Chapter 6, Meng Tinghui (Part 2)
Since the 17th year of the Qianlong reign, you have annually requested grain and military funds from the court for the Chao'an North Road. The Emperor is aware that the northern border remains unstable and is also concerned about the large army stationed to the south at Beijian. Therefore, he has never rejected your petitions, granting you whatever you ask for, merely hoping for peace in the northern border
It stunned the officials in the Anfu Division office on Chao'an North Road in one fell swoop
... ...
Shen Zhishu, with the whip behind her, turned around and saw that the girls' school was no longer in sight. Only then did she turn to the man beside her on horseback and say: "What is the intention of the Crown Prince in allowing the first female scholar to enter the Hanlin Academy this time?"
His complexion was slightly cool. After a moment's thought, he asked, "Since that is the case, why did you specifically bring it to show me?"
He remained silent, lightly flicking the long finger of his right hand, causing the sheet of paper to unfold. After hastily reading it, a look of surprise suddenly appeared in his eyes. He raised his head and asked the visitor, "Do you know this person's name?"
Reserved and taciturn since childhood, just as the name suggests
Upon entering Chaozhou City, the Crown Prince directly ascended to the office of the Anfu Envoy on North Road, ordering all military personnel involved in matters of authority below the Anfu Envoy to return to the office and await summons
He lowered his eyes, fearing that the road to the Qingzhou camp would not be as satisfactory as he hoped
The women's imperial examination for the provincial test had just concluded after three days, when Master Shen sent someone to seal the courtyard for the transcription and grading of the papers. At that moment, a thunderous piece of news spread throughout the city of Chongzhou.
No one in the world knows what he is truly after, yet in the end, he will surprisingly hand over this entire realm to her
Shen Zhishu heard him speak in such a hurry that he even used old titles, and quickly smiled to advise: "Why does Sir Bai say such things? Sir Bai has watched me grow up since childhood; how could I possibly lead Sir Bai to a position of disloyalty? It is merely that the Crown Prince has given orders, and I dare not disobey. Sir Bai is certainly aware of the Crown Prince's temperament; if he could be constrained by those formalities and regulations, would he still be the Crown Prince? As for where the Crown Prince has gone, without his permission, how could I dare to speak carelessly?"
Bai Danyong's face immediately turned pale upon hearing this: "What did Lord Shen say?"
Under the name of solitude, it is not the intention for the two to have only one offspring who lives a solitary life. Rather, it is that this realm, infused with the lifelong efforts of both, can only be inherited by this one individual.
Bai Danyong wore a pained expression, repeatedly sighing, "This matter... if the Emperor finds out about it later, who knows how furious he will be! Young Master, you and the Crown Prince put on quite a show together yesterday, but you have truly put me in a terrible position!"
Shen Zhishu was still sneering, "White Guard, do not be anxious. The Crown Prince has gone to the north to take a look and will return in a few days"
Bai Danyong followed behind with a苦 face: "What time is it? The young master is still making these jokes..." Shen Zhishu smiled slightly, said nothing further, and merely raised an eyebrow, turning her head to gaze at the distant mountains outside the northern city.
Hearing the sound, Dong Yicheng hurriedly got up from the ground and went outside to summon the officials back to the yamen to handle matters, and he also invited the people from the examination hall to come in
The beginning of the Great Peace coincided with the birth of the Crown Prince
The person nodded, "Meng Tinghui."
The person lowered their head: "Master Shen has removed this individual from the current women's jinshi examination, therefore the transcript can be brought for Your Highness to review"
Someone quietly asked: "Isn't it just that the pine trees in the Qingzhou camp have withered a bit? Is it really necessary to be so angry? Moreover, Lord Dong was personally selected by the King of Ping as the governor back in the day; the Crown Prince wouldn't disregard the King's face and..."
During this occasion, the Crown Prince, in disguise, personally inspected the North Road of Chao'an. It is entirely understandable that he became greatly enraged upon witnessing the dilapidated state of the Qingzhou military camp.
The young man unsheathed his sword from his waist, resting it on the ground, and raised an eyebrow, saying: "In the past, the Emperor and the Prince of Ping fought to establish the realm, enduring hardships and challenges without ever shortchanging the soldiers by a single coin. Now, the troops in Qingzhou and the other thirty-seven camps are weak and poorly equipped, the city walls are crumbling with no one to repair them, and countless weapons and shields are rusted. Where has the annual allocation from the court for military upkeep gone?" He rubbed his hand on the hilt of the sword a few times, then continued: "If one day chaos erupts in the northern borders, it would not be an exaggeration for your Chao'an Command to execute everyone in the office!"
The courtyard of the Anfu Envoy's office was filled with officials kneeling on the blue bricks.
People only know that he and she have since joined hands to advance and retreat together, and she even changed the name of the country to his title—He and Book—Ping
Dong Yicheng raised his eyes, wanting to argue a few words, but upon meeting the young man's sword-like gaze from above, he found himself unable to utter a single word
Your Highness, please forgive me! Your Highness, please forgive me! ... ... Dong Yicheng prostrated on the ground, repeatedly bowing his head.
