Book 15: Chapter 11

Joy, Small Shock, Pupil

It wasnt surprising for the six ministries secretaries to be in attendance, but it was surprising to see three commanders of the Chief Military Commissions, and other important military and civil officials, to be in attendance, as well. The officials who usually wouldnt even spare each other a greeting were now getting along merrily at the tables. Emperor Yuansheng first jumbled the status quo, then organised the banquet to rebuild their relations.h.i.+ps.

Ming Feizhen pays his respects, Your Majesty.

Emperor Yuansheng was chatting with his father-in-law when he saw Ming Feizhen and called him in. In contrast to the officials side, Emperor Yuanshengs side didnt have any food or outsiders around.

Duke Ming when did you have time to pick up all that food?

Ming Feizhen had roughly twenty small plates of food in his hand, a roast duck hanging from his mouth, and two jugs of wine and a bag of fruits by his feet. He took a bite out of his roast duck, mindlessly set it down on a plate and replied, It is just experience, Your Majesty. Please pay it no mind.

Take a seat.

Ming Feizhen already helped himself to a seat before Emperor Yuansheng finished. Emperor Yuansheng was willing to laugh off the att.i.tude on the account of Ming Feizhen having been stuck in the exam venue for three days and having to respect all the protocols. Ming Feizhen took out someones silk handkerchief from his s.h.i.+rt to wipe the grease off his hands once he finished his duck.

Eunuch w.a.n.g mentioned you have cemented decisions for numerous big matters, won the support of everyone in court and carved out a potentially bright future. Your subject has not had the chance to congratulate you yet, but you look as though you would not be able to digest a meal. As he spoke, Ming Feizhen sneakily pulled small dishes towards himself that Emperor Yuansheng had been eyeing occasionally.

Emperor Yuanshengs concern was even more obvious up close with just the two of them.

Duke Ming, do you know what troubles me?

Your subject is as foolish as a brick. How would he ever hope to fathom your genius? With that said, your subject believes the court discussions are not your primary concern. Their harm cannot compare to locust infestations, droughts, and the military situation in the north. Mayhap all three trouble you.

Brilliant! Emperor Yuansheng slammed his table and flicked up a thumb. Now that is what I call dependable!

You flatter me, Your Majesty. Your foolish subject was merely blindly guessing. It is your endless concern for the country that must not be overlooked.

Theres no need to be so humble. Come sit here. Emperor Yuansheng pulled over a small campstool for Ming Feizhen to join him on the ground. That chair is too high. Its uncomfortable speaking there. Gold chairs and benches are lame. Sitting on the ground brings us closer. Give me a drop of your wine.

Right away, Your Majesty! Ming Feizhen poured one drop into a cup and pa.s.sed it over.

Dont you think youre too much of a miser, Duke Ming?

Your Majesty, your word is the law. How could your subject defy you?

In that case, give me b-

We must drink more to grow closer. Ming Feizhen finally poured a full cup for His Majesty.

After some pointless chit chat, Emperor Yuansheng said, Im not fast at making decisions; I spend a fair amount of time mulling over things before making a decision. Although the numerous topics bother me daily, theyre not the most important matters to the country. The things you mentioned are the topics that occupy my mind even in my sleep. Its impossible to avoid natural disasters, but there is a way to recover from them. On the other hand, man-made disasters can make natural disasters even worse. My worst fear is that, when a natural disaster strikes, the imperial court will only have corrupted and selfish officials. How many innocent lives would be tragically lost to that? Thats why Ive always been concerned about personnel.

He s.h.i.+ did say that those who considered the future wouldve already began making their moves in regards to the three biggest issues. Having said that, it wouldve been pointless no matter how early they got started if the monarch didnt approve. There was an important distinction, though. Even if they had foresight, theyd start from the bottom of the matter. Emperor Yuansheng, on the other hand, started from personnel, which was practical and cut to the core of the problem.

Ming Feizhen gave a big nod. You have done an outstanding job of dissolving the enmity. What about it troubles you?

Emperor Yuansheng shook his head. Was Father still alive, he would have had a more expedient solution.

Fast is not necessarily better. At the very least, the damage has been minimised.

