mc-med Chapter 19 A New Choice, The Power of the Fierce Tiger in Desperate Circumstances
Chapter 19 A New Choice, The Power of the Fierce Tiger in Desperate Circumstances
"His Majesty's countenance is not frightening, but rather naturally majestic."
"When I first witnessed Your Majesty's majesty, I was filled with trepidation and almost broke out in a cold sweat."
Lu Xiao answered honestly, his tone carrying just the right amount of reverence.
"Your Majesty! He didn't break a sweat at all; he's clearly using clever words to deceive you and make a fool of you!"
Yuwen Huaji was not about to let any opportunity slip by, and immediately seized the chance to try to pin a accusation of disrespect on Lü Xiao.
Yang Guang listened, but only slightly curled the corners of his mouth, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.
Having grown tired of Yuwen Huaji's flattery on a daily basis, I was already quite fed up with it.
The old imperial uncle Yang Linsheng praised Lü Xiao's unparalleled bravery, comparing him to the Tianbao General, and he was already quite tempted.
Now it seems that this kid is not only brave and skilled, but also quite adept at improvisation and witty conversation.
"Your Majesty's divine might is awe-inspiring, and I am filled with utmost reverence and trepidation, therefore... I dare not break out in a cold sweat."
Lu Xiao rolled his eyes and changed to a more elegant way of saying it.
Upon hearing this, Yang Guang was slightly taken aback, then burst into a hearty laugh.
He has always favored quick-witted and eloquent people, especially those who are truly talented and can speak to his heart.
Yang Lin, standing to the side, was so angry that he almost burst out laughing.
He introduced Lü Xiao to Yang Guang because he valued Lü Xiao's unparalleled bravery and hoped that he would establish himself through martial prowess and become a pillar of the state.
But this rascal, does he want to learn from Yuwen Huaji and use his words to please the king?
At this moment, alarm bells rang in Yuwen Huaji's mind, and he knew something was wrong.
Lu Xiao's flattery skills were so sophisticated and experienced that they seemed to be no less than mine!
In the future, besides those troublesome old ministers from the righteous faction, there will probably be another rival vying for favor in the imperial court.
"Interesting! Absolutely interesting!" Yang Guang laughed, then looked intently at Yang Lin.
"Uncle, I greatly admire this young man's talent and bearing. I wonder if it would be possible to part with him and allow him to remain by my side to serve me?"
Although he had always been prone to force and plunder, he dared not be too presumptuous with this meritorious old imperial uncle, and at least had to earnestly beg him in person.
"For Zi Lie to be valued by His Majesty and serve him is a blessing he has accumulated over many lifetimes. How can there be any talk of him giving up something he cherishes?"
Yang Lin had anticipated this question and immediately went along with it, pushing Lü Xiao forward.
His original intention was to bring Lü Xiao closer to the center of power, and now that His Majesty has taken the initiative to speak, it is exactly what he wanted.
"Excellent! The old imperial uncle is indeed wise and magnanimous!" Emperor Yang Guang exclaimed with great joy.
"Guards! Bring wine! I wish to have a few drinks with my old imperial uncle today!"
He knew that Yang Lin would have no reason to refuse his request.
At this moment, Yang Guang's wish had come true, and he was naturally overjoyed.
Yang Lin was secretly pleased that the plan to sell was successful.
Only Lü Xiao stood silently to the side, inwardly grumbling.
Well, so now I've become an object that can be given away at will?
If he wants it, you give it to him?
Why don't you ask the person himself if he's willing?
[A choice has been detected facing the host; a reward will be issued for making that choice.]
[I. A true man is born between heaven and earth; how can he be treated like merchandise, to be passed around among others? I will establish my own power, return to Wagang, and confront those treacherous dogs! Reward: Two thousand soldiers of the Trapped Camp!]
[II. A true man is born between heaven and earth; what harm is there in temporarily living under the tutelage of others! Follow Yang Guang and serve the Emperor! Reward: The Power of the Fierce Tiger in Desperate Situations—Upon entering a life-or-death battle, stamina is instantly restored to full strength, and overall power is increased by 100%!]
However, to be fair, following the emperor naturally offers a brighter future than following a prince.
"Your Majesty, this old minister observes that this Fourteenth Protector seems hesitant..."
Yuwen Huaji's small eyes were always watching Lü Xiao, and he was very good at reading people's thoughts.
He had a vague feeling that Lü Xiao might not actually want to follow Yang Guang.
If that's the case, then all the better; he couldn't be happier to have one less potential rival for favor.
"Hmm?" Upon hearing this, Yang Guang turned his head, scrutinizing Lü Xiao with sharp eyes, his tone slightly somber.
"What? Do you perhaps think that following the Prince in Dengzhou offers a better future than following me, the Emperor?"
The atmosphere inside the hall froze instantly.
Lu Xiao immediately bowed, his voice clear and firm:
"Your Majesty is like the bright moon in the heavens, shining for thousands of miles."
I am but a grain of sand in the vast ocean, a mere star in the night sky.
How dare mortal stars compete with the bright moon's brilliance? They should follow the moon's pure light; that is the right path!
