I Rely on Beauty to Stabilize the Country - Chap 66
Chapter 66
On the fifth day after the morning court session, General Xue led his troops to depart from the border between the western capital and Hebei, together with Zhang’s merchant caravan.
On the open ground, tens of thousands of people gathered, drums and gongs resounded, their majestic sound echoing throughout the heavens and earth.
Gu Yuanbai dressed in imperial attire, respectfully offered wine to the heavens and earth, and performed blessings and sacrifices for the soldiers.
After he finished the blessings, General Xue rallied the troops with an inspiring war declaration.
General Xue had a wealth of experience, and even his impromptu speeches could stir people’s blood.
However, this time, General Xue was visibly excited. As he spoke of his experiences on the frontier and among the nomads, his fists clenched tightly, and he gritted his teeth.
The lower-ranking officers in the formation relayed every word of General Xue to ensure that everyone could hear what the commander-in-chief said.
After the oath ceremony, General Xue strode over to Gu Yuanbai, tears welling up in his eyes, and said, “I will not fail Your Majesty’s trust!”
Gu Yuanbai’s blood boiled as he listened, wishing he could also gallop into the battlefield. He composed himself, smiled, and helped General Xue up, saying in a loud voice, “Then I’ll await your triumphant return, General!”
After bidding farewell to General Xue and the merchant caravan, the Zhang family, responsible for the bookstore due to the Emperor’s request, diligently distributed the latest issue of the “Da Heng National Gazette,” as specifically instructed by the Emperor, throughout the lands of Da Heng.
When the local dignitaries received this newspaper, they saw clearly written on it that the rebels and their allies had sent envelopes to various local dignitaries before being wiped out.
Their hearts sank.
Due to the time difference, it took more than ten days after Gu Yuanbai moved to the summer palace for this issue of the “Da Heng National Gazette” to be delivered to the dignitaries through countless mountains and obstacles, thanks to the fast horses. By that time, it meant that the envelopes sent by the powerful figures in South Jing and Jiangnan had already been in the Emperor’s hands for nearly a month.
Almost immediately after reading the newspaper, all the powerful figures had the idea of personally going to the capital to meet the Emperor, whether to prove their innocence or to ease their uneasy minds. They had to see it with their own eyes.
However, not everyone could rush to the capital.
So, the powerful figures from various regions selected representatives from their respective areas. They specifically chose those who were well-known and had deep connections with Jing and Jiangnan, urging them to hasten their journey to the capital.
As the powerful figures were halfway on their journey, they heard that the Emperor had relocated to the summer palace. Therefore, they changed their route and hurriedly headed towards the summer palace in Hebei.
Thus, after comfortably staying in the summer palace for more than twenty days, Gu Yuanbai finally welcomed dozens of powerful figures who had come from all directions.
No matter how wealthy these powerful figures were, they couldn’t display arrogance in front of the Emperor.
They were all very cautious, avoiding looking around, dressed in modest and clean attire without any extravagant clothing or accessories that shouldn’t appear on them. They appeared before Gu Yuanbai, fearing that a small misstep would offend the noble.
Meanwhile, Gu Yuanbai had a brazier brought in.
The powerful figures couldn’t help but look towards the brazier, their faces showing a hint of confusion.
Gu Yuanbai smiled faintly and whispered a few words. Tian Fusheng placed a bag full of snow-white envelopes next to the brazier.
“When I dispatched troops to suppress the rebels in Jing and Jiangnan, many local powerful figures had become allies of the rebels. Before the enemy forces arrived at their cities, they had sent out numerous letters seeking support and alliances,” Gu Yuanbai calmly explained, “And this bag contains the letters these powerful figures had once sent.”
The gaze of the powerful figures shifted to the envelopes, their hearts filled with anxiety, their breaths involuntarily paused.
Gu Yuanbai continued with a smile, “I understand why each of you has come here. I have never opened these envelopes nor do I wish to falsely accuse my subjects of supporting the rebels. Since you have come all the way here, it is just right. Tian Fusheng.”
Tian Fusheng respectfully replied, “Yes, Your Majesty.”
Gu Yuanbai casually said, “Burn these envelopes.”
“Yes.” Tian Fusheng took out one letter after another from the bag and threw them into the brazier without even blinking. Sparks suddenly leaped in the brazier, casting flickering light on the ground. The gazes of the surrounding powerful figures were filled with astonishment.
The Emperor actually burned them so cleanly and decisively?!
Many sharp-eyed individuals immediately realized that these envelopes were indeed in their unopened state. Some powerful figures with close connections to Jiangnan recognized the handwriting on the letterhead and were shocked. Their legs went weak because they vaguely knew that these envelopes must have been sent to them.
However, as they witnessed these letters being consumed by the flames, all the powerful figures couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief, escaping from the brink of disaster.
They were trembling with fear and couldn’t help but express gratitude in their hearts for the Emperor’s generosity and magnanimity.
Gu Yuanbai maintained a gentle attitude and said, “I have said that I will no longer investigate this matter. A gentleman’s words are as precious as a swift horse that cannot be caught up to. Rest assured, everyone.”
This method of winning over hearts stirred the powerful figures deeply. They bid farewell to Gu Yuanbai in a respectful manner and left the summer palace, still in disbelief.
