Chapter 106 Persecuted
Because Emperor Sheng Yuan was different from any emperor in the previous dynasty, he started his career with military merit and led millions of troops, and after reorganization of the imperial court and re-establishment of public security offices, he was even more powerful, with fame and power that could shake the world. Not to mention this posthumously conferring his biological mother was really in-line with filial piety and virtue passed down through the ages, even if he occasionally muddle-headed, he would be able to forcibly fulfill his wish.
The next day, the imperial decree to posthumously conferred the late empress dowager was announced to the world. With the brave and courageous late Empress Dowager at the front, who would dare to criticize Madam Guan? Do you wanna get kill? The people who launched a crusade on this matter hurried home, locked the door to the room, and then collapsed to the ground, sweating profusely.
Fortunately, Madam Guan wrote an emotional and mournful eulogy, which greatly reversed people's prejudice and minimized the negative comments about taking the child by cutting open the stomach, otherwise it would have angered the emperor's dragon face. In his ear, scolding Madam Guan for practicing the demon way, and scolding Zhao Huai'en for being the reincarnation of an evil ghost, wouldn't it mean scolding the late Empress Dowager and himself as demon and ghost?
Who would have thought that there was such a shocking inside story hidden here? Madam Guan's luck was simply against the sky, but it was also because she and the late Empress Dowager had the courage and boldness that was far beyond the ordinary people. If people want to enter the eyes of the person above, they really have to rely on real skills!
In just half a day, Madam Guan's reputation rose to the level of her father's, and those who scolded her for having a ruthless heart and black hands had no choice but to try to curry favor with her, there was no other way out. In the second half of the day, the emperor issued several imperial decrees in succession, one was to give amnesty to the world; the second was to reduce the tax and corvée service; the third was to open an imperial examination. The imperial examination which was originally held three years later, would be set up in various provinces and prefectures in the spring of next year. Whether it was the children of high gate family or poor family, all could become officials with real talents and practical learning.
The first two decrees made the common people mad with joy and ran to tell each other; the latter decree provided a way for aspirants to realize their ambitions, and it also highly praised. All kind of benevolent and benefiting policy had been raised in rapid succession, graces even reach the dead, which made the matter of posthumously conferring the late Empress Dowager grand and warmly received.
On the streets, in the poor alleys and dark rooms, the sound of praying for the late Empress Dowagers could be heard everywhere, and the praise for the Emperor's benevolence and filial piety spread throughout the Wei Kingdom. Since Emperor Sheng Yuan's ascension to the throne, his prestige had risen again, and it had already begun to rise like a cloud and rise like a dragon*, dominating the whole Nine Province*.
The courtiers were all terrified and amazed, and when they heard that he was going to hold a transcending ritual for the Empress Dowager, they all made suggestions and worked hard on it. Soon, the Grand Astrologer calculated the auspicious time, and scheduled the nine, nine, eighty-one day ritual in Jueyin Temple three days later. Due to the heavy government affairs, the emperor would personally presided over the ceremony for the first forty-nine days, and the rest of the ceremonies would be lead by the Empress Dowager.
The matter was already decided, Master Xuan Guang, as the host of Jueyin Temple, received an imperial edict, which deliberately mentioned Ruan shi, saying that the monks should not neglect her sacrificial ceremony, let alone interrupt it at will. She also sacrificed herself to protect her child. She had a lot of fate with the late Empress Dowager, and to transcend reincarnation together was also a beautiful anecdote.
Master Xuan Guang recited a sentence of Buddha, and he more and more admired the emperor's deep benevolence, but he had no choice but to ask the Zhao family to move the mourning hall out of the main hall, as a place to put the coffin of the late Empress Dowager. The Zhao family did not dare to compete with the late Empress Dowager, so they vacated the main hall in a short time and moved it to the monastery.
"The emperor is coming? Are you serious?" Hearing the news, Ye Zhen's heart beat wildly. Although she was sent out of the palace, she still had some illusions about Emperor Sheng Yuan, thinking that since he had guessed that the life-saving grace of the year was just a game, why didn't he kill her or let the palace servants treat her harshly, but instead continued to provide for her in a splendid manner, and then sent her home in a good condition? He was clearly reluctant to hurt her, and there might still some camaraderie in his heart. If she could wake up these camaraderie, she might be able to go back.
Feelings could came out of it. After all, she had stayed by his side for many years, so she was different from others.
Thinking like this, Ye Zhen's heart, which had been shattered by repeated setbacks, actually filled with wild hope. She stared at her son with burning eyes and explained in a low voice, "Go and find out when the emperor will come and where is his residence."
No matter how ignorant Zhao Wangshu was, he understood that spying on the Emperor's trace was a capital offense, said in shock, "Mother, why are you asking about this? If son accidentally reveals one's tracks, I'm afraid I won't be able to come back!" He frowned, felt extremely uncomfortable.
Seeing that he seemed very unhappy, Ye Zhen immediately coaxed, "Have you forgotten that your eldest aunt is still suffering in the palace? I and she was born from the same mother, am I not allow to want to see her? She is now wearing the body of sin, and is not allowed to be free. I don't have a rank, what lowly people think counts for little, your stepmother really doesn't like seeing me, where is she willing to take care of this? Can't I figure out by myself? Who else can I rely on besides you now? Your father and sister are circling around your stepmother all day, and your grandmother has always hated me, perhaps she would like me to die outside! If I had known this, I should not have left my adoptive mother to come to the capital to find you after I regained my memory." While speaking, she covered her face and cried bitterly, her voice was mournful.
Zhao Luli had arranged a life experience for her. Now people outside knew that she was rescued by a kind-hearted old woman after falling into the Yellow River. Because she had lost her children, and her husband died early, she recognize Ye Zhen who broke her head and lost her memory as her own daughter and kept her under her knees. Somehow, Ye Zhen actually regained her memory, and only then did she return to Yanjing to find her relatives.
Zhao Chunxi scoffed at this statement, but Zhao Wangshu believed it to be true. Seeing his mother's sadness, he almost burst into tears, so he quickly comforted, "Mother, don't cry, it's son who has the heart of wolf and lungs of dog*, actually forgot about the eldest aunt in the palace. Son will immediately inquire about some news. But son used to act absurdly, and only now started to study hard, and not very promising, afraid will not be able to inquire about the situation in the palace. Mother, why don't you let daddy go to inquire? Although he doesn't have a title now, he has helped many old, disable soldiers and orphans, and he's quite famous in the army, if you tell him, there's nothing that cannot be done."
"How can I tell him? He is like your grandmother, wishing that I never came back! Son, mother is only have you now, please help mother. Also, don't let your daddy know about this, he already hates the Ye family so much, afraid he will blame me for being a demon, and maybe he will send me back to Hedao County if he is unhappy." Ye Zhen tightly grabbed the corner of Zhao Wangshu's clothes.
"Don't worry, mother, I will never let daddy send you away. Although my stepmother is good, you are my biological mother after all, and no one can replace you." Zhao Wangshu gritted his teeth, "You wait here, I'll look for my former playmate to ask for the news." Once the words fell he hurriedly went out of the room.
