Chapter 79#
The vast majority of Great Yuan’s military power rests in the hands of the Emperor and the Qi family, with personal guards and standing armies also stationed in the northern borders. However, during the late Emperor’s reign, the enfeoffed princes and marquises held a portion of military authority. In previous court discussions, the princes wielding military power was not a topic of debate. But now that external threats have largely subsided, and the Emperor places great emphasis on civil governance… some possibilities may well become reality.
Currently, the Emperor shows no intention of reclaiming military power, but since the military pay scandal, imperial envoys and secret agents dispatched to the provinces have only increased, not decreased. Those princes are no pushovers—they are bound to have noticed and will surely be on their guard. If they were merely cautious before, with the rumors surrounding the Grand Sacrificial Ceremony and the Emperor’s resolute enforcement, from the perspective of princes and marquises, only one explanation remains.
Qi Hanzhou’s voice was grave: “They want to stir discord between the provinces and the court.”
According to Ying Fusheng’s conjecture, the mastermind behind this is sowing discord between the provinces and the imperial court. Once the regional princes believe the Emperor is using the Grand Sacrificial Ceremony to summon marquises for the purpose of reclaiming military power, that seed of suspicion would create a rift between the provinces and the court.
If they further fan the flames, it could escalate into internal unrest.
The Great Yuan had just emerged from five years of war, with the court and the populace still in turmoil after prolonged official reshuffles. If unrest broke out now, the mastermind would have an opening to exploit. This scheme was extremely dangerous. If they were indeed redirected to investigate the Imperial Guard, the mastermind would learn their true capabilities. On one hand, it would expose the foreknowledge they possessed; on the other, it would shift their focus onto the Imperial Guard.
When that happened, the advantage of taking the first move would once again fall into the mastermind’s hands.
Ying Fusheng slightly loosened his grip on Qi Hanzhou’s robe. The surrounding Brocade Guards and mansion guards had already cleaned up the bodies, and the commotion of the Imperial Guard outside the mansion seemed to have subsided. He shifted his gaze to the bloodstained ground. “Superstitions of ghosts and gods are the easiest to spread. Why else would he kill Consort Ruan? Her father is the Imperial Censor of Jiangnan, a local inspector dispatched by the Censorate. The local prefects have frequent dealings with him and pay him particular attention.”
The Ruan family’s standing in the court was not particularly prominent. Consort Ruan’s death at this time served two purposes: one was to implicate the Imperial Guard; the other was to ensure news of her mysterious death would spread most swiftly.
Ying Fusheng continued, “They know Consort Ruan died under strange circumstances, and soon rumors of the strange occurrences at the Grand Sacrificial Ceremony will follow. General, as a military man, you are more sensitive to this than I am. Those who hold military power, upon hearing about the Grand Sacrificial Ceremony, will see it as a trap.”
“It has been six days since Consort Ruan’s death. The news has already spread within the court, so the spies of those regional princes have likely received word as well.” Qi Hanzhou’s eyes turned cold. What was originally just a Grand Sacrificial Ceremony might seem to others like someone was manipulating rumors to destabilize the throne, but those with deeper schemes were aiming not just at public opinion but at the very foundation of the state. “It cannot be stopped. If he truly intends this, the news has already reached the provinces. Not even the Qi family can intercept it.”
The regional princes have probably already learned of it.
Thus, they have already missed the opportunity to intervene and alter the situation.
Ying Fusheng did not answer immediately. He looked toward the courtyard, where Song An, who had gone to report to the front hall, was hurrying back. “Your Highness, I took the liberty of allowing the Imperial Guard to search the premises, but the main courtyard was kept closed to them.”
“Letting the Imperial Guard in to investigate, but not into the main courtyard… that confirms my suspicions. They were lured here, and their search of my residence stems from concern for the safety of an imperial prince.” Ying Fusheng said.
This kind of framing was simple: they were exploiting the premise that his frail constitution prevented him from being a legitimate heir to the throne, continuously piling up doubts about him. If he went to investigate the Imperial Guard, the Emperor would take notice of him, and suspicion would begin to accumulate.
But at the same time, this reflected one point: the Emperor’s current favor and reliance on him were, to some extent, affecting their plans. Hence, they were resorting to such methods of framing.
Qi Hanzhou: “The Imperial Guard itself is clean, but there may be hidden hands who can manipulate them.”
