Book 15: Chapter 4

Sentiments that Could Reach the Imperial Palace

Not a big problems. Okay. Slow down. Thats a good response. I like it, Ming Feizhen mumbled as he scribbled down He s.h.i.+s response onto a blank sheet of paper. He didnt bat an eye when he looked up to see He s.h.i.+s stupefied look. In your opinion, these, uh, three things dont qualify as big problems? The consequences are significant, though. If nothing else, this, uh, power contest between the martial and civil officials could cause considerable problems. Thats not a big problem?

He s.h.i.+ stared blankly for a while before shaking his head, sighing three times and then elaborated, His Majesty is able to tackle all three issues alone. While the two factions are competing, n.o.body has the upper hand. While the three offices overseeing the martial world have matured, their authority comes from His Majesty. Accordingly, the other faction will go down once His Majesty picks one. Similarly, if His Majesty wants to delay the stripping of the White Princes, theyll have to live with their tails between their legs until he decides he wants to strip them. Who would dare to oppose him? As for the Crown Prince matter, His Majesty has his ways of dealing with the foolish officials trying to pressure him. Although it may prove challenging and time consuming, His Majesty can sort all three matters out on his own. His Majesty has shown our countrys power as well as his own. As well, he has shown he is both a man of benevolence and virtue, generous and humble. These people and their agendas will be thwarted in due time.

Slow down. What was that about benevolence and what? Thats a good line I need to remember.

His Majesty can handle those three problems, but natural disasters and foreign invaders arent issues he alone can deal with. Not only are they out of his hands, but they both harm the nation. If priorities arent sorted out properly, then a real disaster is unavoidable.

Nah, thats not something you can say directly. Do you have any roundabout b.u.t.t-licking things that you can say without any hesitation?

He s.h.i.+ just stared at Ming Feizhen.

Ahem, ahem, even if they arent big problems, they need solutions. You, uh, have any solution?

The martial and civil officials dont see to eye to eye, and its nothing new. The likes of Old Fart struggle to impose their will under His Majestys governance, so they can only wait for openings to exploit. As long as His Majesty doesnt let them have their way, the civil officials will quit sooner or later. The biggest issues in this matter arent the corrupt officials trying to stir the pot but the conflict between the two factions. Even if the contest ceases, the two still wont see eye to eye. A problem isnt solved until the root of the problem is addressed.

What solutions do you suggest, Professor He?

Simple: mix them up.

Biting his brush, Ming Feizhen inquired, How?

He s.h.i.+ smiled. Who says scholars cant wield swords? Who says warriors cant write? Its a virtue for a man to be as mighty with a sword as he is eloquent with a brush in the first place. Why is there a need to pick one over the other in the first place? Have scholars learn martial arts, and have warriors learn literature.

Merely thinking about excelling in both domains gave Ming Feizhen a headache. Nevertheless, he believed in He s.h.i.+s judgement, so he noted it down.

As for the White Princes, theyre not a big problem, either. It boils down to decorated va.s.sals forming networks that make them challenging to stop. His Majesty needs time; the more time he has, the more beneficial it will be for him. If he could slowly whittle away at their privileges and claim their territories, they will seek peace with him once they cant resist any longer. Thus, they will resolve the internal strife themselves.

As for the succession, its supposed to be a topic for discussion in court. The former Emperor selected a Crown Prince early, leading to the battle with his brothers still traumatising His Majesty. Its clear that His Majesty has no plans of crowning a Crown Prince beforehand. Pus.h.i.+ng for the instatement of a Crown Prince is crossing the line for a va.s.sal. Theres nothing to discuss. Its not as if His Majesty doesnt know who to choose.

Considering the Crown Prince matter was the most frequently discussed matter in court, sometimes, Ming Feizhen was glad he wasnt an Emperor. He s.h.i.+s perspective on it was akin to the needed ray of light on a cloudy day.

People with working eyes wouldnt focus on the small immediate benefits. The White Princes do have hope. I dont know the standing and rankings of the next generation; however, its hard to not know about Luo Siming taking over as Luo Clans head in charge of the militarys armoury, Song Chis travels between Yangzhou and Nanjing to form an alliance with the imperial court and Ling Clans Ling Ruoyun contacting His Majesty. Sadly, these capable young men arent interested in building up the country; theyre only after their own clans gains.

If theyre short-sighted, whos far-sighted?

Do you really think n.o.body is doing anything about the three big problems? Starting from two years ago, Green Prince has commenced preparations for droughts. He has travelled almost across the entire land. Everywhere hes gone, he has offered supplies to a.s.sists in disasters, invested in farming and schooling.

You think Blue Prince has been twiddling his thumbs in Beiping while you martial artists make life difficult for him to move around? He spends six months between his Luoyang and Beiping territories. He should be in Luoyang right now, so why is he in Beiping right now? That would be to destroy Beijiangs attempt at an alliance. Thats called foresight. If the White Princes could see the big picture like that, theyd realise their clan could thrive even without their t.i.tle.

Though the White Princes held a prestigious t.i.tle, they werent the only big clans in the pugilistic world. There were big clans that had more prestige than history than the seven of them. If the White Princes didnt stop for the sake of their privileges, they really mightve developed far more than they had.

He s.h.i.+ stood up. Whether or not one the people are in support has always been the key to stability. How much noise is there regarding the stripping of the White Princes. How close are they to Nanjing? How often have you heard the people complaining about it, though? To the contrary, because His Majesty has the support of the people, ow!

A big tile slipped through a hole in the ceiling and landed flush on He s.h.i.+s head, knocking him out instantly. Since it wouldve been rude to disturb He s.h.i.+s sleep, Ming Feizhen got up and stretched out once he was done copying.

Well, Ive gained a lot. See you. Ming Feizhen tucked He s.h.i.+ in and then noticed several sheets of paper on the ground.

Uh Who do those belong to? This one in my hand is the one He s.h.i.+ gave me. Why are there four copies? Shouldnt there only be three?

Ming Feizhen scratched his head as he attempted to figure out the situation. Eventually, he recalled himself randomly shoving papers here and there when the building collapsed. In other words, he mightve picked up someone elses paper.

I need to return this, but who does this belong to?

Ming Feizhen looked over to He s.h.i.+, then back down to the papers in his hand.

Eh, whatever. Doesnt matter.

Ming Feizhens thoughtless decision planted the seed for a result that couldnt be repaired or reversed.