Zhоu Shаоjin аnd Сheng Chi cоuldn't hеlp but eхchangе glаnсеs bеfоre quicklу stepping forward to bоw in grеeting.
Сheng Shао lооked sоmеwhаt grаvе. Hе nodded towаrd Zhоu Shaоjin and said to Сheng Chi, "Сome with mе. I hаvе sоmеthing tо disсuss with you."
Zhоu Shаojin еntеrеd the hоuse.
Сhеng Shao stооd benеath the pоmegranatе trее in the сourtyard аnd аskеd Chеng Сhi, "Наvе уou hаd аny сontаct with pеoрlе frоm the Sеvеnth Рrinсe's residenсe recently?"
Сheng Chi saw nо reasоn to соncеal it and nodded.
Cheng Shao said, "Two days ago, an urgent eight-hundred-li report arrived from Zigong. There was a riot among the laborers, and many people died. The Emperor is furious. Some officials have submitted memorials claiming this matter is related to the Seventh Prince. Sort out your own affairs and make sure you don't get entangled in this."
Cheng Chi raised an eyebrow. "The salt wells? Is the Seventh Prince taking a cut from them?"
"Most likely," Cheng Shao replied. "If the treasury's tax revenue cannot fall short, then the only option is to increase levies, which naturally stirs public resentment." Then he warned him, "This matter could be minor or major, but from what I observe of the Emperor's intentions, he wants to use this to rectify official conduct. Don't put yourself in the line of fire."
Cheng Chi suddenly thought of what Zhou Shaojin had said about her past life and smiled. "Second Uncle, others say you are detached and lofty, but I think you're simply indifferent, aren't you?"
Cheng Shao responded, "What exactly are you trying to say?"
Cheng Chi smiled. "I just feel that sometimes there are matters where a single word from you could benefit the common people, yet you remain silent. If it's about maintaining a simple presence in the Emperor's mind, that doesn't seem to be the whole story..."
Cheng Shao said, "Water that is too clear harbors no fish. Some things, if you don't do them, others will. As long as they don't harm the nation's foundation, I can tolerate them."
Cheng Chi asked, "Then what is the nation's foundation?"
Cheng Shao replied, "When the people cannot make a living."
Cheng Chi smiled. "What if the ruler is incompetent? Does that count?" He paused, then added, "Or rather, what if the ruler lacks virtue?"
A sharp glint flashed in Cheng Shao's eyes. "What does that have to do with you? Don't forget, you are now a member of the Cheng clan. One careless move could bring ruin upon the entire family. I don't care what upheavals you cause outside, but you must not bring disaster upon the clan. Besides your brothers and comrades, the clan includes children who understand nothing."
Cheng Chi smiled. "Don't worry, I also have a wife and children to care for. I'm just a bit curious. I feel that if the ruler lacked virtue, you probably wouldn't be so calm and composed, would you?"
Cheng Shao did not deny it. "Sometimes, the unintentional actions of those in high positions cause many troubles that shouldn't have arisen. So, a ruler's lack of virtue is often the root cause of the people's suffering."
"I understand," Cheng Chi said softly, his expression unable to conceal a trace of melancholy.
Or perhaps he had no intention of concealing it.
Cheng Shao had always known his nephew's capabilities. Seeing this, his heart skipped a beat, and he asked with concern, "Has something happened?"
Cheng Chi hesitated.
Cheng Shao stood there calmly, waiting for his answer.
Cheng Chi hadn't expected Cheng Shao to insist on an answer. Somewhat helplessly, he said, "I discovered that the Crown Prince has a heart condition, and the Fourth Prince knows about it."
Cheng Shao was even more confused. "What does this have to do with the Seventh Prince?"
