Chapter 52

The Grand Summer Imperial Palace.

Outside the Yangxin Hall.

Row after row of officials knelt outside the hall. These were all officials from the Ministry of Rites, along with some Confucian scholars.

Leading them was Yang Kai, the Minister of Rites.

"Please, Your Majesty, rescind the decree."

"Having the Crown Prince oversee the state is a natural order. If this responsibility is revoked, it could lead to unrest among the people, and in severe cases, the collapse of ethics."

"Furthermore, the involvement of the court ministers in the recent troubles is tenuous. Your Majesty, with your wisdom, should follow the path of a sage ruler."

Yang Kai's voice was loud and clear.

He had been kneeling outside the hall for a long time.

In the Grand Summer Dynasty, there was no custom of kneeling, so his current posture clearly showed his firm resolve.

At this moment,

Several figures quickly approached. It was Eunuch Wei Xian, and in front of him was the Marquis of the State, Gu Yuan.

Grandfather Gu walked with the grace of a dragon and the strength of a tiger.

He headed towards the hall.

When Yang Kai and the others saw the Marquis of the State approaching, their expressions changed slightly.

In the Grand Summer Dynasty, most officials in the court supported the Crown Prince, and the Marquis of the State was the apple of all the princes' eyes.

Whether it was the Crown Prince, the Second Prince, or the Third Prince, they all wanted to win the Marquis of the State's favor.

However, the Marquis of the State had not chosen any of the princes, instead maintaining his independence.

His arrival today made them somewhat uneasy.

The Ministry of Rites, from top to bottom, supported the Crown Prince, and they usually had conflicts with military officials. If the Marquis of the State said something unfavorable today, it would be truly troublesome.

However, most of them were worried, but Yang Kai remained calm.

He knew who the Marquis of the State was, and at this critical moment, the Marquis of the State would not act rashly.

"Your humble servant, Gu Yuan, pays respects to Your Majesty. May Your Majesty live ten thousand years, ten thousand upon ten thousand years."

The next moment,

The Marquis of the State appeared outside the hall.

"The Marquis of the State has arrived."

"Please, come in quickly."

Hearing the Marquis of the State's voice, Emperor Yongsheng smiled broadly and said in a cheerful tone.

Soon, the Marquis of the State walked into the hall.

"Marquis, it's been a long time. I was just saying the other day that I wanted to invite you to the palace for a chat, but I didn't expect you to come on your own."

"Come, take a seat."

A cheerful laugh echoed as Emperor Yongsheng offered a seat to Grandfather Gu.

However, the latter did not sit down but instead looked at the emperor.

"Your Majesty, please reconsider the matter of the Crown Prince overseeing the state."

"Currently, the Grand Summer Dynasty is peaceful and prosperous, with no wars or internal strife. The Crown Prince has been diligent and hardworking in his duties. This decree will likely cause trouble."

The Marquis of the State spoke clearly, his gaze unwavering as he looked at the emperor.

Throughout history, the position of Crown Prince has been fraught with danger, involving far more than just interests.

If the Crown Prince falls or is deposed, the resulting troubles would be like a flood or a beast, unless the Crown Prince has serious issues, it would be unwise to shake his position.

"Enough, enough."

"Marquis, I thought you came today to catch up, but I didn't expect it to be about this matter again."

"The decree has already been issued. How can I casually rescind my command?"

In front of the jade desk, Emperor Yongsheng did not show any emotion upon hearing Grandfather Gu's words but instead spoke calmly.

"Your Majesty."

"This matter..."

Grandfather Gu continued, but Emperor Yongsheng's words silenced him.

"Does it seem like the Marquis has also thrown his support behind the Crown Prince?"

His voice echoed, leaving Grandfather Gu speechless.

But after a moment, the old man shook his head and said,

"Your Majesty, your humble servant only hopes to prevent unrest in the country. The responsibility of overseeing the state has always been the Crown Prince's. If it is revoked now, it will lead to endless speculation, and both the court and the people will be in turmoil."

Grandfather Gu continued.

Although he had conflicts with the civil officials and did not side with the Crown Prince, on major issues, he had to stand up, no matter what.

"Oh?"

"According to the Marquis, if I revoke the Crown Prince's oversight, the Grand Summer Dynasty will fall apart?"

"As for the tradition from ancient times, are you implying that my ascension to the throne was illegitimate?"

Emperor Yongsheng spoke.

These words made all the eunuchs and palace maids in the hall kneel down, especially Wei Xian and others, who were on the ground, trembling with fear.

These words were too terrifying.

"Your Majesty, please forgive me."

"Your humble servant had no such intention."

At this moment, even Grandfather Gu's heart trembled.

The words were too harsh, leaving him at a loss for what to say.

On the jade desk,

Emperor Yongsheng remained silent.

But after a moment, he spoke in a more gentle tone.

"Marquis."

"That's not what I meant."

"Look outside. Just the revocation of the oversight responsibility has led to a flood of memorials. I've also heard that the Censorate has submitted a joint petition."

"Even more, within half an hour of the decree, officials from twelve provinces and seventy-two counties have submitted their own petitions."

"The Crown Prince is truly benevolent and virtuous. Half of the officials in the court are his supporters. I often wonder if I've been on this throne for too long."

Emperor Yongsheng spoke without any anger.

But these words made Grandfather Gu even more uneasy.

"Your Majesty, don't think too much."

"The Crown Prince has been diligent and hardworking. The officials are merely upholding ethics and propriety, not forming cliques."

"Moreover, where in the world is there a son who does not respect his father? Respecting one's father is the foundation of the state and the root of Confucianism. Please, Your Majesty, do not overthink it."

