Chapter 51: The Duke Enters the Palace, Mountain Rain Looms and Wind Fills the Tower

Da Xia Imperial Palace.

Outside the Hall of Nurturing the Heart.

Rows upon rows of officials knelt outside the hall; they were all Ministry of Rites officials, plus some Confucian officials.

At the head stood the Minister of Rites Yang Kai.

"Your Majesty, please rescind the decree."

"The Crown Prince acting as Regent follows the natural order of Heaven and Earth; if the regency duties are abolished, the people's hearts will waver at best, and moral order will collapse at worst."

"Moreover, blaming the ministers for the disaster and implicating the Crown Prince is forced; Your Majesty, being sagacious, should follow the way of a sage ruler."

Yang Kai's voice was resonant.

He knelt outside the hall for a long time.

The Da Xia Dynasty has no kneeling ceremony; kneeling now clearly shows a resolute attitude.

And at this moment.

A few figures hurried forward: Lord Wei Xian, and ahead of him, the Duke Zhenguo of Da Xia.

Grandfather Gu strode like a dragon and tiger.

He walked toward the interior of the hall.

Yang Kai and the others saw the Duke Zhenguo approach and their expressions changed slightly.

In the Da Xia Dynasty, the court largely supports the Crown Prince, and this Duke Zhenguo is especially favored by all the princes.

Whether it be the Crown Prince, the Second Prince, or the Third Prince, all seek to win over the Duke Zhenguo.

But the Duke Zhenguo chose none of the princes, instead keeping to himself.

His arrival today made them somewhat uneasy.

The Ministry of Rites, from top to bottom, supports the Crown Prince and usually bears grudges against the generals; if the Duke Zhenguo were to utter a few unpleasant words today, it would indeed cause trouble.

However, while most were worried, Yang Kai remained calm.

He knew what kind of person the Duke Zhenguo was; that key point meant the Duke would not act rashly.

"Old minister Gu Yuan, I pay my respects to Your Majesty, wishing Your Majesty ten thousand years, ten thousand years, ten thousand ten thousand years."

The next moment.

The Duke Zhenguo appeared outside the hall.

"The Duke Zhenguo has arrived."

"Please receive him promptly."

Upon hearing the Duke's voice, Emperor Yongsheng smiled broadly and said in a bright tone,

Soon, the Duke Zhenguo walked toward the interior of the hall.

"Duke Guogong, long time no see; a few days ago you said you would invite Duke Guogong to the palace for a chat, never expected you to come yourself."

"Come, take a seat."

A bright laugh rang out as Emperor Yongsheng offered a seat to Grandfather Gu.

But he did not sit; instead, he looked toward the emperor.

"Your Majesty, regarding the Crown Prince's regency, I hope you will reconsider three times."

"Now the Da Xia Dynasty enjoys peace and prosperity, with no war nor internal strife; the Crown Prince's regency is diligent and earnest, and issuing this imperial edict now may only invite trouble."

The Duke Zhenguo spoke openly, his attitude clear and his gaze steadfast as he looked at the emperor.

Since ancient times, the position of Crown Prince has been terrifying, involving far more than mere interests.

If the Crown Prince falls or is deposed, the ensuing trouble is like a raging flood beast; unless the Crown Prince truly has grave faults, unsettling his position would be unwise.

"Enough, enough."

"Duke Guogong, I thought you came today for a reunion, never expecting it was because of this matter."

"The imperial edict has already been issued; how could my command be withdrawn at will?"

Before the jade desk, Emperor Yongsheng heard Grandfather Gu's words, showed no sign of emotion, and his tone remained calm.

"Your Majesty."

"This matter…"

Grandfather Gu continued speaking, but a remark from Emperor Yongsheng silenced him.

"It seems Duke Guogong has also sided with the Crown Prince?"

His voice rang out, and Grandfather Gu was at a loss for words.

After a moment, the elder shook his head and said,

"Your Majesty, I only wish to avoid domestic instability; the regency duties have always been the Crown Prince's responsibility since antiquity. If it is abolished now, countless speculations will arise, from the court down to the common folk, and people's hearts will be unsettled."

Grandfather Gu kept speaking.

Although he bears a grudge against the civil officials and has not chosen to side with the Crown Prince, on matters of great right and wrong he must step forward, no matter what.

"Oh?"

"So you mean, if I today revoke the Crown Prince's regency, the Da Xia Dynasty will fall apart?"

"As for 'since antiquity'? Does the Duke imply that my ascension is illegitimate?"

Emperor Yongsheng spoke.

Upon hearing these words, all the eunuchs and court ladies in the hall knelt, especially Wei Xian and others, who knelt on the ground, trembling with fear.

