The Mute Wife Who Brings Prosperity

Chapter 826 - 784: Champion Scholar Deserving His Title (Second Update)

The final part of the imperial edict is similar to those written during previous emperors’ passing, detailing the ritual of taking off mourning garments after twenty-seven days.

This edict generally addressed three matters.

The first matter is to instruct Emperor Xuanjing to arrange a time to send Amuer back to the Western Frontier as a vassal king.

The second matter is that Empress Qi, upon her passing, will be entombed with the Emperor in the Imperial Mausoleum.

The third matter is the appointment of Song Wei, Vice Minister of the Imperial Sacrificial Worship Office, as the Imperial Tutor.

The court officials had no objections to the last two decisions, as they have no say in these matters. However, the first decision caused unease among them.

Mr. Zhang, the newly appointed Prime Minister, stepped forward with concern, saying, "Your Majesty, since the Western Frontier was incorporated into our nation’s territory, there has been no concrete measures on governance. The political situation is unstable, and the hearts of the Jiuli Clan people waver with many wishing to restore their nation. If the Chosen One returns, not only might they not obey, but could rise up in rebellion. The Northern Border’s military conflict is yet unresolved, and it would be unwise for the Western Frontier to have further disturbances."

As he spoke, he knelt down, respectfully saying, "I urge Your Majesty to reconsider this carefully!"

The ministers behind him echoed unanimously, "We urge Your Majesty to reconsider, we urge Your Majesty to reconsider..."

Zhao Xi gestured for the Minister of the Ministry of Rites who was reading the edict to step down, and looked at Mr. Zhang, "Does Mr. Zhang think that the Emperor’s decision is incorrect?"

Mr. Zhang bowed down, "I am merely discussing the matter itself, but the Emperor has been ill, and perhaps hasn’t fully comprehended the situation in the Western Frontier when making this decree. In reality, sending that child back is akin to handing the most crucial bargaining chip to the Jiuli Clan. Should they close off their territories and start a rebellion, wouldn’t our Great Chu be caught in a pincer attack?"

At this point, Song Wei suddenly interjected, "I have some humble opinions; may I speak with Mr. Zhang?"

Upon hearing Song Wei’s voice, Mr. Zhang turned to him and respectfully gestured, "Imperial Tutor, please speak."

Song Wei said, "The Su Family’s foster child is merely three or four years old, still a newly weaned baby. Even if he is believed to be the reincarnated king by the Jiuli Clan, he knows nothing of state affairs, has no understanding of military strategy, and is ignorant of what rebellion means. Since he knows nothing, yet the Emperor insists on sending him back as a vassal king, there must be other intentions."

Mr. Zhang kept silent, seemingly ponderous.

Zhao Xi signaled, "Imperial Tutor, please continue."

"I won’t hide from everyone; my wife and Madam Su are very close friends, and because of this connection, the Su and Song Families have maintained frequent communication. Thus, I’m well aware that from when Amuer first came to the Su Family and struggled to adapt until now, he has come to regard Su Dada and Madam Su as his own parents.

Imagine, if someone were to take him to a completely unfamiliar place where he has no memories, how could he possibly go willingly?"

"This..." Mr. Zhang seemed to understand something but still did not interrupt Song Wei, "Imperial Tutor, please clarify your words further."

"If someone he is very familiar with escorts him and stays with him, only then will the child comply."

Song Wei’s words were very straightforward.

Amuer must return to the Western Frontier, but his compliance depends on having someone he is very close to accompany him back and stay there, preventing any crying or refusal.

Once Amuer, the reincarnated king, complies, the Jiuli Clan will comply, and they won’t cause disturbances. The person remaining in the Western Frontier can then use control over Amuer to control the Jiuli Clan, achieving Chu Country’s goal in ruling over the Jiuli Clan.

Speaking even more candidly, Amuer, this "king," is named to satisfy the Jiuli Clan’s belief and reassure them, but is essentially a puppet. The actual power-wielder is the person who can make Amuer listen.

At this point, more than half of those present started to realize the situation.

Observing everyone’s expressions, Song Wei smiled subtly, "The Emperor’s true intention is to use the title of vassal king to enable the court to control the Jiuli Clan, and as for the candidate for this role..."

One minister said, "The only one who can pacify the child and has the capacity to wield power is Su Qing."

Someone disagreed, "Not to mention Su Qing is currently engaged in battle at the Northern Border; his hold on military power alone makes it unsuitable for him to go to the Western Frontier, lest it sow future trouble."

"Why can’t he go? Just send him alone, with his troops and family staying in the Capital. How can he rebel with only his hands and feet?"

...

The result of this debate was that Su Qing would escort Amuer to the Western Frontier, and after Amuer was crowned as king, Su Qing would remain in the Western Frontier as Assistant Minister. However, this arrangement required that no soldiers or family members accompany him, and he must regularly report the situation in the Western Frontier to the court.

