HLnovel Chapter 175 The Duke of Qin's Earnest Advice
Chapter 175 The Duke of Qin's Earnest Advice
Yu Jin's face turned ashen with rage. He turned abruptly, his voice trembling with anger: "Your Majesty, how dare Wei Wuji be so arrogant and domineering in this solemn hall! He is blatantly disrespectful to Your Majesty and has no regard for Your Majesty's dignity! Your humble servant begs Your Majesty to severely punish Wei Wuji for his great disrespect in order to uphold justice in the court!"
Upon hearing this, Liu Kun's anger erupted like a volcano. He slammed his fist on the imperial desk, causing the ink and brushes on it to scatter. His furious shout echoed throughout the hall: "Enough! All of you, shut up!"
Xiao Jinyan was startled and thought to himself: It seems that Wei Wuji and Yu Jin are now irreconcilable enemies. Meanwhile, Emperor Liu Kun was also thoroughly enraged by this sudden uproar; a storm was about to sweep through the court.
Liu Kun's lips curled into a disdainful smile as he coldly glanced at Wei Wuji, his words laced with contempt: "Duke of Qin, I have no intention of heeding your alarmist pronouncements! Do you really believe that my expansion of the palace and construction of gardens are enough to shake my empire? Ha! I refuse to believe such nonsense! Look at my Great Song Dynasty, the people live in peace and prosperity, the national treasury is full, are we really going to be stingy with such a small amount of money?"
Upon hearing this, Wei Wuji couldn't help but sigh softly, his eyes filled with worry: "Your Majesty, lately you have been close to that scoundrel Yu Jin, allowing corrupt officials to run rampant and squander money without restraint. If this continues, won't our Great Song Dynasty follow in the footsteps of a fallen nation? I hope Your Majesty will think carefully about the implications of this matter."
Upon hearing this, Liu Kun was enraged. His face instantly darkened, and he slammed his fist on the dragon table, roaring, "Wei Wuji, are you implying... that I am a tyrannical and incompetent ruler? Is that right?"
Wei Wuji looked flustered and spoke earnestly, almost pleadingly: "Your Majesty, this humble subject does not mean it at all! What this humble subject wishes to say is that... honest advice is often harsh, but it is beneficial to action. If Your Majesty refuses to heed this honest advice and continues to be so stubborn and headstrong to the end, I fear that the foundation of the Great Song Dynasty will be in jeopardy sooner or later!"
Upon hearing this, Liu Kun felt a mix of emotions, unsure whether to laugh or cry. He inwardly grumbled: "This Wei Wuji, he's been rambling on and on, repeating the same old clichés. It's utterly tiresome!" He wished he could immediately find something to shut him up! However, outwardly, he could only suppress his anger and say sternly:
"Enough! Wei Wuji, this empire belongs to me, and the way it is governed is determined by my own heart! You must not speak again!"
Wei Wuji's heart was ashen, his eyes filled with desolation, and he murmured in a low, desperate voice, "Your Majesty..."
Before Wei Wuji could finish speaking, Liu Kun slammed his hand heavily on the dragon table again, his impatience evident, and uttered two short and forceful words: "Court adjourned!"
Upon witnessing this scene, Yu Jin curled his lips into a cold smile, his eyes filled with contempt and disdain for Wei Wuji. He then turned and left without leaving a trace. Wei Wuji stood there dumbfounded, his face blank, his disappointment evident, as if his heart was tightly wrapped in ice, chilling him to the bone.
After the court session ended, the officials dispersed like a receding tide, leaving behind a trail of lingering fervor from the court discussions. As Xiao Jinyan turned away, he caught a glimpse of Chu Liangchen's meaningful and cunning smile out of the corner of his eye. Suddenly, everything became clear to him. All the plans had been quietly laid out, and he was just waiting for the moment to reap the rewards.
The rift between Liu Kun, who was quietly getting close to the powerful and treacherous Yu Jin, and his trusted confidant Wei Wuji was deepening day by day. The situation appeared calm on the surface, but beneath lay a turbulent undercurrent. This subtle change was a crucial step in Xiao Jinyan's strategic plan, foreshadowing a turning point in Wei Wuji's fate.
As his thoughts wandered, Xiao Jinyan pondered to himself that Wei Wuji was indeed a kind-hearted man with a deep concern for the common people and a passionate love for the Song Dynasty. Every thought of his was intertwined with loyalty and concern for the country. He did not seek personal gain, did not covet power, and never abused his power to oppress the people. His words and deeds all demonstrated the demeanor of a loyal minister and a virtuous official.
