Chapter 1981: Chapter 1919: Ask Yourself Honestly

Yang Early Spring March, fine rain pattering down. On the night before Empress Dowager Mo’s Thousand Autumn Festival, Ah Jiu braved the drizzle and rode to another palace, first going to Wufu’s quarters to wash up and change into a fresh set of clothes, then went to pay respects to Empress Dowager Mo and have audience with the Emperor.

Even though he had steeled himself, when Ah Jiu saw the ever more frail Emperor Yan, the feeling in his heart was painfully complicated.

"If you’re not in a rush to get back to your wife, then sit with me for a while and talk." Emperor Yan pointed at the chair beside him.

Though it was March, the return chill in the air, coupled with the overcast rain, made it even colder. Several braziers burning red-hot had been set in the room, heating the space until it was warm as spring.

Ah Jiu sat down, and Emperor Yan began asking him about matters in the court. Although the imperial report was delivered to this palace every day, he still wanted to hear Ah Jiu speak of it.

Ah Jiu did not conceal anything—there was nothing worth hiding anyway—he picked out the important recent affairs of the court and spoke of them, and in addition, he also mentioned his plan to move against the Right Prime Minister.

Emperor Yan listened in silence for a while, then asked, "The Right Prime Minister’s disciples are spread everywhere. If you’re going to deal with him, do you have sufficient evidence? Don’t end up with his students sitting in protest at the palace gates and stirring up an uproar."

"The evidence that three years ago he manipulated the examinations, and these years has formed factions for private gain, colluding with traitors and framing loyal officials—I’ve already had it posted at the imperial city bulletin board for the common folk to read. Of course, the Right Prime Minister is also Your Majesty’s old minister. How he should be disposed of, I ask Your Majesty to decide." Ah Jiu replied.

Emperor Yan coughed a few times, caught his breath, and said, "The Right Prime Minister has indeed swollen somewhat these past years. He has served two reigns and is old now. It’s time he begged leave to retire and take his old bones home."

Before Ah Jiu could speak, Emperor Yan went on to talk about methods for handling the old foxes in the court, and about how a ruler ought to employ men, and so on.

Ah Jiu listened, his brows knitting.

Everything Emperor Yan said was the inner craft of an Emperor’s mind. Telling him all this—wasn’t it too much?

"Your Majesty, shouldn’t these things be taught to the Crown Prince?" Ah Jiu said.

Emperor Yan looked at him deeply and said, "The Crown Prince is still young."

"No matter how young, he is still the Crown Prince. What he ought to learn, he should begin learning." Ah Jiu said.

"Ah Jiu, my time is running out!"

Ah Jiu’s heart gave a jolt, his gaze locking with his.

"I don’t have much time to wait for the Crown Prince to grow up. But you do. Teaching you is teaching the Crown Prince." Emperor Yan said.

Ah Jiu turned his eyes away and said, "You and I are enemies. Aren’t you afraid I’ll seize your realm for myself?"

Emperor Yan burst out laughing, laughing until he coughed, a mouthful of blood staining the pristine handkerchief.

Ah Jiu’s eyes were sharp; he sprang to his feet and shouted urgently, "Summon the imperial physicians!"

"No need." Emperor Yan lifted his head and shook it, calmly wiped the corner of his mouth, then tossed the handkerchief into the brazier.

The handkerchief cut from silk gauze made almost no sound upon the brazier; in an instant it had melted into the phlegm, leaving only a wisp of smoke and a burnt, indescribably foul smell.

"Now you know why I say I don’t have much time left!" Emperor Yan watched the handkerchief dissolve and said, "Perhaps before long, I too will be like this handkerchief, vanished from between heaven and earth."

"You were right. This is the punishment Heaven has given me—for trampling human ethics, for failing in respect and reverence toward my mother." Emperor Yan let out a self-mocking laugh. "So it will not let me live. Since ancient times Emperors haven’t lived long; I won’t be an exception."

Ah Jiu parted his lips and said with difficulty, "Bai Xiaobai and the others are still improving the prescription. You will get better!"

"Is that truly from your heart?" Emperor Yan turned his head and glared fixedly at him. "Ah Jiu, search your conscience. Do you really hope I get better?"

Ah Jiu froze. After a long moment, he said somewhat desolately, "I don’t know!"

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