What he had, wasn’t just a good layer of skin, but also a sufficiently intelligent head, and an excellent body, blessed by the heavens on all aspects. Thus, regardless whether it was in academics or in marital arts, he was always the best amongst all the princes. The things he should learn, in his past life, he all learned, thus suffering from deceit and schemes. However, these things also made him become the final winner in the end. Although he didn’t win perfectly, yet in just a few years time, his abilities were comparable to the most brilliant monarch in history equally. Moreover, he sat on that position for nearly twenty years. Governmental affairs to him was really just as easy as eating and drinking.
His temper wasn’t good, this bit can be said to be a naturally born trait. Just in his past life, he learned to control it at an early age. Afterwards, because of those unforeseen events, he thoroughly let loose his natural tendencies. Thus, although he was the sagely ruler in the eyes of the commoners, in the eyes of the officials, he was a through and through tyrant. An Emperor that raided homes and confiscated possessions, a ruler that exterminated entire clans, too many people were killed, especially for the sake of……
That moment when everything reseted, he no longer learned those things he learned before. Towards his imperial father, he also no longer admired nor held hopes for, and he further didn’t restrain his own temper anymore. Since there’s someone that’s willing to shield him, he naturally can’t let him be disappointed, right? Doing as he pleased, if happy, sort you out once, if not happy, sort you out again.
“You sure raised a good son.”
While Qin Tian Ming’s thoughts were in a mess, Li Hong Yuan suddenly spoke.
Qin Tian Ming blanked, momentarily unable to determine whether Li Hong Yuan was stating the truth or making a sarcastic remark. “Asking for Wangye to clearly explain.” He may not necessarily be able to guess it. Thus, he might as well just directly ask, so as to avoid tiring himself out even more.
“Qin Tian Ming, you’re a smart person, and your abilities in other areas are also pretty good, but unfortunately, in the aspect of educating your children, you’re still quite lacking. This is exactly the so called, ‘to raise but not teach is the err of the father’. If it’s because you’re busy with your official business and don’t have the time to educate them well, this prince doesn’t mind letting you take a long vacation. Whenever you have them taught properly, is when you can return.” Li Hong Yuan lifted the tea and used the lid to stroke the tea, but didn’t drink it, instead placing it back down, making a light crisp sound.
Qin Tian Ming knew, Jin Qinwang wasn’t joking. If he’s able to say it out loud, then he’s able to do it. He perhaps can’t directly remove his official hat, and even if he could, he wouldn’t do this either. Jin Qinwang usually excelled at lending strength and sowing discord. Guan Jun Marquis Manor although similarly glorious, but, if he were to lose his position as the Left Commander-in-Chief, the Guan Jun Marquis Manor will certainly drop a thousand feet in one fall, and his branch will inevitably suffer the most severe blow. After all, in the early years, he and his old man’s relationship wasn’t that good, nearly cutting all ties. To have come to this point today, on his hands weren’t just the blood of his enemies on the battlefield. Right now, the Guan Jun Marquis Manor appeared warm and harmonious, and his father also regarded him exceptionally, though he was only eyeing the power in his hands. Everyone all thought that for the sake of reputation, he compromised with his father. However, if it was really like that, then he wouldn’t have secretly casted himself towards the Empress and eldest prince, Kang Qinwang, while the Guan Jun Marquis Manor was supporting the fourth prince Gong Qinwang. Although there was a bit of a mishap, he ultimately vowed his loyalty to Jin Qinwang.
To have climbed to the position of Left Commander-in-Chief, he sacrificed too much. Losing this position won’t just be as simple as feeling not resigned. Right now, he only wanted to immediately rush back and have those idiot sons properly beaten. Asking them, just which one ate the heart of a bear and galls of a leopard, to dare provoke this living Enma. All the princes and imperial concubines, as well as those Wangyes in the same generation as his Majesty, all don’t dare to provoke him. What would the Guan Jun Marquis’s grandsons, Left Commander-in-Chief’s sons, count as?
“It’s this lower official’s fault, asking for Wangye to give this one another chance. After going back, this lower official will definitely properly discipline them.”
“All say you’re a smart person, knowing very well how to observe and judge the overall situation. Furthermore, as oppose to other people, you’re not that afraid of this prince. Luckily, you’re someone that once you’ve recognize someone, you won’t easily grow a second heart. Just, is this prince the master you’ve recognized?”
If before he was still considered calm, then Qin Tian Ming right now really was somewhat apprehensive. But, expressing his vow of loyalty at this time was also useless, Jin Qinwang didn’t believe in these. He calmed his nerves before finally opening his mouth hoarsely, “The so called, ‘a woman dresses for those that pleases them, a soldier dies for those that understand them’, although this lower official doesn’t get along with one’s father, but towards one’s conviction of defending the country and loyalty to the ruler, this one does not question in the slightest. Desiring for Qi Yuan to be powerful, hoping for peace and prosperity, those all need a wise ruler. This lower official doesn’t know, aside from Wangye you, who else is more qualified to rule the world.”
Li Hong Yuan was silent for a moment, “Has this prince told you before that the world in this prince’s eyes, isn’t that important.”
