xymnovel Chapter 95 Benevolence and Xiao
Chapter 95 Benevolence and Xiao
Chapter 95 Benevolence and Xiao
Inside Baoci Palace, the charcoal braziers burned brightly.
Empress Dowager Xiang, dressed in plain white clothes, sat on the couch in the warm pavilion reciting scriptures.
The emperor's grandson was critically ill, and the emperor vomited blood—these were consecutive blows.
This left the elderly woman, who had lived through three dynasties and was used to all kinds of storms, feeling exhausted and deeply panicked.
With the foundation of the nation in jeopardy, what will become of the state?
"Your Majesty," a close maidservant quietly entered and whispered, "Privy Councilor Zeng is requesting an audience outside the palace gates, saying—he has important matters to report to Your Majesty."
Empress Dowager Xiang stopped reciting scriptures, her brows furrowing imperceptibly.
Zeng Bu? What brings him to this audience? Is it state affairs, or—has he also heard some rumors?
Empress Dowager Xiang instinctively wanted to refuse, as any audience with a foreign official at this time could bring about unforeseen changes.
But the phrase "report important matters to the emperor" made her hesitate.
Zeng Bu is the Grand Chancellor, in charge of military and political affairs. Now that the Emperor has suspended court, he will not easily seek an audience with him unless there is an urgent matter.
After a moment of contemplation, Xiang Taihou spoke slowly, her voice tinged with weariness.
"Please ask him to wait in the side hall. I will be there shortly."
Zeng Bu had been waiting in the side hall for about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea.
The hall was empty, the charcoal fire was weak, and a chill seeped in through the air. He stood upright, his face revealing little emotion, except for the occasional slight trembling of his fingertips, which betrayed his inner turmoil.
Zeng Bu knew that the step he was taking today could lead him to great heights or to utter ruin.
But given the current situation, he no longer had time to hesitate.
Light footsteps and the tinkling of jade pendants came from outside the hall. Zeng Bu immediately composed himself and stood respectfully with his head bowed.
Empress Dowager Xiang entered, supported by palace maids, and sat down on the soft couch in the center, her gaze falling on Zeng Bu.
"Your subject Zeng Bu kowtows to Your Majesty the Empress Dowager and respectfully wishes you good health."
Zeng Bu lifted his robe and knelt down, performing the grand salute with utmost care.
"Prime Minister Zeng, please excuse the formalities and take a seat."
Empress Dowager Xiang's voice was calm, but lacked warmth.
"It's the dead of winter, and the Grand Chancellor is not at his residence handling military and political affairs. He braves the wind and snow to come to the palace to see me. What important matter do you have to discuss?"
The eunuch brought over a brocade stool, and Zeng Bu thanked the emperor and sat down. He did not answer immediately, but first sighed, his tone heavy.
"Your Majesty, I have taken the liberty of requesting an audience today because I am filled with anxiety and restlessness, and I have no choice but to speak frankly to you."
"Oh? The prime minister is the most powerful official in the country, what else could you be worried about?" Xiang Taihou picked up the teacup and gently skimmed off the foam with the lid. Her movements were slow and gentle, but her eyes never left Zeng Bu.
"What I am concerned about is the affairs of the state," Zeng Bu said solemnly.
"Since the beginning of winter this year, His Majesty has been unwell, and regular court sessions have been almost abolished, with major political affairs piling up in the Secretariat and the Privy Council."
Although Chancellor Zhang and I have tried our best to maintain order, a country cannot be without a ruler for a single day, and governance cannot remain stagnant for long. While the western borders are temporarily at peace, the ambitions of the Xia people remain undiminished; the Northern Liao are also eyeing us covetously. If the central government continues in this state, it will likely be detrimental to the nation. This is the first point.”
Zeng Bu paused, observing the Empress Dowager's expression. Seeing that although her expression remained unchanged, she did not interrupt him, he knew that she had taken his words to heart and continued.
"Secondly, Your Majesty is the ruler of the world, and the people depend on you. Your Majesty is unwell, and we, your humble servants, are deeply worried, yet we cannot attend to you and offer you medicine. We can only worry in vain."
Recently, there seems to be some hidden worry in the palace. Although I do not know the details, I have observed unusual celestial phenomena and the palace is more solemn than usual, which makes me very uneasy.
Your Majesty, I humbly beg you to take good care of your health, no matter what. The Emperor and the nation both need Your Majesty's presence to safeguard them!
As Empress Dowager listened, the taut string in her heart seemed to be touched by these earnest and heavy words.
