The Imperial Palace, Qianqing Palace.
Morning light spilled through the carved window lattices, casting mottled shadows on the golden brick floor. Incense smoke curled upward within the hall. Civil and military officials stood in two distinct rows according to their ranks, the pearls and jade on their court hats swaying gently with their slight breaths. An atmosphere of solemnity filled the air.
The old Emperor sat upright on the imperial throne. The beaded fringes of his crown hung down, obscuring most of his face, revealing only a pair of cloudy yet majestic eyes.
"Long live the Emperor, long live, long, long live!"
The officials performed their customary bows, their unified voices echoing through the vast hall, lingering in the air for a long time.
"Rise."
The old Emperor's voice was not loud, but it reached everyone's ears with absolute clarity.
The officials rose and returned to their respective positions.
Next came the routine court discussions. The Ministry of Revenue reported the figures for this year's autumn grain collection, the Ministry of War submitted memorials regarding border defenses, the Ministry of Rites announced the preparations for the autumn examinations, and the Ministry of Works discussed the progress of reinforcing the Yellow River dikes against the autumn floods. One by one, each matter was handled systematically and methodically.
The old Emperor sat on his throne, sometimes nodding, sometimes asking questions, handling everything with practiced ease.
After the many important matters were discussed, the hall fell silent for a brief moment.
Just at this moment.
A trembling figure slowly moved out from the ranks.
The old Emperor's gaze fell upon that figure, a trace of complex emotion flashing in the depths of his eyes.
It was the Minister of Personnel, Mei Qiantu.
At seventy-eight years old this year, his hair and beard were entirely white. His frame was so frail he looked like a withered leaf that could be blown away by the wind at any moment. He wore a scarlet official robe that hung loosely on him, as if there were only a skeleton left inside to hold it up.
He walked very slowly.
Every step seemed to take all his strength. The ivory tablet in his hands trembled slightly, yet he continued to hold it steadily.
Reaching the center of the hall, Mei Qiantu slowly knelt down.
"I, Minister of Personnel Mei Qiantu, have a memorial to present."
His voice was old and hoarse, yet still clear.
The old Emperor looked at him and sighed softly in his heart.
This was already the third time this year.
Three times submitting a memorial to beg for retirement.
The old man before him was a loyal follower from his days before ascending the throne. He had been by his side since he was the Crown Prince, assisting and accompanying him all the way, from his princely estate to the Eastern Palace, and from the Eastern Palace to the imperial throne. It had been forty-two years.
In those forty-two years, the court had seen crop after crop of new officials. The old ministers from back then had either died or retired. Now, only Mei Qiantu remained.
The old Emperor suddenly felt a bit dazed.
He still remembered what Mei Qiantu looked like when he first entered his princely estate. In his early thirties, he was energetic and high-spirited, with eyes so bright they seemed capable of seeing through people's hearts. Now, those eyes had grown cloudy, and the once straight back was bent. All that was left was this frail shell in its twilight years, kneeling in the golden throne room, using its last ounce of strength to hand in that memorial for retirement.
A eunuch presented the memorial.
But the old Emperor did not open it immediately.
He simply looked at Mei Qiantu kneeling in the hall. After a long while, he slowly spoke, "My beloved Minister Mei... can you truly not accompany Us for a while longer?"
His voice was not loud.
But it carried a rare reluctance, one that belonged to an old man.
The officials in the hall all lowered their heads; no one dared to make a sound.
Mei Qiantu raised his head and looked at the old Emperor on the throne. A bitter smile appeared on his wrinkled face, "Your Majesty's profound grace... your subject is moved to tears."
His voice was old and slow, every word and sentence seemingly taking all his strength.
"It is not that I am unwilling, but... your subject simply cannot do it anymore."
He paused and lowered his head, looking at his withered hands resting on the ivory tablet.
"Last year, I suffered a severe illness. I was lucky to survive, but my body... its very foundation has been hollowed out. The imperial physicians said that this body of mine will not last much longer."
