After delegating everything to Yin Wuzhi, Jiang Wu comfortably drew his legs up on the dragon chair.
The familiar scene made the officials’ eyebrows twitch wildly. Someone hurriedly stepped forward: “Your Majesty, I have a matter to report.”
Since Yin Wuzhi was exceptionally talented, the greatest emperor of all time, he would certainly handle it well.
“Your Majesty!” Another person spoke up, “I also have a matter to report.”
Jiang Wu lifted his large sleeve to cover his head.
“Your Majesty!” The elderly voice of Prime Minister Chen came through, solemn and respectful, “In recent days, the southern region has been plagued by continuous rain, and the people are suffering. I suggest that Yin Shu go in Your Majesty’s stead to provide comfort.”
It seemed that Yin Shu was Yin Wuzhi’s great name.
Prime Minister Chen was truly affectionate toward his student, even trying to rescue Yin Wuzhi from suffering through this opportunity… Jiang Wu gradually became drowsy.
Yin Wuzhi reacted quickly, immediately kneeling and saying, “I am willing to go in Your Majesty’s stead.”
A moment of silence followed, with only gentle breathing coming from beneath the wide sleeve.
Yin Wuzhi: “……”
That person had fallen asleep again on the dragon chair.
Chengde Hall remained quiet for a while before subtle commotion began: “Did His Majesty just say that Yin Wang Shizi should record the court affairs and report back?”
“That’s truly absurd,” someone muttered, “Does attending court now require an intermediary to pass messages?”
An official with poor relations with King Dingnan spoke unhappily: “All the officials in Chengde Hall are present, yet the matters are not discussed with them. Instead, decisions will be made by the shizi, as if this were not a court matter?”
“Exactly. Yin Wang Shizi is just a warrior. How does His Majesty think… If court matters need to go through a third party, who knows what might happen?”
Chengde Hall quickly descended into chaos.
The emperor’s favor for Yin Wang Shizi was indeed a source of pain for friends and delight for enemies. But now, his sudden announcement giving Yin Wuzhi the right to handle court affairs meant granting him supreme authority in the eyes of the officials.
Naturally, officials with grievances against the Yin family found it difficult to accept.
King Dingnan and others were left in a state of worry and confusion.
Yin Wuzhi raised his eyes and looked at the oblivious emperor, slowly lowering his saluting hand.
Jiang Wu, why give him such power? Does he want to kill him with kindness, or is he really…
Yin Wuzhi stood up and straightened beside the dragon throne.
Turning to look, he realized the position was very high, with a broad view, allowing him to see the expressions of everyone in the hall.
Chengde Hall, the officials, the talented people and country.
Beside one person, above ten thousand.
In the end, it was Prime Minister Chen who spoke up: “Please listen to this old minister. His Majesty’s actions must have a purpose. Since His Majesty wishes Yin Wang Shizi to convey the matters, we might as well present the memorials to the Shizi and patiently await His Majesty’s decision, with this old minister supervising on behalf… What do you all think?”
His position in the court was highly respected, and with his intervention, the chaotic emotions of the crowd were temporarily subdued. Although the officials could still voice objections to the favor shown to Yin Wuzhi, they had to show some respect since Prime Minister Chen had spoken.
As the officials bowed in farewell after court, Sixteen stepped forward and picked up the still-sleeping Jiang Wu.
Yin Wuzhi gazed at him, from the moment his hand rested on Jiang Wu’s shoulder until Jiang Wu boarded the imperial carriage.
With Jiang Wu’s departure, the officials gradually dispersed. King Dingnan slowed his pace and called out to Yin Wuzhi, “Aren’t you coming down?”
Yin Wuzhi came back to himself and walked over quickly, respectfully saying, “Father, Teacher.”
Prime Minister Chen responded with a “Hmm” and asked, “Did you notice anything different about His Majesty while you were by his side yesterday?”
“I’m afraid I’m too dull to perceive it.”
“Your Majesty has recently undergone a significant change in temperament, which is indeed strange. Since he insists on having you by his side, you should take this opportunity to pay close attention and see if you can discover anything.”
King Dingnan’s expression was difficult to read. If anyone else were accompanying Jiang Wu today, he would surely think they were trying to curry favor with the emperor, perhaps whispering sweet nothings to earn such favor.