She sighed deeply, tears welling in her eyes, and her voice choked with emotion.
"Lord Zeng—you've put your heart into it. Since you've noticed something amiss in the palace, I—will no longer hide it from you."
She waved her hand, signaling the palace servants to retreat to a distance outside the hall, before lowering her voice, filled with endless weariness and sorrow.
"Your Majesty—upon hearing of Mao'er's serious illness, you were overcome with anxiety and vomited blood incessantly. Now—you are also bedridden and unable to get up. That child Mao'er—the imperial physicians are at a loss—"
In the end, Empress Dowager Xiang became incoherent and covered her mouth with a handkerchief.
Although he had expected it, Zeng Bu was still deeply shocked to hear it from the Empress Dowager herself.
He immediately rose from his seat, knelt down again, touched the ground with his head, and spoke with a voice full of sorrow and loyalty.
"Your Majesty! Your Majesty—your subject never imagined—Heaven would forsake our Great Song! Your Majesty is in the prime of life, and the prince has just been born; how could such a calamity befall us! Your subject—your subject is consumed by grief!"
Zeng Bu's performance was about 70% genuine.
Regardless of political stance, how could an old minister not feel pain upon seeing his monarch critically ill and his heir in peril?
Seeing his sincere emotions and tears streaming down his face, Empress Dowager Xiang lowered her guard somewhat and said sadly.
"Please rise, Chancellor Zeng. In the current state of affairs, in the court, all I can rely on are you experienced and capable ministers who have served the country."
Zeng Bu stood up, wiped his eyes with his sleeve, sat down again, and showed a resolute expression on his face.
"Your Majesty, it is precisely for this reason that I have no choice but to risk my life to speak out today! A country cannot be without a ruler for a single day, and the crown prince is the foundation of the state!"
Now that His Majesty's health is compromised, and the Prince—has also suffered this calamity, for the sake of the country and the ancestors, a grand plan must be devised as soon as possible to reassure the people!
Empress Dowager Xiang's heart tightened, knowing that the most crucial topic had arrived. However, her face showed surprise and anger, and her voice suddenly became stern.
"Zeng Bu! You are a high-ranking official in the Privy Council, how dare you speak so recklessly about the foundation of the nation before me! The Emperor is still alive, and the Prince—the Prince may have a chance! If these words get out, what will be your punishment!"
Empress Dowager Xiang was testing Zeng Bu; she wanted to know just how determined Zeng Bu was and what kind of promises he could make.
Zeng Bu showed no fear; instead, he straightened his back and met the Empress Dowager's gaze with composure.
"Your Majesty! Since I dare to speak today, I have already disregarded life and death! What I say is not for my own selfish reasons, but for the public good of the world, and for the eternal stability of the Song Dynasty! Your Majesty is a wise ruler, but the weather is unpredictable."
"The prince is young. If anything untoward is discovered, a young ruler and a suspicious court will be the source of chaos and turmoil throughout history! At that time, treacherous officials will seize the opportunity, the court will be in turmoil, and foreign enemies will surround us. The century-old foundation of our Great Song Dynasty may be destroyed in an instant! This is why I risk my life to speak frankly, and dare not fail to present it before Your Majesty!"
Zeng Bu spoke faster and with a more impassioned tone.
"At this critical juncture of life and death, when choosing a new ruler, who should be the priority? First, the eldest son; second, the most virtuous; and third, the closest relative! Looking at all the sons of the late emperor, none surpasses Prince Duan in virtue, benevolence, and filial piety!"
In terms of age, Prince Duan is the eldest, hence the title "eldest"; furthermore, His Highness Prince Duan is intelligent, studious, gentle, and kind, thus possessing virtuous character.
Zeng Bu lowered his voice, but every word was clear, piercing straight to the Empress Dowager's heart: "More importantly, His Highness Prince Duan was raised by Your Majesty personally, and he regards Your Majesty as his own mother. His filial piety is pure and sincere, and the whole world knows it!"
"Your Majesty, if we speak of kinship, who is closer to you than Prince Duan? If Prince Duan is granted the throne, he will surely regard Your Majesty as his closest relative, listen to his every word, and obey his every command. The stability of the harem will all depend on Your Majesty! This is a blessing for the nation, and also a blessing for Your Majesty!"
Zeng Bu's last words were the real trump card.
It clarifies that Zhao Ji was raised by Empress Dowager Xiang and had a close relationship with her; once Zhao Ji ascended the throne, Empress Dowager Xiang would be the undisputed heir.
