Chapter 7

He respectfully raised both hands and replied: "It can be sent to the forbidden court for the lord's decision"

The Prime Minister brushed past him with his sleeves held, not even glancing at him. "The prefecture has been without a leader for over a month; you should return to Tianshui. It is not a solution to linger in the imperial city. I am currently discussing the matters of military pay and weapons with the Grand Minister of Agriculture, and we will have some clarity soon. In the next court meeting, the memorial should be able to resolve this..."

Lian Zheng exclaimed, "It's rather dull to go back all alone. I plan to stay here and enjoy some drinks today." After saying this, he adjusted his dark robe and continued, "I noticed when I arrived that this garment you are wearing is exquisitely made. Is it the latest style in the city? It certainly has a distinguished air when worn..."

Perhaps it is due to his outstanding appearance that even when dressed in tattered clothes, he still possesses a unique charm. Lian Zheng feels unworthy of the title "Jinyi Hou" (Marquis in Brocade), as he is merely a martial man with no knowledge of attire. During his time in the palace, the Chancellor, favored by Emperor Wen, had far more garments than he did. He had long mastered the art of seizing the Chancellor's clothes, a habit that remains uncorrected to this day. Thus, every time the Chancellor procures new clothing, he does so abundantly, always prepared for the eventuality that Lian Zheng will make his rounds of theft, ensuring that he himself is not left without clothes to wear.

He is simply a blind man with his eyes wide open, seeking talented individuals with discerning eyes, yet his standards for beauty are quite concerning! The young emperor, feeling frustrated, averted his gaze towards the direction in which Nie Lingjun had left. "Very well, since the Prime Minister has recommended this person, I have no objection to appointing him. However, regarding the matter of the heir, I wonder what the Prime Minister has in mind? The empress is unable to conceive, and the emperor is attending court with a large belly; wouldn't that cause an uproar in the world? Alternatively, I could feign illness and rest for ten months, during which I would ask the Prime Minister to handle the state affairs. What does the Prime Minister think of this?"

Lian Zheng is the son of the Nanshan princess, raised in seclusion due to his mother. At that time, the chancellor was neither respected nor legitimate, and he could not associate with the princes, leaving only the carefree Lian Zheng as his closest companion. He said, "We are both outcasts; your mother is gone, and my mother has also passed away. From now on, let us rely on each other." Thus, they pulled at each other, and this tugging lasted for over twenty years. What is it like to befriend a troublesome companion? It means he constantly gets into trouble, and you are always there to clean up after him. From childhood to adulthood, the chancellor has lost count of how many times he has cleaned up after him; perhaps all his patience has been spent on him, leaving him with none for others.

Lian Zheng laughed incessantly, "If it can intimidate the Prime Minister, it shows that the young emperor is not simple. I see a lot of resemblance to the late emperor; quiet and unassuming, yet capable of great deeds. You need to be cautious; if someone truly has their eye on you, a few struggles to put on a show will suffice. After all, they are the emperor, and if she deals with you in a slow and steady manner, I fear you may not be able to withstand it.

The Chancellor impatiently interrupted him, saying, "I have many state affairs to attend to. If you have no other matters, please take your leave. I will not see you out."

Lian Zheng shook his head, "The disparity is too great. Since it is impossible to replace it, choosing another shortcut to Zhongnan is not unfeasible."

Lian Zheng also pointed and said, "There is also the hairpin."

Have you ever considered taking over instead

He knew that he was still thinking about the words spoken by the Young Emperor earlier. Sometimes he truly could not understand how his mind worked. "She was merely mocking me; did you actually take it seriously?"

The Chancellor's initial expectation for the young emperor was that "the ruler's body is as heavy as a mountain," and that she would not need to concern herself with any difficult matters, merely acting as a ready-made peaceful emperor. However, it seems she has her own ideas. Since the age of ten, she has frequently been seen practicing archery and horseback riding in the training grounds. He thought it was merely a child's way of alleviating boredom and that it wouldn't last long, yet she persisted for five or six years, enduring falls and injuries without ever complaining of pain. The Chancellor was puzzled and observed her for a long time, concluding that it was likely just "a slightly persistent way to alleviate boredom," and did not take it to heart. However, it seems that something is slowly changing now; since she demanded to be established as empress, it has become necessary to view her from a different perspective. Her previous silence was a means of hiding her strength and biding her time, akin to a pig pretending to be a tiger. Her courage and ambition have been growing little by little. Now, openly making such outlandish demands of him, is she truly intending to challenge him?

