Chapter 149: Glory to the Entire House

Chapter 149: Glory to the Entire House

As the ministers entered the western annex one after another, Prince Jingzhao, Zhang Ji, returned to the Emperor’s bedside after freshening up. Once everyone had arrived, the Emperor also summoned Chen Yu, Marquis of Zhongyi, and Ren Fashan, Marquis of Ningxi, who were guarding outside. Since the Imperial Center Minister Hua Guang was still ill, the Emperor specially instructed his servants to cushion his chair with pillows, allowing him to lean back.

Both of the large branched lamps in the hall were lit.

The bright lights illuminated the entire annex.

The Emperor discussed with everyone the disastrous loss of Suzhou.

The first to speak was Hua Guang, whose words, as usual, displeased the Emperor. He bluntly said, “This severe defeat is unprecedented since Your Majesty's ascension. The cause is the cessation of military operations during the mourning period. We should immediately cease this policy.”

Linghu You, regretting his hesitation that allowed Hua Guang to speak first, looked up at the Emperor and saw his displeasure.

Undeterred, Hua Guang continued, “Not to mention the excessive grandeur and cost of Empress Yuan Xian's funeral, but for His Majesty to treat national affairs lightly because of one woman, neglecting himself and the empire…”

“Shut your mouth,” Zhang Ji angrily interrupted, his eyes red with fury.

Linghu You initially thought it was the Emperor who had angrily intervened, but to his surprise, it was Prince Jingzhao, a young man of impetuous nature who had just lost his mother.

Hua Guang's face turned green with embarrassment, unable to save face.

The atmosphere in the room became tense.

Yet, at this critical moment, no one dared to speak out.

After a moment of tense silence, the Emperor slowly said, “The cessation of military operations during the Empress's mourning period follows the precedent set during Empress Dowager Yang of Taizong. Hua, are you so resentful that you wish me to posthumously demote Empress Yan and Empress Liu, so that Empress Yuan Xian can enjoy such status, hmm?”

The Emperor, now significantly thinner, had deep-set eyes. His gaze at Hua Guang was like a fierce beast just awoken, shedding any trace of lethargy and becoming intensely sharp. His cold voice made everyone in the hall shiver.

“Your Majesty, Minister Hua speaks out of concern and anxiety for Your Majesty’s health,” Linghu You said, trying to calm the situation, fearing the Emperor might impulsively demote the already deceased Empress Yan, his first wife.

He did not want history to remember the Emperor as heartless and ungrateful.

This was the first time the Emperor had ever personally suggested the idea of deposing Empress Liu.

Linghu You realized that Empress Liu's position was likely untenable.

“Is that so?” the Emperor asked, staring at Hua Guang.

Hua Guang was also shocked by the Emperor's words; if the Emperor really deposed the deceased Empress Yan, he would have no face to meet the late Emperor in the afterlife.

At this moment, Hua Guang had no choice but to stiffen his resolve and agree.

He couldn’t worry about saving face anymore.

“Good. But you should take care of your own health. Discuss the frontline military affairs without bringing up unrelated issues. Don't say things that make it seem like you're the only loyal one here,” the Emperor said bluntly, metaphorically grinding Hua Guang's face into the ground.

After many years as ruler and subject, Hua Guang’s tactless mouth hadn't changed, even at death's door.

The Emperor regretted showing understanding of Hua Guang's illness.

Seeing the old minister finally relent, the Emperor didn't press further and looked at the others, “Continue.”

Zhang Ji was initially startled by his father’s words. He remembered his mother telling him to look after Empress Liu when he was capable. Moreover, Empress Liu had always been kind and caring towards him since childhood. He couldn’t bear the thought of his father deposing her.

Then, seeing the ministers intimidated and extremely tense,

And witnessing Hua Guang's submission,

Zhang Ji began to understand why the ministers feared his father – they could never predict what he would do next.

When the ministers felt the Emperor's actions were inappropriate, he would propose something even more unacceptable, forcing them to compromise and accept his previously unsuitable actions.

His father had once told him not to judge matters solely based on what the ministers said.

It was important to listen to what they said but even more critical to observe what they did.

Otherwise, it was too easy to be led by the nose by the ministers.

This significant military meeting lasted over an hour.

The Emperor highly valued the advice of Marquis of Zhongyi, Chen Yu, Marquis of Ningxi, Ren Fashan, and the Imperial Secretary Su Yiquan, and seriously inquired whether they could defend the remaining three provinces if they ceased military operations for a year.

After receiving their affirmative responses.

The Emperor finally decided, "First, the compensation for the soldiers who died in battle in Suzhou must be issued promptly and in full according to the highest standards. There must be no delay, and whoever dares to tamper with this money, I will take his head. Additionally, the orphans of the fallen soldiers should be given priority for placement in the Feathered Forest Guards."

