Thank you to Nora7 for the ko-fi~ ♡⸜(˶˃ ᵕ ˂˶)⸝♡
Wang Pu knelt by the desk, his brows furrowed. Continuing like this, it’s not appropriate…
As a loyal minister who advised the new emperor, Wang Pu naturally rose to a high position after the emperor’s enthronement, becoming the Grand Master of the Imperial Censors. The position of Grand Master of the Imperial Censors was one of the three highest officials, even though in this dynasty, it didn’t compare to the Han Dynasty, where a separate Imperial Censorate was established. Nevertheless, this position was still prestigious, untainted by mundane affairs. It focused solely on handling reports of misconduct and overseeing the actions of officials.
Being entrusted with such a significant role moved Wang Pu, an old man who had lived in seclusion for half of his life. He also harbored the spirit of a loyal subject. Therefore, even though the emperor appointed many aristocrats to the Imperial Censorate, Wang Pu never uttered a word of objection. His sole dedication was to faithfully serve his duty and alleviate the emperor’s worries.
The present emperor, though not born into prominence, possesses outstanding talent, keen wit, and a broad-minded outlook. He values virtuous ministers, emphasizes capability, dislikes flattery, and is open to constructive criticism. Truly, he is a rare enlightened ruler. The more Wang Pu interacts with him day by day, the more he feels grateful. If only the previous dynasty had such a monarch, why would the people be scattered, and the country face decline?
However, among countless virtues, there is one thing that troubles him deeply—the emperor has never shown any intention of establishing an heir.
Not only is there no empress by his side, but the current palace seems incredibly lonely. There isn’t even a warm bed companion beside the emperor! Despite having designated an heir, relying solely on the crown prince for succession is unsettling. Moreover, imperial matters are closely linked to the court. Even if the emperor doesn’t wish to establish an heir, selecting a consort alone could win the support of many influential families.
Unfortunately, the emperor has no such intention. Initially, upon ascending the throne, he mentioned missing the late empress and expressed a desire to delay remarriage. However, a year has passed, and no officials’ daughters have been chosen to join the palace, indicating a lack of interest in expanding the harem. This situation makes people uneasy. Ignoring the stability of the political situation through marriages, just ensuring the continuity of the royal line—what if something happens to the crown prince?
There’s also a perplexing rumor that adds to the uncertainty. The emperor seems to have some unclear connection with General Yi, the commander of the cavalry. Although Yiyan is of foreign descent, originating from a hidden residence, he is a servant of the emperor’s household, rumored to have received personal teachings from the emperor. Moreover, he is not ambitious and shows no interest in forming connections with civilian officials, fitting the description of a solitary loyalist. Even Wang Pu, an esteemed minister, would commend such a military leader.
However, trust is not an issue, but excessive favoritism poses a great obstacle! On the day of the emperor’s enthronement, Yiyan stayed overnight in the palace, claiming to guard the inner court. Later on, he frequently entered and exited the harem. Just now, he returned victorious and went to the palace again. How can he still maintain the appearance of an external minister?!
If it is truly because of this foreigner that His Majesty is unwilling to remarry, regardless of his achievements, it would be a disaster! Moreover, Yiyan is a fierce general who commands troops. If he can influence the emperor’s thoughts, then who is the Great Zhao? There are two suns in the sky, but that is not an auspicious sign. In any case, I must advise His Majesty again and make him prioritize state affairs!
Now that the emperor has been on the throne for a year, his power has increased. Offering blunt advice might attract trouble. However, a loyal minister should have the backbone to give advice! Serving the monarch faithfully and contributing to the country have always been his lifelong aspirations!
Having made up his mind, Wang Pu took the memorial, and with flowing strokes of his pen, he began writing.
※
This sleep was truly comfortable.
Liang Feng lazily opened his eyes and yawned. With ongoing conflicts between You County and Yu County and a bunch of troublesome political matters to handle, he hadn’t slept so soundly in a long time. Engaging in activities on the bed was indeed the best way to relieve stress, no wonder emperors obsessed with harem life appeared throughout history.
Leaning back, he unexpectedly nestled into a warm embrace. The imperial bed was undoubtedly king-size, sufficient for five or six people to sleep together. However, someone insisted on sleeping close, which was bearable in winter but intolerable in summer!
But now, he was quite enjoying it. He moved a bit, making himself lie more comfortably.
A hand circled his waist as if counting the ribs, slowly gliding over. A sigh came from behind, “Lord, you’ve slimmed down again…”
Liang Feng coughed, “It’s summer, I have to stay a bit lean.”