However, there was no need to inquire, the emperor's procession arrived at the Jueyin Temple three days later. The courtiers and titled women of the fourth rank and above in the capital all wore sacrificial clothes and gathered in the Main Hall, ready to recite the scriptures for the late Empress Dowager. The Grand Astrologer presented a memorial, in which he wrote a posthumous title jointly formulated by the ministers for the late Empress Dowager, which was originally "Xiao Sheng Ci Xuan Kang Hui Cheng Hui Ren Mu Jing Sheng Xian Taihou". Emperor Sheng Yuan thought it was not right, then added a few more characters and changed it into "Xiao Ci Xuan Kang Hui Yong Lie Ji Cheng Hui Ren Mu Jing Sheng Tian Guang Zhen He Xian Taihou" with twenty characters, it could be called as the longest posthumous title in history, and it vividly expressed his remembrance and love for his mother. (TN: not even gonna attempt to translate it. Posthumous title for imperial family are usually like this)
The courtiers did not dare to object, and quickly set the posthumous title. Then someone else came in and said: Why only conferred her as the Empress Dowager and not the Empress? The late Empress dowager was only the emperor's biological mother, but it did not mean that she was the main wife of the previous emperor, her status was still a little bit worse.
After his mother's death, the bones were thrown into the deep mountain by his father to feed the wolves, so that now even the body could not be found, and he could only build a cenotaph. If his mother had her spirit in heaven, how could she want to be his father's main wife and be buried with him in the same tomb? A woman who could cut open her own belly was someone with immense bravery, and could not be bent at all. Something that was considered a supreme honor in other people's eyes, was probably worthless in her eyes.
Based on this consideration, Emperor Sheng Yuan rejected the proposal to enshrine his mother as the Empress, but was misunderstood by the courtiers as respecting the Empress Dowager and did not want to hurt her face, and praised him more and more for his loyalty and filial piety.
—-
Perhaps even the Heavens felt moved by the late Empress Dowager's bravery and Emperor Sheng Yuan's filial piety and sincerity, when the mourning came, it rained. At this time, autumn was coming to an end, and early winter was quietly approaching. Although the rain was as fine as fog, it was wrapped in a cold air.
It stands to reason that women should be arranged in order of rank. The more noble their status, the more inward their seat. They could kneel and recite the scriptures in a dry place in the hall, with braziers scattered around to increase the temperature, and they would not feel uncomfortable at the end of the day. Those with lower rank were out of luck, the more they stand outside, the colder they get. Although there were more braziers, there were no roof to cover the rain, afraid they would be completely soaked through.
However, on such a grand occasion, no one dared to show any resentment, and could only find their own praying mat to kneel down. If they perform well, they might be able to get into the eyes of the higher up, which was also a credit.
But Guan Suyi stood below the porch with a straight waist and did not move for a long time. The female official who was in charge of the sacrifice, guests, and funeral order came over, seemingly polite, but in fact asked aggressively, "Madam Guan, everyone has already taken their places, why didn't you take your seat? Can you afford disturbing the sacrifice ceremony for the late Empress Dowager?"
Guan Suyi looked at the sky and said indifferently, "You're thinking too much. There is still an hour before the ceremony begin, and you still have time to rearrange the seats."
"Why should I rearrange it?" the woman asked angrily.
"I am a first-rank grand order woman, I should be kneeling in the hall, why did you line up me with with third-rank madam?" Guan Suyi didn't want to care about this, but her seat was obviously deliberately arranged by someone, and it just happened to be outside the roof, where the rain were pouring. As that wasn't enough, the rainwater from the roof converged along the tile grooves and would be pouring down on her head. In less than a quarter of an hour, she would definitely be soaked all over. The ground under the praying mat was also a damaged green bricks, and there were jagged stones exposed. Kneeling on it was like kneeling on needle felt, and within half a day, her knees would be crippled.
She really couldn't think of anyone she had a life-and-death feud with in the palace, to the point they wanted to deal with her like this. Emperor Sheng Yuan wanted to rob other people's wife, but he would never make it public, and when she thought about it, it could only be the Empress Dowager. Because she awaken Emperor Sheng Yuan by cut open the stomach to take the child, and ruined her entire plan, so how could she not hate her to the core?
This woman was probably sent by the Empress Dowager, and she had carefully selected the seat for her. If they tried their best to delay and refused to give in an inch, she also could not to make a big noise in the emperor's presence and disrupt the sacrificial ceremony, afraid she could only give in. Thinking like this, Guan Suyi was full of anger, but she was helpless.
She had always known the dreadfulness and filth of power, and how it killed people without blood, even if one had iron bones, it could also be broken by its roots. The strong would be easily humiliated, the rigid would be easily snapped, unexpectedly it was right.
rise like a cloud and rise like a dragon*: a metaphor for the rise of heroes.
Nine Province*: this term is used to refer to territorial divisions or islands during xia and shang dynasties and now has come to symbolically represent ancient china.
the heart of wolf and lungs of dog*: it means cruel and unscrupulous.
Chapter 107 Rescue
If it asked who was the most popular person in Yanjing or even Wei Kingdom in recent days? The answer was none other than Madam Guan. She first cut open the belly of her sister-in-law, which caused a crusade, and then successfully reversed the argument with the help of her sacrificial eulogy. Today, this article had been collected by Master Xuan Guang in the annual "Xuan Guang Anthology", and had been praised by many literary giants as the perfect tune of sacrificial eulogy and a magnificent piece of mourning, which directly praised her talent to the sky.
But at this moment, she as a dignified first-rank titled madam, was actually placed among the third-rank madam, and occupied the worst position, not to mention kneeling for nine-nine-eighty-one days, afraid her legs and feet would be crippled in just one day. The low-ranking women who were still quite resentful just now were finally found a psychological balance, because someone was more unlucky than them. The first- and second-rank madams inside the hall also came out to watch the fun, and their faces were full of ridicule and hatred.
Zhong shi was still thinking where her daughter was seated, and when she heard the commotion, she hurried over to check, and was furious on the spot, "This female official, did you make a mistake? My daughter is first-rank titled madam, and she should kneel with me."
Guan Suyi was not relieved when she saw her mother coming, but her heart became heavier, for fear that she would be implicated.
"Make a mistake? can you know better than me? As the saying goes, the husband is honored and the wife is noble, and the 'Madam' is ranked based on the husband. This position is originally arranged according to the grade of your husband and master. Although Madam Guan is a first-rank, the eldest master of the Zhao family is a commoner, can her grant order be the same as other grant order? Putting her here and not by the lake where the four-ranked madams are sitting on their knees, you should thank me for being so generous." The female official's face was beautiful and calm, however, there was a hidden hostility between the eyebrows, which showed that today's vow to crippled people must be done.
The Madam was ranked based on the husband, this was true, Zhong shi was a little discouraged, but still plead, "But she still cannot kneel directly under the roof trough, others are drenched in light rain, but my daughter is in heavy rain, and the ground is damaged to this point, she will fall ill within two hours. Can you please move her to the side?"
Sensing that her daughter was about to speak, Zhong shi quickly held her wrist firmly and shook her head quietly, implying that she should not clash with the female official. Today was the sacrificial ceremony of the late Empress Dowager, and no one could make trouble.
This female official smiled contemptuously, "You said it so lightly, just open your mouth and let me move the position. You must know that if one is moved over here, all the madams below have to move as well, creating more work for hundreds of people. Where did you come with such a big face? Or shall I take you two to see the Empress Dowager and let you talk to her in person?"
