Font Size:
“We respectfully bid farewell to Your Majesty! Long live the Emperor, long live, long live!”
The resounding farewell echoed through the grand hall until the Emperor’s furious figure completely disappeared from view, prompting the ministers to rise one by one.
As Wen Jin turned to leave the hall, a voice called out urgently from behind, “Minister Wen, please wait.”
Wen Jin turned to see Chief Secretary Ji from the Ministry of Revenue hurrying after him, “Prime Minister.”
Wen Jin smiled lightly, “Do you have something to discuss, Secretary Ji?”
“My son has been taken as a slave by the Princess, and I haven’t slept well for the past two nights,” Chief Secretary Ji’s face was filled with worry, “What do you think I should do, Prime Minister? Please advise me.”
“I haven’t been feeling well these past few days and haven’t paid attention to what’s been happening outside,” Wen Jin looked at him puzzled, “Why did Princess Chang take your son, Secretary Ji?”
Chief Secretary Ji looked troubled, “Ah, it’s a long story… I was just carrying out my duties…”
“Let’s keep it brief.”
As they chatted and walked out, a eunuch’s voice rang out just as they exited the hall, “Prime Minister Wen, the Emperor summons you to the study room for discussion.”
Wen Jin and Chief Secretary Ji turned to see Wei Changhai holding incense, respectfully looking at Wen Jin.
“I will await you at my residence tonight, Secretary Ji,” Wen Jin smiled gently at Chief Secretary Ji, exuding a graceful demeanor, “Don’t worry, your son has a bright future ahead, he will be fine.”
Chief Secretary Ji nodded, “I will trouble you tonight then.”
With a soft sigh, Chief Secretary Ji watched Wen Jin’s graceful figure walk away, thinking to himself that Wen Jin was truly a good person, always willing to help solve his subordinates’ problems, which had fostered good relationships with his colleagues over the years.
In the court, once he spoke, most others wouldn’t oppose him, especially after the new Emperor ascended the throne, the situation of various factions vying for power had improved significantly.
Currently, in the court, the civil officials almost all looked up to Prime Minister Wen, while among the military, although the Xiao family held influence, the royal family had the Regent, who wielded silent but formidable power that could intimidate the realm.
Entering the study room, Wen Jin respectfully bowed to the Emperor, displaying elegance and gentlemanly grace that was refreshing.
“Wen Jin, are you resentful towards Us?” Yan Chen looked at the man before him, resembling a precious gem, his gaze slightly dark, “Are you resentful that We didn’t heed your advice before?”
So no one saw you for three days because you were ill?
Wen Jin smiled lightly, “Your Majesty, you overestimate me. I dare not hold any resentment.”
This man always maintained an impeccable noble demeanor, unlike a powerful minister in control of the cabinet. His deep and flawless hidden schemes could disarm anyone, making them believe he was an upright individual.
Yan Chen’s expression darkened, “What kind of person is Yan Qing? It seems like I can’t quite grasp her character. I’d like your advice, Wen Jin.”
“Regarding Princess Chang, Your Majesty, you were actually mistaken from the start,” Wen Jin spoke calmly.
“Mistaken from the start?” Yan Chen narrowed his eyes, “Speak your mind, Wen Jin.”
“The Princess was exiled in Zhuque City for ten years, from the age of eight to eighteen. No one knows what she did during those ten years, whether someone protected her, whether she suffered any grievances or hardships that led to a significant change in her character,” Wen Jin explained calmly. “Since the late Emperor granted her the opportunity to command the troops before his death, it’s possible he intended to use the Qilin Guards to win her loyalty. If a small favor could move her, Your Majesty would have a powerful tool in your hands, one that everyone fears.”
The phrase “Lone Star of Calamity” inherently instilled fear and dread in many.
There were very few willing to provoke Yan Qing willingly.
Yan Chen remained silent.
