s eve, he tried to make Yu Fu empress. On the first day of the new year, the cabinet was abolished.
Ning ChengZhi’s actions were so quick that people could not keep up, and they were completely terrifying.
“It’s often said that a newly appointed official will perform three deeds to prove his worth, and His Majesty is thinking of himself as a mere official. He has only just ascended, yet he already dares to reverse the late emperor’s decree!”
“The cabinet was established right before His Majesty passed. If he was to abolish one, he should abolish the prime minister. How could he abolish the cabinet?!”
Discussion filled the room, while Gu HuaiJiang frowned, “Is there any word on the reason that His Majesty suddenly abolished the cabinet?”
Qi An said: “This old servant heard that after word of Lord Marquis going into the palace spread, senior cabinet minister Chen led some other officials into the palace to try and help Lord Marquis in advising on the matter of appointing an empress. His Majesty became furious after hearing their advice and decreed that the cabinet be abolished!”
In the end, it was related to the matter of making Yu Fu the empress.
Gu HuaiJiang let out a sigh, “It was I who implicated the cabinet. His Majesty is just venting his anger. He is taking my reputation in court into account and does not dare take direct action against me. That’s why he’s using the cabinet as a punching bag.”
“Head general, you can’t be blamed for this. Don’t blame yourself.”
Yu Fu suddenly said: “Everyone is doing it to try and stop His Majesty’s absurd decree and for the sake of what is just. If head general wishes to blame yourself, I should be even more to blame.”
Gu ShuBai rushed to say: “This is completely unrelated to you. It’s His Majesty’s fault for his absurd actions. It’s absolutely not your fault.”
Yu Fu looked at him with a forced smile: “I know. That’s why I don’t blame myself. Right now, the most important matter is not placing blame on yourself. Instead, it’s to think of a way to solve the current situation. The most pressing matter is- the cabinet.”
Yan HuaShi nodded, “Head general, young miss Yu Fu is right. The cabinet ministers are all righteous subjects, and we can’t allow the cabinet to be abolished like this and Yin Shuo to increase his power!”
Lao Jin quickly agreed, “That’s right. If we allow Yin Shuo, that villain, to obtain more power in court, would the Gu family’s army be able to do well?”
Gu ShuBai said: “It’s possible that the only one currently capable of swaying His Majesty is Lord Ji.”
…
“Master, another person has come to see you!”
In a secluded courtyard in the manor was a courtyard with green pines and a short plum tree in the corner.
The servant rushed in, and a middle-aged man shouted at him, “Didn’t father say that he was refusing all visitors because of his illness?”
The one who spoke was none other than Ji DaoGong’s eldest son, Ji XuanXian. There were all sorts of discussions about the cabinet being abolished. For the sake of not disturbing Ji DaoGong’s tranquility, he personally stood guard in Ji DaoGong’s courtyard.
The servant was troubled and said: “Master, this time, it’s someone from Marquis Gu’s Manor. This servant did not dare make a decision on this.”
“Someone from Marquis Gu’s Manor?”
Ji XuanXian hesitated for a moment, “Wait here. I will personally go and report to my lord father.”
Entering the main hall, he turned left and headed to the second room. This was the best bed chamber with a painting of songhe yannian hanging outside.* To the two sides of the door were large blue and white porcelain vases.
Ji DaoGong was lying in bed behind the screen. He was already quite old, and he was prone to getting sick. With him lying in bed, it was hard to tell if he was really sick or just faking it.
“Father, someone from Marquis Gu’s Manor has come. Will you see them?”
Hearing Marquis Gu’s Manor get mentioned, the old man lying in bed’s eyelids twitched, but he did not open his eyes.
Ji XuanXian respectfully waited at the side of the bed. Thinking that he would not say anything, he was about to slowly retreat from the room when he suddenly saw his beard twitch followed by a long sigh.
