Chapter Five Under the Main Hall

  What's going on here? Li Qunwang Shidu is all confused right now. If it was just the officials of the previous dynasty who were being criticized, that would be one thing, but even Weng Tonghe was also scolded together with them. Weng Tonghe is the emperor's teacher, a standard leader of the imperial party. What does the emperor want to do? He's sick and his brain is muddled, but he's clear about the river affairs. The memorials from various places requesting funds and grain have already arrived at the Grand Council, and various government departments are waiting for the money to start work. A few days ago, I heard that the emperor had recovered from his illness and had submitted a memorial, but the palace sent word to let the Grand Council handle it discretionarily. Without asking, who would know that the emperor was watching a play with Empress Dowager? But when we went to ask for instructions from Empress Dowager, the message came back that Empress Dowager was enjoying her longevity and the emperor had already taken over the government, and all state affairs were decided by the emperor. It wasn't until the emperor finally attended court that he spoke a few words before being rebuffed. If we wait until everything is written clearly, won't things be delayed? There's no choice but for Li Qunwang Shidu to find Weng Tonghe with a gloomy face.

  "Wong Shifu, last year's flood in the suburbs of Beijing is still vivid in my mind. If we don't take advantage of the current spring season when farmers are idle to repair and build water conservancy projects, I'm afraid that once the spring floods come, we'll be repeating the same mistakes."

  "Your Majesty, what's going on here? I haven't figured it out yet. It seems that this draft will have to be rewritten."

  "If I were to write as you said, it would indeed be delayed. Water and fire are ruthless! Otherwise, why don't we go together to see the king?"

  Inside Yangxin Hall, Shi Zong and Weng Tonghe stood by.

  "Let the matter of river works be arranged first, and then supplement with a detailed list of personnel and events. If another flood occurs, I will investigate one by one according to the names on the list. As for other matters, I will discuss them with Empress Dowager and make a decision later. Leave all the lists behind, you may withdraw."

  Guangxu read the memorial for a long time, then met with the officials. The sun had already set, and there was still a mountain of work to be done. He thought that the work was not going well: "Xiao Kouzi, take the memorial, follow me to Yiheyuan."

  Yiheyuan, Cixi was watching the play when Li Lianying whispered to her side: The Emperor has arrived. Cixi remained calm and said: "Let's stop here for today. Little Li, announce it."

  The emperor came in after a while and knelt down on the ground: "Your son has come to pay his respects to his father, your son also brought some gifts. Xiao Kouzi."

  "The Emperor is the ruler of a country, he should take the country seriously, how can he be so playful. It's enough that the Emperor has come to see me, what's with the gifts? Alright, those jokes can't be said again." Cixi was delighted that Guangxu was trying to please her, although she understood the reason behind it. Just then, Kou Liancai came in with two small eunuchs carrying a large stack of memorials, and Cixi asked unclearly: "Are these things the gifts that the Emperor brought for me?"

  "Dear Father, today I attended the morning court and met with many officials in the afternoon. However, I still don't understand some matters of state affairs. There are things that I haven't grasped yet, so I'd like to ask for your guidance. Consider it a gift from me?"

  Looking at Guangxu's smiling face, Cixi was thoroughly deceived. Guangxu, who had been eager to take power and govern personally, could not have suddenly come to his senses just because of illness. Seeing Guangxu's manner, he had brought all the memorials this time. Cixi asked calmly and lightly: "Your Majesty, what difficulties do you have, just speak out."

  Guangxu recounted the events of today's imperial court, then said: "The high-ranking officials in the court talk too much but accomplish little. What does Father Emperor think about how I handled today's affairs?"

  "Your Majesty, how can you compare the imperial court to a vegetable market? Your words are somewhat reckless. However, I think it's feasible to handle the river works as you've said. As for the military academy, we should also ask Li Hongzhang about it, he's an expert in military affairs."

  "Dear father, please take a look. I think this matter..."

  Guangxu brought out the difficult matters one by one to ask for advice and added his own opinions. Cixi occasionally pointed out from the side, and they would sometimes argue a few sentences on certain issues. Guangxu pretended to be a humble learner, but he knew that in politics, he was just a small white, and still needed to learn more from Cixi. In Li Lianying's eyes, Guangxu was a sincere student seeking guidance, and his eyes revealed confusion about government affairs and a desire for knowledge, without any other intentions. Li Lianying occasionally added some tea water on the side as the day slowly came to an end.

  Li Lianying stood by, and suddenly the conversation between Guangxu and Cixi came to a halt. Li Lianying abruptly lifted her head, only to see Guangxu and Cixi staring at her, both momentarily at a loss for words. In all her years in the palace, this was the first time such a situation had arisen. Guangxu smiled and said, "Li Lianying, don't just stand there, it's almost time for dinner, shouldn't you be serving food? Father, you wouldn't send me away at this hour, would you?"

  Cixi smiled: "Your Majesty, where were we just now?"

  The night was deep, Guangxu walked slowly within the red wall. The military academy's affairs were still unknown when they could be established, and in just two years, how many soldiers could be trained? Without experiencing the test of war and training, no matter how good it was, it couldn't become an elite army. Those who could stand firmly by the emperor's side were only Qingliu, and Qingliu was reasonable when talking about things, but unreliable when doing them. If another brother could come, it would be great, at least there would be someone to discuss with.

  Yiheyuan, Cining Palace "Li Xiangde, why are you distracted this afternoon? You've never been like this before."

