Rewarding Old Subjects
Yin Shuo paused for a moment.
He looked up at the young ruler. He was previously the late emperor’s only son with the empress, and even before that, he had been considered the heir to the throne. From the moment that he was born, he was unparalleled in his nobility.
This nobility made him proud and frivolous, taking everything for granted.
Even when he was suspected of being the culprit behind the late emperor’s assassination and was locked up in the imperial family’s prison, the nobility that came with his birth could not be vanquished.
It had not lasted long enough, and he had not been threatened enough.
He was not like the eldest prince, who understood what the name Ning YiZhao meant from the moment that he started learning and learned what he needed to do to fight for the things that he wanted.
This was also the reason that Yin Shuo had chosen Ning ChengZhi. It was not just because of their relationship forged through marriage, but it was mostly because he was easier to control than the eldest prince.
But today…
Yin Shuo realized that he was being suspected by Ning ChengZhi for the first time. He was viewed as someone who might threaten the monarch’s influence.
Although he was not suspected as heavily as Gu HuaiJiang, someone who commanded great military might, nor was he viewed with as much contempt as Ji DaoGong and Chen GeLao, who made full use of their seniority, some suspicion had begun forming.
For some things, once they started growing, they would be incredibly hard to stop.
Yin Shuo immediately changed his expression, putting on a gentle smile, “Your Majesty, that was not what this subject meant. If Your Majesty is willing to give the position of leader of the cabinet to this subject, this subject would be truly grateful. This subject is just worried that Gu HuaiJiang might be plotting something and that Your Majesty might fall for his scheme.”
Ning ChengZhi’s suspicions continued to linger, “Oh? Where do you feel that there was a fault with what Marquis Gu said? What’s so bad about Us abolishing the prime minister’s position and establishing a cabinet?”
Yin Shuo spoke without hesitation: “To answer that question, this subject must first ask Your Majesty a question. Your Majesty has made a selection for the leader of the cabinet, but have you chosen a subject for the position of deputy leader?”
Ning ChengZhi said: “Naturally, the deputy leader would be senior minister Chen. You know that he played a big part in Our ascension to the throne, and he is very influential in court. The officials in court wanted to make him the leader, and though We refused that request, We must give him the position of deputy leader to ease everyone’s concerns. More importantly, when senior minister Chen was leader of the cabinet, things progressed smoothly in court. He is indeed talented. As for the other cabinet ministers, they were carefully chosen by the late emperor, so there’s no need to make any changes.”
This was to say that aside from Yin Shuo occupying the vacant position as leader of the cabinet, there would be no changes to the cabinet.
Yin Shuo’s heart dropped.
Listening to Ning ChengZhi’s tone, he had faith in senior minister Chen. If not for his concerns about the old officials not accepting his decrees, he might have given the position of leader of the cabinet to Chen GeLao.
He hastily said: “Your Majesty is right. This subject can respond to Your Majesty’s questions now. Marquis Gu says that the prime minister having all of the power is worse than spreading the power over many people in the cabinet and that it is beneficial to the stability of the country. This subject will not disagree with Marquis Gu, but has Your Majesty ever considered why he would say this? Could it just be for the stability of the country?”
Ning ChengZhi was left momentarily speechless.
If it was not for the stability of the country, what else could it be for? Could it be…
He raised his head, “You mean to say that Marquis Gu has a personal interest in this?”
“Of course.”
Yin Shuo smiled, “Your Majesty, think about it. Those old officials in the cabinet, especially that senior minister Chen, as he and Lord Ji from the Imperial Censorate have a senior-junior relationship, while Lord Ji is very friendly with Marquis Gu, thus they would all be on the same side. Once Your Majesty establishes the cabinet and abolishes the prime minister’s position, Marquis Gu can use senior minister Chen and the others to stop Your Majesty from appointing an empress. If Your Majesty wishes to make Princess ZhenJiang the empress, I fear that it would be more difficult.”
