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墨書 Inktalez
Li Jian Cheng's expression gradually became serious. "Or do you want to enter the palace and attempt to assassinate His Majesty?"
It was not surprising for someone to seek wealth and nobility, but it was strange to go so far as to risk everything for it. Wang Yi was eloquent enough to charm even Yang Guang, and with such skills, he could easily find a place to make a living in the world.
He had not yet reached the point of desperation where he would harm himself.
Wang Yi sincerely said, "Though Rascal has been lonely since childhood, it is merely due to my own misfortune. I bear no grudges against anyone, let alone have any connection with His Majesty. I am simply adrift, thinking that it would be better to take a leap and seek true wealth and nobility."
"Rascal is where I am today thanks to Lord's kindness, so I dare not hide anything and must disclose my hidden ailment."
"Rascal is of short stature, and my abilities are likewise limited. Though I have had a few beautiful acquaintances, nothing came of it, and I cannot extend my lineage. Considering this, it would be better to let go."
"Moreover, in this life between heaven and earth, having encountered a wise ruler, I would not hesitate even in death. How could I dare to resent my wife?"
After saying this, he decisively loosened his robe. Li Jian Cheng's expression remained stern as he waved his hand. "Fine, I will grant your wish. Put it on."
"Lord's great virtue will never be forgotten."
Li Jian Cheng had many friends, so he could arrange anything. A few days later, within the palace in the capital, eunuchs were dispatched to handle this matter. They brought along a package of anesthetic; once mixed with wine and consumed, one would feel no pain.
There was also a package of healing medicine to stop bleeding and close wounds—made from pearls and amber along with various rare treasures. This was only available because of Li Jian Cheng's influence; otherwise, ordinary people undergoing such procedures would not have access to these miraculous medicines and would have to leave their fate to chance.
Wang Yi was straightforward about it; the one wielding the knife was even more decisive. Thus, a few days later, a pale-faced Wang Yi knelt before the emperor and smiled. "Rascal wishes to serve His Majesty within the palace. Having endured the pain of self-castration, I hope for your benevolence."
Yang Guang commanded his eunuchs to observe closely; upon seeing that it was indeed true, he was moved and said, "Such loyalty is truly rare."
Thus, he promoted him to Inner Attendant. Advancing further would place him at the pinnacle of eunuchs—now a fourth-rank Eunuch—enjoying unparalleled glory. Even the officials and nobles accompanying him vied for his favor.
He did not regret sacrificing his manhood; this was what stepping into greatness looked like.
...
After a month of travel, the Imperial Decree finally arrived in Yangzhou. As they say, wealth and nobility do not return home; it's like wearing embroidered clothes at night—who knows?
Although the Emperor was not born here, he spent his best years in this place, making it the true home of his spirit.
The Emperor immediately decreed, "All prisoners south of Jianghuai shall be exempt from the suffering of detention and released to return home. For five years, Yangzhou City will not have to pay taxes, and the common people within the jurisdiction of the Yangzhou Governor's office will also be exempt from taxes for three years."
This grace extended to the common people naturally drew praises from all, who spontaneously came to bow before the Imperial Decree. The line stretched for over ten miles, disappearing from sight, which greatly pleased the Emperor, who believed it reflected the people's hearts.
Li Jian Cheng's duties were coming to an end. Under the guidance of the Xiao Family, he established connections with the Langya Wang Clan, Chen Jun Xie Clan, Wu County Gu Clan, Lu Clan, Zhang Clan, Yu Clan, and Wuxing Yao Clan.
In Jiangnan, where culture thrived, Li Jian Cheng was naturally very popular. However, he hesitated to compose poetry, as the Emperor had been particularly inspired lately; if he were to overshadow him, it would be a serious matter.
One day, Li Jian Cheng was ordered to invite the monk Zhi Zuo from Tiantai Mountain to Jiangdu Palace. The Emperor personally descended from his throne to welcome him and even referred to him as a disciple, showing great respect.
