Chapter 482: Reject
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Qi Haoran returned home in a huff. At night, he hugged Mu Yangling and complained in a low voice, âI 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.â
âThereâs 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 didnât dare to take matters into their own hand and they had to wait for Minister Qinâs approval regarding the important matters. After obtaining permission, could they be issued for execution. The entire procedure would take at least half a monthâŠâ
âIf the Emperor can dodge the matter, heâd do it. No wonder Big Brother wants to replace himâŠâ Qi Haoran whispered the last sentence into Mu Yanglingâs ear so softly that he could barely hear himself.
Mu Yangling exhaled and asked in a low voice, âIf the Emperor is so lazy, why is he paying so much attention to us?â
Qi Haoran sneered and said, âItâs not just us. Heâs monitoring all the generals who lead more than 80,000 troops outside. Back then, Emperor Shizong distributed the entire countryâs 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.â
This was what Qi Haoran looked down on the Emperor of Great Zhou the most, especially Gaozong, who had established such a precedent.
He didnât 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 werenât 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 Yanglingâs 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, âItâs fine. Anyway, hasnât the West Camp already started mining? We should be self-sufficient in military supplies.â
Qi Haoran said gloomily, âIâm not angry because the Ministry of Revenue withholds military equipment from usâŠâ 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? Mu Yangling couldnât 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 yearâs goods.
Xiuhong followed Liu Lang through the streets and alleys, wanting to stay behind to do business. The reason was, âCousin, weâve handed over the matters at home to the steward. Zhang Wu and Zhang Liu can also take charge and donât need us much. Let us stay in Linâan Prefecture. This way, we can take care of each other.â
Mu Yangling wasnât very willing. They had no choice but to stay here as hostages for the Emperor. However, if Xiuhong and the others also stayed here, wouldnât it increase the number of hostages and burden her?
Xiuhong still wanted to wheedle and pester her, but Mu Yanglingâs face turned cold. âIf I say no, then no. No matter how many opportunities there are here, they canât compare to staying alive.â
Xiuhong didnât know about their rebellion and didnât understand why staying here would put her life in danger. Hence, she coaxed Mu Yangling.
Mu Yangling snorted coldly and said, âDo you think doing business in Linâan 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 canât raise your heads. Moreover, weâre hostages here. No matter what happens at the border, weâre just tools to restrain Big Brother Qi and Haoran. Are you guys staying here because you think I donât have enough troubles?â
Xiuhongâs face flushed red. Liu Lang hurriedly held her hand, and Mu Yangling continued to say straightforwardly, âBut itâs different in the north. Thatâs the generalâs territory. Why do you think our Mu familyâs business and farm can operate so smoothly? Itâs because of the Qi family. Otherwise, we wouldnât be able to open the cattle farm alone.â
Liu Lang and Xiuhong lowered their heads.
âIf you think that the familyâs 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 donât deceive others or break the law, you can do whatever you want.â Xiuhongâs eyes reddened as she mumbled, âI just canât bear to part with you.â Mu Yangling sighed and said, âYouâre already married and have your own family. Isnât that normal? Bowen is younger than you and he can be independent. Why canât you even compare to him?â
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 Linâan Prefecture, he only stayed by Mu Yanglingâs side for two days. Then, he brought the two guards to play in the streets and alleys. They played all over Linâan City and then went out of the city to play. In just a month, they played all over Linâan Prefecture, including many places that Mu Yangling had never heard of.
Mu Yangling looked at Liu Lang and said, âXiuhong is too sentimental after all. You should make decisions about your family. Donât be too accommodating to her.â
Liu Lang turned to look at his wife and said dotingly, âCousin, I know you definitely wonât agree. She was just saying.â
Mu Yangling glared at him. âSo youâre using me as a raft.â
Liu Lang stuck out his tongue and ran out.
Mu Yangling lectured Xiuhong: âDonât always bully Cousin Lang. You can even bring up such an atrocious matter like staying in Linâan 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?â
âI didnât think so muchâŠâ
âThatâs why you have to give more thought to things in the future.â Mu Yangling frowned and sighed. âI had no choice but to get married early because the general wanted to get married. Why did you get married so early?â
âItâs not too early,â Xiuhong said in a low voice. âGrandma said that this age is just right.â
Mu Yangling sighed. She knew that they were used to early marriage.
âAfter the Spring Quarter Examinations, you can go back. Iâll get the guards to escort you and follow our caravan. You can take care of each other on the way.â âIsnât Teacher Liu coming with us?â
âIf he can pass, Iâm afraid heâll stay and ask for an official position. If he canât pass, it depends on the specific situation. Weâll talk about it when the time comes. Regardless of whether he leaves or not, you have to leave after the Spring Quarter Examinations.â
Deflated, Xiuhong laid on the table, knowing that she couldnât change her cousinâs mind..
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