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墨書 Inktalez
Chapter 278: Situ
The courtiers received the imperial decree and withdrew; when the Emperor moved, the entire court, both civil and military, had to follow suit, which required prior preparation.
Li Jian Cheng said to Xiao Xuan, "The Queen is still unaware. Let us go together with the Uncle to the Emperor. Yes, let’s be a bit more tactful in our words."
During the previous report, they had already mentioned matters as severe as bloodshed and starvation, so there was no need for the Queen to know all the details.
"Understood, Your Majesty," he replied.
The two of them made their way toward the inner palace, their expressions somewhat heavy. The palace maids and eunuchs trailing behind bowed their heads, almost silent in their footsteps.
At that moment, the Queen was busy calculating the expenses of the inner palace with her female officials, looking for ways to save more.
Although the court had recovered from the initial hardships of founding the nation, it was still not particularly wealthy. As a model for the realm, the Queen wanted to be as frugal as possible.
"The princes and princesses are still young and growing quickly; their garments should be woven larger. The expenses for the consorts should also be reduced a bit. His Majesty only has four dishes per meal; how can it be that mere beauties require over ten dishes at each meal?"
Just as the Queen was managing the inner palace, a female official with a pale face rushed in.
"Your Highness, His Majesty and the Uncle to the Emperor are on their way to the palace."
The Queen forced herself to stand up, tears streaming down her cheeks.
...
"His Majesty has arrived."
The female official who came to deliver the news spoke tearfully, "I saw Uncle to the Emperor dressed in mourning clothes."
Xiao Xuan knelt down and said, "My father has passed away. Please accept my condolences, Your Majesty."
The Queen leaned against a pillar and replied, "What did you say?"
"Has my elder brother arrived?"
The Queen was too grief-stricken to speak, and the Emperor waved his hand to dismiss the attendants. One of the female officials bowed before leaving and said, "Your Majesty, the Queen has been feeling unwell these past few days."
The hall fell silent for a moment, and it was Xiao Xuan who first offered congratulations. "This is a joyous occasion. My father's spirit in heaven must be greatly comforted. I congratulate Your Majesty and the Queen."
When Li Jian Cheng entered the hall and saw this, he immediately understood that she had already received the news and could only step forward to embrace his wife.
"Quickly summon the Imperial Physician."
The Queen's eyes brimmed with tears. Although she had prepared herself somewhat, she was still overwhelmed with sorrow at this moment.
She had always been wise; her complexion turned pale as she swayed unsteadily. The female official beside her hurriedly stepped forward to support her. "Your Majesty."
At the second meeting of the Celestial Empire, the Emperor first announced that he would suspend court for seven days in honor of Liang Junwang. He issued an edict granting him the title of Minister of State and Governor of Yongzhou, bestowing upon him a Ban Jian, a Feathered Canopy, and a promotion. The Minister of Rites was specifically tasked with overseeing the funeral arrangements, decreeing that he would be buried with princely honors and ordering the Ministry of Rites to determine his posthumous title.
The female officials dared not speak, and the Queen shook her head. The Emperor waved his hand again. "Summon the Imperial Physician."
Upon hearing this, Empress Xiao stood up with a joyful expression but soon realized something was amiss. For such good news, the female officials should have come joyfully to report it; why were they acting this way?
Li Jian Cheng furrowed his brows upon hearing the news. "The Queen has been unwell for several days. Why was the imperial physician not summoned earlier? How dare you conceal this from me!"
This sorrowful honor was the pinnacle of the current dynasty. Throughout Liang Junwang's life, he had once been an emperor, and after the fall of his nation, he served as Chancellor during the Sui Dynasty. Following its demise, he became a Prince and Chancellor in the Tang Dynasty, a truly remarkable journey.
The closest female official hurried forward to advise, "Your Majesty, no matter what happens, you must consider the Little Prince in your womb."
Soon, the imperial physician entered the hall in haste. After taking her pulse, he bowed and reported, "Your Majesty, the Queen is indeed with child, at least two months along."
