Chapter 319: The Four Great Aristocratic Families

Chapter 319: Chapter 319: The Four Great Aristocratic Families

But some noble families were giving this matter serious thought.

For instance, consider the Zhao Clan, one of the Four Great Families and the current seat of the Marquis of Ping’an. The old Marquis’s eldest son held the position of Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue—an influential and lucrative post. His second son served as the Prefect of Jingzhao Prefecture, responsible for maintaining peace among the populace of the Capital City. Needless to say, this was a position of tangible power. Although not a high-ranking official, his authority was considerable. If anything occurred in the Capital City—from major crimes like murder and arson down to petty theft—the Prefect of Jingzhao Prefecture was the first to be notified, and his was the final say on right and wrong. As for his sons born of concubines, it went without saying that they all held official posts of varying importance, whether in the Capital City or assigned elsewhere; none were commoners. None of his daughters were left to waste either. All were married off to forge alliances. His legitimate daughter even became one of Emperor Chu Xiong’s consorts, though she unfortunately bore no children. Chu Xiong was no fool. When a powerful family like this sent a woman to the palace, he would grant her a title at most. As for her bearing children, that was out of the question.

At this moment, the old Marquis was in his study, alone with his calculations. He certainly wouldn’t hand over his family’s assets like Senior Grand Secretary Zheng; he knew such wealth could be both a fatal trap and a lifeline.

His eyes landed on his legitimate granddaughter, the youngest daughter of his eldest son, Miss Zhao Xinyin. This young lady, at the tender age of fifteen, possessed delicate beauty and was proficient in the four arts: zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting. She was acclaimed as one of the Capital City’s Four Great Talents. With the new Emperor having just ascended the throne and the imperial harem vacant, consorts would undoubtedly be selected. He thus decided to send Zhao Xinyin into the palace.

With her talent and beauty, securing a position as a consort should be no issue. Not only would she gain imperial favor, but she could also safeguard the Marquis of Ping’an’s residence.

Another long-established noble family was that of General Luo, the famed War God General. In his early years, General Luo had accompanied the late Emperor on numerous campaigns, achieving tremendous military merit. For his battlefield valor and unbroken record of victories, the late Emperor had bestowed upon him the title of War God General and gifted him the War God General’s Residence. After the realm was pacified, he was dispatched to garrison East Gate Pass on Daqian’s eastern frontier. To the east of Daqian lay a unique nation: the Qingluan Kingdom. Ruled by an Empress, and despite being a matriarchy, it was the most powerful nation on the continent. Despite its power, the Qingluan Kingdom had never initiated wars or attacked other countries. Nevertheless, defenses between the two countries were essential, which was why General Luo was stationed there. When he grew old, his son took over the responsibility.

General Luo was inherently arrogant and profoundly looked down upon incompetent emperors like Chu Xiong. Throughout Chu Xiong’s reign, he openly displayed his insubordination. Towards such an obstinate old fellow, Chu Xiong felt a mix of exasperation and grudging respect, but he could do little about him. As long as General Luo didn’t raise troops in rebellion, Chu Xiong was willing to overlook almost anything else.

General Luo had also attended Xiao Yunjing’s enthronement ceremony. Though unaware of the depths of Xiao Yunjing’s martial prowess, he could sense his formidable aura. Realizing that Xiao Yunjing was not to be taken lightly, he decided to remain passive and observe the situation. On the day of the Qingchen coup, he happened to be absent due to illness and thus did not witness Xiao Yunjing’s martial abilities.

He was not like those weakling officials. Had he been present that day, he certainly wouldn’t have been struggling to save his own skin. He might even have been able to cross swords with Qingchen or Xiao Yunjing!