"I have been away from home for over forty years. When I left, my elderly mother was still alive, and my wife and children were young. Now, my mother is gone, and my wife and children have children and grandchildren of their own. I only hope that in my final days... I can return to my roots and see the mountains and rivers of my homeland once more."
He looked up, a hint of pleading in his cloudy eyes.
"I beg Your Majesty to grant this request."
As his words faded, the hall fell into absolute silence.
The old Emperor looked at that aged face and the earnestness in his eyes. Even with a thousand kinds of reluctance in his heart, it could only turn into a long sigh.
He was not an unreasonable man.
They had been together for forty-two years. He should be content with such a profound bond between lord and minister, and it was time to let the man go home.
"Granted."
The old Emperor spoke, his voice carrying a bit of exhaustion and a bit of relief.
Mei Qiantu kowtowed deeply, his aged body prostrate on the golden brick floor, not rising for a long time.
"Your subject... bows in gratitude for Your Majesty's divine grace."
The old Emperor waved his hand, "Grant him a seat."
A eunuch hurriedly brought over a brocade stool and helped Mei Qiantu sit down. With this old minister's current physical condition, he did not even have the strength to stand after kneeling for so long.
Once Mei Qiantu was seated, the old Emperor looked at him and asked again, "My beloved Minister Mei, upon your departure, regarding the position of Minister of Personnel... do you have anyone to recommend?"
This was customary.
When an old minister retired, if there was a suitable candidate, the imperial court would naturally give them priority consideration.
However, Mei Qiantu shook his head without a trace of hesitation. Now that he was retiring after a successful career, he naturally would not get involved again. He simply said in a flat voice, "This matter... should be decided by Your Majesty."
The old Emperor looked at him.
He understood clearly in his heart.
Mei Qiantu did not want to get involved.
But it made sense. At his age, and about to retire to his hometown, why should he wade into these muddy waters? Recommending one person meant offending another. If he got caught up in factional disputes, whether his old bones could safely return to his hometown would be uncertain.
"Very well." The old Emperor nodded, his gaze sweeping over the officials in the hall. "Let us discuss it now. The position of Minister of Personnel is vacant. My beloved subjects may all share your thoughts."
As his words fell.
The atmosphere in the hall shifted slightly.
Those who were prepared began to stir. After all, the highest positions were like one radish for one hole. Nowadays, the Great Qian Dynasty suffered from neither natural disasters nor man-made calamities. Since the radishes had made no mistakes, they naturally would not be easily pulled up and moved.
Even if those with sufficient seniority wanted to take a step further, there were no empty holes!
The position of Minister of Personnel.
It was the only opportunity in recent years!
After all, none of the lords in the other positions were over seventy years old. Looking at their physical conditions, barring any accidents, it would be quite normal for them to last another five or six years.
Therefore, this opportunity.
None of the ambitious ones would let it slip by. After Mei Qiantu submitted his first memorial begging for retirement, those who felt they had a good chance had already begun their preparations.
The first to step forward was the Minister of Rites, Zhou Yan.
"Reporting to Your Majesty," Zhou Yan said, cupping his hands. "The Right Vice Minister of Personnel, Li Yuan, has served in the Ministry of Personnel for over ten years. He is familiar with the ministry's affairs and possesses outstanding abilities. I believe he is capable of taking on this great responsibility."
As soon as he finished speaking, the Vice Minister of War, Qian Su, also stepped forward.
"I second this. Vice Minister Li is an upright person who handles matters fairly. He is indeed a suitable candidate."
Several others stepped forward one after another, all recommending Li Yuan.
The old Emperor nodded slightly, his face revealing no expression.
Immediately after, another group of people made their move.
Censor-in-Chief Zheng Huaiyuan stepped forward: Reporting to Your Majesty, Left Vice Minister of War Zhao Ming is well-versed in both civil and military affairs. He has served as a local official for many years with outstanding achievements. I believe Vice Minister Zhao is competent for the post of Minister of Personnel.