Ming Feizhen genuinely meant it. He had interacted with a number of monarchs in the Western Regions and Nanjiang already. Some of them were more decisive than Emperor Yuansheng, but their quick decisions were also more destructive. None of them minimised damage the way Emperor Yuansheng did. If the wisest monarch of the Western Regions were to reconfigure relations.h.i.+ps between his va.s.sals as Emperor Yuansheng did, theyd have lost half of their va.s.sals, at the very least. After all, elimination of those you didnt need was always the quickest method. While the aggressive approach wouldve impaired their ability to implement policies for a while, it was a method that allowed them to suffer once and be done with it. Still, damage was damage; it didnt just not exist because there were more gains than losses no matter the magnitude of the gains.

Though Emperor Yuansheng dragged his feet, he didnt ruin the existing foundation, effectively balancing damage and gains. Despite his impressive accomplishment, he looked worried, though.

Had it not been for Cold Mountain Temples loss of patience, I wouldve had to wait for ages before I couldve implemented my plan. Prime Minister Li always reminded me when I tried to avoid studying that my potential isnt even one third of my late fathers. I must say he was too kind when he said that. Father could come up with seven, eight plans in the snap of a finger unlike me.

Ming Feizhen wasnt even born when Emperor Yuanshengs father was on the throne, and he never knew much about the wildest Emperor in their dynastys history. Based off Emperor Yuanshengs depictions, his father was also quite a deep thinker and decent father. Else, he wouldnt have missed his father when he spoke about it.

Your subject is not aware of the former Emperors ways of doing things, but you are two different people. It is a fact that you solved this matter well. There is no need to fret about it.

Emperor Yuansheng clinked his cup against Ming Feizhens and lowered his shoulders. Youve done your fair share, too. Based on your abilities, the exam shouldnt have been too difficult. w.a.n.g Zhenyun, though, hohoho, he made life tough for you, didnt he?

Emperor Yuanshengs comment proved Ming Feizhens conjecture to be true.

Ming Feizhen wagged a hand. Him? Hohoho.

Im glad to hear that. Do you know why I summoned you?

Ming Feizhen waved the chicken drumstick in his hand. Your subject would not have dared to come if it was not for food and drinks.

Hahaha, its nice to speak to someone frank. Youre always able to remind me of the days in the pugilistic world. With that said, let me ask you again: have you considered the prince factions?

Ming Feizhen hadnt forgotten about the letter his s.h.i.+niang sent him. As a reclusive sect, Mount Daluo kept to themselves unless they needed to step out. Their disciples out in the world were out there for training, not to partake in the worldly affairs. While they would become a powerhouse once they got involved, they chose to get involved with the imperial family this time. In other words, they were showing approval in the Prince factions. The most direct method to involving themselves in terms of direct impact on the imperial court was to support a Prince. Without Emperor Yuanshengs support, their involvement would be suspected as trying to bring a Prince over to their side for selfish means. Lian Zhuiyue discussed the matter with Emperor Yuansheng in Nanjiang, but they didnt go into any details as the att.i.tude of Mount Daluos next patriarch was instrumental to the outcome. Until Ming Feizhen made his stance clear, Mount Daluo wouldnt make any moves. Ming Feizhen couldnt be thoughtless, or his plan to escape from Mount Daluo and patriarch duties wouldve gone down the drain.

Your subject is in support of the idea, but as for the details

Emperor Yuansheng held up a hand. I used to believe that people in the pugilistic world didnt have respect for rules, which would be a bad influence on the Princes. Now that I think about it, I mustve not thought it through properly. Right now, the restrictions on them are excessive, and that is my fault. Kunluns Patriarch Yi is a great man. Had he been able to act in the capacity of an advisor, Lyuer might not have become the mess that he did.

As crazy and unbridled State Preceptor Lai is, he is trustworthy. Chier is upright thanks to his advice. I have been thinking that, if the Princes supporters are trustworthy, its fine to give them a boost. It would be even better if they could have an official relations.h.i.+p.

Ming Feizhen s.h.i.+vered when he heard official relations.h.i.+p.

Um, uh, your subject does not quite follow.

Emperor Yuansheng smiled. I wish for you to take my son under your wing as your pupil.