The Empress Dowager, whose position is secure, may even surpass that of Consort Zhu, Zhao Xu's birth mother.
This was an irresistible temptation for an empress dowager who had no children and might face oppression from the new emperor's mother in the future.
Empress Dowager Xiang's expression changed.
The severity gradually faded, replaced by a complex expression that mixed shock, excitement, and weighing of emotions.
She was well aware of the political calculations behind Zeng Bu's words, but she could not deny that every word he said struck at the deepest part of her heart, revealing her deepest anxieties and desires.
Prince Jian was the biological son of Consort Zhu. With Consort Zhu as his support, how close could he be to his stepmother?
If Prince Jian is established in the future, the status of Consort Zhu will inevitably rise, and how much real power and stability will I, as the Empress Dowager, have?
And Zhao Ji—
This is the Eleventh Son I watched grow up, so well-behaved and filial—
Empress Dowager Xiang remained silent.
After a long while, she raised her head, her eyes filled with tears, her voice trembling.
"Master Zeng—do you know the gravity of what you're saying today? Do you truly believe this? Are you willing to fully support Eleventh Son?"
This is no longer a reprimand, but rather an almost blatant confirmation and a request for commitment.
Zeng Bu knew that the most crucial moment had arrived.
He straightened his clothes, then knelt solemnly before Empress Dowager Xiang, touching his head to the ground, and said in a deep voice.
"Your Majesty, I swear to Heaven! If Your Majesty does not abandon me and believes in my sincerity, I am willing to exhaust the strength of my remaining years to unite loyal men, overcome all difficulties, and enthrone Prince Duan as the Crown Prince, so as to consolidate the foundation of the nation and secure the country! If I break this oath, may Heaven and Man punish me, and may my descendants not prosper! I hereby guarantee with the lives of my entire clan and my lifelong reputation, and I will follow Your Majesty and Prince Duan's lead!"
Zeng Bu's words were resolute and left no room for negotiation.
He staked his life, fortune, and political future entirely on supporting Prince Duan and remaining loyal to the Empress Dowager.
Empress Dowager Xiang's tears finally rolled down her cheeks. Looking at Zeng Bu, who was kneeling on the ground with his white hair, the huge stone that had been hanging in her heart seemed to have been lifted slightly.
With the explicit support and vow of this high-ranking official, the situation became about 50-60% certain.
She stood up, walked to Zeng Bu, gently helped him up, and choked out.
"Minister Zeng—please rise. I understand. Your loyalty is as clear as day. That boy, Shiyilang, is indeed filial and benevolent. I will consider this matter further. You must also act cautiously and ensure that no word gets out."
"Your Majesty, I will obey your decree!"
Zeng Bu kowtowed heavily before standing up.
He knew that although the Empress Dowager had not explicitly agreed, her words of "understanding," "allowing me to reconsider," and admonition to "act cautiously" were tantamount to tacit approval, and that a secret alliance had been initially established.
Just as Zeng Bu and Empress Dowager Xiang reached a secret agreement in the side hall of Baoci Palace, Zhao Mingcheng also arrived at the Prince Duan's residence once again.
-
This time, his face lacked its usual ease, instead displaying obvious solemnity.
Emperor Huizong was admiring a newly acquired ancient painting in the warm pavilion when he noticed Zhao Mingcheng's strange expression and asked curiously.
"Defu, what's the matter that you're so serious? Has something gone wrong in your business?"
Zhao Mingcheng dismissed everyone around him, closed the door, and then lowered his voice.
"Your Highness, I recently learned some news from Yang Jian, and it has left me deeply uneasy. After much deliberation, I have finally decided to inform Your Highness."
"Yang Jian? What did he say?" Zhao Ji put down the scroll and became nervous.
Yang Jian was Empress Dowager Xiang's man, and Zhao Ji subconsciously assumed that the news Yang Jian brought was related to Empress Dowager Xiang, which is why he was so nervous.
"Your Highness, please calm yourself down."
Zhao Mingcheng took a deep breath and slowly said, "Prince Mao, it seems he has contracted a serious illness. His condition is very bad. His Majesty was overwhelmed with grief upon hearing this bad news, and vomited blood, which has harmed his health. Now, His Majesty's health is also greatly affected. Therefore, the regular court sessions have been suspended recently."
"What?!" Zhao Ji was so shocked that he stood up from his chair, his face turning pale instantly.