The constant anxiety that plagued them on their journey disappeared completely, replaced by unwavering admiration for the Emperor.
Such magnanimity and decisiveness—burning the envelopes used to manipulate them—what a remarkable display of tolerance!
Inside the palace, Gu Yuanbai savored a few sips of tea, instructed Tian Fusheng to tidy up the brazier and ashes, and then leisurely attended to government affairs.
In history, as far as Gu Yuanbai remembered, there were two individuals who had performed such an act of burning letters: Cao Cao, the King of Wei, and Emperor Guangwu Liu Xiu.
Both of them had sent surrender letters to the enemy when the situation was unfavorable, and after emerging victorious, they discovered these letters in the enemy’s residence. In the presence of their subjects, they chose to burn all those letters and declared that they would no longer investigate the matter.
There were many benefits to such an action. First, it prevented a future situation of anxiety and mutual suspicion among the people. Second, it was an excellent means of winning over hearts, demonstrating the magnanimity of a ruler.
The third reason was that Gu Yuanbai’s intention was still to reclaim land from these powerful figures. However, the situation was still developing internally, and external enemies were keeping a close watch. At this moment, what Gu Yuanbai should do is to ease the relationship between the Emperor and the powerful figures.
He had taken control of South Jing and Jiangnan, and Jiangnan was a bustling hub of commercial interests in the entire realm. Moreover, due to the anti-corruption campaign, the powerful figures were restless and uneasy. In such a situation, a method to maintain stability was needed.
One should proceed step by step, and the ultimate goal should not be entirely revealed.
This approach would be the best. Softening their attitudes, calming their hearts, and gaining their trust in the Emperor—these were necessary steps.
Gu Yuanbai placed the teacup aside and marked a magnificent “approval” character on the memorial.
After a moment, the Chief Guard walked in with large strides. After bowing to Gu Yuanbai, he hesitated.
Gu Yuanbai glanced at him lazily and said, “Speak.”
“Your Majesty, I just heard an incredibly exquisite poem,” the Chief Guard said formally. “This poem is melodious, profound in meaning, and adheres to the rules of rhythm. It was composed by Chang Yu, who has been contemplating and refining it for the past twenty days.”
Gu Yuanbai became interested and said, “Read it aloud for me.”
The Chief Guard recited the poem word by word.
The first four lines were gentle and implicit, with vivid and beautiful language. Gu Yuanbai could vaguely sense that it was a poem about longing. However, when the Chief Guard continued with the next line, he fell silent.
Indeed, it flowed smoothly and was exceptionally exquisite. The more Gu Yuanbai listened, the stronger the feeling of familiarity became. He interrupted the Chief Guard and asked, “Who is this poem written for?”
The Chief Guard replied discreetly, “I heard that the title of the poem is ‘A Gift to a Friend: July 21st, A Night Conversation with Xue Jiuyao.'”
“…,” Gu Yuanbai realized the source of the familiarity in the poem when he heard Xue Jiuyao’s name.
An inexplicable feeling of both laughter and tears welled up in him. He lowered his head and took a sip of tea, swallowing this indescribable sensation. Then, he tapped the table, thought for a moment, and asked, “How is Xue Jiuyao doing now?”
The Emperor’s tone revealed neither joy nor anger. Tian Fusheng, who had a peculiar expression on his face since the Chief Guard recited the poem, couldn’t help but recall Xue Jiuyao’s treasonous words from before. A chill ran down his spine, and he quickly lowered his head, trying to diminish his presence.
When the Emperor went to meet Xue Jiuyao earlier, the Chief Guard and his brothers were sent to handle affairs on his behalf, so they were not present. After their return, those who had been warned by Tian Fusheng did not dare to utter a single word about the matter. Therefore, the Chief Guard remained unaware of Xue Jiuyao’s treacherous intentions towards the Emperor.
He honestly replied, “Mr. Xue’s injuries have improved significantly compared to before.”
Tian Fusheng’s eyelids twitched incessantly, silently praying in his heart, “General Zhang, please don’t say anything more!”
Having served by the Emperor’s side for many years, he still couldn’t discern the Emperor’s current mindset. According to reason, with Xue Jiuyao having said such things, executing him would be justified. But not only did the Emperor refrain from executing him, he also suppressed the matter. It was evident that the Emperor’s attitude towards Xue Jiuyao was extraordinary. For those of them who were slaves and officials, it was truly perplexing.
Gu Yuanbai spoke with a hint of playfulness, “How did you come up with the idea to visit him?”
“While accompanying Your Majesty on the morning visit to inquire about the Empress Dowager’s health, I encountered a servant from Xue Residence on the way back,” the Chief Guard explained. “The servant was reciting this poem, and I recognized the person mentioned in the poem. After a few words, I followed the servant to visit Mr. Xue.”
The executioners were tall and strong, they ate a lot, and they had ample strength. When they wielded the large paddle, bruises would appear on the flesh.
The imperial physician had examined Xue Jiuyao’s physical condition; there shouldn’t be any major issues. After all, even at that time, he had enough strength to hold Gu Yuanbai’s hand and speak those words to him.
As Gu Yuanbai thought about this, he became absent-minded for a while and suddenly chuckled. He stood up and said, “Let’s go, I’ll go out and see for myself what this poem is all about.”
He wanted to find out what Xue Jiuyao was really up to.
