Resplendent – Chapter 465

Chapter 465: The Emperor Who Loves to Join in the Fun

Lady Jun took the pills her daughter had prepared, along with the medicinal meals, and now that her daughter had returned, her mood greatly improved, and her health gradually recovered. She then had the idea to visit Anguo Temple to burn incense, and at the same time, take her daughter on an autumn outing to the countryside.

With the apothecary assessment approaching, she also wanted to help her daughter relax and ease any stress. In Lady Jun’s eyes, it didn’t matter whether her daughter passed the exam or what level she achieved: the important thing was that her daughter was happy.

On this day, it happened to be the Duke and his sons’ day off, so they volunteered to escort Lady Jun and Gu Ye to Anguo Temple. The three young girls rarely had a chance to go out for leisure, so Lady Jun was in high spirits and took them along as well.

Xiaosi, Xiaowu, Xiaoliu and the girls, as well as Gu Ming, who had no official duties that day, naturally didn’t want to miss this opportunity and shamelessly joined the outing.

As a result, what had originally been planned as a small visit with four young girls turned into a grand procession of three carriages and over a dozen mounted riders. The scale was so large that it inevitably drew attention.

The convoy took up nearly half of the wide streets of the capital as it moved along. Emperor Zhao Rong, dressed in the ceremonial white dragon fish attire, along with the crown prince and several personal guards, was sitting in a teahouse looking down. His gaze immediately fell on the enormous procession.

“Eh? Father, the Duke Zhen and his sons have all set out early this morning. Where are they headed?” The Crown Prince stuck his head out the window, curiosity stirring in his mind.

Emperor Zhao Rong looked toward the three carriages, heavily protected in the middle by Duke Zhen and his sons, and smiled. “It’s probably not just the Duke and his sons. The Duchess and the young girls of the household are likely with them as well.”

The Crown Prince thought for a moment and smiled faintly. “I’ve heard that the Duke has finally found the daughter he had lost for so many years. Could it be that they’re going to Anguo Temple to offer thanks to the Bodhisattva?”

“Yes, that’s quite possible! The Duke has been grinning from ear to ear these past few days, as if afraid that others wouldn’t know there’s happy news in his household. Think about it: after six sons, a daughter finally comes along. How could he not treasure her? Moreover, this daughter has been wandering outside for thirteen years! I must admit, I feel some guilt toward the Chu family myself.” Emperor Zhao Rong let out a deep sigh.

Back then, Old General Chu was highly accomplished and held great prestige in the military. The current Duke Zhen, Chu Bufan, had already shown promise in the army. The Chu family was prolific and taught their children well, which aroused the late emperor’s jealousy. On top of that, political enemies of Old General Chu stirred trouble behind the scenes. The late emperor took advantage of the situation, seized the Chu family’s military power, confiscated their property, and exiled the entire family to the harsh northwest.

When Emperor Zhao Rong was still the crown prince, Old General Chu had once been assigned to teach him martial arts. He had always admired his loyal and upright character. Back then, he had also pleaded with the late emperor on their behalf, but his father, resolute and unyielding, had rejected him outright.

Emperor Zhao Rong understood in his heart that the Chu family’s so-called treason and collusion with the enemy were nothing more than false charges imposed upon them. It was truly regrettable. During the Chu family’s ten years of exile, the Northland had been a constant worry for the late emperor. All the military generals in the court combined could not compare to Old General Chu’s abilities. 

The Dirong frequently raided the borderlands, leaving nine out of ten northern households abandoned. This rendered the civil and military officials in the court overwhelmed.

When the late emperor passed away, and in the year Emperor Zhao Rong ascended the throne, the Dirong colluded with remnants of the previous regime to seize ten northern cities, even threatening to advance toward the Central Plains. Facing pressure from all sides, Emperor Zhao Rong recalled the Chu family from exile and cleared them of all charges. 

