xymnovel Chapter 98 Zhao Mingcheng's Persuasion to Advance
Chapter 98 Zhao Mingcheng's Persuasion to Advance
Chapter 98 Zhao Mingcheng's Persuasion to Advance
A few days later, at the Ministry of Rites.
After several days of non-stop work, the atmosphere in the government office was still solemn, but not as tense as it had been a few days before.
The officials and clerks each performed their duties, handling the follow-up documents and coordination matters related to the prince's funeral. Occasionally, they would talk in hushed tones, but these were mostly official matters.
While Zhao Tingzhi and Li Gefei were both handling official business, they would naturally get together to drink tea and rest during breaks.
After a few sips of hot tea, Li Gefei put down his teacup and spoke casually.
"Brother Zhengfu, yesterday at your residence I met your son, nephew Mingcheng. He is truly a handsome and talented man with exceptional conversation. I wonder—have you made any arrangements for your son's marriage? A young man as outstanding as your son is probably being eyed by every family in Bianjing with daughters."
Zhao Tingzhi was a man of great stature, having navigated the treacherous waters of officialdom for many years and served in the Ministry of Rites, a place rife with complex interpersonal relationships. Upon hearing Li Gefei's words, he immediately understood the situation.
He also noticed yesterday that Li Gefei quite admired his son, and now that he has brought up his son's marriage again, his intentions are obvious.
Zhao Tingzhi stroked his beard and smiled, not pointing out the truth, and continued on the topic.
"Uncle Wen is joking. My son is still young. He studied at the Imperial Academy a few years ago and then went to the Hehuang region. In the meantime, this marriage has been delayed."
Although he has returned to the capital, as you know, the court is currently in a turbulent period, and he is often away on business. Although I sometimes mention it to his mother, we have not yet made a detailed decision.
He always thought he needed to find a family with upright character and good manners, and that the girl's character, appearance, and talent should also match. Life's important matters can't be rushed.
Hearing Zhao Tingzhi's calm tone and the lack of resistance to discussing the matter, Li Gefei felt reassured and opened up a bit, smiling as he spoke.
"Brother Zhengfu is absolutely right. Marriage is a serious matter and should be taken very seriously. Your nephew is of such character, looks and talent that ordinary young ladies would find it difficult to match him. He needs a woman from a family that has passed down the tradition of poetry and literature and who is well-educated to be a good wife and a virtuous helpmate."
Li Gefei paused, seemingly with a sigh, "Speaking of which, my daughter asked me about your son the other day. She said she heard her brother mention his achievements in the Hehuang region and admired him, so she asked out of curiosity. This girl is usually proud and arrogant, and ordinary people rarely catch her eye, so it's rare for her to show any interest in your son."
Having said all that, it's practically a clear statement.
Zhao Tingzhi quickly weighed the options in his mind.
The Li family was of noble birth, and Li Gefei himself was of excellent learning and character, enjoying a high reputation among the literati.
His daughter, Li Qingzhao, was renowned for her talent in Bianjing (Kaifeng), and he had long heard of her intelligence and talent.
If the two families could truly form a marriage alliance, it would undoubtedly be the icing on the cake for the Zhao family. More importantly, Li Gefei brought it up at this moment with a sincere attitude, which clearly indicated that he had given it much thought.
After thinking for a moment, Zhao Tingzhi showed no change in expression and simply nodded.
"Uncle Wen, we have known each other for many years and know each other well. When it comes to family traditions and education, few can compare to the Li family."
However—this matter ultimately concerns the two children's future. Although it's their parents' decision, it's also necessary for them to get to know each other somewhat before things are at their best. I wonder what Uncle Wen thinks?
Upon hearing this, Li Gefei was overjoyed, knowing that Zhao Tingzhi was already interested and had considered things thoroughly, so he quickly said...
"Brother Zhengfu's thinking is very thoughtful, and that's exactly right! Forced melons are never sweet. We should let the children see it for themselves first, and make sure they find it agreeable and can talk to it."
