Chapter 80#
Within the court, as Ying Fusheng’s voice fell, all the civil and military officials turned to look in his direction. Minister of Revenue Meng Jinyuan’s expression darkened slightly, and he looked at Ying Fusheng with a hint of scrutiny.#
In the court, Xiao Yan remained silent, while Hu Buyu’s eyes flickered with a trace of surprise. The Minister of Revenue pondered the eldest prince… The old foxes looked at the sixth prince with a different gaze now.
Qi Hanzhou stood calmly, but as everyone’s expressions shifted, he caught several subtle changes in the court.
He looked at Meng Jinyuan, who quickly returned his face to normal.
The civil and military officials murmured quietly. His Sixth Highness had become addicted to borrowing personnel from the Six Ministries—now he was even setting his sights on the local princes and marquises for the Ministry of Works’ water conservancy project. This, this… They had no choice but to look up at the emperor on the high throne. The emperor’s gaze had been fixed on Ying Fusheng ever since he made this statement, and there seemed to be a different kind of probing in his eyes. Just as the murmurs among the officials were about to get out of hand, he said with a smile, “You dare demand the princes and marquises to work for the Ministry of Works? Quite the boldness.”
Ying Fusheng stood calmly, “Your son does not have such boldness. This is for Your Majesty and for the people of the realm. The court is preparing the Grand Sacrifice to pray for favorable weather and national peace. Your son believes that if the treasury has funds and the regions have men, and Your Majesty proclaims it to the world, the princes and marquises will surely follow.”
Qi Hanzhou looked at the young man standing calmly among the officials. His posture was straight, his words earnest and direct. But every sentence was calculated. From the moment he proposed the water conservancy project and gained the emperor’s approval, he had already taken control of the entire situation. What seemed like a political maneuver requiring negotiation was, in truth, something that everyone could only follow once he brought it up—
Ying Fusheng’s was a scheme of open tactics. The hidden hand had used the rumors of the Grand Sacrifice to stir suspicion between the emperor and the local nobles. The Prince of Qin’s claim of illness was proof of this. By acting first, the Prince of Qin had made the other local princes and marquises believe the original suspicions. Thus, the emperor thought the nobles had ulterior motives, and the nobles thought the emperor wanted to take away their military power—an almost explosive conflict.
The most important thing about this plan was that it was laid out openly for the world and the nobles to see. Building water conservancy was for the nation and the people—a great endeavor praised by commoners. Once the emperor proclaimed it to all under heaven, it would be known to every citizen. This strategy told the nobles that the court would not take away their military power; instead, it would send them grain and pay, allowing them to lead their troops in building water conservancy for the people. It was a good thing that benefited all the local nobles.
A word from the sovereign is proclaimed to all under heaven.
With the people of the world watching, the emperor could not arbitrarily revoke the nobles’ military power without shaking public opinion and inviting criticism.
But if they disobeyed the order and disregarded the people’s welfare, stirring public resentment, then the court would not be blamed for taking drastic measures.
Moreover, Ying Fusheng’s strategy was also aimed at the emperor.
The emperor had been secretly investigating Xishu and Jiangnan, wanting to know who was plotting rebellion. Now, through a project that benefited the people—water conservancy—he could send people openly to investigate. And since Ying Fusheng had proposed mobilizing the garrisons, the greatest fear in the military pay case was that the nobles were secretly raising private armies to rebel. Now, with one project, he could investigate the regions and gain prestige—a win-win situation. The emperor could not possibly disagree.
The silence in the court was broken shortly after Ying Fusheng finished speaking.
On the imperial throne, the probing look in the emperor’s eyes suddenly withdrew, and he laughed heartily: “Well said—for the nation and the people.”
“Does anyone have objections?”
None of the officials dared to step forward. With the Grand Sacrifice imminent, the emperor’s prestige was paramount.
The sixth prince’s proposal seemed unrelated to the Grand Sacrifice, yet it touched upon the emperor’s reputation in every way. Not only did it facilitate the Grand Sacrifice, but it also won over the people’s goodwill and warned the local nobles… How could anyone object?
The second prince lowered his head slightly, hiding his inscrutable expression. When he raised his head again, his face was impassive. But when no one was watching, a flicker of viciousness passed through his eyes.
The civil and military officials looked at the sixth prince, who had dared to offer this advice. His straightforward demeanor remained unchanged—he really had no fear of the emperor’s wrath. But such a proposal, benefiting millions and navigating court politics, how could these courtiers not see… Who had taught the sixth prince to counsel like this? What was his true intent in entering the court?
“Your subject agrees with what His Sixth Highness said,” Hu Buyu spoke up.
Seeing Hu Buyu step forward, the Minister of Revenue quickly said, “Your Majesty, Your subject concurs.”
Qi Hanzhou looked at Meng Jinyuan, who neither agreed nor disagreed.
