Ping Zhao Lu

Chapter 135: My Son is Willing to Give It a Try

Cining Palace

Queen Mother Jiang was lazily leaning on the couch, with Nanny Liu gently massaging her shoulders.

When Empress Dowager Jiang heard the news from outside that the emperor was angry in Xuanzheng Hall, she just opened her eyes slightly, raised the corners of her eyes slightly, and revealed a barely perceptible smile.

"The disasters in various places are so serious, and those officials are not doing their job. The emperor is naturally upset. With so many things piling up at the same time, I'm afraid it will be enough to bother him for a while." Queen Mother Jiang said casually, as if she had already been aware of these situations.

While continuing to massage Empress Dowager Jiang, Madam Liu cautiously agreed, "Your Majesty, you are absolutely right. However, if something goes wrong at this critical moment, wouldn't it be..."

Queen Mother Jiang shook her head slightly, her tone calm but firm as she spoke, "Times like these require patience. Holding our troops still is the best strategy. The Emperor is a man of meticulous deliberation. If we act rashly now, he might notice something. Furthermore, there are many who would seize this opportunity to attack the Emperor. This situation is like a boiling pot of porridge; sooner or later, it will all turn into chaos. So, why rush now? Wait until they're both devastated, and then I can sit back and reap the benefits. Wouldn't that be wonderful?"

After hearing Empress Dowager Jiang's words, Nanny Liu nodded in agreement, though still feeling a little worried. However, she quickly frowned again, and after some hesitation, she said, "But Empress Dowager, from the imperial court down to the local officials, we have a significant number of people planted within. If we conduct a thorough investigation, I'm afraid you'll be implicated..."

Upon hearing this, Queen Mother Jiang snorted coldly. Her normally dignified and beautiful face now frowned slightly, and her eyes revealed a hint of dissatisfaction and majesty. "Hmph! If they had a little common sense, they would know what to say and what not to say."

As he spoke, he took a sip of the hot tea beside him. "Now, disasters continue, and the people are suffering unspeakably. I am also deeply saddened. I have decided to go to Ningfo Temple to rest and recuperate. I will pray sincerely for the blessing of our Great Wei, praying that the heavens will protect our Great Wei and bring peace and prosperity to the country."

Upon hearing this, Nanny Liu's face lit up with admiration. She raised her eyebrows and said with a smile, "Your Majesty the Queen Mother's actions are truly admirable! I believe that once this matter gets out, everyone in the court and the country will sing your praises, and the people will also praise your kindness and compassion!"

Matron Liu grew increasingly excited as she spoke. "This move is what the people want. If there's any conflict directed at you, the Queen Mother, it will inevitably cause public outrage. You won't even need to speak for yourself; the people of the world will bear witness on your behalf."

*

Chu Yunxiao was still angry.

He cursed almost every official in the court that could be cursed that morning.

The court officials were also arguing with each other.

The entire court was filled with resentment.

After this tense and depressing atmosphere lasted for a long time, someone finally stood up to break the deadlock.

The Minister of Works slowly walked out of the queue, bowed to Chu Yunxiao, and said, "Your Majesty, let's put aside the mistakes of the officials for now. The most urgent task is to send reinforcements to the disaster-stricken areas."

"That's right. If we don't send more people as soon as possible, the situation will get even worse. I recommend General Guide to go south to suppress the bandits!" an official echoed.

"Wei Chen seconded the proposal!"

"I second this motion!"

For a moment, responses came one after another in the court.

Hearing this, Chu Yunxiao suppressed his anger and gently pressed his brows with his hands. After calming down a little, he raised his head and cast his gaze on Shang Jiu, who had been silent the whole time, and said slowly, "What do you think, General?"

Shang Jiu, who had been named, stepped forward without hesitation, knelt on one knee and saluted, then answered in a loud and firm voice, "Your Majesty, I am willing to personally lead the army south to quell the rebellion. I will definitely eradicate these evildoers completely!"