Hearing that she was going to see the Empress Dowager only to change seats, Zhong shi couldn't help but hesitate, but Guan Suyi understood that it would be more difficult to dealt with if she were to go. If the Empress Dowager causally accused her of "great disrespect", she could immediately dispose their mother and daughter.
Power… It was only now that she understood why Ye Zhen wanted to climb up using any unscrupulous means, because power was really a good thing, with it, if you want to kill someone, you just need to open your mouth.
When she was tormented by humiliation, someone next to her said sarcastic words, "Isn't it just kneeling? Which big family is not like this? Why is your daughter so delicate? Look at those four-grade madams, some kneeling by the lake and being blow by the cold wind, just shift a little at once fall into the water. When your daughter cut open…" the stomach she was very brave! The rest of the words, this first-rank madam did not dare to say any further. Now the words "cutting the stomach to take the child" had become a taboo, and whoever kept mentioning it was just resenting their long live.
"Yeah, there are so many people kneeling and sitting in the rain, don't they all suffer?" More and more people opened their mouths to persuade, but their eyes were shining with joy for other's misfortune.
Seeing that the mother and daughter of the Guan family were speechless, the female official said arrogantly, "Do you still want to see the Empress Dowager? Just kneel down if you won't see!"
Guan Suyi's waist was so straight that she couldn't bend her knees no matter what, when she faintly thought that she would pay the price by breaking her leg bones today, a familiar voice came from behind her, "How about Zhen speak to you on Madam's behalf?"
"Your Majesty!" There were a series of gasping sound all around, followed by throwing body to the ground, calling Long Live Your Majesty. The female official was so frightened that she was sweating like a waterfall, and immediately knelt down and kowtowed. She never expected that His Majesty, who was supposed to burn incense and bathe in the back of the hall, would suddenly appear here. However, since he was here, he would definitely stretch his hand for Madam Guan.
It just need one day, after Madam Guan faint, she would send someone to take her to the imperial hospital, and then report it to the Empress Dowager. On the grounds of "extreme filial piety and sincerity", Madam Guan would be credited for her great deeds and awarded some jewelry and sent home, it could also be considered hit with a stick and give a sweet date, presumably the person herself would not be able to say anything. In one day's effort destroy her legs and feet, and since she won the praised for her filial piety and sincerity, where would she dare to argue and ruin her reputation?
The front and back were all arranged properly, but they could not guard against the elusive emperor. How could he suddenly come to the side hall where the titled women gathered? Could it be that someone send a word? This female official was still thinking wildly, but then she heard the emperor say lightly, "Pull down and kill!" He didn't even want to say a word of nonsense to her.
Immediately, two guards came up to arrest her. The titled women inside and outside the hall had long been frightened, and although a few timid and fearful ones did not cry outright, they were still sniveling, could be describe as sorry figures, and no longer as bright and beautiful as before.
Only Guan Suyi took a step forward calmly and saluted, "Your Majesty, today is the sacrificial ceremony for the late Empress Dowager, it's not appropriate to see blood."
Madam Guan is indeed benevolent, at this time, she did not forget to intercede for the female official! Some people praised her in their hearts, and some secretly laughed at her stupidity. Zhong shi gently pulled the hem of her daughter's clothes, suggesting that she should not be too soft-hearted and repay grievances with virtue.
Unexpectedly, Guan Suyi's voice paused for a while, and then continued, "Why don't you lock her up for now and deal with her after the ceremony is over?"
Still would be killed, but the time was moved to eighty-one days later. The long process of waiting for death was hundreds of times more ruthless than dealing with them on the spot! The female official, who was still smiling just now was paralyzed like mud, collapsing and crying.
Emperor Sheng Yuan took a deep look at Madam, his eyes were full of amazement. He knew that Madam was kind, arrogant, and lofty, but today he could see a dash of sharpness under her seemingly peaceful charm. No, it might be more appropriate to describe it as savage. This savagery was not too much, not too little, just right, it would neither make her weak and gullible, nor would it make her frivolous and impetuous. The so-called both good and evil was like this, right?
The more he looked at it, the more he liked it, and he had to force his eyes to turn away, turned towards the female official, and waved his hand, "Didn't you listen to the Madam's words? Take her down and lock her up, and when the sacrificial ceremony is over, execute her immediately."
The guard complied and dragged away the female official who kept begging for mercy. The hall became quiet in an instant, Emperor Sheng Yuan walked around Madam twice, looked at the praying mat arranged for her, and couldn't help but sneer, he lifted his leg to throw it away.
Guan Suyi caught a glimpse of the third- and fourth-rank titled women kneeling in the rain, and continued to speak boldly, "Your Majesty, praying for the blessing of the late Empress Dowager is originally a good deed, but didn't expect to encounter the autumn rain, which is cold to the bone, and kneeling for two hours is already terrible, by the end of the day, it may hurt the noble madams' body, and it will not be good. Do you think it's possible to let the craftsmen immediately build a shed on the open space and light a brazier for them to shelter from the rain and cold, which can also be regard as amassing blessing for the late Empress Dowager?"
As soon as these words fell, titled woman who couldn't stand the cold looked eagerly at His Majesty. They could only think about it in their hearts, how dare they say it in person? His Majesty's dragon evil spirit, which was cultivated in the mountain of corpse and sea of blood, was absolutely unbearable for ordinary people, and only Madam Guan, who sewed the belly of a dead person with her own hands, could take it calmly, and then discuss a few words with him.
Previously, she interceded for the female official, and some people still laughed at her stupidity. Now it was about their own interests, even their life, and no one would slander her again. After all, it was that female official who deliberately made things difficult, who couldn't see it? If the rankings were really based on their family background, Madam Guan, who was held in the palm of Emperor Teacher and Chief of Ceremonies, should be the most honorable person in Yanjing.
Words and hearts were so easy to control, only a little grace could turn them upside down. Seeing all the titled women being wooed by Madam with just a few words, why should Emperor Sheng Yuan be against it? Immediately he waved his hand and said, "It Zhen who is inconsiderate, let the all the madams down." He nodded slightly and ordered in a warm voice, "Baifu, immediately ask the Department of Internal Affairs to gather some craftsmen to build a shack, the brazier cannot be broken, and the ginger soup cannot be less. If any madam cannot bear it, she will go down and rest for a while. Don't hurt the body because of the worship, and if imperial mother in the ground know it, she will not feel at ease. The sacrificial ceremony is in the sincerity, not in the form. Everything is simple, everything is lenient."
As soon as he finished speaking, there were voices of gratitude inside and outside the hall. It was said that the emperor was benevolent, they did not feel much before, but now they finally experience it firsthand. With such a monarch, it was really fortunate to live in Wei Kingdom!
Emperor Sheng Yuan glanced at Madam and said with a smile, "No need to thank Zhen, thank Madam Guan."
"Thank you, Madam Guan!" There was another round of thank you at the scene, and even the old noblewomen, who was more senior than her, also bowed down, so Guan Suyi who had nowhere to avoid had no choice but to stand behind Emperor Sheng Yuan.
