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Chapter 175: The Supreme
The Xiao Family is quite low-key. Even though they are a prominent clan with influential members, they remain discreet. Currently, the emperor has only three sons, two of whom are from Empress Xiao, while the youngest is from Consort Xiao.
It would be unrealistic to say that there are no issues at all. The emperor is not a person of pure heart and mind, and although there have been many imperial daughters over the years, all the princes are indeed born of the Xiao ladies.
This means that if the Sui Dynasty continues its legacy, the Xiao Family will inevitably transition from a collateral branch to the emperor's maternal family.
Although the Xiao Family has fallen from power, their internal structure remains intact. The court officials have integrated into the Sui Dynasty, scattered across various southern prefectures. The last emperor of the Liang Dynasty, Xiao Cong, was not a foolish or tyrannical ruler; thus, the influence of the Xiao Family on them remains significant.
The Li Family is a core family of Guanlong, with their power concentrated in the north. They lack influence in the south, so if they have the full support of the Xiao Family, it can be said without hesitation that there is already a fifty percent chance that the National Treasure will belong to the Li Family.
This is an unprecedented opportunity for a family to establish their legacy; having a fifty percent certainty is almost unimaginable. This is why Li Yan made such a heavy promise.
Moreover, the Xiao Family was originally married into his family through proper channels and formal ceremonies, making it only natural for them to be honored as matriarchs.
Xiao Cong sensed Li Yan's sincerity but considered his daughter and grandson’s future. He couldn't afford to offend him. After pondering for a moment, he finally asked the crucial question: "Do you wish to ascend to the throne?"
In any family or dynasty, there must be someone who makes the final decision. If there are multiple contenders, internal strife is inevitable.
Li Yan is only fifty years old and still in his prime. Unless something unexpected happens and he genuinely desires to take the throne, he could potentially rule for at least another decade or more. A decade brings too many variables.
Xiao Cong himself had been a crown prince and an emperor; he understood well that once in such a position, familial bonds often struggle against power struggles, and naturally, the crown prince is at a disadvantage compared to the emperor.
Li Yan certainly thinks about it; no one wishes to be anything less than an emperor. Thus, he did not immediately agree. Xiao Cong did not rush or threaten him either; after all, their families were effectively related by marriage and there were no better options available.
But in this matter, there was a natural contradiction. Xiao Cong was concerned about whether his daughter could become Queen and whether his grandson could inherit the throne. All of this depended on Li Jian Cheng, which made Li Yan the biggest variable.
Throughout history, how many Legitimate Eldest Sons have successfully inherited the throne? This had little to do with their abilities; in fact, the more outstanding they were, the more likely they were to be suppressed by the emperor.
The two sat across from each other and drank a cup of tea. Li Yan sighed and said, "What was it like for Xiao Gong to be forced to abdicate back then?"
"It was certainly unbearable, but for the sake of the family, I had no choice but to endure."
"Haha," Li Yan shook his head and laughed, "It is laughable to think that even though my Li Family has yet to seize the world and I have never sat on the Dragon Throne, I feel as if I have already experienced that kind of pain, as if my heart were being cut out."
But Li Yan quickly became serious. "For the sake of the family, for the Great Undertaking of my Li Clan, it is only right that the worthy should be with my son."
Xiao Cong stood up with satisfaction and clasped his hands together. "The Retired Emperor is also a person of Great Fortune; he is equally invaluable."
"First, let’s settle Chang'an?"
"First, let’s settle Chang'an!"
...
My brother conquered Liaodong and starved to death beneath Qing Mountain. Now I row the Dragon Boat and am trapped on Sui Embankment Road.
The world is currently starving; there is hardly any food on the road. After thirty miles ahead, how can I ensure my safety?
With cold bones resting on barren sand, my lonely spirit weeps among the smoke and grass. I mourn for my wife within the gates and long for my aging family.
How Can Righteous Men Be Found, burn this unclaimed corpse, draw its lonely soul back, and return its white bones.
