Three years ago, there had been chaos in the Palace in Jingdou. A large number of the masters in the Palace had died, but the relationships in the Palace had become simpler. The overall atmosphere had become much more solemn and direct. The empress had died. It looked like the Emperor had no intention of making a new empress. The empress dowager had died. There was no longer an old woman sitting high up and watching over the concubines. Lady Shu had indifferently accepted the result of her son's death. She only ate vegetarian food in the cold and cheerless Palace. The Emperor not banishing her into the Cold Palace could already be considered exceptionally merciful.
In the Palace, the women with the most power to speak were the Third Prince's mother, Yi Guipin, and the Great Prince's mother, Lady Ning. These two concubines had both been injured in the Palace rebellion. They had formed a blood-stained friendship in the battle. They worked together to handle matters in the Palace and could be considered very harmonious.
As for the matter of passing on the throne, which could affect the atmosphere in the rear palace, it could not cause any major problems at the moment. Although the Emperor had not chosen another Crown Prince, everyone knew that the prince most likely to take over the Qing Kingdom was the Third Prince, Li Chengping.
Although the Third Prince was still young, only a 13 or 14-year-old youth, the only two "elder brothers" who could threaten his position were the Great Prince. Everyone knew that the Great Prince did not have the slightest intention of coveting the throne. Furthermore, he had the blood of a Dongyi female slave girl in his body. This made it naturally difficult for him to inherit the throne.
There was also a potential competitor, which was Fan Xian. However, Sir Fan junior was, after all, an illegitimate child. Furthermore, he was the Third Prince's teacher. Most importantly, looking at what had happened these years, Sir Fan junior had no interest in that throne at all.
As for whether or not Fan Xian had any interest in the eyes of the officials and concubines in the Palace, that was a question worth pondering. At least for now, the Third Prince's path was bright. The support at his side was real. The path of the entire Qing Kingdom was clear. Thus, the atmosphere in the Royal Palace was good. Small, united meetings were held every day. Everyone's spirits were filled with a sense of striving to improve.
…
…
Fan Xian traveled the entire way. By the time he returned to Jingdou, it was already dusk. After he entered the depths of the Palace, the entire sky had darkened. He sat in the imperial study and rubbed his slightly bulging stomach. He couldn't help but frown, thinking that he should have gone to Xinfeng Restaurant to get some buns before entering the palace.
This was just a wonderful idea. He had the Emperor's heavy responsibility. Since he was returning to the capital to report, how could he dare to linger outside the palace? Just as he was feeling annoyed, he suddenly saw two young eunuchs carrying a meal box into the imperial study.
No one knew where the Emperor was eating dinner in the Palace. Even if the internal court notified him that Fan Xian had returned to the capital, he would not be able to rush over. Fan Xian looked in a daze at the food in the box. He smiled and said, "You know I haven't eaten?"
Eunuch Yao usually followed at the Emperor's side. The head of the eunuchs on duty outside the royal study was also someone Fan Xian was familiar with. It was Eunuch Dai, who had performed a great service in the Palace coup.
Eunuch Dai looked at Fan Xian with a wide smile and said, "You are anxious about state affairs. Presumably, you have missed your meal. Pick some refreshments first. The Emperor is eating in the back palace at this time. Even if I wanted to reward you with a bowl of fish roe rice, I'm afraid it would be too late."
Fan Xian did not stand on ceremony. He began to attack the food in the box. As an official, sitting in the royal study when the Emperor was not present was a crime punishable by execution. To eat in the royal study without asking for an edict was even more disrespectful. However, he had long received a special edict, so he sat calmly and ate without worry.
To the side, Eunuch Dai smiled and thought, In the end, Sir Fan junior was not a normal official. Immediately after, he thought of the matter that had been spreading around the world recently. Eunuch Dai's heart heated up again. Sir Fan junior had performed a great service for the Qing Kingdom. He didn't know how the Emperor would reward him. The reason this head of eunuchs felt hot was because he knew that most of his future was in the Emperor's hands. The other half was completely connected to Sir Fan junior.
His life in the Palace had always been smooth sailing. It was not until Fan Xian appeared that he began to suffer misfortune and rise again. Because he had contributed greatly during the Jingdou rebellion, he was now the deputy head eunuch. His status was even more noble than when he had been in Lady Shu's palace.
