When discussions began on the streets, the decision from the dynasty was also conveyed to the emperor.
"The Empress Dowager suggests that when the public is indignant, Your Majesty should appear to denounce Miss Jun's inappropriate actions and issue some punishment." Yuan Bao said with a smile.
This sounds very appropriate.
This isn't targeting the lady; rather, she's incurred the wrath of the public. Did she have the audacity to let the Qingshan Army leave, allowing the Jurchen people to threaten the entire military and civilians of the capital?
The emperor nodded with satisfaction.
"You're right." He said to Ning Yunzhao, "Her actions are rebellious; indeed, everyone understands, so there's nothing to fear."
Ning Yunzhao bowed.
"Your Majesty is wise." He said, "Listen to the humble servant's words."
The emperor smiled.
"It's also because you submitted your suggestion in a timely manner." He said.
The emperor's trust in Ning Yunzhao was growing, while Yuan Bao noticed Lu Yunqi out of the corner of his eye.
Lu Yunqi was increasingly like a pillar, as everyone in the room seemed to forget about him.
Ning Yunzhao is a civil servant; lifting him up won't threaten himself. In fact, civil servants have sharp tongues and should never be underestimated. Perhaps they could even unite to eliminate Lu Yunqi.
With this thought, Yuan Bao decided to curry favor.
"Lord Ning also said that His Majesty is the legitimate ruler, and Miss Jun's conduct is rebellious and absurd." He said.
The emperor wasn't surprised by Ning Yan's words.
These reputable civil servants are like that, straightforward yet annoying, but this straightforwardness is indispensable in the dynasty.
If these words came from Huang Cheng, the effect would surely be different.
Speaking of Huang Cheng, the emperor frowned.
"Is there still no news from Lord Huang?" He asked, looking at Lu Yunqi.
Before Lu Yunqi could speak, Yuan Bao quickly interjected.
"Not yet." He said, "The last sighting of Lord Huang was him heading north; presumably, he was scattered due to Jurchen people entering the country."
The emperor scoffed.
"That useless fool." He said.
He's not too concerned with Huang Cheng's life or death; he's more concerned with negotiating with the Jurchen people.
It seems they need to find someone else to negotiate with the Jurchen people.
This suitable person, of course, is...
He looked at Ning Yunzhao.
"The minister is certainly willing to ease Your Majesty's worries." Ning Yunzhao said, standing upright, "But now is not the right time."
Isn't this precisely the right time?
Quickly resolving and calming the situation is most important.
Only by calming down can the Qingshan Army's threat to him be neutralized.
"This time, the Jurchen people must be beaten into submission; only then is it appropriate for them to propose negotiations." Ning Yunzhao said calmly, "Otherwise, it'll be difficult to appease the people of the capital."
This time, the people of the capital were terrified, with many casualties.
Externally, there's the threat of Jurchen soldiers, while internally, Miss Jun is leveraging her achievements. Now is the time to fight for the people's support.
"Your Majesty, the latest news says that Uncle Qinghe from the northern lands has already led the army here." Yuan Bao hurriedly added, "And it's reported that the Jurchen soldiers have already retreated from the north."
This is indeed good news.
The emperor was overjoyed.
"Then there's no need for negotiations now." He said, "First, relieve the capital's siege."
And then, discuss Miss Jun's misconduct and rebellion.
As he walked out of the room, Yuan Bao gave Ning Yunzhao a friendly smile.
"Lord Ning is meant to be a person of integrity; negotiations like this, a servant thinks, are not suitable for you." He said in a low voice.
Especially negotiating with the Jurchen people; afterwards, it's unavoidable to be mocked by the public, criticized in both good and bad times. Like Ning Yunzhao, a young and ambitious official, he certainly wouldn't want to be involved in such matters.
He proactively blocked this task for Ning Yunzhao, fully expressing his intention to build goodwill.
Ning Yunzhao nodded with a smile.
"Thank you for your concern, Eunuch." He said.
Just this short response, enough to make a point. Yuan Bao, smiling, nodded without speaking further, catching sight of Lu Yunqi out of the corner of his eye.
"Lord Lu, you must ensure the safety of the Imperial Mausoleum." He coughed lightly with a somewhat ironic smile, "Although external threats have slightly diminished, internal turmoil has worsened."
Lu Yunqi glanced at him without speaking.
That glance from Lu Yunqi sent a slight shiver down Yuan Bao's spine, and he quickly became annoyed.
What is he still posturing for? Now and in the future, Lu Yunqi and the Jinyiwei before the emperor are merely gatekeepers, eventually taking orders from Yuan Bao.
He snorted and went back inside.
Lu Yunqi stood next to Ning Yunzhao.
"What good is that?" He asked.
The question was seemingly without context, Ning Yunzhao looked at him.
"A bad reputation is still a reputation; as long as it's a name, it's inherently useful." He said with a smile, "Lord Lu should understand this best."
This was a veiled critique of Lu Yunqi's notorious reputation, yet it's precisely this notoriety that has made the emperor trust him deeply?
Lu Yunqi looked at him with a neutral expression.
As the two stood there, a eunuch ran in hastily, his expression slightly flustered.
"Eunuch Yuan... Eunuch Yuan..." He called out urgently.
