I Rely on Beauty to Stabilize the Country - Chap 74
Chapter 74
Gu Yuanbai understood what Xue Yuan meant.
Because of his weak health and Xue Yuan’s fondness for him, whenever he fell ill, Xue Yuan would also feel distressed.
He referred to this as “bullying him.”
No matter how anyone listened to it, it sounded profound and seemed to carry a confession.
Xue Yuan was deliberately showing weakness and employing a strategy of letting go to gain control. How could Gu Yuanbai not see through it?
Gu Yuanbai was annoyed, particularly by Xue Yuan’s deliberate probing. Every word and action was a test, repeatedly probing him. What did he want to test? What did he want to see from his attitude?
Gu Yuanbai coughed and couldn’t utter a word. When he was finally able to speak and stand upright, Xue Yuan let go, no longer requiring him to express his understanding.
Gu Yuanbai took the handkerchief, looked at him coldly, and thought to himself, “Here it comes again, another pretentious attempt to test him.”
“Let’s go,” Gu Yuanbai covered his mouth and nose with the handkerchief, coughed a few more times, “back to the palace.”
Xue Yuan obediently waited for the emperor to leave. Once the emperor’s entourage was out of sight, he turned around, leisurely carrying the birdcage on his way back.
The sparrow in the cage suddenly started fluttering its wings, and Xue Yuan lowered his head to take a look, chuckling, “What are you hitting against? Do you want to die that badly?”
He glanced at the plaque of the Chu Mansion not far away, suddenly realizing something, “Or is it that you’ve taken a liking to Master Chu?”
The sparrow’s chirping grew louder, and Xue Yuan opened the cage, allowing the sparrow to soar into the sky.
With his gaze no longer fixed on the plaque of the Chu Mansion, Xue Yuan hummed the melody of the poem that Chang Yu wrote for him, in a cheerful mood.
After a few more days, Kong Yilin and his entourage finally arrived in the western capital.
The main army stayed outside the western capital, while Kong Yilin and the supervisory officials who returned from Lizhou hurriedly rode their horses to the imperial summer palace in Hebei to meet the emperor.
Gu Yuanbai had already received the news in advance. Qin Sheng stayed behind with the Eastern Wing Guard to guard the prisoners. The Eastern Wing Guards under the emperor’s command were in high spirits, as they must not let anything happen to the prisoners at their own doorstep.
When these officials, who had traveled a long distance, arrived, the palace had already prepared bathing water and meals.
Kong Yilin and the other officials were led to the bathing area. After bathing, they changed into clean and tidy robes. Looking at each other, the fatigue and weariness on their faces had disappeared.
The Chief Imperial Censor glanced around and a smile appeared on his stern face. “Now that I see everyone, it seems you all have regained some vitality.”
Another official laughed heartily, “We are favored by the Emperor, and the bathing water is comfortable. There must be something invigorating in it. Even these clothes fit perfectly. All the exhaustion has been washed away, and I feel extremely comfortable now.”
Someone interjected abruptly, “But I’m hungry.”
Everyone burst into laughter. A eunuch stepped forward in time and led them to the dining area.
Master Mi and Kong Yilin engaged in idle conversation. “Mr. Kong, your beard has grown.”
Kong Yilin smiled wryly and said, “As a tall man, once my beard grows, it looks even more wild. I just hope it won’t startle the Emperor later.”
“Why would the Emperor mind that?” Master Mi chuckled and stroked his own beard. “Our Emperor is the most benevolent.”
Kong Yilin smiled and nodded, agreeing with Master Mi’s words.
Gu Yuanbai felt sorry for this group of officials, so he made sure the imperial kitchen put in a lot of effort. By the time the officials finished bathing, the dishes were already served, and there was an abundance of food and drinks.
Seeing the delicious feast laid out before them, the officials’ stomachs rumbled, and their mouths watered. The leading eunuch chuckled and said, “The Emperor has instructed that the officials should dine first. Once you are satisfied, you can proceed to the meeting together.”
“We will be waiting outside. If any of you need more wine or tea, just let us know.”
The eunuchs all retreated and waited at the door, ready to take orders. With the absence of these palace attendants, many people couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief.
Master Mi took the lead and sat down. He rarely felt so relaxed. “Gentlemen, no need to be formal. This is the Emperor’s sincere gesture towards us. Let us raise our cups and enjoy the feast to our heart’s content.”
After the bath, it was a feast. When the officials were satiated and content, their faces glowed, and the exhaustion from their rushed journey had dissipated.
Only then did Gu Yuanbai summon them.
The officials looked vibrant as they saluted Gu Yuanbai. Master Mi, the Chief Imperial Censor, respectfully bowed, “I pay my respects to Your Majesty!”
“Please rise,” Gu Yuanbai smiled and praised them repeatedly, “Gentlemen, your efforts on this journey have been remarkable. Discovering so many corrupt officials and parasites who exploit the people, We, this seat, am deeply gratified. It is because of all of you that our Da Heng is thriving, and the people can live in peace and prosperity.”
The officials quickly humbly declined, and Master Mi stepped forward, reporting some important matters from their trip to Gu Yuanbai.