Occasionally, Eunuch Dai would think with lingering fear that if he had continued to be on duty in Lady Shu's palace, he would probably already be a member of the Cold Palace or even long dead. Thinking of this, he couldn't help but glance behind him out of the corner of his eye. The eunuch following him had once been a popular figure in the royal study. It was a pity that he later served his master in the Eastern Palace. Although he hadn't done anything wrong, his status had already plummeted.
Fan Xian put down his chopsticks and said a few warm words to Eunuch Dai. Only then did he slowly turn his gaze behind him. He looked at the increasingly steady young eunuch, whose acne was still clear on his face. Calmly, he said, "You still haven't died. That is somewhat unexpected."
Hong Zhu's face was full of respect. He bowed toward Fan Xian and replied, "I have received the Emperor's favor and came out of the Cold Palace at the end of the year."
"In the future, remember to serve the Emperor more attentively," Fan Xian said these words without much emotion and then closed his mouth.
Eunuch Dai could see that his mood was not very good. He casually said a few words of flattery and then led Hong Zhu out of the royal study. He thought to himself that there had always been rumors in the Palace that Eunuch Hong and Sir Fan junior did not see eye to eye. Back then, it was Sir Fan junior who had kicked this kid to the Eastern Palace. Looking at it now, it was indeed so.
He couldn't help but laugh coldly three times in his heart. He thought to himself that even with old Eunuch Hong watching over Hong Zhu, he was still no match for the little duke's hand that reached in from outside the Palace. Now that Eunuch Hong was dead, Hong Zhu's position in the Palace was very awkward.
Eunuch Dai completely did not notice that when he left the royal study, Fan Xian and Hong Zhu met each other's eyes. There was mutual concern in their eyes. Then, they gently and imperceptibly nodded their heads.
It was completely silent in the royal study. Fan Xian silently sorted through the thoughts in his mind. It was expected that Hong Zhu would come out of the Cold Palace. This kid had always been well-liked by the nobles in the Palace. In the rebellion, it appeared that Hong Zhu had no knowledge of it. It was expected that he would be used. Of course, in this matter, Fan Xian had gone around many twists and turns and helped Hong Zhu put in some effort.
As for the entanglement of the three years, Fan Xian had already stopped thinking about it. At least, this little eunuch had helped him too much. In terms of affection, it was he who owed him and not the other way around.
Just as he was thinking this, a wave of hurried footsteps came from outside the royal study. The faint light of a lantern came from the other side of the glass window, illuminating the night and floating toward them.
Fan Xian quickly pulled back his stretched arms and stood to welcome the Emperor.
The door to the royal study was pushed open. The Qing Emperor, dressed in a bright yellow robe, walked in with large steps. His slightly thin face was calm. Only the white hair at his temples revealed his true age and how much energy he had expended these years.
The group of serving eunuchs did not enter. Cleverly, Eunuch Yao closed the royal study's door tightly from behind. Only the Emperor and Fan Xian were left in the royal study.
The Emperor sat comfortably on the soft couch and rubbed his knees with both hands. Looking at Fan Xian, he suddenly laughed out loud.
Fan Xian was confused by this string of laughter and stood awkwardly where he was.
The Emperor shook his head and said, "You're very good."
Since he was very good, why did he shake his head? Fan Xian laughed bitterly and took out the box of secret memorials that the Council had prepared and placed it on the low table in the middle of the soft couch.
The Emperor opened the box and began to read it carefully. Inside the box were the preliminary results of the negotiations between the Qing Kingdom and Dongyi, as well as the Overwatch Council's analysis of Dongyi's bottom line, the territory map that Dongyi had presented, and the detailed situation of the distribution of people and finances.
The Dongyi matter had long shocked the entire world. The diplomatic group responsible for the negotiations, including Fan Xian himself, maintained a daily exchange of the details of the negotiations with the Royal Palace in Jingdou. The Emperor knew the details of the negotiations very well. After all, the two places were very far apart. If he wanted to truly grasp the first-hand situation, he would need Fan Xian to return to the capital and make a face-to-face report.
The Emperor slowly put down the file in his hands and stood. Walking to one of the walls of the royal study, he pulled open the curtain hanging on the wall.