With Yu Fu being brought up, Ning ChengZhi immediately straightened his back, “How could that be? We are appointing you as the leader of the cabinet. With you leading the cabinet, how could those officials hinder my decisions?”
Yin Shuo deliberately let out a long sigh, “Your Majesty, even if this subject is the leader, how can one person oppose an entire cabinet? More importantly, this subject is still young, and if I must oppose the older cabinet ministers, would it not cause the other officials to consider this subject disrespectful of my elders and that Your Majesty is not using people properly?”
Ning ChengZhi came to a sudden realization, “You’re right. When We don’t heed the advice of the older officials, they say that We do not respect Our elders. Wouldn’t it be worse for you? How can this be good? We have already announced the establishment of the cabinet and the abolishment of the prime minister’s position in front of all of the officials in court. How can We go back on that now?”
Go back on it?
Yin Shuo sneered internally. Ning ChengZhi had been born into his noble position for nothing. He had absolutely no understanding of how to be an emperor.
In the past, the eldest prince had stood shoulder to shoulder with him and even overpowered him. He had even been afraid and restrained himself. Now that he ascended the throne, he was even more lost on whether to advance or retreat.
“Naturally, going back on your decision cannot be done. This subject does not oppose Your Majesty’s decision to spread out the power among the cabinet, but the cabinet ministers must be Your Majesty’s people and not the late emperor’s people…”
Ning ChengZhi nodded, “We understand. A ruler has their own subjects. We never had much desire to make use of those old officials that were loyal to the late emperor. They are displeased with Us, so it would be better to dismiss them sooner. It’s just that this matter cannot be handled too hastily, or it will be cause for discussion. We will slowly replenish the court with new blood.”
He simply said that he would replenish the court with new blood and did not say that he would allow Yin Shuo to select new court officials. It was clear that he still had some suspicions.
Yin Shuo did not dare push his luck. His best choice for regaining his trust was to retreat. He could cause more trouble for himself and allow Gu HuaiJiang to gain another victory.
He spoke even more respectfully, “Yes, as long as the officials will listen to Your Majesty, this subject will be able to lead the cabinet with peace of mind.”
Ning ChengZhi nodded his head in satisfaction and then turned to Eunuch Chi and said: “Head out of the palace and visit Lord Ji and senior minister Chen for Us. Just say that We wished to personally visit the two, but We are too busy with court affairs to go out. Console the two for Us. While you are at it, see how they are doing and report the truth to Us.”
Eunuch Chi bowed in response, and Ning ChengZhi added: “Right, bring some generous rewards along with you, the more grandiose the better! Let the officials and citizens see that We do respect Our elders. Rather, We are concerned about them, and the rewards and punishments are clear.”
Yin Shuo continued to smile, “Your Majesty is wise.”
Ning ChengZhi said: “We are doing this to ease the minds of the officials and the citizens, and it smooths the way for you to become the leader of the cabinet.”
Yin Shuo cupped his hands, “This subject thanks Your Majesty for your concern.”
Ning ChengZhi finally appeared satisfied, waving to him, “Alright, your legs haven’t healed yet. Go back to your manor and rest.”
“This subject bids farewell.”
The servant entered to push Yin Shuo’s wheelchair when Ning ChengZhi suddenly said: “Wait a moment!”
Yin Shuo froze, and the servant turned his wheelchair around, “Does Your Majesty have any other orders?”
Ning ChengZhi said: “How is DanYang doing in your manor? We seem to have heard that your marriage has not been very harmonious. Is that true?”
Yin Shuo was stunned and wondered if someone had said something in front of Ning ChengZhi.
After thinking for a bit, his expression remained constant, and he replied: “Replying to Your Majesty, Princess DanYang is Your Majesty’s younger sister. Naturally, this subject has been treating her with respect. It’s just that, as a married couple, we have had some disputes. There is a folk saying that all disputes are resolved in bed, and… This subject is just a normal human and could not be perfect in this regard; however, this subject would never dare to disrespect her.”
Ning ChengZhi nodded, “We understand. We also do not wish to concern Ourselves with your marital matters. Just don’t lose face for the imperial family.”
