Chapter 255
**Chapter 253: The Art of Kingship**
Using food and military might to intimidate Donglin, there will always be times of food shortages and moments when military strength is insufficient. But if we build a dam and reservoir, controlling the water sources within Donglin, that would be the most reliable chain around Donglin's neck.
If Donglin dares to confront Nanchu, we shall cut off their water supply.
Li Yuanjing was greatly pleased, ruffling his son's hair. "You truly are my son."
Li Chengtai couldn't help but smirk a little; being recognized by his father made him feel a bit excited.
Inside the hall, Yang Xuanji was taken aback, quickly bowing his head. "Your Majesty, please reconsider! This method is truly ruthless! Our Daqing is a land of propriety; how can we adopt such a cruel approach?"
Li Yuanjing's voice was low and steady. "A hundred years ago, when Daqing was first established, Donglin repeatedly invaded, and the common people suffered greatly. Our ancestors fought for decades to push Donglin back to the coast. A mere small nation like that should not be left as a future threat."
Having grown up in the military, Li Yuanjing was well-versed in both literature and martial arts. After ascending the throne, he had always strived to maintain a balance between the civil and military officials in the court. He understood that one must not prioritize civil affairs over military strength; generals and their armies were the core forces that ensured the stability of the nation.
What propriety? For a disobedient little nation, one must go in with a stick—
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Only after they are subdued can we talk about propriety.
Li Chengtai nodded vigorously, agreeing with his father's words, and whispered, "Mother told me that a cat only sees mice, a butcher only sees pork, and a vendor only sees goods. An emperor sees the world. Depending on where you stand, you see different things—Sir, you are a scholar, so you see poetry and righteousness, of course, you can't see what Father sees."
Yang Xuanji trembled, standing dumbfounded in place.
Having studied for years, he prided himself on his vast knowledge, and many of the court's scholars had come from his tutelage. Yang Xuanji had always looked down on military men, considering them crude and lacking in decorum.
But now, he found himself looked down upon by a child.
Yang Xuanji raised his head, gazing up at the emperor and his son seated on the dragon throne. The throne exuded an overwhelming pressure, filled with authority.
His heart surged with conflicting emotions, and he finally bowed deeply. "This old minister... takes his leave."
Yang Xuanji exited the Chang'an Palace.
As noon approached, the heat began to dissipate. Yang Xuanji walked slowly along the long palace path.
As he walked, he heard Li Chengtai's youthful voice calling from behind. The boy ran up to him, "Sir, let me see you out of the palace."
Yang Xuanji was quite surprised, puzzled. "I scolded you, and yet you still want to see me off?"
Li Chengtai lifted his little head, his eyes sincere. "One thing is one thing. Even though I disagree with you, Sir, you are knowledgeable. Mother said we shouldn't completely deny a person because of their shortcomings."
No one is perfect.
Yang Xuanji fell silent.
He left the palace with heavy steps, burdened with thoughts, and climbed into a carriage. The wheels rolled over the ground, disappearing at the city gate.
As the carriage traveled through the bustling streets of Yanjing, Yang Xuanji held an unfinished ancient text in his hands, his mind still replaying Li Chengtai's words. Outside the carriage, a vendor's voice suddenly rang out—
"Fresh pork for sale! Just slaughtered today!"
Yang Xuanji's heart stirred. He lifted the curtain of the carriage. A vendor was shouting at the street corner, selling pork; in the corner of the stall, a plump tabby cat was intently watching the meat; an old woman selling vegetables sat by the roadside, sorting through fresh produce...
The common folk, cats and dogs, who understood nothing of propriety, were all striving to make a living.
Yang Xuanji lowered the curtain again, glancing at the yellowed ancient text in his hands.
Having lived for most of his life, the well-read Yang Xuanji felt a sense of confusion rising within him.
...
As summer approached, the temperature gradually rose.
Near noon, Shen Wei came to Cining Palace with some tangled old accounts, seeking the Empress Dowager's advice.
The Empress Dowager was worried, occasionally sending palace maids to the outside of the Guangwen Pavilion to gather news.
Seeing the Empress Dowager's anxious demeanor, like a loving parent worried about a child's exam results, Shen Wei smiled to comfort her. "Mother, do your best and leave the rest to fate. There's no need to worry."
There were many learned scholars, not just Yang Xuanji. If he was unwilling to teach, there were plenty of other old gentlemen available.
The Empress Dowager sighed. "Chengtai has been preparing for days. If he is turned away, he will surely be heartbroken."
Shen Wei clutched the account books, smiling brightly. "Life is unpredictable; no one can always sail smoothly. If Chengtai faces some setbacks, it could be a good thing."
The Empress Dowager pondered Shen Wei's words and felt they made sense.
If a child's life is too smooth, their ability to cope with setbacks will diminish. Facing challenges will naturally build their resilience.
In the palace, which concubine with children did not treasure their offspring like jewels? Only Shen Wei was different; she cared for her three children but did not indulge them.
In fact, Shen Wei would intentionally let her children face small difficulties to cultivate their problem-solving skills and enhance their resilience.
The Empress Dowager temporarily set aside her worries, her gaze sweeping over Shen Wei's fair face. Shen Wei had not been in charge of the six palaces for long, and it was no easy task to familiarize herself with the myriad palace affairs in a short time.
Shen Wei's face seemed a bit thinner.
Having once been an Empress herself, the Empress Dowager understood how challenging it was to manage the inner palace. She instructed Mama Qian to bring a bowl of cooked white fungus and red dates for Shen Wei to nourish her body.
"There are several experienced old maids in my palace. If you find it overwhelming, I can have them help you," the Empress Dowager said with concern.
Shen Wei gulped down the white fungus and red dates in one go, then turned to the Empress Dowager. "Mother, every beginning is difficult. Once I am fully familiar with the palace affairs, I will manage with ease. If I encounter any insurmountable problems, I will seek your guidance."
The Empress Dowager sighed. "Very well, I trust you."
When Shen Wei was at the Yan Wangfu, she had managed the household efficiently in just a few days. The palace was merely a larger version of the Wangfu; it would not be a challenge for Shen Wei.
After a while, news finally came from the Guangwen Pavilion.
Yang Xuanji and Li Chengtai had a minor dispute. Angered, Yang Xuanji left the Guangwen Pavilion in a huff and went to Chang'an Palace to report to the Emperor before finally leaving the palace.
The Empress Dowager was puzzled. "A dispute? How could Chengtai have a disagreement with Yang Xuanji?"
A man in his seventies arguing with a four-year-old?
The little eunuch who brought the news was equally bewildered and reported honestly, "Old Master Yang was so angry his face turned red when he left the Guangwen Pavilion to complain to the Emperor. The Emperor kept Eighth Prince in Chang'an Palace to discuss matters for a while. At this time, Eighth Prince should be returning to Cining Palace soon. As for the reason for the dispute, I do not know."
Just then, footsteps were heard at the entrance of Cining Palace.
Li Chengtai had returned.
Shen Wei waved at him, and Li Chengtai dashed over, burying his little head in Shen Wei's embrace, his expression hinting at grievance.
Shen Wei patted his back gently, asking softly, "What were you and Yang Xuanji arguing about?"
The Empress Dowager, who always doted on her grandson, was immediately incensed upon seeing Li Chengtai's pitiful face. "Could it be that old scoundrel Yang Xuanji said something outrageous?!"
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