Below the curtain was a large map of the world. On it was clearly drawn the roads of each province. Even the coastlines to the east and south were drawn in great detail. This map not only included the territory of the Qing Kingdom but also the territory of Northern Qi and Dongyi.
The first time Fan Xian had truly entered the royal study to discuss matters, he had sat with the ministers and scholars. He had seen this map and knew of the boundless passion the Qing monarch and officials had for expanding their borders. At that time, there had been three princes at the Emperor's side. Now, two of them were gone.
The Emperor's steady palm moved across the map. Although the light in the royal study was bright, it was not the shadowless light in an operating room. Wherever his palm moved on the map, there was a patch of darkness. It was like a black arrow containing boundless authority, representing hundreds of thousands of soldiers, and full of murderous intent.
The palm landed above Dongyi and the surrounding vassal states and gently patted them. The Emperor did not turn his head. Calmly, he said, "Without using a single soldier, I have this place. Fan Xian, how do you think I should reward you?"
"The negotiations have not ended. There are still internal disputes in the Sword Hut. The nobles of the vassal states will probably still rebel. Most importantly, I don't know if it will cause a backlash from Dongyi in the future," Fan Xian replied with a smile.
He could see that although the Emperor's expression was calm, the joy in the depths of his heart could not be hidden. This Emperor, who wholeheartedly wanted to unify the world and establish a legacy that would last for thousands of generations, had spent decades to finally eliminate Ku He and Sigu Jian, his two greatest opponents. He had taken the first step on a journey of tens of thousands of li. That kind of joy could not be faked.
"How is Sigu Jian?" The Emperor turned and smiled. He did not continue to raise the question of rewards. Instead, he asked about the matter he cared about the most.
"His entire body is paralyzed. He will die within three months, without a doubt," Fan Xian answered quickly and without any hesitation.
The Emperor thought for a moment and then sighed quietly. "He's going to die. However, I truly admire this sword fanatic. He took a blow from Uncle Liuyun and a punch from me, yet he was still able to live for so long. The strength of this person's physical body is indeed the strongest of us."
Naturally, these words excluded Wu Zhu.
Fan Xian's eyes moved slightly. In a quiet voice, he said, "It is also fortunate that Sigu Jian did not die. Only he can suppress the warriors in the Sword Hut. If he had not nodded his head, this negotiation would probably not have succeeded."
The Emperor smiled and didn't say anything. He still did not understand his son. Were these words putting in a good word for Sigu Jian? What was the point in putting in a good word for a Great Grandmaster who was about to die?
Fan Xian thought for a moment and then said, "In my opinion, this negotiation will probably last until next year. At that time, Sigu Jian will have long died. However, since he has set the tone and spread it everywhere, presumably, the disciples of the Sword Hut will not dare to disobey."
"Will Thirteenth Wang take over as the Master of the Sword Hut?" The Emperor suddenly asked. For this Emperor, he did not care at all about Fan Xian and Thirteenth Wang's personal relationship. What he cared about was that, in order to truly control the territory of Dongyi, the Master of the Sword Hut had to be someone he could control.
The young disciple of the Sword Hut, Thirteenth Wang, had deep ties with the Qing Kingdom. Regardless of his abilities, he had to be someone he could control.
Fan Xian's heart tightened. His mind spun quickly. "The opening ceremony has been delayed by a month. No one has said anything. However, I have not found out who Sigu Jian is planning to give the Sword Hut to. "
"There is no need to find out." The Emperor's expression darkened. "If Dongyi is truly willing to submit, the Master of the Sword Hut must be appointed by me. Regardless of who Sigu Jian chooses, if I don't nod my head and seal, then it cannot be done."
Fan Xian's lips tasted bitter. He had been worried that Sigu Jian would forcefully reveal the Shadow's identity and have him become the second Master of the Sword Hut. Now, it looked like he should be worried about something else. The Emperor's actions were very similar to how he had appointed the head of the lamas.
Thinking about it closely, it made sense. Even if the Qing Kingdom sent officials and soldiers to Dongyi in the future, in the hearts of the Dongyi people, the true masters were still the disciples of the Sword Hut. This should be clearly written in the agreement between the two countries. The Qing Kingdom would not make any major changes to the structure of Dongyi within 50 years.