Yin Shuo let out a sigh of relief. Ning ChengZhi’s concern for Princess DanYang was only to keep up appearances.
When has a daughter of the imperial family ever been treated as family? They are just there to improve their standing.
Yin Shuo had expected this, and the corners of his lips slightly curled up, “Yes, this subject will definitely continue to treat princess with respect. After all, she is the noblest girl in Eastern Ling.”
Ning ChengZhi impatiently waved his hand, “We have already said it. The noblest girl in Eastern Ling is Yu Fu. What would DanYang use to compare with her? Even if Yu Fu has not yet become Our empress, she is not someone whom DanYang can compare with.”
Yin Shuo smiled but did not comment.
…
Eunuch Chi brought Ning ChengZhi’s rewards and led a large procession of palace servants and imperial guards out of the palace.
The palace servants were carrying the bright-yellow baskets that were filled with rewards. The sight of the generous rewards was eye-catching, as the citizens passing by gathered around to watch. News very quickly spread to the manors of the various officials in the capital.
Eunuch Chi led the procession to Ji DaoGong’s manor first, and Ji DaoGong was partially laying down in bed and reading a book. Ji XuanXian stayed by his side and heard the sound of footsteps in the distance.
Ji XuanXian stood up and walked out of the room in curiosity, “The master is ill and needs to rest. What is the reason for the commotion outside?”
The Ji manor’s servant rushed over, “Master, the palace has sent a reward over. His Majesty’s personal eunuch, Eunuch Chi, has come!”
Ji XuanXian was stunned and quickly turned back into the room. Ji DaoGong had already heard what the servant had said.
“Father, you have claimed to be ill for so long, and His Majesty has not come to check on you at all. On the contrary, he has taken the opportunity to try and abolish the cabinet. Why would he suddenly decide to establish a cabinet and abolish the prime minister’s position and then send people to reward you?”
Ji DaoGong held a book in his hand and did not move, but he muttered: “It isn’t unusual. The prime minister’s position has been abolished, but the position of leader of the cabinet has not been decided. His Majesty is doing this to calm the people.”
Word had already spread around court that His Majesty planned to appoint Yin Shuo to the position of leader of the cabinet. On that matter, he refused to listen to any recommendations for that position.
Ji DaoGong was confined to his small bed but remained very sensitive to the happenings in court. He had a very clear understanding of the young ruler, Ning ChengZhi.
After he finished speaking, he could not help but laugh; however, this was a self-deprecating laugh.
Ji XuanXian thought for a moment, “Son understands. His Majesty is willing to put in the effort to keep up appearances, so it’s better than being in complete opposition to the officials. When it comes to His Majesty, we cannot ask for too much.”
“That’s right. We can’t ask for too much. We can’t ask for too much…”
Ji DaoGong muttered until he slowly lay down in bed and closed his eyes.
Ji XuanXian let out a sigh and stepped forward to lower the bed curtains. He then walked out to receive the palace servants and the rewards that they carried.
After just taking a few steps, he saw Eunuch Chi leading a mighty procession. The spectacular sight of bright yellow filled his vision, as Ji XuanXian stepped forward and cupped his hands. Eunuch Chi cupped his hands in reply.
After the greetings, Eunuch Chi smiled and said: “My lord, His Majesty heard that Lord Ji was ill and has not recovered in a long time, and he wanted to personally come to make a visit. Who knew that things in court would become so busy? With the establishment of the cabinet and abolishment of the prime minister’s position, there just happened to not be enough time. That’s why His Majesty specially ordered me to bring a generous reward to come and visit. May I ask where my lord is?”
Ji XuanXian cupped his hands toward the sky, “This subject thanks His Majesty on my elderly father’s behalf for the reward. His Majesty’s grace is truly benevolent!”
Following this, he said to Eunuch Chi: “My father is currently resting inside. Eunuch Chi will see upon entering the room. It’s just that…” He looked at the long procession behind Eunuch Chi and frowned.
