Yan Jingzhi sat upon the dragon throne and uttered a calm “Rise.” The ministers offered their thanks and slowly stood up. Watching the court officials below, Yan Jingzhi strained his voice to sound steady and mature, asking, “Do any of my ministers have matters to report?”
Zhao Gongxian looked left and right. Seeing that no one else was stepping forward, he gritted his teeth, took a step forward, held his hu tablet respectfully with both hands, cleared his throat, and spoke loudly: “Your Majesty, I have a matter to report.”
Yan Jingzhi glanced slightly toward Lin Zili. Lin Zili wore an expectedly mocking smile; he knew this old man would not let the matter drop easily. Lin Zili remained calm, lowering his gaze and feigning humility, ignoring the inquiring look in Yan Jingzhi’s eyes.
Yan Jingzhi feigned a profound sigh: “I am already aware of Minister Zhao’s concerns. However, I disagree. Let us consider this matter closed.”
Zhao Gongxian hurriedly insisted: “Your Majesty, I beg to speak plainly. Though Your Majesty is still young, how can a ruler of a nation be without an heir or a consort? The harem is currently unmanaged, and leaving it in the hands of a eunuch is unprecedented and detrimental to the dignity of the state.”
Hearing this, the surrounding ministers began to echo his sentiments.
“Indeed, Your Majesty! Our dynasty has never seen such a practice since its founding. It is highly improper for Your Majesty to lack maternal family support or a Dowager Empress to oversee the harem!”
“Your Majesty, this Lin Zili is merely a eunuch; how can he wield such power? If this continues, it will surely lead to disaster!”
“Your Majesty, for the sake of the nation, I beg you to reconsider!”
Yan Jingzhi’s expression darkened instantly. He gripped the armrests of the dragon throne tightly and forced back his anger: “My ministers, my mind is made up. Lin Gonggong has served me for many years with unwavering loyalty. He has managed the affairs of the harem without a single error; there is no need for others to interfere.”
Zhao Gongxian refused to yield and bowed again: “Your Majesty, I am merely thinking of the welfare of the empire. If Your Majesty takes a consort early and the harem is regulated by legitimate ladies, both the court and the nation will be stable. I hope Your Majesty will reconsider.”
Lin Zili finally raised his eyes and spoke languidly: “Minister Zhao, when did state affairs become a place for you to interrupt? Do not lose your sense of propriety just because you wish to rely on His Majesty’s favor.”
Yan Jingzhi slammed his hand against the armrest: “Enough! Minister Zhao, your repeated provocations today suggest you no longer hold me in any regard. Lin Gonggong has served me with merit, and I trust him. Do not bring this up again. Should there be any further dissent, I shall not be lenient!”
Seeing that Yan Jingzhi was truly furious, Zhao Gongxian, though unwilling, could only lower his head and respond: “I would not dare. I shall follow your decree.” Yet, the resentment in his eyes could not be hidden.
Lin Zili seemed pleased by this reaction. He laughed: “Minister Zhao, why be so angry? We know your concern for the nation is well-intentioned. Therefore, although His Majesty will not select a consort, he has decided to allow the children of you lords who are of suitable age to enter the palace to keep him company.”
Lin Zili pulled an imperial edict from his sleeve and looked at the crowd with a mocking smile: “My lords, receive the decree.”
Upon hearing this, the officials knelt in succession.
“By the grace of the Heavens, the Emperor issues this decree: I recognize the diligence and loyalty of my ministers. To foster camaraderie at court and to provide me with suitable companions for academic discourse and artistic appreciation, I hereby order that the children of officials of the third rank and above, who are of appropriate age, shall enter the palace tomorrow to provide company. However, I clarify that this is merely for daily companionship and does not pertain to harem selection or the taking of consorts. I hope you will select children who are well-read, polite, and of good character to fulfill this kind gesture. Respect this decree.”
After the edict was read, the court erupted into chaos. The officials glanced at one another with varying expressions. Some frowned, pondering the implications, while others looked delighted, thinking that if their own daughters could enter the palace to keep the Emperor company, they might secure a great future for themselves.
Zhao Gongxian was stunned. He had not expected Yan Jingzhi to come up with such a scheme. He was both shocked and delighted. He was delighted because, even if it was not a formal selection, his children would be seen by the Emperor, and perhaps by amusing the young ruler, they could rise to power overnight. He was shocked because they were to enter the palace tomorrow, leaving no time to instruct them in palace etiquette and rules.
Had this been a formal selection, the ceremony would have occurred a month after the announcement, leaving ample room for maneuvering. Now, with only one day left, it was far too rushed. If they caused trouble upon entering the palace, it was uncertain whether it would be a blessing or a curse.
“My lords, accept the decree.”
Zhao Gongxian snapped back to reality and hurriedly bowed: “His Majesty is wise! We offer our thanks for your immense grace.”
The other ministers followed suit, shouting in unison: “We thank Your Majesty for your immense grace!”
Lin Zili tucked the edict away, maintaining his mocking expression: “My lords, please rise. His Majesty expects you to make proper arrangements; do not disappoint him. If your children are arrogant or spoiled, you had best instruct them well. Should they offend the Emperor once inside the palace, it will be a capital offense.”
At these words, many broke out in a cold sweat. They knew exactly what kind of character their children possessed. Those young masters and ladies, spoiled since birth, were often reckless and heedless of consequences. With such little time to correct their spoiled habits, it was clear that this favor was not the blessing they had initially imagined. The ministers were now heavy-hearted, exchanging worried glances.
Yan Jingzhi cared nothing for their internal struggles; he was exhausted and had no patience for their nonsense. Once Lin Zili finished the announcement, Yan Jingzhi asked: “My ministers, is there anything else? If not, we shall adjourn.”
No sooner had he spoken than a minister stepped forward, bowed, and produced a letter from his sleeve: “Your Majesty, I have something to report. This is a letter from the Regent at the border. Please review it.”
Upon hearing this unfamiliar title, Yan Jingzhi was dazed. The Regent? Which Regent? Finally, he managed to dredge up a memory from a corner of his mind: this man was a brother of his late father, his Imperial Uncle. However, he had never met this uncle and had almost no impression of him.
Lin Zili frowned and signaled to the young eunuch nearby. The eunuch rushed forward, took the letter, and presented it to Yan Jingzhi.
The minister spoke with excitement and agitation: “The Regent has been warring against the border barbarians for several years. He has finally achieved victory and will be returning to the capital shortly!”
The other ministers at court, hearing this, displayed surprise and began to whisper amongst themselves. For a moment, the previously heavy and oppressive atmosphere seemed to dissipate, carried away by a breath of fresh air.