The early winter mornings are always somewhat dim indoors.
Two palace maids lifted the heavy drapes, and the emperor stepped out from within.
"Your Majesty." Several eunuchs quickly approached.
The emperor raised his hand to cover his mouth, coughing lightly twice.
"Your Majesty, please take your medicine before you leave," a gentle voice called from behind.
The emperor waved his hand.
"It's fine, it's fine. After court is just as good," he said, without turning his head or looking aside, walking straight outside.
The eunuchs exchanged glances, filled with anxiety and unease.
"Your Majesty, your health is most important."
"Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager heard that you were late to court and was worried something happened, so she sent us to check on you."
They spoke hurriedly.
The emperor smiled kindly.
"It's my fault. I didn't want Mother to worry, so I didn't say anything," he said, "When you return to the Empress Dowager, don't mention any of this. Just say that I woke up late. It's my fault, and it won't happen again."
The eunuchs were visibly emotional.
"Your Majesty, you truly put yourself through so much," they remarked, bowing respectfully and stepping back.
Of course, they wouldn't actually not inform the Empress Dowager about the emperor's illness, as acting against his expressed wishes could be considered a great merit rather than a fault.
Watching these eunuchs leave, the emperor's face immediately darkened. He turned his head and spat to the side.
The accompanying eunuchs on both sides all lowered their heads, pretending not to see anything.
Since Prince Qi took the throne, the palace's eunuchs and maids have not been cleared or replaced, so most of them are still the Empress Dowager's people, but things always change.
After all, the Empress Dowager is gradually aging, and the emperor has solidified his reign. Especially after he newly established the Investigation Bureau, more and more eunuchs no longer obey the Empress Dowager.
The emperor walked into Qingzheng Hall, where waiting officials entered in single file. The emperor immediately noticed Ning Yunzhao. Among the older officials, the young man brought a different kind of vitality, especially with the undisguised admiration on his face toward the emperor.
The emperor was certainly not unfamiliar with sycophantic officials, but he didn't think Ning Yunzhao was the same as those people.
Such sycophancy was directed merely at the emperor's status, while Ning Yunzhao's admiration was for him as a person. Ever since appointing him as the temporary Residence Attendant, they had more interactions, especially on state affairs.
Logically, Ning Yunzhao should have avoided it or remained silent in fear, but he didn't do so. When the emperor inquired, he would think seriously and answer candidly.
"I think Your Majesty is right," he would say.
If he had only answered this way, he would be no different from other sycophantic officials, but Ning Yunzhao would seriously explain why he thought so.
"If it were me, I would do the same," he would remark eventually.
Such words seem less like praising the emperor and more like praising himself.
But the emperor didn't find anything inappropriate because Ning Yunzhao, being a talented member of the Ning Family and a renowned prodigy, possessed a certain pride.
It was precisely this pride that set him apart from other sycophantic officials; his agreement with the emperor was more like a mutual appreciation among heroes.
To praise others as if praising himself was the true, undeniable praise and recognition.
This recognition moved the emperor deeply. Although no one spoke of it, he could see the contempt in the officials' eyes.
Compared to the former Crown Prince, who was meticulously raised by the best scholars before the first emperor, he was likely viewed as nothing but a failure in their eyes.
Yet he wasn't truly foolish; he had merely played the fool for decades.
Those who looked down on him were the real fools.
So, spotting a non-foolish young man among this group of fools greatly lifted his spirits. The emperor's gaze swept over the court as he sat down, listening to the civil and military officials bow and hail longevity, feeling even better upon noticing the absence of one particular person among the standing officials.
Duke of Chengguo was indeed competent, but this capable man, with a strong military reputation and a devoted follower of the former Crown Prince, was now witnessing the threat he posed. The former Crown Prince was dead, but he left behind a son, and Duke of Chengguo remained friendly to this son.
Since hearing Duke of Chengguo visited Prince Huai's mansion in person, he had been jolted awake several times, dreaming of Duke of Chengguo bringing Prince Huai to force him to abdicate.
The simplest way would be to eliminate Prince Huai, but since that wasn't possible now, they had to ensure Duke of Chengguo became a non-threat.
A toothless tiger becomes a mouse, nothing to fear.