"Mao'er—Your Majesty—this, this is impossible! He was perfectly fine just a few days ago! Is this even true?"
Although Emperor Huizong had little contact with his nephew, he held his elder brother Zhao Xu in high esteem. Upon hearing this tragic news, he was understandably extremely anxious.
"It is absolutely true. Yang Jian often serves in the Empress Dowager's palace. The news must be true."
Zhao Mingcheng pressed Zhao Ji's shoulder, making him sit down, and said earnestly, "Your Highness, the palace is currently in a turbulent time. The Emperor is seriously ill, the prince is on the verge of death, and the Empress Dowager must be extremely worried. Your Highness is deeply attached to the Emperor and is also connected to the Empress Dowager and her son. At this moment—Your Highness must not stand aside, nor should you spend your days frolicking as usual, lest you invite criticism."
Emperor Huizong was completely bewildered.
"Defu, then—what should I do? What can I do?"
"Your Highness, at this moment, you should act with a heart of benevolence and filial piety."
Zhao Mingcheng said slowly, "Your Highness should immediately go to the palace and pay your respects to the Empress Dowager at Baoci Palace. There is no need to ask any questions. Just express your feelings: I heard that my brother and nephew are ill. I am extremely worried and anxious. I am willing to wait for orders in the Empress Dowager's palace day and night, to serve by her side, and to burn incense and pray for my brother and nephew, and to ask for the protection of Heaven."
Your Highness must show the Empress Dowager your filial piety and benevolence, and who truly stands by her side during this difficult time, sharing her fears and praying for her safety.
Emperor Huizong nodded repeatedly, tears welling in his eyes.
"Defu, you're right! I'll go right now! With my brother and Mao'er in such a state, how can I be in the mood for fun? I should be with the Empress and pray for my brother and nephew!"
Emperor Huizong (Zhao Ji) and Empress Dowager Xiang had a mother-son relationship, and Zhao Mingcheng's words resonated deeply with Emperor Huizong.
Emperor Huizong of Song (Zhao Ji) had no idea that there was any deeper political meaning behind it; he only knew that it was the filial piety and duty that he, as a younger brother, uncle, and son, should fulfill.
"Your Highness is wise."
Zhao Mingcheng breathed a sigh of relief. "But Your Highness, after entering the palace, remember to be careful with your words and actions, listen to the Empress Dowager's instructions, and observe more and speak less. If other palace servants or ministers ask, just express your concern and filial piety. Do not inquire about the details of your illness, and do not make any unwarranted comments."
"I know, I know!"
At this moment, Zhao Ji was extremely anxious and did not care about anything else. He immediately ordered Liang Shicheng to prepare a carriage, changed into a simple and dignified set of ordinary clothes, and hurriedly rushed to Baoci Palace.
After that, Zhao Ji went to Baoci Palace almost every day, sometimes early in the morning, and would reluctantly leave only after the palace gates were locked.
He no longer talked about calligraphy, painting, or football; he simply stayed quietly by Empress Dowager Xiang's side, sometimes burning incense and chanting scriptures together, sometimes massaging her back and serving her tea, listening to her express her worries, and shedding tears along with her.
The anxiety and sorrow on Zhao Ji's face were incredibly genuine. His concern for his brothers and nephews and his attachment to the Empress Dowager were entirely from the heart and completely unpretentious.
Empress Dowager Xiang saw all of this.
On Prince Jian's side, thanks to the spies of Zhang Dun and Cai Jing, they also heard news about the emperor and the prince.
Although Prince Jian also sent people to inquire after Empress Dowager Xiang, he did not do so as frequently or with such "sincere sincerity" as Emperor Huizong of Song.
They came to keep me company.
The behavior of Prince Jian and Prince Duan presented a stark contrast.
After reaching a secret agreement with Zeng Bu, Empress Dowager Xiang's judgment of Zhao Ji's "filial piety" completely shifted.
Empress Dowager Xiang increasingly felt that this Eleventh Prince, whom she had personally raised, was kind-hearted, loyal, and righteous, and seemed so reliable and considerate during this turbulent time.
If something really happens—
Zhao Ji was perhaps the most suitable and reassuring choice for her.
The day and night prayers at Baoci Palace continued, the rescue efforts at Rouyi Palace never ceased, and Emperor Zhao Xu struggled between delirium and lucidity on his sickbed at Funing Palace.
Zhao Mingcheng's guidance, Zeng Bu's alliance, and the Empress Dowager's inclination were like several invisible forces propelling Zhao Ji forward.
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