If the Qing Kingdom didn't even have the power to appoint and dismiss people in name, how could Dongyi count as submitting?
"I will make this clear to them after I return to Dongyi." Fan Xian didn't think further and agreed straightforwardly.
"As long as the Sword Hut lowers its head, there is no need to consider the businesses of the other small countries," the Emperor said with narrowed eyes. The Emperor narrowed his eyes and said, "If Sigu Jian was smart enough, he wouldn't do anything before he died. If he was truly an idiot, I would give him a profound lesson."
When the Emperor was angry, blood flowed under heaven. The lesson the Qing Emperor spoke of was to brazenly send out troops and forcefully conquer Dongyi.
Fan Xian didn't continue this topic. Straightforwardly, he asked, "If the Sword Hut is decided, what about the manor of the Master of the City?"
"Weren't the people in the manor of the Master of the City killed by Sigu Jian?" The Emperor stood by the map and suddenly looked deeply at Fan Xian. "Actually, it isn't just me who is curious. Other than feeling great joy, all of the officials in court are also shocked. An Zhi, Sigu Jian, that old thing, had a special liking for you. Who would have thought that he would actually be able to suppress his wild nature and agree to your request?"
Before he left for Dongyi, Fan Xian and the Emperor had argued for a long time in the Palace. In the Emperor's opinion, even if Sigu Jian died, he would not allow Dongyi, which he had guarded for so many years, to surrender to the Qing Kingdom without sending out a single soldier or firing an arrow. Fan Xian insisted on his own opinion and used a long time to convince the Qing Emperor to let him try.
The problem was, he had succeeded on the first try. This reality surprised all the officials in the Qing court. It also made the Emperor very happy and even faintly uneasy. His illegitimate child had truly given the world too many surprises.
There was doubt and suspicion in the Emperor's gaze, but Fan Xian seemed to not feel anything. He smiled bitterly and straightforwardly said, "I don't dare to claim credit. If it weren't for the fact that the Qing Kingdom is strong and powerful, Dongyi would only have two paths after Sigu Jian's death. They would not have lowered their heads and submitted to the Qing Kingdom."
These words were true. Any diplomatic negotiation was rooted in the foundation of power. Perhaps Northern Qi had the power to contend with the Qing Kingdom for many years. However, Dongyi was established as a merchant and was not at all firm. It was like duckweed in the water or a light cloud in the sky. As long as a strong wind blew, it would scatter like duckweed.
Under the pressure of the Qing Kingdom's powerful national and military power, Dongyi didn't have much of a choice. Fan Xian's success this time was actually the Qing Emperor's success. Under his rule was a particularly powerful kingdom.
Fan Xian suddenly took a deep breath and said, "As you know, my mother came from Dongyi. Sigu Jian has some feelings for me."
He knew he couldn't hide this from the Emperor. He didn't want to hide it, so he might as well say it directly. As expected, the Emperor clearly knew about Ye Qingmei's past in Dongyi. After hearing these words, he only smiled slightly and said, "As expected. What requests does Sigu Jian have for you? "
Fan Xian raised his head and said seriously, "He hopes that the Dongyi under the Qing Kingdom's rule will still be the Dongyi of today."
"I allow it." The Emperor waved his hand decisively. Without waiting for Fan Xian to say anything, he straightforwardly said, "The Dongyi I want is the present Dongyi. It has become like Jiangnan. What do I want it for?"
Fan Xian was incomparably shocked. The problem he and Sigu Jian were most worried about was not a problem at all in the Emperor's heart. What the Emperor wanted was the present Dongyi, a Dongyi with a faint sense of self-rule by merchants that carried out large trade deals with overseas.
Thinking of this, Fan Xian couldn't help but feel boundless admiration for the Emperor. Only an Emperor with great foresight could tolerate such a situation. The Emperor's will and vision were probably broader than he had imagined.
Immediately after, the Emperor and Fan Xian discussed the details of bringing Dongyi into the territory, as well as the problems that could appear, and related countermeasures. It was gradually getting late, but the lights in the royal study remained bright.
The map of the world gradually changed as the father and son discussed it.
