Phi-Fic Chapter 1083 [Ancient Juechen 24]
Chapter 1083 [Ancient Juechen 24]
At the morning court session, the atmosphere in the court was a little solemn. The ministers once again brought up the topic of the selection of concubines, and expressed their sincere hope that Murong Sangsang could expand her harem as soon as possible, have more children, and stabilize the foundation of the country.
Murong Sangsang sat upright on the dragon throne with calm eyes. After the ministers had made impassioned speeches, she slowly opened her mouth in a clear voice and informed the ministers of her decision to welcome General Bai into the harem and become the Phoenix Queen.
As soon as these words came out, the court was in an uproar. Some ministers looked shocked, obviously not expecting the emperor to make such a decision; some frowned and looked worried; and there were also a few ministers with more open minds, with a glimmer of understanding in their eyes.
An old minister stepped forward first and bowed, saying, "Your Majesty, although General Bai Xiao has made great military achievements, you should still think twice before taking the position of Queen Phoenix. To become Queen Phoenix, one must be a role model for the people of the world. I feel that General Bai Xiao has not yet achieved this. Your Majesty, please think twice." The other ministers also echoed this, their words full of dissuasion.
Murong Sangsang glanced at everyone and said firmly, "I have made up my mind. General Bai is loyal and brave, and he has ensured the stability of our territory. He is capable of being the mother of the country. Although the ancestral system is important, it is not impossible to change it. I only employ people of merit, and the master of the harem should do the same."
The ministers saw that His Majesty was determined, and although they were still dissatisfied, they did not dare to say anything more. An early court turmoil about the selection of concubines was temporarily calmed down at Murong Sangsang's insistence, and the matter of General Bai entering the harem also began to be quietly prepared in the palace.
After the court was dismissed, the sun shone through the clouds onto the glazed tiles of the palace, reflecting a dazzling light. At the same time, an imperial edict rushed out of the palace like a meteor and headed straight for Bai's house.
In front of the Bai Mansion, Father Bai led everyone to kneel on the ground early to welcome the arrival of the imperial edict. When the imperial edict finally arrived, Father Bai was full of doubts and uneasiness. He really couldn't understand why he suddenly learned about his son's entry into the palace during just one morning court session. Moreover, he was the one who was suddenly informed of such a big thing.
Father Bai originally thought that his son, like himself, was completely unaware of this matter. However, when he saw his son's grinning face, he immediately understood that his son must have known about it for a long time.
After the eunuch who delivered the imperial edict left, Bai's father pulled Bai Jue into the study with a serious expression.
"Tell me, what's going on? I was the last one to know about it. You kept it a secret so well!" There was a hint of blame in Father Bai's voice.
Bai Jue stood in front of his father, lowered his head slightly, and said softly: "Dad, I have always liked Your Majesty, but you just don't know it. This time, I took the initiative to propose this marriage to Your Majesty, and Your Majesty agreed."
After hearing this, Father Bai frowned and asked, "So, this is why you didn't go home last night? Tell me the truth, did you and His Majesty do anything last night?"
"Dad, what are you talking about? There is nothing innocent between His Majesty and me." Bai Jue said innocently, seeming very surprised by his father's suspicion.
However, Father Bai was not fooled by his appearance. He frowned, looked at Bai Jue suspiciously, and said, "I don't believe that His Majesty will just agree to you like this."
Seeing this, Bai Jue hurriedly explained: "Maybe it's because I'm more favored by His Majesty, so it's so easy." His tone was a little unnatural, as if he was hiding something.
Father Bai naturally would not easily believe his words. He asked, "Why shouldn't I believe it? Your Majesty is not the kind of person who is easy to talk to. Tell me, what did you do? Let me learn from you. Maybe I can use it next time."
Bai Jue hesitated for a moment, but finally decided to tell the truth. He took a deep breath and said, "Dad, I don't think my method might work for you."
Father Bai said disapprovingly: "How do you know it won't work if you don't tell me?"
Bai Jue sighed helplessly, then lowered his voice and said, "Dad, don't hit me after I tell you."
Father Bai quickly assured him, "Don't worry, I won't do that. Your father's words are as good as gold."
After getting his father's assurance, Bai Jue finally mustered up the courage to say, "Coercion and inducement."
"What? You actually dare to force His Majesty. Are you so bold? Aren't you afraid that His Majesty will chop you to pieces if he is unhappy?" Upon hearing this, Father Bai's eyes widened and he said angrily.
