The eunuch’s voice, no matter how low, could not escape the ears of the nobles and ministers on the other side of the hall. Yet, since the Emperor showed no intent to avoid it, they also would not deliberately listen.
Emperor Hao remained calm, as if he were listening to a most ordinary report. Even if the eunuch’s words were vague, he did not press for details. Instead, he asked, “Are those things suitable? What else does he need?”
The eunuch’s face stiffened, unprepared for the Emperor’s indifference to the report. He had not actually gone to deliver the items to the Tian Wang Palace but had directly reported Lin Xitang’s whereabouts. How could he explain?
Not receiving an answer, Emperor Hao made a nonchalant sound.
The eunuch looked somewhat flustered, bending lower and whispering, “I did not go to deliver… Would official documents and battle reports be inappropriate?”
Emperor Hao replied mildly, “What’s wrong with my Grand Tutor looking at some official documents and battle reports?”
Cold sweat broke out on the eunuch’s forehead. Though Emperor Hao’s tone was still gentle, his clear mention of the title ‘Grand Tutor’ could not escape the ears of anyone in the room.
The eunuch was perplexed by why the Emperor had chosen this moment to make things clear, but he sensed that the situation was turning unfavorable, and he sweated even more. He had always thought it was a given that government affairs should not be delivered to the Tian Wang Palace, but Emperor Hao’s question was so tricky.
The ministers, upon hearing the eunuch’s vague reference to the Duke, had already guessed that it referred to Lin Xitang. Who else would the Emperor have the leisure to listen to during his work?
Yet, the Emperor’s mind was hard to fathom. Yesterday’s personnel appointments had led many to speculate.
The title of ‘Imperial Tutor’ was a get-out-of-death card, but simultaneously, Lin Xitang’s military power was unexpectedly stripped away, and his position and the Western Command were handed over to someone from the Zhao clan.
During the height of the rebellion in the Western Continent, Lin Xitang expanded the war zone. His other regions being stable, he had been stationed there for five or six years. Friction between the military zones and the local lords was common, and the relationship between Lin Xitang and the Zhao clan was naturally strained.
By returning the Western Continenet to the Zhao clan, the Emperor’s move gave many food for thought.
The heads of the clans and ministers, all seasoned in politics, continued their activities as if they had heard nothing when Emperor Hao asked the question—some chatting, others writing.
But then, Emperor Hao casually added, “I don’t see anywhere in this Tianqi City where Grand Tutor Lin is not allowed to go. The Zhegui Palace is being too anxious.”
Instantly, the hall fell silent. Despite Emperor Hao’s light tone, pretending not to hear now would be overdoing it.
The eunuch fell to his knees, pale and trembling. Throughout, Emperor Hao’s expression remained unchanged, radiating a serene humility. A side door opened silently, and someone quickly dragged the eunuch out. The steward of the Xiaolan Palace entered and stood solemnly beside Emperor Hao.
Emperor Hao’s soft voice carried no emotion, “Go tell the Empress that she should manage her affairs better and not place just anyone in front. If they cannot remember the rule that the harem must not interfere in politics, let them copy it a hundred times.”
The steward left, and Emperor Hao resumed his reading.
The two civil officials working immediately buried themselves in their work, striving for more elegant handwriting and precise vocabulary.
The nobles, however, found themselves in an awkward position. Their previous lighthearted conversation could not continue. Emperor Hao had pointed out two harem members: the Empress and the Zhao Concubine of the Zhegui Palace. Moreover, both the Jingtang Li clan and the Yan Yun Zhao clan had representatives present.
Lord Haishan Li Tianshi felt somewhat relieved. Emperor Hao’s criticism of the Empress was not severe, and he could pretend it only slightly affected him. Plus, being younger than the other clan leaders, he could smile self-deprecatingly without losing face.
Duke Yan, however, felt quite embarrassed. Zhao Weihuang was stationed in the Western Continent, Duke You was in the Floating Land, and with the recent mourning of the Heavenly King, and Duke Zhao Gongcheng taking over, he was left to handle everything.
The Zhao clan now had three dukes and a general, nearly rivaling the Zhang clan. Saying this was easy, but such prestige was hard to come by.
Duke Yan had already felt more exhausted than a day of battle by the end of yesterday. He never expected another incident at a small civil meeting.
Moreover, the reputation was awful. Harem interference and the insertion of people close to the Emperor were involved. No one in the room had any right to laugh at each other.
But what did it mean to openly provoke Lin Xitang? And in such a clumsy manner, hinting at his visit to a nobleman’s palace in front of all the nobles and ministers?
Which nobleman’s palace?
This question circled in every noble’s mind. Since the Zhao Concubine mentioned it, it was clearly no ordinary palace. Emperor Hao would likely be displeased. However, the eunuch did not slip up, and Emperor Hao avoided the topic, making it interesting.
