Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
It was just a moment of dizziness, and he let it go; the more frustrating days were still ahead.
The Xuande Emperor did not awaken until the following afternoon, his gaze vacant for quite some time. "Gentle," he said, "I had a nightmare. I dreamt that Sang Jue had returned."
But this was no dream.
Gentle felt a surge of joy and was reluctant to continue serving the Xuande Emperor. He had the little eunuchs running in circles and even sought out assistance. The Xuande Emperor was uncomfortable from the fuss, but his mind was elsewhere, so he did not pursue the matter further.
Recalling the humiliation of the previous night, the Xuande Emperor wondered why Sang Jue had not come to express gratitude immediately after arriving in the capital. Sang Jue was ill; while the people were around, he managed to hold on, but now that they were gone, everything at Prince Jing's Residence was overwhelming him.
A glimmer of joy sparked in the Xuande Emperor's eyes—he must be dying!
But that wasn't quite right; he was simply recuperating from excessive sorrow.
With a stern expression, the Xuande Emperor devised a plan and summoned the imperial physician to examine him, intending to provide some medicine and watch him take it.
"Is this an attempt at bold poisoning?" Gentle remarked sarcastically. "Your Majesty, you are thinking too fancifully. Sang Jue has just connected with the people; they are on his side now. If he stands out, who would not know it was your doing? Can you bear such public outrage?"
The Xuande Emperor scrutinized Gentle. "Have you been bribed by him as well?"
"Your Majesty," Gentle replied, "I am just a eunuch, the most despicable of all. How could he possibly take notice of me? Only you would be willing to give me a chance."
"Just know this!" The Xuande Emperor warned. "Remember, without me, you are nothing!"
"I will remember that."
"Then think of a way to deal with Sang Jue."
"In response to Your Majesty, news has come from Sang Jue's side stating that the Sang Family has not yet gathered; we must wait a few more days. During this time, he will try to recover his health to avoid losing face before the court."
So there were still others from the Sang Family alive!
"I believe," Gentle suggested, "that since there are still other members of the Sang Family, it would be better for Your Majesty to wait patiently for a few more days. Once everyone is gathered, we can catch them all at once."
The Xuande Emperor quickly asked, "What do you mean by catching them all at once?"
Gentle began to speak again, weaving various scenarios in which members of the Sang Family could meet their demise, much to the delight of the Xuande Emperor who exclaimed in enjoyment.
"Your Majesty," Gentle added, "these are merely my rough ideas; how to implement them will need to be decided once all members of the Sang Family have arrived."
The Xuande Emperor praised him, saying, "Gentle! My judgment was indeed correct; you are truly my most loyal subject."
I originally thought that Cai Zhuo, who has accompanied me for many years, was a good one. However, after sending him out, not only did he fail to complete the mission, but he also went missing.
Gentle, do not follow his example; you always disappoint me.
Tsk, the Xuande Emperor is becoming increasingly difficult to please. In the past, he would promise some rewards, but now he is becoming more and more stingy, even withholding verbal praises.
What is loyalty worth these days?
Your Majesty, the Chancellor has sent someone to inquire. Sang Jue has returned and is willing to yield his position. Should we continue?
How dare he negotiate in front of me? He only sent a servant; it’s difficult for me to even see him.
Allies should take care of themselves.
Gentle replied, Your Majesty, I have already sent someone to investigate. The Chancellor has had no contact with the Sang Family.
Does he still need to make contact himself? Ze is nothing but a spy!
Gentle continued, I am also worried that the Chancellor might be influenced by others, so I took some measures and arranged for someone among his close attendants.
That person reported back that the Chancellor spends his time either resting or working, so for now, he is still trustworthy.
But Xuande Emperor remains dissatisfied. What use is it if he hasn’t betrayed me? Once he ascended the throne, all I wanted was for things to go smoothly, yet he refuses! If the Court is his domain alone, my words carry no weight.
I have grown accustomed to his overstepping these days and have come to realize that I cannot do without him. Gentle, draft an edict for me; let Shi Yun accompany me in death.
Gentle complied and after drafting the edict, read it back to Xuande Emperor. Hearing it made him somewhat pleased. Hmph, let him defy me!
Xuande Emperor appeared weak; even holding the Imperial Seal was a struggle for him. Gentle has helped him seal many documents lately—some were genuine seals while others merely looked like they were stamped but never actually touched the paper, just like today’s document.
A strange smile appeared on Xuande Emperor's face. Gentle, you must deliver this now; go quickly and return swiftly. I await Shi Yun's reaction.
Being able to temporarily leave this room and escape its foul odor was something Gentle eagerly desired.
When Shi Yun saw the edict, he showed no surprise and tossed it aside without further thought.
Gentle sighed, the Chancellor truly has remarkable composure.
Shi Yun replied, You still need me; if you don’t let me out, why should I worry?
The Chancellor is perceptive, but keeping Your Majesty constantly concerned isn’t ideal. Why not ease up on the Ministry of Revenue?
Hmph! Don’t think I don’t know what he’s planning. Lately, there have been at least three or four requests for funds each day with astonishing amounts involved.
He merely wants to drain Great Jing's treasury so that future rulers will have no money to use. But the funds of the Ministry of Revenue belong to all citizens of Great Jing; they are neither his Qin Family's nor yours.
Under the sharp gaze of Shi Yun, Gentle hurriedly explained, "Although the Sang Family lived extravagantly over the years, part of our wealth came from royal rewards, part from spoils of war, and a small portion from dealing with corrupt officials. Moreover, we have managed our affairs well, and our finances have only grown. Aside from that, we have never taken a single coin from the common people."
After pretending to faint, Sang Jue temporarily stayed at Qi Xiaomian's residence next door to the Small Tavern. Huo Qi, as the invited guest, engaged in conversation with him, and they quickly felt a sense of camaraderie, talking late into the night. When Sang Qingxiao brought them breakfast, she overheard them discussing her marriage to Qi Xiaomian.
"Oh, do you think you can just take me for granted? You’re both not young anymore; staying up all night—are you trying to kill yourselves?" Old Vine had said that he needed to take care of his health.
Huo Qi quickly apologized, "I was the one who kept your uncle talking. Once we started discussing battles, we just couldn't stop."
Sang Qingxiao turned back to him and said, "Huo, Senior, even you need to take care of your mortal body."
"Yes, yes! Uncle was wrong; it won't happen again," Huo Qi replied hastily.
Sang Jue, fearing another lecture, quickly shifted her attention. "It's time for breakfast; the Small Tavern is busy. Your two brothers are strong and can help you."
"Ah, but it's closed."
"What? Why?"
"As soon as you left, they lost their appetite for food. Boss Sang has been swarmed with people coming to inquire about you."
"If I were to open now, they would surely say that I only care about money and not about people. You are in such sorrow; how could I still think about making money?"
"Uh..."
"Haha!"
Once they finished eating, Sang Qingxiao asked, "When will the rest of the Sang Family return?"
"They're already on their way back; it shouldn't take more than five days."
"How many are coming? I need to tidy up the place."
"Not too many. I've hidden some members of the Sang Family elsewhere; I have other plans for them as a precaution against total annihilation."
Comment 0 Comment Count