I second the motion.
I also second the motion.
A few others echoed.
Subsequently, a third group followed suit.
Vice Minister of Revenue Sun Qian stepped forward: Your Majesty, Left Vice Minister of Justice Lin Mo has been in the Ministry of Justice for many years, enforcing the law impartially and remaining upright and unyielding. I recommend Vice Minister Lin.
I second the motion.
The old Emperor listened to these names, looking at the ministers who had stepped forward, silently counting in his heart.
Li Yuan, Zhao Ming, Lin Mo.
These three names were repeatedly brought up, each with their supporters, evenly matched in strength.
And the most delicate aspect was—
The ministers supporting these three men faintly belonged to different factions, yet coincidentally pointed in the exact same direction.
The old Emperor's gaze imperceptibly swept over the Crown Prince standing at the very front.
Crown Prince Li Chengqian, his eldest legitimate son, was already forty-nine years old this year. After the New Year, he would be half a century old. White strands could already be seen in his hair, and his face was calm and unruffled.
At this moment, his eyes were lowered.
As if turning a deaf ear to all of this.
Just standing there quietly like a statue.
But the old Emperor knew that these three men were all the Crown Prince's people. Right Vice Minister of Personnel Li Yuan was the Crown Princess's older cousin; Left Vice Minister of War Zhao Ming was a student of the Crown Prince's Junior Tutor; Left Vice Minister of Justice Lin Mo was also a core figure of the Crown Prince's faction, maintaining close ties with him.
The old Emperor withdrew his gaze, complex emotions surging in his heart.
This was already the third time this year.
Three times. Every time an important position became vacant, the people recommended were inextricably linked to the Crown Prince.
This eldest legitimate son of his was indeed no longer young!
And as his imperial father, he was sixty-six this year, having been on the throne for nearly forty years. Although his bones were still relatively sturdy, after all... how many more years could he sit there?
Was he really in such a hurry?
The old Emperor lowered his eyes, the beaded tassels of his imperial crown swaying gently, concealing the dark look that flashed across his eyes. Was he not even willing to put on an act anymore?
He sighed softly in his heart, yet his face remained impassive.
Left Chancellor, Right Chancellor, what are your opinions? the old Emperor asked as per routine.
Left Chancellor Lu Fang stepped forward. This veteran official, over sixty years of age, wore his court hat properly, his hair and beard combed meticulously. His face was lean, and his eyes revealed shrewdness and worldly wisdom.
He cupped his hands, his voice steady: Reporting to Your Majesty, this matter... should be decided by Your Majesty.
Right Chancellor Du Hui stepped forward almost at the same time, standing shoulder to shoulder with him.
I also believe this matter should be subject to Your Majesty's divine judgment.
The two spoke in unison.
After speaking, they even exchanged a glance. That glance contained wariness, appraisal, and a bit of tacit understanding.
The old Emperor looked at these two old foxes, smiling faintly in his heart.
Lu Fang and Du Hui.
They had fought in the court for over a decade.
Whenever anything happened, they were bound to oppose each other fiercely, arguing endlessly. Only in this kind of matter were they surprisingly unanimous—no expressing a stance, no taking sides, no getting involved.
Offending no one.
Recommending no one.
Kicking the ball completely untouched back to him.
The old Emperor was not annoyed. He just nodded slightly and asked the opinions of a few other important ministers. Minister of Revenue Liu Huai had a vague attitude, only saying the several Vice Ministers are all capable officials. Minister of Rites Zhou Yan biased his words toward Li Yuan but dared not speak too explicitly. Minister of Works Fang Cheng simply claimed to be ill and did not attend.
The old Emperor listened to them one by one, forming a rough calculation in his heart.
The hall fell briefly silent for a moment.