  "In response to the Old Master's words, today I saw the Emperor humbly asking for governance advice, and the Old Master carefully instructed him. For a moment, he was moved to tears and lost his composure, so please, Old Master, punish me."

  Cixi stared at the palace gate with a divine look. Li Lianying understood that for many days, the Emperor had been accompanying the Old Buddha everywhere, and new and interesting things to eat and play with were endless. The Old Buddha was truly delighted in her heart, but on the other hand, she was worried that the Emperor might have another purpose, wanting to seize power from the Old Buddha. But today's events moved the Old Buddha's heart with sympathy.

  "Li Xiangda, you say it."

  Young people all have a bit of impulsiveness, and the Emperor, who has just begun to take control, also wants to be a capable ruler. It's natural that his words and actions would clash with those of the old Empress Dowager. But from what I've seen today, the Emperor is indeed humble and willing to ask for advice. It must be the result of these days of self-reflection that has truly made the Emperor understand the difficulties the old Empress Dowager has faced all these years.

  Cixi didn't say a word and just quietly drank her tea. Li Lianying stood beside her, not daring to speak either. It was quiet like this for quite some time.

  "I am tired."

  The Guangxu Emperor went to the morning court and discussed the results of his discussion with Cixi with the other ministers, then handled the affairs. After the court meeting, he met with the ministers in the Nurturing Heart Palace, then went to the Summer Palace to discuss state affairs with Cixi, and also had dinner together. Then he returned to the Imperial Study Room to finish reviewing the memorials for the day. For several days, Guangxu came with a sincere desire to learn, and Cixi also taught him wholeheartedly. However, what was different was that Cixi's smile grew more and more, and her tone became more and more gentle. But Guangxu understood that the reason why state affairs were going smoothly was because all decisions were made after consulting with the old lady. He also understood that for someone like Cixi who regarded power as life itself, taking away her power would be like taking her life. If the day came when he really had to take power from her, Cixi would definitely go crazy and counterattack. For now, he still needed her.

  Time flies, more than half a month has passed, and such days have continued until two days before Li Hongzhang's arrival. Guangxu had just finished discussing state affairs and was having dinner with Cixi. In the conversation, Cixi suddenly asked: "Your Majesty, when will Li Hongzhang arrive in Beijing?"

  "Returning to his hometown, Li Hongzhang will arrive in a couple of days."

  "Li Hongzhang hasn't arrived, but the memorial has." The Empress Dowager took the memorial from Li Lianying and handed it to Guangxu. Without waiting for Guangxu to open it, she said: "The Emperor can look at Li Hongzhang's memorial after he returns. This matter doesn't require my opinion. However, the Emperor must remember that governing a large country is like cooking a small fish. Stability comes first in court politics."

  "I, your child, have taken note."

  "The imperial edict has finally been approved." Guangxu stretched his waist: "Xiao Kouzi, it's rare that there are fewer memorials today. Go and get some wine and snacks."

  Drinking a little wine, eating some snacks. This small life is comfortable. "Little thief, can you drink? Don't stand on one side anymore. Come over and eat together."

  "How dare I share the same table and dine with Your Majesty."

  Guangxu selected a few dishes from each plate and put them on another empty plate, then pushed it aside: "You sit down, I'll stand. You've been working hard these days, consider this a reward."

  "This humble servant thanks Heaven's grace."

  "How's everything at home?" Guangxu chatted with Kou Liancai in a casual and friendly manner. After finishing, he took out a 100-tael silver note: "Take it, don't let the child's studies be delayed. Don't thank me, just keep it in your heart."

  Kou Liancai took the silver ticket and nodded heavily: "I understand."

  "Recently, all memorials have been sent to me. Tell me, how did Li Hongzhang's memorial end up with the Empress Dowager?"

  "I've made inquiries and Li Hong's memorial was submitted to the Grand Council yesterday. It was sent to the Empress Dowager by Prince Gong after the morning court session."

  "Oh——you're quite well-informed, is the news reliable?"

  "Your Majesty, it's absolutely reliable." Kou Liancai's face changed, but he still spoke out: "I had an affair with a maidservant close to the Empress Dowager, and she told me about it."

  "It's okay for now. I'll give you another chance later." Guangxu waved his hand to let Kou Liancai come closer and whispered: "How many people in the palace can you use?"

  "Not many, most of them were towards Mr. Li."

  "Find some reliable people, loyalty is the first priority. I'll give you some more silver in a few days to use in the palace, remember to keep it confidential. If anything goes wrong, I won't acknowledge it. Do you understand?"

  Kou Liancai didn't say anything, he just nodded his head.

  "By the way, why are you always busy running around alone these days? Isn't there anyone to lend you a hand? And shouldn't there be some maids by my side? Why haven't I seen any?"

  "Your Majesty, this is the imperial study. Generally, no maids are assigned here; they are usually assigned to the palace chambers. Since Your Majesty has been staying in the imperial study for many days, you can only see me, your humble servant. Tonight..."

  "I reside in the imperial study for the convenience of reviewing memorials." Looking at Kou Liancai's smiling face, Guangxu had an urge to hit him. "I just wanted to find someone to assist you. The palace is very large, and you will be very busy."

  "Understood." Kou Liancai continued smiling: "Zhenfei Niangniang has asked me several times, asking when the Emperor will be free.

  "Put your mind on the right thing. Go find a maid who understands needlework and embroidery, I have something to attend to. Also, let her be in charge of my food and lodging here. When you're free, take care of some proper business for me."

  "I understand." Kou Liancai still smiled like that.

  Guangxu's face turned dark: "Sleep."