Each of them presented a written report, including reports from local officials to prevent excessive anti-corruption measures and abuse of power by the inspectors in the capital.
While Gu Yuanbai looked at the reports, he listened to Master Mi’s words. In fact, these words were already included in the reports, but Master Mi wanted to ensure that they were detailed enough.
After he finished speaking, Tian Fusheng personally served a cup of tea. Master Mi hurriedly expressed his gratitude, “Thank you, Your Excellency.”
“Master Mi, you have handled things well,” Gu Yuanbai nodded in agreement. “Whether it is dealing with the bandits in Lizhou or punishing corrupt officials, it aligns with my intentions.”
“I am ashamed,” Master Mi said, “Your Majesty had already established regulations before the anti-corruption campaign. The severity of punishment is determined by the amount of embezzlement. We officials are simply following the rules set by Your Majesty.”
Gu Yuanbai smiled and had a warm conversation with them before allowing them to rest.
However, Kong Yilin stayed behind alone.
With his tall stature, his previously slightly stooped back had straightened completely after the two-month-long journey. He exuded a deeper sense of calm and maturity. “Your Majesty, I have another memorial to present.”
Tian Fusheng took his memorial, and Gu Yuanbai opened it and smiled, “Kong Qing, you have done well.”
After confirming Kong Yilin’s abilities along the way, Gu Yuanbai had the inspectors make contact with him. After some testing, Kong Yilin was initially surprised, but quickly regained his composure and respectfully accepted the special tasks assigned by Gu Yuanbai.
Kong Yilin bowed deeply, “I will not fail in my mission.”
Gu Yuanbai had given him two tasks. First, to explore the local customs and resources along the way, seeking valuable and developable resources. Second, to investigate the status and level of education of the hidden and unregistered households in various regions.
In ancient times, among a population of one million, only a few tens of thousands could read. Through Kong Yilin’s investigation, it was discovered that in some remote areas, there had not been a scholar in several decades.
Whenever the court issued policies or good decrees, due to different routes and information blockages, these remote areas never received any news from the court.
Moreover, they discovered that many households had concealed or unregistered members.
After gaining control over South Jing and Jiangnan, Gu Yuanbai immediately issued orders for the officials in prefectures, counties, and townships to organize household registrations and taxation. In some areas that had suffered from the ravages of war and rebel forces, Gu Yuanbai waived two years’ worth of taxes due to severe losses.
The task of organizing household registrations required officials to personally visit each household, count the number of people, and verify the appearance and age of the residents, ensuring it matched the information recorded in the government archives.
This was a monumental project that progressed slowly, but once the approximate number of missing individuals in these two regions was determined, it would provide a general overview of the entire country.
Gu Yuanbai also intended to focus on the task of organizing household registrations and taxation after the anti-corruption efforts gained momentum.
As the emperor leisurely perused the memorial, he casually remarked, “Kong Qing should know that I have a supervisory department operating in the shadows.”
Kong Yilin’s spirits lifted, and he suppressed his voice, deeply bowing, “I am indeed aware, Your Majesty.”
Kong Yilin appeared composed, but his nature inclined towards unconventional methods. After learning of the existence of the supervisory department, he couldn’t help but admire Gu Yuanbai even more.
To establish such an organization while surrounded by great power and corrupt officials was a testament to the Emperor’s formidable character and temperament.
Therefore, upon understanding the role and significance of the supervisory department, Kong Yilin didn’t hesitate to accept the secret edict from the Emperor. The supervisory department was like a hidden blade, and the allure of operating in the shadows greatly appealed to Kong Yilin.
Gu Yuanbai smiled and placed the finished memorial on the table. He picked up his teacup, said nothing, and calmly enjoyed his tea.
After a while, Kong Yilin smiled bitterly. He was the first to be defeated, and he performed another bow. “I don’t know if I have the ability to enter the Emperor’s supervisory department.”
“Do you truly want to enter?” Gu Yuanbai’s expression suddenly became serious. He sat upright, his eyes shining as he looked at Kong Yilin. “Kong Qing, you possess great talent and have insightful views on governing the country. If you join the supervisory department, even if you accomplish great deeds for me, these matters will remain unknown to others.”
Kong Yilin smiled and replied, “I hold an official position and am willing to share Your Majesty’s worries.”
Gu Yuanbai smiled and casually said, “What if I want to launch an attack on Western Xia?”
Kong Yilin focused his attention, carefully pondered for a moment, and then presented a detailed analysis of the terrain of Western Xia. He mentioned which areas had abundant water resources, which areas were plagued by miasma in the forests, and which parts of the mountain passes had fallen into disrepair. Kong Yilin described everything he had seen and heard during his previous visit to Western Xia, stopping only when his throat became dry. “Your Majesty, my knowledge is limited, and these are the only things I am aware of.”
Gu Yuanbai contemplated for a moment. “Have some tea.”
Kong Yilin received the tea but didn’t rush to drink it. He smiled and sincerely said, “Your Majesty, it is the land of Da Heng that has nurtured me. It is the knowledge of Da Heng that has allowed me to achieve success. And it is Your Majesty who has bestowed upon me everything I have today.”
