frightfiction Chapter 314: The Duty of Monarch and Subject
Chapter 314: The Duty of Monarch and Subject
imperial study room
The news of Marquis Wu'an's purge of his residence spread like a violent storm across the capital, with the streets abuzz with discussion and the entire mansion in chaos. However, Marquis Wu'an seemed to be staying out of the matter, leisurely and contentedly hiding in the imperial study.
Marquis Wu'an and Emperor Mingde sat opposite each other, with black and white pieces intertwined on the chessboard, and the two were concentrating on playing Go.
They had a deep friendship that lasted for decades, and this friendship did not create any barriers due to the change in their status as monarch and subject. On the contrary, when there was no one around, their relationship became increasingly close, to the point where they could talk about almost anything.
Just as the game was going well, Marquis Wu'an's expression suddenly changed. He reached out and grabbed the chess piece that had just fallen, and shouted to Emperor Mingde, "Oh! Your Majesty, I made a wrong move just now!"
This shout broke the original tranquility in the study.
Emperor Mingde was stunned at first, then came to his senses and showed a helpless smile on his face.
He shook his head and said, "Wei Tingqian, ah Wei Tingqian, you're really getting better at cheating! This is already the fifth time you've regretted your move today!"
Although there was some blame in his words, it was more of an indulgence for his old friend.
However, as Marquis Wu'an regretted his moves again and again, Emperor Mingde's patience was finally exhausted.
He stood up suddenly, pointed his finger directly at Marquis Wu'an's nose, and shouted angrily, "What a shameless fellow! You are so brazen in reversing your moves. Do you really think I dare not punish you? If you continue to be so shameless, I will chop off your head and see how you can continue to cheat!"
After saying this, Emperor Mingde's chest heaved violently with anger, and it was obvious that he was extremely furious.
Wei Tingqian's eyes fell on the Emperor Mingde, whose face turned pale with anger. After sighing, he simply dropped his disguise and stopped trying to deal with this chess game.
He slowly stood up, exhaled a long breath, then reached out and put the chess pieces in front of him back into the exquisite chess box one by one.
He looked extremely dejected, and spoke weakly, "Your Majesty, please forgive me for speaking frankly. I really have no intention of playing chess. I hope Your Majesty can show mercy and let me go this time."
Emperor Mingde had long seen that Wei Tingqian's heart was no longer on the chessboard, but seeing that he voluntarily admitted defeat and begged for mercy, he did not continue to make things difficult for him.
Emperor Mingde simply put aside the usual complicated etiquette between the monarch and his subjects, casually waved his hand to signal Wei Tingqian to sit down, and then chatted with him about family matters as if they were old friends.
"My dear Wei, I think you don't need to be so gloomy. Look at your son Jinxuan, he brings you so much honor! While the top scholar is rare, there is only one every three years, but a prodigy like Jinxuan who can achieve the sixth place is rare to see in hundreds of years! Tell me, what else is there that you are not satisfied with?"
Emperor Mingde smiled and gave earnest words of comfort.
How could Marquis Wu'an not understand the profound meaning of the emperor's words?
His son was indeed talented and ambitious. If the relationship between him and his son could be eased or even reconciled, the Marquis of Wu'an's Mansion would probably be decorated with lights and holding a grand banquet to celebrate this supreme honor.
Now, not only does the son refuse to even step into the house, he even treats his biological father coldly and refuses to call him "Dad".
Whenever he thought of this, Wei Tingqian felt a pang of sadness in his heart, and felt that he had no place to vent his grievances.
Seeing his sad face and constant sighing, Emperor Mingde understood what was happening and knew that he could no longer make fun of him.
Emperor Mingde began to ponder this matter seriously. After a moment, he offered some advice: "In my opinion, if you were half as wise at home as you are on the battlefield, you wouldn't be living in such chaos! Besides, why would you resort to physical warfare to capture a city? There's no need to worry too much about your son being difficult to discipline. I've seen that your daughter-in-law is extremely intelligent and perceptive."
Wu Anhou had been listless at first, but upon hearing this, his eyes suddenly lit up and he instantly became energetic, even with a hint of excitement and joy. He hurriedly asked, "Your Majesty, do you really think that girl is quite good?"
