Chapter 1192 - 870: Seizing Power and Harming Others
The four words "prolong life," if it were a few years ago, might not have had such allure for Yu Wenquan. But ever since ascending the throne, the feeling of holding absolute power indeed becomes more captivating. Throughout history, emperors have hoped to perpetuate this feeling, which is why so many have sought immortals and even traveled overseas in search of the Immortality Elixir.
The Immortality Elixir is something Yu Wenquan does not think much about, but prolonging life is indeed worth considering.
Especially after the battle at the Longmen Crossing, where two Dukes were lost, one dead and one injured, with the deceased being Dong Bizheng, who had been his companion since his youth. The departure of such close friends makes one acutely aware of life’s unpredictability and fragility, and naturally makes one wish for a longer life.
He murmured, "Prolong life..."
Yu Wenqian continued, "Since Father Emperor ascended to the throne, burning the midnight oil and laboring day and night, though the nation’s affairs are paramount, Father Emperor’s health is equally important."
As soon as he finished, Yu Mingyue chimed in, "Indeed, Father Emperor, the Crown Prince often worries about your health and thus pays special attention to the new springs at the Hot Spring Palace."
With the conversation reaching this point, coupled with Yu Wenquan’s genuine interest, he said, "Indeed, I wish to take a break, and take care of myself properly."
On the other side, Yu Wenye and Shang Ruyi exchanged a glance.
Before coming here, both of them had already estimated that the Crown Prince and Crown Princess Consort had been too quiet these days, with both sides being too peaceful. Thus, they anticipated the other side might say or do something at this family banquet, and if necessary, they naturally would respond.
However, letting Yu Wenquan go to the Hot Spring Palace to rest and recuperate—although they vaguely sensed the other’s purpose, Yu Wenqian’s every sentence was reasonable and concerned, especially when mentioning Yu Wenquan’s health, making it difficult to oppose.
Just as the two hesitated, Yu Wenqian said, "Father Emperor might as well temporarily set aside duties and go to the Hot Spring Palace for a few days’ rest?"
Yu Wenquan took a deep breath.
Though tempted, he did not immediately agree, but thought for a moment more, then furrowed his brow and said, "If I go to the Hot Spring Palace to rest, then to whom should I entrust the administration?"
With his words, the entire Liangyi Hall fell silent.
Shang Ruyi’s hand, holding the chopsticks, slightly stiffened, but she still calmly picked some food and placed it onto Yu Wenye’s plate, both remaining silent.
Yu Wenqian, however, seemed to have anticipated this question, and laughed saying, "The Hot Spring Palace is not far from the Imperial City, half a day’s ride by fast horse can get you there, if anything urgent arises, the news can promptly reach, Father Emperor need not worry."
Yu Wenquan said, "But still, someone must oversee everything."
As he spoke, his gaze had already moved from the Crown Prince’s face to King Qin’s face, then back to the Crown Prince.
Clearly, he had begun to decide.
Yu Wenye suddenly smiled and said, "In fact, Father Emperor should indeed rest, fortunately, there are many trustworthy senior ministers in the court."
Upon hearing him mention "senior ministers," Yu Wenquan nodded.
Indeed, when the emperor tours outside the palace, there are rules in history that the administration left behind needs someone to handle it, namely the Regent, whose candidate should either be a trusted senior minister in court or a capable and prestigious Prince.
And among Yu Wenquan’s trusted and reliable ministers, there are those who supported him during his ascension.
Minister Shen Shiyan, or, Chief Historian Pei Xu...
As these individuals flashed through his mind, Yu Wenqian laughed saying, "Father Emperor, if you travel alone, it wouldn’t be enjoyable, why not find some old friends to accompany you? Speaking of which, there are a few ministers in court who are quite old, if they could be bestowed with the Hot Spring, firstly it rewards these meritorious ministers, and secondly, it highlights Father Emperor’s magnanimous grace."
Upon hearing this, Yu Wenquan’s expression slightly froze.
Yu Wenqian’s words were indeed reasonable, and what came to his mind was the late Duke Shenwu, with whom he had been closest. Unfortunately, people cannot be brought back to life, no matter how magnanimous the grace is, it can no longer reach him.
With this thought, a bit of sourness turned into regret, overflowing with gentleness. He sighed lightly and nodded, saying, "Your words are sensible. Let’s do this, in three days, I will visit the Hot Spring Palace. Let Duke Wushan, Minister Shen Shiyan, Chief Historian, plus, call that old fellow Ji Hong along as well. These people’s ages are advanced, let them bring their family members too, to enjoy along with me."
Yu Mingyue hurriedly stood, bowing to Yu Wenquan and said, "Your child offers thanks to Father Emperor’s heavenly grace on behalf of Father."
Yu Wenquan gestured, "Rise quickly."
Seeing her bow, Shang Ruyi had no choice but to stand and said, "Your child also offers thanks on behalf of Uncle for Father Emperor’s grace."
Having said that, she hesitated to look at Yu Wenquan, saying, "Only—"
At this time she fully understood the significance of Yu Wenqian’s action, having Emperor Yu Wenquan tour the Hot Spring Palace for a few days, though not far, any news could be relayed promptly, yet the court needed someone as Regent, whose choice was either a senior minister or a prince. Yet Yu Wenqian had the Emperor take several senior ministers with him, thus leaving no choice in senior ministers.
The only ones left were him and Yu Wenye!
As for the Crown Prince and King Qin, it almost needs no choice, as the Crown Prince is destined to succeed to the throne, this moment as Regent is the first step towards Crown Prince’s eventual rule, with this step Yu Wenye would hardly stand in equal footing against him.
Thus, Shen Wuzheng speculates correctly, both usurping power and harming others are truly not left undone!
Although Shang Ruyi instinctively wanted to decline this grace for Shen Shiyan, leaving Shen Shiyan behind would have the responsibility of Regency likely fall upon him, yet the words could not come out.
After all, it is the Emperor’s grace, and seeing his expression, it could be felt this is not just the grace between monarch and minister, it’s more the compassion shared between the elderly.
Refusing would not only sadden Yu Wenquan, it might make him suspicious of their intentions!
However, Yu Wenquan had already heard her final words, "But what?"
Shang Ruyi was suddenly a bit flustered, although the cold wind whistled outside, her back was covered in cold sweat, soaking through the close-fitting clothes. Suddenly, a brilliant idea flashed in her mind, she said solemnly, "But with so many people going to the Hot Spring Palace at once, it has just been renovated, and would likely inconvenience, spoiling Father Emperor’s mood."
With that, she lowered her head to glance at Yu Wenye.
Yu Wenye immediately said, "Yes, in my opinion, a person familiar with the Hot Spring Palace should accompany to arrange everything properly, so as not to ruin Father Emperor’s mood."
Saying this, he raised his head to look at the opposite Yu Wenqian: "Just now Imperial Brother and Imperial Sister-in-law mentioned that when you went to Huashan, you stopped by the Hot Spring Palace, I suppose you should be very familiar with that place by now."