Chapter 62
After emerging from behind the tree, the face of the talented and renowned General Xue was marked with symmetrical red imprints—one on the left and one on the right. General Xue appeared to take pride in these palm prints rather than feeling ashamed. The distinct marks on his face drew the attention of Tian Fusheng and the others, but Xue Yuan showed no signs of embarrassment or shame.
Xue Yuan, open and generous, treated the marks on his handsome face as an exhibition. With slightly raised eyebrows and hands behind his back, he leisurely followed by the side of Emperor Gu Yuanbai.
Gu Yuanbai, with an unchanged expression, headed towards the lakeside, his thoughts seemingly hidden within. Due to his contemplation, he momentarily forgot to immediately punish Xue Yuan for his audacity.
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Mbl twyae nyrvykd alxykdle pkzldv.
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The emperor’s attire was meticulously tailored, and every month new clothes were sent to the palace. Whether it was his everyday attire or the exquisitely formal ceremonial robes, the complexity and solemnity of an emperor were revealed in each garment.
Just by looking at it, one could sense the majesty, which deterred any irreverent thoughts.
Yet, with each step, the hem of the robe lightly swayed, seemingly offering glimpses of what was concealed.
Little Emperor.
Xue Yuan sighed. He was exactly what he desired.
By the end of this day, news had spread that the emperor would depart for the summer palace in four days. The royal princes, ministers, and imperial relatives had long prepared for the journey and immediately began their final preparations upon hearing the decree.
Most of them had their own mansions near the summer palace, and there were various government offices within the palace grounds. In the first half of July, when everyone’s minds were muddled by the scorching heat, the ministers and relatives eagerly anticipated the emperor’s relocation to the summer palace.
Located in Hebei, to the west of the capital, the summer palace provided a cool respite in summer and warmth in winter. It experienced abundant rainfall and truly embodied the four seasons of spring.
The palace staff was also busy with the final preparations. On this day, the Minister of Revenue and the Deputy Minister of Revenue came to pay respects to Gu Yuanbai, reporting the total amount of donations received from the suppression of the rebel forces. With rosy faces and uncontrollable smiles, they presented the specific figures. It took Gu Yuanbai a moment to regain his composure before he came back to his senses.
Currently, both Jiangnan and South Jing are firmly under the control of the emperor. Jiangnan, known as the land of abundance, was overflowing with wealth. The assets accumulated by the powerful families alone could fill several treasuries and fully stock the granaries and meat storage of the entire country.
The accumulated wealth of these powerful families over the past decade was astonishing.
Not to mention the donations pouring into the capital from all directions. Up until now, these donations continue to flow into the city, leaving the Ministry of Revenue bewildered.
“Even during the most prosperous period of our dynasty, when the national treasury was most abundant,” the Minister of Revenue chuckled, modestly saying, “it couldn’t compare to one-tenth of the current situation.”
Gu Yuanbai snapped out of his thoughts, feeling both happy and composed. He joked, “Are they not shouting that I am wasting silver?”
The Minister of Revenue smiled awkwardly, “How could I dare?”
Gu Yuanbai snorted, “In the future, be generous when it comes to supporting the military, building roads, and constructing ships.”
“Yes, Your Majesty, we will keep your words in mind,” the Deputy Minister of Revenue smiled and said, “Your Majesty, we actually came here today to discuss the matter of road construction.”
In ancient China, every dynasty and every county would repair official roads. While anyone could travel on these roads, no one was allowed to claim them as their own.
The official roads in each province had already been mostly constructed. Now, the focus was on maintenance and connecting previously unestablished routes. The two officials had come to inquire whether the emperor wished to allocate additional funds to extend these roads to the villages and counties.
In ancient times, road construction primarily involved earth, stones, bricks, and tiles. The quality of road construction in ancient times was actually better than Gu Yuanbai had imagined. The stone-paved roads of the Han Dynasty were already smooth and even. The roads that have been preserved since the Tang Dynasty were also very tidy and clean.
The Great Qin Road built during the Qin Dynasty, which extended from Xi’an to Inner Mongolia, was almost a straight line. They would dig through mountains and build bridges over water. The road was wide enough for a carriage drawn by four horses to travel side by side. Even in later times, due to the densely packed roadbed, no trees could grow in between.
Gu Yuanbai didn’t need to worry too much about road construction. Upon hearing this, he nodded, “Extend the roads to the towns and villages, break their complacency, that’s my requirement and the goal during my reign. I don’t expect it to be completed in one step, take your time. The dense relay stations must be interconnected to ensure uninterrupted transportation. Wherever the army advances, the relay stations will follow. Do you understand?”
After speaking, Gu Yuanbai looked at the Minister of Revenue and the Deputy Minister of Revenue, suddenly realizing, “Road construction is the responsibility of the Ministry of Works.”
“You go and convey what I said to the Minister of Works,” Gu Yuanbai chuckled, “Mr. Tang, why didn’t the Minister of Works accompany you?”
Minister of Revenue Tang laughed, “I came to ask how much the road construction would cost, if I mention this to Mr. Wu, we’ll end up arguing again.”
After discussing these matters, the two officials put down their documents and took their leave, performing their farewell salutations.
The documents from the Ministry of Revenue detailed the collection and distribution of funds, and Gu Yuanbai picked them up to take a closer look. Indeed, making money brought happiness, and as he read through the documents, a smile unconsciously appeared on his face.