“My father is ill and needs rest to recover. I invite the envoys to the side hall to have some tea to avoid disturbing my father.”
Eunuch Chi quickly said: “Naturally, naturally, I will follow my lord inside. You can all go!”
The palace servants and imperial guards retreated to the courtyard, while Ji XuanXian led Eunuch Chi inside. Lifting a corner of the bed curtain, Eunuch Chi stared at Ji DaoGong’s face.
The people who led the court all had keen eyes, and they were all exceptionally clever. Eunuch Chi, as someone who was exceptionally clever, looked on with even more scrutiny.
Ji XuanXian was secretly concerned. In truth, Ji DaoGong was not very ill. Would it be seen through by Eunuch Chi?
Eunuch Chi observed for a long time, while Ji XuanXian lowered the curtain while pretending to be calm. Only then did he reluctantly raise his head.
“My lord, what illness is plaguing Lord Ji?”
Ji XuanXian raised his hand and quietly said: “Let us speak in the outer room.”
The two walked out of the inner room, and Ji XuanXian let out a long sigh, “Eunuch might not know this, but it’s very rare for someone to reach their seventies. What illness is it? If you were to ask what the illness is, I could not even provide an answer!”
Saying this, he opened a drawer in the desk and pulled out a stack of prescriptions, “Take a look. These are all prescriptions for father written by the imperial physicians. Some say that he has caught a cold, while some others say that he is afflicted by an unquenchable thirst, and there are even some who say that his body is too old and frail. Look!”
Eunuch Chi received the prescriptions and took a look. Sure enough, there were all manners of prescriptions, and there were enough to cause confusion.
He quietly thought to himself that while Ji DaoGong’s eyes were closed earlier, it was unclear if he was sleeping or unconscious; furthermore, his complexion was not too good, and his breathing was very weak.
How healthy could a person in their seventies be?
There were signs of him being frail, and no matter how much he scrutinized, he had been worried about how he should answer once he returned to the palace.
Now that he had seen some prescriptions, he found it a little easier to explain.
Eunuch Chi lowered his voice, “Why else would it be said that the seventies are a rare age?* Lord Ji is the oldest official in court. Since this is the case, we won’t continue to bother you. When Lord Ji wakes up, I ask that my lord passes along His Majesty’s well wishes.”
Ji XuanXian cupped his hands and said, “Of course, that must be done. I will see Eunuch Chi out. This way-”
…
“Many thanks to His Majesty for his kindness. This old subject’s illness is nothing serious. When the court is unsealed, this old subject will likely be able to attend court. Eunuch Chi, please pass this along to His Majesty and tell His Majesty not to worry.”
Eunuch Chi arrived at the Chen manor, and Chen GeLao’s reaction was different from Ji DaoGong’s reaction. His complexion was a little pale, but he seemed to be in good spirits. He even vowed that he would quickly be able to return to court.
Eunuch Chi thought to himself that if you return to court, that will be when His Majesty starts worrying.
Of course, he could not say such a thing. He just smiled and said: “His Majesty is concerned about senior minister Chen and specifically tasked this servant with coming to visit senior minister. Since senior minister is recovering well, His Majesty will be able to be at ease. Senior minister, please recover well and do not let down His Majesty’s imperial benevolence.”
Chen GeLao sat on the bed and did his best to raise his hand, “Come and bring some tea. Eunuch Chi, please have a seat.”
Eunuch Chi was about to refuse when Chen ChuXiu walked in and said with a smile: “Father has become muddled from his illness. Eunuch Chi received a decree and has work to do. How could he have time to idly sit around here? You are still sick. Are you not worried about passing your illness to Eunuch Chi?”
Eunuch Chi knew that this was Chen GeLao’s only son, and he quickly stood up to greet him, “Young sir Chen is exaggerating, but this servant is indeed in a hurry to return to report to His Majesty and cannot accompany senior minister for too long. Young sir must take good care of senior minister.”
Chen ChuXiu faintly smiled, “Of course.”
*TN: This is a pun on the term for a person in their seventies.
