Chapter 1326 - 1269: Utterly Dejected (Part 3)
Xun Fan: "I was the one who suggested that Your Majesty abdicate."
Xun Zu and the old ministers were taken aback. Apart from a few neutrals who remained composed, the others all had reddened eyes. "Grand Tutor, what are you doing? Will you really just hand over this great country like this?"
Xun Fan: "You all arrived so quickly and immediately asked what happened with Yu Hong. Have you been watching the troop movements at the city gates?"
Everyone nodded.
Xun Fan continued, "When you saw that Tai Zhang and I entered the capital safely, did you not feel a sincere admiration for Zhao Hanzhang in your hearts?"
Everyone remained silent.
Xun Fan sighed, "Even with us in opposing positions, we can’t help but like and respect her. What about the people of the world?"
"Who among you here is loyal to the monarch merely for the sake of being loyal, and who is so willingly due to the virtues and moral standing of the monarch and the Imperial Family?"
The crowd was even more silent.
"There isn’t a single official in the court or in the regions who truly respects the Imperial Family. The people have long harbored grievances against them. I once fantasized that since His Majesty was young, gentle, and kind-hearted, our efforts could surely educate him to become a wise ruler who would set things right, renew virtue, and bring peace to the world. But... the Great General is much stronger than His Majesty," Xun Fan admitted that making this decision did not come without difficulty or fear.
He was also afraid, afraid that if the world were handed over to Zhao Hanzhang, it might not continue well.
Afraid that his nephew, after stepping down, might not meet a good end and would resent him in the future.
But... "If you go to the people and listen, you’ll find that almost every household worships the Great General’s long life tablets at home. The court’s mandates not only reach the countryside, but the people also always follow them, something that even Ancestor Emperor Wu could not achieve during his time."
Sima Yan certainly couldn’t achieve that. During his reign, he spent much effort stifling criticism about the killing of the emperor by him and his father, Sima Zhao. Isn’t that how the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove became renowned hermits?
If scholars were treated like this, what about common people?
"I used to think only Luoyang was like this because she resided there. But in truth, every region is like this. Moreover, the trust placed in her by the local people surpasses that of the people in Luoyang," Xun Fan said. "Rural areas are this way, so what of places like Yu State, which she personally managed?"
Xun Zu: "Brother, have you accepted defeat just like that?"
"Shut up!" Xun Fan showed him no kindness but quickly suppressed his anger and said to the others, "Since we must eventually concede, why wait until they force us to speak? It’s better to concede early, which would bring peace to His Majesty, the Zhao Family, and the world."
The ministers pondered.
Finally, Xiahou Ren couldn’t hold back and, ignoring the restraint of his friends, agreed approvingly, "The Grand Tutor makes a valid point!"
Wei An and others were displeased and mockingly said, "The Xiahou Family can finally wash away the shame and seek revenge."
"Previously, they were only nominal relatives with the Imperial Family, but now they’re related by blood."
"I’ve always said he was part of the Zhao Family, but you insisted I was being petty-minded. Look how quickly he agrees; does that seem like a neutral minister?"
Xiahou Ren was displeased, "How am I not a neutral minister? You aren’t neutral. Why didn’t you scold her when she was present earlier? Would you dare?"
Xiahou Ren wasn’t easy to bully. He retorted, "It wasn’t me who suggested His Majesty abdicate; it was the Grand Tutor. Why are you blaming me instead of him?"
"You’re all petty at heart. Yes, I am related to Zhao Hanzhang, but we are distantly related. Do you think the Xiahou Family would easily acknowledge kinship with you?"
"Of course not; after all, the Xiahou Family now is ruled by collateral branches since the main branch was exterminated."
This remark stung Xiahou Ren, and he was furious, "What did you say? Yes, our main branch was exterminated, but it was for loyalty and righteousness. What right do you traitors have to speak?"
"We’re traitors?"
"If you’re not traitors, what are you? Don’t forget how the Sima family gained their empire..."
The room erupted in violent arguments, and despite Xun Fan attempting to stop them multiple times, no one heard him over their shouting. It eventually escalated into physical altercations. Realizing his words were in vain, Xun Fan reclined quietly against his pillow, watching them fight and argue, his face filled with a sense of desolation.