After taking command in a critical moment, Old General Chu was conferred the title of Grand General of the North, and his eldest legitimate grandson, Chu Muhua, became the vanguard general, leading an army of one hundred thousand to reinforce the northern territories.

For three generations, the Chu family had dealt with the Dirong and knew their weaknesses well. They recaptured the lost cities in a sweeping campaign and secured Junlang Pass, leaving the Dirong too intimidated to encroach even a step further. 

Unfortunately, while Chu Bufan was in exile, his right hand was injured during a battle with fierce bandits. He could no longer even lift a pen, let alone a sword.

For a general, losing the ability to wield a weapon was like clipping a bird’s wings. In his desire to make amends and offer consolation, Emperor Zhao Rong honored him as the Duke of Zhen and entrusted him with the Xishan garrison, allowing him to train more military talent for the state. The Chu family’s second and third sons were also given important responsibilities and official positions!

Seeing the guilt in his father’s eyes, the Crown Prince quickly said, “The Chu family was framed by treacherous men. After Royal Father ascended the throne, you severely punished the traitorous ministers and showed the Chu family great favor and trust. You have already been as benevolent and righteous toward them as possible!”

“As a ruler, one must balance kindness and authority with one’s subjects, and never let loyal ministers feel disheartened. The way of a sovereign lies in balance. The reason I have honored the Chu family and trusted Duke Zhen is precisely this. My son, you should think carefully about it!” Emperor Zhao Rong had always kept the intelligent and composed Crown Prince close to teach him, so that as heir apparent, he would deeply understand the way of ruling.

“Come! Accompany me to Anguo Temple to offer incense, and pray to the gods and Buddhas for favorable weather and the peace and prosperity of the realm!” Emperor Zhao Rong stood and walked toward the teahouse exit.

The Crown Prince was alarmed and hurriedly advised, “Father, there are only a few guards with us today. Perhaps it would be better to go another day…”

“It doesn’t matter. Aren’t the secret guards with us?” Emperor Zhao Rong waved his hand, then turned to smile at the Crown Prince. “Aren’t you curious to see what the Duke Zhen’s long-lost treasure of a daughter looks like? From what I know, Young Miss Chu should be thirteen this year, just four years younger than you, my son! If you find her to your liking, making her your Crown Princess wouldn’t be so bad!”

The Crown Prince looked helpless. “Father, your favor toward the Chu family is precisely to suppress the maternal family of the Imperial Grandmother, isn’t it? If you marry me off to this Crown Princess, wouldn’t that leave a potential danger of external relatives gaining power in the future? Having external relatives control military power is not a good omen for the state!”

Emperor Zhao Rong smiled with satisfaction. “My son, I’m glad you understand the reasoning behind this. It comforts me greatly! Old General Chu’s petition to retire still lies on my desk. Though Chu Muhua possesses both literary and military talent, rivaling his grandfather, he is still young and inexperienced. He is not to be feared! If you truly take a liking to the Chu family’s young lady, it wouldn’t necessarily be impossible!”

The Crown Prince shook his head with a smile. “My future Crown Princess must embody the virtues of a mother to the nation. The Chu family’s daughter has been living among the common people for over a decade. Who knows what her temperament might be? Father… are you suggesting I marry a useless, incompetent Crown Princess?”

Emperor Zhao Rong laughed heartily. “My son’s mind is as clear as a mirror. I am most gratified. Come, let’s go watch the fun unfold!”

Seeing his father so excited, the Crown Prince shook his head and sighed. He could do nothing about having a father who loved to stir up commotion.

Thus, eight imperial guards escorted the most distinguished father and son of Dongling Kingdom and followed the Chu family’s carriages on their way to Anguo Temple.

Because the Chu family had women aboard, their pace was slightly slower. Before long, Emperor Zhao Rong and the Crown Prince caught up to them.

“Oh! Isn’t this Duke Zhen? What a coincidence to run into you here!” Emperor Zhao Rong spurred his horse through the line of riders and arrived at Duke Zhen’s side.