Rewarding Old Subjects
Yin Shuo paused for a moment.
He looked up at the young ruler. He was previously the late emperor’s only son with the empress, and even before that, he had been considered the heir to the throne. From the moment that he was born, he was unparalleled in his nobility.
This nobility made him proud and frivolous, taking everything for granted.
Even when he was suspected of being the culprit behind the late emperor’s assassination and was locked up in the imperial family’s prison, the nobility that came with his birth could not be vanquished.
It had not lasted long enough, and he had not been threatened enough.
He was not like the eldest prince, who understood what the name Ning YiZhao meant from the moment that he started learning and learned what he needed to do to fight for the things that he wanted.
This was also the reason that Yin Shuo had chosen Ning ChengZhi. It was not just because of their relationship forged through marriage, but it was mostly because he was easier to control than the eldest prince.
But today…
Yin Shuo realized that he was being suspected by Ning ChengZhi for the first time. He was viewed as someone who might threaten the monarch’s influence.
Although he was not suspected as heavily as Gu HuaiJiang, someone who commanded great military might, nor was he viewed with as much contempt as Ji DaoGong and Chen GeLao, who made full use of their seniority, some suspicion had begun forming.
For some things, once they started growing, they would be incredibly hard to stop.
Yin Shuo immediately changed his expression, putting on a gentle smile, “Your Majesty, that was not what this subject meant. If Your Majesty is willing to give the position of leader of the cabinet to this subject, this subject would be truly grateful. This subject is just worried that Gu HuaiJiang might be plotting something and that Your Majesty might fall for his scheme.”
Ning ChengZhi’s suspicions continued to linger, “Oh? Where do you feel that there was a fault with what Marquis Gu said? What’s so bad about Us abolishing the prime minister’s position and establishing a cabinet?”
Yin Shuo spoke without hesitation: “To answer that question, this subject must first ask Your Majesty a question. Your Majesty has made a selection for the leader of the cabinet, but have you chosen a subject for the position of deputy leader?”
Ning ChengZhi said: “Naturally, the deputy leader would be senior minister Chen. You know that he played a big part in Our ascension to the throne, and he is very influential in court. The officials in court wanted to make him the leader, and though We refused that request, We must give him the position of deputy leader to ease everyone’s concerns. More importantly, when senior minister Chen was leader of the cabinet, things progressed smoothly in court. He is indeed talented. As for the other cabinet ministers, they were carefully chosen by the late emperor, so there’s no need to make any changes.”
This was to say that aside from Yin Shuo occupying the vacant position as leader of the cabinet, there would be no changes to the cabinet.
Yin Shuo’s heart dropped.
Listening to Ning ChengZhi’s tone, he had faith in senior minister Chen. If not for his concerns about the old officials not accepting his decrees, he might have given the position of leader of the cabinet to Chen GeLao.
He hastily said: “Your Majesty is right. This subject can respond to Your Majesty’s questions now. Marquis Gu says that the prime minister having all of the power is worse than spreading the power over many people in the cabinet and that it is beneficial to the stability of the country. This subject will not disagree with Marquis Gu, but has Your Majesty ever considered why he would say this? Could it just be for the stability of the country?”
Ning ChengZhi was left momentarily speechless.
If it was not for the stability of the country, what else could it be for? Could it be…
He raised his head, “You mean to say that Marquis Gu has a personal interest in this?”
“Of course.”
Yin Shuo smiled, “Your Majesty, think about it. Those old officials in the cabinet, especially that senior minister Chen, as he and Lord Ji from the Imperial Censorate have a senior-junior relationship, while Lord Ji is very friendly with Marquis Gu, thus they would all be on the same side. Once Your Majesty establishes the cabinet and abolishes the prime minister’s position, Marquis Gu can use senior minister Chen and the others to stop Your Majesty from appointing an empress. If Your Majesty wishes to make Princess ZhenJiang the empress, I fear that it would be more difficult.”