These words didn’t carry much convincing power. When Yiyan set out for the expedition, summer was almost over. Nevertheless, no one dared to challenge these golden words. Yiyan just shook his head and advised, “Winter is approaching soon, my lord should take good care of yourself, don’t overexert.”
“Staying in the palace every day, what is there to overexert?” Liang Feng frowned, unable to hold back, he continued, “Especially in Yu County, someone is always dissatisfied. Send proper official documents, and they all find excuses to resist, complaining endlessly. If we can implement twenty percent of the decrees, that would be good enough. They are just parasites enriching themselves! And those who gather in fortified villages, resorting to all sorts of tricks, even daring to plot within the Six Ministries, aren’t they afraid of me taking a tough stance…”
After holding it in for so long, Liang Feng unleashed a rant, unable to stop his mouth. Luckily, the person next to him was a very reliable sounding board, never meddling in political matters, and there was no fear of spreading forbidden palace conversations.
After the vent, the early good mood was ruined. Liang Feng sighed, “No matter how we reform, it’s just one family replacing another…”
Cleaning up the aristocracy? The current aristocrats also rose to power through official positions. Promoting those from humble origins, after two or three generations, wouldn’t they become influential families again? Who doesn’t have personal interests? Over 1,700 years later, it’s still about passing down family businesses and forming interest groups. No matter how loyal and patriotic one is, it doesn’t compare to the importance of one’s descendants.
This talk sounded quite pessimistic. Yiyan hesitated for a moment, holding the person in his arms tighter, “Building the nation, it’s not for them.”
Without proposing chaotic ideas or subtly influencing bedtime discussions, Yiyan stated it straightforwardly. Liang Feng was momentarily surprised, and a smile appeared on his lips, “You’re right.”
He worked hard to establish this country. Was it for power? Was it for redistributing benefits? Neither. He just wanted those humble people, like ants, to live with more security and dignity. This goal was bound to infringe on the interests of those who fed on blood and flesh. Nevertheless, someone had to remove the shackles from the common people, inspire their potential, and slightly alter the fate of this country. He didn’t know if he could succeed, but giving his all to create a window, wasn’t that a meaningful endeavor?
Turning over, Liang Feng raised his hand, gripping Yiyan’s chin, “Lord Yiyan is truly the flower that explains my thoughts.”
“To share Your Majesty’s worries is the duty of a subject,” Yiyan smiled and kissed him.
The warm fragrance lingered, and their necks entwined. If it weren’t for the early court session later, Liang Feng would have wanted to stay in bed for another day. After reluctantly separating, he stretched lazily, “Let’s have breakfast together.”
However, Yiyan shook his head, “The court session is about to begin, and I need to rush out of the palace.”
Liang Feng raised an eyebrow, knowing he wanted to avoid suspicion. Spending the night in the Forbidden City was acceptable, but heading directly to the court from the inner court without exiting the palace gates in the early morning would be too blatant.
Unable to detain him, Liang Feng lay back on the bed, watching Yiyan get dressed. The current official attire still leaned towards loose-fitting styles, and luckily, Yiyan’s tall stature carried it well, adding a touch of elegance. Perhaps there could be an opportunity to improve the military ceremonial dress? If they could switch to modern military or police uniforms, it would be even more appealing.
After indulging in various fantasies, Liang Feng let Yiyan out of the palace. He got up, freshened up, had breakfast, and then it was time for work… um, time for the court session.
Wearing his usual attire, he walked into the court amid the sound of drums and music. Having just pacified You County, there was plenty of follow-up work. Besides, he needed to use this as an opportunity to open an examination to select talents to fill the newly annexed provinces and counties. Since many officials attended this court session, there were also several new military commanders.
The courtiers took their designated seats, and the routine meeting began. Those with matters reported, while others maintained a stern expression, demonstrating their serious work attitude. After a great victory, there would undoubtedly be praises and commendations, but Liang Feng wasn’t particularly concerned about them. He could attend the meeting after having his meal, but the officials below couldn’t. It was best to keep the unnecessary talk short and not delay everyone’s working lunch.
With this attitude, the court session proceeded relatively smoothly. Seeing that all matters were nearly arranged, Liang Feng was about to announce the adjournment when unexpectedly, Wang Pu stepped forward abruptly. The Imperial Censorate didn’t have many affairs currently, mostly involving various noble families pulling each other’s hair and engaging in verbal sparring. This old gentleman seldom showed up unless there was a significant matter at hand. Liang Feng immediately focused, preparing himself for the bad news. However, as soon as Wang Pu spoke, he felt uneasy.
