Chapter 177: Tian Qiuqiu fell ill

After Tian Qiuqiu learned that the Son of Heaven had grown distant and that Empress Dowager Wei Zifu had rebuked Huo Guang, he did not, as others might have imagined, become overjoyed and conceited or arrogant due to favor.

He had followed Liu Ju for many years and knew the current Son of Heaven very well.

Liu Ju never judged closeness by relationship, nor would he casually distance someone; he only looked at a person's character and ability.

Therefore, Tian Qiuqiu's heart was full of gratitude for the Son of Heaven Liu Ju's trust and brimming with motivation for his work.

Full of vigor.

Thus he devoted himself even more wholeheartedly to work, in order not to betray the Son of Heaven's trust.

At court, he grew ever more proactive, arriving early each day at the Chancellor's Residence to carefully examine all documents related to the Grand Canal construction, from progress reports to civilian relocation details, missing nothing.

He frequently convened his subordinates for discussion, striving to arrange the work as perfectly as possible.

However, while Tian Qiuqiu could discipline himself, he could not restrain his capable aides Chen Wenjin and Li Xiangtian, who harbored ulterior motives.

These two had previously served as Chief Clerks in the Chancellor's Residence, holding considerable status; daily they had earned Tian Qiuqiu's reliance, and furthermore, for their notable achievements in the southern development, they had also won the Son of Heaven's favor and been given important posts.

They could be called Tian Qiuqiu's right and left arms.

But at this moment, they were scheming for their own gain.

One day, in the side hall of the Chancellor's Residence, Chen Wenjin leaned close to Li Xiangtian, eyes glinting, and whispered:

"Lord Li, now that the Chancellor is in power, it is a good opportunity for us to expand our influence. The Grand Canal project offers plenty of profit."

Li Xiangtian had long harbored the same intention; he nodded slightly, a crafty smile on his face, and said: "Lord Chen is quite right; we must plan well. Take material procurement, for example—if we complicate the process, suppliers who want quick approval will have to give us benefits willingly."

Chen Wenjin chuckled: "Exactly; each time we make them run extra trips for approval, they will naturally learn the rules."

"Before, there was that clueless Huo Guang, who relied on his imperial relatives to obstruct us; now he has gone off to the south, and no one can interfere with us anymore."

Li Xiangtian nodded: "Now that Huo Guang is gone, the Grand Canal project cannot move forward without us; even if the Son of Heaven notices us skimming some profit, he would likely say nothing, for Chancellor Tian is currently in the limelight, and even imperial authority would have to yield a bit."

Chen Wenjin kept nodding, his face full of smug satisfaction.

Immediately, at the meeting discussing the river-widening plan, the official in charge of the project proposed the most reasonable solution, but Chen Wenjin opposed it.

Chen Wenjin slammed the table and said: "This plan is unsuitable; in my view, we should choose another."

The official wondered: "Lord Chen, your chosen plan is not only costly but also difficult to construct, which would hinder the project's progress."

Li Xiangtian snorted coldly from the side: "What do you know? Do as Lord Chen says. The behind-the-scenes dealings are not for you to meddle in."

In fact, the alternative plan concealed their vested interests, allowing them to profit from it.

As time passed, the astute and capable Tian Qiuqiu gradually noticed the abnormal behavior of Chen Wenjin and Li Xiangtian.

He happened to discover that the procurement process had become unnecessarily convoluted, and some matters that could have proceeded smoothly were arbitrarily stalled.

Consequently, Tian Qiuqiu quietly launched an investigation and gradually gathered evidence that the two were secretly manipulating affairs for personal gain.

Tian Qiuqiu seethed with anger; their conduct seriously obstructed the construction of the Grand Canal.

Moreover, it would severely damage his reputation; if the Son of Heaven noticed, he would lose considerable favor.

However, when he prepared to deal with the two, he found himself in a dilemma.

The Grand Canal's construction was urgent, the schedule tight; if he were to dismiss and investigate Chen Wenjin and Li Xiangtian now, he could not immediately find suitable replacements for their work.

Furthermore, at court the Son of Heaven Liu Ju and the various ministers closely watched the Grand Canal project; he had been placed in this position, and any slip would be blamed on his incompetence.

Tian Qiuqiu feared that punishing the two would stall the project and invite criticism.

This worry made him dare not act rashly, and as the project progressed, he gradually chose to endure.

Meanwhile, to make up for the delays caused by the two, Tian Qiuqiu could only pour extra energy into the work himself.

Each day he rose before dawn, went to the worksite to oversee progress, then rushed back to the Chancellor's Residence to handle the mountain of paperwork.

At night, while others had already rested, he remained under candlelight reviewing documents, contemplating how to advance the project.

Prolonged high-intensity work gradually overwhelmed his body.

Finally, on one occasion while traveling to the worksite, Tian Qiuqiu suddenly felt dizzy, his vision went dark, and he fell from his horse.

His attendants panicked and hurriedly carried him back to the residence.

After diagnosis by the Imperial Physician, it was determined to be due to overwork, requiring rest for a period.

Tian Qiuqiu fell ill; the news spread to court, and everyone was shocked.

Upon hearing it, Liu Ju felt deep concern and anxiety.

The Grand Canal construction was at a critical juncture; as the chief overseer, Tian Qiuqiu's illness undoubtedly added to an already complicated situation.

After careful consideration, Liu Ju decided to personally visit Tian Qiuqiu's residence to offer condolences.

Liu Ju arrived with a retinue of attendants, mighty and imposing, at Tian Qiuqiu's mansion.

Upon hearing that the Son of Heaven had come in person, Tian Qiuqiu, though weak, struggled to rise and perform the rites.

Seeing this, Liu Ju hurried forward, supported Tian Qiuqiu, and said gently: "Beloved Minister Tian, no need for excessive ceremony; just rest and recover."

Tian Qiuqiu gazed at Liu Ju's concerned eyes, a warm surge rose in his heart, and moved to tears he said: "Your Majesty, this incapable old minister has actually fallen ill at this critical moment, betraying your trust; I truly deserve death ten thousand times."

Liu Ju lightly patted Tian Qiuqiu's arm, comforting him: "Beloved Minister, for the Grand Canal project you have exhausted your mind and energy; I have seen it all. Now that you are unwell, you must recuperate well, and when you recover, you may again share my burdens."

These words made Tian Qiuqiu feel ever more grateful and dutiful, wishing he could rise immediately to continue serving Liu Ju.

However, at this moment Chen Wenjin and Li Xiangtian were secretly scheming for their own gain.

Upon learning that Liu Ju had personally gone to condole at Tian Qiuqiu's residence, they not only failed to restrain their previous conduct but instead took it as a sign that the Chancellor's faction was ascendant, growing ever more reckless.

In the Chancellor's Residence, Chen Wenjin wore a grin of triumph and told Li Xiangtian: "Lord Li, look— the Son of Heaven himself has gone to condole the Chancellor, showing his standing in the Sovereign's heart. Now that the Chancellor is ill, who at court could oppose us? With chancellery authority in our hands, we shall surely match imperial authority."

Li Xiangtian nodded repeatedly: "Lord Chen is quite right. Now is the perfect time for us to flex our muscles; anyone who opposes us will have to weigh the consequences."