With Yu Fu being brought up, Ning ChengZhi immediately straightened his back, “How could that be? We are appointing you as the leader of the cabinet. With you leading the cabinet, how could those officials hinder my decisions?”
Yin Shuo deliberately let out a long sigh, “Your Majesty, even if this subject is the leader, how can one person oppose an entire cabinet? More importantly, this subject is still young, and if I must oppose the older cabinet ministers, would it not cause the other officials to consider this subject disrespectful of my elders and that Your Majesty is not using people properly?”
Ning ChengZhi came to a sudden realization, “You’re right. When We don’t heed the advice of the older officials, they say that We do not respect Our elders. Wouldn’t it be worse for you? How can this be good? We have already announced the establishment of the cabinet and the abolishment of the prime minister’s position in front of all of the officials in court. How can We go back on that now?”
Go back on it?
Yin Shuo sneered internally. Ning ChengZhi had been born into his noble position for nothing. He had absolutely no understanding of how to be an emperor.
In the past, the eldest prince had stood shoulder to shoulder with him and even overpowered him. He had even been afraid and restrained himself. Now that he ascended the throne, he was even more lost on whether to advance or retreat.
“Naturally, going back on your decision cannot be done. This subject does not oppose Your Majesty’s decision to spread out the power among the cabinet, but the cabinet ministers must be Your Majesty’s people and not the late emperor’s people…”
Ning ChengZhi nodded, “We understand. A ruler has their own subjects. We never had much desire to make use of those old officials that were loyal to the late emperor. They are displeased with Us, so it would be better to dismiss them sooner. It’s just that this matter cannot be handled too hastily, or it will be cause for discussion. We will slowly replenish the court with new blood.”
He simply said that he would replenish the court with new blood and did not say that he would allow Yin Shuo to select new court officials. It was clear that he still had some suspicions.
Yin Shuo did not dare push his luck. His best choice for regaining his trust was to retreat. He could cause more trouble for himself and allow Gu HuaiJiang to gain another victory.
He spoke even more respectfully, “Yes, as long as the officials will listen to Your Majesty, this subject will be able to lead the cabinet with peace of mind.”
Ning ChengZhi nodded his head in satisfaction and then turned to Eunuch Chi and said: “Head out of the palace and visit Lord Ji and senior minister Chen for Us. Just say that We wished to personally visit the two, but We are too busy with court affairs to go out. Console the two for Us. While you are at it, see how they are doing and report the truth to Us.”
Eunuch Chi bowed in response, and Ning ChengZhi added: “Right, bring some generous rewards along with you, the more grandiose the better! Let the officials and citizens see that We do respect Our elders. Rather, We are concerned about them, and the rewards and punishments are clear.”
Yin Shuo continued to smile, “Your Majesty is wise.”
Ning ChengZhi said: “We are doing this to ease the minds of the officials and the citizens, and it smooths the way for you to become the leader of the cabinet.”
Yin Shuo cupped his hands, “This subject thanks Your Majesty for your concern.”
Ning ChengZhi finally appeared satisfied, waving to him, “Alright, your legs haven’t healed yet. Go back to your manor and rest.”
“This subject bids farewell.”
The servant entered to push Yin Shuo’s wheelchair when Ning ChengZhi suddenly said: “Wait a moment!”
Yin Shuo froze, and the servant turned his wheelchair around, “Does Your Majesty have any other orders?”
Ning ChengZhi said: “How is DanYang doing in your manor? We seem to have heard that your marriage has not been very harmonious. Is that true?”
Yin Shuo was stunned and wondered if someone had said something in front of Ning ChengZhi.
After thinking for a bit, his expression remained constant, and he replied: “Replying to Your Majesty, Princess DanYang is Your Majesty’s younger sister. Naturally, this subject has been treating her with respect. It’s just that, as a married couple, we have had some disputes. There is a folk saying that all disputes are resolved in bed, and… This subject is just a normal human and could not be perfect in this regard; however, this subject would never dare to disrespect her.”
Ning ChengZhi nodded, “We understand. We also do not wish to concern Ourselves with your marital matters. Just don’t lose face for the imperial family.”
