The Comeback of the Cannon-Fodder Supporting Actress

Chapter 1078: Chapter 1054: Nobility Amidst Chaos 122

Daqi Capital

Prime Minister Li returned from the palace, his expression somewhat heavy.

Lady Li quickly helped him remove his cloak and had someone hand him a warm handkerchief.

Prime Minister Li wiped his hands and face: ”I observed that His Majesty’s complexion is not good, I fear His Majesty’s health may be failing.”

Lady Li softly said, ”Keep an eye on it. If it comes to it, we must be prepared.”

Prime Minister Li nodded: ”That Empress of Dajing is indeed formidable, having managed to transport grain from Jiangnan for sale, an act truly accomplishing multiple goals. That woman is no simple figure.”

Lady Li lowered her head: ”A woman too formidable may find it hard to find her place in this world. Not to mention, Emperor Jianyuan of Dajing is a hero; how could a man like him tolerate an equally ambitious empress? For now, he relies on her schemes and can endure everything, but just wait. Once Emperor Jianyuan attains the realm, the first to suffer will be that Empress Liu.”

”Alas.” Prime Minister Li sighed: ”What a pity.”

Lady Li asked Prime Minister Li: ”How about the Noble Consort?”

Prime Minister Li sneered: ”Her? I believe the fall of the realm is due to her. Now His Majesty cannot bear to be without her, and soon, the state affairs might even be handed over to her.”

”Daqi is in peril,” Prime Minister Li concluded, waving his hand, unwilling to say more.

Lady Li got him to sit down and quickly had the maids set the meal.

After dinner, Prime Minister Li went to the study.

A moment later, his attendant delivered a letter.

Prime Minister Li was greatly shocked after reading it.

”Someone, come.”

He called out.

Soon, several attendants came in.

Prime Minister Li wanted to say something, but considering Daqi’s current situation, he felt utterly powerless.

He waved his hand: ”Alright, it’s nothing, leave.”

Once the attendants left, Prime Minister Li stood up, gazed blankly at the bright moon outside the window.

After a long time, Prime Minister Li slumped his shoulders, tears glistening in his eyes: ”Daqi’s century-old foundation might soon be destroyed, truly it seems destined to end.”

Dajing, Suzhou

Xiao Yuan received a secret letter from spies dispatched to Daqi, he opened it and held it over a flame to reveal the writing.

After reading, Xiao Yuan slapped the letter on the table: ”Come here.”

Xiao Dezi entered with a few people.

”Go summon Prince Duan, Prince Yi, Prince Xin, and others, including Lin Family Head, General Dong, Scholar Yuan, and several Princesses.”

Xiao Dezi agreed and was about to leave.

Xiao Yuan added: ”Have someone else deliver the word, you personally go to Fengqi Palace to invite the Empress.”

Anning was the first to arrive at Qingzheng Hall, bringing some fruits, pastries, and preserved fruits.

Shortly after she came, Xiao Rong and Zhaoyang arrived.

Following them were Prince Duan and Prince Yi, and finally, Lin Family Head and Dong Da.

Once everyone had arrived, Xiao Yuan had chairs brought in so everyone could sit.

He had them circulate the letter sent from Daqi.

Anning was the first to read it, and afterwards, her face showed a hint of worry.

After her was Lin Family Head, and following him were Xiao Rong and others.

Once everyone in the circle had read the letter, Xiao Yuan asked: ”What are your thoughts?”

These people looked at one another, none of them speaking.

Later, it was Prince Yi who spoke: ”Brother, what does this mean? It’s just the matter of Daqi’s river governor, what does it have to do with us?”

Prince Duan also looked at Xiao Yuan: ”Brother, what is the matter with this letter? I can’t understand it.”

Xiao Yuan looked at Yuan Wei again, and after pondering for a long time, Yuan Wei still couldn’t grasp the situation.

Xiao Yuan pointed at Xiao Ying: ”Ying’er, you explain.”

Xiao Ying stood up and bowed: ”The letter says that the factional struggle in Daqi is severe, currently there’s continuous dispute between the Qingliu faction and the people of Noble Consort Li on the court. Because of many matters, the people of Noble Consort Li’s faction are suppressed by Qingliu. Originally, the river governor was Lu Wang of Noble Consort Li’s faction, Lu Wang is capable but somewhat corrupt, and also sophisticated. The Qingliu people disapprove of him and want Di Song to replace him, additionally Emperor Jingqing has some opinions about Lu Wang. He feels that investing so much silver annually in river governance is a waste, thinking most of it is being embezzled by Lu Wang. He wants to appoint Di Song, known for his integrity, as the river governor.”