The mournful and resentful song awakened the Emperor on the Dragon Boat. After sending someone to investigate, he learned that it was sung by the boatmen.
"Your Majesty, I have already ordered them to be reprimanded; they will not dare disturb Your Majesty's rest again."
The Emperor gazed into the distance, his thoughts drifting back to the past. During the First Year of Daye and in Year Six, he had made similar excursions to Jiangdu. In the first year, he was so full of vigor, with willows swaying along the banks and banners fluttering in the wind; great achievements were just a thought away.
In Year Six of the Daye Era, when he descended to Jiangdu, he had repaired the Canal and established the Imperial Examination, built Tokyo to conquer Tuguhun, expanded the territories of Shanshan, Qiemu, West Sea, and Heyuan Four Commanderies, and waged campaigns against Lin Yi and Khitan. His Northern Expedition had struck fear into the Turkic tribes, earning him the title of Sage. At that time, nations from the Western Regions came to pay their respects; his ambition was unmatched.
Yet now, he had fled from the world in disgrace, trying to escape calamity. Yang Guang stared at the river, unable to speak; he wanted to die but feared death—he truly felt old.
The Emperor did not return to rest until dawn. By noon at Si Shui, Faithful Minister Wang Airen risked his life to present a memorial, advising the Emperor to return to Chang'an and restore order to the realm. The Emperor said nothing but simply ordered his execution.
As the Dragon Boat reached Liang County, local elders came forward to block their path. "Your Majesty, if you proceed to Jiangdu, this world will no longer belong to you!"
The Emperor killed the elder and lost count of how many loyal ministers of the Sui Dynasty he had executed along the way.
Finally arriving in Jiangdu, Yuwen Shu fell gravely ill and was nearing death within days. After a memorial from his three sons, they gathered around his bedside.
Yuwen Shu looked at his eldest son, Yuwen Huaji, and said: "You should have died before me; that would have been heaven's blessing. Alas, take care of yourself in the future."
Then he turned to his second son, Yuwen Zhiji: "You have always been unruly. The Emperor has spared your life for my sake; relying on your brother will be difficult. You must often think of ways to protect yourself."
Finally, he turned to Yuwen Shi and instructed, "You must keep your distance from these two. Even if they are on the brink of death, do not intervene. Take care of yourself and preserve our family lineage. I will be grateful to you from the depths of the underworld."
The state of the world is uncertain; it remains unknown who will seize control of this land. However, if Li Jian Cheng can return from the Turkic lands, then perhaps fate will favor him. I recall that you share a good relationship with him; you may consider seeking his support."
The three knelt in sorrow, and while Yuwen Shu remained silent, he was deeply fond of his offspring.
Soon after receiving the news, the emperor sent Wang Yi to inquire about any remaining concerns.
Yuwen Shu strained to speak one last time, saying, "Yuwen Huaji, my eldest son, is already prepared for the estate. May Your Majesty show mercy."
With those final words, he passed away. Wang Yi returned to the palace to report, and the emperor sighed, "I shall not forget."
In honor of Yuwen Shu, this long-serving minister was granted a retirement from court duties and bestowed with titles such as Minister of Rites and Prefect of ten counties. Ban Jian and forty others were given carriages for their journey home, promotions were issued, and he was posthumously honored with the title of 'Respectful.' Chancellor of the Yellow Gate Pei Ju was ordered to conduct a grand sacrifice at Tai Lao, with Honglu Temple overseeing the funeral arrangements.
Additionally, in recognition of Yuwen Huaji's loyalty, he was promoted to Right Guard General, while Yuwen Zhiji became Imperial Architect and Yuwen Shiji was appointed Minister of Rites.
The prominence of the Yuwen Family did not diminish with Yuwen Shu's passing. After a few days of mourning for their father, Yuwen Huaji and his brothers resumed their revelries in Jiangdu. They even adopted their father's former ways by taking merchants as adopted sons to amass wealth and indulge in pleasures.
……………
(End of Chapter)
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