"Second, immediately send reinforcements to Zhang Su, transfer twenty thousand Feathered Forest soldiers from Shanzhou City, and have Ren Fashan lead fifty thousand Shenwu troops to defend Liangzhou City. The city walls of Liangzhou are high, and as long as they can hold the city, that will suffice. Regarding additional troops, with continuous droughts and floods in Qingzhou in recent years, we can relocate some of the over one million refugees to Shanzhou for resettlement."

"As long as they are willing to go, the government will provide food and drink along the way. Upon arrival at the destination, each household will receive ten guan as a resettlement fee, and land will be allocated. Those who meet the criteria and wish to enlist in the army will receive an additional reward of ten guan. Chen Yu will handle this, and the new recruits will be primarily chosen by Fashan."

Currently, the Grand General of the Left Dragon Martial Army, Zhang Su, is leading twenty thousand Dragon Martial troops stationed in Ganzhou City.

With Suzhou having fallen, Ganzhou has become the new frontline.

More importantly, with the loss of Suzhou, the trade route to the Western Regions has been cut off again.

With the military deployments completed, the main issue remaining was funding. The Emperor turned directly to the Deputy Minister of the Right, Shang Quan, "How much money is left in the national treasury?"

"Six million guan in copper coins," Shang Quan replied hastily. Originally, there were sixteen million guan, but ten million were spent on Empress Yuan Xian's funeral. Additionally, since His Majesty's ascension, palace construction, continuous warfare, and reduced harvests due to natural disasters in some regions have strained the treasury over the past two or three years.

Hearing the figure of six million, the Emperor frowned, experiencing a sense of poverty for the first time. When he took over, the treasury had a reserve of eight hundred million guan. No wonder Xie Zhongshu advised against waging war in the north, citing the cost as one reason.

The standard for collecting land tax from the court is a fifteen-percent levy.

This is a national policy and cannot be changed.

"Not counting this year's autumn harvest, find a way to gather an additional thirty million guan within three months, and eighty million guan within a year. Think of solutions from commercial taxes. We can also ask for donations from the feudal princes, royal family, and wealthy merchants. If necessary, government officials below the fourth rank can accept donations. The Hall of Government Affairs should draft a temporary plan and report it to me."

The Emperor paused, then added, "Zhang Yao didn't come today. Linghu You, please inform him. Have his Imperial Censorate keep a close eye on things and initiate a campaign for integrity in the officialdom. Zi Jin, coordinate with him."

Zhang Yao is the Imperial Censorate Prefect.

Zi Jin is the Grand Judge, Qiu Yuyang, styled Zi Jin.

Linghu You and Qiu Yuyang immediately agreed. At this time, no one dared to oppose, as the state treasury was severely depleted, and the Emperor’s principle had always been to prioritize military funding.

Hua Guang, even though visibly frustrated, dared not speak up.

He could only inwardly curse the wastefulness and lament the substantial legacy left by the previous Emperor.

In less than twenty years, it had been squandered away by the current Emperor.

The idiom “unconcerned about selling one’s ancestral fields” (implying reckless spending without regard for the future) applied here.

Sitting in a corner, Zhu Jin's first thought was that the court was resorting to selling official positions and titles, and his second thought was that the Emperor was eyeing the wealthy. He would likely need to consult with his mother and maternal family about donating money. After all, the Emperor was sparing neither the princes nor the imperial relatives, let alone them, the relatives by marriage.

After discussing military affairs, the Emperor announced the decision to confer the title of Crown Prince upon the Prince of Jingzhao.

Then, an internal attendant brought in a table, and the Grand Steward Chang Xing prepared the ink while Linghu You personally drafted the decree for the Crown Prince’s enthronement.

Linghu You was known for his literary talent and quick thinking.

The decree was practically completed in one go.

After reviewing the decree, the Emperor handed it to Su Yiquan, instructing, “Issue the decree tomorrow. After the hundred-day mourning period for Empress Dowager Yuan Xian, let the Imperial Astronomical Bureau choose an auspicious day for the enthronement ceremony. It will be held to notify the heavens, the earth, the spirits, and the ancestors.”

Upon hearing this, everyone stood up and bowed in respect.

After discussing official matters, the Emperor dismissed everyone except for Ren Fashan, whom he retained for a private instruction, “One year after the national mourning and suspension of military operations, I hope you can annihilate the Khitan and flatten their royal court.”

Ren Fashan quickly complied, kneeling down to accept the command, “Your servant will lay down his life to fulfill Your Majesty’s expectations.”

The Emperor nodded and added, “If you face any difficulties, you can always bring them to me for resolution.”

Hearing this, Ren Fashan looked up at the emaciated Emperor, his eyes slightly red, “My only wish is for Your Majesty's well-being and long reign. I am but a speck of dust, grateful for Your Majesty’s grace. All my achievements are dedicated to Your Majesty.”

