I Rely on Beauty to Stabilize the Country - Chap 70
Chapter 70
The Emperor’s birthday is called the Wan Shou Festival.
On the day of the Wan Shou Festival, the Emperor receives congratulatory visits from officials and accepts their tribute gifts. During the Wan Shou Festival, the slaughtering of animals is prohibited, and criminal cases are put on hold for several days. Civil and military officials are required to wear ceremonial robes. On this day, the artisans in the capital decorate the main streets with colorful paintings and fabrics, creating a vibrant atmosphere with singing and dancing.
Officials from various regions also set up incense altars to pay their respects in the direction of the capital city.
Gu Yuanbai’s birthday happens to fall during the golden autumn season, when the harvest of grains takes place. The Emperor’s birthday holds special significance, and preparations for the celebration have been underway in the capital since Gu Yuanbai and his ministers relocated to the summer palace.
When the Wan Shou Festival arrives, even foreign envoys travel to the grand capital of Daheng to offer birthday wishes to Gu Yuanbai. And Gu Yuanbai himself wishes to take this opportunity to learn more about these foreign envoys who come to pay their respects.
Regarding birthdays, all the formalities and protocols are specified in the law. Before and after the Wan Shou Festival, the entire Daheng Empire will observe a three-day holiday.
When a person’s birthday becomes a celebration for all, it is no longer solely up to the birthday person to decide what to do. Gu Yuanbai simply instructed not to be extravagant and wasteful.
A few more days passed, and news spread throughout the court about the failure of the governor of Lizhou in suppressing the bandits, resulting in his own demise.
Since the governor of Lizhou forced the people into banditry and colluded with the bandits, this matter, once exposed, would undoubtedly shake the people’s confidence. Therefore, it had to be kept secret, with no hint of it leaking out. Even the Minister of Personnel, who had previously voluntarily resigned and appealed to Gu Yuanbai, only knew that the governor of Lizhou had condoned bandits plundering the local people and had embezzled a lot of money. He was unaware of the deeper twists and turns involved.
Only Gu Yuanbai and a few trusted confidants knew the deeper truth.
By the time the story reached the ears of the court officials, it had undergone significant changes.
The governor of Lizhou, fearing the consequences of his embezzlement, attempted to redeem himself through meritorious service and rashly led a team to suppress the bandits. However, he was instead killed by the bandits. The murder of a high-ranking official of the court escalated the situation, eventually leading to the deployment of garrison troops, who captured all the bandits in the surrounding Lizhou area.
Some of the bandits are now being sent to the capital as laborers to cultivate the most challenging piece of wasteland in the western suburbs. As for the bandit leaders who caused great harm to Lizhou and the neighboring regions, they are beheaded in front of the people of Lizhou as a public display.
The governor of Lizhou got off easy.
Originally, he should have been notorious, forever condemned in history by the masses. However, because of the hidden nature and the extent of the terrifying consequences of his actions, which could have led to unrest and turmoil, it was necessary to handle the matter discreetly and spread the news that “the governor of Lizhou only committed the crime of embezzlement.”
The longer Gu Yuanbai stayed in ancient times, the more he realized that history was like a little girl who could be dressed up at will. It was a fig leaf in the hands of those in power and the victors.
Gu Yuanbai tossed the document that clearly stated the cause of the governor of Lizhou’s death onto the table and looked at the historian beside him, asking, “Did you write it clearly?”
The historian nodded and handed Gu Yuanbai the record of today’s morning court session. It was written clearly at the top: “Upon hearing of the incident in Lizhou, the court officials sighed and regretted. They lamented his embezzlement but also regretted that he was killed while attempting to redeem himself through meritorious service. When news of the governor of Lizhou’s corruption reached the Emperor, he became furious and said, “This person is a waste of My concern.”
“Very well,” Gu Yuanbai said. “That will do.”
The historian respectfully acknowledged and took the document, quietly retreating to prepare for transcribing it into the historical records.
Kong Yilin and the others, who were transporting a group of free laborers back to the capital, were also about to arrive in the western suburbs of the city. Gu Yuanbai turned the jade ring in his hand, but when his hand touched it, he paused involuntarily.