Zhong shi looked at the two people next to each other, her heart felt very uncomfortable, but she couldn't understand why. However, no matter what, this hurdle was finally over, just didn't know who tried to rectify the Guan family behind the scene. Seeing her daughter's determined appearance, it seems she has figure it out, right?
Before she could pull her daughter aside to ask, Emperor Sheng Yuan clasped his hands and bowed deeply, "Madam, Zhen want to personally write the sacrificial eulogy for the late imperial mother, but due to limited knowledge, haven't dared to write it. Madam is talented and outstanding, you are especially good at expressing emotions of the scenery, and conveying the sense of things, please ask Madam to teach Zhen!"
So he came here to ask for advise! The emperor is really filial, sincere and also modest and open-minded! All the madams suddenly realized and praised in their hearts, even Zhong shi was touched by him, and could not wait to agree.
Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Guan Suyi could not refuse, and after saluted modestly, she followed him to the main hall.
Emperor Sheng Yuan slowed down and looked sideways, "Madam, if there is no Zhen today, your two knees cannot be saved. The so-called strong will be easily humiliated is a complete fallacy. The reason why you are humiliated is not because you are too strong, but because you are not strong enough. If you stand in the Main Hall today as the mother of the country, looking all over the Central Plains, the Wei Kingdom, and even the Nine Provinces, who would dare to humiliate you?"
Guan Suyi was unmoved, her eyes narrowed as she muttered, "What do you mean by this sentence is that – looking all over the Wei Kingdom, only you can humiliate me?"
Emperor Sheng Yuan, "…"
Chapter 108 Ask for Advice
All of a sudden choked by Madam, Emperor Sheng Yuan was speechless for a long time, and it was hard to think of coaxing words. When he was about to continue speaking, they arrived at the Main Hall. This was the place where the important officials of the court and the imperial family kowtowed. They were all powerful figures in Yanjing. Old Master Guan and Guan Father were sitting in the first row, holding manuscripts in their hands, talking with Master Xuan Guang about something.
"This minister has seen the emperor." Seeing that the Son of Heaven was coming, everyone hurriedly stood up and saluted, and when they caught sight of Madam Guan, who had retreated to the side, they couldn't help but showed a surprised expression.
"Your Majesty, this is?" Old Master Guan hurriedly asked.
"Zhen want to personally write a sacrificial eulogy for the late imperial mother, but because of limited knowledge, Zhen didn't dare to write, especially asked Madam Guan to teach Zhen. Madam's sacrificial eulogy breaks the law of parallel rhythm, and it appears loose and yet condensed, it seems to be easiest to grasp for amateur like Zhen who have never learned the rhythmic format.." Emperor Sheng Yuan explained in earnest.
Old Master Guan suddenly realized and agreed, "If letting Your Majesty write a parallel poem, it will be really difficult for you. This minister just discussed with Master Xuan Guang that the sacrificial eulogy was originally written in remembrance of the deceased. The sincere feelings should come first, and the graceful rhyme is not as important, there is no need to pay too much attention to, just need to express all the emotions. This minister and others are best at policy theory, but if want to express emotions of the scenery, we are a little inferior, and do not dare randomly give advice." After the words fell he looked at his granddaughter, and whispered, "Yiyi, properly teach His Majesty, don't hide your secret."
"How can granddaughter dare?" Guan Suyi hurriedly clasped her hands in salute, and at the end she bowed down to all the ministers, with a graceful attitude, neither humble nor arrogant.
"Madam Guan is a great talent!" The ministers said in unison, praised again and again, and then watched the emperor walk away before gathered together to speak again, without any other thought. On the contrary, Guan Father chased down the corridor and looked at them for a long time, saw the emperor deliberately slowed down, turned to let his daughter walked side by side with him, a light quickly flashed across his eyes.
When the two came to the back hall, several palace servants were carrying a huge bathtub, and another servant was adding spices to the copper stove, and wisps of green smoke swirled up, exuding a delicate and pleasant fragrance.
"Zhen was bathing and burning incense just now, and immediately rushed over when Zhen received the news that the Empress Dowager intended to embarrass you." Emperor Sheng Yuan raised his hand, as if he wanted to draw Madam, but in the end he didn't dare to make trouble, so he had to take her to the inner room, and invite her to the guest seat.
"Thank you, Your Majesty, for rescuing this subject woman. This subject woman is grateful." Guan Suyi had a clear distinction between gratitude and grudges, immediately thanked him.
The two sat cross-legged on praying mats covered with thick blanket, and in front of them was a table with two sets of four treasures of the study. Perhaps because it was the sacrificial ceremony of the late Empress Dowager, Emperor Sheng Yuan's attitude was very solemn, they had been alone for a long time, but he never done anything outside the boundaries, so Guan Suyi slowly let go her hanging heart.
"Look, Madam, this is the result of Zhen's writing for half an hour." He pointed to a piece of rice paper on the table. There were only two lines of words on it, and one line was scribbled out, which looked very messy.
"Zhen sat for a long time, but still don't know what to write. Zhen don't even know what the late imperial mother looks like, so how can Zhen write a memorial?" His resolute face showed a hint of fragility, and he sincerely cupped his hands in obeisance, "Please, Madam, teach Zhen."
Guan Suyi couldn't guard against an orphan who was heartbroken and missed his mother, let alone a student who humbly asked for advice. She took the manuscript and glanced at it, pointed out, "Although Your Majesty has never spent time with the late Empress Dowager, cannot write the sacrificial eulogy from her point of view, and let the world appreciate her through words, then how about changing the angle and start from yourself? Every moment you miss her, she also misses you in heaven; every achievement you achieve is her achievement; your greatness is her greatness; your nobleness is her nobleness, because you are the continuation of her life. So when writing about her, start from writing about you, and slowly bring in your thoughts about her, without considering whether the sentences is smooth or not, let alone whether the writing is beautiful or not, write down everything you can think of. When it finish, this subject woman will only polish it a little for Your Majesty, and that's it. If the late Empress Dowager is still alive, what she wants to listen to is what you really want to tell her."
Emperor Sheng Yuan thought for a moment, and suddenly realized, "What Madam said is true! The late imperial mother passed away when Zhen was just born. Zhen has never been with her for more than half a day, and Zhen has never seen her appearance and smiling face, but Zhen know that her love for Zhen is no less than any mother, no, maybe even heavier. Without her, there would be no Zhen. When Zhen was young, Zhen saw the mother wolf feeding the little wolf and the mother monkey hugging the little monkey, Zhen's heart always felt stuffy and painful, but didn't know why. It wasn't until Zhen met imperial sister and learned that Zhen is a human, not a beast, only then finally realized that the feeling is called loss, pain, and yearning. Since that day, Zhen thought that in the future Zhen would go out of the mountain to find Zhen's mother. What kind of character is she, what does she look like and why did she abandon Zhen? These obsessions troubled Zhen, and they also inspire Zhen. Zhen go on expeditions everywhere, isn't it to find her?"
His eyes were slightly red, and tears were twinkling in his eyes, but it never fell. He crushed the rice paper with one hand, clenched the other hand into a fist, and pressed it on the table with extreme restraint, making the wood emitted a creaking squeak from heavy burden.