But this person was his own son.
If he were to voice his criticism, he knew that Yin Wuzhi would be innocent. Yet, if he held back, it might seem as if he were covering for him. He thus adopted a stern expression and said, “I allowed you into the palace to rescue Zi Yan from danger, not to seek favors for yourself.”
Yin Wuzhi responded, “??”
“Ah.” Prime Minister Chen interrupted him, saying, “I believe Ah Zhi wouldn’t do such a thing.”
Yin Wuzhi replied stiffly, “This student truly wouldn’t.”
With Prime Minister Chen speaking on his behalf, King Dingnan felt somewhat relieved, though he feigned persistence: “Then why did it suddenly happen today…?”
“Is it to please someone he cares for?” Prime Minister Chen teased, then, noticing King Dingnan’s displeased expression, moderated his tone and said earnestly, “Regardless, trying to win over a beloved through flattery is the mark of a foolish ruler. Ah Zhi, you must not be easily tempted and risk becoming a despised sycophant.”
“I will heed my teacher’s teachings.”
King Dingnan agreed with Prime Minister Chen’s words, adding, “However, for now, it’s hard to know how to persuade His Majesty to change his mind. Since he is so determined, you may have to endure a bit for now, keeping a close watch to prevent any further foolish actions.”
“Then let’s proceed this way. Your father and I will also find time to offer counsel. If it truly comes to it…”
The two old officials exchanged glances, their meaning clear without words.
If Jiang Wu remained unrepentant, then the dragon throne would have to be filled by someone else.
For now, advising Yin Wuzhi to observe was partly because they felt Jiang Wu could still be saved, and partly because they didn’t want to offend the ruler on the dragon seat.
After all, this matter was significant, and any misstep could lead to disaster for their families. If they could convince him to turn back and reform, it would indeed be a happy resolution for all.
Prime Minister Chen patted Yin Wuzhi’s shoulder, leaving space for the father and son to talk.
Once he left, King Dingnan’s expression showed he was hesitant to speak. Yin Wuzhi noticed and proactively said, “I’m doing well, Father. You don’t need to worry.”
Feeling a bit awkward, King Dingnan nodded and said, “Your mother mentioned that if you’re being bullied in the palace, you can always seek out Empress Dowager Wen.”
“Understood.”
King Dingnan wanted to say more, but thinking about his son being summoned into the palace by a foolish ruler made him feel frustrated. Ultimately, he only darkly advised, “Take care of yourself.”
Yin Wuzhi replied, “…Mm.”
After leaving the Chengde Hall, the foolish ruler seemed to be sleeping even more soundly. Yin Wuzhi couldn’t understand how someone could sleep so deeply. Back in the Taiji Hall, he had a couple of pastries for breakfast and then grabbed paper and pen, diligently recording the important matters discussed in court.
As he dried the last sheet of ink, it was already noon. Qi Hanmiao approached eagerly, asking, “Your Highness, would you like to have lunch?”
“Mm.” Yin Wuzhi was indeed hungry. He glanced back at the dragon couch; the person inside was still breathing steadily, showing no signs of movement.
He got up from the table and approached the bed, pulling back the curtain.
His heart gave a slight jolt.
Jiang Wu was awake.
His long, inky black hair spread out on the pillow, and his pale face was turned towards the bed’s canopy. If it weren’t for the faint sound of breathing, one might think he was a soulless doll.
When did he wake up?
People breathe differently in sleep and in wakefulness, yet Yin Wuzhi clearly hadn’t noticed any change in his breathing.
…He looked almost like a lifeless object.
That lifeless object remained completely still.
“I have recorded today’s court matters in full. Your Majesty, since you’re awake, you should get up.”
Get up?
That foolish ruler certainly wouldn’t just spring out of bed. No, he would linger and enjoy the comfort of his rest.
Jiang Wu continued to stare blankly at the canopy above the bed, thinking that Yin Wuzhi was truly idling with nothing to do. He had asked him to dictate the court matters, yet here he was, diligently recording everything by hand.
Had he always been this energetic since childhood?
“…Your Majesty?” Yin Wuzhi prompted.
Jiang Wu ignored him.
He seemed to feel a pang of hunger.