In my opinion, it would be better if Brother Zhao and your nephew had some free time in a couple of days, to come to my humble abode for a short visit. I will have my daughter Qingzhao serve them tea as a junior, so the two young people can exchange a few words and get to know each other. If they both feel comfortable with each other, our two families can then discuss further details. What do you think?
"Excellent!" Zhao Tingzhi clapped his hands and laughed. "Uncle Wen is very thoughtful. It's settled then. In a couple of days when the affairs of the yamen are a little lighter, I will bring my son to visit you. However, I'm afraid that it will disturb your peace and quiet."
"Brother Zhao, what are you saying! I couldn't be happier!" Li Gefei said with a big smile, feeling a great weight lifted from his heart.
Although the marriage has not been finalized, the two families have reached a preliminary consensus and arranged for the young people to meet.
After a few more casual words, the two understood each other implicitly and went back to handle their official business with satisfaction.
Almost simultaneously.
Zhao Mingcheng was checking the accounts at the shop when he saw a familiar eunuch from the Prince Duan's residence rushing over, looking anxious.
"Young Master Zhao! Attendant Liang requests your immediate presence at the Prince's residence!" the eunuch said hastily, not even having time to bow.
"After His Highness returned to his residence from the palace today, he secluded himself in the backyard, refusing to eat or drink, and seeing no one. Even Liang, the Imperial Attendant, could not persuade him, so he specially requests your presence, young master!"
Upon hearing this, Zhao Mingcheng did not delay and immediately rushed to the Prince Duan's residence.
The area in front of the Prince's Mansion was rather deserted. Liang Shicheng was personally greeting them. When he saw Zhao Mingcheng, he was as if he had seen a savior and hurriedly stepped forward to whisper to him.
"Young Master Zhao, you've finally arrived! His Highness has been looking unwell since returning from the palace today. He's been staying in the backyard these past two days, not saying much and eating very little."
This servant was anxious, but dared not ask any questions. Gao Qiu had also gone to deliver some refreshments, but His Highness had immediately kicked him out. His Highness usually listens to you the most, so please go and persuade him!
Zhao Mingcheng waved his hand to indicate that he understood, and went to the room where Zhao Ji usually stayed, gently pushing the door open and entering.
The charcoal fire blazed brightly inside the pavilion, but it couldn't warm the loneliness within.
Emperor Huizong sat alone with his back to the door, his figure lonely. He heard someone push the door open and say something.
"Didn't I tell you, nobody's going to bother me today?"
"Your Highness, it is I, Defu."
Zhao Ji slowly turned around. His eyes were sunken, his face was pale, his eyes were bloodshot, and his lips were dull.
When Zhao Ji saw that it was indeed Zhao Mingcheng, a glimmer of light flashed in his eyes, but it was quickly covered by a heavy gloom, and he said in a hoarse voice.
"Defu—you've arrived."
He pointed to the seat next to him, looking utterly exhausted.
Zhao Mingcheng did not sit down immediately. He walked to the small stove, tested the temperature of the wine in the pot, poured half a cup into a white jade cup, and gently placed it on the low table in front of Zhao Ji.
After doing all this, he sat down, poured himself half a cup, held it in both hands, and stood silently beside Zhao Ji.
The only sound in the warm room was the soft crackling of the charcoal fire. This silence was not awkward, but rather a sign of understanding, allowing emotions to flow freely.
After a long while, Zhao Ji finally lost control of his emotions, grabbed a wine cup and drank it all in one gulp. The wine burned his throat, choked him, and forced out tears that he had been holding back.
"Defu—" Zhao Ji's voice choked with sobs, "My heart—is heavy with grief. My elder brother is gravely ill, Mao'er has died young, and I have prayed day and night in the Empress's palace, begging for Heaven's mercy. But today the Empress has sent me back, saying I should rest well and not come to the palace every day anymore. —Defu, tell me, have I displeased the Empress? Or have I not done enough?"
As Zhao Ji spoke, tears streamed down his face. He was like a child who had been inexplicably alienated by his closest relatives, filled with grievance.
Zhao Mingcheng listened quietly, and only after the man's emotions had subsided somewhat did he put down his cup and begin to speak slowly.