After a while, he asked, “How is the person?”
This sudden question left Tian Fusheng puzzled. Fortunately, he quickly regained his composure and tentatively replied, “To Your Majesty, no major news has come from the Xue Residence, so Master Xue should be fine.”
“Should?” Gu Yuanbai’s brow furrowed, and he asked with concern, “What do you mean by ‘should’?”
Cold sweat trickled down Tian Fusheng’s temples, and he immediately admitted his mistake. “I will go and find out the details immediately.”
Gu Yuanbai felt a bit annoyed. He rubbed his temples, trying to suppress his irritation. “You may leave.”
That day, being present there, he only felt something was off. Now, thinking back, it was probably because Xue Yuan’s injuries were still severe. The strange smell he had detected was likely the smell of blood.
After running in filthy water with such serious injuries for so long, wouldn’t his flesh have rotted?
People with good health treated their bodies so recklessly, making those with poor health feel frustrated no matter how they thought about it.
Gu Yuanbai leaned back.
As Gu Yuanbai’s temple throbbed, he let his long sleeves drape over the soft chair, his expression carrying a hint of indifference.
If someone would mistreat themselves just to salvage a lifeless object for him, such behavior wouldn’t be seen as affection or loyalty in Gu Yuanbai’s eyes; it would be deemed foolish.
Human life was more precious than anything else.
Or perhaps, was Xue Yuan’s claim of giving his all for him meant to be taken literally?
For the sake of a jade finger ring?
After a while, the Emperor commanded, “Summon Chang Yuyan.”
Upon receiving the summons from the Emperor, Chang Yuyan hastily tidied his official robe and headgear. He followed the eunuch who had called him and made his way towards the Emperor’s palace.
The pathways within the summer palace twisted and turned, showcasing the pinnacle of garden artistry. The summer heat was no longer oppressive, and as Chang Yuyan walked along, he maintained the appearance of a dashing and refined gentleman.
“I pay my respects to Your Majesty,” Chang Yuyan said as he bowed. This was the second time he was being summoned alone, so he couldn’t help but feel a bit nervous. “Has Your Majesty summoned me for something specific?”
Gu Yuanbai lifted his head from the book and smiled at Chang Yuyan. “No urgent matter. Don’t be so formal. I’m simply feeling a bit bored, so I called for Changqing to accompany me for a chat.”
Chang Yuyan was someone highly regarded and favored by Gu Yuanbai. He was granted a seat and a chessboard was arranged for them.
Chang Yuyan was somewhat overwhelmed by the favor shown to him. He sat down as instructed, but before he could fully settle in, he remembered the incident when the Emperor played chess with Chu Wei last time and couldn’t help but remark, “Last time when Your Majesty played chess with Lord Chu, I missed the opportunity to observe it firsthand. Until now, I still feel regretful about it.”
Gu Yuanbai chuckled and said, “Then today, we will remedy that regret for you, Changqing.”
Chang Yuyan smiled, rolled up his sleeves, and began playing chess with the Emperor.
He played well, and Gu Yuanbai became a bit more serious. After Chang Yuyan gradually immersed himself in the game, Gu Yuanbai casually asked, “I heard that Changqing has recently composed another excellent poem.”
Gu Yuanbai only used half of his attention, but his chess moves were fraught with danger, filled with traps and sharp tactics. Chang Yuyan focused his entire mind on the chessboard, and his words slipped out without much thought, revealing something he shouldn’t have said. “Yes, a few days ago, Xue Jiuyao insisted that I compose a poem for him.”
As he caressed the smooth chess pieces with his fingers, Gu Yuanbai chuckled. “So Changqing and Xueqing are that close?”
Chang Yuyan wryly smiled. “Given Xue Jiuyao’s temperament, who can…”
He suddenly snapped back to his senses, his nerves instantly tense. He quickly stood up and apologized, “I misspoke. I beg Your Majesty’s forgiveness.”
“It’s alright,” Gu Yuanbai smiled faintly. “Why be so restrained, the top scholar?”
