Chapter 638: Return to Governance!

The sun had just crept over the palace wall's eaves, spilling golden light onto the glazed tiles of the Tai Chi Hall, dazzling so that people could not open their eyes.

Outside the hall, the locust trees were lush, cicadas chirped incessantly, weaving an impenetrable summer heat net, yet inside the hall a cross‑hall breeze brought a hint of coolness.

In the hall paved with golden bricks, civil and military officials had already taken their positions by rank, a sea of black, the court robes ranging from purple to scarlet to green, layered like a spilled dye vat.

In the front row stood two young men in purple official robes, both with faces like polished jade and upright bearing.

On the left was Yuwen Ze.

On the right was Chen Yan, whose brows still held a trace of newlywed fatigue.

The two stood side by side, taking advantage of the council not yet begun, lowering their voices to whisper.

Yuwen Ze gently nudged Chen Yan's side with his elbow, a sly smile curling his mouth, his voice pressed down so low that only they could hear: "A Xiong, I see your steps today are a bit unsteady..."

"The river‑pursuing sister‑in‑law from the troops, not easy to handle, right?"

He said so while squinting, the teasing in his eyes almost spilling over.

Chen Yan heard that, gave a sideways glance, raised his hand to point, and whispered: "You brat!"

He said so, yet his mouth couldn't help a slight upward curl, a flash of pride in his eyes, his voice modulated with a hint of bragging: "Although we fought many rounds to a draw, in the end I still edged you out a little, brother!"

Yuwen Ze blinked, leaned close to Chen Yan, and said with a half‑smile: "I have a family‑passed prescription that strengthens the foundation, cures fatigue, and can help A Xiong capture that female general!"

Chen Yan rolled his eyes widely; hearing that, it sounded all too familiar.

He pursed his lips and retorted irritably: "That damn thing sounds like my own line, doesn't it?"

Yuwen Ze could no longer hold back, letting out a light laugh: "Hahaha!"

Chen Yan raised an eyebrow, lightly slapped Yuwen Ze's lower back, his tone tinged with schadenfreude: "You brat, stop showing off!"

"In a few days you'll have to marry a Lu family lady, right?"

"Take good care of your kidneys!"

At that moment, a high‑pitched chant came from outside the hall, instantly drowning out all the whispers inside.

"Your Majesty is here—!"

"Grand Preceptor is here—!"

The eunuch's thin voice pierced the hall, instantly making the atmosphere solemn.

The officials all composed themselves, held their breath, and their gazes turned toward the hall doors.

A moment later, a bright yellow figure slowly stepped into the hall.

It was the current Great Zhou emperor Yuwen Yong, wearing a dragon robe with twelve‑patterned motifs, a jade belt at his waist, a crown that reaches the heavens, his brows still bearing youthful naivety, yet already showing hints of imperial bearing.

He walked steadily to the Dragon Throne, and with the eunuch's assistance, slowly took his seat.

Immediately behind him was Grand Preceptor Yuwen Hu.

Clad in a four‑claw python robe, his expression solemn, a long beard hanging from his jaw, eyes deep as an ancient well, his presence commanding without anger.

He walked to the imperial seat beneath the Dragon Throne, bowed slightly in salute, and then sat down.

When the two were seated, the ministers inside the hall bowed together, clasped their hands in salute, their voices clear and resonant throughout the great hall: "We, the ministers, pay our respects to Your Majesty! We, the ministers, pay our respects to the Grand Preceptor!"

"May the emperor live ten thousand years, ten thousand years, ten thousand ten thousand years! Grand Preceptor live a thousand years, a thousand years, a thousand thousand years!"

Yuwen Yong, seated on the Dragon Throne, scanned the ministers, raised his hand, and with a clear, strong voice said: "All ministers, stand down!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty! Thank you, Grand Preceptor!"

The officials answered in unison, then straightened, still lining the two sides, their expressions respectful and solemn.

The eunuch stepped forward again, shouting hoarsely: "If there is business, present it; if not, retire from court—!"

