mtl008 Chapter 11 You stingy emperor
Chapter 11 You stingy emperor
News of today's court assembly quickly spread throughout the capital.
After court, Lin Shihe did not go to his father-in-law's place, but hurriedly returned to the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion to find Lin Shiming.
When they arrived at Jingming Courtyard, Lin Shiming was watching with great interest as the nannies demonstrated various etiquette rules to him, and then they played a fun spot-the-difference game.
Today happened to be the day for the imperial concubines to perform their etiquette. Lin Shiming watched the nannies skillfully perform a whole host of movements and couldn't help but sigh. No wonder the imperial concubines always competed for the emperor's favor. Just look at all these etiquettes. Those of lower rank must have their knees bruised from kneeling all day.
When Lin Shihe came in, he saw Lin Shiming putting a peanut in his mouth, picking at it while listening to Rongyan Mama tell him a palace intrigue story that was far more exciting than any storybook.
"Shi Ming".
Lin Shiming turned around suddenly, "Brother? Why are you back?"
Lin Shihe did not answer, but instead turned to look at the several old women.
"I wonder how Shiming's studies are going today?"
Granny Rongyan stepped forward to greet him, "Young Master has finished what he was supposed to learn today."
That's because they wanted to hear gossip, which is why it wasn't over yet. Lin Shihe understood. "Thank you for your hard work, nannies. I have something to discuss with Shiming, so let's stop here for today."
The old women responded, bowed, and withdrew.
After everyone left, Lin Shihe casually sat down next to Lin Shiming.
"Brother, you still haven't answered me. Weren't you supposed to be taking care of Uncle Ji? Why are you back?"
Lin Shihe poured himself a cup of tea and picked up a piece of pastry. "I went to see him yesterday. It's not serious. He doesn't need to stay in bed. I was planning to take this opportunity to show my filial piety, but yesterday my father-in-law heard about what happened at the birthday banquet and hurriedly told me to come back to see you."
"If I hadn't insisted that it would be more convenient to come back directly after court today, he probably would have kicked me out on the spot." Lin Shihe said with a hint of resentment, "I think he just misses his precious daughter, so he kept her here and kicked out this troublesome son-in-law so he could enjoy family life with his dear daughter and grandson!" I'm the only one who's superfluous!
Lin Shiming couldn't help but burst out laughing, and then successfully earned a pair of eye rolls from his older brother.
"Alright, tell me what exactly happened yesterday. I summoned the Crown Prince because I was afraid you would cause something that would shock the capital, but you didn't, the Crown Prince took your place!"
"This is really not our fault."
Lin Shiming recounted the commotion of yesterday to him in a long, drawn-out manner, making Lin Shihe's brows furrow and relax intermittently.
"Next time you see that Prince An, don't be polite. Our Duke Zhenguo's mansion is not afraid of him."
Lin Shiming, with a piece of cloud cake in his mouth, nodded and hummed in agreement.
After everything was explained, Lin Shihe finally understood what had happened yesterday. He tugged at his sleeve and said, "This morning at court, someone impeached the Crown Prince for what happened yesterday, and then His Majesty punished the Marquis of Nanyang's residence as well."
"No, we should now call it the family of Mr. Heyixiang."
Lin Shiming listened to his elder brother talk about the morning court while holding his teacup, occasionally chiming in with a few words of agreement.
"Brother, do you think Tang Yongzhen, the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice, is really that stupid? Even if he was sent out as a low-level agent to test the Emperor's mind, he wouldn't dare to impeach the Crown Prince without finding out all the details, would he?"
“Of course not.” Lin Shihe’s tone suddenly became somewhat sarcastic. “As everyone knows, for more than two thousand years, every dynasty has governed the country with filial piety as its guiding principle, and Changping is no exception. Whether it is the poor people in the mountain villages or the royal family in the court, the word ‘filial piety’ can change a lot of things.”
"That's why Tang Yongcai dared to impeach and criticize the Crown Prince based solely on the fact that Heyi Township Lady was also His Highness's elder. He felt that with this elder relationship, the Crown Prince naturally couldn't arbitrarily punish Wu Tongyu and Heyi Township Lady. That's why he dared to go to court and argue based on this point without even asking any questions."
"Then why is he still serving as the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice? Wouldn't it be more appropriate for him to go to the Ministry of Rites?"
