Chapter 45.2
In the early years, various families in the imperial court stood in line one after another, and the Fifth Prince and the Sixth Prince were all veteran candidates for the crown prince position. When the Third Prince was still alive, even though there weren’t many forces from the mother’s side and they often said that he was not favored, there were still many courtiers who were betting on him.
Not to mention, having real power was a big advantage over the Fifth and Sixth Prince.
Many old foxes even secretly felt that His Majesty was deliberately tempering the oldest son, and did it on purpose.
But who would have thought that they would encounter the Battle of Hangu Pass.
Just when everyone was lamenting that the Third Prince was a fallen star, yet after a lapse of one year, he unexpectedly returned. (TL: a great person who made outstanding contributions that has passed away)
And with such an appearance nonetheless.
In the Mu family’s study, Old Marquis Mu stood with his hands behind his back, staring at the Zhengcheng precious sword mounted in the middle of the room, pondering in silence.
Although it was a study, there were books that recorded the art of war and strategy of the Mu family around, among which were many book slips that had long been outdated. Furthermore, there were various kinds of cold weapons that were hung around.
Many of these weapons had already rusted, and each of them represented a glorious past of the Mu family.
Just like the throne of this family, would whoever contender that had lost the fight end well?
“Father.” Mu Yuanlong hastily pushed open the door of the study, “When you went to court today—”
“Long’er, you’re here.” Old Marquis Mu was not surprised at all.
Seeing his father’s reaction, Mu Yuanlong trembled and said, “His Highness, he, is it true?”
“His Majesty didn’t mention it. But things are indeed as you thought, the Third Prince has returned.”
Hearing this answer, Mu Yuanlong stood still where he was, his chest heaved and he was almost speechless.
Old Marquis Mu nodded, and turned his head to look at his legitimate son.
After several years of crusade outside, taking over Xuan Cavalry and taking on the heavy responsibility alone, the youthful Mu Yuanlong of the past years had faded, his face became firm and cold, with lips that were tightly pursed, and a clump of black stubble growing out on his chin. He couldn’t see the appearance of a young and frivolous man who went to the main room, lifting roof tiles, creating chaos and having the appearance of a demon king.
When Old Marquis Mu was young, he followed the previous emperor during his military life. After Emperor Yuan succeeded the throne, he handed over the military power and consciously retired. Emperor Yuan saw that he knew how to advance and retreat, thus he readily granted the title of Marquis Xuanping and personally raised a plaque for him.
Although he became an official, he still cared about his family and country in his heart, he had been training Mu Yuanlong in the military camp since he was a child, and took the task of destroying the six countries as his own mission.
Later, Mu Yuanlong became loyal to the Third Prince, and although he had some complaints about his son’s failure to personally lead the army, Old Marquis Mu didn’t say anything. After all, the rules of the Great Yuan were like this, whoever had the biggest fist was the boss.
But now…….
The general in black armor turned around and was about to leave.
“You, come back!”
Old Marquis Mu frowned. “I knew you were going to find the Third Prince. You have no idea, what he has become now!”
“The Third Prince has returned, but his serious injuries have not yet healed, amnesia and blindness, that’s the entire situation.”
Mu Yuanlong froze.
He remembered the turmoil caused by a student in the Imperial City before, and also thought of himself once going to the imperial court to file a complaint—he increasingly felt unpleasant in the bottom of his heart.
It turned out that the person he thought to be ‘deceiving the world and stealing reputation’ was actually the Third Highness.
His Highness is like the moon in the sky, the flower in the water, a celestial being high above all else, how come it’s like this?
“Just quietly rest at home, don’t go see him again.”
“Absolutely not!” Mu Yuanlong was in a hurry, “This son has already sworn allegiance to the Third Highness, is Father going to trap me with disloyalty and injustice?!”
Old Marquis Mu blew his beard and glared, “With the appearance of the Third Prince, he’s destined to have no way of winning the throne! You are now a general in charge of an army, and now you want to see the old master? Could it be that you want to return the military power?”