As soon as the words fell, a person stepped forward from within the hall.

It was Right Silver and Azure Guanglu Physician Feng Qi, about thirty‑five or six, dressed in a scarlet official robe, his face square, his eyes sharp.

He walked to the center of the great hall, bowed deeply to Emperor Yuwen Yong on the Dragon Throne and Grand Preceptor Yuwen Hu on the imperial seat, and loudly said: "I have a petition to present!"

Yuwen Yong raised his hand, his tone even: "Proceed!"

Feng Qi straightened, his gaze first flicking subtly at Yuwen Ze in the front row, a flash of profound light in his eyes, then turning to Yuwen Yong, his voice resonant throughout the hall: "Your Majesty, Prince of Ancheng has pacified the Qi State forces lurking in Chang'an, captured the Qi bandits Gao Changjing and others alive, and in one stroke eliminated the Qi spies planted in the Capital; this achievement is no small matter!"

"I think the prince's merits are great; he should receive abundant rewards to commend his deeds, thereby setting a model for all subjects under heaven!"

The moment the words were spoken, a faint murmur of discussion rippled through the hall.

Everyone's gaze fell on Yuwen Ze, some envious, some admiring, and some with an indescribable complexity.

Yuwen Ze watched Feng Qi, who had stepped forward to petition, his brows barely furrowing, a hint of surprise flashing in his mind.

Feng Qi?

The name turned something in his heart; his eyes darkened slightly, and the fingers hanging at his side subtly tightened.

This person is the emperor's most trusted confidant, always speaking only for Yuwen Yong's will; today he breaks the norm, stepping forward to claim credit for himself?

Yuwen Ze muttered inwardly, a thoughtful flash in his eyes: what medicine is Feng Qi selling in his gourd?

Is it the emperor's intention, or does he have another scheme?

His face remained solemn, head lowered, but his mind was swirling with countless thoughts.

In the front of the hall, several senior ministers in purple robes also harbored their own thoughts.

Hou Mo Chen Yi's beard was slightly frosted, his gaze heavy as he scanned Feng Qi's silhouette, his fingertips gently rubbing the clasp of his jade belt.

Pei Xun's brows carried a hint of scholarly elegance, yet now he slightly furrowed, looking thoughtfully toward Grand Preceptor Yuwen Hu on the imperial seat.

Du Yaoguang's expression was stern, his lips tightly pressed, a trace of inquiry flashing in his eyes.

All three knew Feng Qi's background like the back of their hands.

He is a confidant personally promoted by the young emperor Yuwen Yong, always delivering only the emperor's orders, never speaking for others.

Today's move by Feng Qi is truly thought‑provoking.

The three simultaneously speculated in their hearts: "Is the emperor using this as a chance to curry favor with the Grand Preceptor?"

After all, the Prince of Ancheng is the Grand Preceptor's son; this reward, outwardly for the prince, may secretly be intended for the one on the imperial seat to see…

Chen Yan, standing at Yuwen Ze's side, took in everyone's expressions.

He saw Feng Qi bow his head in praise, and then saw the doubt in Yuwen Ze's brows; his mouth couldn't help a slight upward curl, drawing an extremely amused arc.

"Interesting!" he thought lightly, his eyes darkening, "Yuwen Yong's confidant is actually seeking merit for Ah Ze......"

"This play is truly getting more and more interesting!"

Chen Yan raised his eyes calmly, his peripheral glance silently shifting to Yuwen Yong atop the Dragon Throne.

The young emperor sat upright on the high seat, his brows and eyes bearing a perfectly measured authority, yet within those seemingly peaceful eyes hid a barely perceptible edge.

Chen Yan felt a slight stir in his heart, lowered his eyelids, concealing the depth in his gaze.

Just as the discussions in the hall began to subside, Yuwen Yong on the Dragon Throne finally nodded, his clear voice resonating through the great hall, with a hint of praise: "Your words are indeed commendable!"