Ji DaoGong partially opened his eyes, his pupils cloudy, “In this life, father has very rarely taken the initiative to step forward and speak up. As an imperial censor, I only know how to monitor the officials under strict guidelines, and I have never tried to stand in the limelight. But father has also spoken up for what was right and ignored the value of an individual life. It’s just that this time, regardless of whether father is sick or not, the outcome cannot be changed. XuanXian, do you understand father?”
Ji XuanXian furrowed his brow and pondered for a long time before raising his head, “Father has very rarely taken the initiative to speak up on various matters; however, you have never done anything that would go against your conscience. This time, father knew that he absolutely could not be reasoned with. It was not cowardice. If son could not understand the type of person father is, how could I dare consider myself a descendent of the Ji family?”
Ji DaoGong nodded while laying in bed, as hot tears streamed from the corners of his eyes.
Outside of the Ji Manor’s grand gates, Qi Zhou anxiously waited. He watched the other people from other families and manors come and leave in disappointment but did not react at all.
He was someone from Marquis Gu’s Manor. To Lord Ji, it would be different from others. He might be able to see some results.
After a long time passed, the servant who had asked them to wait outside returned, his face flushed from running through the cold winter wind, “Steward Qi, please go back! Our master is truly very sick and cannot get out of bed!”
Steward Qi lowered his head and looked down at the ground.
Of all the times for Ji DaoGong to fall ill, it just had to happen when the cabinet was being abolished. Anyone with clear insights would be able to tell that there was something wrong here.
He initially thought that because he was from Marquis Gu’s Manor, Ji DaoGong would at least be willing to see him. He did not think that he would be treated the same as everyone else.
It seemed that Lord Ji was determined to not take a stand.
He cupped his hands toward the servant and then left in disappointment.
Around the corner from the Ji Manor, one person walked while speaking, “Imperial Censor Lord Ji has always been exceptionally healthy. For him to use the excuse of being ill to not see any guests, His Majesty must truly be absurd…”
While some were feigning illness, some had truly fallen ill from frustration.
After returning to his manor after being reprimanded, Chen GeLao did not eat dinner that night. According to the servant attending to him, he just sat in the main hall until the sun came up when he suddenly coughed up a mouthful of blood and fell unconscious.
Chen ChuXiu was in his thirties and did not often visit home. Upon hearing that Chen GeLao had fallen ill, he immediately returned to the manor to take control of the situation. The Chen Manor had become a mess and needed someone to take control to prevent any loss of dignity.
“Xiu’er…”
“Master woke up! Master woke up!”
Chen GeLao lay in bed and was struggling to breathe. The servant attending to him at the bedside heard him call for Chen ChuXiu and immediately shouted toward the courtyard.
Chen ChuXiu flew into the room, “Father, how are you doing?”
Chen GeLao was in tears, “Father has let down the late emperor, let down the Chen family’s ancestors, and let down all of the citizens in the world!”
Chen ChuXiu understood what he meant and angrily said: “How is this related to father? His Majesty is young and absurd. Father has done the right thing to advise him. As a subject, you have done all that you can. How can father be blamed?”
Chen GeLao said: “During the night that father did not sleep, father thought about many things. I thought that if I had known that things would end up like this, it would have been better to not uncover the truth behind the late emperor’s death. Would things have been better than they were now? But even if that chance came again, father would not choose the other option. How can someone who assassinated the late emperor be allowed to ascend the throne? Even if the heir that remains…”
“Even if the heir that remains- which is to say His Majesty- is much more absurd than the eldest prince, isn’t that right?”
Chen ChuXiu followed up on this, “Father, son will say something unpleasant, but this generation’s heirs of the Ning imperial family are made up of one who killed his father and ruler and one who is a complete fool. Who can be said to be better than the other? Neither is fit to be ruler, so how can father be blamed? Right now, father is feeling responsible because His Majesty is an unfilial son who is going against his father’s wishes, which is what caused you to fall ill. Would His Majesty be willing to reconsider if you just passed away?”
