Chapter 93

The next day, after Chu Shaoling had rested and recuperated, he began attending court. Previously, the cabinet ministers would discuss government affairs and then send the memorials to the rear palace for the Empress Dowager to review and approve before issuing them. Now that Chu Shaoling had returned, the Empress Dowager handed over all these matters to him.

Other affairs in the court were not difficult to handle, but there was one issue that had been left unresolved.

"Crown Prince, the Court of the Imperial Clan has already passed judgment on Second Prince's crime of treason and regicide, but since the Emperor has not awakened, the matter has been delayed..."

In the Taihe Hall, the dragon throne was empty. Below it was a chair where Chu Shaoling would sit during regular days. Chu Shaoling casually flipped through the case files from the Court of the Imperial Clan and said, "What is there to hesitate about? Following the Ming Dynasty's example, Chu Shaoruan should be executed directly. Chu Shaoruan's birth mother should be granted white silk for suicide. The adult males in Chu Shaoruan's maternal family should be beheaded, those under fourteen castrated and sent to the palace as slaves, and all females sent to the brothels. After confiscating the family's property, everything will be seized by the state. Consort Li has already committed suicide out of guilt, so handle the rest as it should be."

The minister who asked Chu Shaoling, He Botao, had family ties with the Zhen family in the past. Upon hearing this, his legs couldn't help but feel weak. Chu Shaoling smiled faintly, "However, Consort Zhen gave birth to a prince for the Emperor and has contributed to our Great Chu's imperial line. The Empress Dowager and I have considered showing leniency. Consort Zhen's direct bloodline will be demoted to commoners, and the rest will be dealt with accordingly."

Everyone thought that since Chu Shaoling had just taken over the administration, he would be more lenient, at least for appearance's sake. They didn't expect him to be so ruthless right from the start. They looked towards Marquis Zijun. Marquis Zijun paused for a moment before stepping out and saying, "Crown Prince, the Emperor is still ill. Perhaps..."

"So what? How did Father Emperor fall ill? Wasn't it because Chu Shaoruan attempted treason!" Chu Shaoling wrote a few lines on the case file, took the Crown Prince's seal and stamped it. He raised his head and smiled gently at Marquis Zijun, "Marquis, there's really no need to pity these lawless people."

Marquis Zijun sighed inwardly. He wasn't trying to speak up for Chu Shaoruan, but simply didn't want Chu Shaoling to handle such a case of extermination as soon as he took charge of affairs.

Marquis Zijun shook his head and said nothing more. Chu Shaoling put down the brush, looked at everyone with a smile, and said, "Do you all think I'm too ruthless?"

The crowd lowered their heads and said they wouldn't dare think so. Chu Shaoling put down the case files, stood up and slowly said, "When I was studying at the Huixin Institute in the past, the Grand Tutor taught me every day about loyalty to the monarch and love for the people. I now deeply agree with that. But I believe that this loyalty and love need not be shown on the surface. Take my second brother for example. You all know that he was filial to Father Emperor on a daily basis. But what happened in the end? When Father Emperor fell gravely ill, he acted faster than anyone else."

"From this, it can be seen that superficial acts cannot be trusted. I came from Liaoliang... now Liaoliang is no more. I went to the borders and understood many things. Sometimes, using killing to stop killing is true benevolence. How can we protect the good people without eradicating all the bad ones?" Chu Shaoling smiled, "I am not as benevolent as Father Emperor. In the future, I hope you ministers will be more accommodating."

The officials all said they wouldn't dare do otherwise. Chu Shaoling said mildly, "Since none of you have any objections, let's conclude Second Prince's treason case like this. Dragging out such a simple case until now, if word spreads outside, people won't say the court officials are benevolent, but rather that our court is incompetent and can't even handle this little matter."

They also discussed the rewards and titles to be conferred after this war. After arranging everything, the court session ended. Chu Shaoling was about to go to Ci'an Palace when Marquis Zijun stopped him. Chu Shaoling smiled, "Maternal grandfather, do you have some words of advice for me?"