Guan Suyi couldn't bear it, and quickly changed the subject, "Your Majesty, write, what you just said is very good. Instead of writing sacrificial eulogy, we will write a letter, record everything you want to say to the late Empress Dowager, and burn it for her. Over the years, the only person she has been worried about is you, and she must be very happy to hear from you. No matter how many scriptures you recite or how much sesame oil money you give, it will not be able to match your heart." She then pour in some water on the ink stone, and slowly grind the ink.
Emperor Sheng Yuan turned to look at her, his clenched fists suddenly loosened, his grief-stricken expression softened slightly, and he said in a hoarse voice, "Madam is really smart and thoughtful. After racking the brain and sitting dry for half a day, Zhen still couldn't even write two sentences. Zhen will write a letter for late imperial mother, after finishing the draft, Zhen will ask Madam to revise it for Zhen."
"Your Majesty is overpraised, this subject woman will do her best." Guan Suyi polished the ink, picked a sheep hair brush of moderate thickness, and handed it over with both hands.
Emperor Sheng Yuan took the brush and looked at her deeply before he began to write. At first, the writing was a little blocked, but it gradually became smoother. The more he wrote, the more his brush flew. His tide of thought was bubble up, once it gets started there's no stopping it. Tears rolled down with the deep emotions, smudging the handwriting; In grief and anger, he gnashed teeth, the strength penetrated the back of the paper; In sorrow and despair, he had no more words and could only abandon the brush, he then cover his face with his hands, and stay still for a long time.
Guan Suyi didn't know if he was crying, but she knew that he was definitely not calm at this moment, but she didn't urge or comfort him in the slightest, just sat quietly and waited.
Baifu couldn't stand it any longer, and went forward with red eyes, intending to comfort, but Madam Guan gave him a stern look, so he had to retreat.
After half a quarter of an hour, Emperor Sheng Yuan finally put down his hand, his face was expressionless, actually couldn't tell whether it was sadness and joy. Guan Suyi then picked up the brush, dipped the ink again, and said softly, "Go ahead."
Emperor Sheng Yuan didn't say a word, but he took the brush obediently and continue to write. He abandoned the brush a few times after that, seemed to be difficult to restraint his sadness. But every time it was picked up by Madam, and put it back into his hand, repeatedly, After half an hour, the sacrificial eulogy was finally written.
"Madam, Zhen's heart is so painful." He clutched his chest and hissed.
Guan Suyi took out an embroidered handkerchief, stuffed it into his hand, and sighed, "Your Majesty, wipe your tears. This subject woman understands how you feel, and only by surviving this experience can you completely let go."
Emperor Sheng Yuan clenched the cinnamon-rich handkerchief tightly, but was reluctant to wipe his tears. For some reason, he felt much more relaxed, and he no longer felt overwhelmed by painful memories.
Guan Suyi took over the manuscript and read it slowly. Although she had already learned of his tragic experience, she was horrified after getting a deeper understanding. There were purgatory on earth, dragon blood is black yellow*; There were also fathers and sons fighting against each other, betrayed and deserted; Even more there were tears of grief, foretell how he wanted to take his own life. If she hadn't seen this manuscript, just from the appearance, she would always think that Hunnar was indestructible.
But how could there be indestructible person in this world? Step by step from the dust to the top, the suffering and harm that he had endured were often unimaginable to ordinary people.
Through the manuscript, her perception of Hunnar was once again subverted. She pitied his painful experience, and admired his bravery and unyielding character. It was not by luck that he could have today. By the end, her cheeks were wet with tears, and she was unable to calm down for a long time.
Emperor Sheng Yuan hid the handkerchief that Madam gave him in his arms, and then took out his own handkerchief from his sleeve pocket and handed it over, comfortingly said, "Madam, don't cry, everything is over. Zhen has already let go, can't you let go too?"
Guan Suyi hurriedly accepted the handkerchief to wipe her face, and said in a hoarse voice, "Your writing is very good, very good, far better than mine." She then stood up, walked to the opposite side of the table, and knelt down cautiously, "Your Majesty's sacrificial eulogy is unparalleled in the world. If you asked this subject woman, there is no need to change a word or a sentence. However, you are the emperor, and this sacrificial eulogy is not only a sacrificial eulogy, but also an edict, so many places cannot be stated, and many places need to be embellished, even many words must be hidden."
Emperor Sheng Yuan seemed to have anticipated it, and immediately went around the table to support Madam, and said softly, "You can change whatever you want. Zhen's words are not only about oneself, but also about the country system, Zhen understand."
Guan Suyi breathed a sigh of relief and comforted, "Then consider this manuscript Your Majesty, as a son, writing to his mother, and not as the emperor writing to the late Empress Dowager. After this subject woman copied it, you can burn it for the late Empress Dowager, and the words she wanted to hear have already been heard."
Emperor Sheng Yuan finally showed his first smile today, stretched out his hand to help Madam up, invite her back to sit behind the table, with a respectful attitude, "Then troubling Madam to copy it again, and then modify and polish it."
Guan Suyi nodded in agreement, spread out the rice paper and carefully copied it, her eyes began to turn red as she wrote, and star-dotted teardrops were hanging on her eyelashes, looking very pitiful and cute. Emperor Sheng Yuan's painful heart had long since recovered, placing one hand on the table and the other on his forehead, staring intently at Madam through the gap between his fingers. He thought that recalling the past was the most painful moment, but because Madam was by his side, he tasted a lot of sweetness after the pain.
If can have Madam to accompany in this life, how happy will it be? Mother's spirit in heaven will also be happy about it, right? She was so strong and brave, if she's still alive, she would definitely like a daughter-in-law like Madam.
dragon blood is black yellow*: it means the war is fierce and blood flows like a river.
Chapter 109 Imperial Power
Every time he reminisce about the past, it felt like the pit of his stomach was pried open with a knife, the taste was definitely not wonderful. However, this time, Emperor Sheng Yuan didn't feel pain at all, but rather nostalgic. Madam was by his side, sharing his memories, feeling his joys and sorrows, and learning about the real Hunnar through these words. This was exactly what he wanted to talk to Madam the most, but he didn't know how to express it.
If others dared to pry into his heart, he would definitely tear them apart, but for Madam, he would open the door himself and ask her to go inside, keep walking, keep walking… to the deepest part of his heart.
And his goal was finally achieved. Guan Suyi, while copying the manuscript, carefully commented on his growth, from an ignorant child to a nine-footed tall man, from a lowly military slave to the powerful monarch of this age, the process was extremely arduous and heart-wrenching. She read it again and again and couldn't bear to stop.
"After reading Your Majesty's sacrificial eulogy, this subject woman deeply understood what Mencius wrote – therefore, when the heaven entrusted a great responsibility to a person, he must first suffer his will and work his muscles… and once benefited from what he could not. Every suffering you have experience has become the foundation of your greater strength, so there is today's Wei Kingdom, and today's Emperor Sheng Yuan. Your Majesty, look at your enemies, and look at you now, no matter how much hostility you have in your heart, it should be pacify." She sighed.
"Madam is right. Zhen's enemies have long since become dead bones, but Zhen has ascended to the throne and dominate the world, so there is nothing to be paranoid about." Emperor Sheng Yuan's mood suddenly became light.