He paused for a moment and continued, “If there ever comes a day when I lean towards Western Xia in the war between Da Heng and Western Xia,” Kong Yilin’s eyes momentarily lost focus, “then there will no longer be a place for me in Da Heng.”
It was because of the Emperor of Da Heng’s exceptionally open and benevolent mindset that Kong Yilin dared to speak these words. However, even in his gamble, Kong Yilin remained composed, and he emerged victorious.
Gu Yuanbai instructed him to rest well before he left. Just before departing, Gu Yuanbai reminded him, “Kong Qing, regarding what you just mentioned about Western Xia, submit a strategic plan to me in ten days.”
Kong Yilin acknowledged and quietly withdrew.
The next morning, during the court assembly, Gu Yuanbai announced that they would proceed with the reorganization of household registrations and taxation.
This task was so intricate and detailed that it took a full two hours during the morning court session. After the ministers felt hunger gnawing at their stomachs, they finally roughly discussed a specific process.
After the court session, the dignified Emperor was still dressed in court attire, but his face had turned pale.
The Chief Imperial Guard supported the Emperor as he walked to the table. The meals were just served, still steaming. Palace maids and eunuchs approached in an orderly manner, removing the Emperor’s accessories and garments.
Once everything was removed, Gu Yuanbai supported himself. After taking a dozen deep breaths, his vision cleared, no longer obscured by darkness.
The imperial physicians hurriedly arrived, six or seven of them standing by. Gu Yuanbai glanced at them with a tilted head, sweat already forming on his forehead. He weakly extended his hand, placing it on the table for them to take his pulse.
Among these imperial physicians, each one was well-acquainted with the Emperor’s physical condition. They carefully observed the Emperor’s complexion and asked Tian Fusheng to inquire in detail about the symptoms that the Emperor experienced today, leaving no room for any possible cause.
Fatigue, hunger, and heat. There were no other possibilities.
Gu Yuanbai cooperated with every step, even if it meant several imperial physicians had to approach one by one to reevaluate his condition. He cooperated fully.
The imperial physicians huddled together to discuss, while Gu Yuanbai’s breathing became slightly heavier. Tian Fusheng served a bowl of rice gruel, saying, “Your Majesty, would you like to add some condiments?”
“No,” Gu Yuanbai replied, “Just like this.”
After reluctantly finishing the bowl of gruel, his stomach finally felt a bit more comfortable. The imperial physicians also discussed a treatment plan and handed the prescription to Tian Fusheng, expressing their concerns, “Your Majesty, the prescription you have been taking needs a few additional tonics.”
Gu Yuanbai raised a spoonful of gruel, his expression unchanged. “Go ahead.”
“As usual, send the prescription to the Imperial Hospital, and after each imperial physician reviews it, have them sign their names,” Gu Yuanbai said. “If over 90% agree, then proceed with the change. No need to inform me.”
The imperial physicians hesitated to speak. “Yes. Your Majesty, please take care of your health, avoid fatigue, avoid fatigue.”
“You may leave,” Gu Yuanbai said.
Once the imperial physicians departed, Gu Yuanbai remained silent and continued to drink the rice gruel.
The palace fell into silence.
“How is Consort Wan’s health?” Gu Yuanbai broke the silence and asked suddenly.
Tian Fusheng cautiously replied, “Your Majesty, Consort Wan hasn’t left the palace for several days due to the cold weather. However, the palace attendants by her side have mentioned that her appetite has been quite good these days.”
Gu Yuanbai breathed a sigh of relief. “That’s good to hear.”
He seemed lost in thought.
The Emperor’s figure was slender but somewhat frail. Layered clothing was necessary to give the appearance of some degree of health.
Yet, this appearance of health was ultimately just a facade.
Tian Fusheng felt a twinge of sadness. “Your Majesty, please take good care of your health.”
Gu Yuanbai smiled. “Of course.”
After having an early meal, Gu Yuanbai lacked the energy to handle state affairs. He lay back down on the bed to rest. The guards stood outside the hall, their worries evident. Zhang, the Chief Guard, expressed his concerns, “Manager Tian, His Majesty’s condition…”
Tian Fusheng let out a sigh, and the Chief Guard fell silent.
“When the Emperor is here, he is like a towering mountain that shakes everyone,” after a while, Tian Fusheng whispered, “As long as the Emperor is here, no one in the Da Heng Court dares to act out of line.”
The Chief Guard responded, “Indeed.”
“And not only that,” Tian Fusheng chuckled, “those small countries and territories outside, no matter how bold they are, they won’t dare to take a step over here as long as the Emperor is present. The people beyond the Great Wall think about our food and precious goods every day, but they are blocked by the Great Wall, just as they are blocked by our Emperor. General Xue is out fighting against the nomads, right? Once General Xue strikes back hard, they will know our might.”
The Chief Guard couldn’t help but smile, but there was no need to say these words. They all understood.
For them, as long as the Emperor was still present, it meant that Da Heng would continue to thrive and prosper.
However, precisely because of this, the Emperor’s health was a constant source of concern for them.
