novelraw Chapter 183
Chapter 183
On the tenth day of the first lunar month, Sui was formally acknowledged into the imperial lineage by Emperor Jingxuan himself, witnessed by the royal clan.
Thus, the Great Qi Dynasty gained a new young prince, one who was deeply cherished.
Once the Spring Festival passed, the morning court sessions resumed. On this day, as the sky was just beginning to lighten, Sui was awakened by palace attendants.
The palace maid, looking at Sui's adorable sleeping face nestled in the soft pillow, could only suppress her tender feelings and call out softly, "Young Highness, it is time. His Majesty is waiting for you outside. If you do not rise now, His Majesty will leave."
Before sleeping the previous night, Sui had specifically instructed the attendants to wake him early in the morning, for he was to attend court with Emperor Jingxuan that day.
Such an important matter as attending court, Sui dared not forget and had kept it firmly in mind.
Hearing that Emperor Jingxuan was about to leave, Sui reflexively exclaimed, "He mustn't go!"
With his eyes still closed, he pushed back the covers and scrambled up, muttering 'mustn't go, mustn't go'.
Emperor Jingxuan, already fully dressed, entered the chamber and witnessed the scene of him groggily climbing out of bed, eyes shut, allowing the attendants to wash his face, dress him, and comb his hair. The sight amused the Emperor greatly.
The floor was heated in the chamber. Sui's soft cheeks bore the imprint of the pillow. Though clearly still very sleepy, he obediently stretched out his arms and lifted his chin.
Seeing this, Eunuch Jiang said with a pang of sympathy, "Your Majesty, perhaps we should let it be for today and allow the young prince to sleep a little longer?"
Outside, it was bitterly cold and the north wind howled—perfect weather for sleeping in. The young prince was still so small, why must he accompany His Majesty on this arduous journey?
His words were immediately met with Sui's rebuttal, "N-no... must go!"
He forced his eyes open a slit, his tone iron-clad in its determination.
Emperor Jingxuan's lips curved, finding it quite amusing.
"If you wish to go, then gather your spirits. If you dally any longer, I truly shall leave," he said, pretending to turn and walk away.
Fortunately, the attendants worked swiftly. Finally, they placed a round little felt cap on Sui's head, straightened his collar and scarf, and he was ready to depart.
Sui stood up, took a few steps forward, and then plunged headfirst into Emperor Jingxuan's legs, reaching up to be carried.
Emperor Jingxuan, vigorous and alert, clicked his tongue at the sight but still granted his son's request, bending down to scoop Sui up with one arm.
Settling into the familiar embrace, Sui rested his chin on the Emperor's shoulder and promptly fell back asleep.
He slept the entire way. It wasn't until they reached the Xuanzheng Hall and he was startled awake by the chorus of ministers proclaiming "Long live the Emperor!" that Sui became fully alert, his eyes bright and shining.
Perched on Emperor Jingxuan's shoulder, he curiously surveyed the scene before him and the assembled ministers with eyes similar to the Emperor's own.
At the forefront were those wearing deep purple official robes and holding ivory tablets. Among them were familiar faces to Sui.
For instance, Lu Yuanduo; Duke Chengen, father of Pei Qian; and Grand Tutor Li, the Crown Prince's maternal uncle.
Behind them were officials in vermilion robes, including Zhang Lian and Gao Ji, who had once cornered Sui at the door of the Qinzheng Hall to test his knowledge.
Meeting Sui's gaze, the ministers harbored varied thoughts inwardly.
"Rise, my lords."
Seeing Sui was awake, Emperor Jingxuan set him down on the floor and glanced at Jiang Fusheng.
Taking the cue, Jiang Fusheng had a young eunuch bring in a specially prepared set of low, small table and chair, placing it to the left front of the dragon throne for Sui to use.
Facing the intense stares of the ministers below, the now fully awake Sui was not the least bit timid. He trotted over to the small desk, sat down, pulled out his notebook, and assumed a serious posture, as if attending a lecture in the imperial academy.
Having done all this, he looked up at Emperor Jingxuan on the throne, as if to say: I am ready, we may begin.
Emperor Jingxuan: ...Just who is the master of this court?
Just as he was about to speak, a minister below could not help but speak up to remind him, "Your Majesty, this is the solemn hall of the imperial court."
He glanced at Sui and hesitated, "The young prince is still of tender age. This is likely... inappropriate, is it not?"
Not only did he have a designated seat, but this earnest demeanor of his almost made it seem as if he were overseeing state affairs?
Emperor Jingxuan paid it no mind, sweeping a cool glance over the man. "Sui achieved top marks, all first-class, in his final examinations. I promised him a reward, which was to observe the proceedings of the morning court."
His expression was stern and imposing, his chin lifting slightly as he mentioned 'first-class', a trace of imperceptible pride flickering in his eyes.
