Chapter 216

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Protagonist:

Shaowei

Liu Qi

Shaowei had already recounted the whole sequence of events, picking and choosing what to tell; regarding the capture of that severed-hand man, her version was that she had dispatched the household's able-bodied servants to surround and seize him.

The Founding Emperor took and used as he pleased; deceiving the sovereign came readily to his lips — he looked only at whether it was needed or not.

The Emperor did not probe or ask further; for a moment he merely gazed at the two girls kneeling in the hall. Before he could question them, Shaowei no longer volunteered to fill in the details, speaking only the key points:

"Your Majesty, this humble official grew up in the countryside under my master's care, and received the protection and affection of this Elder Sister, just like a real elder sister."

"Elder Sister is pure and simple; this time she was forced into the capital under duress, truly unable to control herself, and after entering the capital she never leaked any secrets. Moreover, this time she used herself as bait, risking her life to lure out the claws and fangs of the mastermind, and entered the palace to expose everything to Your Majesty."

Shaowei crossed her hands before her forehead and bowed low: "Your Majesty has always been clear in rewards and punishments; I beg permission for Elder Sister to offset her crime with merit."

The Emperor looked at the girl-lord who opened her mouth to praise his clarity in rewards and punishments.

Her Elder Sister was far less bold and composed than she.

Seeing Shaowei bow low, Qingwu hurriedly followed suit and prostrated herself; not daring to gaze upon the Imperial Face, she knocked her head to the ground, eyes shut, voice trembling: "Your, Your Majesty... this commoner woman knows she has committed the great crime of deceiving the sovereign; if the merit of exposing the plot is insufficient to offset the crime, then I beg Your Majesty to also reclaim the rewards this commoner woman received for her merit in the Prince Liang case..."

As if tallying an extremely plain account, Qingwu's tiny voice carried a sobbing tone from fear, and she offered explanation and guarantee: "The fields, residences, gold, silver, utensils, and servants bestowed by Your Majesty — this commoner woman only went to look at them, and never spent or touched any of it... Please have someone take them all back together, to offset this commoner woman's guilt! From now on, this commoner woman will never dare offend again..."

Hearing this and seeing her state, the Emperor felt a few parts amusement, yet also understood why Liu Fu had been deceived and counter-maneuvered by this frail woman.

She possessed a rare quality of genuineness.

Perhaps from growing up in the same mountain hollow, or perhaps from shared temperament, this point resembled Lord Ling Shu; the two each had their own way of genuineness.

As for merit and fault, reward and punishment, the Emperor had his own clear ledger in his heart; he spoke: "Offsetting crime with merit is unacceptable."

Qingwu heard this and felt the sky fall, crushing her so she dared not raise her head even more; the next moment, that fallen sky floated back up: "What We have already bestowed, how could there be reason to take it back? And you have merit in this exposure, such brave loyalty, you too should be rewarded, as a model for all."

Within the fully controllable scope of rewards, he was never a stingy sovereign; moreover, a spy turning to the court and exposing traitors carries exemplary significance, so it should be widely proclaimed, displaying the court's majesty and magnanimity.

Qingwu's taut heartstrings instantly relaxed; sure enough, just as Shaowei said, the Emperor would not punish her...

But Qingwu was truly terrified; confessing her spy identity to the Son of Heaven far exceeded her courage; if not for her younger sister beside her bolstering her nerve, she would surely have fainted long ago; now, though she propped herself up, her heartstrings suddenly slackened, her mind went blank for a moment, leaving only the habitual notion of "stop while ahead," so she kept kowtowing in thanks: "Many thanks for Your Majesty's magnanimity..."

As for the idea Shaowei had instructed her on the road to seize the chance to propose leaving the palace, and the careful wording "Elder Sister must not directly say she doesn't want to be a palace woman; say this identity was fake to begin with, and now petition to return to her true self" — at this moment it all flew away with Qingwu's frightened soul to the Nine Heavens beyond, leaving only a body that kept kowtowing.

Shaowei only saw Elder Sister kowtowing, and long heard no words from her; she was about to speak in her place when she suddenly heard the Emperor above speak first: "Enough, no more kowtowing. Rare to see such genuine simplicity, and yet such loyal courage knowing right from wrong; to only be a palace woman would be a waste..."

