strictlysupreme Chapter 413: The Queen’s Advice, Between the Emperor and His Ministers…
Chapter 413: The Queen’s Advice, Between the Emperor and His Ministers…
She never thought that Emperor Wen would allow Gu Jingzhi to rise to fame in one step.
He went directly from the position of a third-rank minister to the position of chief minister of the cabinet.
only……
She suddenly understood.
"Your Majesty truly has great courage!"
The words seemed to be a compliment, but in fact, only she knew what was going on!
The chief minister of the cabinet usually takes charge of the Ministry of Personnel. In this case, Gu Jingzhi would have to give up the familiar Ministry of Revenue and go to the Ministry of Personnel, an office where he had no roots at all.
And teacher Wei Xuan also has to give way to Gu Jingzhi.
Not to mention that Gu Jingzhi lost the power of the Ministry of Revenue after being promoted to the Prime Minister, just Wei Xuan... He had served for four years without any fault, and he was only in his early fifties. If he gave up the position of Prime Minister at this time... I am afraid that in the eyes of outsiders, Wei Xuan was squeezed out by Gu Jingzhi.
But what is the relationship between Wei Xuan and Gu Jingzhi?
That is a teacher-student relationship in name only.
The students squeezed the teacher out, which was definitely a big blow to Gu Jingzhi's reputation!
and so……
Her nominal husband is still plotting against Gu Jingzhi, just out of fear and suspicion?
Qiao Shuwan's eyes flickered as she spoke meaningfully, "Your Majesty, there are plenty of ways to achieve balance. Besides, Marquis Xiling is the teacher of several children after all. You're letting someone with a tainted reputation be the Crown Prince's tutor..."
"Have you ever thought about the consequences?"
To be honest, Qiao Shuwan was indeed angry.
If her nominal husband makes any decision at random, in the future... her son and lover may be criticized by others, especially Gu Jingzhi, who may even have to bear the blame!
Could it be that he couldn't think of all this?
After hearing this, Emperor Wen's face, which was originally somewhat smug, changed instantly!
Since returning to Beijing, the teachers of his children have been replaced by the former great scholars. Gu Jingzhi has never taught his sons again and has forgotten about this relationship.
A strong sense of unwillingness surged in my heart, but it seemed that I had lost the way to control Gu Jingzhi.
"Ugh!"
Qiao Shuwan sighed softly and said, "Everyone in the court can see it clearly, but why does His Majesty seem unable to understand? Your Majesty is the ruler of a country, and you have loyal and capable generals in your court. Why would you suppress a minister like this?"
"What's more, he is a capable and talented minister who wholeheartedly served the late emperor and assisted Your Majesty. Your Majesty's actions over the years are truly beyond my comprehension!"
"..."
Emperor Wen was stumped by his wife's words.
Qiao Shuwan knew clearly in her heart that the so-called fear and suspicion did not exist at all, otherwise the censors in the court would have impeached Gu Jingzhi long ago!
This so-called husband of mine is just jealous!
Jealous of Gu Jingzhi...As a minister, he is more perfect than him, the emperor.
I am jealous of Gu Jingzhi, who was once an abandoned son of a marquis's mansion, but has now become a world-famous sage of literature and morality!
He was jealous that Gu Jingzhi could always predict the enemy's progress, but he, as the emperor, could not accept advice, which led him to do many stupid things. More importantly, he could not hide any of these stupid things!
only……
He has reached this point now. Is he going to continue like this and shake the foundation of Da Xia?
He could see the end of his eldest son Zhou Quan at a glance. He was not a person of outstanding talent and was only in his teens. If he ascended the throne one day, he would definitely need the assistance of upright and strict ministers.
Otherwise, before the eldest son came to power, the court would probably be plunged into endless party struggles.
When Zhou Quan took power, how much time would he have to spend to resolve the factional disputes in the court and become an emperor who could truly rule the world?
"That's all!"
Emperor Wen sighed deeply and immediately dismissed those thoughts in his mind, but he had no desire to continue the conversation. Although he had a lot to say when he came, when he left... he had even more to say!
He didn't mean to blame his wife for defending Gu Jingzhi. She knew her own business well, and Qiao Shuwan was not the only one who had said such a thing.
The wife just said it more bluntly!
Qiao Shuwan watched Emperor Wen leave without saying anything to keep him. Instead, she teased her daughter.
She was very smart. When defending Gu Jingzhi, she only spoke the key points and didn't say too much because she understood the jealousy in Emperor Wen's heart too well.
If she said too much at this time, it would arouse Emperor Wen's suspicion.
Her relationship with Gu Jingzhi was already shady, so naturally she wouldn't look for trouble!
……
Not long after the couple's conversation, Emperor Wen fell ill!
For a time, there was chaos in the court!
Fortunately, at this time, Qiao Shuwan, the queen, stood up and, relying on the prestige of the founding nobles' mansions, stabilized the situation and pushed the crown prince Zhou Quan out to supervise the state affairs!
Although he was said to be the regent, many people were disappointed seeing his timid appearance.
To be honest, even Gu Jingzhi felt very disappointed.
When I looked at Zhou Quan in his early years, he seemed like a very smart child. How come he gave people a feeling of timidity when he grew up?
Emperor Wen was ill for more than a month.
After finally getting better, Gu Jingzhi received the imperial edict.
Emperor Wen summoned!
He was having dinner with his wife at home when he was hurriedly summoned into the palace.
Emperor Wen met Gu Jingzhi directly in the imperial garden. When he saw Emperor Wen's slightly old face, he subconsciously shook his head.
Although he was only thirty-six years old, he looked like a fifty-year-old man. When one thought about the first time they met, Emperor Wen, who was still the crown prince, was also very respectful to the wise and virtuous.
After Gu Jingzhong's proper greeting, Emperor Wen slightly raised his right arm. As the emperor and his subject looked at each other, Emperor Wen's voice sounded a little weak.
"Jingzhi still looks the same as always, like a heroic young man, but I am old!"
Regret, unwillingness, powerlessness...
It was a meaningful sentence. Even though the emperor and his minister were no longer close, it still made Gu Jingzhi feel regretful.
Gu Jingzhong said politely, "Your Majesty is the true dragon emperor, blessed by heaven. Minor illnesses are nothing serious. Once they pass, your body will naturally recover!"
"Ah……"
Emperor Wen smiled carefreely, "It seems that time is indeed unforgiving. Even Gu Jingzhi, praised by his ministers for his integrity... has changed!"
Gu Jingzhi drooped his eyelids, his eyes flickering as he spoke, "Time passes, things change, the world changes... The biggest constant in this world is that it is always changing. Even the times cannot stop it. I am just a drop in the ocean, how can I resist the trend of the times?"
"The general trend..."
Emperor Wen nodded slowly and sighed, "Yes! They say the Son of Heaven is the reincarnation of a true dragon, but this true dragon... seems unable to withstand the overwhelming force!"
Gu Jingzhi raised his eyebrows.
To be honest, he didn't like this kind of whining talk, but he couldn't help but realize that Emperor Wen was indeed ill, so it couldn't be considered whining!
Gu Jingzhi was silent!
"Jingzhi, you and I, the king and the subject, have become strangers!"