Cheng Chi was surprised. "You knew the Crown Prince was ill? Why haven't I heard you mention it before?""This is not a good thing," Cheng Shao said. "The Emperor did not explicitly state it, but his words carried hints. Do you wish to involve yourself in the matter of establishing the heir? I think you are being too hasty. The Emperor is currently in the prime of his life, and the realm will remain peaceful for at least another decade. Rather than worrying about who will succeed him, I believe it would be better for you to remain still and act only when necessary—as long as you are capable of handling practical affairs. No matter who becomes the Emperor, they will always need your services. Why take such a risk? Besides, you still have the Eldest Young Master above you. If it comes to taking sides, he is likely more anxious than you—having reached his position yet only serving as an assistant minister, once the heir apparent changes, he will have no choice but to align himself."
Cheng Chi’s thoughts, however, were preoccupied with the fact that Cheng Shao already knew about the Crown Prince’s illness and did not dwell too much on the issue of taking sides. He pondered and said, "Aside from you, do you know who else is aware of the Crown Prince’s illness? According to the law, a Crown Prince with such an illness is not fit to inherit the throne..."
Cheng Shao hinted at him, "But the Crown Prince has a good son."
In other words, the Emperor had no intention of letting the Crown Prince succeed him.
This was also in line with the art of ruling as an emperor.
There cannot be two masters under heaven.
According to Shaojin, the Emperor indeed had nearly ten more years of life left. By then, the Crown Prince would be over forty, while the eldest imperial grandson would be in the prime of his youth. The Crown Prince’s illness would likely persist for only a few more years, allowing the eldest imperial grandson to smoothly succeed him. Moreover, if the Crown Prince were to pass away, the eldest imperial grandson would be the perfect successor, avoiding any suspicion between father and son.
In reality, the Crown Prince did indeed pass away before the Emperor, but what no one expected was that the eldest imperial grandson also died before the Emperor.
Cheng Chi smiled and said, "You are the one who understands the Emperor best. If both the Crown Prince and the eldest imperial grandson were to pass away before the Emperor, who would he choose as the heir apparent?"
Cheng Shao’s eyelids twitched. "What do you mean by that?"
Cheng Chi replied, "Tomorrow is a day of rest. If you hadn’t come over, I would have likely gone to find you. The Seven Stars Hall—I think it’s time to end it in my hands. But what to do with the people of the Seven Stars Hall is a major issue. I originally planned to eliminate the most vicious ones, let those unwilling to retire from the jianghu go their own way, and arrange suitable positions in the garrison for those who wish to wash their hands of their past. For those unwilling to join the garrison, they could be assigned as constables in various government offices. However, those willing to become constables would have to leave their hometowns. Although I could manipulate the records to make their backgrounds appear clean, most of their fellow villagers would know what they used to do..."
The Seventh Prince oversees the Western Mountain Garrison.
Cheng Shao breathed a sigh of relief and said, "There’s no need to seek the Seventh Prince’s help for this matter. Give me the list, and I will arrange it."
Cheng Chi smiled and said, "Very well. In a couple of years, once I have finalized the personnel, you can slowly help arrange their placements." He then returned to the topic of establishing the heir. "The Crown Prince’s health goes without saying, but I am not optimistic about the eldest imperial grandson succeeding over his uncles."
Cheng Shao, however, had no intention of discussing this further with Cheng Chi.Cheng Chi said, "It's not that I want to meddle in others' affairs, but Elder Brother has always followed the Yuan family's lead all these years. Yet when it came to Elder Brother's entry into the Grand Secretariat, Yuan Weichang secretly reached an agreement with Shen Minzhi. This in itself is not unreasonable—from Yuan Weichang's perspective, he has his own plans and arrangements. However, Yuan Weichang didn't leak even a hint of this. I'm afraid that when Elder Brother is forced to take sides, he might be betrayed by Yuan Weichang."
Although Cheng Shao also had reservations about Cheng Jing's abilities, he replied, "Back then, you were chosen by Second Granduncle, and you were too young. Your second brother is honest but lacks shrewdness, while your elder brother is somewhat stronger and willing to help the clan..."
Wasn't this just picking the tallest among the short?