When noon arrived, Xue Yuan was even more punctual than Tian Fusheng. “Your Majesty, it’s time for the meal.”
Gu Yuanbai put down the documents, in a pleasant mood, and had his lunch.
After the meal, palace attendants changed the emperor into a thin robe for his afternoon nap, while Xue Yuan and others waited outside. After a while, it seemed like the emperor suddenly remembered something and lazily said, “Minister Xue, I will issue an edict tomorrow. You have outstanding abilities and extraordinary strength. It’s really a hardship for you to stay by my side. When you return today, wait for the edict at your residence.”
Upon hearing this, Xue Yuan’s face momentarily turned cold, and he clenched his fingers tightly. “I don’t feel it’s a hardship to stay by Your Majesty’s side. How can I consider it as such?”
So fast? Was it because of the words he said before?
Xue Yuan had long been prepared for Gu Yuanbai’s thunderous methods. Any kind of punishment was acceptable. As he had said, he was even willing to shed blood.
But what arrived so quickly was a transfer order from Gu Yuanbai.
Xue Yuan’s expression turned ugly. He would rather face punishment than leave Gu Yuanbai’s side.
After Gu Yuanbai changed his clothes and washed his face with a towel, the sound of water echoed from behind the screen. Xue Yuan patiently waited for his words. Finally, Gu Yuanbai spoke, “This is the reward you deserve.”
It meant that a transfer was necessary.
Xue Yuan instantly sneered, respectfully saying, “I obey the order.”
Rewards should be swift, not delayed. After allowing the deserving heroes to rest for a day, the next day, the imperial edict for merit and rewards was issued.
As the commander who captured the main force of the rebels, Xue Yuan was promoted from the rank of Fifth Class Marquis to the position of Deputy Commander of the Infantry. He was transferred to command the infantry in the military camp, which was a promotion in rank but meant being moved out of the palace.
The Xue family was filled with joy, but Xue Yuan received the imperial edict with a calm face. Facing the eunuch who read out the imperial edict, his smile seemed somewhat expressionless.
Seeing his unpleasant expression, General Xue scolded him a few times, but this time, Xue Yuan acted as if he hadn’t heard him at all, his face terrifyingly gloomy.
This was becoming serious.
When others scolded Xue Jiuyao, he would not retort, but this was different from usual.
General Xue fell silent and instructed others not to bother Xue Yuan, so as not to directly provoke this madman from the Xue residence.
In the bedroom of the Xue residence, Xue Yuan had three items belonging to Gu Yuanbai.
He sat at the table, looking at the three items placed on it—the handkerchief picked up from the lake, the handkerchief Gu Yuanbai used to wipe his hands in the palace, and the white jade cup.
After a while, he called a servant. “Bring Xue Er over.”
Xue Er, whose legs were broken by Xue Yuan and split in half, could only lie in bed now. He relied on others for eating, drinking, and even going to the bathroom. He couldn’t withstand any disturbances.
However, with a single word from Xue Yuan, Xue Er dared not disobey. He was carried by the servants to Xue Yuan’s door. Since Xue Yuan didn’t allow him to enter, he had to lie in the corridor and shout, “Brother, did you call for me?”
Xue Yuan’s eerie voice came from behind the door. “What did you want to tell me last time?”
Xue Er shivered, regretting coming to Xue Yuan last time. His voice became smaller and smaller. “The heir of the Anle Marquis’s residence called me a cripple. He even instigated me to hang myself or drown in the lake. I couldn’t stand him, so I wanted you, brother, to teach him a lesson.”
Xue Yuan remained silent, and Xue Er became increasingly frightened. Eventually, he started trembling.
After a long pause, Xue Yuan coldly sneered. “I will teach the heir of the Anle Marquis’s residence a lesson, and as for you, think of a way for me.”
His tone was like that of an evil spirit underground, chilling and sinister. “Give me a serious illness.”
Gu Yuanbai had just issued the imperial edict for merit and rewards yesterday, but Xue Yuan had declined the appointment and returned it the next day.
Xue Yuan submitted a report stating that Xue Er was seriously ill and his condition was worsening. As the older brother, Xue Yuan was deeply concerned about his younger brother and thus temporarily declined the emperor’s appointment. He wanted to stay at home to take care of Xue Er.
Otherwise, if he were to receive the emperor’s salary but couldn’t fulfill his duties due to restlessness, he would only disappoint the emperor’s trust.
Gu Yuanbai threw the report on the table and turned to ask Tian Fusheng, “What do you think?”
Tian Fusheng smiled awkwardly, thinking that Xue Er’s legs were broken by Xue Yuan himself. Now, with such words being said, it was difficult to speak. He tactfully replied, “Xue Er must be seriously ill. Look, Xue Yuan is anxious.”
Gu Yuanbai smiled nonchalantly. “He thinks I’m a fool.”
But the report was well-written, emphasizing brotherly love and Xue Yuan’s desire to take care of his younger brother. No one could stop him, not even the emperor.
Since Gu Yuanbai didn’t mind, he casually said, “In that case, let the imperial physicians from the palace go to the Xue residence to check on Xue Er’s condition and bring some medicinal ingredients with them.”
Tian Fusheng nodded. “Yes, I will give the order.”
“By the way, while you’re at it, tell Xue Yuan,” Gu Yuanbai opened another report, picked up a brush, and casually said, “I’m looking forward to the day when he can take office.”
****
oof ….lets see who will win in the end