A hundred rivers and a thousand streams stretch across vast territories, where blades and spears clash amidst a blood-soaked storm. Thousands of troops and horses line the battlefield, as the smoke of war rises from five nations. Great waves surge, bringing life and death, while the affairs of the world remain unpredictable and the fate of the realm uncertain. She and he, both sovereigns, transition from mutual hatred to love, from suspicion to trust, from confrontations on the battlefield to a united march northward. They break through the nations of Nanhou and Zhongwan, yet their advance halts before the siege of Beijian due to his grievous injuries that prove difficult to heal. The affairs of the world remain unpredictable and the fate of the realm uncertain. She and he, both sovereigns, transition from mutual hatred to love, from suspicion to trust, from confrontations on the battlefield to a united march northward. They break through the nations of Nanhou and Zhongwan, yet their advance halts before the siege of Beijian due to his grievous injuries that prove difficult to heal
Bai Danyong tightly gripped the reins with both hands, furrowing his brow for a long time before saying: "But if something were to happen to the Crown Prince in the north..."
The territories of the former countries of Nangu and Zhongwan have also been redefined for travel routes. The North Road of Chao'an corresponds to the northern region of the former country of Zhongwan, bordering the territory of Beijian. Over the years, the numerous camps and fortifications built along this route have only increased, which clearly demonstrates the court's emphasis on this road.
Dong Yicheng hurriedly lowered his head and trembled as he said, "I dare not!" After a pause, he continued, "Regarding the dilapidation of the Qingzhou garrison and the thirty-seven camps along the northern border, I have sent someone to investigate. Those kneeling in the courtyard outside are all individuals who usually participate in the military affairs of Chao'an. If there are questions or punishments to be meted out, they should all be handled by Your Highness"
The Crown Prince Ying was intelligent from a young age. At the age of fourteen, he began to participate in the governance of state affairs and military matters, while King Ping subsequently withdrew from political involvement. The Emperor would only discuss important state matters with the Crown Prince during significant occasions.
When King Ping abdicated, the Emperor unified the realm and renamed the country to Da Ping. In the third year of the Qian De era, the former officials of their original states gathered in the new capital, Suiyang. From that point on, the civil officials in the court secretly divided into two factions, East and West, and for over twenty years, they frequently clashed over matters of state and military affairs
Disguised and traveling incognito, without prior notice to any officials in the various states along Chao'an North Road, he went alone to the Qingzhou military camp. He then journeyed southward, surveying dozens of camps along the northern border without anyone's knowledge, before hastily returning to the Chongzhou government.
"Expelled?" He frowned and asked, "After ten years of hard study, why was this person expelled?"
The peach blossoms in the city begin to bloom, with tender pink petals falling everywhere, attracting butterflies and bees that chase after them incessantly
The Grand Tutor said, cherishing talent. The Grand Tutor also mentioned that this essay might just align with Your Highness's intentions
The people surrounding him heard this and all lowered their heads, no longer daring to speak. They felt a chill in the sunlight above them, and even the sweat on their bodies instantly evaporated.
Someone whispered in complaint: "The Crown Prince did not utter a word of punishment, so on what grounds does Lord Dong make us kneel here waiting?"
Bai Danyong is merely a close attendant of the Crown Prince; how could he possibly be aware of the matters concerning the officials' changes in the court? At this moment, seeing Shen Zhishu walking leisurely, he couldn't help but feel a bit anxious and hurriedly said: "Surely the Crown Prince has been waiting for us in the city for quite some time, Master Shen. We must hurry, lest we keep the Crown Prince waiting too long"
Lord Dong did not notice it beforehand, so what fault is there? Rather, it is I who came to Chao'an without first reporting to you, which has caused you trouble
The Emperor was originally the ruler of Tai, while the Ping King was also the ruler of Ye Qi. The two engaged in conflict for a full decade, and upon their first meeting, they became entangled for life, from that moment on, neither could be absent from the other's existence.
On the street outside the women's school, two individuals and two horses are slowly moving away.
Your Highness, I have no ... ...
Dong Yicheng's forehead was drenched in sweat, and he did not dare to make a sound
On a late spring day, once it passes noon, the sunlight pours down from the sky like molten lava, drenching this group of men dressed in heavy official robes. Even the calmest among them cannot withstand such scorching heat
Ying Guo coldly said: "Every time I come to the capital to report on my duties, I hear complaints about the court favoring the officials from the eastern and western provinces, looking down on you officials from the conquered territories... Now tell me, among the twenty-eight routes in the Great Peace Nation, which route's pacification envoy has more silver than you, Dong Yicheng?"