Lian Zheng observed his expression carefully, but unfortunately, he still had a cold look in his eyes. It was nothing serious, and he said lightly: "I am truly busy; there are too many trivial matters in the capital. When I finally make up my mind to leave seclusion, I will let go of what needs to be let go. If you have someone you like, tell me, and I will act as your matchmaker."

The Prime Minister seemed somewhat embarrassed to respond; theoretically, it is indeed the case, but to articulate it might imply a conspiracy to usurp the throne.

The bond between brothers is profound, and even Ling Zheng has grown accustomed to his face full of disdain, not taking his harsh words to heart. It is impossible for him to keep quiet; as a friend, he often worries about his lifelong affairs.

Being single and alone, I do not know where this idle concern for the country and its people comes from. With that time, why not take good care of my own food and clothing, to avoid relying on him every time I return to the capital

"What do you think?" The Prime Minister's expression was not good, "I just didn't expect her to have such courage; her sudden outburst really startled me."

In the eyes of most people, the Young Emperor is a taciturn and timid individual. There are not many matters that can be voted on in the court; essentially, apart from "Please, Prime Minister, make the decision," he rarely speaks any other words. The Prime Minister, at one point, was like everyone else, and this small emperor did not attract his attention. When the late emperor entrusted her with the regency, she was still a child whose height did not reach his waist. The late emperor, with his last ounce of strength, guided her: "Aying, call me Uncle. In the future, only Uncle can protect you... call me Uncle..." The Young Emperor stood on the footstool, dazed, her eyes wide open, her mouth sealed as if with a stamp, and she did not utter a word until the late emperor breathed his last. At that moment, he thought, this child is not promising in her youth, and she is not to be feared as she grows. Over the years, he served as her advisor, handling state affairs on her behalf, while her tasks consisted solely of eating, sleeping, and studying calligraphy.

In this lifetime, one must have a friend with whom to share life and death. The Prime Minister happens to have such a friend, and that person is the Marquis in Brocade, Lian Zheng.

Do you consider this a provocation

Lian Zheng smiled awkwardly and said, "The clothes they prepared are not as good-looking as yours"

Fu Wei cast him a glance and sighed softly, "I once thought you were a person of great ambition, given your remarkable talents, but I realize now that I was mistaken." With that, she said no more, turned her hands behind her back, and walked out, shouting into the empty courtyard, "Prepare the carriage, return to the palace!" She strode towards the long and deep corridor.

The Chancellor, dressed in a traditional robe and with his hair flowing freely, still appeared as poetic and picturesque as ever. However, his words were vague, which left Zheng very dissatisfied. "Some people say that you and I have an ambiguous relationship; have you heard about it?"

The Chancellor turned his face away uncooperatively, his attitude was very clear; he truly could not see.

Lian Zheng shook his head, "That's enough, fate is predetermined; if it doesn't work out here, it may work out elsewhere. What one finds unappealing today might be loved dearly in the future; who knows?" After speaking, he smiled meaningfully, drawing a significant eye-roll from the Prime Minister.

How much longer must I wait? I fear that you will never leave Yucheng in your lifetime. I am waiting for you in Tianshui, but I may wait until my hair turns gray, and you still will not come. " Lian Zheng shook his fan and grinned, "If you do not come to me, then I must come to you. I cannot wait long for one person; I do not have that kind of patience, after all, there is only one Princess Chaisang in the world.

She is both an emperor and a maiden, if others criticize your beauty, how can that be tolerated

She could no longer smile. Liang Liang said to the Prime Minister, "Do you wish to marry a beauty, my father? I believe I am the beauty. Can you not see that?"

The chancellor bowed deeply, and by the time he straightened up, the emperor's carriage had already departed from the gates of the minister's residence

The imperial authority is fictitious, the power of the chancellor is consolidated, and all official matters are conducted in a proper manner. During this period, the emperor is an adversary, a target, and should be placed in an opposing position. Therefore, her harsh words can be accepted, as it is human nature; no one would like someone who has been their opponent for years. However, if she truly hates you to the bone yet suddenly expresses a desire to discuss personal matters with you, even planning to have a child with you, then aside from the shock, one must consider her true intentions. Is it possible that, in addition to reclaiming power, she also intends for you to resign and return home? But if she truly hates you to the bone yet suddenly expresses a desire to discuss personal matters with you, even planning to have a child with you, then aside from the shock, one must consider her true intentions. Is it possible that, in addition to reclaiming power, she also intends for you to resign and return home?

The chancellor's pride and aloofness emanated from every pore, and as he looked at the young emperor, he felt increasingly uncomfortable.