“We can make conjectures about him, and he can do the same to us.”
Ying Fusheng said, “First, the Emperor is investigating the provinces and has reached a critical point—someone in power in Jiangnan and Western Shu fears exposure. Second, the people he can use in the court are dwindling, and he does not want to drag the Second Prince into the struggle for the throne.”
In his past life, this person intended to quietly change the dynasty.
But now, the downfall of the Xu family disrupted his plans, forcing him to change course.
“General, we should be pleased.” There was no anger at being outmaneuvered in Ying Fusheng’s eyes. When he looked up, his gaze held a depth that Qi Hanzhou could not fully grasp. “At least we guessed right.”
Qi Hanzhou frowned. Guessing right but falling behind was hardly something to celebrate. The mastermind’s dark scheme was laid out before them. With less than a month and a half until the Grand Sacrificial Ceremony, the situation was difficult to reverse. If any regional prince refused to come to court over military power, the conflict would escalate, and the Emperor would also contemplate reclaiming military authority.
“But this is his dark scheme,” Ying Fusheng said. “We can turn it into an open strategy. If we let military power remain in the hands of the princes, that will completely resolve this matter.”
Qi Hanzhou pondered, looking at Ying Fusheng: “Now is not a time of war. How will you do it?”
It was almost a closed loop—throughout history, anything involving military power made it difficult to ease the tension between emperor and vassal.
Qi Hanzhou saw him raise his brows slightly. In the night, those eyes seemed bathed in moonlight, radiant and brilliant. He turned his head and looked at him, an inscrutable confidence in his gaze: “I will make these princes willingly enter the capital.”
-*
The Imperial Guard conducted a secret investigation of the Sixth Prince’s residence and left after half an hour.
The next day, the news reached the factions in the capital. In the court, the Emperor’s expression remained unchanged as usual. At this moment, the Sixth Prince, who had been shutting himself away from visitors, suddenly became diligent. He began to travel frequently between the Imperial Academy and the Ministry of Works. Construction of the Lingxiao Terrace continued to advance day by day.
“Your Highness, someone among the Imperial Guard has already begun a covert investigation.” Inside the Second Prince’s mansion, a strategist reported, “It seems our plan is working.”
The Second Prince’s expression did not waver. “It could also be a decoy. Did you deal with the person who went to the prince’s residence that day?”
“Dealt with.” The strategist said, “The Sixth Prince’s recent behavior is somewhat strange. He has been going to the Ministry of Works official’s mansion more frequently and has personally sent gifts to the residences of the other two princes, staying for a relatively long time. He has also been frequently visiting other departments, claiming it is for some construction project.”
“And did the others pay him any attention?” the Second Prince asked.
The strategist replied, “No. They only found a few officials to placate the Sixth Prince. Shen Changcun has not gone to the courier station in the past few days, nor has he sent any messages. Your Highness can rest assured.”
The Second Prince looked composed. Owing favors to the Six Ministries was something he could do once by relying on his status as a prince, but it would be difficult to do a second time. The old foxes in the court had been tricked by him once and would be cautious around him from now on. Using the excuse of his burned-out brain worked only once; afterward, it would arouse suspicion.
When it came to the exchange of favors, the old foxes would not allow themselves to be used as pawns by him a second time.
“Do not be complacent. Keep watching him.” The Second Prince said, “This might just be an act for our benefit.”
The strategist was startled. That lord’s plan was so covert.
Even if discovered now, the other party would find it hard to stop. Moreover, the Sixth Prince showed no signs of taking action and had been led by them toward the Imperial Guard.
“In any case, keep a close watch on him, and on the Brocade Guard as well.” The Second Prince said.
On several occasions, the Brocade Guard had appeared too swiftly, and their actions were indeed unusual.
In August, the discussions about the Grand Sacrificial Ceremony gradually subsided. The Supreme Court announced the cause of death for the official who had spontaneously combusted during the ceremony: he had come into contact with phosphorus materials used for the celebratory lanterns and fireworks prepared by the Ministry of Works, leading to the accident. The Supreme Court’s release of the case details temporarily eased public speculation, but the rumors among the people had not yet been fully resolved.
The ministers argued for several days, and on the morning of one such day, they saw an unexpected person in the court.
The Sixth Prince rarely attended court sessions. To avoid the debts of favor from the Ministry of Works, he had even reduced his visits there. But today, he appeared in court without precedent. When a prince enters the court, it means entering officialdom. Standing there, he drew the gazes of many.
