Echoes of My Heart Throughout the Court

The elderly emperor walked out of Wuying Hall with an expressionless face, followed by a group of officials who were also trying their best to suppress their expressions. In his mind, the events of the twelfth year of Tiantong kept replaying in a vivid and endless loop, with new details constantly emerging. Closing his eyes tightly, the emperor took a deep breath, but he could not expel the lingering voice from his head.

He just couldn’t understand! Why couldn’t Xu Yanmiao interpret the gesture as a normal act of camaraderie between a ruler and his minister? What was wrong with an emperor holding a minister’s hand? It was a sign of favor!

An emperor could even sweet-talk his minister, professing his fondness, expressing his desire to care for him, suggesting they rest shoulder-to-shoulder for the night, or describing the harmony between ruler and minister as akin to that of fish and water.

If an emperor truly valued someone, he could create a unique position for them, command others to bow to them, or even bend the law for their sake. The emperor felt aggrieved.

I’m really not into men! he thought. I’m not like those emperors of past dynasties who indulged in both men and women!

Meanwhile, Xu Yanmiao continued flipping through the historical records, sensing something odd. It felt like someone was watching him. Turning around, he saw a official from the Ministry of War. “What’s the matter? Is there something on my face?” he asked.

The Official gave Xu Yanmiao a resentful look. “Nothing. I just think it’s great that you were able to escape danger tonight.”

If only we could also escape danger and not have to hear about our superior’s romantic escapades anymore, the Official thought bitterly.

“Yes! I feel the same!” Xu Yanmiao exclaimed, still shaken. “Tonight was incredibly perilous.”

If not for the emperor seeing through the former Crown Grandson’s scheme to discredit the ministers of the court…

Xu Yanmiao wasn’t naïve. He knew he wasn’t the real target. He was merely a pawn the former Crown Grandson used to drag down the Minister of Rites, the General, the scholars of the Hanlin Academy, and others.

But the emperor wouldn’t tolerate such a blatant power play. That’s why he helped Xu Yanmiao cheat.

“If not for the emperor’s wisdom, I might have been wrongly imprisoned,” Xu Yanmiao said solemnly. “From now on, I’ll be more cautious with my words and actions, avoid mingling with outsiders, and never form factions.”

[It’s much safer to enjoy gossip! The political scene is far too treacherous. One wrong move, and you’re cannon fodder.]

[Let me see… Tiantong Year 15…]

The Official stared at him blankly. So… you’re going to keep digging into the emperor’s private affairs?

The subsequent New Year’s Eve activities went smoothly. No one caused trouble, except for Xu Yanmiao who continued reading historical records and the emperor who wore a face darker than the bottom of a pot.

The next day, during the New Year’s Day court assembly, everything proceeded as usual. However, before the session ended, the emperor suddenly announced his intention to tour the Nine Provinces.

The local officials visibly panicked.

Not only did the emperor plan to tour the provinces, but he had also sent the Jinyiwei (Imperial Guards) to notify deputy governors to take charge during the inspection.

This was clearly a surprise inspection to evaluate local governance and expose any corruption or exploitation of the people! By making this announcement during the assembly, it was evident he didn’t want anyone tipping off the local officials.

And indeed, that was precisely the emperor’s plan. With everyone present, he proposed selecting a few officials to stay behind in the capital while the rest prepared to depart immediately.

What? Too tiring? I’m over sixty, and I’m not complaining! What are you whining about?

The Crown Prince chimed in enthusiastically, “Exactly! Exactly!”

He then added, “Your Majesty, I request to accompany you on this tour and learn from your example. As for managing state affairs, the Prime Minister can handle it!”

Wow! Throwing your uncle under the bus at the first opportunity! So this is where the former Crown Grandson learned it!

The Crown Prince’s uncle, Prime Minister Dou: “???”

[You’re such a wonderful nephew.]

The emperor didn’t think much of it. As long as someone stayed behind to oversee the capital, it didn’t matter. “Fine. The Crown Prince will accompany me, and the Prime Minister will remain in the capital.”@@novelbin@@

The lower-ranked officials didn’t even bother trying to voice their opinions. However, the second-rank ministers exchanged glances, each determined to secure a spot on the tour.

Understood. Spots are limited. Push others out, and I’ll get in!

The Minister of War stepped forward, shaking his sleeves dramatically. “Your Majesty! The Ministry of Works is tasked with designing new workshops, and the Ministry of Revenue manages the resources. The Ministry of War currently has no pressing matters. I humbly request the honor of accompanying you.”

[Whoa! A direct attack! Ruthless! What a cutthroat move!] The Minister of Works glared daggers at him.

“Your Majesty! While workshops are indeed important, they can be supervised by my deputies. I, however, can inspect dams, assess granary conditions, and evaluate irrigation, farming, and transportation projects…”

“But the Ministry of War is unique,” the Minister of Works interjected. “It oversees critical funds like the courier fees, horse procurement funds, fuel allowances, and maintenance costs for postal stations. Without the Minister of War in the capital, who will manage these funds? Should we transport them on the road? What if they’re lost en route?”

The Minister of War fumed. “You!”

[This is politics at its finest! Ministry of Revenue, are you just going to let the Ministry of War walk all over you?]

The Minister of Revenue sighed, “Your Majesty, I am willing to either stay behind or accompany you as you see fit. However, the Ministry of Justice has numerous cases awaiting review, and leaving the capital would delay justice for many civilians seeking resolution to their grievances.”

The Minister of Justice panicked. “Why are you dragging me into this?!”

And so it went, with officials from various ministries sparring fiercely. The provincial military officers watched in awe.

[These central officials wield the Thirty-Six Stratagems like pros! Even resorting to beauty traps!]

The Minister of Rites argued, “You all plan to leave deputies behind, but the Ministry of Rites cannot. Either both I and my deputy stay, or we both go.”

The emperor eventually made the final decision:

“The Prime Minister stays behind.”

After all, the Crown Prince ran off.

“The Minister of Works stays behind.”

The workshops really are important. Let’s finish them while Xiao Baize is out of town.

And with that, the officials prepared for the grand tour.