“The emperor prioritizes the family to govern the country. If the family matters are unsettled, how can the country be secure? The ‘Book of Rites’ says…” Wang Pu’s scholarly knowledge left no room for criticism. He eloquently wrote a memorial, citing classical texts and displaying literary flair. The central idea was straightforward—hurry up and get married! Not just establishing an empress, but ideally completing the three palaces and six houses, ensuring the peace of the courtiers!
It had been some time since the courtiers last urged the emperor to marry. There were excuses before, claiming that the world was in turmoil. Now that You County was pacified, and a significant threat was dealt with, shouldn’t this matter be prioritized?
In the court, the expressions of the courtiers suddenly became diverse. Chi Jian nodded slightly, showing approval. Duan Qin furrowed his brows slightly, seemingly concerned. Only Zhang Bin, the Minister of the Central Secretariat, sat still, observing with a calm demeanor, resembling an old monk in meditation.
Once Wang Pu finished reading the memorial, others from the Imperial Censorate couldn’t sit still and joined in support, creating a cacophony of voices.
Yiyan clenched his hands, gripping the tablet tightly. How could he not understand the thoughts of the courtiers? The emperor’s harem was empty, and the heir was thin. It was not a trivial matter. If it were someone else, maybe he would also speak up. However, the lord was not someone else!
He couldn’t bear it, truly couldn’t. But using this desire to delay state affairs and harm the lord’s foundation was something he absolutely didn’t want to see. Monopolizing the emperor and causing chaos in the palace was enough for him to die a hundred times over. He had already had a year; perhaps he should take a step back…
His mind was in chaos. Yiyan didn’t raise his head, just stared at the tablet in his hand, seemingly trying to squeeze everything out of his mind. At this moment, a voice echoed from the imperial steps.
“Lord, you are wholeheartedly devoted to the country, and I deeply appreciate it. However, this matter requires careful consideration…”
“Your Majesty!” Wang Pu was unwilling to let the emperor dismiss it so easily, stepping forward involuntarily, intending to advise once more.
Unexpectedly, the person on the throne waved his hand, stopping Wang Pu’s words. Taking a deep breath, as if struggling for a moment, he finally uttered, “This sovereign has an ailment that hinders the production of an heir. This matter will be discussed later.”
As soon as these words were spoken, the entire court fell silent. Wang Pu was left speechless, frozen in his spot. What did he just hear? The emperor confessed to having an ailment?!
This was a palace secret! Even though Wang Pu was nearing seventy, he knew better than to talk casually about issues regarding a man’s “capabilities.” He had actually forced the emperor to reveal such a thing? It was practically slapping the monarch’s face with a tablet!
Others had even more thoughts on the matter. Hindered from producing an heir? Wasn’t that essentially implying potential harm to the emperor’s life? When marrying a daughter into the palace, the primary goal was to bear imperial heirs. If there was a chance to gain favor and benefits for the family by having a child, that would be even better. However, an emperor with such a condition was a different story. Setting aside the inability to bear children and the wasting of time, if it stirred up resentment, it would be a loss outweighing the gains. Every aristocratic family cherished their daughters; it was a waste to bring them in for nothing!
It seemed there was little hope in pressuring the emperor further. Perhaps efforts could be redirected towards the Crown Prince? The Crown Prince was already fifteen years old; it was time for him to marry…
Regardless of what the courtiers below were thinking, the emperor, seeming somewhat uneasy, waved his robe sleeves and announced the end of the court session. The Imperial Censorate officials who had come forward were all disgruntled, their faces showing frustration and resentment. Others had various thoughts but were more eager to spread this shocking secret privately. Who had the time to pay attention to the old man still frozen in the hall?
Only Zhang Bin walked over to Wang Pu, patted his robe gently, and offered some words of comfort. Perhaps fearing that the other might collapse due to a heart condition. Duan Qin sighed, stood up, and cast his gaze across the row of military commanders on the opposite side. Well, the emperor was wise; this “minor ailment” would pass. Wasn’t there still the Crown Prince?
As everyone hurried to leave, the court seemed somewhat chaotic. However, there was one place remarkably quiet. The tablet in Yiyan’s hand had already fallen to the ground. He stared for a while, then suddenly raised his hand, using his large sleeve to cover his eyes. The resolute figure, reminiscent of a pine or a spear, trembled ever so slightly.