No matter how he acted outside, Chu Shaoling was always very respectful towards Marquis Zijun. Marquis Zijun felt quite gratified. He lowered his head and said, "I wouldn't dare. This old official just wants to offer the Crown Prince a few words of counsel."

Chu Shaoling followed Marquis Zijun out. Marquis Zijun ordered the palace servants to withdraw and bowed, saying in a low voice, "The Second Prince's case has been delayed for so long. Does the Crown Prince know why the Empress Dowager has not dealt with the Second Prince?"

Chu Shaoling smiled in appreciation, "Is grandfather saying that the Empress Dowager is being worldly-wise and playing it safe?"

"This old official wouldn't dare." Marquis Zijun lowered his head and said softly, "The Empress Dowager puts the Crown Prince first in all matters. Everyone knows this. But even the Empress Dowager is unwilling to handle this matter herself. Does the Crown Prince not understand? The Crown Prince has had a long-standing grudge with the Zhen family. The more this is the case, the more one should avoid arousing suspicion. But the Crown Prince..."

Chu Shaoling interrupted, "Grandfather, do I have any reputation to speak of now?"

Marquis Zijun was startled by these words. Chu Shaoling smiled, "Now even the peddlers and porters among the common folk know that the current Crown Prince is a brutal person who loves to kill. Why should I bother trying to make others think I'm benevolent? It's a waste of effort."

Marquis Zijun felt a sourness in his heart and couldn't help but console, "Your Highness, don't belittle yourself. This official has heard that the people of Karakash are very supportive of the Crown Prince now. Many commoners have even set up longevity tablets for the Crown Prince in their homes. Who doesn't know that the Crown Prince carried out the massacres for the sake of the Great Chu's subjects?"

Chu Shaoling sighed lightly, thinking to himself that he really didn't do it for the sake of any Great Chu subjects, but this was not something he could explain in detail to the old Marquis.

Chu Shaoling said gently, "Maternal grandfather, there's no need for this. I don't really care much about what others say about me." Or rather, Chu Shaoling actually enjoyed others fearing him. The more they feared, the less they dared to oppose his decisions. Chu Shaoling felt it was quite good.

Marquis Zijun had originally wanted to advise Chu Shaoling to handle matters more gently, but unexpectedly, in the end, he found himself comforting Chu Shaoling instead. The two talked for another half a day before Marquis Zijun left. Chu Shaoling went to pay his respects to the Empress Dowager.

The Old Empress Dowager sighed upon hearing that Chu Shaoruan's case had been concluded. She said mildly, "This matter must be kept secret at all costs. Don't let your Father Emperor know. He only wakes up once every few days now. Hearing about this would be even more unbearable for him."

Chu Shaoling smiled and agreed.

The Empress Dowager thought for a moment and said, "Now that your Father Emperor can't handle affairs, why don't you move back into the palace? It would be more appropriate to oversee everything. The Eastern Palace hasn't been inhabited for more than ten years. I think it's better not to go live there. How about you stay in the Bitao Palace for now?"

Chu Shaoling smiled, "There's no need. There are many consorts and concubines in the palace. I'm not young anymore. I'm afraid the censors will gossip if I live in the palace again. The Qin Prince Manor is not far from the palace. Imperial Grandmother, if you have any matters, just send someone to summon me directly. I can come over in just an hour. It's quite convenient."

The Empress Dowager nodded, "Alright then. By the way, I have summoned several noble families' daughters these past few days. I have screened out those with poor appearances and unstable temperaments for you. The remaining ones have been compiled into a list and sent to your residence. Go back and take a good look to see if there are any unsuitable ones. If you feel there are no objections, I will send the palace matrons to carefully examine them at each family's residence. Once the matrons return, we can decide on the candidates for the Crown Princess."

Chu Shaoling agreed, "Yes."