In private, the emperor wore plain white robes, fully immersed in mourning.
Every day after handling state affairs, Li Jian Cheng would spend time with his Queen and ordered the physicians to be on standby at all times.
"Your Majesty, I wish to ask you for something."
After several days of grief, the Queen gradually began to recover from her sorrow. After all, who could escape life’s cycle of birth and death? Her father was already over sixty.
Li Jian Cheng sat beside his wife. "As husband and wife, there is no need for formalities; just speak your mind."
"Your Majesty, I am concerned about my brother's title. I hope you will allow him to inherit a lower rank."
"The title of Duke is too lofty; even the Duke of Wei is merely a Duke. My brother possesses ordinary virtues; having a Duke's title would be sufficient."
Li Jian Cheng shook his head. "Your father achieved great merit to earn this honorific title, and your uncle has committed no wrongdoing. How can I demote him without cause?"
"I understand your concerns, but rest assured, nothing will happen."
Xiao Chanyan insisted, "I have read history books and seen countless instances of powerful relatives meddling in politics throughout the ages. As long as my father is alive, I, as his daughter, cannot say much. However, my family’s future should not be affected because of me."
"Everything has its pros and cons. I also need some relatives I can rely on. Uncle is a person who knows his place; you need not worry too much."
The Queen said softly, "But he will inevitably make mistakes. At that time, I hope Your Majesty will show mercy towards me."
Li Jian Cheng remained silent. No matter what, he could not demote anyone at this moment; otherwise, the court would lose its most crucial elements.
If the family legacy could not be passed down, who would dare to return to the battlefield?
After this incident, the Emperor began to worry about the Empress Dowager and sent several imperial physicians to Jiangdu.
Fortunately, according to reports from Jiangdu Palace, the Grand Empress Dowager's health had greatly improved in the south.
As for the Retired Emperor, he had become increasingly indulgent in wine and pleasure, and his health had deteriorated significantly. In just over a year, three of the Retired Emperor's consorts were pregnant.
This meant that the Emperor would soon have more brothers and sisters.
Although the Emperor was displeased, he did not take any action. After all, it was not a burden to support a few more children; at worst, they could all be sent to Liaodong or even more remote places.
A few days later, the Emperor returned to Chang'an with the Civil and Military Consorts. The people of Luoyang spontaneously came out of the city to follow them for dozens of miles, leaving both Civil and Military officials astonished.
Emperor Yang had not received such treatment in Luoyang for years; yet within just one year, the Emperor had won the hearts of the people there.
Many merchant caravans and common people wishing to visit friends and relatives in Chang'an also followed the Emperor's Imperial Decree. Although the world was at Peace now, it was still safest to follow the Emperor.
On the road, Li Jian Cheng encountered Zhang Gongjin, who had hurried back from Liaodong. From him, he obtained the secret ledger of Eulji Mundeok.
Even from his perspective, this was no small fortune, as it contained the wealth of three nations, incomparable to any noble family.
The Emperor smiled and said, "My Duke of Lu, it seems you are now the richest man in the Tang Dynasty."
Zhang Gongjin replied, "As far as I know, the Duke of Lu has prepared ten ships full of treasures for Your Majesty."
"Ah, then I must thank him."
Li Jian Cheng tossed the ledger onto the imperial table. If Luo Yi dared to act so recklessly, then he could not complain about the consequences that would follow.
After all, the campaign to conquer Liaodong and eliminate the Three Kingdoms relied on his earlier occupation of Liaodong City during the previous dynasty, and later on strong troops and capable generals who triumphed over the court.
Luo Yi had made contributions, but he was certainly not irreplaceable; there were many who could take his place. Moreover, the court had already rewarded him with promotions and land grants for his achievements.
Zhang Gongjin lowered his head and said, "The Duke of Lu should find his way back; it seems that the Duke of Ying has already advised him."
……………
(End of Chapter)
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