Yin Shuo let out a sigh of relief. Ning ChengZhi’s concern for Princess DanYang was only to keep up appearances.
When has a daughter of the imperial family ever been treated as family? They are just there to improve their standing.
Yin Shuo had expected this, and the corners of his lips slightly curled up, “Yes, this subject will definitely continue to treat princess with respect. After all, she is the noblest girl in Eastern Ling.”
Ning ChengZhi impatiently waved his hand, “We have already said it. The noblest girl in Eastern Ling is Yu Fu. What would DanYang use to compare with her? Even if Yu Fu has not yet become Our empress, she is not someone whom DanYang can compare with.”
Yin Shuo smiled but did not comment.
…
Eunuch Chi brought Ning ChengZhi’s rewards and led a large procession of palace servants and imperial guards out of the palace.
The palace servants were carrying the bright-yellow baskets that were filled with rewards. The sight of the generous rewards was eye-catching, as the citizens passing by gathered around to watch. News very quickly spread to the manors of the various officials in the capital.
Eunuch Chi led the procession to Ji DaoGong’s manor first, and Ji DaoGong was partially laying down in bed and reading a book. Ji XuanXian stayed by his side and heard the sound of footsteps in the distance.
Ji XuanXian stood up and walked out of the room in curiosity, “The master is ill and needs to rest. What is the reason for the commotion outside?”
The Ji manor’s servant rushed over, “Master, the palace has sent a reward over. His Majesty’s personal eunuch, Eunuch Chi, has come!”
Ji XuanXian was stunned and quickly turned back into the room. Ji DaoGong had already heard what the servant had said.
“Father, you have claimed to be ill for so long, and His Majesty has not come to check on you at all. On the contrary, he has taken the opportunity to try and abolish the cabinet. Why would he suddenly decide to establish a cabinet and abolish the prime minister’s position and then send people to reward you?”
Ji DaoGong held a book in his hand and did not move, but he muttered: “It isn’t unusual. The prime minister’s position has been abolished, but the position of leader of the cabinet has not been decided. His Majesty is doing this to calm the people.”
Word had already spread around court that His Majesty planned to appoint Yin Shuo to the position of leader of the cabinet. On that matter, he refused to listen to any recommendations for that position.
Ji DaoGong was confined to his small bed but remained very sensitive to the happenings in court. He had a very clear understanding of the young ruler, Ning ChengZhi.
After he finished speaking, he could not help but laugh; however, this was a self-deprecating laugh.
Ji XuanXian thought for a moment, “Son understands. His Majesty is willing to put in the effort to keep up appearances, so it’s better than being in complete opposition to the officials. When it comes to His Majesty, we cannot ask for too much.”
“That’s right. We can’t ask for too much. We can’t ask for too much…”
Ji DaoGong muttered until he slowly lay down in bed and closed his eyes.
Ji XuanXian let out a sigh and stepped forward to lower the bed curtains. He then walked out to receive the palace servants and the rewards that they carried.
After just taking a few steps, he saw Eunuch Chi leading a mighty procession. The spectacular sight of bright yellow filled his vision, as Ji XuanXian stepped forward and cupped his hands. Eunuch Chi cupped his hands in reply.
After the greetings, Eunuch Chi smiled and said: “My lord, His Majesty heard that Lord Ji was ill and has not recovered in a long time, and he wanted to personally come to make a visit. Who knew that things in court would become so busy? With the establishment of the cabinet and abolishment of the prime minister’s position, there just happened to not be enough time. That’s why His Majesty specially ordered me to bring a generous reward to come and visit. May I ask where my lord is?”
Ji XuanXian cupped his hands toward the sky, “This subject thanks His Majesty on my elderly father’s behalf for the reward. His Majesty’s grace is truly benevolent!”
Following this, he said to Eunuch Chi: “My father is currently resting inside. Eunuch Chi will see upon entering the room. It’s just that…” He looked at the long procession behind Eunuch Chi and frowned.
