ITOTIABSAM | The Tyrant in the Deep Palace | 84
It was the first spring after quelling the rebellion that Xie Ye's health completely recovered.
Due to the original plot being a classic "chasing wife" trope, the storyline after Prince An's ascension to the throne focused more on the emotional entanglement between the main characters, with little mention of state affairs.
However, reality proved that as long as the world consciousness didn't misbehave, everything could still function as usual even without the so-called main characters. Losing the advantage of "foresight" might be a pity for others, but for Xie Ye, it was a kind of enjoyable freedom.
Anyway, he never intended to follow the so-called plot.
Perhaps the world consciousness was not quite ready to give up yet, as after being thrown into the celestial prison, Pei Yi fell ill several times in succession, with high fever that wouldn't subside. According to reports from palace servants, it seemed that even his vision was affected.
Nevertheless, he still stubbornly clung to life.
Living in a daze after losing clear thinking and a healthy body.
Seeking revenge for every grievance, Xie Ye had never been destined to have any dealings with the "Holy Father," so he couldn't possibly rush to give the other party a quick death. The sufferings he endured from poisoning in his previous life, of course, had to be repaid in kind, if not doubled.
If "lingering on the brink of death" was the "luck" that protagonists must endure, then he would rather be an antagonist.
"To make the country prosper under the antagonist?" 1101 sarcastically remarked, "Your definition of an antagonist is quite unique."
Xie Ye responded calmly, "For the sake of..."
"Only Gu Cong," 1101 skillfully continued, feeling helpless, "When will you ever change that stubborn habit of yours?"
Whether it was to maintain the setting of the protagonist or for the sake of Gu Cong, in 1101's view, the awakened Xie Ye himself was a gentle person.
Even though he never admitted it.
As the ministers under the dragon throne had already paid their respects and began discussing spring farming matters, led by the newly appointed Minister of Rites, another solemn face, around thirty years old, stood next to the last section of the jade steps under the throne:
After the court was pacified, Xue Hai spent several months handing over his duties. At the beginning of the new year, he voluntarily resigned.
Xie Ye could understand the reason for his actions: Regardless of the outcome, Xue Hai had harbored rebellious thoughts, and as the commander of the imperial guards, a position that couldn't tolerate any hint of betrayal, he should have the self-awareness to actively dispel any seeds of suspicion in the emperor's mind.
Honestly, Xie Ye had long been accustomed to betrayal. In the vast Hall of Political Affairs, among these standing officials, how many could truly be considered loyal to the emperor? They were merely pulled by the two strings of interest and life, maintaining the operation of the country.
But since this was Xue Hai's own choice, Xie Ye couldn't be bothered to intervene. The newly appointed commander of the imperial guards was very quiet, like a stone, unlike some of the old men below who were so chatty.
The "chatty old men" were still arguing.
In the spring days, the emperor personally plowed the fields and encouraged farming, which was a tradition of the court, even before the current dynasty, but was postponed last year due to the recent ascension of the young emperor. Now that the court was stable, it was naturally put back on the agenda to let His Majesty demonstrate heavenly grace, set an example, and pray for favorable weather for the coming year.
Opponents argued, however, that the rebellion of Prince An had only just passed a few months ago. Despite the thorough cleansing of the officials, there might still be remnants. In case of any accidents, it would inevitably lead to chaos.
—With debates heating up, Xie Ye felt increasingly annoyed.
By the time the ministers realized this, the young man on the dragon throne had already narrowed his eyes with a faint smile. Although he was not wearing imperial robes, only a red garment embroidered with dragon patterns, he still exuded an overwhelming sense of pressure that contrasted sharply with his slender figure.
With a hint of laughter in his voice, he leisurely remarked, "Why stop arguing now?"
In the silent Hall of Governmental Affairs, the ministers were all kneeling on the ground, except for Gu Cong, who remained standing silently by the right side of the dragon throne.
"What's there to fear?" Xie Ye leaned back lazily, and Gu Cong had already placed a cushion for him in advance. It was a discreet bright yellow one, very comfortable, making the cold golden chair finally look somewhat suitable for sitting.
Glancing at Ning Wei standing in the front row, Xie Ye's smile was ambiguous, making it hard to discern his emotions. "Is it just a trip to the outskirts of the capital? Are the Imperial Guards and Ning Wei just for show?"
Just as the supporters breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing that His Majesty agreed to personally plow the fields, before they could feel joyous, they heard him continue, "But..."
"I want to bring Gu Cong along."
Gu Cong?
He was now the Grand Steward of the Palace, and such matters required his presence and management. Why would His Majesty suddenly mention...
Suddenly realizing something, the newly appointed Minister of Rites raised his head, wanting to blurt out "Your Majesty, this is absolutely inappropriate," but was suppressed by the cold gaze from the throne.
In a tone as if discussing something ordinary, the young emperor cheerfully said, "I was born weak, so let Gu Cong accompany me for the spring plowing. Let him lend a hand."
Lend a hand?
Throughout history, only the empress or the crown prince could accompany the emperor to plow the fields at such an important event. Anyone with a little bit of brains could see what His Majesty's intention was.