Upon hearing the voice, Yuan Bao stepped out from inside, frowning at him.
"What is it? Didn't I instruct you to stay in the capital?" He asked.
The eunuch grabbed Yuan Bao's sleeve.
"Eunuch, something's wrong; things in the capital are not right." He said, his face pale.
Yuan Bao's frown deepened.
"What..." he wanted to ask, seeing Ning Yunzhao and Lu Yunqi curiously looking at him, he gave a light cough, gestured to the eunuch, "Come in and report back."
On this side, Yuan Bao and the eunuch had just walked in, and over there, a Jinyiwei also came in and whispered a few words to Lu Yunqi.
Lu Yunqi's expression remained wooden and unchanging.
"What's the matter?" Ning Yunzhao asked curiously.
Lu Yunqi did not speak, only glanced at him before walking out.
Ning Yunzhao didn't chase after him to ask, just smiled.
"Things are getting interesting, aren't they?" he muttered to himself, "Public opinion is something that can't be manipulated all the time."
......
.......
"What did you say? People in the capital are now talking about Prince Huai?"
Inside the hall, the emperor asked in disbelief.
Yuan Bao stood there, nodding with an uneasy expression.
"Yes, I don't know what's going on," he said, "Everyone's no longer talking about Miss Jun's rebellion and arrogance, instead, they're all talking about Prince Huai."
The emperor's face turned livid.
"What are they saying about Prince Huai?" he asked coldly.
......
........
"I'm telling you, Prince Huai becoming the prince is only right."
A man in the teahouse said while holding a tea bowl.
A number of people gathered around listening to him speak.
Even though the capital is still on alert, because the ones chasing the Jurchen people outside the city are the Qingshan Army, the people are inexplicably at ease, and the daily life in the capital has already returned to order.
Shops are open, and the people have begun to drink tea and wine without worry.
"Why is it only right?" someone loudly questioned, "The throne is supposed to pass from father to son, not from father to nephew."
That was also a valid point, and people around nodded in agreement.
"Ah, that's where you're wrong," the man with the tea bowl said, "Have you forgotten why the first emperor chose His Majesty back then? The reason was the imperial crown prince's son was too young."
A child too young to be the ruler could easily cause political chaos.
"But now Prince Huai has grown up," the man continued, "And he is dignified, sensible, understanding, and brave, in no way inferior to the former Crown Prince back then."
Speaking of the former Crown Prince, it led many to reminisce.
The former Crown Prince, though frail, always appeared to the public like the dazzling morning sun.
"Not everyone knew what Prince Huai was like before, but now everyone can see clearly what he is like, this is not just idle praise."
Yes, recalling that critical moment, this child appeared at the city gate.
"Do not be afraid, I, myself, am with you,"
That innocent voice once spoken rooted into hearts, and that small figure since then indeed stood firmly at the city gate, never stepping away.
I will guard the city, and if it falls, I will be the first to die.
Recalling these things, those present felt their hearts soften.
Especially compared to the emperor who only ran to the Imperial Mausoleum to present memorials...
Instead of presenting memorials, it's better to guard the city with everyone...
"Prince Huai was originally the imperial crown prince's son."
"What's called an imperial crown prince's son? The prince's son, a form of Crown Prince."
"No, the first emperor did not designate Prince Huai as crown prince's son."
"That might have been because the prince was too sudden in passing, there wasn't time."
"You're mistaken, after the prince passed, the first emperor didn't consider it, directly making Prince Qi the new prince, that was a negation of Prince Huai."
"But why was he negated? That was because Prince Huai was too young, but now he's grown up, as the former Crown Prince's orphan, appointing him as the prince now is not impossible."
The taverns and tea houses were filled with arguments, voices growing louder and louder, with supporters on both sides making quite a commotion until a group of government soldiers rushed in.
"Do not recklessly discuss court affairs."
"Scatter, scatter."
With the shouting and scuffling, the taverns and tea houses became even more chaotic.
.......
........
"The feudal authority has already begun to intervene." Seventh Chen whispered.
"So what if they intervene? The more they intervene, the more curious the people will become, the more they'll talk about it," Miss Jun said, "This is exactly what I want. I used my outrageous actions to cause an uproar nationwide, but this involves not just my actions, but matters concerning that person, and that person will be ceaselessly mentioned. Once this topic is opened up, it will spread like grass, growing dense with the wind."
Until it covers the earth, turning it into a grassland.
Seventh Chen paced back and forth, clenching his fists.
"The feudal authority has already begun to intervene, what if the dynasty suppresses it with thunderous force?" he asked.
After all, it's the dynasty, they have all the means at their disposal.
Miss Jun looked at him.
"Isn't there still me?" she said.
Seventh Chen looked at her, speechless.
Yes, there was still her, she had done so much, accumulated so much reputation, had money and even the army, she had the capability to keep the public discussing and arguing, she would make Prince Huai's reputation grow until it became dazzling and imposing.
Until it's important enough to influence the Crown Prince's position.
If he had heard this in the past, he would have scoffed at it, but now Seventh Chen couldn't laugh because all those impossible things she had indeed achieved.
So for this matter, who dared to say she couldn't do it?
Because she was Miss Jun.
......