The Emperor seemed to be pondering something; during this pause in thought, Liu Qi naturally took up the words: "Imperial Father, your son has a proposal."

"Beyond rewarding this merit, we must also rectify the root, to set right perception; once this matter is clarified, we should first remove this lady's status as a palace woman manipulated by traitors to deceive the sovereign, and let her receive rewards in her original identity."

The Emperor raised his brow at this, then heard his son continue casually: "Just as Imperial Father said, this lady is genuine and simple, and has twice rendered merit in preventing trouble before it arises; she is an Auspicious Person. Since she possesses such truly auspicious qi, perhaps she could be assigned to the Shrine, or hold a post such as Assistant Director of the Office of Offerings, to assist Imperial Father in serving the gods and pacifying the realm."

The Emperor glanced at his son: "You really are always good at issuing orders."

Liu Qi smiled unconcerned: "This is your son's momentary crude view; I wonder what Imperial Father thinks?"

This was but a trifling matter; the Emperor gave a barely perceptible "Hm" and nodded lightly.

Liu Qi knew perfectly well in his heart that in the Son of Heaven's eyes, those below were mere insignificant figures; gaining a bit of special regard, he habitually wanted to arrange for them to stay; as for what identity to keep them in, it was not necessarily worth the monarch's deep deliberation — perhaps on a whim, subconsciously he would raise their rank on the basis of palace woman, and keep them in the palace for good.

Even if a casual arrangement, however, the sovereign's word is no jest; once spoken, if Shaowei went to rebut, even though her status fully allowed her to contest it, it would inevitably add unnecessary trouble.

Since he perceived this, he ought to spare her such needless trouble and resistance.

The Assistant Director of the Office of Offerings manages sacrificial tribute items, vessels, etc., rank three hundred bushels — Qingwu had stayed in the Shrine these days, often helping with tasks, and understood it quite well.

Qingwu's heart surged; she secretly clutched the corner of Shaowei's garment tight.

She didn't want to be a palace woman because she feared becoming a stranger's consort or concubine, to be sent off here and there at any time.

But it wasn't that she was lazy, unwilling to work... those are two different things!

She was also very diligent; whether farm work, women's spinning and weaving, or steaming cakes and cooking, she had always done them very well!

Her parents had only her as a sole daughter; if she could enter the Shrine as an official, it would also bring glory to the family gate just like Shaowei younger sister... Yan Family Brother would surely be proud of her too!

Moreover there would be salary to support the family, not to mention it was on Shaowei younger sister's turf, under her younger sister's management; she truly needed to be managed by her younger sister for a long, long time!

Shaowei felt Elder Sister's excitement and joy, and the silent inquiry waiting for her stance; she spoke: "Elder Sister, quickly give thanks!"

Hearing this, Qingwu hesitated no more; *bang bang* she kowtowed in thanks.

Shaowei was also infected by Elder Sister's joy; a smile showed in her eyes.

Clearing the hidden danger of the deceiving-the-sovereign spy charge, exposing and retaliating against the mastermind behind, openly reclaiming her original identity — this was the plan before entering the palace, yet she never expected to additionally gain a post that Elder Sister cherished and valued.

Shaowei's and Liu Qi's gazes met briefly, and they immediately understood his intent.

Fearing the Emperor might on a whim bestow rewards that only he personally considered rewards, he preemptively seized control of the matter within the range she desired.

His subconscious action also contained calculation and skill; facing the Emperor's vague intention, he did not overturn or refuse, but went with the flow to give a reasonable and specific arrangement, which could then be more naturally accepted by the Emperor — Shaowei keenly analyzed the intent within, accumulating experience in doing things cleverly and living easily.

Letting Elder Sister go to the Shrine, whatever duties she performs don't matter; what matters is that she manages it, everything decided by her — that is the greatest degree of freedom to stay or leave.

Liu Qi did not reveal a smile; he only slightly lowered his thick, long eyelashes.

He also had selfish motives: he wanted the person she cared for to stay here long, wanted her to be more at ease, happy, and satisfied, so she would add more sense of belonging to this place, until she gradually regarded it as a true nest.