He was originally going to return to the inner chamber to change his clothes, but upon hearing these words, he stopped in his tracks and said with a flourish of his sleeves: "In this current state, anyone who sees me will undoubtedly believe the rumors. If you come back and don't even notice my attire, I would be truly grateful. If it weren't for your larger feet, you would even want my shoes. I really don't understand what your household is doing; don't you have any spare clothes prepared?"

The Prime Minister looked at him, realizing that he was the only one in the world who could dishearten him. "You should marry a lady, so you won't end up like a widower. Take her with you to Tianshui, and then you won't have to return to the capital often. When the day comes that I emerge from my retreat to inspect the area and pass by Tianshui, I will come to visit you. When old friends reunite, how delightful it will be"

He was rambling on and on, it was simply maddening. The Prime Minister waved him off, saying, "Lian Zheng, if it weren't for our past friendship, I would have sent you to the Yanmen Pass to eat sand long ago. Where do you get all this talk from? Would it kill you to say a few less words?"

The Chancellor tugged at his sleeve and slowly poured a cup of tea, "First, we must eliminate all twelve feudal lords. Do you have enough of your Tianshui Iron Cavalry?"

The Prime Minister expressed disdain, "It's just a child, is it worth your alarmist rhetoric? When she initially wanted to learn about power strategies, I only taught her some superficial knowledge, just the basics, which cannot contend with me. Even if we take a step back, if she wishes to govern, I merely need to stand by and watch, allowing her to understand the severity of the situation, and she will naturally quiet down."

The Prime Minister took out a hairpin and threw the crown over as well, saying, "What else do you want? Think it over and draft a list; I will have the chief clerk of the residence handle it according to your specifications. I will also prepare your travel bundle and have someone deliver it to you later. Focus on leading your troops in Tianshui and do not think of home, as there is no one there anyway. Do not think of me either; I am very busy and have no time to reply to your letters. There is a jar of wine under the osmanthus tree that I buried when you left last year; if you want to drink it, go dig it up yourself. Tonight, I have to host a discussion and cannot accompany you. When you drink, look at the moon in the sky and just imagine I am by your side!"

Lian Zheng looked at him with a smile that was not quite a smile, "In the realm of schemes and intrigues, some people are born with the talent for it, and they do not need to learn it deliberately. The Prime Minister, a hero throughout his life, should be wary of capsizing in the gutter; when that time comes, do not blame me for not reminding you." He had a knack for speaking ill, never hoping for his well-being. After a pause, he recalled, "What you just said about being stunningly beautiful is quite hurtful! If the young emperor were to dress up, his appearance would be no less than anyone else's... Have you forgotten? After all these years..."

Fu Wei has also suffered greatly. Upon careful consideration of his words, is he implying that she is not beautiful enough? Before coming here, she spent a long time in front of the mirror. She cannot apply powder, but fortunately, her complexion is fair; she cannot apply lipstick, but fortunately, her lips are naturally red; she cannot draw her eyebrows, but fortunately, her brows and eyes are deep and well-proportioned. What exactly is unattractive about her that makes him disdain her?

He let it slip in a moment of carelessness and only realized his gaffe after it was out. There are some people who cannot be mentioned in front of him; perhaps it has improved in recent years, as much time has passed and what should be forgotten has been forgotten. Back in the day, even the best of friends would still end up with bruises and injuries from him.

"Let us not discuss matters in the military for now; instead, let us talk about the current emperor." He pursued him closely, relentless and quite interested, "When I left the capital last year, she was still a child; how is it that in the blink of an eye she has grown so much? In the past, her words always seemed lacking in confidence, but now she speaks with such assurance, as if she has become a different person altogether." He mimicked the tone of the young emperor to tease him, "Anyone can be the father of the heir; why can't I, the father? I am extraordinary and charming; I am willing to keep this secret with you, so please indulge me..." In the past, her words always seemed lacking in confidence, but now she speaks with such assurance, as if she has become a different person altogether. He mimicked the tone of the young emperor to tease him, "Anyone can be the father of the heir; why can't I, the father? I am extraordinary and charming; I am willing to keep this secret with you, so please indulge me..."

The chancellor, without a word, took off his clothes and threw them over.

Behind me came the sound of unrestrained laughter, and a person dressed in luxurious garments stepped out from behind the screen, stroking his chin and teasing: "The young emperor has taken a liking to you, what should we do about this! In my opinion, agreeing wouldn't be such a bad thing. As she said, when the heir ascends the throne, you can openly assist in governance while secretly maintaining the position of a retired emperor. This is far better than the current situation of toiling away and ending up with a notorious reputation, which is a significant improvement.