The old Emperor's gaze slowly swept over the ministers in the hall, finally landing on one person.
That person stood in the ranks of the princes, his posture straight, his features handsome, carrying a bit of composure and indifference between his brows. Compared to the other princes, he was much younger, but his court attire was still worn meticulously—the Sixth Prince, Li Chengyu.
The old Emperor looked at him, his gaze softening slightly.
This child was born to him and the current Empress. He was twenty-three this year, ranking sixth. In terms of legitimacy, he was a legitimate son; in terms of age, he had five older brothers ahead of him. Every time the old Emperor saw him, he always felt as if he were looking at his younger self.
Not only were their appearances similar.
It was that aura.
A bit of sharpness within the composure, a bit of clarity hidden within the indifference. Unpanicked in the face of trouble, unruffled by changes, saying what should be said, and absolutely not speaking a word more than what shouldn't be said.
The old Emperor's heart suddenly stirred slightly. He spoke, his voice steady: Sixth Son.
Li Chengyu heard the voice, took a step forward, and cupped his hands: I am here.
The old Emperor looked at him and asked: How do you view this matter?
Everyone in the hall was taken aback.
For such a matter of deciding an important post, the Emperor did not ask the Crown Prince, nor did he ask the other older princes, but specifically asked the Sixth Prince? The Crown Prince's eyelashes twitched slightly, but he still did not raise his head.
The gazes of the other princes swept over, seemingly without intent.
Li Chengyu's expression remained as usual, seemingly unaware of any abnormality. He just lowered his head slightly and spoke in a steady tone.
Reporting to Imperial Father, I believe—
He paused, as if weighing his words.
The hall quieted down, everyone waiting to hear what brilliant opinion this Sixth Prince could come up with.
Li Chengyu raised his head, looking calmly at the old Emperor on the imperial throne, speaking word by word, neither hurried nor slow: The post of Minister of Personnel oversees the appointment, dismissal, evaluation, promotion, and transfer of officials in our Great Qian. From the important court ministers concerning national policies and grand plans at the top, down to the prefectural and county officials concerning the common people at the bottom, all come from here.
This position is of grave importance and is no trivial matter.
Everyone nodded.
These words were not wrong. The Heavenly Official of the Ministry of Personnel had always been known as the Deputy Chancellor. Everyone knew its weight. This was just saying the same as not saying anything, a sentence of nonsense.
Li Chengyu continued: The person holding this post must be loyal to Imperial Father, loyal to Great Qian. Only in this way can they uphold justice and fairness, being impartial, and select true talents for our Great Qian.
After speaking, he lowered his eyes and said no more.
Did not recommend anyone.
Did not favor any side.
Did not even make any evaluation of those few popular candidates.
But was his speech finished?
It was finished.
Of everyone present, no one could say he hadn't said anything.
He spoke in a high-sounding manner, every word and sentence being a grand principle, a principle that had to be followed. But upon careful savoring, in these few sentences, there was only one core repeatedly appearing—
Loyal to Imperial Father, loyal to Great Qian.
Not loyal to the Crown Prince.
Not loyal to any faction.
But loyal to Imperial Father, loyal to Great Qian.
Listening to these words, the old Emperor's eyes flickered slightly.
He looked at Li Chengyu. On that young face, there was no smugness, no claiming of credit, not even any superfluous expression. He just stood there calmly, as if the words just now were nothing but a routine matter, not worth mentioning.
The old Emperor suddenly felt somewhat complicated in his heart.
This child... did he have no thoughts in his heart, or did he say this on purpose?
A trace of imperceptible light flashed across the old Emperor's eyes.
These words, which everyone understood, seemed to say nothing, yet in reality, they said everything. He had not offended anyone, nor had he involved himself in any disputes. Instead, he had laid out the most important principle plainly in front of everyone: the Minister of Personnel must be loyal to the Emperor.
Loyalty!
Loyalty!
And above all else, loyalty!