Xiao Yuan’s face darkened: ”The letter already stated this, there’s no need for you to repeat it, I asked for your thoughts.”

Xiao Ying said: ”Father, I think this is a good thing for Daqi.”

”What about you all?”

Xiao Yuan looked around at the gathered people: ”Huihui, Yin’er, what do you think?”

Xiao Hui furrowed his brows in contemplation, and Xiao Yin was also somewhat puzzled: ”Father, what do you mean? I think it’s not a big deal.”

Xiao Yin pondered further: ”I feel there’s something involved, but I’m too foolish to grasp it right away.”

Xiao Yuan felt slightly disappointed.

He pointed at Lin Family: ”What about Scholar Lin?”

Lin Lianshuang looked at Anning: ”I’ve seen Empress’s constant worry, there must be some thoughts. My perspective should broadly align with Empress’s. I believe Daqi is destroying its own great wall.”

”What?”

Xiao Ying was startled: ”Why does Scholar Lin say this?”

Lin Lianshuang gestured respectfully to Xiao Ying: ”Your Highness, allow me to explain. Lu Wang, despite being corrupt and sophisticated, also part of Noble Consort Li’s faction, is a rare official committed to actual work. His corruption is moderate; it’s mainly used for greasing the wheels in the Capital to maintain his river governance work. He’s devoted all his energy to river management, being a highly capable official. If Daqi continues to let him manage the river, and provide adequate funds, there’s a chance he might improve the Yellow River during his lifetime. However, changing commanders halfway through his work is not a blessing for Daqi.”

Anning nodded: ”Scholar Lin is right, but Scholar Lin ignored one element.”

As Anning spoke, everyone became quiet, listening intently to her thoughts.

”Scholar Lin hasn’t considered Di Song. Di Song is upright, holds high public esteem, but he’s rigid. He likes ancient rituals and prefers aligning actions to ancient sages. Also, he holds a grudge against Lu Wang, disapproving of Lu Wang’s methods. If Di Song becomes the river governor, he might tear apart the river works done by Lu Wang.”

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yin felt a chill, recalling something.

Xiao Yin stood up suddenly: ”Father, Mother, I’ve sent people to Jiangbei to sell books and newspapers, and simultaneously inquired about Daqi’s matters. I remembered something; Di Song once mentioned that Yu’s water management involved channeling, not blocking rivers, directing floods into larger rivers, which tackled flood disasters. He also said that Lu Wang’s methods were wrong, wasting the court’s silver.”

Anning nodded: ”Indeed, that’s the case.”

Xiao Ying thought for a moment and suddenly understood.

”Meaning, if Di Song replaces Lu Wang, he might tear down or widen the river channels, letting the river flow more freely.”

Lin Family rubbed their forehead: ”If so, Daqi’s realm might be unprotected, and the worst fear is a massacre next year.”

Prince Yi was still somewhat confused.

Anning quietly explained to him.

”Lu Wang is managing the Yellow River, its waters contain much silt, which raises the riverbed. Lu Wang’s method reaffirms the riverbanks, narrowing the channels, creating turbulent flow, gradually eroding the river sand. The water carries the silt to the sea, preventing accumulation. Coupled with upstream planting, over time, flood occurrences will reduce.”

Prince Yi nodded, indicating understanding: ”Meaning, if Di Song widens the channels or removes some sections, the water slows, depositing more silt layer upon layer, the Yellow River will become an elevated river.”

The more he spoke, the more frightened he became: ”Could this be true? Di Song is harming the people, undoing previous river management work.”

Xiao Yuan finally said: ”Yes.”

He called Xiao Ying over, speaking earnestly: ”Ying’er, today I teach you that as a ruler you must know how to employ people wisely. Put the right person in the right position, carefully consider this. Di Song is a good official, but appointing him as river governor is a mistake. If I were to choose, I’d appoint Di Song as the Imperial Censorate Left Imperial Censor to oversee officials, as he’s straightforward and unconcerned with power, ensuring just conduct.”

Xiao Ying listened intently.

Xiao Yuan continued: ”Furthermore, assessing whether an official is qualified considers beyond being upright. A clean official with only a reputation for integrity but without tangible accomplishments, not benefitting the common people, failing to manage land or livelihood effectively, is unqualified.”

Xiao Ying nodded: ”I heed Father’s teachings.”

Xiao Yuan sighed: ”I’m worried that if Di Song replaces Lu Wang, next year the Yellow River might flood disastrously, and countless people on both shores will suffer.”

The group recalled the devastating scenes from the Jiangnan flood, thinking of the Yellow River’s bank inhabitants, their mood grew heavy.