After a long time, the Emperor rubbed his tired eyes and turned his head back to look at the map again. The map of the world had already changed, but this map had not. The Emperor quietly said, "I'll be making a new map tomorrow."
"Congratulations, Your Majesty," Fan Xian said with a slight smile.
At this moment, the Emperor finally smiled. His palm suddenly slapped heavily on the top of the map. It was a large piece of foreign territory that had been painted green. The bright yellow clothes seemed to carry an unstoppable sense of determination.
"There is only this piece left in the world."
Fan Xian's heart suddenly tightened.
…
…
The Emperor raised the question from earlier for the second time. "An Zhi, how do you think I should reward you?"
In history, there were many examples of people who had done too much to shock the ruler and died a horrible death. When these examples were unlucky, it was often because of this sentence. Because their contributions were too great and they had already received too many rewards, there was no reward to be given. It was impossible for the person on the throne to give half of the throne to these examples. Thus, without exception, the examples all ran down the road to death.
Occasionally, there were examples who jumped out and successfully rebelled, but they were in the minority.
Hearing this question, Fan Xian did not feel any fear at all. He only pulled a long face and sank into thought. His contributions this time were not great. Based on what he had said earlier, Dongyi's submission was ultimately because of the Qing Kingdom's strength. He was just a primer, an excuse, an excuse Sigu Jian used to convince himself.
As for his contributions being too great to shock the ruler? Forget it. The Emperor's self-confidence and narcissism were the first in a thousand years. In his life, he had never worried about which official or son would be able to surpass him. A powerful emperor would have a strong tolerance towards the people under the dragon throne.
However, Fan Xian did indeed have the third problem of the examples. It was the problem of having no reward to give. He was already a first-rate duke and sat in the two great treasuries of the palace treasury and Overwatch Council. The power in his hands was one-third of the world. What more could the Emperor reward him with? Was it really as the people in the diplomatic group secretly guessed that he would be made a king?
However, he had to ask for a reward. The entire world was watching Jingdou. If Fan Xian performed the greatest service but didn't have a reward he could take out, the officials would probably all feel bitterly disappointed in the Emperor.
After a long time, Fan Xian suddenly smiled bitterly. Looking at the Emperor by the map, he scratched his head and said self-mockingly, "How about you give Dongyi to me?"
Of course, this was a joke, a huge joke. At most, being made a king would be an idle Prince of Danbo. If he actually gave Dongyi away, it would be splitting the land and making him a marquis.
The Emperor also smiled. However, his smile was not as amusing as Fan Xian had imagined. On the contrary, it carried an indescribable sense of mockery. "It looks like Sigu Jian is truly as he said on Dong Mountain. He wholeheartedly wants you to be the Master of the City."
Fan Xian's heart chilled. He smiled bitterly and replied, "In any case, the Master of the City doesn't care."
"Let's change it." The Emperor couldn't be bothered to continue his conversation. He sat down and picked up a cup of warm tea to slowly sip.
Fan Xian stood in front of the Emperor and had a headache for a long time. Probingly, he said, "But, someone has to be sent to manage Dongyi. How about we have a Prince be the Master of the City?"
In the present Qing Kingdom, there was only one Prince, the Great Prince. He had Dongyi blood running through his veins and a noble status. Furthermore, if they wanted to subdue the hearts of the Dongyi soldiers and civilians, it would be an excellent move for the Great Prince to be the Master of Dongyi.
"We will discuss this matter in the future." The Emperor furrowed his brows. It was clear he was moved by Fan Xian's suggestion, but, more than that, he was worried.
"I won't enter the Hall of Governmental Affairs," Fan Xian suddenly muttered. Fan Xian suddenly muttered, "Staying with those old men every day is so boring."
The Emperor smiled and said, "Sir He is also in the Hall of Governmental Affairs, isn't he? He is also a young man. "
These words were just words. The Emperor would not allow Fan Xian to give up the power of the Overwatch Council and enter the Hall of Governmental Affairs, destroying his plans for the future of the Qing Kingdom. Hearing the Emperor's words, the face of the hateful official who watched over Ruoruo every day outside the Danbo Medical Shop immediately rose in front of Fan Xian's eyes. He laughed coldly and said, "If Your Majesty truly wishes to reward me with something, I would like to ask you to grant me two edicts."