"Dad, His Majesty is not that kind of person. His Majesty would not do that kind of thing." Bai Jue said seriously, seeming to be very confident in his judgment.
However, Bai's father did not think so. He was so angry that he stomped his feet, pointed at Bai Jue's nose and cursed: "You, you, little bastard, you always do things that embarrass your father!" After that, he was so angry that he took off his shoes, raised them high, and pretended to hit Bai Jue.
Seeing this, Bai Jue was so scared that he turned around and ran, shouting, "Dad, you can't hit me, you just promised me!" He looked back as he ran, afraid that Father Bai would really catch up with him.
Father Bai was even more furious when he saw this, but he still suppressed his temper and pretended to be confused and said, "When did I say that? Why don't I remember?"
Bai Jue saw that his father was playing tricks on him, and he couldn't help but get anxious. He stopped and said with a gasp, "Dad, you don't keep your word!"
Father Bai snorted and retorted, "Who made you almost cause such a big mess for your father!" He became angrier and angrier as he spoke, and felt that Bai Jue had really gotten into big trouble this time.
Bai Jue disagreed. He said confidently, "Dad, I am already His Majesty's man, you can't hit me!"
This sentence was like a heavy hammer, hitting Father Bai's heart hard. He stared at Bai Jue with wide eyes, not knowing how to respond for a moment.
After a long while, Father Bai slowly put down the shoes in his hand and sighed helplessly. This brat was really his nemesis, going against him every day, leaving him, as a father, with no way to deal with him.
Bai Jue saw that Father Bai stopped attacking him, and the fear in his heart was slightly relieved. He carefully observed Father Bai's reaction, and when he saw that he did not make any further moves, he slowly sat back on the stool.
"Tell me, what else did His Majesty promise you? Or what did you ask His Majesty to promise you?" Father Bai looked at Bai Jue seriously, as if he was full of doubts about the agreement between him and His Majesty.
Bai Jue took a deep breath, calmed himself, and then said slowly: "His Majesty said that there will only be me, and he will not take another woman. There will only be me in the harem." Although his voice was soft, the firmness revealed in it could not be ignored.
After hearing this, Mr. Bai's eyes widened with disbelief. He shouted, "You must be kidding. Even if His Majesty agrees, the royal family will not agree, and other ministers will not agree." He thought this was simply a fantasy. How could the emperor marry only one man?
However, Bai Jue was not shaken by his father's words. He said firmly: "I believe in Your Majesty. Since Your Majesty has made a promise, he will not go back on his word." His trust in Murong Sangsang was unreserved. This trust was not blind, but was based on his understanding of Murong Sangsang and the feelings between them.
Father Bai looked at his son's determination. Although he still had doubts in his heart, he could not say anything. He sighed and said helplessly: "Well, since your marriage with His Majesty has been decided, your father will also start preparing your dowry."
Bai Jue was delighted when he heard this. He quickly said, "Dad, His Majesty said that he would ask the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Rites to discuss the marriage. Oh, His Majesty will come to greet us personally when the time comes."
When Father Bai heard this, he was shocked again. He stammered, "What? Your Majesty wants to personally welcome the bride. Are you kidding? This goes against the ancestral system. The Ministry of Rites will definitely not agree." He thought this was really outrageous. It was unprecedented for the emperor to personally welcome the bride!
"Dad, please don't say that!" Bai Jue quickly retorted, "Although this ancestral system was left by our ancestors, it also depends on the actual situation, right? The times are different now, and some ancestral systems no longer conform to the current national conditions, so naturally they should be changed!"
He paused, and then continued, "Your Majesty is the Son of Heaven, and you bear the heavy responsibility of the people of the world. Every decision you make is related to the rise and fall of the country and the well-being of the people. If you cannot implement some necessary reforms due to the constraints of the ancestral system, wouldn't it delay the development of the country?"
After listening to his son's words, Father Bai was silent for a moment, then slowly said: "Jue'er, what you said does make sense. But this ancestral system was left by our ancestors after all, and changing it easily may cause some unnecessary trouble."
Bai Jue shook his head disapprovingly, "Dad, you are just too conservative. When our ancestors formulated the ancestral system, they could not have predicted what would happen hundreds of years later. We can't stick to the old ways just because we are afraid of trouble. This will only make the country fall further and further behind."
Father Bai sighed, "Forget it, forget it. Since His Majesty has said so, it is not easy for me to oppose him. I just hope that His Majesty's decision can really benefit the country, and not be a momentary impulse."