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墨書 Inktalez
Chapter 92: Prefect
Due to the unsatisfactory offerings presented by Yang Lihua, the Emperor did not pay much attention and did not bring anyone into the palace. Coincidentally, Li Jian Cheng had offered more than a dozen Western Harem Dancers, and Yang Guang quickly forgot about the matter entirely.
After waiting for some time, Yang Lihua assumed that the Emperor simply did not find her suitable. She began to contemplate how to deal with this woman, especially since she was a widow with only one daughter; it was unlikely that she would be granted to a son-in-law.
The steward of the Princess Mansion, who had once received favors from Li Jian Cheng, advised, "This woman is exceptionally beautiful. If she cannot serve the Emperor, it would be a waste of her talents. Since His Majesty does not want her, why not offer her to King Qi?"
Yang Lihua felt uneasy about this suggestion, but the steward continued to persuade her: "The only adult prince under His Majesty is King Qi; the Crown Princes are still too young and cannot inherit Great Unity. You must consider the future of the Princess."
Thinking that the Emperor would likely forget about this matter altogether, Yang Lihua was eventually swayed and decided to send the woman to her nephew. King Qi was already in the process of gathering beautiful women and accepted her without hesitation.
A few days later, Li Jian Cheng instructed Wang Yi to remind the Emperor about how much effort and money had been spent to bring Princess Le Ping from Jiangnan.
At that moment, the Emperor was growing tired of dancers. Out of curiosity, he ordered Yang Lihua to send the woman in. However, she could not deliver her as planned, and knowing she could not deceive the Emperor, she had no choice but to enter the palace herself to explain the situation.
Was Yang Guang a reasonable person?
Clearly not. After dismissing the Eunuchs and Palace Maids, he angrily berated Yang Lihua. This woman, who had lost her husband to her father’s ambitions for the nation, was now being humiliated by her brother at such an old age.
But what could she do in front of the Emperor?
All she could do was bow and plead for forgiveness. Yang Guang did not lack for beautiful women; what infuriated him was that regardless of whether he wanted her or not, since that woman had already declared she would be offered to him, it became an obligation. To pass her on to someone else would be a blow to his dignity!
After cursing Yang Lihua, Yang Guang's disdain for King Qi surged as well. Yet he struggled to calm his anger; having so few heirs made him feel particularly frustrated.
"I have only one son who has reached adulthood. Otherwise, I shall unleash my wrath upon the court to uphold the national constitution!"
For the sake of a beautiful woman, the Emperor actually contemplated killing his own offspring. Yang Lihua felt a surge of terror and did not dare to lift her head.
Yang Guangping, regaining his composure, said, "What I just mentioned must not be spoken of outside, Sister!"
"Understood!"
...
Li Jian Cheng casually made a move in the game and then turned his attention away from King Qi's affairs. Given the Emperor's temperament, that alone was enough for him to harbor resentment for a lifetime. For King Qi to turn things around would be as difficult as reaching the heavens.
Moreover, based on King Qi's nature, it wouldn't be long before more and more mistakes would be seized upon, leading him to become nothing more than a mere decoration, anxiously awaiting the Emperor's demise.
This was not merely due to King Qi's actions; it was primarily because of the Emperor's disdain and fear towards adult princes.
Li Jian Cheng was now more focused on preparing for his own external assignments. Serving the Emperor was like accompanying a tiger; he could no longer remain by Yang Guang's side. One misstep could lead to total loss.
Fortunately, after Xiao Cong made his move, several other influential ministers also supported him, and at that moment, no one was competing with Li Jian Cheng for the hot seat of Zhuojun Prefect.
Thus, it went rather smoothly. Zhuojun currently governed nine counties and could be considered a Medium State. The Prefect of the central region held a fourth-rank official title, which Li Jian Cheng fully qualified for; it only remained for the Emperor to express his will.
A few days later, the Emperor summoned Li Jian Cheng for an audience. After respectfully greeting him, the Emperor suddenly asked, "Did you not say back then that you wished to lead troops into battle to restore your family's honor through military merit? Why do you now wish to take up a local position?"