“In less than half a month, the situation in the Imperial City will usher in a big change. You’ll be able to see in two days, among the original Third Princes’ party, who will stand up and show their loyalty at that time?”
“But the Third Highness has done me a great favor!” Mu Yuanlong raised his voice.
More than just a great favor.
Thinking of the scene he saw in his dream, Mu Yuanlong’s chest seemed to tighten, so oppressing that he couldn’t even gasp a breath.
“Don’t shout in front of your father.”
Old Marquis Mu glared at him, and said earnestly, “You have also led soldiers for several years, thus you should know the importance and urgency of the matter.”
“This Father knows what you think in your heart. Nevertheless, loyalty and righteousness is for others to see. In a few more years, when this Father’s old bones can’t move anymore, the Marquis Mansion will always be handed over to you. You bear the responsibility of the whole family. If you bet on the Third Prince like this, by the time the general trend of seizing the throne comes, how will you be able to protect yourself then?”
The truth was indeed the truth, but it was also too blatant and cruel.
On the battlefield, one only needed to kill the enemy, but in the officialdom, it’s essential to have conspiracy. Even without moving the blade, all would still see blood.
Mu Yuanlong clenched his fists, and immediately gritted his teeth, “If this is the case, then you can hand over the Marquis Mansion to the second brother! Forgive this son for not following orders!”
After he finished speaking, he turned and rushed out of the study without waiting for the Old Marquis Mu to answer.
Old Marquis Mu was so enraged that he pinched the place between the upper part of his lips and the lower part of his nose to prevent himself from fainting. The little servant who was guarding at the side hurriedly came over, and lit an incense to concentrate and calm down his mind. It took a long while for him to regain his composure.
“Already big, yet still so impulsive. Hearing the old master’s news, he readily forgets about his own situation. When the Marquis Mansion is handed over to him in the future, how can I feel at ease!”
He was supported to sit on the Taishi chair and then sigh deeply. (TL: an old-fashioned wooden armchair)
Old Marquis Mu knew very well that the ministers in the court were more attuned to each other.
After such a series of changes, putting aside other factors, the party of the Third Princes would definitely usher in a wave of defections and be sharply demarcated from.
With so many people staring at the Marquis Mansion, from top to bottom, if they couldn’t express their position before this, they might just also be implicated in the final eradication.
However, with Mu Yuanlong’s temperament, it was extremely difficult for him to turn against the Third Prince.
I really don’t know what kind of soup the Third Highness gave him back then.
Old Marquis Mu was heartbroken, at the same time, was proud of his son.
The Mu family was loyal till death, no matter how one said it, being loyal to the emperor was a good thing.
Supposing he’d successfully persuaded him today, and Mu Yuanlong turned against him, I am afraid he would still be very disappointed.
“Alas, let it pass, let it pass.”
In the future, the Marquis Mansion will always be handed over to him. Since the son is impulsive, I can only work harder to win people over.
Old Marquis Mu made a decisive decision, “Go and deliver the Baitie to Imperial Censor Xue, no, to the Yu Shicheng.” (TL: a famous post used when visiting others)
(t/n Yu Shiceng is simply the deputy official of the imperial sensor)
Yu Shicheng was a subordinate official under the Yu Shi Dafu’s Mansion. Yu Shi Dafu was also called the Zuo Prime Minister. Holding the position of maintaining order in the officials of all ranks and descriptions, had strong authority and was also the backbone of the Third Prince’s party.
(t/n: Yu Shi Dafu-an official position in Chinese history, responsible for supervising all officials, roughly equivalent to the deputy prime minister)
(t/n: Zuo Prime Minister-Left Prime Minister)
If Imperial Censor Xue is willing to change the team, the Mu family can’t just sit still and await destruction. It’s not good to contact Imperial Censor Xue rashly, then let’s first look at the Yu Shicheng’s tone, and then decide what to do.
“Yes.” The little servant took the order and left.