"It's more than good! I have already sent people to investigate carefully.
That girl is no ordinary woman. Not only does she possess exquisite medical skills, but she's also a skilled businessman. And the grace and demeanor she displayed before me and the entire court that day was truly beyond the reach of any ordinary noblewoman. Even the many powerful ministers in the court would be ashamed of themselves!
Emperor Mingde slowly and calmly told Marquis Wu'an everything he had learned about the woman during this period, just to calm his anxious heart a little.
He really couldn't bear to watch his only close friend so anxious and uneasy all day long!
When he thought of Ru Yue's gentle, charming and considerate appearance, a smile of relief appeared on Wu Anhou's face involuntarily, and he secretly felt lucky for his son.
You know, marrying such a virtuous woman is a great blessing in life!
Seeing Marquis Wu'an's expression, Emperor Mingde also laughed and said, "I sincerely hope that the relationship between Jinxuan and the Crown Prince can be like you and me, not only as monarch and subject in the court, but also as close friends who can speak freely and discuss everything."
After saying this, he sighed slightly, as if remembering something troubling him. He then continued, "Being an emperor is truly a tough job. If it weren't for your constant assistance and support over the years, I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to endure this hardship and fatigue."
Upon hearing Emperor Mingde's sentimental words, Marquis Wu'an quickly rose and saluted, respectfully responding, "Your Majesty, your words truly humble me. Your Highness the Crown Prince is incredibly intelligent and shrewd, in no way inferior to Your Majesty's brilliance in his youth. And now, with your personal guidance and support, he will surely become a wise and virtuous ruler whose name will go down in history."
If someone else had said this, they would have been charged with the serious crime of treason and deceiving the emperor. However, since this pair of king and minister had always been honest with each other in private and had no scruples, they dared to speak so frankly.
Emperor Mingde sighed, "Alas! After all, they still lack the deep friendship we cultivated since childhood."
"Jinxuan is the top scorer in this year's imperial examination. He also performed a significant feat, finding a rare and valuable medicine for the Empress Dowager. I'm thinking of allowing him to enter the imperial court directly for training. This way, we can cultivate capable ministers for the Crown Prince to help him govern the country in the future; it will also allow Jinxuan to fully develop his talents and ambitions."
Emperor Mingde looked at Marquis Wu'an, as if asking for his opinion, but his tone seemed as if he was just stating the idea that had already formed in his mind.
Upon hearing this, Marquis Wu'an paused for a moment before responding, "In my opinion, we should let Jinxuan assist His Royal Highness the Crown Prince first. This arrangement will not only help the two of them cultivate a deep bond between ruler and subject, but will also allow Jinxuan to impart to His Royal Highness the knowledge he has accumulated over five years of wandering among the people, as well as his profound understanding of the suffering of the common people. Perhaps Jinxuan can offer the Crown Prince some unique insights."
Chu Ning'an, who was staying at home peacefully, suddenly sneezed loudly.
He couldn't help but look up at the sky.
Although the weather was still a little chilly, the sun hanging high in the sky was exceptionally bright and clear.
Come to think of it, this sneeze was a bit strange, so it shouldn't be a big deal, right? So, Chu Ning'an stopped thinking about it and continued to enjoy this quiet time leisurely.
After Emperor Mingde heard what Marquis Wu'an said, his hand, which was already trembling slightly with excitement, suddenly slapped his thigh, and a crisp sound echoed in the hall.
He stood up suddenly, his face filled with excitement, and shouted to the eunuch beside him, "Quickly go and fetch the Crown Prince! I feel that now is the time to show some appreciation to them."
Seeing this scene, Marquis Wu'an felt a tightness in his heart.
His Majesty the Emperor has always been so decisive and quick to act, never giving people any time to react.
At this moment, he looked at the impetuous emperor before him and broke into a cold sweat for no reason. However, Marquis Wu'an thought again, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has been extremely intelligent and calm since childhood. Surely, he would be able to handle any situation with ease?
Thinking of this, Marquis Wu'an felt relieved a little, but a look of worry still appeared on his face.