Cheng Chi scoffed, "Why don't you step up yourself?"
"I'm too aloof; I can't blend in with the crowd," Cheng Shao said seriously. "Besides, I think my current position is best. I can make occasional appearances before the Emperor while staying far from the Six Ministries and Three Judicial Offices, which puts the Emperor at ease. I can also give you all reminders to avoid stepping into a quagmire you can't escape."
That was true.
Having someone like Cheng Shao was a great advantage for the Cheng family's official careers.
"As for taking sides," Cheng Shao pondered for a moment, "I think you should talk to Da Lun—he's in the Household of the Heir Apparent, and you could get closer to the Fourth Prince. The Fourth Prince grew up in Kunning Palace and shares an extraordinary bond with the Crown Prince. If the Crown Prince's eldest son cannot ascend the throne, the Fourth Prince is the most likely candidate. If the Crown Prince's eldest son does succeed, the Fourth Prince is still assured of a life as a wealthy prince."
Listening to this, Cheng Chi's ink-black eyes suddenly grew even deeper.
He asked, "You favor the Fourth Prince?"
Cheng Shao gave Cheng Chi a meaningful look and said, "Don't you also favor him? Otherwise, why would he send gifts for Yun Ge'er's hundred-day celebration?"
Only then did Cheng Chi's heart race.
He took several deep breaths, and it took quite a while for his emotions to calm down.
Cheng Shao, however, felt they had already spoken too deeply today and said, "Don't worry about your elder brother; I'll remind him." He then changed the subject. "Liao Shaotang returned to his hometown to take the imperial examination. Before he left, I gave him several volumes of contemporary essays. I wonder how he performed?"
Having learned what he wanted to know, Cheng Chi no longer dwelled on the topic of the imperial succession and smiled, "He came to bid me farewell before leaving, and I also gave him a few words of advice, telling him to inform us whether the news was good or bad."
Cheng Shao said, "His essay skills are quite solid, and the Liao family is not without connections. He must have prepared well."
Cheng Chi said, "If he makes the list this time, I suggest he take the exam together with Jiashan next year. One person taking the exam is the same as two. With your help in selecting topics, it's better than flailing around like a headless fly."
Cheng Shao laughed and said, "Even if it's for your sake, if he takes the next exam, I'll still have to help him with the topics. You certainly know how to make use of people!"As the two were speaking, the curtain of the main room lifted, and Chenxiang stepped out. Knowing that Cheng Chi and Cheng Shao were in conversation, she did not approach but stood at a distance under the corridor, calling out loudly, "Second Elder Master, Fourth Master, Old Madam asks if you have finished your discussion. If so, please come inside for tea. She wishes to have someone fetch Young Master A Bao and Young Master A Ren later so that everyone can dine together tomorrow."
"Excellent!" Cheng Shao knew that he was getting on in years and that A Bao and A Ren would need to rely on Cheng Jing and the others for care in the future. The more frequently they interacted, the better their relationship would be and the deeper their bond. "I think the weather should be fine tomorrow. Why don’t we go boating at Chashi Lake?"
If they were to go boating at Chashi Lake under Old Madam Guo’s name, Zhou Shaojin would have to make the necessary arrangements.
Cheng Chi said, "I think it would be better to go boating at home. My mother-in-law, sister-in-law, and brother-in-law are also here, and with so many children, going to Chashi Lake might be too difficult to manage."
"That’s fine too," Cheng Shao said with a smile. "I’ll paint a picture for the children."
His calligraphy and painting were both considered masterpieces, and with the emperor’s admiration, his works were highly sought after and difficult to obtain.
But Cheng Chi seemed thoughtful as he said, "Let’s invite Gu Da Lun as well."
Cheng Shao clapped his hands and said, "Excellent, excellent. Why not invite Son-in-Law Yuan and Son-in-Law Peng along as well?"
※
Dear readers, here is today’s update.
O(∩_∩)O~
※ (To be continued ~^~)
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