Both the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Revenue had expressed their views, and the other officials followed suit. Countless eyes fell upon Ying Fusheng—some scrutinizing, some admiring, some puzzled. Facing all this attention, Ying Fusheng remained calm, bowing his head and waiting for the emperor’s final decision.
“Where is the Ministry of Rites?” the emperor asked.
The Minister of Rites hurried forward: “Your subject is here.”
“Since there are no objections.” The emperor swept his gaze over the officials, his voice slightly heavy: “The Ministry of Rites will draft the proclamation. Proceed as His Sixth Highness proposed. Within three days, announce this to the world.”
The court resounded with cries of “Long live the emperor.”
Ying Fusheng thought to himself: It’s done.
As the court adjourned, a group of officials hurried out. This grand water conservancy project, proclaimed to the world, was led by the Ministry of Works, but it involved far more than one department. Now, all six ministries owed the sixth prince a favor. Once the sixth prince had spoken, this strategy became a joint effort of the six ministries, so they had to do it well.
The eldest prince said cheerfully, “Sixth brother, next time you plan something like this, do discuss it with me first.”
Ying Fusheng knew he was hinting at the matter of sharing credit with the six ministries, especially with the third prince. “Alright, I’ll speak with Minister Liu about it next time.”
Minister Liu, who happened to be passing by: “…”
His gaze at the sixth prince was a mix of affection and resentment—yes, but was that what you meant?!
Several officials came over to greet him. Ying Fusheng played dumb and muddled through, casting a sidelong glance at Meng Jinyuan, who was walking away in the distance. Suddenly, his eyes met Qi Hanzhou’s among the crowd. The deputy commissioner of the Embroidered Uniform Guard and the young general of the Qi family—Qi Hanzhou stood there, with no one daring to approach him for small talk. He just stood quietly, looking in his direction.
The two gazed at each other, but with tacit understanding, they pretended not to know one another.
Suddenly, Qi Hanzhou averted his gaze.
Ying Fusheng paused slightly—what’s wrong with him now?
At that moment, footsteps approached from the side.
A person came over and suddenly spoke: “Sixth brother’s strategy is indeed a grand one for the nation.”
Ying Fusheng snapped back to attention and saw the second prince.
The second prince had come over with the third prince. His face wore its usual gentle expression, as if everything that had happened in the court had nothing to do with him and couldn’t shake him in the least. Ying Fusheng, out of the corner of his eye, saw Qi Hanzhou following Meng Jinyuan, before replying, “I have to thank both elder brothers for their help.”
The second prince said, “Not at all—how could we have helped you?”
He paused meaningfully and asked, “Isn’t that right, third brother?”
The third prince had happened to pass by. In response to the second prince’s words, he nodded in agreement, but as he did, he suddenly said, “The water conservancy—when will you start?”
Ying Fusheng was taken aback. He rarely exchanged words with this third prince. Hearing this, he replied, “After the Grand Sacrifice.”
The third prince gave a slight nod and walked away.
The eldest prince coldly muttered “bad temper.” The second prince’s warm smile faded slightly. Just then, a eunuch in purple robes hurried over—it was Eunuch Rong: “His Sixth Highness, His Majesty requests your presence.”
Ying Fusheng paused, then had no choice but to take his leave from his elder brothers.
The eldest prince frowned. “What does Father want with him?”
The second prince watched the two figures walk away, a shadow in his eyes. He suddenly said, “Probably about the water conservancy matter. Sixth brother handles practical affairs. Since entering the court, he’s almost overshadowed third brother.”
The eldest prince’s expression turned cold. He had never gotten along with this second brother, even back when the deposed crown prince’s faction was still around. Now, hearing such words grated on him. He spat out, “Is that so?” and turned to leave, waving his hand.
“Second Highness,” an official approached quietly. “What do we do?”
The second prince’s calm facade in front of others cracked slightly, and his eyes grew increasingly sinister. “Good, for the nation and the people…” “The emperor’s attitude toward him is off. Investigate—there’s someone else by his side.”
It was more than off. According to his covert plans, the emperor should have grown suspicious.
But now, Ying Fusheng’s strategy had struck a chord with the emperor’s heart. There must be someone else maneuvering behind the scenes.
They had few pieces left to move in the court. They had to figure out who was behind Ying Fusheng as soon as possible.
The official’s heart trembled. “Yes.”
On the palace path, the officials gradually dispersed. Ye Xuanjiu stood guard in the shadows of the path, watching the second prince board his carriage and leave. He turned to look at Qi Hanzhou, who stood beside him. Qi Hanzhou’s fingertips rested on his sword scabbard. Seeing that the second prince’s direction of departure was opposite to Meng Jinyuan’s, he turned his gaze toward the depths of the palace walls—toward the Qianqing Palace.
…
Ever since leaving the palace, this was the first time Ying Fusheng had come to the Qianqing Palace.
Inside the Qianqing Palace, everything was as usual. When he arrived, the emperor was in the outer hall.
