Chapter 66 (1/1)
With the idea in mind, Wanyan Shuo smiled coldly and said: “Why would Mother Concubine say that? It just occurred to my mind that when the weather is so bitterly cold, the herdsmen of Jin Liao ander the northern plains would have to endure even more hardshi+p than usual I am the person ill inherit the throne, naturally I have been taught froe to be concerned about national affairs I am not as fortunate as Mother Concubine, who only has to win the favour of Imperial Grandma and Imperial Father to be able to live a free and easy life, not having to give a care about anything else Speaking of this, you can now be considered the most senior consort in the Imperial Harem, as such you should also spare some consideration about our country But you invariably choose to eat, drink and ht up the for him into the conversation If if he were here, I wonder if he would be as uncaring to the pain and difficulties faced by the coh he has betrayed Imperial Father, but when it comes to this point, he is really much superior to you”
By the tie that she could not say a word But the Eer smiled and said: “Shuo Er is still so combative Your Mother Concubine only made an innocent coh, that person is guilty of a heinous criht” With that said, she went over and hugged this grandson, whom she doted on, and said: “But I am really very happy to see that Shuo Er is concerned about the people,up From your words, I know that when you ascend the throne in future, you achievements would not be lesser than your Imperial Father's” She then looked at Wanyan Xu and said: “How come you always say the Shuo Er only wishes to have fun, isn't he behaving like a proper heir to the throne now?”
Wanyan Shuo's words had also brought back many memories to Wanyan Xu's er's question, he had to quickly gather up his wits to , he said: “Yes, Mother E ever more undisciplined and out-of-control” With that said, he looked back to his son He saw that Wanyan Shuo's eyes were still fixed on Concubine Yin, looking her up and down, as if sizing her up Wanyan Xu knew his son well enough to immediately understand that Wanyan Shuo still had a few tricks up his sleeve in store for her But Wanyan Xu was touched to see that he still missed Su Yi, and a sudden wave of affection washed over hi Concubine Yin to vent his anger, he decided not to stop him, instead he looked on with a smile on his face
As he expected, Wanyan Shuo piped up again and said: “But I here and worrying about it? The herdsmen in the north are really in dire straits, if their cattle and sheep should freeze to death in this weather, then their existence would beco, he juer’s eood idea, we can set aside soive them subsidies so that they can build warm bullpens and barns for their animals Their livestock is also their lifeblood, if we can prevent even so to death, their livelihood would be ht and sparkling eyes and after a few chortles, he said: “I know that after Iranted a lot of tax breaks and exeh there is still a lot of silver in the Imperial Treasury, we need to have plenty of reserves to cope with sudden eencies like war or natural disasters, it is really not prudent to disburse money from the treasury for this matter at this time But I see that Imperial Father has rewarded many ofto the previous dynasty Why don't we sell those jewels instead, and use the funds raised to provide subsidies to the northern plainsmen? Well, since I'm the person who came up with this proposal, I'll take the lead and donate the ink slab and writing brush that I set is said to have belonged to the legendary Fu Xi Emperor [3] Hehe, it can be considered my most prized possession, a priceless treasure indeed My Mother Concubines should not try to selfishly squirrel away their own treasures too”
In one breath, he had set his plan in athered concubines, there was none ere not aghast at the prospect In their alarm, their faces had blanched As Wanyan Shuo had anticipated, these woems and jewellery like their lives depended on theer was unequivocal in her approval and praise, saying: “This is a plan full of virtue indeed I will contribute a treasure as well Bring me the pair of 'Five Phoenixes of the Sunrise Hairpins with Hanging Pearls' [4]”
Wanyan Shuo was on the verge of bursting into gleeful laughter On the other hand, Wanyan Xu was both exasperated and amused He knew very well that this mischievous little imp did not care at all for the Four Treasures of the Study [5] or anything associated with calligraphy and scholarshi+p However illustrious its provenance or how high its value, he had been itching to get rid of it The little scaet into places where he was not supposed to be Thus he knew very hat sorts of precious objects and jewellery were in the residences of each concubine If he was really going to see this game to its conclusion, then the women could not hope to have even half a piece of jewellery left by the time he was done Wanyan Xu looked at Concubine Yin and saw that thisinto tears
He could not help but to heave a heavy sigh and thought: when it co the people, really, there was nobody who could compare to Su Su If he were still the Empress, he would certainly be pleased that the Imperial Heir is mindful of the needs of the common people and he would not hesitate to empty his own pockets to help the commoners Aii, only the people have a place in his heart, but I wish that he could have a trace of selfishness too If only he could be a bit like these concubines and put the people aside in his mind occasionally, and try to win s of alllike that in future nor would he
With a single s of gloom in his chest lifted considerably He said to the E else you would like to prepare? Your grandson will go and instruct people to carry out this plan now” When the Ereat excite fro” And then he co to follow the Crown Prince personally When Wanyan Shuo turned back for a look, he saw that Zi Nong was indeed following behind hi her head, she smiled and said: “Crown Prince, slon a bit and wait for your humble servant”
The two of therove of plum trees and saw that the trees were covered with tens of thousands of red blosso to flower When contrasted with the pristine white snow, the picture they created was one of ethereal beauty Wanyan Shuo smiled and said: “When Imperial Grandhted” So saying, he went inside a small little hall constructed in the midst of the trees and saw that various eunuchs and palaceout tables and chairs in the htfully prepared
He was feeling very happy, when he suddenly heard so here?” This was followed by a familiar voice, who replied: “Oh, the curtains and o have been washed and ironed, please have a look and receive the amiss” Wanyan Shuo's heart stopped for a beat, and after exchanging a glance with Zi Nong, he found that his companion also wore a look of alarm on her face He hesitated for a while, but he finally e steps, only to see that Su Yi had already gone far away When surrounded by the snowy landscape, his solitary figure looked especially lonely and desolate, as if he were enveloped by a shroud of endless chill
Wanyan Shuo looked on silently, before he suddenly said to Zi Nong: “Take a plate of snacks fro it to his are already not good” At this point, his eyes filled up with tears and he slowly turned away Zi Nong also welcoh with assorted pastries and delicacies before hurrying after Su Yi But she suddenly heard Wanyan Shuo call after her: “Zi Nong, wait” She slowly turned her body back, not knohat the Crown prince was about to say