"For now we must not startle the snake; once all matters are clarified and settled, We will send someone to issue an edict arranging this matter."

The Emperor ended this topic that was not important to him, and turned to ask Qingwu for the detailed process, from how she was sent to Chang'an, to who she had contacted after entering the capital.

Qingwu answered seriously and in detail; the Emperor's face was heavy.

"Liu Ci..." he murmured the Prince of Liu'an's name in a low voice, laughing coldly: "In the early years, his father, my Third Uncle, still had to weave grass shoes and bamboo baskets to make a living; he was fortunate to follow We in two battles, We raised him two ranks, enfeoffed him as Prince of Liu'an... and this is how he repays We."

The Emperor pressed both hands on the dragon desk, contemptuous anger rising in his eyes: "He has a bit of ability, yet dares imitate others in prying into the forbidden palace... an ungrateful, stupid swine!"

Below, Qingwu shrank in fright, head lowered, clutching Shaowei's garment corner tight.

Liu Qi said: "Imperial Father, calm your anger. In your son's impression, the Prince of Liu'an has low horizons, has always feared Imperial Father, and may not have the courage to rebel; he likely listened to his subordinates' instigation, harbored a fluke mentality, and did this foolish thing."

"Yes, he fears We..." The Emperor's gaze was mocking: "We know him; he certainly lacks the ability to rebel; roughly he wanted to spy out some advance opportunity, so that when the timing comes, he can blend in behind those jackals and wolves, and by being close to the water get a share of the soup!"

How many years has it been since the Vassal Kings of different surnames all vanished and the realm returned entirely to the Liu surname? These Wang Hun traitors who cannot distinguish grace and favor from enmity!

Amidst his resentment, a thread of bleakness wandered in the Emperor's heart, yet his mind uncontrollably echoed Liu Fu's dying words, saying that his killing of Si Bian and the Ling Family siblings' act had chilled the hearts of the realm's people, making them feel insecure, with no one truly submitting to him in heart anymore……

The anger in his eyes not yet dissipated, the Emperor slowly turned his head, looking toward the youth at his side.

That youth who simultaneously possessed his and the Ling clan's bloodline was exceedingly calm, and at this moment said: "Imperial Uncle, Child Minister will go see how their interrogation is progressing."

Attending to his illness, sharing his worries, never evading or shirking when matters arose, it had been this way ever since returning to the Capital…… no, not since returning to the Capital, this child had been doing this since he was small.

Not everyone has changed, not everyone fears him and suspects him, he still has this son whom he carried on his shoulders as he grew up who has not changed, often still like childhood before him.

The Emperor concealed his complex emotions: "Go, interrogate them on Our behalf."

Liu Qi temporarily withdrew, and Qingwu was also led by a eunuch to a side hall's warm pavilion to rest and recover from shock, the Emperor only kept Shaowei to speak alone, asking about the Former Emperor's dream visitation and divine instruction regarding the Huang He flood disaster.

The Emperor rarely sighed, seeming somewhat fatigued: "It is not that We disregard the common people, truly it is having the will but lacking the strength, fearing to attend to one thing and lose another……"

Shaowei looked up: "Your Majesty, the Zheng clan of Huai Yang Guo are powerful local magnates; now that they are defeated, under the confiscation there must be many captive soldiers and funds and grain available for use."

"These captive soldiers and funds and grain must be used to pacify the Liu Guo Zhi Luan." The Emperor's voice was slow: "Liang Guo is not so easily struck; we must make long-term plans, if military provisions lack follow-up strength it will be a major crisis…… We promise you, and are also willing to comply with the Former Emperor's divine instruction, if the Liu Guo Zhi Luan is pacified, We will immediately set about managing the Huang He flood disaster."

For the current situation, this is the utmost degree of attention and commitment the Emperor can give.

Liang Guo is wealthy and powerful, this battle is destined to be hard to fight, simultaneously one must also guard against other Vassal States seizing the opportunity to rebel, so the reinforcements dispatched to Liang Guo must also be repeatedly considered, this is also one of the reasons the Crown Prince dares not easily make a decision, the Crown Prince fears the Jingji defense will be left empty.

