Sui Heng pondered for a moment and said, “This matter is indeed a bit difficult to handle, but as the saying goes, there is no difficult thing in the world. As long as we have the heart to do it, we will be able to think of a solution.”
“Just, what does this Senior Brother of yours think, do you know?”
Jiang Yun did not answer immediately but asked, “Have you ever heard of the Discussion Forum?”
Sui Heng vaguely felt that the name sounded a bit familiar, and after a moment of thought, his eyebrows twitched. “Do you mean that Discussion Forum, which gathers many underprivileged scholars who enjoy discussing national affairs all day? Gu has heard that the scholars there often jointly write letters to the court regarding the national policies proposed by the court. Although there are some extremist views, to some extent, they are also supervising the court and officials in their political work.”
Jiang Yun nodded.
“What does this have to do with this Senior Brother of yours?”
Jiang Yun said, “The Left Prime Minister’s disciples are strictly prohibited from participating in gatherings related to national and political affairs. However, as far as I know, my Senior Brother often goes to the Discussion Forum to listen to the scholars discussing the current affairs of the world and sometimes even uses pseudonyms to participate in debates. His articles on agriculture and construction, which he wrote, use detailed legal provisions and make a detailed analysis and comparison of the situation in various countries. Some of the items may not even be answered immediately by you and me. Do you remember that around the middle of this year, the scholars of the Discussion Forum jointly submitted a proposal on land reclamation orders?”
Sui Heng nodded.
During this year, Sui Heng has been in charge of implementing the land reclamation order within the territory of Sui and naturally had an impression of that matter. “Gu remembers that many of the strategies proposed in it were very suitable for the situation in the Sui Empire. That proposal was also praised by your harsh and picky Master, our Left Prime Minister. It’s only one sentence, but it’s worth a thousand words.”
Jiang Yun said that’s right.
And he asked, “Then do you know who really drafted that proposal?”
Sui Heng immediately understood.
“It’s Zhao Yan.”
Jiang Yun: “That’s right.”
At that time, that proposal was brought directly to the morning court, circulated among all the civil and military officials in the court, and Sui Heng also carefully read it. Looking at Zhao Yan, who was still patiently communicating with the farmers in the fields, he was really impressed by this elder disciple of the Left Prime Minister.
Sui Heng also understood that Zhao Yan was not without a desire to enter politics, but rather because he had the status of a senior disciple of the Left Prime Minister, he was destined to have no connection with political career throughout his life. Therefore, he indirectly participated in court politics through this form. Even if the proposal was praised by his respected master, he also dares not reveal the truth.
Jiang Yun said, “I think it’s a pity.”
“It’s a pity. Talent is easy to obtain, but it’s hard to find a good official who cares about the people and is willing to personally guide them in farming on this land. After some thought, Gu still thinks it’s better to let Emperor Father issue an order to facilitate this matter. Even if our Left Prime Minister is stubborn, he shouldn’t directly refute and make Emperor Father lose face.”
Jiang Yun said, “Perhaps this can temporarily solve the current situation, but it cannot solve the fundamental problem. There’s no difference between asking your Emperor Father to issue a decree and asking you to do it directly. Moreover, with my Senior Brother’s temperament, he wouldn’t go against the rules of the division for his own selfishness.”
“What you meant is?”
Sui Heng didn’t know what came to his mind and suddenly laughed.
Jiang Yun turned his head to look at him.
“Why are you laughing?”
Sui Heng folded his arm and said, “I was thinking, I almost got fooled by you again. In this world, if there really is someone who can take down our lonely and honest Left Prime Minister, it must be you, the Left Prime Minister’s personal disciple. You actually have an idea in mind, don’t you? Say it, what do you need Gu to do? Gu will fully cooperate with you.”
Jiang Yun’s eyes curved, and he also didn’t deliberately hide it.
“I have some ideas, but I cannot guarantee success either.”