After a brief pause, his gaze swept over the ministers below the steps, and he declared loudly: "Han Feizi said: merit must be rewarded, faults must be punished, errors must be corrected, achievements must be honored."

"Prince of Ancheng pacified the Qi traitors, eliminated a great internal threat, and secured the stability of Great Zhou's capital region; such deeds deserve reward!"

Hearing this, Feng Qi immediately bowed and said with resonant strength: "Your Majesty is wise!"

The other ministers on the hall also bowed and echoed, and for a moment, the cry "Your Majesty is wise" rose and fell, echoing through the Tai Ji Hall.

Yuwen Hu, seated on the imperial throne, maintained an unchanged expression throughout, unruffled.

Clad in a four‑clawed python robe, he sat motionless, his long beard hanging below his jaw, his eyes deep as an ancient well, revealing no trace of joy or anger.

It seemed the rewards discussed in the hall had nothing to do with him.

Yuwen Yong pursed his lips, thought briefly, then announced loudly: "My decision is made; I promote Prince of Ancheng Yuwen Ze to Senior Pillar of the State, increasing his taxable households by eight hundred!"

"Additionally, award ten thousand taels of silver, a thousand bolts of brocade, and ten beauties!"

With these words, the ministers in the hall stirred with a low murmur.

The Senior Pillar of the State is the highest military rank in Great Zhou; for someone of Yuwen Ze's age to receive this honor right after Chen Zhuguo truly makes him a once‑in‑a‑lifetime figure.....

Hearing this, Yuwen Ze immediately stepped forward, bowed, and said with respectful steadiness: "I, Yuwen Ze, gratefully bow to Your Majesty's great favor!"

He knelt on the ground, back straight, showing no arrogance, only a flash of understanding in his eyes.

Yuwen Yong looked at the kneeling Yuwen Ze, nodded in satisfaction.

Then his gaze slowly fell on Chen Yan beside him, a gentle smile at the corner of his mouth, and he continued loudly: "Chen Zhuguo assisted the Prince of Ancheng in pacifying the Qi traitors, and also earned merit."

"Specifically, increase his taxable households by three hundred!"

"Reward five thousand taels of silver, a hundred bolts of brocade, and ten beauties!"

Hearing this, Chen Yan also stepped forward, bowed his head, and said with clear, strong voice: "I thank Your Majesty for the award!"

Yuwen Yong's gaze fell on the two kneeling in thanks below the steps, while his peripheral glance inadvertently slipped toward Yuwen Hu on the imperial throne.

That look seemed peaceful, yet beneath his eyes flashed an almost imperceptible sharpness and ruthlessness, like a blade tempered with ice, vanishing in an instant.

He tightened his fingertips on the Dragon Throne's armrest, his knuckles whitening, and coldly sneered in his heart: "Yuwen Hu, I have endless patience to wear you down slowly!"

Today's bestowal is the new chessboard he has set.

Promoting Yuwen Ze to Senior Pillar of the State and rewarding Chen Yan with gold, silver, and beauties is, on the surface, a commendation of meritorious officials, but in truth a ploy to blind Yuwen Hu.

He wants this power‑laden cousin to believe he is still the fledgling young emperor, whose wings have not yet fully grown, harmless to all...

He even relies on Yuwen Hu's support to sit steadily on the Dragon Throne.

Just as Yuwen Yong was calculating in his mind, Yuwen Hu on the imperial throne suddenly moved.

He slowly rose, the hem of his python robe brushing the throne's armrest, producing a faint rustle.

The near‑fifty‑year‑old Grand Preceptor, still as upright as a pine, lifted his eyes toward Yuwen Yong on the Dragon Throne, his voice solemn and powerful, resonating through the entire Tai Ji Hall: "I, the old minister, have a matter to present during today's court session!"

This sudden action gave Yuwen Yong a sharp jolt in his heart, nearly causing a lapse.

He had just been immersed in his own scheming, never expecting Yuwen Hu to act so abruptly.