Chen ChuXiu spoke without any consideration for taboos, “If His Majesty is able to change, it would be fine if you died. Wouldn’t your death have a great meaning? But if you pass away from your illness right now, not only would it leave even fewer people who would dare to advise His Majesty, but it would also leave son in a terrible situation! And without your support, if I continue to act as I please in the capital, I will surely end up dead sooner or later. Don’t you think so too?”
The more the servant waiting outside listened, the more outrageous things were becoming, and he tried to calm Chen ChuXiu, “Young sir, master is already in this condition, so don’t say this sort of thing to anger master…”
Chen ChuXiu was unmoved, “Don’t try to sway me. What I’m saying is the truth. Father, if you pass away now, you’ll be leaving the mess in court to Lord Marquis Gu and the other loyal officials. That’s too selfish of you!”
The servant was terrified and went to take a look at Chen GeLao’s complexion. Who knew that not only would Chen GeLao not be mad over what Chen ChuXiu had said, but he was struggling to try and sit up in bed.
“You’re right. Father cannot die at a time like this. Even if father died, it would be in the imperial palace while advising His Majesty and not in my own manor…”
Chen ChuXiu reached out to push him back down, “Don’t try sitting up. Servants, quickly bring the medicine and have master drink it!”
Without needing to be persuaded by anyone, Chen GeLao stared fixedly at the bowl of medicine and then eagerly drank it.
Chen ChuXiu secretly laughed to himself and suddenly heard a servant report: “Young sir, imperial uncle Ning has come with his wife to visit master!”
“They’re the only ones who would dare to visit without worrying about being suspected at a time like this.”
Chen ChuXiu spoke while walking out and found Ning TangShu hurriedly walking over with his wife. Seeing him, he came to a stop, “How is your lord father?”
Chen ChuXiu pointed into the room and led the two further away to chat.
After moving to a secluded part of the courtyard, he pointed at his chest, “My father has always been in good health, but this is a psychological condition. After I gave him a stern lecture, it seems that things have become less serious.”
Ning TangShu let out a sigh of relief, “Only you could come up with such wild ideas. It’s fortunate that he’s fine. I was worried that your manor would become a complete mess after he fell ill. That’s why I brought YuYang with me.”
Kun YuYang looked around, “Husband initially wanted me to come and help you take care of some of the manor’s affairs, fearing that you would be too busy taking care of your father to take care of the manor’s affairs. Who knew that you would handle it this well.”
Chen ChuXiu cupped his hands, “Many thanks, madam. Initially, I really was planning to go into the palace to seek justice for father. Father only has me as his only son. If I don’t speak up for him, who will? Though my words have rekindled his desire to live, he is still getting old. Right now, I just want to stay in the manor to take care of father. No matter how important the matters in court are, they aren’t as important as father’s life.”
Kun YuYan could not help but look him over. In the past, she thought of Chen ChuXiu as a playboy; however, Ning TangShu always told her that he was a piece of uncut jade. It was just that most people did not bother recognizing it.
In the past, she was skeptical of this claim, but after hearing what Chen ChuXiu said and did today, she was completely convinced.
Chen ChuXiu was still young. If he developed himself for a few more years, he could surely become an important player.
Ning TangShu nodded, “His Majesty’s actions this time were truly too absurd. His desire to appoint Yu Fu as empress was already a cause for discussion in court, yet he now wants to abolish the cabinet? The cabinet was established by the late emperor, and if he had not been assassinated, the position of the prime minister would have been abolished. Now, things sure are great, as Yin Shuo has taken advantage of the situation.”
Chen ChuXiu sneered, “Yin Shuo didn’t take advantage of the situation. He saw long ago that His Majesty is far easier to control than the eldest prince. Isn’t that why he chose him and not the eldest prince?”
Ning TangShu’s heart chilled, as he could not help but exchange a look with Kun YuYang.