“And I do need you to sponsor something.”
Sui Heng: “What is it?”
“A stack of the cheapest white linen paper and the most precious Zihao brush.”
Sui Heng didn’t quite understand.
“Why do you need these two?”
Jiang Yun said, “I can’t tell you yet. Your Highness has great abilities. Before we return to our mansion, you should be able to find them for me.”
“Don’t worry, even if Gu doesn’t eat or drink, Gu will have to find the things for you.”
Sui Heng called Shi Fang over and gave him the two orders. Shi Fang accepted the orders and retreated.
At this moment, the people gathered in the fields gradually dispersed, following the method demonstrated by Zhao Yan to remedy their respective crops. Zhao Yan looked up and saw Sui Heng and Jiang Yun, showing an unexpected expression. He immediately wiped his hands and saluted both of them.
He’s quick-witted and good at socializing, and he and Jiang Yun have the fellow apprenticeship too, so he was not constrained when facing the two noble Crown Princes.
“Why did the two Crown Princes come?”
Zhao Yan was truly feeling a bit surprised.
Sui Heng no longer kept a secret and directly indicated their intention for coming.
Zhao Yan showed a flattered expression and said, “This… is not suitable. The humble is inexperienced. How can the humble shoulder such a heavy responsibility? If Xiao Huangsun was midled, it would be an unforgivable sin.”
“And, Junior Brother, you can’t harm me.”
Zhao Yan frantically winked at Jiang Yun.
Jiang Yun solemnly said, “I know what Senior Brother is worried about. If I can persuade Master to agree to this matter, would Senior Brother be willing to consent to teach Ah Nuo?”
Zhao Yan’s gaze at Jiang Yun has changed from looking at his junior apprentice to looking at a little madman.
He cleared his throat and said, “Your intentions, Senior Brother clearly understood. But you were initiated late, so you may not be too familiar with the rules of our division and the temperament of our Master. Any disciple under the Left Prime Minister, once involved in an official career, is equivalent to severing ties with Master.”
“If there were no division rules to dominate, how would Senior Brother make a decision?”
Zhao Yan was taken aback.
Then he continued to haha and said, “Junior brother, what you’re saying, isn’t that the same as not saying it?”
Jiang Yun shook his head and said, “I have read Senior Brother’s strategy theories and also read Senior Brother’s proposal. I know Senior Brother has passionate blood and a heart for serving the country. I want to know Senior Brother’s true thoughts.”
The young Crown Prince’s pure black eyes possess the power to cleanse the heart.
Zhao Yan looked into the depths of his dark eyes, his reflection, and even further away, the vast land and the farmers who worked hard on it. He restrained his expression and smiled slightly, saying, “I dare not forget to worry about my country in my lowly position.”
“If there is really a chance… Yan, will bow down and do his best.”
But after finishing speaking, Zhao Yan sighed and said, “I joined Master when I was 11 years old, and he’s been my father as well as my master. All of my achievements and fame today were learned from the Left Prime Minister Mansion, all taught by Master. I will not violate the division rules. Moreover, being idle and independent while studying in the Left Prime Minister Mansion is a life that many scholars envy. I am not unsatisfied.”
“Junior Brother, I appreciate your kindness.”
“But this matter can never be done.”
“Also, regarding the proposal, I hope Junior Brother can help me keep it confidential and never inform Master.”
Jiang Yun solemnly said, “Senior Brother, rest assured, I will never disclose any of this matter.”
Sui Heng was more and more curious, if even this matter is hidden from the public, how does Jiang Yun intend to convince Jimo Qingyu?
Returning to the Crown Prince’s mansion, Shi Fang followed Sui Heng’s instructions and immediately delivered the paper and brush. Jiang Yun sat behind the long table, spread out the paper and ink, picked up the brush, and wrote. The fiery dragon was burning fiercely in the room, it would not make him feel cold even if he only wore a spring robe. Therefore, Jiang Yun directly took off his cloak and long coat and changed into a green wide-sleeved robe. His black hair was still tied in a strand with a headband, hanging behind his shoulders. It is rare for Sui Heng to see Jiang Yun writing so seriously, so he sat aside and focused on appreciating without bothering him.