Seeing Shang Jiu's resoluteness, Chu Yunxiao nodded slightly, his expression gradually regaining its composure, and replied calmly, "Okay, since the general is determined, then I'll leave this matter to you to handle."

"As you wish!" Shang Jiu bowed, stood up and returned to his original position.

At this moment, another official stepped forward, bowed respectfully, and said, "Your Majesty, Lianzhou is currently experiencing a disastrous situation caused by refugees. I boldly recommend General Wei and the Hanlin Academy scholars to go there to provide support and appease the people."

He had barely finished speaking when, before the emperor could respond, another official jumped out, shouting back, "Absolutely not! General Wei knows nothing about this matter and has absolutely no experience. How can he possibly take on such an important task?"

Seeing this, the official from earlier couldn't help but glare at him and loudly demanded, "Then who do you think is the most suitable person?"

The opposing official replied without hesitation: "Anyone is fine, but Wei Xian is absolutely not allowed!"

Upon hearing this, the previous official's face flushed with anger. He pointed at the other party and shouted angrily, "You... are simply being unreasonable!"

For a moment, the officials in the court were whispering to each other, and discussions were heard one after another, and a fierce debate began.

Some officials supported the former's proposal, believing that General Wei was famous for suppressing the rebellion in the west and would be able to calm the situation.

Others firmly sided with the latter, expressing doubts about General Wei's ability and strongly recommending others. With each side holding their own views and refusing to give in, the situation became increasingly chaotic.

Just as everyone was arguing, the silent General Fu suddenly stood up and said loudly, "Since it is difficult for everyone to reach a consensus, why not let His Royal Highness the Crown Prince go to Lianzhou in person?"

As soon as these words were spoken, it was like a stone that caused a thousand ripples, and the entire court fell silent in an instant.

All the officials frowned at the same time and turned their eyes to General Fu and the emperor sitting on the dragon throne.

Chu Heyuan, the person involved who was suddenly mentioned, was shocked. He turned to look at Fu Chuoren in great confusion.

Then, an old minister slowly stepped out of the ranks, bowed, and said, "Your Highness is still young, and has never been involved in matters such as comforting refugees, transporting food and fodder, and providing relief to disaster victims. I'm afraid Your Highness is not up to such an important and arduous task."

Other officials echoed, "Yes, His Royal Highness is still young, it is indeed inappropriate."

For a moment, the court was plunged into noise again.

General Fu's expression remained unmoved. His shrewd, steady eyes seemed to see through everything. He nodded slightly and spoke slowly, "Your Highness, as the future ruler of our dynasty and heir to a nation, will undoubtedly face numerous hardships, obstacles, and significant challenges. This mission of transporting grain for disaster relief is not only a valuable training opportunity, but also a rare opportunity to establish your prestige among the people."

Upon hearing this, Chu Yunxiao raised his sword-like eyebrows slightly, and his sharp eyes like a hawk instantly fell on Chu Heyuan. The corners of his mouth curled up into a smile, and he slowly asked, "Prince, what do you think about this matter?"

Chu Heyuan felt his heart tremble suddenly, as if struck by a thunderbolt.

He didn't dare to delay and hurriedly stepped out of the line. He lowered his head, his face showing hesitation, and stammered, "This matter concerns the national economy and people's livelihood. It is truly too important... I am aware of my limited abilities and am afraid I cannot take on this important task..."

"This..." Before he could finish his words, all the officials in the court suddenly exploded, and the sound of whispering came one after another.

Most of them were angry at the Crown Prince for not fighting for his own goal, and secretly sighed in their hearts that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince was so cowardly and incompetent.

Seeing this, Chu Yunxiao couldn't help but frown, and a nameless fire surged in his heart.

He stretched out his right hand in annoyance and pinched his brow hard. Just as he was about to open his mouth to scold, Chu Heyuan seemed to suddenly realize something and hurriedly added: "But if Minister Pei goes with me to handle this matter, I am willing to do my best and give it a try!"