"Your Highness, if you think this way, you are misinterpreting the Empress Dowager's good intentions and betraying her deepest affection for you!"
"A heart of care?" Zhao Ji was puzzled.
"That's right," Zhao Mingcheng said sincerely.
"Your Highness, please consider carefully what the situation is like in the palace now. The Emperor is seriously ill, the Prince has just passed away, people's hearts are unsettled, and rumors are like knives!"
The Empress Dowager, single-handedly guarding the palace and stabilizing the court, faced an immense and arduous journey, as if walking on the edge of an abyss! The pressure she bore far exceeded our imagination.
Zhao Mingcheng paused for a moment, and seeing that Zhao Ji was focused, he continued.
"His Highness is the Emperor's closest brother and was raised by the Empress Dowager. He has a noble status and is also the most sensitive."
During this time, you have served me day and night in the palace, sincerely praying for my well-being. How could Your Majesty not know of such filial piety? How could you not be moved to tears?
Emperor Huizong listened intently, his tears gradually ceasing.
"However," Zhao Mingcheng's tone turned serious, "Precisely because Your Highness has a special status, if you still frequently appear in the palace and accompany the Empress Dowager during this extraordinary time, how will it be interpreted in the eyes of those with ulterior motives?"
Will anyone make wild speculations, saying that His Highness is using this opportunity to curry favor and harbors ambitions? Will there be petty people spreading rumors, criticizing His Highness, or even slandering His Highness for being biased in his handling of affairs?
"Public opinion can melt metal, and accumulated slander can destroy bones. Her Majesty's decision to send you back to your residence to rest is precisely to keep you away from trouble and prevent you from becoming the target of public criticism. This is not distancing yourself, but rather to avoid suspicion, and more importantly, to cultivate Your Highness's reputation!"
"Avoiding suspicion—cultivating prestige?"
Zhao Ji murmured, as if he had realized something.
Zhao Mingcheng's eyes were bright as he said, "Your Highness, there are many kinds of filial piety in the world. Serving medicine to one's parents is filial piety, but sometimes, not causing trouble, not giving others a handle to use against you, and not making your elders worry are also the highest forms of filial piety."
Her Majesty's actions were to protect you and ensure the stability of the overall situation. By instructing you to remain in your residence, observe the situation calmly, and fulfill your duties, she is demonstrating to the world that you have no selfish motives, only concern for the Emperor's illness and the peace of the nation!
Zhao Mingcheng's analysis made things much clearer for Zhao Ji.
The confusion and grievance in Zhao Ji's eyes gradually dissipated. It turned out that the Empress did not dislike him, but rather cared for him in a deeper way.
Seeing that Zhao Ji's emotions were gradually calming down, Zhao Mingcheng knew that the time had come. He lowered his tone, but spoke clearly and sincerely.
"Your Highness, please forgive Mingcheng for speaking so boldly."
The Emperor's illness is now unpredictable, and the question of where the imperial regalia will be handed over has affected the entire nation. People of insight, both inside and outside the court, are all watching and waiting.
Your Highness's reputation for benevolence and filial piety has long been known throughout Bianjing; the Empress Dowager's trust and affection for you are also evident to all.
If—if Heaven truly decrees a day of return, among the imperial clan, who is most respected and most worthy of being entrusted with the responsibility, in terms of benevolence, filial piety, seniority, and virtue…
Zhao Mingcheng's eyes were clear and he looked directly at Zhao Ji with composure.
"Who else but His Highness?"
"Defu! You—"
Emperor Huizong's body trembled violently, his face paled in horror, and he almost sprang up from the bed, staring at Zhao Mingcheng in disbelief, his lips trembling.
"What do you mean by that? Are you trying to make me argue?"
The words "struggle for the throne" stuck in Zhao Ji's throat, and he didn't utter them.
Zhao Mingcheng remained expressionless, appearing even more solemn, and slowly shook his head.
"Your Highness misunderstands. Mingcheng is not asking Your Highness to contend," but rather reminding Your Highness to go with the flow.
"Shun?" Zhao Ji asked, puzzled.
"Exactly, that's right."