Such a person, yet he was caught up in the turbulent changes of the court. Fate always seems to love playing tricks on people, blurring the lines between good and evil, loyalty and treachery, making one sigh at the unpredictability of life. Xiao Jinyan knew very well that in Jiankang, every step had to be taken with caution, because every decision could rewrite a person's fate, and even the future of the entire country.
However, Wei Wuji, this loyal and virtuous minister, remained steadfast in his loyalty to the incompetent and tyrannical ruler Liu Kun. This profound devotion, seen by the world, inevitably evokes pity and a sense of tragic fate. But then again, everything in this world requires discernment and careful analysis.
Faced with a tyrannical ruler like Liu Kun, whose behavior was as vile as that of a street ruffian, Wei Wuji, why are you still so loyal to him, so devoted to him? Let's just consider Wei Wuji's blind loyalty as him confusing right and wrong, unintentionally encouraging evil deeds...
Five days later, at the Imperial Ancestral Temple of the Song Dynasty.
The Imperial Ancestral Temple, a majestic structure standing in the heart of the Song Dynasty capital, was a sacred family temple built specifically for the imperial family to worship their ancestors. Its history can be traced back to the first year of the Yongchu era of Emperor Wu of Song. Covering an area of over two hundred acres, it adheres to the ancient ritual system of "revering Heaven and honoring ancestors." Every inch of its land and every brick and stone is engraved with respect and remembrance for the ancestors.
Stepping into the Imperial Ancestral Temple, one sees the ceiling and pillars covered with carvings resembling red-gold petals, shimmering with light, delicate and exquisite, showcasing imperial grandeur and luxury. Every carving embodies the craftsman's dedication and piety, as if whispering tales of glorious past years.
Inside the main hall, solemn and dignified, lay a sacred place where the emperor personally worshipped his ancestors and prayed for the prosperity of the nation. On either side of the main hall, fifteen rooms each stood guard like loyal sentinels. In the east wing, the shrines of imperial family members who had rendered meritorious service to the state were enshrined; their deeds and achievements shone like stars, illuminating the long history of the Song Dynasty. The west wing, on the other hand, paid tribute to meritorious officials of other surnames, whose wisdom and courage also contributed greatly to the prosperity and stability of the Song Dynasty; their shrines here received the reverence and remembrance of later generations.
The Imperial Ancestral Temple is not only a building, but also a symbol of the spirit and faith of the Song Dynasty. It carries the glory and dreams of countless heroes and silently tells the story of that magnificent historical chapter.
Deep within the secluded palace complex, the central hall and the rear hall stand majestically, both covered with gleaming yellow glazed tile roofs, each displaying the grandeur of nine halls. The central hall, known to the world as the imperial bedchamber, was the sacred place where the emperor rested; the rear hall, called the ancestral temple, was where the spirits of past ancestors were enshrined. In addition, the kitchen, storehouse, slaughterhouse, and animal preparation room, among other buildings, are arranged in a harmonious and orderly fashion, each fulfilling its function and working together to safeguard this sacredness and solemnity.
Inside the Imperial Ancestral Temple, ancient cypress trees reach for the sky, witnessing hundreds of years of wind and rain. Their trunks are gnarled and their branches and leaves are lush. Each tree exudes the strength and simplicity accumulated over the years, as if they are guardians of history, quietly telling the stories of the past.
It was during the grand ceremony of the Song Dynasty emperor's sacrifice to Heaven and ancestors, and the entire hall was enveloped in a solemn and sacred atmosphere. The hall itself was magnificent and resplendent, with every detail showcasing the nobility and majesty of the imperial family. As the ceremony began, the ancestral tablets of the Song Dynasty's ancestors were respectfully moved from the sleeping quarters and ancestral temples to this place and placed on the altars. The entire process was solemn and dignified.
The ceremonial guard stood in perfect formation, flags fluttering, swords and spears gleaming, displaying the majesty of the imperial family. The resounding, deep notes of bells and drums echoed through the spacious hall, intertwining with the melodious Shao music to create a breathtaking symphony. Meanwhile, the dancers, adorned in magnificent robes, moved gracefully, their light figures and fluid movements adding a touch of elegance and dynamism to the grand ceremony.
Such a scene is like a moving painting slowly unfolding before the world's eyes, inspiring awe and countless emotions.
Just as Liu Kun was devoutly performing the three kneelings and nine kowtows ceremony, respectfully paying homage to his ancestors, Wei Wuji inadvertently raised his eyes, his gaze meeting the portraits of Emperor Wu and Emperor Wen hanging in the center of the main hall. Those two monarchs, with their great talents and outstanding achievements, their illustrious names shine like brilliant stars throughout the ages, undoubtedly the indisputable sage rulers of their respective dynasties.