The Brocade Guard did not attend court sessions; Qi Hanzhou was an exception.
He looked in that direction. Ying Fusheng was already standing at a distance. The official robe hung somewhat loose on him, but compared to his previous frail and delicate appearance, wearing the court dress added a touch of restraint and composure.
Different from usual.
The two did not make eye contact. In the distance, a voice rose—the Emperor had arrived.
When the Emperor arrived, he saw Ying Fusheng standing below the dais. His gaze swept over him, noting that his complexion was slightly better than before. He then looked away, scanning the assembled ministers.
Eunuch Rong announced the start of the morning court session. Immediately, the court erupted into debate, prompted by an urgent report received by the Ministry of War that morning. The Prince of Qin had sent a letter citing poor health and stating that he would be unable to attend the Grand Sacrificial Ceremony, and that he would dispatch his heir in his stead. The Prince of Qin, the Emperor’s elder brother, had moved to Western Shu as a vassal prince in the previous dynasty. Every time the court summoned him, he came.
Before the Grand Sacrificial Ceremony, he had been in good health, and he had never sent his heir in his stead before. Suddenly receiving this news, combined with the fervent rumors currently circulating in the capital, his ‘ill health’ came at an inopportune time. Many ministers spoke up for the Prince of Qin, while others condemned him for disregarding etiquette. After half an hour of arguing, no conclusion could be reached.
The Second Prince stood among the courtiers, listening to the discussions around him. The Supreme Court’s announcement could not match the speed of rumors spreading among the people. Even if the Supreme Court proved that the spontaneous combustion at the prayer ceremony was an accident, to the people of the Great Yuan, tales of ghosts and gods were far more sensational. Now, with the Prince of Qin’s matter added to the mix, it was like pouring oil on the flames.
Feigning detachment, the Second Prince watched the ministers argue heatedly, his peripheral gaze resting on Ying Fusheng.
Ying Fusheng remained silent, as if he had merely come to watch the ministers quarrel, like a newcomer unfamiliar with the rules of the court.
At that moment, the First Prince suddenly spoke up: “Father, your son has something to report.”
“The Grand Sacrificial Ceremony is a major event for the Great Yuan, and a matter of great importance to the people. The current rumors circulating among the people are merely the foolish spreading nonsense. It would be appropriate to have the local authorities handle them,” the First Prince said. “The immediate priority is resolving the matter of the Prince of Qin. In your son’s opinion, we should send imperial physicians to Western Shu to examine the Imperial Uncle’s health before making any judgment.”
The Second Prince agreed, “What the eldest brother says is reasonable.”
The Third Prince did not speak, but he did not refute the First Prince’s words.
“And if the imperial physicians find a problem, what then?” The Emperor’s tone was flat, making the court fall silent. He surveyed everyone, his gaze sweeping across the Ministry of Revenue, the Ministry of War, and even stopping on the officials of the Ministry of Personnel. “What, no one has anything to say?”
The ministers were silent. The Prince of Qin had not had any health issues before. This sudden development was inevitably linked to the rumors in the capital. If the Emperor truly sent imperial physicians, the Prince of Qin would have ample excuse to refuse to come. In that case, what would the other princes think?
The Grand Sacrificial Ceremony was a grand event. If the vassal princes did not attend, accompanied by the popular rumors, it would be extremely detrimental to the Emperor’s prestige.
The Second Prince lowered his eyes. The voice from the high throne seemed to carry an implied meaning.
The Emperor looked at these three sons, then at Ying Fusheng, who had not spoken a word.
Since he had gathered the officials of the Five Ministries to handle the Lingxiao Terrace affair, once the matter was accomplished, the officials from each ministry had returned. But this son of his had not gone to any of the various departments. The matter of the Six Ministries involved personal favors, and while it seemed handled lightly, some things were done very meticulously.
“Little Six, how is your health?” The Emperor asked out of the blue.
Ying Fusheng’s expression tightened slightly; he did not raise his head. “Your son has recovered, Father. I can share your burdens.”
“You and Minister Liu did a fine job.” The Emperor asked, “So, do you have any ideas?”
Ying Fusheng hesitated for a moment, then honestly reported: “The construction of the Lingxiao Terrace under the Ministry of Works has been completed and is ready for the Grand Sacrificial Ceremony at any time. In a few days, we can collaborate with the Ministry of Rites to prepare for the needs of next month’s ceremony.”