These words were terrifying.

"Your Majesty, forgive me."

"The old minister has no such intention."

At this moment, even Grandfather Gu's heart trembled.

Because the words were too extreme.

It left him not knowing what to say.

On the jade desk.

Emperor Yongsheng also remained silent.

But after a while, he spoke to ease the tension.

"Duke."

"I do not mean that."

"Just take a look outside; it's merely a matter of withdrawing the regency. Memorials are pouring in like snowflakes, and I have heard that the Censorate has already submitted a joint memorial."

"Moreover, the edict was issued in less than half an hour, and officials from the twelve provinces and the seventy‑two commanderies all presented memorials."

"The Crown Prince truly is benevolent and magnanimous; half the court officials are his men. I often wonder whether I have been on this throne for too long."

Emperor Yongsheng spoke, showing no anger.

Yet when Grandfather Gu heard these words, his heart raced.

"Your Majesty, do not let your thoughts run wild."

"The Crown Prince acting as regent is diligent; the officials merely observe ethics and propriety, the rites of a great nation, not forming cliques for personal gain."

"Furthermore, who in the world disrespects his father? Filial respect is the foundation of the state, the root of Confucianism and Daoism; please, Your Majesty, do not overthink it."

Duke Zhen Guo inhaled deeply and said.

"Let us hope so."

Emperor Yongsheng replied calmly.

He then turned his gaze toward the Duke.

"Duke, you came today, yet why did you not bring my nephew?"

He spoke, shifting the subject, and said nothing further on the matter.

"Gu Jin Nian is still resting; these past days have already exhausted him."

Duke Zhen Guo spoke, mentioning Gu Jin Nian, and a smile involuntarily appeared on his face.

"Indeed."

"I never expected that child Gu Jin Nian could compose a timeless piece of writing."

"I must admit, having imperial blood makes one strong."

"Hahaha."

Having mentioned Gu Jin Nian, Emperor Yongsheng seemed pleased and unabashedly boasted.

But as soon as he said that, Grandfather Gu forced a thin smile.

Seeing the other's expression, Emperor Yongsheng became somewhat serious.

"Duke Zhen Guo, do not think I am bragging."

"Consider this yourself: is the Gu Family not a bunch of warriors? Especially your six sons—aside from Gu Qianzhou, the others are nothing but misshapen gourds."

"Especially that sixth Gu, who corrupts Gu Jin Nian all day; I will reprimand him in a few days."

"Gu Jin Nian was born to my sister Ning Yue; he carries half royal blood, which explains his talent. Now, thinking back…"

"He might become a Great Scholar at sixteen."

Emperor Yongsheng said with utmost seriousness.

But Grandfather Gu could barely endure it.

Originally, when you were angry, I tried to coax you, to make you happy.

But you are bragging far too much, aren't you? "Your Majesty, that statement is off. Gu Jin Nian has been guided by senior ministers since childhood; there is a saying that teachings are passed down through the body. His achievements stem from royal blood, but chiefly from the diligent cultivation by senior ministers."

Regarding this topic, Grandfather Gu would not yield a step; after all, he claims the greatest credit for himself.

"(He) laughed."

"Did you not hear what Gu Jin Nian said yesterday?"

"Wasn't it what I taught him daily?"

"Forget it, I'm too lazy to argue. Next time, have Gu Jin Nian come over; I have some insights to teach him properly. By the way, that sixth Gu of yours, keep him away from Gu Jin Nian, lest he cause trouble."

Emperor Yongsheng did not wish to argue the matter; fairness lies in people's hearts, and those words were not his, but spoken by the common folk.

He grew even more confident.

"Oh."

Grandfather Gu said nothing further; after all, the other party was the emperor, and he had to yield.

"Come, Duke, take a look at the essay my nephew wrote."

Emperor Yongsheng continued, appearing delighted, and ordered a eunuch to fetch Gu Jin Nian's essay.

He then placed it on the table.

Grandfather Gu perked up; although he knew his grandson had penned a timeless piece, he still did not know its content.

Now he was naturally a bit impatient.

Soon, the essay unfolded.

Emperor Yongsheng pointed at the essay, his face full of pride, and said.

"Look at the handwriting; it bears a three‑part resemblance to mine. Tsk tsk, Gu Jin Nian, that child, seems bold on the surface but has been secretly learning from me all along."

"Honestly, if you want to learn, just tell me. We're family; no need to hide it."

He said with a smile.

Duke Zhen Guo also examined the essay earnestly; after about a quarter of an hour, Grandfather Gu couldn't help but take a deep breath.