Seeing him happy, Guan Suyi continued, "Then, this subject woman will revise your manuscript. First, your description of the late emperor must be deleted and rewritten. Not only Confucianism advocates filial piety, but all orthodox philosophies practices the word filial piety, because it's the first of the hundred virtues and the foundation of human morality. How can a person be kind to others if he can't even be kind to his parents? So even if you deeply hate the late emperor, you cannot show it. Not only you cannot show it, but you have to pretend to revere him. In this sacrificial eulogy, you directly scolded him for throwing you into the mountain to feed the wolves, and throwing away the bones of the late empress dowager, although it's true, it will damage the reputation of the late emperor and your image of filial piety. So this subject woman will be bold to crossed out this paragraph and rewrite it."
Emperor Sheng Yuan didn't refuse, and nodded generously, "Madam, please change."
Guan Suyi fixed a look at him, and said with satisfaction, "This subject woman changed this paragraph to the late emperor sent people to look for you and the late Empress Dowager, but there was no result, so he had to give up. From then on he missed you every day and couldn't sleep at night. And you were taken away by the pack of wolves in the mountain and raised by them carefully. What do you think?"
Emperor Sheng Yuan leaned over and looked at the words she added with red vermilion, seemed a little reluctant, but in the end he didn't say anything.
Guan Suyi patiently explained, "The reason why this subject woman changed this way is also of great significance. Since ancient times, the Son of Heaven must have extraordinary image, maybe there's dragons and snakes dancing, maybe red clouds fill the sky, maybe Brahma bells vibrating, or strong fragrances overflowed the room. However, to tell you the truth, few of them are genuine people or real events, most of them are just rumors or the emperor promoting themselves, just to pursue four words – Received Mandate of Heaven. Even the heaven recognizes you, who would dare to overthrow you? This is also a way to consolidate the imperial power. Your experience of being raised by a pack of wolves is real and legendary. If it publicized properly, you will surely win the reputation of 'True dragon Son of Heaven and the divine right of kings'. In the future, when you issue government decrees, no courtiers dare to disobey, and no common people dare to disobey."
She paused slightly and asked again, "Your Majesty, what do you think of this change?"
"Alright, let's change it like this! Even the wolves dare not eat Zhen, but instead raised Zhen, doesn't it show that Zhen is blessed by Heaven?" For the first time, Emperor Sheng Yuan felt that being raised by wild beasts was not a shame, but a kind of honor. He looked at Madam who was smiling and nodding, sighed, "Madam is really a good wife!"
The tip of Guan Suyi's brush fell heavily on the paper, leaving a ball of ink behind, and she couldn't help but glared at the other person.
Emperor Sheng Yuan laughed, but there was a slight pride in his heart. Isn't means Madam his good wife now? These things, he supposed she only did it for him.
After changing the first paragraph, Guan Suyi looked to the middle paragraph and pointed out, "This has to be rewritten too. The late emperor had no choice but to recognize you as his son because of your outstanding military achievements, let's change into he accidentally discovered your identity and recognized you with ecstasy. You two are benevolent father and filial son, very harmonious, not secretly calculating and killing each other. Politics is like this, covering up the truth and beautifying the ugly.
Emperor Sheng Yuan loved that she was a good teacher, and with her earnest teaching appearance, he smiled and nodded, his attitude could be said to be obedient.
Her anger from his frivolous words was greatly reduced, Guan Suyi softened her expression and continued to revise, "After the paragraph about the late emperor has been revised, you must also hide your deeds of killing your brothers, so as not to leave the impression that you are not recognizing your family on people." Speaking of this, she had no choice but to sigh that Emperor Sheng Yuan was really a model of repaying virtue with virtue and repaying grievances with grievances. The eldest prince deliberately delayed the reinforcements, causing him to be surrounded and attacked by the army of the previous dynasty, then he did the same and returned the order that make the eldest prince die in the siege. The third prince and the sixth prince sent elites to set up an ambush, and after he escaped danger, he also ambush the two of them, causing them to die with ten thousand arrows through their hearts.
Perhaps because he had never been loved since he was a child and raised by wild beasts, his way of thinking was very direct. If others treated him well, he would remember it for a lifetime; if others were malicious towards him, he would tear them apart and wouldn't stop until they died. He seemed to be a dangerous person, but as long as people grasped his good scale, he was actually very easy to get along with.
No wonder Ye Zhen rescued him once, then he treated her like a Bodhisattva in the palace. It was only at this point that Guan Suyi finally understood his character, and without realizing it her resentment diminished a lot.
"You didn't mention the Empress Dowager from the beginning to the end, this subject woman will add a paragraph for you to briefly describe your benevolent mother' and filial son's relationship, so as to set an example for the world. It's the same sentence, even if you hate her, you have to cover up this feeling." She quickly deleted and revised with a vermilion brush, painting a picture of filial piety between a benevolent mother and a filial son in just a few sentences, then added some polishing touches to some words, sighing, "Well, Your Majesty, what do you think?"
Emperor Sheng Yuan took the manuscript full of red and black handwriting, read it carefully, and praised after a while, "Madam, you are very talented! Zhen is very satisfied with this manuscript, the paranoia is gone and the remembrance is there; the anger dissipates and the sorrow cut deep. It can move the world and win a good name, enough to take it to the world!"
Guan Suyi was about to wave her hand to humble herself, but she heard him sigh with satisfaction, "With a wife like this, what else a husband want? Madam is indeed virtuous!"
"This is the sacrificial ceremony for the late empress dowager, please Your Majesty have some decorum!" Her anger rose, her eyes were burning, and she was about to leave after throwing away the brush, but was blocked by Emperor Sheng Yuan as he sincerely apologized, "Madam, don't be angry, it's Zhen's habit to talk those frivolous words on weekdays, actually blurted it out unknowingly. Zhen is sorry, Zhen apologize to madam."
It's okay not to explain, but when it explained, she got even angrier. Guan Suyi could not wait to pick up the ink stone and splash the ink on his face.
Emperor Sheng Yuan blocked her from left to right, and had no choice but to change the subject, "Madam can leave, but can you answer Zhen first? Last time Zhen wore a human skin mask, how did you recognize Zhen?"
Guan Suyi couldn't get around him, so she could only sneer, "A stupid air blew to my face, and it's actually the number one in the Wei Kingdom, how could I not recognize it?"
Instead of being angry, Emperor Sheng Yuan laughed lowly, spread out out his arms to block the hall's door, and said seriously, "Madam knows that Zhen is not stupid, so you said this, are you flirting with Zhen? When Zhen was young Zhen was raised by wild beasts, started to learn to speak at the age of three, and able to understand things in a month; The Han learning is extensive and profound, and Zhen began to come in contact with it at the age of twelve or thirteen, but after only a few years, already mastered the essence. When Zhen went to war in the past, often fight with one's life, never understood the art and tricks of war, but now can use soldiers like a god. Madam dislikes Zhen for being stupid, so Madam ask yourself, if Zhen is stupid, how many smart people are there in Wei Kingdom?"
He took a few steps closer and said cautiously, "Madam, Zhen may not born noble enough or the knowledge is not profound enough, but Zhen has always been changing for you. Zhen has exhaust all the effort to please you, can you feel it? At first Zhen did not dare to reveal Zhen's dentity, can only rely on flying pigeon to pass the letter to talk about love-sickness…"
Guan Suyi interrupted, "It's not flying pigeon to pass the letter, but attempted to fool around and commit adultery."