After chatting with the Empress Dowager for a while, Chu Shaoling left the palace. As soon as he returned to his residence, he saw an altar table and other items set up in the courtyard. Wang Muhan stepped forward with a smile, "The palace messenger who announced the decree just left. Lord Wei is now Duke Wei."

Chu Shaoling smiled, "They sure acted fast."

As Chu Shaoling walked inside, he asked Wang Muhan, "Has the Wei Manor also received a decree?"

Wang Muhan nodded, "The Wei Manor just sent someone to express gratitude and kowtow, saying the Emperor has bestowed the title of Marquis Changping to Lord Wei's eldest son. Oh my, this old servant is overjoyed and confused. Your Highness just came out from the palace, so the bestowment edict must have been drafted by you, right?"

Chu Shaoling smiled, "Send a congratulatory gift to the Wei Manor, and prepare a portion of nourishing medicinal ingredients for Fuyi."

Wang Muhan agreed, "Yes."

"Also," Chu Shaoling paused his steps and thought for a moment, "When preparing the medicinal ingredients, prepare an additional portion of the best quality and send it to the Marquis Zijun's residence. Ling Yun's health is getting worse these days, so frequently send someone to express concern."

Wang Muhan agreed repeatedly.

In the bedchamber, Wei Ji was instructing to record the items rewarded today in the ledger and move them into the storeroom. As soon as Chu Shaoling entered the inner room, he heard Wei Ji instructing, "These two jade pendants don't need to be put away for now. Wait for His Highness to take a look. If His Highness doesn't fancy them, then seal them up."

"Wait for me to look at what?" Chu Shaoling turned around the twelve-panel embroidered screen with court ladies in the warm chamber and smiled, "Congratulations, Duke Wei."

The maid in charge of the storeroom was inside organizing things. She usually didn't enter the inner room. Hearing Chu Shaoling speak so gently with a smile for the first time, she nearly went dumb. Chu Shaoling turned his head, "Bring it over and let me see."

The maid blanked for a moment before quickly stepping forward to present the brocade box. Chu Shaoling picked up the jade pendant Wei Ji just mentioned, examined it and nodded, "The quality is not bad, but I don't like green jade. Put it away."

Chu Shaoling casually tossed the jade pendant into the brocade box, turned his head and smiled, "I was still thinking of coming back to watch you receive the decree. I didn't expect the people from the Ministry of Internal Affairs to be so quick. Just have someone send these things directly to the Wei Manor, why keep them here?"

"They are sent back every time. But this time I saw many useful items on the gift list. No one can use them anyway if they're sent back. Might as well keep them here." Wei Ji took a step back inconspicuously and said slowly, "I think Your Highness doesn't fancy them either. Keep them to reward others."

Chu Shaoling deliberately took a step forward and smiled, "The things you give me, how could I bear to reward others with them?"

The maids behind them saw this situation and all blushed. Wei Ji felt even more embarrassed and said softly, "Your Highness..."

Chu Shaoling smiled, turned his head and said, "You may all go down. See if there are any silks, pearls and such, still send them to the Wei Manor. There are no women in the Qin Prince Manor, so keeping them is a waste."

The maids retreated in a line. Chu Shaoling embraced Wei Ji and smiled, "Alright, you're still shy all day in your own home, who dares to say anything?"

Wei Ji lowered his eyes and said softly, "Naturally, they dare not say anything, but that's still not good."

"Enough, I heard enough lectures from the ministers during the court meeting today. Coming back, you still want to preach to me?" Chu Shaoling pulled Wei Ji to sit down together. Chu Shaoling lay down, resting his head on Wei Ji's lap, "Loosen my hair for me."

Wei Ji carefully untied the nine-dragon pearl crown on Chu Shaoling's head. After letting down his hair, he learned from what Chu Shaoling had done for him before and gently massaged Chu Shaoling's scalp. Chu Shaoling indeed felt much more relaxed. Wei Ji asked softly, "Did something happen during the court meeting today?"