The officials exchanged glances. The Emperor had asked for his thoughts, but the Sixth Prince’s answer was irrelevant, merely mentioning the Ministry of Works.
Yet, surprisingly, after he mentioned the Ministry of Works, the Emperor showed no displeasure. “Handling that matter fully with Minister Liu is enough. But is that all? You have been visiting other places quite a bit lately.”
Ying Fusheng raised his eyes and met the gaze of the sovereign on high for a moment before continuing: “There is one more thing. Your son wishes to ask for a favor.”
As he spoke, he glanced briefly at Shen Changcun and Liu Yunshi, then steadied himself and continued: “Since there is still a month until the Grand Sacrificial Ceremony, and the Ministry of Works, with the assistance of the various ministers, is back on track, I would like to take this opportunity to undertake a water conservancy project in conjunction with the ceremony.”
Hearing this, the Emperor’s expression shifted slightly. “Water conservancy?”
“Floods in summer and snow disasters in winter in Jiangnan, the construction of dikes and dams has been especially important over the years. However, the Great Yuan’s water conservancy is inadequate, and disaster relief efforts in past years have been hindered, unable to achieve quick results.” After careful consideration, Ying Fusheng said, “Your son has reviewed old records from the Ministry of Works and consulted with the great scholars of the Imperial Academy. I understand that the snow disasters have eased over the past two years, indicating a period of good fortune, which is more favorable for undertaking large-scale projects.”
The Second Prince frowned slightly and glanced at an official from the Ministry of Personnel next to him.
The official caught the signal and stepped forward: “Your Highness’s proposal is indeed a good one, but it is not the topic at hand today.”
The confiscations in recent years had greatly enriched the national treasury, and the disasters had eased. It was indeed a rare good year, as the Sixth Prince had said.
Therefore, the Emperor had placed great importance on the Grand Sacrificial Ceremony for several months. But the immediate pressing issue was the various rumors surrounding the ceremony. The Sixth Prince bringing up water conservancy projects at this time was divorced from the current point of discussion in the court.
The Emperor raised his hand to stop the Ministry of Personnel official. “Continue.”
At this moment, Qi Hanzhou subtly looked toward the Emperor. Everyone in the court had heard that the Sixth Prince’s mind was impaired—such talk had reached the Emperor’s ears as well. Yet now, the Emperor’s expression showed no change as he looked at Ying Fusheng: “You have limited experience, but you have your own opinions on things. Do not be afraid of saying the wrong thing.”
Ying Fusheng felt the gaze from the high throne. He knew what his imperial father was thinking. Before the Prince of Qin’s letter arrived, His Majesty would have been aware of all the key points. Asking him in court was not to seek a solution but to subtly inquire who among the princes had planted spies. Since the military pay scandal, the Emperor had been secretly investigating Western Shu and Jiangnan. Those princes were certainly on his list, and any unusual activity would be under his observation.
His intelligence was likely faster than the Ministry of War’s courier stations.
For a martial emperor like him, rebellion was the least of his fears; what he most wanted to know was who would rebel.
When he used the Ministry of Works official to act, the Emperor allowed it. Thus, his every move was under the Emperor’s watch.
The matter of his burned-out brain was recorded in medical files as an impairment, but not the specifics. The Emperor knew in his heart, so he had to follow the Emperor’s intentions.
The civil and military officials in the court hesitated slightly.
Ying Fusheng never raised his head. Only after the Emperor spoke did he take a moment to consider before speaking slowly.
“Father, the court serves the state and the people. Your son believes this matter is the most urgent priority.” Ying Fusheng said, “The original purpose of the Grand Sacrificial Ceremony is to pray for the blessings of the Great Yuan and for the protection of heaven and earth. If heaven and earth bless the Great Yuan, they will naturally bless the people. Now that the treasury is full, it is the right time to use the name of the Grand Sacrificial Ceremony to do work for the people.”
“After racking our brains these past few days, Minister Liu and I concluded that the only way the Ministry of Works can ease your worries is by this.”
Ying Fusheng looked at Minister Liu. “Isn’t that so, Minister Liu?”
The Emperor’s gaze immediately fell on him.