Concerning the matter of the appointed marriage, Fan Xian and the Emperor had been in a cold war for over half a year. The moment Fan Xian opened his mouth, the Emperor knew what he wanted to say. He thought to himself, How dare you use your achievements to ask for favors? His expression became ugly.
"One edict for Ruoruo and one for Rou Jia," Fan Xian said in a low voice. "Please allow them to choose their own husbands."
The Emperor looked at him coldly. A moment later, he suddenly said, "In the matter of Rou Jia, I will allow you! But, I will not allow your sister's marriage! "
Fan Xian pretended to be angry, but his heart was calm. He knew that the Emperor would never relent on this matter because the other party wanted to use this matter to completely suppress him. Unless he relented and used the relationship between father and son and the will of a ruler and official to plead with the other party, the other party would certainly not let it go.
This was a fit of pique, but it was not just a fit of pique. The Emperor wanted to completely control Fan Xian and have him completely lower his head in front of him. The Emperor had always clearly felt that his son was different from other sons. He had too many traces of his mother.
On the surface, his dead sons were incomparably respectful to him, but in secret, they were thinking of things that were lower than pigs and dogs. An Zhi, on the other hand, had a glimmer of unwillingness to be honest seeping out of his bones. Although the Emperor admired Fan Xian's "absolute sincerity," he wanted to beat this sincerity into "absolute loyalty."
"There is no need to speak of this matter again." The Emperor stared at Fan Xian with a cold expression. He suddenly thought of something and smiled slightly. "Just one edict from Rou Jia is to reward you for today's work. It is indeed somewhat unreasonable. However, I remember that you are still only the Commissioner of the Overwatch Council. "
Fan Xian's heart jumped. He knew the meat of the show had come, but his face was one of confusion.
"In any case, that old dog Chen Pingping doesn't care. You can directly take over the position of Director and let that old man have a good rest. " The Emperor looked at him with slight mockery and said, "In your early twenties, I have given you the position of Director of the Overwatch Council. It can be considered a great kindness. Why don't you quickly give your thanks?"
Fan Xian was indeed still only the Commissioner of the Overwatch Council. After all these years, under Chen Pingping's purposeful nurturing and delegating of power, he had long grasped the entire Overwatch Council. What difference was there between him and the Director? Yet, the Emperor was using such a natural and expected promotion to dismiss the merit he had made in Dongyi and block his thoughts of breaking off the marriage. It was truly ungrateful.
The corners of Fan Xian's lips twitched. It was as if he was angry and wanted to say something disrespectful. In the end, he suppressed his emotions and gave a random bow, gave his thanks, and left the Palace. The Emperor smiled in the royal study and did not take offense to his son's rudeness.
…
…
That night, Fan Xian returned to his manor. He did not immediately go to do the second thing. Through the conversation in the royal study, his mood had already relaxed. At least, the seemingly omnipotent Emperor could not grasp the minute movements of the entire world. Furthermore, in the battle of tempers and personalities, he had won another battle.
Sitting by the side of the bed, he soaked his feet in the scalding hot water to relieve some of his tiredness. Lin Wan 'er's face was full of tiredness. She leaned against his shoulder and said, "You didn't even tell us you were coming back. The house was not prepared at all. The servants are all asleep, and you won't wake them up."
"I'll rest for a few days. I still have to go to Dongyi to take charge." Fan Xian gently held his wife's hand and smiled. "I'm too busy."
"You also don't know who gave you this name." Lin Wan 'er yawned. She was clearly a woman who had given birth, yet her face still carried a childishness that was difficult to wash away. Particularly her round cheeks, it amused Fan Xian greatly.
He gently pinched his wife's cheek and smiled. "Other than that person, who would have such a tasteless name?"
"Why are you in such a good mood today?" Lin Wan 'er suddenly made a sound.
Fan Xian proudly said, "Today, I asked for a good official. Tomorrow, I will leave the city and go into the garden to chase people away!"
…
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Did anyone see the happy headquarters yesterday? Tell me, isn't it normal for a middle-aged, vulgar man to like Lin Yichen? Ha ha ha ha, one of my greatest wishes is to personally pinch the flesh on Lin Yichen's cheeks.
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