Song Wei mused, "Although crowning him king can stabilize the Jiuli Clan’s morale, it still doesn’t reconcile relations between Chu Country’s citizens and the Jiuli Clan. Your Majesty must ultimately decide on this matter."

Zhao Xi nodded, "The Imperial Tutor speaks logically; resolving the Western Frontier issue cannot solely rely on crowning a king." He paused and looked at the person beside him, "Sanbao, fetch the articles I’ve had you transcribe earlier."

Eunuch Sanbao immediately turned and left, returning shortly with a booklet, "Your Majesty, please review it."

Zhao Xi did not take it, "I won’t review it myself; you read it to them."

Eunuch Sanbao obliged and, under the curious gazes of everyone, held up the booklet, "Within this are strategies proposed by the Champion Scholar, runner-up, and third-place scholar during the palace examination to reconcile relations between Chu Country and the Jiuli Clan. I have transcribed the essence of their answers; now, I will read these to the esteemed ministers."

Everyone held their breath and listened quietly.

What Eunuch Sanbao recited was indeed the essence.

First, abolish the slavery system of the Jiuli Clan and liberate the common people at the bottom.

When he was reciting, he specifically mentioned that all three essays included this point.

Second, cultural dissemination, Chu Country should build academies in the Western Border, so more Jiuli people have the opportunity to learn the advanced Han Culture.

This viewpoint was also mentioned by all three individuals.

Third, intermarriage.

This was proposed solely by Song Yuanbao, who also pointed out that given the current situation, the likelihood of promoting intermarriage is very small. To drive this forward, those willing to intermarry need to reap some benefits.

For example, if a businessman marries a Jiuli Clan Woman, he can apply for a lifetime reduction of certain taxes.

Farmers and scholars marrying Jiuli Clan Women follow the same principle, each receiving benefits in their respective fields.

Fourth, ennoblement.

This was also proposed solely by Song Yuanbao, whose meaning was very close to that in the late Emperor’s decree—that the Chosen One must return to stabilize the Jiuli Clan’s public sentiment, for only with steady public sentiment can cultural integration between the two nations be advanced.

Fifth point...

Sixth point...

Seventh point...

...

After reciting all this, those who previously thought Song Yuanbao had used connections were left speechless, their faces metaphorically slapped.

No wonder he could easily become the Champion Scholar, his mental agility is unmatched by ordinary people. Even seasoned officials who have been in the court for decades would not consider those aspects.

Originally thought to be an unlearned and unruly second-generation aristocrat, when taken seriously, he could be this meticulous, leaving these veteran dignitaries nowhere to hide their old faces? Ashamed, ashamed indeed!

The Minister of the Ministry of Rites, who has always viewed Song Yuanbao unfavorably, now found that lad much more agreeable, yet still maintained a rigid demeanor.

With such talent, it should be applied to practical matters. A true man should not spend days in jest and laughter!

Song Yuanbao was unaware that at this moment someone had mixed feelings toward him; he was concentrated on one question—was Zhao Xi being outsmarted by his father?

The Crown Prince was confined in the Imperial Clan Court, Dong Han took the Emperor’s Token to act, subsequently, the Yang Family rebelled. Song Wei contributed to the rescue but was not rewarded; instead, Marquis Changning and his wife were rewarded, and Dong Han was decreed as the Crown Princess Consort.

Coincidentally, the Crown Prince’s Tutor Dong Wenbo suddenly retired during that time.

Song Yuanbao has never figured this matter out.

Until today, when Song Wei was promoted in the late Emperor’s decree as the Imperial Tutor, he finally realized that Emperor Guangxi had been making room for Song Wei long ago.

The Imperial Tutor was arranged in advance; the Empress was chosen early on; even the timing of his biological mother’s death had been planned.

Life was arranged so clearly, did Zhao Xi realize it? If he did, how would he feel now?

Before Song Yuanbao could ponder further, Zhao Xi, sitting above, spoke: "If all of you have no objections, I shall issue an edict and begin to implement national policy."

Zhang Sheng solemnly replied, "This old minister, has no objections."

He sighed inwardly, admitting his old age, his mind indeed couldn’t keep up with the young.

Listen to the strategies proposed by the Champion Scholar, each can be implemented, considering all pros and cons.

Who says that being young and inexperienced makes one unreliable? In his view, each generation brings forth talented individuals, surpassing the previous one. This is the glorious scene of Great Chu!

...

After Zhao Xi left, the ministers who had kneeled until their legs were numb were finally able to stand.

Song Wei, Xu Dengke, and Song Yuanbao walked out of Qianqing Palace to meet with Wen Wan and the others.

On the way out of the palace, Wen Wan called Song Wei aside alone, furrowing her brows to ask him, "Wasn’t it previously said that the Beiyang Imperial Concubine wanted us to send Amuer to their nation? Why the sudden change of plan to send him to the Western Border?"