Zhao Mingcheng's tone was as firm and unwavering as a rock.
"Follow the will of Heaven, follow the will of the people, and follow the consensus of the Empress Dowager and the important officials of the court!"
Your Highness, consider this: if that day truly comes, and the Great Song Dynasty needs a benevolent and wise ruler to inherit the throne and stabilize the country, would the people of the world rather see someone unworthy of the position obtain it by chance, or would they rather see someone who is the one the people expect to succeed, in accordance with the will of Heaven and the people, and shoulder the responsibility for the nation?
This is not a struggle for personal gain, but a fight for the sake of all people and the inheritance of our ancestors' legacy!
Seeing that Zhao Ji's surprised expression had subsided and he had fallen into deep thought, Zhao Mingcheng's tone became gentle and earnest.
"Your Highness, at this moment, you only need to follow Her Majesty's wishes, be respectful and dignified, and wait for the will of Heaven."
When it's time to study, study; when it's time to practice your skills, practice them; when it's time to pray for the Emperor, pray sincerely. As for the storms outside, the Empress Dowager and your trusted ministers will take care of them for you.
The more composed and self-possessed you are, the more you will demonstrate your filial piety and magnanimity in considering the bigger picture. Then, the people's expectations will naturally converge upon you like rivers flowing into the sea.
At this point, Zhao Mingcheng once again picked up the untouched cup of wine, offered it to Zhao Ji with both hands, and looked at him with sincere warmth.
"Your Highness, Mingcheng's words today come from the bottom of his heart and are absolutely true."
It's not for personal gain, but simply because I regard Your Highness as a benevolent and wise ruler to whom I can entrust the world.
I cannot bear to see Your Highness suffer because of a moment of confusion, nor can I bear to see Your Highness neglect the responsibilities you should bear. Life's journey is long, and ultimately Your Highness must navigate it personally. All I can do is offer gentle reminders from your side.
Zhao Ji stared blankly at Zhao Mingcheng before him, the words he had just spoken, full of wisdom and deep affection, echoing in his ears.
The grievances, fears, and confusion that had accumulated in my heart gradually dissipated like snow melting in the spring sun.
At this moment, Zhao Ji was grateful to have a close friend like Zhao Mingcheng by his side.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Zhao Ji felt a lump in his throat and suddenly grabbed his wine glass, ignoring the slight spillage, and clinked it heavily against Zhao Mingcheng's glass, his voice choked with emotion.
"Defu! With a confidant like you, what more could I ask for! I understand your words! From today onward, I know how to conduct myself! I, Zhao Ji, will never forget this kindness and loyalty!"
After Zhao Ji finished speaking, he tilted his head back and drank the wine in his cup.
Zhao Mingcheng also raised his glass and drank it down in one gulp.
He knew that Zhao Ji's inner conflict had been resolved and his mindset had changed. Although the road ahead was still fraught with difficulties, the seeds had been sown.
After finishing the drink, Zhao Ji wiped away his tears, his eyes regaining their luster, and he grabbed Zhao Mingcheng's wrist.
"Defu, you must stay today! Drink and chat with me! Let's not talk about our troubles, just like always, enjoying wine and discussing calligraphy and painting!"
Seeing Zhao Ji regain his spirits, Zhao Mingcheng felt relieved and smiled.
"Very well, I will certainly drink with Your Highness tonight, but please drink in moderation and take care of your health."
"I understand! I understand!" Zhao Ji nodded repeatedly and said loudly to the outside.
"Liang Shicheng! Prepare the wine! Bring out my treasured Jade Pot Spring wine! Also, have the kitchen prepare some fine dishes. I wish to drink heartily with Defu!"
""
Upon hearing the sound outside the door, Liang Shicheng felt relieved and hurriedly agreed to prepare food and wine.
Inside the warm pavilion, the charcoal fire burned ever brighter, the aroma of wine grew stronger, but the chill outside the window remained, and the dark clouds in the direction of the palace had not yet dissipated.
But within this small world, Zhao Ji's heart as a monarch had already moved from the depths of winter to the beginning of spring, thanks to Zhao Mingcheng's urging him to ascend the throne.