The Emperor understands very clearly, the Crown Prince dares not take risks, fears bearing responsibility, seeks a more secure method, yet has no decent lead, hence has long been unable to decide.

Today's exposure of the Liu Guo spies is even more a ringing of a warning bell.

Even a wine sack and rice bag like Liu Ci dares to harbor ambitions, how could the other Vassal Kings remain peacefully law-abiding?

While he this Emperor still exists, those people still have some fear, but if he dies? Yes, he will die, he can no longer avoid admitting he will die……

After his death, relying on Liu Cheng's bearing in recent days of acting as regent, how to suppress these lurking jackals and wolves with green light in their eyes?

Even if Rui Ze is killed, can Liu Cheng possibly instantly possess the ability and decisiveness to resist these Ze Zi?

If it were five years ago, he originally need not have such worries, but the current situation……

Five years ago……

Recalling that time, the Emperor suddenly felt some confusion.

Then he watched different-surname Vassal Kings settled one after another, the overall situation consolidated, he was ambitious, spine straight, envisioning the magnificent great undertaking about to begin, how did it become like this?

The National Preceptor's prophecy reverberated in his mind once more——

The Emperor looked toward the girl kneeling and answering in the hall.

Tianji is also the turning point to salvage the situation, the girl before him indeed bears the weight of the words 'turning point', ever since she appeared in the Capital she has been influencing the situation and people's hearts, the overall situation is drawn by her, Zhu Zhi's death, the prophesied drought, withdrawal of troops from the Xiongnu, the demonic Dao, Liang Guo, Liu Guo…… and countless many events he may not even have noticed being pushed forward.

Tianji is profound and mysterious, a supreme treasure bestowed by Heaven, but before the turning point drawn out by Tianji, the monarch is the one who can make the greatest decisions.

At this moment, a voice in the Emperor's heart was exceptionally clear: from this moment on, every single decision made is of crucial importance.

The Crown Prince fears bearing responsibility, he too has his fear, he absolutely cannot let this realm collapse and disintegrate.

When Liu Qi returned, a faint Blood Qi lingered around him, Guo Shi following behind.

Liu Qi stepped into the hall, did not return to the dragon desk side, instead naturally knelt beside Shaowei, facing the seat of honor, holding up a scroll of silk stained with bloodstains: "Imperial Uncle, this person's confession names over ten accomplices, all are Capital An Zhen."

The eunuch received the confession and presented it upward.

The Emperor finished reading, his face no longer had the initial rise and fall, only a cold laugh: "Over ten people, not considered too many."

From family members' children to eunuchs, and further to petty clerks in offices outside the Palace.

He had purged too many An Zhen from all quarters, hence this sentence carrying some mockery of "not considered too many".

But even if only one person, daring to stretch a hand into the Palace, this disloyal heart constitutes the crime of plotting rebellion, ought to be stripped of title and state removed.

In the past, a single punitive edict sent down, not a shred of hesitation needed, but now one pull moves the whole body, must guard against a dog in a hurry jumping the wall, inviting greater military disaster……

While the Emperor concentrated in thought, he asked: "Is the Liu Guo Shi Zi still in the Capital?"

This spring, the various Vassal Kings were ordered to enter the Capital for Ji Gu Wu due to the Changling collapse, Liu Wang did not arrive, his son acted as proxy.

Guo Shi hurriedly answered: "Replying to Your Majesty, the Zhi Jin Ji is imminent, the Liu Guo Shi Zi has not yet been able to leave the Capital……"

Every year at the Zhi Jin Ji, all Vassal Kings and Lie Hou must, according to their fief population numbers, in the name of Ji Zai, tribute yellow gold to the Court.

The Emperor looked up: "Have him enter the Palace to see Us."

Guo Shi was just about to agree, when he suddenly heard the kneeling youth in the hall speak: "Imperial Uncle, Child Minister has a plan, perhaps can resolve the current difficulty."

The Emperor looked over.

"Only still need to discuss and decide strategy with Imperial Uncle." Liu Qi slightly turned his head, looked toward his side: "Also absolutely require Ling Shu Hou to assist from within."

Shaowei also turned her head, meeting Liu Qi's eyes reflecting flickering candlelight.

?? See You Everyone Tomorrow~