The question sent shivers down one’s spine, but as soon as the Emperor smiled, that chill was instantly suppressed. His mind became muddled, and he no longer remembered the danger.
Chang Yuyan blushed and sat back down.
Just look, someone like Xue Jiuyao has a friend like Chang Yuyan. Regardless of other matters, in terms of etiquette and respect towards Gu Yuanbai, Xue Jiuyao was far inferior to Chang Yuyan.
But at the same time…
In front of Chang Yuyan, Gu Yuanbai was also an Emperor unrelated to other matters.
Gu Yuanbai smiled and suddenly felt a bit bored. He stopped asking questions and focused on playing the chess game with Chang Yuyan. With his increased concentration, Chang Yuyan quickly crumbled.
Chang Yuyan admired, “Your Majesty’s chess skills are extraordinary.”
The corner of the Emperor’s mouth curled up, and Chang Yuyan continued, “Xue Jiuyao’s playing style bears some resemblance to yours, Your Majesty. When facing such a chess strategy, I truly have no way out.”
Gu Yuanbai raised an eyebrow, with a teasing tone, “He also knows how to play chess?”
Chang Yuyan couldn’t help but laugh, “The books in Xue Jiuyao’s study might be more numerous than the ones in my residence.”
This genuinely surprised Gu Yuanbai.
Observing the Emperor’s reaction, Chang Yuyan couldn’t stop talking. His mind became somewhat unclear, and he kept amusing the Emperor with Xue Yuan’s embarrassing stories. “Not only does Xue Jiuyao have many books in his room, but I also discovered that he started making kites despite his illness some time ago.”
Gu Yuanbai paused. “Kites?”
“Yes,” Chang Yuyan replied, “it’s a swallow-shaped kite.”
Gu Yuanbai asked, “What’s the meaning behind writing on the kite?”
Chang Yuyan’s face revealed a hint of confusion. “I’m not sure about that.”
Gu Yuanbai nodded slightly and dismissed him.
Once the person left, Gu Yuanbai raised his hand to pick up the cup but extended his fingers and noticed the deep green jade ring.
He looked at it for a while and suddenly reached out to remove the jade ring, snorting coldly. “It annoys me to look at it.”
Tian Fusheng heard the remark and cautiously said, “Shall I bring some new jade rings for Your Majesty?”
Gu Yuanbai glanced at him, the word “no” lingering in his throat. After a moment’s consideration, he said, “Bring some.”
After finishing his duty, Chang Yuyan entered the Xue residence.
When he arrived, Xue Yuan was using a dagger to carve wood.
Xue Yuan, dressed in an inner garment with a robe draped over it, had black hair falling behind him. He appeared serious, with a cold and aloof expression.
Chang Yuyan couldn’t help but suppress his smile and sat upright beside him. “Xue Jiuyao, what are you doing again?”
His fingers covered in wood shavings, Xue Yuan lazily replied, “Carving wood.”
Chang Yuyan choked. “Of course, I know you’re carving wood. I’m asking what kind of wood you’re planning to carve.”
A smirk curled at the corner of Xue Yuan’s lips. “None of your business.”
Chang Yuyan had grown accustomed to ignoring his words. He cleared his throat, straightened his back, and casually said, “I was summoned by the Emperor today.”
Xue Yuan continued working on the wood as if he were indifferent. “Hmm?”
“The Emperor talked to me, played a game of chess with me,” Chang Yuyan’s smile grew uncontrollably, and he sighed in admiration. “The Emperor’s chess skills are truly remarkable. I exerted all my strength but could only hold on for a short while.”
Xue Yuan fell silent, spinning the dagger in his hand. The sharp blade reflected the lingering glow of the setting sun, casting flashes of golden light on his face.
“Then what happened?” he asked.
What happened?
Chang Yuyan looked at Xue Yuan’s profile, and for some reason, the words he intended to say got stuck in his throat. Naturally, he smiled and shifted his gaze from Xue Yuan to the wood in his hand, speaking unchanged, “And then, there was nothing more. The Emperor is busy with state affairs. After exchanging a few words with me, he let me go.”