"Chu Shaoruan's matter has been dealt with." Chu Shaoling closed his eyes, his sword-like brows slightly furrowed. "The people from the Court of the Imperial Clan should have already delivered the white silk and poison by now."

Wei Ji thought for a moment and pressed his fingers on Chu Shaoling's brow, rubbing gently. Chu Shaoling's brows indeed smoothed out. Chu Shaoling smiled, "How do I usually treat you? You're just going to fob me off with a finger?"

Wei Ji hesitated for a moment, then lowered his head and gently kissed Chu Shaoling's brow. The corners of Chu Shaoling's mouth curled up. He embraced Wei Ji's neck, flipped over and pressed him onto the couch, engaging in a round of gentle love and affection.

In the warm chamber, Chu Shaoling slipped his hand into Wei Ji's underpants, his slender fingers gently pinching and kneading. He lowered his eyes to carefully appreciate the look of endurance on Wei Ji's face. Before he could make another move, Wang Muhan entered from the outer room and said in a low voice, "Crown Prince, a letter has arrived from the palace."

Chu Shaoling didn't want to pay attention. He lowered his head and gently kissed Wei Ji. He had just pried open Wei Ji's mouth when Wang Muhan continued outside, "Several lords from the Court of the Imperial Clan have also arrived. Does the Crown Prince want to see them?"

Wei Ji's face was red. He turned his face to the side and pressed Chu Shaoling's mischievous hand inside his clothes, saying softly, "Your Highness, don't mess around. Go first..."

"Crown Prince!" Wang Muhan still didn't give up. "It's about the Second Prince. I think the Second Prince has already been executed. Your Highness..."

Chu Shaoling pursed his lips in annoyance and sat up. Just as he was about to say something, Wei Ji grabbed Chu Shaoling's hand and said softly, "Your Highness, go first. Wait until you come back in the evening, it'll be the same."

Chu Shaoling couldn't help but laugh. He leaned down, kissed Wei Ji on the face and whispered, "Alright, I'll dote on you more in the evening."

Chu Shaoling got off the couch, tidied his clothes and went to the front.

The officials from the Court of the Imperial Clan saw Chu Shaoling coming and quickly presented a memorial. Chu Shaoling read it carefully. It clearly recorded when Chu Shaoruan was executed, what method of death he chose, what he said before he died, and so on.

"The Second Prince was initially unwilling to submit. Later, when he learned that the Crown Prince had returned, he stopped making a fuss. He chose the white silk and passed away in less than the time to drink a cup of tea." The judicial official from the Court of the Imperial Clan carefully looked at Chu Shaoling's expression and continued, "The words the Second Prince said before his death are not suitable to be recorded in the official documents. We have specially come to seek the Crown Prince's instruction on whether to allow this official to embellish it a little."

Before Chu Shaoruan died, he cursed Chu Shaoling viciously. Those curses were simply too vulgar to hear. According to the rules, everything that happened before the prince's death had to be recorded, but whether to truly keep the records had to be approved from above. Chu Shaoling carefully read the vicious curses on the memorial and sneered, "Just like his indecent mother, not leaving any dignity for himself even before death. Destroy it all. I'm not afraid of curses, but I fear he will taint the royal family's reputation."

The official nodded repeatedly. A flash of cruelty passed through Chu Shaoling's eyes as he said, "Pass down the order. Chu Shaoruan lost his virtue and conduct, committed treason, and shall not be given a funeral."

The official paused for a moment before nodding in agreement. After dismissing him, Chu Shaoling turned to Wang Muhan and said in a low voice, "Have those few people in Chengqian Palace keep watch. The moment the Emperor wakes up, immediately report to me. Chu Shaoruan was Father Emperor's most beloved prince. Now that he's gone, I need to carefully explain it to Father Emperor."