Even after so many years, the elders in the country still vividly remember the intense entanglements that took place under the chaotic iron curtain of that time
Dong Yicheng raised his head after lying down for half a day, saying, "I hope Your Highness will forgive me"
"What do you understand?" In the middle, someone interrupted, saying: "Have you heard of the Chaoyang monk and nun case from ten years ago? At that time, the Crown Prince had just turned fourteen, but the methods..." The speaker shivered, raised a hand to gesture at their neck, "And yet, someone who fought alongside Prince Ping was executed just like that! There wasn't even a report sent to the capital."
... ...
Before the establishment of the Great Peace, the world was originally divided into five parts
The command is as sharp as a sword, and no one dares to resist. Even though they are filled with fear and trepidation, they obediently wait in the office of the pacification commissioner, yet deep down, they remain uncertain about the true meaning behind the Crown Prince's move.
It was a contest between empires, as well as a romance between kings
Lord Dong
Shen Zhishu still smiled: "The white guard need not worry. The Crown Prince has been trained in martial arts since childhood under the direct supervision of the palace attendants, and he has also received personal instruction from Prince Ping. How could an ordinary person possibly harm him?"
The Crown Prince of the Great平国, whose surname is Ying and given name is Gua, is the only son of the current Empress Ying Huan and Prince Ping He Xi.
A man appearing to be in his forties knelt in the hall, bowing his head and saying: "Your Highness has come from the capital, and I have failed to notice it in advance. This is indeed a grave offense, and I hope Your Highness will forgive my anger."
Who could have imagined that the Crown Prince would choose this moment to visit Chao'an? And who could have anticipated that the Crown Prince would actually go to the Qingzhou camp for inspection
If one were to say whose ruthless methods in this world are the most fearsome, it would undoubtedly be King Ping. However, if one were to discuss whose thoughts are the most unfathomable in this world, that person would be Crown Prince Ying.
It is precisely the Crown Prince who is exceptional
He swept several thick documents off the table with a flick of his hand, saying, "In the past two years, there have always been bandits causing trouble in the northern border. What is your Chao'an Command doing? How are you supporting the hundred thousand imperial troops in the north? It's not that there are no reports against you in the court; every memorial criticizing you has been suppressed by the Emperor. But how have you treated the imperial edicts? Have you truly become complacent, thinking that the northern border will not descend into chaos?"
In those years, the Emperor and the Prince Ping, under the pretext of the Crown Prince, caused the people of the world to speculate for a long time, unable to comprehend its meaning. Only a few old ministers in the court, who had followed the two for many years, could understand the profound implications behind it
He looked at Dong Yicheng with a cold gaze, just about to speak again when suddenly someone outside the hall timidly reported: "Your Highness, someone from the examination hall has just arrived, saying that Master Shen has sent a test paper for Your Highness to review."
Atop the ochre-colored mountain, there is a hint of emerald green, meandering among the delicate, cotton-like white clouds
The person beside lowered their voice and said: "Do you lack eyes or brains? Can't you see how furious the Crown Prince was earlier? Lord Dong has us kneeling here, but it's the best strategy; otherwise, who knows how the Crown Prince would punish us!"
The second hall of the government office is indeed dark and cold.
The Crown Prince has arrived in Chao'an
A person in a purple robe approached, and after bowing, took out a prepared copy of the strategy paper from their sleeve, presenting it and saying: "Although it is against the rules, Master Shen still instructed me to present it to Your Highness for your review."
The young man in the seat called out softly.
Shen Zhishu saw him preparing to ride away and hurriedly stepped forward to stop him, her expression awkward. After hesitating for a moment, she finally said: "Guard Bai, the Crown Prince... he is no longer in the city."
Upon hearing the words "Go to the north and take a look," Bai Danyong was immediately infuriated and flicked his whip, saying in a deep voice: "So it turns out that Lord Shen asked me to accompany him to the girls' school today as an excuse! Lord Shen, now in his official position, how can he still play such tricks like he did in his youth with the Crown Prince, making me spin around in circles?" His eyes narrowed, and he turned his horse's head, intending to head north of the city. "Young Master, do you want me to lose my head this time? Where exactly did the Crown Prince go in the north?"
"Do not worry, White Guard," Shen Zhishu urged the horse forward, "If anything were to happen to the Crown Prince, I will first cut off my own head and serve as a stepping stone for you on the execution platform. How does that sound?"
In the east lies Ye and Qi, in the west are Tai and Dun, in the south is Hu and in the north is Jian, while in the center remains Tian and Wan
The written proposal does not align with the assigned topic. The Grand Tutor stated that although this individual possesses considerable knowledge, there is a suspicion of ostentation and a desire to stand out. Therefore, in accordance with the regulations, he was dismissed.
He raised an eyebrow, taking it over while saying: "Since the courtyard has been locked and the papers are being judged, how can the rules be broken? What does the Grand Tutor mean by this..."
Many people's official uniforms have been soaked with sweat, and almost everyone occasionally rolls up their sleeves to wipe the sweat rolling down their foreheads