“My father is ill and needs rest to recover. I invite the envoys to the side hall to have some tea to avoid disturbing my father.”
Eunuch Chi quickly said: “Naturally, naturally, I will follow my lord inside. You can all go!”
The palace servants and imperial guards retreated to the courtyard, while Ji XuanXian led Eunuch Chi inside. Lifting a corner of the bed curtain, Eunuch Chi stared at Ji DaoGong’s face.
The people who led the court all had keen eyes, and they were all exceptionally clever. Eunuch Chi, as someone who was exceptionally clever, looked on with even more scrutiny.
Ji XuanXian was secretly concerned. In truth, Ji DaoGong was not very ill. Would it be seen through by Eunuch Chi?
Eunuch Chi observed for a long time, while Ji XuanXian lowered the curtain while pretending to be calm. Only then did he reluctantly raise his head.
“My lord, what illness is plaguing Lord Ji?”
Ji XuanXian raised his hand and quietly said: “Let us speak in the outer room.”
The two walked out of the inner room, and Ji XuanXian let out a long sigh, “Eunuch might not know this, but it’s very rare for someone to reach their seventies. What illness is it? If you were to ask what the illness is, I could not even provide an answer!”
Saying this, he opened a drawer in the desk and pulled out a stack of prescriptions, “Take a look. These are all prescriptions for father written by the imperial physicians. Some say that he has caught a cold, while some others say that he is afflicted by an unquenchable thirst, and there are even some who say that his body is too old and frail. Look!”
Eunuch Chi received the prescriptions and took a look. Sure enough, there were all manners of prescriptions, and there were enough to cause confusion.
He quietly thought to himself that while Ji DaoGong’s eyes were closed earlier, it was unclear if he was sleeping or unconscious; furthermore, his complexion was not too good, and his breathing was very weak.
How healthy could a person in their seventies be?
There were signs of him being frail, and no matter how much he scrutinized, he had been worried about how he should answer once he returned to the palace.
Now that he had seen some prescriptions, he found it a little easier to explain.
Eunuch Chi lowered his voice, “Why else would it be said that the seventies are a rare age?* Lord Ji is the oldest official in court. Since this is the case, we won’t continue to bother you. When Lord Ji wakes up, I ask that my lord passes along His Majesty’s well wishes.”
Ji XuanXian cupped his hands and said, “Of course, that must be done. I will see Eunuch Chi out. This way-”
…
“Many thanks to His Majesty for his kindness. This old subject’s illness is nothing serious. When the court is unsealed, this old subject will likely be able to attend court. Eunuch Chi, please pass this along to His Majesty and tell His Majesty not to worry.”
Eunuch Chi arrived at the Chen manor, and Chen GeLao’s reaction was different from Ji DaoGong’s reaction. His complexion was a little pale, but he seemed to be in good spirits. He even vowed that he would quickly be able to return to court.
Eunuch Chi thought to himself that if you return to court, that will be when His Majesty starts worrying.
Of course, he could not say such a thing. He just smiled and said: “His Majesty is concerned about senior minister Chen and specifically tasked this servant with coming to visit senior minister. Since senior minister is recovering well, His Majesty will be able to be at ease. Senior minister, please recover well and do not let down His Majesty’s imperial benevolence.”
Chen GeLao sat on the bed and did his best to raise his hand, “Come and bring some tea. Eunuch Chi, please have a seat.”
Eunuch Chi was about to refuse when Chen ChuXiu walked in and said with a smile: “Father has become muddled from his illness. Eunuch Chi received a decree and has work to do. How could he have time to idly sit around here? You are still sick. Are you not worried about passing your illness to Eunuch Chi?”
Eunuch Chi knew that this was Chen GeLao’s only son, and he quickly stood up to greet him, “Young sir Chen is exaggerating, but this servant is indeed in a hurry to return to report to His Majesty and cannot accompany senior minister for too long. Young sir must take good care of senior minister.”
Chen ChuXiu faintly smiled, “Of course.”
*TN: This is a pun on the term for a person in their seventies.
