Chapter 482: Reject
Editor: Atlas Studios
Qi Haoran returned home in a huff. At night, he hugged Mu Yangling and complained in a low voice, “I finally know why the Great Zhou is so chaotic every year. The Emperor pushes state affairs to Minister Qin and the six ministries, but the six ministries mostly have to listen to Minister Qin. With everyone shirking the responsibilities of government affairs around, there will always be a delay.”
“There’s a flood in Jiangnan, clearly happening right in front of us. Yet, when the memorials were submitted to the Imperial Court, the Emperor got someone to prioritize the memorials and only left behind 10 to 20 of them that he was interested in. The rest were all thrown to Minister Qin and the six departments. However, the six departments didn’t dare to take matters into their own hand and they had to wait for Minister Qin’s approval regarding the important matters. After obtaining permission, could they be issued for execution. The entire procedure would take at least half a month…”
“If the Emperor can dodge the matter, he’d do it. No wonder Big Brother wants to replace him…” Qi Haoran whispered the last sentence into Mu Yangling’s ear so softly that he could barely hear himself.
Mu Yangling exhaled and asked in a low voice, “If the Emperor is so lazy, why is he paying so much attention to us?”
Qi Haoran sneered and said, “It’s not just us. He’s monitoring all the generals who lead more than 80,000 troops outside. Back then, Emperor Shizong distributed the entire country’s military strength at the borders and important passes, focusing on guarding against external enemies. However, after Emperor Gaozong took over, he placed his main military strength at various places in the country to prevent the commoners from an uprising.”
This was what Qi Haoran looked down on the Emperor of Great Zhou the most, especially Gaozong, who had established such a precedent.
He didn’t understand how the unyielding Emperor Shizong had given birth to a bunch of cowardly sons.
Gaozong thought that in all the dynasties, the countries that had been overthrown weren’t destroyed by foreign races but by the rioters within the country. Therefore, he felt that the people he needed to guard against were the citizens of Great Zhou. As for external enemies, he did not have to worry at all.
This viewpoint coincided with the founding Emperor of the Song Dynasty, Zhao Kuangyin, in Mu Yangling’s previous life. Then, the first minority government to unify the world began with the destruction of the Song Dynasty. This was a huge joke for the Song Dynasty, but it was a tragedy for the people who were first suppressed by the Song Dynasty and then ruled by Yuan as second-class citizens.
Mu Yangling patted his back comfortingly and said, “It’s fine. Anyway, hasn’t the West Camp already started mining? We should be self-sufficient in military supplies.”
Qi Haoran said gloomily, “I’m not angry because the Ministry of Revenue withholds military equipment from us…” He just felt very disappointed.
Mu Yangling could understand his feelings. The country and ruler they were working for were not what they thought. Disappointment was inevitable, but they had already decided to rebel, right? In that case, why should we be angry?
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Mu Yangling couldn’t quite understand. She thought hard about whether she should have a heart-to-heart talk with Qi Haoran tomorrow. Who knew that Qi Haoran would wake up in high spirits the next day and be fine?
Mu Yangling pursed her lips and ignored him. Since it was almost the new year, she had to start preparing the new year’s goods.
Xiuhong followed Liu Lang through the streets and alleys, wanting to stay behind to do business. The reason was, “Cousin, we’ve handed over the matters at home to the steward. Zhang Wu and Zhang Liu can also take charge and don’t need us much. Let us stay in Lin’an Prefecture. This way, we can take care of each other.”
Mu Yangling wasn’t very willing. They had no choice but to stay here as hostages for the Emperor. However, if Xiuhong and the others also stayed here, wouldn’t it increase the number of hostages and burden her?
Xiuhong still wanted to wheedle and pester her, but Mu Yangling’s face turned cold. “If I say no, then no. No matter how many opportunities there are here, they can’t compare to staying alive.”
Xiuhong didn’t know about their rebellion and didn’t understand why staying here would put her life in danger. Hence, she coaxed Mu Yangling.
Mu Yangling snorted coldly and said, “Do you think doing business in Lin’an City is so easy? There are the most powerful nobles in the world and the richest businessmen in the world. Any one of them here can suppress you until you can’t raise your heads. Moreover, we’re hostages here. No matter what happens at the border, we’re just tools to restrain Big Brother Qi and Haoran. Are you guys staying here because you think I don’t have enough troubles?”
Xiuhong’s face flushed red. Liu Lang hurriedly held her hand, and Mu Yangling continued to say straightforwardly, “But it’s different in the north. That’s the general’s territory. Why do you think our Mu family’s business and farm can operate so smoothly? It’s because of the Qi family. Otherwise, we wouldn’t be able to open the cattle farm alone.”
Liu Lang and Xiuhong lowered their heads.
“If you think that the family’s business can be handed over to the steward, you can take the money to do other businesses that solely belong to you. As long as you don’t deceive others or break the law, you can do whatever you want.”
Xiuhong’s eyes reddened as she mumbled, “I just can’t bear to part with you.”
Mu Yangling sighed and said, “You’re already married and have your own family. Isn’t that normal? Bowen is younger than you and he can be independent. Why can’t you even compare to him?”
After his sister left, Mu Bowen was also sad and dazed for a period of time. Then, he quickly adjusted himself. Not only did he not fall behind in his studies, but he also managed the nursery well. He was much better than Xiuhong.
After arriving at Lin’an Prefecture, he only stayed by Mu Yangling’s side for two days. Then, he brought the two guards to play in the streets and alleys. They played all over Lin’an City and then went out of the city to play. In just a month, they played all over Lin’an Prefecture, including many places that Mu Yangling had never heard of.
Mu Yangling looked at Liu Lang and said, “Xiuhong is too sentimental after all. You should make decisions about your family. Don’t be too accommodating to her.”
Liu Lang turned to look at his wife and said dotingly, “Cousin, I know you definitely won’t agree. She was just saying.”
Mu Yangling glared at him. “So you’re using me as a raft.”
Liu Lang stuck out his tongue and ran out.
Mu Yangling lectured Xiuhong: “Don’t always bully Cousin Lang. You can even bring up such an atrocious matter like staying in Lin’an Prefecture. Cousin Lang is the eldest son and eldest grandson of the clan, he needs to support the entire Liu clan. By keeping him here, do you want the Liu clan to say harsh things that will break his heart?”
“I didn’t think so much…”
“That’s why you have to give more thought to things in the future.” Mu Yangling frowned and sighed. “I had no choice but to get married early because the general wanted to get married. Why did you get married so early?”
“It’s not too early,” Xiuhong said in a low voice. “Grandma said that this age is just right.”
Mu Yangling sighed. She knew that they were used to early marriage.
“After the Spring Quarter Examinations, you can go back. I’ll get the guards to escort you and follow our caravan. You can take care of each other on the way.”
“Isn’t Teacher Liu coming with us?”
“If he can pass, I’m afraid he’ll stay and ask for an official position. If he can’t pass, it depends on the specific situation. We’ll talk about it when the time comes. Regardless of whether he leaves or not, you have to leave after the Spring Quarter Examinations.”
Deflated, Xiuhong laid on the table, knowing that she couldn’t change her cousin’s mind.