Minister Liu’s eyes widened. Steeling himself, he stepped forward to clean up after the Sixth Prince. He quickly said a few pleasant words: “It is the Ministry of Works’ duty to ease Your Majesty’s worries…”
Before he could finish, Ying Fusheng continued: “The rumors among the people arise because they do not understand Your Majesty’s dedication to the people. When the Ministry of Works builds water conservancy projects, it is an act for the people, and it is also in harmony with the spirit of the sacrificial ceremony.”
The other old foxes in the court immediately understood the key point of this matter. The Minister of Revenue directly stepped forward and said, “Your Majesty, I believe the Sixth Prince’s proposal is feasible. We can take advantage of the Grand Sacrificial Ceremony to let the capital authorities and local prefects publicize that the court is doing its utmost to serve the people and solve local disasters.”
The Second Prince’s gaze sharpened slightly.
He did not act rashly. This move could indeed suppress the folk rumors, but only the folk rumors.
The officials in the court murmured among themselves, many looking at the Emperor.
Hearing these words, the Emperor looked at him with some interest and gave a low laugh: “Did you think of this yourself, or did your eldest brother come up with it?”
The First Prince hurried forward to speak on Ying Fusheng’s behalf: “When the sixth brother was discussing this with Minister Liu, I happened to be visiting. I thought it was a good idea.”
The Emperor just looked at Ying Fusheng, unhurriedly waiting for his answer.
“Your son and the eldest brother came up with it together.”
Ying Fusheng did not hesitate: “I also asked the third brother and discussed it with the other ministers of the Five Ministries.”
He promptly thanked everyone.
The Third Prince glanced sideways, frowning.
The other officials of the Five Ministries in the court: “…”
The Sixth Prince had indeed mentioned this matter to them, but they had ignored him. Why was he suddenly dragging them into claiming credit!
Qi Hanzhou’s expression flickered as he looked at the person standing straight, speaking with righteous boldness.
He was clever—using this opportunity to repay the favors owed to the Six Ministries.
The Sixth Prince had thanked almost everyone. Upon hearing this, the Emperor turned to Liu Yunshi, the Minister of Works. “Is that so?”
Liu Yunshi’s expression changed rapidly as he said, “Of course it is!”
Livelihood projects that could also ease the Emperor’s troubles—who wouldn’t want to claim credit for this?
Originally, this matter had nothing to do with the officials, but the Sixth Prince’s thanks changed everything, pulling them all onto the same boat.
Now, no one could say that the Sixth Prince’s proposal was untimely. Everyone looked at Minister Liu, their minds already scheming on how to claim credit.
What was the biggest problem among the people right now? It was the rumors spreading due to the accident at the prayer ceremony. It was difficult to stop the mouths of the people, and the Emperor could not kill them to stop the rumors. How to quell these folk rumors? By finding another major event that could overshadow them.
The people had long suffered from natural disasters. If the entire court could work for the people and publicize it, it would be enough to overshadow the rumors and solve the problem.
This was a real, substantial achievement.
“Approved. The Ministry of Works will draft the regulations and submit them.” The Emperor finished speaking and noticed Ying Fusheng’s hesitant expression. Because it had resolved a major issue, he was uncharacteristically patient. “What? You have something else to say?”
Ying Fusheng lowered his head, pretending to be deep in thought before saying, “Your son, when discussing this matter with Minister Liu, realized that water conservancy is extremely difficult. For many years, the Great Yuan has been unable to solve this problem. When I consulted the craftsmen of the Ministry of Works and the great scholars of the Imperial Academy, I discovered that the terrain of Jiangnan and Western Shu is different from the capital region, making many things difficult to accomplish. This time, the Six Ministries jointly built the Lingxia Terrace, and its construction was completed over a month early. Therefore, I have a bold idea.”
As he spoke, he glanced slightly at the Second Prince, who had remained silent on the side.
“Garrison troops are soldiers in wartime; in peacetime, they can also lay down their arms and return to farming. In Western Shu and Jiangnan, there are soldiers who are both brave and familiar with the terrain.” Ying Fusheng presented his strategy unhurriedly: “Father could proclaim to all under heaven that we are undertaking a livelihood engineering project. Moreover, if this project is led by the Ministry of Works, dispatching craftsmen to provide guidance, and having the various regional princes send troops to assist in the construction… it would not only speed up the project, but Your Majesty’s prestige would also spread throughout the Great Yuan.”
The Second Prince’s expression had completely changed.