“Silly boy, don’t talk nonsense,” the Emperor smiled, instructing his son Ah Ji to help Ren Fashan up, “Rest assured, I am well.”

As if to prove his words.

From that night, the previously feeble Emperor began to miraculously recover under the care of medicinal soups. Within half a month, he was able to leave his bed and walk.

——

Following the appointment of the Prince of Jingzhao as the Crown Prince, to honor the maternal family of the Crown Prince, not only was Zhu Qingyun, his maternal grandfather, honored posthumously, but his maternal uncle Zhu Jin was directly conferred as the Marquis of Chen County. His second uncle Zhu Shi was conferred as the Earl of Xu County, his fourth uncle Zhu Di was chosen to marry Princess Liuyu, and his fifth uncle Zhu Man was promoted to the rank of Centurion in the Imperial Guards.

His maternal grandmother Mo Shi was honored as the First-Rank Lady of Chu Country, and his other grandmother Lu Shi as the Third-Rank Lady of Guangning County.

His third aunt was honored as the First-Rank Lady of Zheng Country, and his fourth aunt as the First-Rank Lady of Tang Country.

The entire family was bestowed with unparalleled honor and favor.

Even the Emperor’s maternal family, the Xu family, took a step back in comparison.

Subsequently, explosive news broke out.

The Zhu family actively responded to the court’s donation policy, contributing three million guan in one go. Additionally, Zhu Jin's maternal family, the wealthy Mo family from Huaiyang, donated five million guan.

The Emperor directly rewarded the Mo family uncle with the position of Fourth-Rank Upper Senior Doctor, a civil title.

A single stone caused a thousand ripples.

Many aspiring for official positions started seeking connections, especially wealthy merchants who lacked status more than money, yearning for recognition beyond their silk robes.

Both the Zhu and Mo families set excellent examples in this regard.

While some were splurging, others felt the pinch deeply.

For instance, Lady Zhu of the Tang State, Zhu Luo, raised hearing her mother Lu's stories, knew of her stepmother's and the Mo family's wealth. But unlike her elder sister and brother, raised at their stepmother’s knees, she felt rich with her dowry and palace gifts totaling forty thousand strings of coins.

Now, in comparison, she felt impoverished.

Her eldest brother donated three million in one go, and divided among nine siblings, her share would be at least three hundred thousand, making her dowry seem trivial.

She was far from content.

So, that very afternoon, she visited her eldest brother, Zhu Jin.

“What's with this illness of yours, lingering on and off, even as the Emperor has recovered, yet you're still bedridden every other day…”

“What brings you here?” Zhu Jin cut her off, knowing his sister seldom visited without reason.

Zhu Luo pursed her lips and inquired, “Big brother, you donated so much money all at once, does our family still have enough?”

Zhu Jin immediately grasped her intent, having just dealt with his second sister, and firmly said, “Aruo, you're married now and can't concern yourself with our family's finances.”

“I'm not trying to interfere with family money,” Zhu Luo hastily denied, simply hoping for a chance to augment her dowry from the family's wealth.

“The money belongs to our mother.”

Zhu Jin, recalling his younger sister's usual domineering attitude, now further emboldened by her title as a national lady and the Emperor's indulgence, feared her increased recklessness. After instructing the servants to open the doors and windows and leave, he softly inquired, “Aruo, when you attended to our elder sister’s funeral rites, did you notice anything unusual?”

At these words, Zhu Luo’s face instantly turned pale.

Shocked, she raised her hand to cover her mouth.

Staring at her elder brother Zhu Jin, seeing his nod of affirmation, Zhu Luo's heart pounded chaotically, losing its rhythm. Unlike her low-key and unassertive third sister, she rarely visited the palace to see her elder sister, drawn instead to wealth and power. After witnessing her sister's favor, she often found excuses to shamelessly visit her.

Thus, she was very familiar with her elder sister.

When Zhu Jin had recommended her to personally attend to their elder sister's body, she had her suspicions, but with both her brother and the Emperor's confirmation, she dared not question further.

Zhu Jin cautioned, “Now that you know, behave properly as a first-rank national lady, learn from your third sister, and don’t go flaunting around.”

“Then, where is elder sister now…”

“If you don’t want to lose your title and position, our elder sister will forever be in the Yuan Mausoleum’s underground palace.”

Hearing this, Zhu Luo instantly wilted like a frostbitten eggplant.

She dared not imagine the consequences if this secret were to leak – not only would the Zhu family lose all their current glory, but they would also have no place to lay their remains.

Zhu Jin, observing Zhu Luo's reaction, was immensely grateful for elder sister Zhu Yan’s arrangements, having her fourth sister handle the funeral instead of close palace maids like Qu Gu. This not only prevented outsiders from detecting any discrepancies but also served as a proper warning to restrain his fourth sister.

The author says:

Only one chapter left to conclude the main story.

Afterwards, the extras will be divided into three parts: ancient times, the underworld, and modern times~