Emperor Sheng Yuan, "…"
After swallowing a breath, he continued, "Later, Zhen couldn't hold back and finally revealed Zhen's identity. Zhen originally thought that women in the Central Plains valued chastity, so then used some desperate measure…"
"Fooling around is fruitless, so then take it by force." Guan Suyi's tone was indifferent.
Emperor Sheng Yuan said, "… the desperate measures instead angered Madam even more. So Zhen completely repent, and will never dare to disrespect you. Now as long as can look at you from a distance, Zhen is satisfied. Being alone like today is really because Zhen really need Madam's advise, and in the future, Zhen will obey Madam's wishes."
"Taking by force was unsuccessful, so change it to play hard to catch. Your Majesty really has a bright idea." Guan Suyi cupped her hands with a mocking expression.
Emperor Sheng Yuan closed his eyes, seemed very helpless, "Madam, can we talk properly? Yes, Zhen indeed racking the brain to please you. Look at your hand, then look at Zhen's hand, one is rich in ink fragrance, one is covered in blood, one is white and flawless, one is rough and ugly. These two hands should not be holding together because they are too incompatible. But Zhen can't hold back the longing and anxiety in the heart, because Zhen know that you are the most beautiful treasure that Zhen can get in this life, if Zhen let you slip away, Zhen will regret it for the rest of Zhen's life! So no matter what, Zhen will not let go."
He stretched out his big palm and clenched it into a fist, with a domineering look in his eyes.
Guan Suyi didn't show any timidity at all, and took two steps back and said slowly, "Your Majesty, the last time you tried to prevent this subject woman from escaping, you not only tapped this subject woman's acupuncture point, but also took off this subject woman's embroidered shoes, do you remember?"
"Remember." Emperor Sheng Yuan was confuse.
"This subject woman in the end was able to escape, but because of losing those shoes, the feet were injured." She pointed to a path outside the hall and said calmly, "You pointed this subject woman to Zhao Luli, and the difficult and dangerous part of thorny road, this subject woman had already passed it safely. Seeing that there is only a smooth road ahead, you actually interfered and sent Ye Zhen back. What you did was the same as that day. In fact, you removed my shoes, removed my armor, and left me running barefoot in the wilderness, while you chased me with great pleasure, how could you know that I was already scarred and have blood flowing in unknown places. You are the emperor, no one dares to criticize you, I am someone's wife, and I will be pointed by thousands of people. Your Majesty, if you regard me as a treasure, you should put me on the shelf and store it safely." After the words finished, she bowed down deeply.
Emperor Sheng Yuan was speechless for a long time, his heart ached. When he returned to his senses, Madam had already stepped on the path and intent to leave by herself. However, due to the increasing rain, the depression on the ground was flooded, and the road was blocked by the long puddle, she could only linger at the same place.
"If Madam afraid of encountering thorns on the road and hurt your feet, Zhen would like to use the imperial power to pave the way for you." As he spoke, he took off his dragon robe and without hesitation, he put it on top of the puddle.
Baifu was stunned and thought in disbelief: That, that's a dragon robe! A real dragon robe! Your Majesty, how can you…
Chapter 110 Unyielding
If it usual, it's just a little puddle, just stride over it and go back to her room to change into clean clothes. But today was different. Guan Suyi spent nearly an hour revising the manuscript. Seeing that the sacrificial ceremony was about to begin, if she waded through the water and after reaching the side hall, she would not even have time to change a set of sacrificial dress.
Wearing a sacrificial dress with a drenched skirt and splattered mud spots to participate in the ceremony, the above could immediately punish her for a "great disrespect" crime.
At this moment, the gorgeous and extraordinary dragon robe had absorbed water, becoming thicker and swollen, if one step on it to cross over, at most would wet the edge of the shoe and wouldn't be splashed on any mud spots. But it was a symbol of imperial power! Who would dare to step on a few shoe prints on it? Do you want to die?
Only a barbarian like Hunnar would take it off without hesitation and use it to cover the water puddle. Perhaps his understanding of imperial power was not deep enough. When he think of this in the future, what would he think? If he want to settle the account afterwards, let alone her, afraid even ten Guan Family would not be enough for him to kill! Guan Suyi gritted her teeth in anger, not daring to step on it, but also unwilling to turn around. Hunnar was waiting for her with open arms. If she walked back and asked him to send some palace servants to cover the puddle with wooden boards, it would be the same as trying to compromise with him, what was the difference with surrendering to the imperial power?
Really unwilling! Thinking like this, Guan Suyi was about to cross the fence on the side of the path and walk into the flowerbed.
"Madam, afraid you don't know, the shallow grass is withered and soaked with rain, if you walk over it, the water stains and mud spots will only be more than the puddle." Emperor Sheng Yuan reminded worriedly.
Guan Suyi often traveled through mountains and rivers when she was young, how could she not know this? As soon as her hand reached the fence she hesitated, didn't move for a long time. What's more, in addition to shallow grass, there were all kinds of vegetation in it, and there were not a few with thorns. If the clothes were torn or the hair was messed up, it would only make her more embarrass. It seemed that she had nowhere to go except stepping on the dragon robe.
"What do you think of imperial power?" she asked back.
Emperor Sheng Yuan took two steps forward and said in a gentle tone, "Before, Zhen only regarded it as a tool to survive. Because if Zhen is not the emperor, the other option is to die. Later, through Madam's advice, Zhen slowly came to understand that imperial power is not only Zhen's personal right, it's also the right of the common people in the world, and the common people in the world are even more important. The journey to the Great Way, the world is for the public*, Zhen can accomplish it, and it is slowly being realized. So Zhen thought the imperial power is very heavy, but it's also very light. It's heavy enough to help the common people of the world, light enough to give up a dragon robe, just to make Zhen's woman walk more smoothly. After all, Zhen is a human being, and Zhen also have feelings and selfish desires. Madam, you just go forward, Zhen cushioned you under your feet, support you by your side, follow you at the back, and waiting for you at the front. No matter where you want to go, Zhen will accompany you."
He bowed deeply and cautiously.
Guan Suyi was indeed a little moved, but only a little. Power might seem tempting, but it would destroy her peaceful life. This person was so sincere now, but how could she be sure that he wouldn't turn his face in the future? The imperial family was ruthless, he now still not understand that his power and majesty would grow stronger in the future, and this would gradually be eroded. As Han Feizi said in the "Bei Nei" – the trouble of the master lies in believing in people, and believing in people, then controlled by people*.
Therefore, no emperor could ever forget his original intention, and no emperor could be too suspicious. The more he indulged himself now, the more terrifying he would be when he was suspicious in the future.
Guan Suyi wouldn't gamble with her family's life, so she should take advantage while they still had some friendship to persuade him stop his feelings early. Thinking like this, she looked up, then slowly backed away.
Emperor Sheng Yuan blocked the path and said, "Madam, you're not thinking of jumping over it, right? This puddle is ten feet long, and it's difficult for even a healthy man to cross, let alone a woman? And the road ahead is muddy and slippery, if you're not land steady enough, you may fall into the puddle, and the end will only be more embarrassing. Madam, please don't be willful."
Guan Suyi ignored him, backed away a certain distance, and then accelerated.