Lin Shihe sneered and then changed the subject to another question.
"This Ministry of Justice is the territory of the Fourth Prince."
"Prince An?"
“Yes, Prince An’s maternal family is not prominent. They are just ordinary local officials. When he was selected in the imperial concubine selection, it was just a matter of the late emperor pointing at him casually. Because of this, after entering the court, Prince An tried his best to develop his own power. He even fell in love at first sight with the granddaughter of Mu Xiaoguang, the Minister of Justice, and married Mu Xiaoguang as his Princess Consort. This gave him a voice in the Ministry of Justice.”
"Today's impeachment was instigated by him."
Lin Shiming pondered, "But I don't feel that the current emperor is an old and senile ruler who values checks and balances. How come he allows Prince An to challenge the crown prince every few days?"
"It's nothing more than watching him jump around and using him as bait. The current emperor has been on the throne for sixteen years. Although he has worked hard to govern, there are bound to be people who embezzle and accept bribes and disregard the law. They just hide well and don't easily show themselves. Now that Prince An is ambitious and eager to get involved, naturally some people will covet the credit for joining the emperor."
Lin Shiming suddenly realized, "So His Majesty used Prince An to lure out those who harbored treacherous intentions?"
"Yes. Those corrupt people are not favored by His Majesty and cannot rise to prominence. The Crown Prince is also an upright and honest person. When the Crown Prince ascends the throne, they will also have to lie low. Only someone like Prince An, who is single-minded about power and interests, is the kind of ruler those people want. So once Prince An extends an olive branch, they will definitely make a move."
"What about the ledger I brought back this time?"
"Just one of them. Only when everyone is involved will His Majesty be able to wipe them all out."
"It seems that Prince An won't be able to keep his power for much longer," Lin Shiming exclaimed. "Your Majesty has a brilliant plan."
"In a way, this can be considered an open strategy; that's just how people are. In the imperial court, interests always come first, and morality comes second. You'll understand in the future."
Lin Shihe put down his cup, patted the crumbs off his hands, and didn't continue the previous topic.
"There is one more thing. The fact that you and the Crown Prince will only have each other in the future, as well as the matter of raising the eldest grandson of the Emperor, Lu Tingsong, was also made clear at the court meeting today. His Majesty's words are law, and in the future, no one can use 'no heir' as an excuse to target you and the Crown Prince, nor can anyone make any designs on the Crown Prince's concubines. This has relieved you of a lot of trouble."
Just as Lin Shiming was about to nod in agreement, someone knocked on the door.
"Your Highness, Young Master, Your humble servant Rongyan."
"Granny Rong? Is something the matter?"
“There is indeed something. Just now, news came from the palace that His Majesty, on the grounds of ‘filial piety,’ has conferred the title of Consort Wu Shuangwan, the eldest granddaughter of the Heyi Township Lady, upon her. Tomorrow, she will go to Mount Fotuo to serve the Empress Dowager in His Majesty’s stead, in order to fulfill his filial duty. Although there is an official decree for this matter, it is being carried out discreetly, and only a handful of people know about it.”
Lin Shihe pondered for a moment and immediately understood.
"Thank you for informing me, Granny."
Rongyan Mama nodded and took her leave.
"What does this mean?" Lin Shiming popped out from behind, looking completely confused.
“It’s not time for you to know yet.” Lin Shihe pushed his younger brother’s head back. “The New Year is less than a month away. Parents sent a letter this morning saying they will return to the capital in seven days.”
*
On the thirteenth day of the twelfth lunar month, the Duke of Zhenguo and his wife, after three years of patrolling the camps, were ordered to return to the capital. To acknowledge their hard work, the Emperor issued a special decree, ordering the Crown Prince to lead the princes, ministers, and others to wait and welcome them three miles outside the capital.
At the beginning of the hour of Si (9-11 AM), the crowd met the Duke and his wife three miles outside the capital. The Crown Prince and the Duke of Zhenguo were a harmonious ruler and minister, and the people all praised the harmony within and outside the dynasty, and the prosperity of the nation.
At the hour of Si (9-11 AM), the entourage entered the palace. The Emperor received the Duke of Zhenguo in the Hall of Central Harmony, and they had a very pleasant conversation. His Majesty proposed that a banquet be held in the palace three days later to welcome the Duke of Zhenguo and his wife. However, the Duke of Zhenguo repeatedly declined, saying that he did not wish to make a great fuss and trouble His Majesty. The Emperor praised his conduct, diligence, and frugality, and bestowed upon him numerous rewards.
