xymnovel Chapter 13: House Slave
Chapter 13: House Slave
In a feudal society where imperial power was supreme, some ideas had become deeply ingrained in people's minds, and even within their own territory, some things were not easy to say too openly.
Even without being told, Liu Hongyi could understand what the other person meant.
After the mid-Tang Dynasty, eunuchs controlled the Shence Army, also known as the Northern Army, and wielded immense power.
From initially serving as a servant of the emperor, they gradually became involved in major military and political affairs, and by the time of Wang Shouchang, they even dared to secretly assassinate the emperor and install a new ruler.
It can be said that the eunuchs at this time had already surpassed those of previous dynasties, reaching an unprecedented pinnacle of power.
So, what about in the future?
Li Ang's words in the Zichen Palace were actually posing this question to them.
If civil or military officials possessed such power, the next step would naturally be to receive a fake imperial axe, be granted the Nine Bestowments, be bestowed with the emperor's insignia, decline and refuse three times, and finally, say that you have caused me great suffering—a standard procedure.
But they were eunuchs, physically disabled, and had no offspring.
This is not simply a matter of having no successor after usurping the throne; it also means that it is impossible for any real power group to rally under their command and help them maintain the stability of their regime.
Therefore, usurping the throne is tantamount to suicide!
Unable to usurp the throne, if one wants to further consolidate power, there is only one path left: continue to maintain the imperial lineage, treat the emperor as a puppet, and replace him if he becomes disobedient.
In fact, that's exactly what Wang Shoucheng and others did.
The current emperor was installed by them through a forged imperial edict.
Even so, Wang Shoucheng and the others still died.
Because no emperor would willingly be controlled by his servants, even those who were installed by eunuchs, once they gained a foothold, would inevitably begin to launch a counterattack.
The fates of Wang Shoucheng and Qiu Shiliang precisely illustrate one thing.
That means whether they are alone and isolated or have been helped to rise up, as long as they sit in that position, they will definitely have the ability to kill them.
This is the conclusion Li Ang wanted to convey to Liu Hongyi and the other person.
So, how can we survive?
Li Ang also provided an answer.
The eunuchs and the emperor checked and balanced each other, yet also relied on each other.
Simply put, it means that eunuchs shouldn't think about changing emperors at the drop of a hat, and emperors should try their best not to touch the fundamental interests of eunuchs.
Everyone understands this implicitly.
It was precisely because Xue Jiling understood this that he exclaimed, feeling that the current emperor's methods were far superior to those of the past.
Liu Hongyi nodded, his expression also somewhat complicated, but only for a moment before he relaxed and said.
"Lieutenant Xue, isn't this actually a good thing?"
"The thing we worry about most while we are in the palace is not knowing what is right and what is wrong. We are afraid that if we make a wrong move, we will lose our lives and fortunes."
"Now, His Majesty has drawn a line for us. As long as we don't cross this line, we can be assured of lifelong peace. Isn't that a good thing?"
Liu Hongyi raised his head slightly, stared into Xue Jiling's eyes, and said softly.
"Or perhaps, Lieutenant Xue, you have some other idea?"
Xue Jiling was taken aback at first, then quickly waved his hand and said, "What are you saying, Lieutenant Liu? You and I were both promoted by His Majesty, and we are not on the same side as Qiu Shiliang and the others."
"Now that His Majesty has been so honest with us, we should do our utmost to serve him and share his burdens. After all, protecting His Majesty is protecting our own lives and property. I, Xue, naturally understand this principle."
These words sound righteous and awe-inspiring, but what they truly think in their hearts is probably only known to themselves.
Liu Hongyi did not press the matter further.
At their level, their greatest skill is to make others feel that they are completely open and honest without actually being completely honest with them.
Regardless of their true thoughts, these words indicate that, at least for now, the two of them have reached a consensus on this point.
This is enough.
Xue Jiling picked up his teacup, took a sip, and a strange look flashed in his eyes before he quickly spoke.
"Lieutenant Liu, we've known each other for many years, and I naturally trust your judgment. However, this matter concerns our lives and livelihoods, so we can't rely entirely on speculation. What do you say?"
Liu Hongyi asked, "Then what do you suggest?"
Xue Jiling said, "If our speculations are true, then regardless of whether the killing of Qiu Shiliang and others was tacitly approved by His Majesty, seizing the power of the Divine Strategy Bureau was definitely not His Majesty's original intention."
"Li Xun's actions are truly a wolf's ambition. The Shence Army is in our hands and is naturally loyal to the Emperor and the court, but if it falls into the hands of someone like Li Xun, they may covet the imperial power."
"To alleviate His Majesty's burdens, this man cannot be kept!"
Unlike his earlier hesitation, Xue Jiling's eyes now gleamed with a fierce light, and his expression was extremely ruthless.
Instead, Liu Hongyi frowned slightly and did not immediately draw a conclusion.
"Li Xun definitely needs to be dealt with, but firstly, he is the prime minister, and secondly, he has many powerful allies in the court. Getting rid of him will probably not be so easy."
"Besides, he was promoted by His Majesty himself. Even if what he did yesterday was a bit out of line, His Majesty may not necessarily intend to give up on him like that."
"Even if you and I really want to get rid of him, we should at least try to find out the Emperor's opinion first. After all, if we want to enjoy lasting prosperity, we still need the Emperor's protection."
Upon hearing this, Xue Jiling's expression clearly showed displeasure, and he said coldly.
"The prime minister?"
"Over the years, how many prime ministers have fallen into the hands of us eunuchs? As for the emperor, how to persuade him is up to our abilities. I think that now that Li Xun has just defied the emperor's will, it is the perfect time to add fuel to the fire."
As he spoke, Xue Jiling narrowed his eyes, and his tone became somewhat meaningful.
"Or perhaps, Lieutenant Liu, you're afraid?"
Liu Hongyi turned his head away, neither admitting nor denying, and said only: "In short, things should not be rushed, and we should proceed slowly."
Upon hearing this, Xue Jiling pondered for a moment and said, "In that case, I'll deal with Li Xun. As for Lieutenant Liu, you'll be in charge of his other henchmen. Is that alright?"
Liu Hongyi remained silent. Seeing this, Xue Jiling's expression also turned somewhat unpleasant, and he spoke.
"Lieutenant Liu, don't forget, now that Li Xun has begun plotting against the Shence Army, he is now at odds with us. His Majesty may not intend to deal with us now, but if Li Xun remains by his side for too long, things may change..."
The atmosphere in the room was somewhat tense. After a moment of thought, Liu Hongyi finally nodded and said.
"Since that's the case, as you said, I'll take charge of the other henchmen besides Li Xun. I happen to have some things at my disposal, and if I use them well, it's not impossible to put these treacherous villains to death."
Xue Jiling's eyes sharpened, as if he had thought of something, and he said, "You mean... that case?"
Liu Hongyi did not answer, clearly not wanting to say more.
Seeing this, Xue Jiling snorted and said, "Since that's the case, then I'll wait and see what Lieutenant Liu can do."
Upon hearing this, Liu Hongyi remained calm and said, "Likewise, I'm also waiting to see what Lieutenant Xue can do..."