Another long-standing noble house was the Fan Family, which had always controlled the Ministry of War. The Fan Family held no hereditary peerage; their position was earned through their own strength and achievements. The men of the Fan Family never went to the battlefield themselves. However, every scion of the Fan Family was thoroughly versed in military strategy—and they were no mere armchair theorists. Furthermore, they possessed remarkable talent in military administration. Thus, Emperor Chu had entrusted the Ministry of War to the Fan Clan. There was a reason Emperor Chu felt comfortable entrusting the Ministry of War to the Fan Family. The Fan Family members never harbored ulterior motives. They never took sides and were loyal only to the reigning Emperor. Meaning, whoever sat on the throne, they were loyal to him. Moreover, they neither vied for power nor coveted positions; they cared not whom the Emperor ennobled or rewarded. The Ministry of War was the least of Xiao Yunjing’s worries.

Xiao Yunjing’s fourth royal decree was to recall Master Xu to serve as the Libationer of the Imperial Academy. Xiao Yunjing found some pretext to dismiss the previous Libationer. The Imperial Academy of today, much like the Huaishan Academy of yesteryear, had virtually become another battleground for court factions. How could Xiao Yunjing allow such a malignant tumor to fester into the new year? He promptly excised it. This imperial edict left everyone utterly astounded. Xiao Yunjing cared little whether they were astonished or unconvinced. Master Xu possessed true learning and talent; anyone who disagreed was welcome to challenge him. Xiao Yunjing had promised Xu Yi he would look after Master Xu. Besides, Master Xu was a man of learning whom he had long since identified as valuable, so he recalled him to serve as Libationer. In the future, this would also facilitate Daniu and Gu Qingqiu’s entry into the Imperial Academy for their studies. After all, they came from the countryside, were starting later than others, and had no influential patrons.

Of course, he, their greatest patron, would certainly not make his involvement public.

With Master Xu looking out for them, he believed they would undoubtedly have promising futures.

「The fifth royal decree concerned the judgment of Old General Liu’s family.」

After this edict was promulgated, the people of the Capital City finally learned of Old General Liu’s deeds. Some expressed regret, while others rejoiced, and still others were filled with anxiety. Those filled with anxiety were, naturally, the Jiang Family. However, their anxiety was short-lived. A letter soon arrived from Xiao Ce, ordering their entire family to relocate to Beijiang. Seeing that the situation was irreversible, Old Master Jiang made a swift decision. He promptly liquidated the family assets and departed for Beijiang. When Xiao Yunjing received this news, he merely instructed Yun No. 14 to acquire all of the Jiang Family’s properties, and to pay no mind to other matters.

「Three days had passed since these matters were settled.」

In these three days, Xiao Yunjing had not once set foot in Fengqi Palace, having delegated all affairs of the imperial harem to the current Empress Dowager, Xiao Yuling.

「In the Happiness and Longevity Palace」

Xiao Yuling, noticing her son’s somewhat dazed expression, gently nudged him. “Son, have you and Li’er quarreled? Is it time to select a few consorts for the palace?”

Xiao Yunjing shot her a look. “For this entire lifetime, your son will not take any other consorts. I only want Li’er, one woman. Mother, please don’t stir up trouble. Li’er and I are fine. It’s just that she hasn’t been well recently, and I’ve been very busy.”

“Surely not? Son, how can you be so devoted? Are you willing to disregard your entire empire for Gu Qingli?” Xiao Yuling was utterly astonished. The imperial harem and the imperial court were inextricably linked. If her son didn’t take consorts, how could he keep those court officials in check? Besides, what Emperor has ever not taken consorts?

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Heavens!

Xiao Yuling pressed her forehead.

What’s so bad about taking consorts? Li’er isn’t a cruel or vicious person; she wouldn’t harm the Emperor’s other women or their children like empresses of the past. Look, isn’t she getting along splendidly with the late Emperor’s consorts even now? When women get older, they enjoy a bit of liveliness.

Xiao Yunjing replied languidly, “This empire was fought for them—for her and our children. If you have me take other consorts, wouldn’t that just cause Li’er distress? Besides, with more women in the rear palace come more plots and schemes. Do you wish for your grandchildren to all meet untimely ends?”

The imperial harem might boast three thousand beauties, but how many imperial offspring are actually born? Weren’t our own experiences—yours and mine, Mother—enough of a lesson for you?

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