novelaction Chapter 1014: Turning Passive into Active
Chapter 1014: Turning Passive into Active
As the ancients said, "Slander is as deep as the waves, and exiled officials are as sinking as sand."
In a crisis of rumors, the most skillful self-justification often lies not in words, but in posture; the most powerful loyalty does not rely on oaths, but on choices.
Zhang Ping'an was well aware of this, and he understood that he and his son now needed to find a balance between the suspicion of the emperor and their own self-preservation. They needed to defuse the current crisis as if walking on thin ice, and also gain Zhou Pu's trust in the long road of officialdom by being humble and not taking credit for their achievements, and being wary of slander and ridicule.
After all, the heart of an emperor is as deep as the sea. Only by turning loyalty into an unquestionable survival instinct can one steadily reach the shore amidst this turbulent sea.
Therefore, upon learning that the rumors in the capital had reached Zhou Pu's ears, Zhang Ping'an did not hesitate. He immediately discussed it with his son, and the two of them took the initiative to seek an audience with Zhou Pu after the morning court session.
Rather than waiting to die, it's better to take the initiative to meet with the emperor and dispel any suspicions.
Zhou Pu was somewhat surprised that the father and son had taken the initiative to request an audience, but he knew very well why they had come. After a moment's thought, he nodded in agreement.
"Your humble servant pays homage to Your Majesty! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"
"Get up!" Zhou Pu waved his hand indifferently, not making things difficult for the two. After all, Zhang Ping'an was a veteran of two dynasties and had made contributions to the founding of the country, so he had to be given some face.
After saying that, he instructed his personal eunuch, "Quanfu, give both of you seats."
The eunuch bowed and quietly accepted the order.
Amid such rumors, Zhang Ping'an naturally could not accept this offer of a seat with a clear conscience. Upon hearing this, he immediately bowed humbly again and said, "Your Majesty's great favor is truly overwhelming. I am currently a guilty subject and dare not disrespect Your Majesty's grace."
“My dear minister, what are you saying? You are a veteran of two dynasties and you helped the late emperor conquer the country. This is not a court assembly, so there is no need to stand on ceremony. You are certainly entitled to this seat,” Zhou Pu said, his expression revealing nothing.
Because of his lack of exercise and long-term use of hibiscus ointment, his complexion was not very good at this time. His eyes were dark and bluish, and his lips were purple. Only his eyes still had two points of light.
The words of an emperor are as weighty as gold. Zhang Ping'an's first refusal was a sign of humility, but now that Zhou Pu has said it again, he can no longer refuse.
After expressing her gratitude with her son, she sat down in her chair, feeling uneasy.
He leaned forward, his posture tense, to show his inner respect and fear, his hands on his knees, and his eyes slightly lowered, looking down at Zhou Pu.
This humble and fearful body language greatly pleased Zhou Pu.
Look, even if he's a complete waste, he's still the emperor. When the emperor is angry, millions will die and blood will flow for miles. Who dares to disrespect his authority?
After they were seated, Zhang Ping'an steered the conversation back to the purpose of his visit, his voice heavy with sorrow: "I was originally of humble origin, but thanks to the late Emperor's favor, I have achieved what I have today. Whenever I think of the late Emperor's kindness towards me, my heart is filled with gratitude. Now, my young grandson was born on the last day of the month, allowing villains to take advantage of the situation and sow discord between the emperor and his subjects. This is my crime, which I cannot atone for even with a hundred deaths. Today, I have come specifically with my son to plead guilty to Your Majesty. I beg Your Majesty's judgment!"
Upon hearing this, Xiaoyuer bowed respectfully and echoed, "Please grant your judgment, Your Majesty!"
Although Zhou Pu had already learned of this matter and secretly sent Cui Ling to eliminate any future troubles, he naturally could not admit it under the current circumstances. He simply pretended not to know, tilted his head, and asked, "Oh? What rumor is it? I haven't heard of it!"
Xiao Yu'er sneered inwardly upon hearing this, but on the surface remained fearful and respectful. He replied on behalf of the emperor, "Your Majesty, there have been rumors circulating in the capital recently that my youngest son's birth date and name are incompatible with Your Majesty's, implying that I am plotting something sinister. These words are absolutely false, and I swear to Heaven!"
To appease the people and to demonstrate Your Majesty's wisdom, I have already placed this son in the Jiming Temple outside the city, permanently barring him from officialdom and preventing him from tarnishing the court. Furthermore, I request permission to leave and return home to reflect on my actions, awaiting Your Majesty's inspection. At the same time, I humbly request Your Majesty to send an imperial physician or the Imperial Astronomical Bureau to my residence to examine this son's fate. If there is even the slightest impediment, I… I will personally eliminate this wicked child to repay Your Majesty!
The last sentence was both heartbreaking and righteous, perfectly expressing a father's helplessness.
Zhang Pingan then added some details to the rumors, though of course, his words had been embellished.
This move, a strategic retreat, was the best solution devised by the father and son. It aimed to demonstrate to Zhou Pu absolute loyalty, prioritizing his and the court's stability above all else, thus turning a passive situation into an active one.
The Zhang family of today is no longer the isolated and powerless family it once was. Over the years, they have built up a complex web of relationships. If Zhou Pu does not want to create a rift between the emperor and his subjects, he will naturally not agree to kill his young son over a rumor, at least not for now.
Zhou Pu showed a hint of surprise upon hearing this, then fell into deep thought. Their acting was actually quite clumsy and perfunctory, a fact both of them were well aware of.
But seeing this gesture, Zhang Ping'an felt much more at ease, knowing that his trip today was worthwhile. He had received the Emperor's reassurance and promise, which at least silenced some of the critics.
As expected, Zhou Pu pretended to ponder for a moment, then waved his hand and said in a deep voice, "Since it is just a rumor, it should not be taken seriously. I am the Son of Heaven, the supreme ruler, how could I easily believe a rumor about a child? I have seen the loyalty of my two ministers to me and the court. I will have Minister Cui lead a team to investigate this matter later to see who is behind this and trying to sow discord between the emperor and his ministers."
Zhang Ping'an and his son exchanged a glance, immediately rose and kowtowed in gratitude, "Your Majesty is wise!"
He paused for a moment, then continued, "However, Master Huineng of Jiming Temple has examined this child's bone structure and believes that he possesses the aura of Buddha and is destined to be by the Buddha's side. Now that the child has been sent to Jiming Temple, let him cultivate there, which will also be a way for him to accumulate blessings for himself and the court."
“Hmm,” Zhou Pu nodded. “This is a family matter between the two ministers, and it is inconvenient for me to interfere. If Master Huineng can guide this child to cultivate and comprehend Buddhism and Taoism, it would be a wonderful story.”
After speaking, he seemed extremely tired and couldn't help but cover his face with his sleeve and yawn lightly, with a slight moisture in the corner of his eyes.
He then waved his sleeve and said, "Both of you are pillars of the court, and your loyalty is self-evident. There's no need to let such a trivial matter distract you from your official duties. You may leave now!"
Zhang Ping'an's heart sank when he saw this, suspecting that Zhou Pu was having a nicotine craving. He said nothing, bowed respectfully to his son, and then withdrew.
Xiaoyuer still had to go to the East Palace, so the two parted ways at the entrance of the main hall.
Upon arriving at the Eastern Palace, it was clear that the young prince had already heard the rumors circulating in the capital. With someone fanning the flames, his attitude towards Xiaoyuer, his tutor, was somewhat different from usual.