Qin Tian Ming suddenly lifted his head and looked to Li Hong Yuan, not daring to believe. His lips trembled, yet unable to say a single word. He really wanted to say ‘impossible’, but he could sense that Jin Qinwang wasn’t joking.
“You want to ask why? Since it’s not that important why still the need to actively plot like this? Only with supreme power can I do whatever I please. The throne to this prince isn’t the most important, but it must be in my control. In addition, this prince believes that the possibility of this prince becoming a tyrant far exceed becoming a wise ruler. That’s why, right now, you still can reconsider some more, and pick another wise master.”
Qin Tian Ming had long thought that he could remain calm in face of unforeseen events. But right now, he had to admit, he was a bit stupefied.
Seeing Qin Tian Ming like this, Li Hong Yuan suddenly laughed for some unclear reason.
Originally a smile that could make countless women lose their souls, yet it instead startled Qin Tian Ming to the extent that the blood in his entire body condensed, such obvious blood thirst and killing intent in those eyes. At this moment, he genuinely felt that Jin Qinwang, Li Hong Yuan’s, unknown side made one grovel in worship. The side of him that the world knew of was also real, and not an act. He didn’t lose his rationality, he knows what he’s doing. Yet, he really did determine your life and death completely based on his mood.
“Wangye, Wangye….” Qin Tian Ming suppressed the strong urge to bolt out the door. “If the life is gone, everything will all be for naught. This lower official also firmly believes, regardless whether Wangye is a wise ruler or a tyrant, Wangye certainly won’t use Qi Yuan’s foundation to play a joke.”
“Frightened?” Li Hong Yuan relaxed his body and leaned back, appearing to be in a rather good mood, very much pleased and carefree.
Qin Tian Ming lowered his head, silent without a word. He really did get frightened.
“Whether you’re loyal or not, actually doesn’t matter at all. If you all have the capability and guts, to find another master, or even inform imperial father, this prince won’t even bat an eye. If this prince were to be overthrown by you all, then that’s my own uselessness. But if you’re unable to overthrow this prince, then you all will be greatly out of luck.”
This was practically arrogant to the point of conceit. Qin Tian Ming didn’t dare to question; Eunuch Mu didn’t dare to question; the shadow guards hidden in the dark didn’t dare to question either.
“Go back then. Properly discipline those sons of yours. You’re at least considered a tiger general, don’t raise a nest of puppies. Towards a tiger’s cubs, this prince doesn’t mind promoting either. This prince doesn’t fear ‘high merits surpassing the master’ whatnot. If you have that capability, what would one clan one duke one marquis be considered? Even if it’s one clan two dukes, or even three dukes, four dukes, I can also satisfy you.”
The stick[1] given was fierce, yet this candied jujube was also equally enticing. Qin Tian Ming still hadn’t freed himself from the overwhelming shock when he heard these words, awakening the resolution and ambition in his bones. His body uncontrollably shook a little. “Wangye……”
“Still not getting lost.”
“This lower official bids farewell.” Qin Tian Ming got up and staggered a bit, not because his leg was numb, but because he felt somewhat powerless. Not daring to lose his manners, he thus slowed his movements, backing out of the study. The night breeze blew by, his back feeling cool. Finally did Qin Tian Ming suddenly realize that his own clothes were already drenched.
Actually, today wasn’t considered troubling, however, the psychological pressure was instead unprecedented.
Qin Tian Ming returned to the Guan Jun Marquis Manor and had his sons called to the study, regardless whether they were di or shu born. Even if they’ve gone to sleep, or still in the middle of performing the ‘rites of the bedroom’[2], they were still not allowed be late in the slightest. Each and every one scratching their heads, unable to make sense of the matter. What is this?
“What all did you all do today? Relay to me one by one.”
They didn’t dare to disobey their father’s orders. Starting from the eldest, one after the other began recounting in detail. The more he listened, the tighter Qin Tian Ming’s brows creased. Not because he discovered something serious, but exactly the opposite. What appeared to be the most improper conduct was merely just visiting brothels, drinking some wine, or doing a bit of gambling. These young masters of the capital, nine out of ten all did these things, simply didn’t count as anything. Just these, Jin Qinwang definitely wouldn’t care.
“Are you all certain you’re not hiding anything?” After getting their affirmative nod, “Say it once more, don’t leave out any details.”
Seeing him being so serious like this, they only assumed that something big happened. They were all fully aware that one’s glory is the entire’s glory, one’s loss is the entire’s loss. Disregarding the consequences, they pulled out every insignificant little matter they could think of and relayed it.
[1] As in carrot-and-stick approach
[2] Aka love-making, I wanted to retain a bit of the original nuance, because the original phrase is too amusing and I like sharing useless knowledge. So the original phrase is ‘Rites of Duke Zhou’, it’s a literary way to refer to sex. This Duke of Zhou is the son of King Wen of Zhou, the founding regent of Western Zhou. He’s also some ‘high virtue’ scholar and personally drafted the etiquette process of marriage ceremonies, from matchmaking to the actual marriage, basically reforming marriage as a whole. There’s seven parts to it and is generally referred to as the ‘Seven Rites of Marriage’, and love making is one of the rites. More useless knowledge you now know.
