Chương 12: "You dare question my decision!"
Lingyi hesitated, not knowing what Consort Xian was leading at. Replying, she said..."that is correct niang niang, but this servant is a quick learner and will not be a burden to niang naing ".
Consort Xian smiled .."Good, I want you to prove to me that your are not a burden. Tomorrow, you will accompany me to the morning gathering ".. Consort Xian said.
Ru Lingyi almost lost her composure out of joy and gratitude.. Happily, she bowed deeply" this servant will not disappoint you your highness ".
"Very good"... Consort Xian concluded, gesturing for her to leave.
As she left Consort Xian's chambers, Ru Lingyi felt a renewed sense of purpose. She smiled so happily heading for the maid quarters. The path ahead was still fraught with challenges, but she was determined to navigate it with grace and intelligence.
As Ru Lingyi walked away, Wanying watched Ru Lingyi from a distance, her eyes narrowing with displeasure.
"This battle is far from over, but for now, Ru Lingyi...enjoy your small victory."Wanying murmured to her self bittered , leaving off to only where she knows
****
At Qianging hall, the emperor's residence, He sat alone in his inner court, the room hushed except for the soft rustle of parchment and the occasional clinks of porcelain. Sunlight filtered through the windows, casting fine patterns on the polished floor. Scrolls and documents lay scattered on the low table before him, each one demanding his attention. He leaned back, rubbing his temples, feeling the strain of endless deliberations.
Suddenly, the quiet atmosphere in the room was interrupted by the soft but insistent voice of Eunuch Lu, his trusted attendant, who waked in to inform him of minister Cheng's arrival
"Your Majesty" ...Eunuch Lu began, bowing deeply, "Minister Cheng requests an audience".
The emperor raised an eyebrow in curiosity for Minister Cheng was known for his wisdom and foresight, and his visits were never without significance.
"Very well then, let him enter " the emperor replied, his voice measured.
Minister Cheng stepped into the inner court, his bearing dignified and calm. He stepped forward before the emperor, opposite the table filled with scrolls and reports and bowed deeply to the emperor , his robes rustling softly.
"Greetings to Your Majesty," he said with his voice steady.
The emperor gestured for him to rise. "Speak, Minister Cheng. What brings you here?", The emperor asked.
"Your majesty, I come before you with a matter of great importance"...Minister Cheng straightened as he paused, his eyes meeting the emperor's with a mix of respect and hesitation. "Your Majesty, I came to discuss the selection of the princess envoy."
The emperor's expression darkened. "What about it?" he demanded. "The selection has been made, and the envoy has been chosen. Why question it now?"
"Your Majesty," Minister Cheng replied, unflinching, "I believe there is a compelling reason to reconsider the choice."
The emperor's patience was wearing off already. "And what reason might that be?" he asked, his voice rising. "Or do you doubt my judgment?!"..the Emperor queried.
Minister Cheng took a deep bow immediately, his demeanor shaking but yet unresolved. "Your Majesty, I dare never question your wisdom. However, I have received information that the current selection may not be of the best benefit for our empire."
The emperor's eyes flashed with anger. "Enough!" he shouted, slamming his fist on the table. The air thickening with tension. "You dare to question my decision?!"
Minister Cheng did not waver. "Your Majesty, please allow me to explain. I come with the intention of serving the empire's best interests only."
The emperor's fury simmered, his gaze locked on the minister. "You have one chance, Minister Cheng. Speak your reason, and it had better be a good one."
Minister Cheng nodded taking a deep breath, his voice calm but measured. "Your Majesty, the princess envoy represents our empire to the foreign courts.However, sending a princess envoy at this time may project an image of weakness". Minister Cheng paused, already grasping the emperor's attention.
"Continue!"..an inpatient Emperor said.
"Your Majesty, sending a princess envoy could be interpreted by our adversaries as a sign of desperation. They may see it as an indication that we are willing to make significant concessions to avoid conflict. This perception could embolden them and weaken our negotiating position".
The emperor's anger began to subside, replaced by cautious curiosity. "Go on," he said again with his tone more controlled.
"Instead" ,Minister Cheng continued, "I propose that we pursue after a peace treaty directly. By doing so, we demonstrate our strength and our commitment to peace without appearing weak. A treaty negotiated on equal terms will command greater respect and establish a more stable foundation for future relations, your majesty.
The emperor leaned back, considering the minister's words. "And how do you suggest we approach this?"
"Your Majesty," Minister Cheng replied, "I recommend sending a delegation of our most esteemed diplomats and military leaders. This delegation will present our terms for peace and engage in negotiations from a position of strength. Such a move will show our adversaries that we are serious about peace but unwilling to compromise our sovereignty."
The emperor's expression softened slightly, the tension in the room easing. "You make a compelling argument, but a very sensible one Minister Cheng. However, this decision cannot be made lightly. Changing our approach now would cause a significant stir in the court."
"Your Majesty," Minister Cheng replied, "the short-term disturbance will be outweighed by the long-term benefits. Our empire's stability and prosperity depend on the strength of our alliances. A well-negotiated treaty will secure these relationships far better than a symbolic envoy."
The emperor leaned forward, his fingers steepled before him. "Very well, Minister Cheng. I will consider your proposal, but know this, if this change leads to discord within the court, it will be your responsibility to manage the fallout".
Minister Cheng bowed deeply. "Your subject understand, Your Majesty. I am prepared to shoulder that responsibility for the sake of the empire."
The emperor waved his hand dismissively. "You are dismissed. I will summon you once I have made my decision."
Minister Cheng bowed once more and retreated from the inner court, leaving the emperor to ponder his words. The silence in the room gradually returned, the tension dissipating.
The emperor sat in silence for a long moment, his mind racing. Minister Cheng's argument was sound, and the choice of how to approach the foreign courts of Ortai was indeed a matter of great importance. He could not afford to let personal pride cloud his judgment. The welfare of the empire was paramount.
"Eunuch Lu," the emperor called, breaking the silence.
"Yes, Your Majesty," Eunuch Lu replied, stepping forward.
"Summon the members of the Council to appear tomorrow," the emperor commanded. "I wish to discuss something of great importance to the empire."
Eunuch Lu bowed and hurried to carry out the emperor's order. As the emperor watched him go, a sense of resolve settled over him, he knew the path ahead would not be easy, but he was determined to make the right choice for the future of his empire.
As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a warm golden glow over the inner court, the emperor prepared himself for the conversations that would shape the destiny of his realm.
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