Gu Cong is a man. If he were truly made the emperor's consort, it would only confine him to the deep palace. If he were to show his face or interfere in politics even slightly, he would become the target of the imperial censors. Even if His Majesty protected him during his lifetime, what about after his death? How would history remember him?
So, this clever emperor decided to keep him by his side with just an official position. However, with the imperial harem already empty, if he were to bring Gu Cong along for the spring plowing, who wouldn't recognize him as the de facto "empress"?
Such cunning and calculation, yet used only for the sake of love and on just one man, the ministers' expressions swiftly changed, but strangely, not a single one dared to object.
Dragons have their sensitive spots, and they hadn't forgotten how the young emperor behaved when provoked.
The members of the imperial family who had heard rumors of the adoption were the first to come out in support. It was best if Gu Cong truly cherished him for a lifetime. This way, they could see hope for their own futures.
And so, an outrageous act that sounded treasonous at first glance was easily decided upon.
In just half a morning.
After processing numerous memorials, even those inexperienced in politics should become somewhat sensitive to it. Moreover, Gu Cong himself was a clever person.
He understood the emperor's intentions but did not intervene:
Hoping for peace and prosperity in the world did not conflict with his own happiness with Xie Ye. Since no commoners or innocent people would be harmed by this, why couldn't he satisfy his own selfish desires openly and accept the emperor's love for him?
As for how the imperial censors and the world would judge him, whether in life or death, he would not care.
With this mindset, Gu Cong decisively rejected the various ministers who wanted to use him to persuade the young emperor to change his mind and retract the decree.
The last person to visit him was a gray-bearded high-ranking court official, who only had the qualifications to choose neutrality once in a high position. This person could be considered a realistic portrayal of someone who prioritized self-preservation and remained invisible throughout the struggle between Prince An and the young emperor, until one side was defeated.
Whether it was about the adoption or the spring plowing, the other party did not clearly state their position in the Hall of Governmental Affairs, so Gu Cong was somewhat surprised when he came to find him.
"Don't be nervous, Master Gu. I am not aligned with those few from before," the old man in purple robes said with a smile, straightening his gray beard. At first glance, his face seemed very friendly, but once his half-closed eyelids lifted, a sharpness akin to an eagle's could be discerned, without any signs of age-related cloudiness.
After scrutinizing Gu Cong as if peeling off his skin and dissecting his bones, the old man gradually withdrew the smile from his face and said, "Master Gu, do you know the importance of holding onto one's principles in your position?"
"If His Majesty is willing to do good for you, there are some trivial matters that you need not dwell on."
"I only hope that Master Gu can always stay true to yourself and refrain from making mistakes, so as not to plunge the world back into chaos like before."
Although the words were indirect, the meaning was quite clear.
Gu Cong thought.
It was nothing more than a warning, reminding him not to become too complacent and forget his duties because of the emperor's favor, and not to use it to engage in actions that would harm the country and the people.
Otherwise... judging by the other party's expression, they might find ways to eliminate him.
Despite sensing the blatant threat in his words, Gu Cong showed no signs of anger. For a high-ranking court official, failing to consider the welfare of the people would be the worst offense.
But there was one point he had to correct.
"It's not me who is guiding His Majesty towards goodness," he said firmly, looking the old man in the eyes seriously. "His Majesty is inherently a benevolent person."
If no one harmed him, he would not harm anyone else.
A benevolent tyrant? To most people's ears, this would sound absurd. Even the high-ranking court official, momentarily stunned as he was, shook his head after a long pause, leaving with a complex expression:
The place where he met Gu Cong was the East Hall of the Hall of Governmental Affairs, the place where documents were submitted. Otherwise, they, the group of ministers, wouldn't have had a chance to intercept him. His Majesty was currently resting in the main hall, so there was no way he could have heard Gu Cong's "flattery."
...But looking at the expression on Gu Cong's face, it was clear that his words were not flattery, but genuine.
How strange.
1101, who was secretly gossiping, also felt a deep resonance with the final expression of the old prime minister: this feeling was familiar, like being choked by dog food a billion times over—it's just something you get used to.
A smirk played at the corner of Xie Ye's lips as well.
Benevolence, the word didn't hold much praise in his heart. It tended to evoke images of weakness and pity. But if it came from Gu Cong's mouth... he could just about bear to listen.
With a mischievous sense of amusement, when the others returned with the documents, he pretended not to know and asked, "Why are you all back so late?"
Gu Cong explained in detail, "I was delayed by a few ministers."
Xie Ye asked, "Were you summoned to advise me?"
Gu Cong nodded.
Xie Ye followed up, "Then why didn't you advise me?"
"Because I want to stand by Your Majesty's side," Gu Cong replied as he set down the documents and skillfully helped the emperor up from his seat. He then planted a kiss on the young emperor's forehead. "I'm guilty of being too self-serving. Please forgive me this time, Your Majesty."
Xie Ye raised an eyebrow. "Just this once?"
The kiss landed lightly on the lips, like a dragonfly skimming the surface of water. "Many times."
It was as if time stood still.
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