"The Qianniu Guard is indeed more reliable, but they are all composed of noble descendants. While they might be diligent in guarding the imperial city, they may not be easily commanded outside the capital. Establishing official schools will be a tough battle, requiring extraordinary measures."
The people of the Lijingmen have emerged from bloodshed; they are more daring and ruthless.
"Your Majesty's words are wise, and this son has learned a great deal." Xiao Che helped the Sage sit down on the dragon throne. Although the Sage had woken up, his health was greatly diminished and he was very weak.
He had just played a game of chess with Xie Jiayan and was already somewhat fatigued.
Zhang Ying brought the ginseng soup just delivered from the imperial kitchen. Xiao Che offered to feed him, but the Sage refused, instead lifting the bowl and drinking it in one go.
Zhang Ying handed the Sage a handkerchief. After dabbing his lips, the Sage spoke, "Che'er, Lord Xie is a capable individual. I shall leave him to you. When he returns, he will undoubtedly assist you loyently, becoming your right-hand man."
"Father, you are in your prime. Please do not speak of such things," Xiao Che said with concern.
He had been raised in the Taiji Hall by the Sage since childhood. He was more attached to the Sage than to Consort Yao. This father-son bond was rare in the imperial family.
"Che'er," the Sage's tone grew more serious, "I know my own health. Remember my words, use Lord Xie with confidence. I will not be mistaken."
"Yes, this son understands. Father, please rest for a while," Xiao Che nodded.
Since the Sage had fallen unconscious, he had been attending to him in the Taiji Hall, handling all matters personally. The Sage was aware of all this.
Alas, he could not resolve these conflicts before his time, and would have to leave this mess for him.
Since the Xiao family obtained the throne, two generations of rulers had exhausted their efforts yet still could not eradicate the menace of the aristocratic clans.
Without the extermination of the aristocratic clans, the imperial court could not be stabilized.
Fortunately, the Wang family was no longer a threat.
As Xiao Che was accompanying the Sage for lunch, Consort Yao arrived. The maid behind her carried a food basket. Consort Yao opened it and said with a smile, "This concubine personally brewed some soup for Your Majesty, simmering it over a low heat for four to five hours."
"Father's appetite is always poor. He just drank a bowl of ginseng soup and likely cannot drink more. This is a fortunate turn for this son." Xiao Che took the bowl and took a sip without even looking at Consort Yao's expression.
Consort Yao's expression stiffened for a moment before quickly recovering. "You, you dare to do anything, relying on your father's affection."
"Father, Mother Consort's cooking is truly excellent. This son is fortunate."
"You!" The Sage seemed to shake his head helplessly, but his gaze towards Xiao Che was filled with immense affection.
Consort Yao, witnessing the harmonious interaction between father and son, felt both happy and a pang of sadness. This child, Che'er, no matter how well she treated him, he never reciprocated. Yet, even if the Sage was stern with him, a single word of praise in the next moment would make him overjoyed. He was almost twenty, yet still like this.
After lunch, the Sage needed to rest. Consort Yao did not stay long before departing. After the Sage fell asleep, Xiao Che summoned Zhang Ying and whispered his instructions, "From now on, any food sent by the imperial consorts shall not be given to Father. This includes Consort Yao."
Zhang Ying was taken aback. "Yes!"
"Do not let Father know about this matter."
"Yes!"
Only then did Xiao Che begin to review the memorials. He could not trust anyone in the harem, not even his own mother.
The Emperor's health could no longer withstand further turmoil. Currently, the Yao family was the most eager for his ascension. Once human ambition grows, it is difficult to suppress.
He had expected that after the Emperor woke up, he would deal with the Yao family's unauthorized deployment of the Northern Army. To his surprise, the Emperor did not mention it at all. However, his mother, Consort Yao, had been subtly inquiring about information from him.
If a family like the Yao family were to gain power, they would likely be even more arrogant than the Wang family.