The Marquis of the State took a deep breath and said.

"I hope so."

Emperor Yongsheng spoke calmly.

He then looked at the Marquis and said,

"Marquis, why didn't you bring my nephew today?"

He changed the subject, not wanting to continue on this topic.

"Jin Nian is still resting. He's been quite tired these past few days."

The Marquis of the State spoke, and a smile appeared on his face when he mentioned Gu Jin Nian.

"Indeed."

"I never expected that Jin Nian could write such a timeless article."

"I must say, having royal blood is truly powerful."

"Ha ha ha ha."

Mentioning Gu Jin Nian seemed to improve Emperor Yongsheng's mood, and he did not hesitate to praise himself.

But upon hearing this, Grandfather Gu forced a smile.

Seeing his expression, Emperor Yongsheng became more serious.

"Marquis, don't think I'm just praising myself."

"Think about it, isn't your family full of warriors? Especially your six sons, except for Qian Zhou, the other five are all misfits?"

"Especially that Gu Lao Liù, who always corrupts Jin Nian. I'll have to discipline him soon."

"Jin Nian is the son of my sister Ning Yue, with half royal blood, which is why he has such talent. Now, I even regret not having Ning Yue marry a civil official."

"He might have become a great scholar by sixteen, bringing glory to our nation."

Emperor Yongsheng spoke with utmost seriousness.

But upon hearing this, Grandfather Gu could not take it anymore.

Originally, when you were angry, I tried to comfort you and make you happy.

But now, you're praising yourself too much?

"Your Majesty, that's not quite right. Jin Nian has been under my care since he was young. There's a saying, 'leading by example.'"

"Jin Nian's achievements are due to the royal family, but most importantly, they are the result of my hard work."

On this topic, Grandfather Gu did not back down, insisting that the greatest credit was his.

"Ha ha."

"Didn't you hear what Jin Nian said yesterday?"

"Wasn't it what I taught him?"

"Never mind, I don't want to argue with you. Next time, bring Jin Nian. I have some insights to share with him. By the way, keep that Gu Lao Liù away from Jin Nian. He's a bad influence on my precious nephew."

Emperor Yongsheng did not want to argue further, knowing that the truth would be clear to all, and these words were not his but those of the common people.

He felt even more confident.

"Oh."

Grandfather Gu did not continue, as the emperor was still the emperor, and he had to give way.

"Come, Marquis, let's look at the article written by my nephew."

Emperor Yongsheng continued, looking very pleased, and had a eunuch bring Gu Jin Nian's article.

He then placed it on the table.

Grandfather Gu also became interested. Although he knew his grandson had written a timeless article, he did not know what it contained.

Now, he was eager to see it.

Soon, the article was spread out.

Emperor Yongsheng pointed to the writing, looking very proud.

"Look at the handwriting, it's a bit like mine. Tsk tsk, Jin Nian, this child, though he looks rough, has been secretly learning from me."

"Actually, if he wants to learn, he should just ask. We're family, no need to hide it."

He laughed.

The Marquis of the State also read the article carefully. After about a quarter of an hour, Grandfather Gu took a deep breath.

"A strategy to stabilize the nation."

"Truly a strategy to stabilize the nation. I never expected that in less than a thousand words, it would capture the essence of all dynasties."

"The people are the most important, followed by the state, and the ruler is the least important."

"Excellent, the people are the most important."

The Marquis of the State spoke, finding no issues with the article.

Moreover, it aligned with the principles of the Grand Summer Dynasty.

Why?

Because the founding emperor, Taizu, was a commoner who led a rebellion, and he valued the people the most.

After Emperor Yongsheng ascended the throne, he followed Taizu's example, promoting Taizu's policies.

Naturally, this article, which might cause trouble in the eyes of future rulers, as the ruler is paramount, was deeply appreciated by Emperor Yongsheng.

Naturally, the Marquis of the State would say such things.

"That's why I say Jin Nian is like me. I remember when he was six or seven, I said the people are the most important. I didn't expect Jin Nian to remember it. Ha ha ha ha, good, very good."

Emperor Yongsheng praised himself again.

But the Marquis of the State did not respond, instead focusing on the article, with many thoughts in his mind.

Gu Jin Nian's article, placing the people first, promised a bright future for his grandson.

He joined the rebellion with Taizu, though not among the first, but from a poor background, and deep down, he did not like the concept of nobility.

Jin Nian's thoughts also resonated with him.

Because the greatest strength of a minister is not the emperor's power but the people's support.

Standing with the people and doing practical things for them would forge a sharp sword, useful for both offense and defense.

Jin Nian's insight pleased him greatly.

"Your Majesty, can your humble servant take this article with me?"

The Marquis of the State asked.

"No."

"I'll have it copied for you."

"I want to commend this article."

Emperor Yongsheng spoke and had the Marquis of the State step back, carefully protecting the article, fearing any damage.

"Stingy."

Grandfather Gu thought to himself, deciding to have his grandson copy it again.

"Your Majesty."

"Your humble servant will take my leave."

Grandfather Gu spoke, knowing that further persuasion was futile.

"Alright, have Jin Nian visit the palace soon."

"I miss him, but the Grand Summer Academy is also starting soon. We'll see what Jin Nian thinks."

Emperor Yongsheng mentioned.

Grandfather Gu nodded and slowly left.

After he left, the officials from the Ministry of Rites were still kneeling outside.

At this moment,

Inside the Yangxin Hall,

Emperor Yongsheng quietly watched the kneeling officials.

His eyes were calm.

After a moment,

A eunuch approached and whispered something to Wei Xian.

Then, Wei Xian came forward.

"Your Majesty."

"Earlier, the