Wang Muhan agreed. Chu Shaoling continued, "Also, the medicine the imperial physicians prescribed for Father Emperor is too mild. How can it cure his illness? Isn't the medicine boy who makes the Emperor's decoction one of our people? Tell him to double the dosage. Even if we have to force-feed the Emperor, we must make him wake up quickly."

Wang Muhan hesitated and said, "But I'm afraid the servants who feed the medicine might become suspicious. Although many in Chengqian Palace are our people now, there are still some of the Emperor's old servants. Doing this is a bit risky. If someone gets hold of this, it would be bad if they spread rumors about Your Highness."

"No matter," Chu Shaoling sneered. "I just learned from the palace that starting tomorrow, it will be Consort Zhen's turn to attend to the Emperor. Pass a message to her. She will naturally know what to do."

Wang Muhan understood and nodded.

The next day, the Emperor's decoction was indeed thicker than usual, with a few slices of ginseng added to boost the medicinal properties. Zhen Si gently stirred the medicine bowl, sneering inwardly. Chu Shaoling had a great idea. It wasn't easy to poison the Emperor in Chengqian Palace, but it was much easier to harm him with a double dose of decoction.

Zhen Si stared at the decoction in the glazed bowl, lost in thought. The Emperor must have instructed the imperial physicians like this back then, allowing them to arbitrarily increase the dosage as long as they could protect the prince in her belly.

The Emperor clearly knew that after using those medicines, she might not survive childbirth, yet he still gave those instructions to the imperial physicians. Fortunately, she escaped with her life, but her body was severely injured from then on.

Zhen Si sat on the couch, looking at the Emperor's gaunt and sallow face, feeling a hint of pleasure in her heart. The tide had turned. Now she could also feed the Emperor some "good medicine".

Zhen Si ordered someone to help the Emperor sit up and prop him up with a few soft pillows behind his back. After several attempts, Zhen Si couldn't get the Emperor to drink the medicine. Impatiently, she said, "The Emperor cannot not take his medicine. How can he recover like this? Help me force-feed the Emperor."

Zhen Si no longer had the gentle demeanor she usually displayed in front of the Emperor. She let two old palace maids hold him while she used her left hand to lift the Emperor's chin and pry open his mouth, and her right hand to directly pour the medicine bowl in. Half of the bowl of medicine went in, while the other half spilled out. Zhen Si coldly said, "Wasting so much is unacceptable. Have the medicine boy make another bowl."

The old palace maids lowered their heads and left. Zhen Si took a handkerchief and casually wiped the Emperor's face. Suddenly, she smiled, "Your Majesty, wake up soon. This concubine is waiting."

Unlike the other concubines, Zhen Si had no worries. She couldn't wait for the Emperor to die quickly. Only when Chu Shaoling ascended the throne would she have hope of leaving the palace with the Sixth Prince.

Zhen Si attended to the Emperor much more attentively than the other concubines. She fed him medicine every two hours. After a day, the Emperor's complexion was indeed rosier than usual. Others, not knowing the truth, thought he was recovering. Zhen Si sneered inwardly. After force-feeding him that ginseng decoction, how could his complexion not improve?

The next evening, the Emperor's brows twitched slightly. He opened his eyes, then closed them again. Zhen Si was overjoyed. She nudged the old palace maid beside her and whispered, "Quickly go tell the Crown Prince's people that the Emperor is about to wake up."

The old palace maid nodded repeatedly, then turned back and asked in a low voice, "Should we also inform the Empress Dowager?"

Zhen Si smiled, "Have you gone silly? The Crown Prince wants to have a heart-to-heart talk with the Emperor. What's the point of having the Empress Dowager come? Go quickly."

The old palace maid turned and left. Zhen Si casually put down the medicine bowl in her hand, sneering inwardly. She had personally sent the Emperor on his way. With this, she had severed ties with the Emperor.

Zhen Si turned and returned to her own palace, leaving Chengqian Palace to Chu Shaoling, who was about to arrive.