Only they and the members of Marquis Gu’s Manor knew the whole truth behind the late emperor’s assassination. They all knew the role Yin Shuo played in the assassination, but they did not have the evidence to prove it.
Chen ChuXiu, however, was able to guess what they were thinking, and this caused them to feel a little shocked.
Chen ChuXiu observed the couple’s expressions and gained a vague sense of having touched on some sort of secret. He waved his hands, “I was just speaking mindlessly, so there’s no need for you two to take it to heart. In the end, what is the difference between the eldest prince and His Majesty? I can see clearly that nothing good can come from father working himself to death under His Majesty. It would be better to just take advantage of the cabinet being abolished to retire!”
Ning TangShu hastily said: “How can that be? It’s true that His Majesty has gone too far this time, and it seems that His Majesty has made up his mind on his choice of empress, but there should be some room to negotiate on the matter of the cabinet. Before I came out, father has already gathered a number of members of the imperial family to try and persuade His Majesty, so it might be possible for that decree to be retracted! Senior minister Chen’s position is equivalent to that of the highest-ranked cabinet minister. He cannot leave. If he leaves, the cabinet would really be unsalvageable!”
Chen ChuXiu knew that he was a member of the imperial family and had the same surname as Ning ChengZhi. He was more invested in supporting the imperial family, thus he sighed and said: “I’m just speaking mindlessly. Even if I hope for father to retire, based on my father’s personality, do you think that he would?”
Ning TangShu cupped his hands and bowed slightly, “The Chen family is a loyal family. Senior minister Chen even knelt in the imperial palace to uncover the truth behind the late emperor’s assassination. It is worthy of Ning TangShu’s respect.”
Chen ChuXiu helped him up, “Alright, now it’s time to see if imperial uncle Ning and the others will be able to persuade His Majesty. I feel that it won’t be easy. The abolishment of the cabinet and the selection of empress are closely linked. The reason for the cabinet ministers offending His Majesty is, in the end, related to the seat of the empress.”
Ning TangShu frowned and pondered the situation, “It’s a pity that Yu Fu and Marquis Gu’s heir were engaged so long ago; otherwise, if she became the empress, she would surely be able to help Eastern Ling prosper.”
Kun YuYan immediately retorted, “What sort of thing are you saying? Could it be that Yu Fu refusing to become empress is her fault? Not to mention how unbearable it is when a ruler forces a girl to marry the son of a subject, but even if Yu Fu had not been engaged, nobody can force her to marry someone she doesn’t like! I understand Yu Fu. She isn’t someone who covets power, influence, or status. If she says that she won’t marry someone, she absolutely will not marry then, unless…”
Kun YuYang suddenly frowned, but it was unclear what thought had come to mind.
She had never rebuked Ning TangShu in front of others, and she had always been obedient. Ning TangShu had even joked that she was three or four times more virtuous than Eastern Ling’s women.
Ning TangShu knew that her sudden rebuke of him was a result of her closeness with Yu Fu. Thinking about what he had just said, it had indeed been quite selfish. He was only thinking of Eastern Ling and did not consider Yu Fu’s feelings, thus he said: “It’s my mistake. As a member of the imperial family, I was only thinking of what sort of empress would benefit the country. I had no intention of blaming Yu Fu. Do not misunderstand.”
Kun YuYang’s brow remained furrowed.
Chen ChuXiu said: “Madam, you just said that Princess ZhenJiang absolutely would not marry unless what?”
Kun YuYang raised her head, her expression particularly ugly, “I think I know why His Majesty would do something as absurd as abolishing the cabinet, and I am guessing that he won’t just abolish the cabinet. After this, he will make a move against Marquis Gu’s Manor.”
“Because Yu Fu absolutely will not compromise unless His Majesty threatens the lives of everyone in Marquis Gu’s Manor.”
*TN: A songhe yannian painting is a painting of cranes with pine trees. It’s meant to wish someone a long life.