After exchanging a few words, the Emperor invited the monk to sit down. "In the past, I requested Master Zhi Zuo to confer precepts upon me. However, I did not serve him for long before he had to return to his temple. I did not expect that he would pass away on his journey. I have always felt deeply guilty about this."
Zhi Zuo comforted him, saying, "Before setting out, Master knew that this journey would be difficult to return from. Yet he willingly went forth; this is not your fault but rather a matter of fate."
Yang Guang took out a letter from his bosom. "Before ascending to the Pure Land, Master left this letter for me. I have kept it with me every day since then; please take it back and offer it at the Buddha's altar."
Zhi Zuo took the letter and read: "I know my time in this world is short. When summoned by the great king, I disregarded my illness and came here. Now that I have arrived, my life is at its end; my intentions have been conveyed, so I shall not go any further."
Zhi Zuo folded his hands together and said: "Master spent his life understanding the profound essence of inner realization and promoting the Bodhisattva precepts through teaching, repentance practices, releasing lives, encouraging everyone to chant Buddha's name, and offering food to spirits. It seems he has indeed attained enlightenment."
After praising Master Zhi Zuo together, Yang Guang asked: "Have I established a temple for all monks?"
"It was completed on your ascension day. I did not dare disturb you over such trivial matters and have been waiting for your leisure time to request a name."
"Oh? Did Master Zhi Zuo leave behind a name for the new temple?"
"Your Majesty, there was once a Dingguang Zen Master whose virtue was profound. After his spirit departed, Master Zhi Zuo dreamt of him saying: 'If one wishes to build a temple now is not yet the time. If the Three Kingdoms were united as one family and there were powerful figures among them who could establish a temple for Zen masters when it becomes a nation of purity, it should be called Guoqing Temple.'"
Yang Guang joyfully exclaimed: "Now our Sui Dynasty has unified the Three Kingdoms! And if we speak of power, none surpasses me! A temple established as a nation of purity—excellent!"
He immediately wrote out the three large characters "Guoqing Temple" in his own hand and bestowed them upon Zhi Zuo for him to take back.
Once they withdrew, Yang Guang's expression of longing and smile vanished. He had shown kindness to the people and garnered support from the religious factions; only one final step remained, and Jiangnan would be as stable as a mountain.
The next day, the emperor issued an edict, elevating Emperor Chen Yang's sixth daughter, Chen Wei, to the rank of Noble Consort. The royal descendants of the Chen Dynasty, who had been exiled to various places during the pacification of Chen, were all summoned back to the Capital City for reassignment.
In an instant, throughout the southern provinces and counties, praises for the emperor filled the air. The literati of Jiangnan held poetry gatherings, where they first composed poems in honor of the emperor.
Countless auspicious signs emerged in regions that had previously harbored undercurrents of dissent, all rushing to be presented to the emperor in Jiangdu for his appreciation.
Li Jian Cheng also learned a great deal from Yang Guang. While everyone thought the emperor was merely indulging in pleasure, it became clear that his primary aim was to stabilize Jiangnan.
Of course, once his objectives were achieved, the emperor relaxed completely and began to indulge himself as a reward for accomplishing such a significant task. However, the courtiers had little objection to this.
Thus, the emperor comfortably stayed in Jiangdu for the New Year, occasionally hosting grand banquets to enjoy poetry and performances. Each time Li Jian Cheng composed poetry, he found himself overshadowed by the emperor and dared not take center stage.
This pleased the emperor greatly. With Empress Xiao and Net Yi assisting him in discussions, Li Yan's position was finally restored. Just as there had been no substantial reason for his demotion, his reinstatement was simply attributed to his loyalty and diligence.
The New Year passed joyfully, celebrated by all. The Crown Prince even made a special trip from Chang'an to pay his respects, hoping to celebrate the festival with both his father and Empress. However, the emperor insisted that his duties as regent were too weighty for him to remain long and sent him back.
After the New Year, the emperor felt that his ceremonial attire and guards were too simple; how could this reflect the majesty of the Son of Heaven? He quickly ordered Minister of Personnel Niu Hong and others to discuss new regulations for ceremonial attire and guard protocols.
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