"A strategy for stabilizing the nation."

Indeed a strategy for stabilizing the state; who would have thought this short piece, under a thousand characters, would actually lay out the core of dynasties throughout history?

The people are paramount, the state comes second, the ruler is light.

What a fine notion that the people are paramount!

The Prince Who Stabilizes the State spoke openly; he did not think this article had any problem.

Moreover, it conforms to Da Xia's intentions.

Why?

Because back then, the Founding Emperor rose in rebellion from ordinary commoners, and what he cared about most was the people.

After Emperor Yong Sheng ascended the throne, he even more so emulated the Founding Emperor in all respects, carrying forward and expanding the Founding Emperor's state policies item by item.

Naturally, if this article were seen by later rulers, it might cause trouble, after all, the ruler is considered paramount.

But this article, before Emperor Yong Sheng, is completely different; it truly wins the ruler's heart.

Naturally, the Prince Who Stabilizes the State would say such words.

"So that's why I said, Jinian resembles me; I remember when he was about six or seven, I once said 'the people are paramount,' and I didn't expect this child to remember it—hahaha, excellent, excellent."

Emperor Yong Sheng boasted again.

Meanwhile, the Prince Who Stabilizes the State beside him paid no attention, instead looking at the article, with many thoughts in his mind.

Gu Jinian being able to write such an article, putting the people first, destined his own grandson's future to be limitless.

He joined the Founding Emperor's rebellion, though not among the first, but he too came from a poor background, and deep down he actually disliked the two words 'power and nobility'.

And Jinian's idea also greatly pleased him.

For a subject's greatest confidence is not imperial authority, but public opinion.

Standing in the people's position, doing practical deeds for them, will forge a sword exceedingly sharp, whether for slaying enemies or self-defense, more than sufficient.

Jinian being able to think of this point, he is truly satisfied, extremely satisfied.

"Your Majesty, may this old subject take this article away?"

The Prince Who Stabilizes the State spoke.

"No."

"I will have someone copy it for you later."

"I will commend this article."

Emperor Yong Sheng spoke, and directly had the Prince Who Stabilizes the State step back, carefully protecting the article, fearing even the slightest damage.

"Stingy."

Grandfather Gu snorted coldly in his heart; it's no big deal to just have his grandson copy it again.

"Your Majesty."

"Then this old subject will take his leave first."

Grandfather Gu spoke; since he couldn't be persuaded, it's fine.

"Fine, go back and have Jinian make a trip to the palace."

"I rather miss him, but the Da Xia Academy is also approaching; let's see what Jinian intends."

Emperor Yong Sheng mentioned this.

And Grandfather Gu merely nodded.

Then he slowly departed.

After Grandfather Gu left, the people from the Ministry of Rites were still kneeling outside.

At this moment.

Inside the Hall of Nurturing the Heart.

Emperor Yong Sheng quietly watched the officials kneeling outside.

His gaze, however, was very calm.

After a short while.

A eunuch approached and quietly said a few words to Wei Xian's ear.

Immediately after, Wei Xian approached.

"Your Majesty."

"Just now, the duke left the palace, and the Minister of Personnel appeared, walking side by side with the duke."

"Should we send someone to keep watch?"

Wei Xian spoke, informing Emperor Yong Sheng.

"No need."

"The Ministry of Personnel is merely trying to win over Jinian."

"I want to see what the crown prince will actually do, and what the second and third princes intend."

Emperor Yong Sheng's tone was calm.

As if everything was within his calculations.

"As you command."

Wei Xian nodded, saying nothing more.

"Wei Xian."

"How is the investigation into the flood in Jiang Ning Commandery?"

He continued speaking, asking about state affairs.

"Your Majesty, the scouts report that the flood situation is not as terrible as imagined, and moreover the local merchants all have stored grain; if a flood were to truly occur,"

"Grain supplies are stable, so it should not invite major disaster, but we still need to conduct a thorough investigation."

Wei Xian opened his mouth; his words were watertight.

Okay.

Have the spies investigate thoroughly, don't overlook any clue.

After saying that.

He continued speaking.

Has the Chang Ying Army been mobilized?

Upon hearing that, the latter immediately spoke.

General Chang Wei has already led 30,000 elite troops stationed outside the capital, ready for deployment at any time.

Wei Xian spoke.

The latter nodded.

But his gaze remained fixed on these Ministry of Rites officials.

It felt like the storm was imminent, the wind filling the tower——Strongly recommend a good book.

"Please, let me be a foolish ruler"

It's really good!!!!!! Everyone can go check it out!!!!!!

A great read!! (End of chapter)