Li Jian Cheng spoke with a hint of melancholy, "In my youth, I was naive and thought that as long as I practiced diligently in horsemanship and archery, I could lead elite cavalry like the Champion Marquis and be invincible on the battlefield.
However, as I grew older and received Your Majesty's grace, accompanying the army on campaigns and witnessing the prowess of several great generals of the Sui Dynasty, I increasingly realized that I lack the talent to command troops.
It is important for a person to know themselves. Since I possess neither virtue nor capability, how could I dare to mislead the nation and its people, thereby failing to live up to Your Majesty's trust? After much contemplation, I have decided to go to Zhuojun.
I will prepare provisions and train soldiers for Your Majesty's future campaign against Goguryeo, in order to repay Your Majesty for the immense Imperial Favor you have bestowed upon me over the years!"
Yang Guang listened and smiled with satisfaction, "If all courtiers had your sincere heart, I would have nothing to worry about."
"I am unworthy and lack the virtues of gentlemen; all that remains is my loyalty entrusted to Your Majesty."
Seeing Li Jian Cheng's earnestness, Yang Guang couldn't help but recall how over the years, Li Jian Cheng had fulfilled every command he received with utmost dedication, never complaining, only being accommodating.
Thus, he stood up and walked over to him. Just like in the past, he placed his hand on his shoulder and said, "Jian Cheng, you are a good child. Uncle has never forgotten the promise made to you back then."
Li Jian Cheng was moved and replied, "Your Majesty... Uncle has long since fulfilled it. In my earlier days, I was in such a situation where the predecessor emperor despised relatives and mocked me. Alone and desolate, I could only rely on myself. Now that I hold a high position and am renowned in this time, can it be attributed to my own talents?
Not at all; it is all due to Your Majesty's great virtue!
I have never forgotten a single day. Therefore, when entrusted with duties, I have never dared to be negligent. I only hope to be of assistance and repay Your Majesty even slightly. Unfortunately, my talents are insufficient and do not match my reputation; I am unable to help Your Majesty subdue Goguryeo and capture its king."
From the late years of Kaihuang, through the Ren Shou struggle for succession and the Suppression of Rebellion, to the fourth year of the Great Undertaking, Li Jian Cheng's consistent words and actions over nearly a decade, along with his loyal service for more than a year and a half, finally convinced Yang Guang of his loyalty.
"Very well, Uncle, as you wish, I appoint you as Zhuojun Prefect and also make you the Zhuo Commandant."
This was indeed an unexpected joy. Previously, wherever there were stationed troops, it was always the Inspector who held military titles to command them. However, after last year's reforms in the court, local garrisons were assigned a Deputy Commander and an Assistant Deputy Commander to lead them. The Deputy Commander held a rank of Fourth Grade, separating military leadership from local officials.
Li Jian Cheng wiped away his tears and said, "I will not disappoint Your Majesty!"
Yang Guang patted him on the shoulder and said, "Alright, no need for such childish behavior. I will entrust you with important responsibilities in the future; this Zhuojun is merely an opportunity for you to experience local governance and understand the people's lives."
"Moreover, your top priority is to quickly extend your lineage, but you must first have a legitimate son with your primary wife. Otherwise, if Queen gets angry, I won't be able to help you."
There was indeed some genuine sentiment from Yang Guang as an uncle in this statement. Unfortunately, such tenderness from the emperor required him to expend the affection he had accumulated over these years. Once used up this time, it would be considered exhausted; Yang Guang's cold-heartedness was beyond any doubt.
Li Jian Cheng wiped his tears and shyly replied, "My marriage is a gift from Your Majesty and Her Highness; how could I dare to neglect it? Besides, I get along very well with Xiao Chanyan and would not dare to seek anything else."
"Haha, that's good! A young couple in love is never in doubt; I was just like that with Queen back in the day."
…………
(End of Chapter)
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