Was the Yan Yun Zhao clan interested in the Empress’s or the Crown Prince’s position?
Facing the probing gazes of the clan leaders, Duke Yan wanted to raze the houses of some old Zhao clan elders in the Western Continent. The Zhao clan’s dissatisfaction and the random sending of a clan girl to the palace were now backfiring.
The Zhao girl was from a minor branch of the Duke You lineage, and her only claim was her noble surname. She could not compete with the carefully groomed daughters of other clans. Unfortunately, she often listened to the elders, causing trouble for Lin Xitang.
In the past, Lin Xitang held both military and political power and favored the lower classes, making all the great families uncomfortable. But now, even Duke Yan wondered who in the Zhao clan Lin Xitang had provoked.
Moreover, the current Emperor, who had everyone fooled, was not someone to trifle with. He had shown restraint with the harem but needed no more patience. Whether Lin Xitang would hold real power or not, the title of ‘Imperial Tutor’ showed the Emperor’s favor.
Duke Yan deeply regretted not firmly opposing the elders with Duke You. Sending someone to the harem was like planting a seed; it always claimed a spot.
The Zhao clan, with its glorious history, prided itself on the bravery and sacrifices of its members. The harem was just a decoration, not the foundation of the clan!
Duke Yan sat straight, hands on his knees, a heavy breath stuck in his chest.
Zhang Boqian, who had been facing away, turned around and said slowly, “I oppose the proposal by the Song family of Gao Ling to inherit titles without degradation. The inheritance of titles has conditions: personal combat strength, personal merit, and family contributions. These are indispensable, especially for the Imperial Pillar Dukes. What qualifications do the wife’s family of a Prince or the husband’s family of a Princess have to break this rule? To give the young a chance to maintain their family’s name, they can be promoted based on military achievements after the title is downgraded.”
After dropping this bombshell, Zhang Boqian nodded to Emperor Hao and left the hall.
This was the last unresolved proposal. Zhang Boqian had remained silent, and though the Zhang and Song families had a long-standing conflict, the clan leaders expected it might still pass.
The Song family, outside of its core territories, was fragmented, and the Wise Prince, who vouched for them, was generally well-liked. The non-degradation of titles was only for one generation, and the clan leaders were willing to give him face. Seeing a clan fall was a disheartening sight for all.
Unexpectedly, Zhang Boqian, after a long silence, made a statement and left.
The clan leaders, perceptive as they were, immediately turned to Duke Yan. The Wise Prince’s maternal family was the Yan Yun Zhao, and the Song family had been courting the Zhao clan recently.
Was the Duke of Qingyang adding insult to injury? Or were the Zhang and Zhao clans finally competing for supremacy?
Emperor Hao, behind the pearl curtains, lifted his head, “Since the Duke of Qingyang has spoken, let us vote. This is a crucial matter for the clans, and the Imperial Family cannot decide alone.”
The clan leaders froze, their faces revealing a mix of emotions. They wished for the Emperor to make a decisive judgment.
Zhang Boqian, indifferent to the proceedings in the Xiaolan Palace, arrived at the Qingyang Palace entrance shortly after. He slowed his pace, stopping in the small square before the second set of halls, standing there for a long time.
Long enough for the sun’s shadow to shift significantly, and for the steward to pass by in a hurry, preparing dinner.
Zhang Boqian, seeming to return to his senses, called the steward. The steward, bowing, said, “Duke Zhenguohu came this afternoon and is resting in the small study at the rear.”
Zhang Boqian nodded and started to walk.
The steward asked, “Your Highness, should we prepare dinner for you and Duke Zhenguohu in the side hall?”
Zhang Boqian paused, then said, “No need. Duke Zhenguohu has other matters tonight.” With that, he stepped out, disappearing into the buildings.
Zhang Boqian pushed open the door to the small study, finding it, as expected, empty.
There was no trace of Qian Ye here. In fact, he could not sense Qian Ye anywhere in the mansion. Even if the mighty consciousness of the Heavenly King could search through the city and beyond, what good would it do?
A long scroll lay on the desk, with used brushes carelessly placed. The window half-open, a bright red cotton branch intruded, vibrant and eye-catching.
Zhang Boqian approached the desk, and a familiar script caught his eye.
“Disappointingly, the joyous banquet scatters, and the flowering pear tree stands lonely, unseen together.”
On the right side of the scroll, a flat, oblong jade block rested, its ancient, light, and faintly greenish-white color. Touching it, Zhang Boqian felt it was not a single piece but a jade box, yet another ‘Feather of Good Omen’.
Zhang Boqian had once asked Lin Xitang for one, but he destroyed it. Unexpectedly, Lin Xitang had left another for him.
Holding the jade box, Zhang Boqian’s expression remained calm. After a moment, he chuckled, “What you left me, is it your fate, or mine?”
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