In contrast, Liu Kun... compared to these two wise rulers, he was truly far inferior, like a firefly compared to the bright moon. Thinking of this, Wei Wuji couldn't help but have an idea: why not take this opportunity to subtly advise Liu Kun, encouraging him to have lofty aspirations, to take the sages as his role models, and even if he couldn't be on par with them, not to be too inferior to his ancestors—his father and grandfather.
Deep within the solemn and majestic Imperial Ancestral Temple of the Song Dynasty, ancient trees reached for the sky, incense smoke curled, and the spirits of the ancestors silently watched down. Liu Kun stood on the altar, facing the tablets and portraits of his ancestors, his heart filled with awe and piety. Wei Wuji thought to himself, in this sacred and inviolable place, under the witness of the majestic gaze of the late emperor and his ancestors, Liu Kun would surely listen attentively, sincerely accept advice, and repent. Otherwise, even his ancestors in the afterlife would not forgive him easily.
After Liu Kun finished his sacrificial ceremony, Wei Wuji slowly stepped forward, his gaze solemnly pointing to the portrait of Emperor Wu of Song hanging high in the hall. The man in the painting, full of vigor and spirit, seemed to transcend time and space, speaking to future generations with an indescribable power. He earnestly said to Liu Kun, "Your Majesty, look at this man, he is your grandfather, our ancestor Emperor Wu. With extraordinary courage, he quelled the rebellions of Sun En and Huan Xuan, eliminating the separatist threats of Huan Chu, Western Shu, and Lu Xun one by one. He then led his army south, destroying Southern Yan and Later Qin, returning the lands of Huaibei, Shandong, and Henan to the territory of our Great Song Dynasty. His achievements were outstanding, and his prestige shook the four seas."
Upon hearing this, Liu Kun nodded slightly, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes, and slowly said, "Hmm... this person is indeed a remarkable hero who has personally captured several emperors and is renowned for his power."
Wei Wuji nodded slightly, his finger gently tracing the lifelike portrait of Emperor Wen of Song. With eyes full of respect, he introduced him to Liu Kun, saying, "Your Majesty, the man in the painting is our late Emperor Wen. During his reign, he was benevolent and kind. He issued edicts to exempt the people from years of accumulated taxes and debts. He also vigorously promoted diligence in learning, encouraged agriculture, and widely recruited talented people from all over the country. In a short time, people's livelihoods were restored, social production flourished, and the economy and culture blossomed and prospered... He was truly a wise ruler who created a golden age and whose name will be remembered for eternity!"
Liu Kun pondered for a moment, then turned his deep gaze to Wei Wuji and slowly said, "That old man did indeed have some extraordinary abilities, but unfortunately, he became so muddled in his later years that he dared to entrust the foundation of the dynasty to a mediocre talent like Liu Zhan... Hmph, what virtue or ability does Liu Zhan have that he can compare to me? In the end, didn't he easily fall at my feet? If he had known this would happen, why didn't he simply hand over the dragon throne to me?"
Wei Wuji pondered to himself that Liu Kun's words were quite fair; at least he acknowledged that his father and grandfather were both remarkable rulers, especially Emperor Wu of Song, who was a great and charismatic ruler who commanded respect.
Liu Kun's self-confession was like a glimmer of light in the darkness, revealing a sliver of clarity within him, preventing him from completely succumbing to ignorance and confusion. Considering Liu Kun's ancestors were all outstanding and accomplished individuals, how could one not wonder how he could willingly succumb to depravity and play the role of a mediocre, incompetent, and incompetent ruler?
Then, Wei Wuji parted her lips slightly, her tone gentle yet carrying an undeniable strength: "Your Majesty, do you know that the founding emperor of our Great Song Dynasty, Emperor Wu, and even the previous emperors, were all wise rulers of great vision, diligence, and love for their people. Their deeds, like brilliant stars, illuminate the sky of our Great Song Dynasty. As the continuation of this glorious lineage, how can Your Majesty not feel reverence, follow in their footsteps, and strive to establish an immortal legacy? After all, Your Majesty is the heir to whom the late emperor placed high hopes, bearing on your shoulders the glory of your ancestors and the expectations of the world."
Unexpectedly, upon hearing this, Liu Kun's previously calm and even slightly proud expression instantly turned gloomy, a dismissive smile playing on his lips: "Oh? What do you mean by this, Duke of Qin? Are you implying that my throne is not as secure as that of the late Emperor and our ancestor, Emperor Wu?"
Wei Wuji sighed inwardly. Liu Kun's words were so obvious that there was no need to ask further. It was not just "not good enough"; it was like comparing heaven and earth, incomparable!