On the desk were many urgent reports; just by looking at the seals, he knew they were delivered by fast horses from local courier stations. The emperor had known about the Prince of Qin matter long ago. The attending servants withdrew one by one. The emperor finished approving the memorials in his hand before looking at Ying Fusheng. “The proposal you made in court today—you prepared it in advance.”
“You appear to be suggesting water conservancy, but in truth, you’re targeting the nobles… You see clearly.”
Ying Fusheng’s expression tightened. He knew that with the emperor’s keen insight, his excuse of a “burned brain” wouldn’t fool him. In court, the emperor hadn’t said much, but every time he had spoken, he had steered matters in a specific direction. From the moment Ying Fusheng laid out this open strategy, the emperor had already decided to adopt it; everything afterward was just probing.
If he wanted to investigate the hidden hand, this strategy could only be proposed by him—no one else.
Since he had said it, some things were bound to become impossible to hide.
“Your son knew nothing of the Prince of Qin matter,” Ying Fusheng said after a moment of reflection, weighing his words carefully. “But now, dissenting voices are rising among the people. The Prince of Qin not coming is detrimental to Your Majesty’s prestige. The Great Yuan belongs to the Ying family, and also to Your Majesty. Only with stable imperial authority can there be peace and prosperity for the nation. Your son’s proposal drew on ideas from Minister Liu, Vice Minister Shen, and the Imperial Academy. This strategy is not solely your son’s achievement.”
“So you gave all the credit and favor to the six ministries?” The emperor’s gaze held a hint of probing. “Such a great merit, aligning with popular sentiment, is exactly the kind of great achievement your eldest brother has always wanted. Today, you didn’t claim the credit. If it were manipulated slightly, it would fall into his hands.”
“Your son does not want it. With your son’s ailing body, there is only so much he can do within his power.” Ying Fusheng knew what the emperor was asking. In the imperial family, there was no father-son bond—they were first monarch and subject, then father and son. He replied flawlessly: “Whose merit it is does not matter. If eldest elder brother takes the credit and moves forward, that would be a blessing for the Great Yuan.”
As he finished, his throat itched slightly, and he couldn’t help but cough.
The emperor waved his hand, ordering someone to bring tea. “The warm tea prepared by Imperial Physician Chu is good for your health.”
“Thank you, Father.” Ying Fusheng bowed in gratitude.
With that, the hall fell silent.
After finishing a bowl of warm tea, Ying Fusheng did not stay long. Once the tea was done, he asked to take his leave and go to Cining Palace.
The emperor gave him one more look before waving him off.
The man left the hall.
The emperor averted his gaze. He had been ill for a long time; his body was weaker than his other brothers’. Unlike his other brothers, who started forming cliques and vying for favor as soon as they were given power, Ying Fusheng had only gotten close to one official—Shen Changcun—since entering the court. He didn’t even interact much with the Xiao family. He hadn’t sought to win over court officials.
He understood checks and balances, knew how to maneuver, and didn’t form factions.
If not for the child-swapping incident back then, this child would have been the crown prince he would have elevated.
A few years ago, this child had still been blindly pleading for Consort Ning’s sake. Now, he had grown into this without a sound. The group of pedantic Confucian scholars at the Imperial Academy, with their minds full of pleading for the people—unexpectedly, this child had absorbed all of their ideas.
By accident, he had become this way. Good, or not good.
Eunuch Rong said, “His Sixth Highness is so considerate of Your Majesty. His heart is truly for the Great Yuan.”
“You can withdraw the surveillance on the Sixth Prince’s residence.” The emperor looked at the various documents on the table. “As for the rest…”
“I am still here. The sons want to ascend, the nobles want to seize power, and the remnants of the previous dynasty are watching covetously.”
The emperor finished reading a local secret report, and when he looked up, his eyes were cold. “They aren’t causing trouble in the court, but instead using the Grand Sacrifice to stir up the nobles. These hidden hands in the regions are truly persistent in their treacherous ambitions.”
…
Before reaching Cining Palace, birds chirped.
Ying Fusheng slowed his steps and looked at this place he hadn’t visited for a long time.
When the palace servants saw him, they said, “Hurry and inform Her Majesty—His Highness is here—”
In the courtyard of Cining Palace, a bird stand was set up. The Empress Dowager was feeding the birds. Hearing the announcement, she looked up and saw Ying Fusheng. She waved to have the things set aside and said with a smile, “It’s rare for you to come to the palace after establishing your residence. Why didn’t you stay a little longer with your father?”
Xiaoqing seemed to have caught sight of him. It rushed over in a flash, throwing itself into his arms.
Ying Fusheng held it and fed it some treats.
The Empress Dowager looked at the young man who had grown taller. She said softly, “Your father summoned you—you should have stayed a while longer.”
Ying Fusheng caught the implication in her words. He smiled—
“With some rare free time, I’ve come to have lunch with you.”
After all, the heavens are about to descend into chaos.