Emperor Sheng Yuan hurriedly followed, raising his arms high, ready to catch her, but saw that she was not jumping far, but high, then grabbed a tree trunk that was sloping above her head and swung past easily. She landed like a butterfly, silently, her plain skirt suddenly bloomed and suddenly gathered again. The beads of water she shook were crashing down, splashing some small water, the scene was very beautiful.
While slapping the dust-free hem, she chuckled, "Your Majesty, this subject woman also want to understand. When you think there is only one road ahead, or even no road, it only shows that your vision is not broad enough. You can try to look left, right, up, and down, just don't look back. Your Majesty, the marriage has been given, and this subject woman have stepped on the thorns and waded through the puddle, so you should also go all the way forward." She strode away, passed a servant, snatched his oil-paper umbrella, and disappeared into the pattering rain.
Emperor Sheng Yuan looked at Madam's hazy and unrestrained back, and then looked at the wet dragon robe on the ground, and suddenly laughed, "Madam, you walk ahead, Zhen will catch up to you soon. You are right, people have to move forward and never give up."
Guan Suyi didn't even stop her footsteps, and went far away. Emperor Sheng Yuan stared at her in a daze, and when the white shadow completely disappeared, he looked at Baifu, who was busy picking up the dragon robe, "Madam neither admires power, nor loves brocade clothes and jade food, wealth and honor, her only hobby is to collect books. How do you think Zhen can win her heart?"
Baifu hesitated for a moment, then said bravely, "Your Majesty, you should wait until she reconcile. Although you call her Madam this, Madam that, she is still the eldest master Zhao's madam. Besides, you already know she love to collect books, you should also read more books on weekdays." (ROFL)
Emperor Sheng Yuan's face darkened. He planned to turn back to the inner hall and change into a sacrificial robe, but somehow he stopped again. The saber on his waist suddenly came out of its sheath, flashing a cold light, then in a flesh restrained its evil spirit. And the tree trunk that had been held by Madam above her head had now fallen into the puddle, smashing a cloud of mud.
"Go back." He stood silently for a while before walking away.
A quarter of an hour later, a little eunuch came running across the puddle, and said in a low voice, "Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager wants to see you."
"If want to see Zhen, then come here by yourself, if don't come, then just stay in the room honestly." Emperor Sheng Yuan put the sacrificial eulogy into the brazier, half of his resolute and stern face reflected the light, and the other half was hidden in the shadows.
After a while, the Empress Dowager hurried over and saw the puddle in the middle of the road. She had to stop and shouted, "People come, don't you see that this path is blocked? Hurry up and fill it with sand or a plank! "
Baifu walked to the corridor to salute and replied respectfully, "Reporting to Empress Dowager, people have been sent to look for the sand and wood, please wait a moment."
How could the Empress Dowager wait? After going around twice, she finally waded through the water helplessly, and hurriedly said, "Where did you catch Little Sixteenth and the others? Give it back to Aijia*!" (tn: little sixteenth refers to her grandson)
"Zhen told you to be honest, don't make trouble, but you didn't listen." Emperor Sheng Yuan sneered, "Zhen can posthumously confer father, grandfather, and great-grandfather as emperor, can posthumously confer mother as Empress Dowager, also can posthumously confer dead brother as first rank Prince. With the title of first rank prince, those little cubs you raise can earn the title of county prince no matter what, and they will live comfortably in the future. Zhen have already spared you once regarding the painting, but you don't know how to repent, and attack Madam Guan. There's no other choice, Zhen have to make you understand that in this palace, whoever Zhen want to live will live; whoever Zhen want to die will die. Whoever Zhen want to crush is a grasshopper; whoever Zhen want to hold is superior person. You see, this is what the Central Plains people call 'those who obey me prosper and those who oppose me perish'. Whether those little cubs can survive or not depends on whether the Empress Dowager knows what to do."
The Empress Dowager felt cold all over her body, trembling like a sieve, and said in a shaking voice, "Your Majesty, it was Aijia who made a mistake. You killed Aijia's three sons, how about we write off the debt? Aijia will do one's best to perform the sacrificial ceremony for late Empress Dowager, and no longer playing tricks, just please let Little Sixteenth and the others go. Regard this as Aijia begging you!"
As she spoke, she was already in tears, her eyes were red, she obviously had been force to a dead end.
Emperor Sheng Yuan stared at the ashes of the manuscript, and said lightly, "If there are any other mistakes in the ceremony, Zhen will use the blood of those cubs to sacrifice for the late mother. You should understand the character of Zhen mother's. Saying that the sacrificial ceremony cannot see blood, but afraid she likes it very much."
The Empress Dowager remembered the dead Husu Liya, recalling her heroic appearance on the battlefield and wielding the enemy, she finally bowed her head slowly and complied in humiliation.
Baifu secretly sighed for the Empress Dowager: This is discarded after being used by His Majesty. When she planned the plot, His Majesty didn't burst her plan, instead waited for that female official and Madam Guan to come into conflict, before ran to become a hero that save the beauty, but it was a pity that Madam Guan didn't seem to buy this.
—–
Guan Suyi left the master hall, avoided the ministers and the imperial family, and quietly returned to the side hall. Because the Jiuli people marched and fought a lot, they were very experienced in setting up tents, and in just half an hour, many tents were set up in the open space. There was a big brazier inside, and there even imperial physicians and palace attendants stood nearby, when they saw anyone with different color's face, they would come forward to treat them, so to prevent those nobles from suffering the cold and falling ill.
Compared with the full of complains a while back, the side hall was now a harmonious group. Seeing Madam Guan who was walking, everyone rushed forward to greet her, with expressions of gratitude on their faces. Guan Suyi nodded her head one by one, came to the inner hall, walked around twice, but still could not find a spare praying mat.
"Mother, where is my seat?" She walked over to Zhong shi and asked in a low voice.
"I also don't know ah! A few internal attendants just came and took your praying mat, but they didn't put it in the inner hall. Maybe they forgot. If the emperor can invite you to the main hall to seek writing advice, he will never treat you badly. You wait, mother will help you ask." Zhong shi was about to get up when she saw Supervisor Baifu walked in quickly and saluted respectfully, "Madam, this servant has been ordered by His Majesty to call you to the main hall to attend the sacrificial ceremony. The ancient said one who can correct a misread thus be your teacher, you taught His Majesty to write a sacrificial eulogy, and you are worthy as a revered master. Please."
The emperor was kindly invited, who would dare to refuse? Guan Suyi couldn't, she went to the main hall with the envious eyes of the ladies, walked along the wall to the crowded inner room, and finally found her place beside the grand princess. The grand princess sat on her knees with a straight waist and a machete on her knees, her whole body was full of dangerous air. When she saw her coming, she smiled and nodded, and said with a grin, "Look, even His Majesty is here, but the Empress Dowager hasn't arrived yet, really too arrogant. Probably dissatisfied with His Majesty for posthumously conferred his birth mother."
Can this be said openly? Guan Suyi looked at the different faces of the court courtiers, and observed a moment of silence for the Empress Dowager's reputation.
The journey to the Great Way, the world is for the public*: it means achieving a peaceful and prosperous age.
the trouble of the master lies in believing in people, and believing in people, then controlled by people*.: it means the scourge of monarchs lies in trusting other, and trusting people will be controlled by them.
Aijia*: I, me-self-refering by a widowed empress.