For a time, it became a popular topic of conversation both in the government and among the common people.
The above is the version that has been passed down among the people.
Actually——
Outside the capital, Duke Lin Yunyue gripped Crown Prince Lu Yuxi's hand tightly, smiling but his eyes filled with rage.
"Your Highness, I pay my respects!" the prince declared in a loud voice.
"So you're the Crown Prince who seduced my youngest son?" The voice was suppressed, filled with gritted teeth.
Lin Shihe was speechless. "...Father, you've met before, haven't you?"
"Get out! You little bastard who sold my youngest son while I was away!"
I haven't even settled accounts with you yet, and you dare to come up and sabotage me? Do you know how long it took me to come up with that line?
“I have been in contact with you through letters, Father.”
"Get out! Get out! Get out! I won't listen! I won't listen!"
Lin Shihe retreated dejectedly, giving Lu Yuxi a helpless look.
Lu Yuxi gave an awkward laugh, "Don't worry, Duke Zhenguo, I will definitely treat Shiming well in the future." (Her hand hurts!)
What was the next thing to say? He couldn't remember. Lin Yunyue hesitated for a long time before finally managing to stammer, "You'd better be."
Lu Yuxi smiled ingratiatingly, "Of course, of course..."
Finally freeing her hand, Lu Yuxi looked down and saw a deep red mark.
Upon entering the palace, Lin Yunyue met Emperor Longyun.
"My dear minister! It's been a long time. How have you been?" How come your hair is still black, you old man?
"Excellent! Excellent!" Enjoying the scenery and sightseeing in one's spare time is wonderful!
"I have issued a decree that a banquet will be held in the palace in three days to welcome you back, my dear minister." If a meal can solve the problem, I won't spend any money.
"How dare I trouble Your Majesty? Besides, Your Majesty and I have been brothers for many years, and soon our children will be in-laws. Why bother? Let it be." You don't want to spend the money, do you? You stingy emperor, you've already taken my son away, and you still won't part with your money!
"What you say is very true, my dear minister!" I %*^*+$*, this is my private treasury!
Thus, the meeting ended with Lin Yunyue successfully obtaining a large sum of money from the emperor.
*
Lin Yunyue and his family finally returned home happily with their rewards, and Emperor Longyun and the Crown Prince also headed towards the Imperial Study.
"Prince."
"My son is here."
"Remember this, the money I'm giving you today is for your wedding. You'd better make me proud."
"...Your Majesty, I recently acquired several pieces of top-quality jade, and I will have them delivered to you shortly."
"You have a conscience."
*
At the same time, the town government.
As soon as Zhang Ting entered the door, she grabbed her daughter-in-law Ji Tiao's hand and asked, "Your father-in-law and I heard on the way here that your father-in-law had fallen. How is he now?"
"Don't worry, Mother-in-law, my father's injuries are not serious, and he has almost recovered."
“We need someone to take care of us, so why did you rush back to pick us up today? Do you think we don’t know the way? Our family isn’t the kind to torment our daughter-in-law. Your father-in-law and I are both healthy now, and Shiming is at home too, so you can rest assured. Let Shihe and Anji stay with you at your parents’ home for a while longer. It’s not too late to come back when your father-in-law is fully recovered.”
Ji Tiao smiled gently, "No need. There's nothing important to do at home. I go back to visit my parents for a few days every month throughout the year. But you two haven't seen each other for three years, so it's our place to take good care of you."
Since things had come to this point, Zhang Ting stopped refusing. "Alright, alright, then let me enjoy these two days of bliss!"
"Grandma hasn't met Anji yet, has she? Xinye, quickly go and bring Anji over to see Grandma!"
Xinye accepted the order and left, while the remaining mother-in-law and daughter-in-law exchanged a smile and went to the main hall in a warm and friendly manner.
Only the three members of the Lin Yunyue family, father and sons, were left behind and completely ignored.
Lin Yunyue sighed, "Sigh, I knew I would be ignored as soon as I came back."
Lin Shihe nodded in agreement, "Yes."
Lin Shiming, not understanding why, threw another peanut into his mouth.