During this period, Empress Yan personally escorted Xiao Jiang Nuo back.
Although he regrets not being able to spend New Year’s Eve with his two fathers, the little boy is clever and cunning and is very good at pleasing Empress Yan. Although he only stayed in the palace for one night, he still made Empress Yan, his Imperial Grandmother, unable to keep her mouth shut. Empress Yan dressed the little dumpling up in a brand new outfit, not only changing into a brand new robe but also hanging a golden longevity lock around the little dumpling’s neck.
Sui Heng looked at the half carriages that the palace attendants were unloading one after another and asked in great confusion, “Empress Mother, what are you doing? Does Empress Mother want to live in Erchen’s Crown Prince’s mansion? There is no room in Erchen’s mansion.”
Empress Yan gave him a blank stare.
“These things are all for Bengong’s obedient grandson. The names and usage have been put on the list. Keep an eye on it. Don’t make a mistake, and don’t keep it to yourself. These are all carefully selected by Bengong from various departments. They were almost stolen by Lan Xinru.”
Sui Heng has already gotten used to the fact that since his Empress Mother had her grandson, she no longer has him as her son in her eyes anymore and nodded to say he understood.
At the back, two palace attendants carried a quite large foot basin into the mansion. Sui Heng frowned and asked, “What is this thing again?”
Empress Yan quietly pulled him aside and said, “This is for your wife to use.”
Sui Heng looked at Empress Yan with dissatisfied eyes.
“Empress Mother, aren’t you stretching your hand a little too far?”
Empress Yan slapped him and said, “Tell Bengong honestly, Bengong will have a new grandson again?”
Sui Heng frowned again.
“You’ve planted someone in Gu’s Crown Prince’s mansion?”
“Who cares? You regard Bengong as a fool? The entire Imperial Medical and Imperial Kitchen have been messed up by you, if Bengong can’t guess it, Bengong’s brain must be kicked by a donkey. Such a big thing, why didn’t you say it earlier?”
Sui Heng: “Isn’t it because I’m afraid you’ll cause trouble?”
“You bastard… alright, Bengong won’t talk to you anymore. In such matters, Bengong has more experience than you. Although it’s a happy occasion, but the person is the most important thing. Men’s childbirth is not as good as women’s, you must take careful care of everything. Otherwise, they will think that our Great Sui’s royal family has no human feelings.”
Although she knows that her son is more protective of food and the person than a wolf cub, and that she doesn’t need to give much advice when it comes to taking care of the person. But Empress Yan still can’t help but say a few more words.
“He is also a noble Crown Prince. If he can do this for you, your old Sui family should really burn incense in ancestral graves. If you dare to show any negligence, Bengong will be the first not to spare you. See that foot basin? You follow the recipe and help him soak his feet in warm water every night before going to bed, be more considerate.”
These things naturally did not require Empress Yan’s special instructions, but the material of the tripod looked good, stronger than what was currently in his mansion, so Sui Heng gladly accepted it.
Empress Yan instructed on some matters before leaving with peace of mind.
So, the onlookers in the study changed from one to two, one big and one small.
Xiao Jiang Nuo was satisfied with the New Year’s money and gifts prepared by his two fathers.
“What is Father writing?”
The little dumpling sat in Sui Heng’s arm, curiously asking.
Sui Heng said, “Your Father has chosen a good master for you. Now, he is thinking of a way to help you invite him over.”
The little dumpling tilted his head for a moment and said, “I have money.”
Sui Heng didn’t expect the little boy to be so cunning. He raised his eyebrows and said, “Not everything in this world can be done with money. You’ll understand later.”