“I’ve said before, Xiao Jinghan’s open visit to a brothel before his marriage was already a mistake. The Princess’s intervention wasn’t an excessive action, it shouldn’t have provoked her to such an extent,” Wen Jin concluded.
Now, whoever regrets it knows deep down.
Yan Chen truly regretted not heeding Wen Jin’s advice.
If he had initially tried to win over Yan Qing, reprimanded the Xiao family, appeased Yan Qing, then Lu Guozhong wouldn’t have died, he and the Empress Dowager wouldn’t have been poisoned, the sons of Hu and Ji wouldn’t have been taken to the Princess’s residence as slaves. Yan Qing wouldn’t have resorted to forcefully breaking out of the city.
But it was too late for regrets now.
Yan Chen sat on the dragon throne in silence, unable to help but think that if Yan Qing never returned, there would be no one left in the court to restrain the Regent.
Although the Xiao family held military power, the Prince Regent, Yan Cang, didn’t regard the Xiao family highly.
Yan Chen held the teacup, filled with deep regret, “Wen Jin, what do you think I should do now?”
Wen Jin suggested, “First, have someone investigate where the Princess has gone. If she returned to Zhuque City, then look into the relationship between Zhuque King Lu Ming and Princess Chang.”
Yan Chen recalled Yan Cang’s similar advice. Knowing oneself and the enemy could ensure victory.
He had been too hasty. He should have taken the time to understand Yan Qing’s experiences over the past ten years, rather than blindly turning against her.
What if she never returned in her anger? What would he do then?
Thinking about how easily he, a sovereign ruler, had been poisoned, Yan Chen felt not only fear of death but also a deep sense of discomfort, as if he had swallowed a fly.
Yan Chen’s gaze softened, concealing the dark emotions in his eyes, “Wen Jin, do you suspect that Zhuque King has a hidden relationship with Yan Qing?”
“It’s not necessarily a hidden relationship,” Wen Jin shook his head, “It’s just that the Princess lived in Zhuque City for ten years. Who knows what transpired during that time.”
“Alright, I leave this matter to you to handle,” Yan Chen looked at Wen Jin, “I trust that you will make the most appropriate arrangements.”
Wen Jin humbly responded, “I dare not.”
“I trust you.”
Wen Jin nodded slightly, “In that case, I will follow your orders.”
Yan Chen sighed in relief, “I have only recently ascended the throne, and sometimes my methods may lack thoroughness. If there are any shortcomings in the future, please promptly correct me, Wen Jin. I aim to be a wise ruler.”
Wen Jin replied with humility and sincerity, “Being a wise ruler is not difficult. It only requires distinguishing between loyalty and treachery, having a broad mind, and being tolerant of others.”
Yan Chen nodded, “Your words are indeed wise.”
“I will take my leave now.”
“Wen Jin, rest well when you return.”
Exiting the study room, Wen Jin faced the bright sunlight, but his eyes revealed a sense of emptiness and desolation.
Being a wise ruler?
What a joke.
Back at his residence, Wei Yun reported, “Sir, the individuals heading to Jizhou have set off. We should receive news in the coming days.”
“Understood.”
Jizhou was Xiao Zhongshan’s hometown, where his elderly mother and a secondary wife resided.
Over twenty years ago, Xiao Zhongshan earned the title of Martial Champion through martial arts competitions, honed his skills in the capital’s army, distinguished himself in suppressing several uprisings, and was highly regarded by the late Emperor, who entrusted him with important responsibilities. He even married a young lady from a prominent family in the capital.
“Understood.”
Upon learning that Xiao Zhongshan still had his elderly mother, the Emperor had allowed him to bring her to the capital to care for her. However, Xiao Zhongshan repeatedly declined the Emperor’s offer, citing his mother’s preference for their hometown. Wen Jin’s investigation revealed that Xiao Zhongshan hesitated to bring his mother to the capital out of concern for the abandoned secondary wife and their children being exposed.