Although attending court was arduous, life was gradually getting better, and the emperor lightly coughed twice.
"My beloved officials have waited long," he said, with a hint of self-reproach.
The officials bowed low.
"Your Majesty, Duke of Chengguo has submitted his second resignation request." An official stepped forward and presented a memorial.
The emperor hummed, looking at the memorial, with some hesitation.
By convention, when an official resigns, the emperor initially denies it, and the official submits another request. After three times, the emperor accepts, preserving face for both parties.
But this time...
The emperor didn't want to play this game anymore. He had already done enough for courtesy and didn't need to inconvenience himself further.
"Granted," he said lightly.
"Your Majesty is wise."
Just as Huang Cheng was about to speak, someone else was quicker.
He looked at Ning Yunzhao and lost even the energy to be annoyed.
Let him go, such flattery was also enjoyable at this moment.
It seemed he had misjudged earlier, thinking this young man was in league with Duke of Chengguo, but now it was clear people ultimately loved themselves more.
"As Your Majesty commands," Huang Cheng and the other officials bowed low and responded in unison.
......
.......
"Nothing left," Seventh Chen said as he returned from the street, rubbing his hands to dispel the cold, "apart from Duke of Chengguo's title, all other positions were removed."
Normally, after losing military authority, at least a nominal position in the Ministry of War or some other department would be left, but the dynasty acted decisively, removing everything. This left no room for dignity.
"This is meant to show the whole world that Duke of Chengguo's resignation was not a regular resignation but rather due to guilt," Manager Liu said, frowning.
Seventh Chen nodded.
"It's already being discussed; they're saying Duke of Chengguo coveted military honors and power, intent on reigniting war between the two nations," he said. "That's why His Majesty had no choice but to dismiss him."
"The public will likely be displeased with Duke of Chengguo," Manager Liu replied.
For the common people, who don't understand grand principles, they only know that war is terrible and just want peaceful lives. Those attempting to destroy peace are all evildoers.
Seventh Chen smiled bitterly.
"Not just likely, they are truly displeased," he said, spreading his hands. "There is already a lot of criticism against Duke of Chengguo in the streets."
He glanced at Miss Jun beside him.
"They're all saying Duke of Chengguo wasn't as remarkable and that resisting the Jurchen people was all Miss Jun's credit, along with De Sheng Chang providing money and effort; he actually did nothing."
Things changed quickly; just after resigning, the situation took a sharp downturn.
Miss Jun stood up.
"I'll go to the Duke Mansion," she said, "to see what the Duke plans to do."
When Miss Jun arrived at the Duke Mansion, the Duke and his wife were packing their luggage. They were leaving the capital to return to the Duke's hometown, as Zhu Zan had already informed her, but witnessing this scene still left her with mixed feelings.
Just leaving like that?
Simply giving up?
"Isn't this anticipated?" the Duke gently smiled at the discussions Miss Jun brought from the outside. "I expected this day when I decided to publicize your accomplishments."
Sharing credit naturally makes it a point for questioning.
But wouldn't he do anything at all? Just let it be?
"No, you're mistaken. The questioning is directed only at me, but the achievements remain," the Duke said with a smile, pointing at her, "and they will grow even greater."
Miss Jun looked at herself.
"All these achievements will be attributed solely to me," she said.
"Yes, it's still a good thing," the Duke said.
This is considered good?
Miss Jun gave a wry smile.
This served to weaken Duke of Chengguo's prestige, divert the public's attention, and make them more convinced of Duke of Chengguo's falsified achievements.
"For you, Miss Jun, this is a good thing; you need this reputation," the Duke said, "the more, the better."
Yes, she needed fame that could rally people to her cause.
But this fame rose as the Duke's fell....
"It's still better than if both of us lost it all," the Duke laughed.
Indeed, Miss Jun smiled wryly.
"However, His Majesty won't let me hold onto it long," she said.
The Duke smiled.
"For what you need to do, it should be enough," he said.
Miss Jun was slightly taken aback.
What she needed to do? What did the Duke know?
Zhu Zan had promised not to reveal her identity as Chu Jiuling to anyone, including her parents.
So what did the Duke mean by this?