"I am the ruler of this nation. A sovereign's word is as good as gold. Should I go back on my promise? Sui is young. Could he possibly hinder any of you?"
The minister who had first voiced the doubt slowly lowered his head and chose to fall silent.
Sui, catching on, immediately realized this person was expressing dissatisfaction with his presence.
He looked up and fixed a tight stare on the man, his expression serious, vowing to commit his face to memory.
The minister felt an inexplicable chill run down his spine and gradually quieted under the dual gaze of father and son.
It was a trivial matter. Emperor Jingxuan had no desire to dwell on it and spoke calmly, "Very well. Let those with matters to report step forward; if there are none, the court is dismissed."
This brief statement made Sui's phoenix eyes widen. He straightened his back, preparing to listen attentively.
The Great Qi had enjoyed favorable weather this year, with good conditions and no major disasters or epidemics reported from the regions. During the Spring Festival, everything proceeded normally, with no serious emergencies requiring report.
Just as everyone thought the first court session of the new year would pass uneventfully, a grey-haired, slender minister stepped forward:
"Your Majesty, this subject has a matter to report."
Hearing this voice, Emperor Jingxuan's eyelids began to twitch violently.
For no other reason than that this man, Zhang Pingzhi, was pedantic. Over his years at court, he had repeatedly advised the Emperor to resume the system of grand selections every three years and minor selections annually, to expand the imperial harem, and to propagate the imperial lineage, increasing the number of offspring.
As soon as he opened his mouth, Emperor Jingxuan knew what was coming.
Sure enough, Zhang Pingzhi, holding his court tablet, began with: "Your Majesty, the continuation of the imperial line is a matter of grave importance to the state. Moreover, exclusive favor must not be practiced. I implore Your Majesty to share your grace equally, widely accept consorts, and extend the imperial progeny."
Emperor Jingxuan replied with an impassive expression, "In that case, Minister Zhang shall submit a memorial on the matter."
As for whether it would be approved, that would be his affair.
"Your Majesty!"
Zhang Pingzhi grew anxious, for he had experienced this scenario numerous times before.
In the past, the meticulously written, erudite memorials he submitted would either be forgotten and not presented to Emperor Jingxuan, or mysteriously get water spilled on them blurring the characters, or be shelved in a corner to gather dust before being returned.
In short, writing them was a futile effort.
Initially, he found this disheartening. Later, seeing that Emperor Jingxuan, despite having few offspring, also did not visit the rear palaces, he began to fear the Emperor might be suffering from some hidden ailment, and gradually let the matter rest.
Now, not only was the Emperor devoted to Consort Zhao, but he had also acknowledged a young son. Did this not prove the Emperor's dragon body was sound?
Encouraged by his colleagues at court, Zhang Pingzhi's old fervor was rekindled, and he resumed his former occupation of urging Emperor Jingxuan to enrich the harem and extend the imperial line.
However, it was evident that Emperor Jingxuan remained unmoved.
His expression darkened slightly as he questioned with displeasure, "A young child is present. What is your intent, Minister Zhang?"
The implied meaning: bringing up matters like selecting consorts and bearing children in front of a child—were you trying to corrupt him?
Zhang Pingzhi wished to explain, but looking up, he met Sui's innocent, curious gaze. The old minister's face flushed, and he hurriedly said, "This subject dares not. I shall submit the memorial tomorrow and hope Your Majesty will review it promptly."
The matter was thus temporarily set aside.
After court adjourned, Sui sat in the imperial palanquin, carefully reviewing his notes.
Beside him, Emperor Jingxuan glanced over but couldn't make out the content. He remarked offhandedly, "What have you written there? Let me have a look."
Sui hesitated for a moment, but still chose to refuse: "No, this is for my eyes only."
Emperor Jingxuan: "Not even for your mother?"
Sui: "Mother never goes through my things without asking."
Yun Wan had always been very respectful of her child's wishes; even when she occasionally wanted to look at Sui's schoolwork, she would first seek his consent.
Hearing this, Emperor Jingxuan felt somewhat relieved and added once more, "What happened in court today must not be spoken of to outsiders. Otherwise, it will be treated as the serious crime of leaking secrets according to the law."
Sui: "Not even to Mother?"
Emperor Jingxuan did not give a direct reply. Instead, he said, "According to palace regulations, the inner court must not interfere in state affairs. Those in high positions must lead by example, or it will be difficult to command respect from others. Don't you agree?"
Sui, who was beginning to understand matters of advantage and disadvantage, pondered for a moment before nodding earnestly. "I understand."
Seeing this, Emperor Jingxuan was reassured.
He had already discovered that his son was a bit of a sieve; one must never directly order him not to do something. It was better to guide him as if it were unimportant, coupled with appropriate intimidation.
However, even without Sui the little sieve letting things slip, news of the ministers' petition for the Emperor to hold a selection of consorts still reached Yun Wan's ears.