But it didn’t matter; it wasn’t yet time to replenish his energy. He could hold out a bit longer—at least for another five minutes.
When Yin Wuzhi couldn’t rouse him, he decided to leave him be.
Five minutes later, Jiang Wu realized it still wasn’t time for a necessary meal, so he could afford to lounge for another five minutes.
Another five minutes passed.
Qi Hanmiao sent someone to bring up lunch.
A wave of delicious aromas wafted into Jiang Wu’s nose.
…How could the so-called five organs be so greedy, unable to resist even such trivial temptations?
Yin Wuzhi suddenly sensed a change in the foolish ruler’s breathing.
Awake?
Yin Wuzhi glanced at the meal placed on the table and then turned to look at the curtain.
He perked up his ears.
Gurgle.
It was the uncontrollable sound from the belly.
The foolish ruler attempted to rise, but naturally, it was ineffective.
The human body was such an inconvenient thing, and he felt a surge of frustration. He finally had to speak up, “Beloved Minister Yin.”
His voice was soft and weak, barely audible even to Qi Hanmiao.
Yin Wuzhi pretended not to hear.
“Support me,” Jiang Wu raised his voice, “I’m getting up.”
Qi Hanmiao responded immediately, “Yes! Your servant is here!”
Great, another day of torment was about to begin. Qi Hanmiao quickly got everything ready for Jiang Wu, though there wasn’t much to prepare. Jiang Wu didn’t want his hair done, nor did he want to wear more clothes. He just wrapped himself in a simple, warm robe and socks.
Then he instructed Yin Wuzhi, “Carry me over. I want to eat.”
As he said this, his stomach grumbled twice.
Yin Wuzhi got up and carried him to the table, dutifully saying, “Please, Your Majesty, eat quickly, so that I can report the matters of the court.”
He picked up the bowl of rice and noticed Jiang Wu looking at him.
To be precise, Jiang Wu was looking at the rice in his hand.
Yin Wuzhi said, “You have some too.”
Qi Hanmiao quickly served him a bowl and placed it in front of him.
Jiang Wu said, “I don’t want it.”
He was just thinking about how many times he would have to chew all those grains.
If he didn’t chew well, he might choke, and the rice might come out of his nose.
That wouldn’t feel good at all.
Qi Hanmiao also remembered the time not long ago when His Majesty choked on rice. He sighed helplessly as he took the bowl back, while serving Jiang Wu some porridge, saying, “Your Majesty, you have to eat something else, or your body won’t hold up.”
Yin Wuzhi looked surprised.
He thought Jiang Wu ate lightly yesterday because it was dinner, but it turned out…he had only been eating porridge for a long time?
Why was that?
“Ah,” Jiang Wu opened his mouth towards him.
Qi Hanmiao silently handed over the porridge.
Yin Wuzhi was indeed a smart man. After just one day, he already knew how to serve him, even blowing on the porridge so it wouldn’t be too hot.
Jiang Wu gradually relaxed, leaning back in his chair until he was completely nestled into the soft cushions.
Yin Wuzhi had to keep moving forward, eventually having to pull the chair closer to feed him.
After half a bowl, Jiang Wu was completely relaxed.
He closed his eyes, mechanically swallowing, opening his mouth, swallowing, opening his mouth…
Yin Wuzhi: “…”
Was he enjoying this that much?
Yin Wuzhi glanced at the slowly diminishing porridge in his hand. While this food might be precious to commoners, to the Emperor, it was nothing short of the lowest quality.
Bland and tasteless.
He knew he shouldn’t be curious about the affairs of an incompetent ruler, but he couldn’t help himself.
Why did Jiang Wu not eat anything else?
What would happen if he fed him something different?
It sounded like a prank.
But Yin Wuzhi couldn’t resist.
He calmly picked up his chopsticks, calmly took a green pea from the dish, and calmly placed it in the bowl.
Qi Hanmiao’s eyes widened instantly, his eyeballs trembling in their sockets.
He took a deep breath, watching as Yin Wuzhi scooped up the pea and calmly brought it to Jiang Wu’s mouth.
Jiang Wu opened his mouth, expertly taking it in, then expertly swallowing…
Mmm, swallowing…
Ugh.
His throat was painfully blocked—good, painful, ah—