A surge of panic rose in his chest; instinctively he straightened his spine, forcing all turmoil beneath a composed smile, and loudly asked: "May I know what important matter the Grand Preceptor has?"

Yuwen Hu stood tall, his gaze sweeping over the ministers in the hall, his eyes as deep as an abyss.

He said gravely: "Emperor Taizu once entrusted this old minister with the duty of assisting and supporting, hoping that I would aid Your Majesty to stabilize Great Zhou..."

"Now the four seas are tranquil, the borders safe, Your Majesty's virtue rises daily, discerning talent and employing it well, enough to illuminate the great foundation and rule over countless peoples!"

Reaching this point, his tone suddenly rose, each word striking the ground: "I, the old minister, request to be relieved of the assisting‑governance duty, return governance to the throne, and resume my former rank!"

"Boom!"

These words thundered like a flash of lightning, exploding through the Tai Ji Hall.

Most of the ministers were shocked, their faces filled with disbelief.

"Is the Grand Preceptor really returning governance?!"

"Could it be that the Grand Preceptor truly wishes to retire?"

Murmurs rose and fell, ministers whispered to each other, their gazes at Yuwen Hu full of inquiry and astonishment.

One must know that as the head of the Five Offices under the Celestial Office, his confidants are spread throughout the court; he has long been the de facto power figure of Great Zhou, or one could say the uncrowned emperor....

Now, to voluntarily propose returning governance is truly abnormal!

Beneath the throne, Yuwen Yong's heart first surged with ecstatic joy, as if a hot current rushed straight to the crown of his head.

"Return governance!"

Yuwen Hu actually volunteered to return governance!

This is exactly what he has long dreamed of!

If Yuwen Hu relinquishes the assisting‑governance authority, I can truly grasp the reins of the court and become the genuine Great Zhou emperor!

But this elation did not last long; a thread of doubt wound around his heart like a vine.

He sensed an unusual scent, furrowed his brows, and quickly calculated in his mind: "What does Yuwen Hu mean by this?"

"Is he truly sincere in wanting to retire, or, like Huo Guang, deliberately testing my thoughts?"

Yuwen Yong steadied himself, his face showing sincere earnestness, and his voice full of earnestness: "The Grand Preceptor's words are mistaken!"

The Grand Preceptor bears the weight of universal balance, oversees the civil‑military framework, compiles the ancestral rites, stabilizes the imperial family, repels foreign barbarians, guards the borders, and thus the state and its altars remain steady and the multitude lives in peace.

These achievements, apart from the Grand Preceptor's loyalty and diligence, who else could accomplish them?

He paused slightly, his tone growing firmer, and with resolute words refuted: "Although Great Zhou is now at peace, Qi State still watches hungrily, and the court still needs a senior minister to sit in command......"

Great Zhou still relies on the Grand Preceptor's governance; the Grand Preceptor's resignation is absolutely unacceptable!

Yuwen Hu heard the words, let out a soft sigh, and a fatigue he could not hide appeared on his face.

He raised his hand to rub his brow, his voice hoarse: "Your Majesty, this old minister's chronic illness has flared lately; on rainy days my muscles ache, my vigor wanes day by day, and I can no longer bear the heavy duties......"

Moreover, Your Majesty is already seasoned, wise and decisive, and should personally wield the court's authority to realize your ambitions!

Having said that, he bowed again, his tone earnest and pleading: "I hope Your Majesty will grant this old minister's request!"

Sunlight filtered through the carved lattice window, falling on Yuwen Hu's python robe, yet it seemed unable to dispel the fatigue in his brows.

He lowered his eyes, his inner emotions unreadable, only his slightly hunched back revealed a hint of helpless decline.

At that moment, Yuwen Yong was deeply moved.

It seemed he already felt the summons of supreme authority, as if he saw himself personally holding the court's reins and making solitary decisions.

His fingers lightly tapped the armrest of the Dragon Throne, producing a faint sound; inside his mind, heaven and man clashed, indecisive: Yuwen Hu's expression did not seem probing—should I go with the flow and agree, or continue to decline?