He then changed the subject and bowed respectfully to Yang Lin:
"Of course, Your Excellency is also one of the most dazzling stars in the galaxy, and has shown me great favor by recognizing and promoting me."
This kindness and virtue, I will never forget for the rest of my life!
These words both flattered Yang Guang, demonstrating his loyalty, and saved Yang Lin's face, showing that he hadn't forgotten past favors.
It's absolutely watertight.
"Hahaha! Good! What a drop in the ocean! What an unforgettable memory!"
Yang Guang was overjoyed upon hearing this and admired Lü Xiao's quick wit and loyalty even more.
Immediately, his expression turned cold as he looked at Yuwen Huaji: "Yuwen Huaji."
"Your subject... Your subject is here." Yuwen Huaji's heart tightened.
"I still have an old score to settle with your father."
Yang Guang's tone was calm, yet carried an undeniable air of authority.
"Yes... Your subject... understands..."
Yuwen Huaji trembled with fear, cold sweat instantly beading on his forehead, and he inwardly cried out in despair.
Loose lips sink ships!
If I had known this would happen, I shouldn't have spoken up earlier. Now I've only brought trouble upon myself and stirred up His Majesty's memories of old grudges.
"You may leave now and return to the Eastern Capital to await further instructions."
"...My lord, I obey your order."
Yuwen Huaji dared not say more and bowed as he withdrew.
Before leaving, he glanced at Yang Lin, who stood calmly beside him, his heart filled with resentment and indignation.
That old man's reach is getting longer and longer. Wouldn't it be better if he just stayed in Dengzhou?
After Yuwen Huaji left, only Yang Guang, Yang Lin, and Lü Xiao remained in the hall, and the atmosphere immediately relaxed considerably.
"Lu Xiao, what is your courtesy name?"
Yang Guang personally picked up the golden wine pot and filled the jade cup in front of Yang Lin.
"Your Majesty, my courtesy name is Zilie."
"Zilie... 'Xiao' in 'brave' and 'lie' in 'fierce'." Yang Guang savored these two words, his eyes filled with even deeper admiration. "Brave and upright, the meaning is excellent, very much to my liking!"
Such a fierce general was able to single-handedly storm Yang Xuangan's camp and capture both the thief and the king.
It is truly rare to find someone who possesses both such magnanimity and eloquence.
Even Yuwen Chengdu, the Tianbao General under his command who was known as the best in the world, was probably slightly inferior in this composure and resourcefulness.
"Your Majesty," Yang Lin said, seeing that the time was ripe, he put down his wine cup and his expression turned solemn.
"This expedition against Goguryeo resulted in heavy losses of soldiers and generals, severely damaging the region's strength."
Your Majesty, I earnestly request that in the coming years, the focus should be on allowing the people to recuperate and pacify the nation, and that military action be temporarily suspended. Please refrain from further excessive expenditure of manpower and national strength.
Although he was far away in Dengzhou, he never stopped thinking about the Sui Dynasty and its people.
He had the court's movements and public opinion in mind.
If Your Majesty continues to be so ambitious and militaristic, the foundation of the Sui Dynasty will likely perish within two generations in less than twenty years!
The late emperor's painstaking efforts must not be wasted in an instant!
"Uncle, please have another drink."
Yang Guang slowly raised his hand and refilled Yang Lin's wine cup, but avoided answering his advice.
He had heard Yang Lin say these things so many times that he was sick of them.
However, how many of the officials in the court could truly understand his ambition to encompass the world and surpass the past and present?
If he only wanted to be a peaceful and wealthy prince, why did he go to such lengths to ascend to the throne?
Yang Guang picked up the wine cup in front of him, covered his face with his sleeve, and drank it all in one gulp.
When he put down his wine glass, a burning light shone in his eyes.
"To be an official, one must be second only to the emperor, the chief minister who commands all officials!"
He stood up, paced back and forth, his voice gradually rising, carrying an undeniable resolve:
"To become emperor, one must surpass the achievements of the Three Sovereigns and the virtues of the Five Emperors, accomplishing a great feat unprecedented in history!"
"If I were content with mediocrity and a life of maintaining the status quo, why would I have gone to such lengths to seize this supreme throne?"
"The Grand Canal was dug, connecting the north and south; the imperial examination system was established to select officials and break down the barriers between powerful families."
He built the eastern capital Luoyang, which aweed the east; he toured the west to Zhangye, which displayed his power beyond the borders.
He pacified the Turks in the north and settled Linyi in the south.
"Which of my actions, which one, hasn't drained the people's resources and depleted the national treasury?"
His tone grew increasingly agitated, as if facing an invisible enemy:
"Especially those powerful and influential families, day and night, they all hope that I will make a mistake, be disgraced, and cause the country to collapse!"
So that they can continue to hold power and enjoy wealth and honor for generations to come!
Yang Guang turned abruptly, staring directly at Yang Lin with eyes like lightning:
"But these are things I must do!"
"If I don't do it in my generation, which of the mediocre rulers who maintain the status quo will have the courage and vision to accomplish it?"
"But Your Majesty!"
"What you are talking about are all monumental changes to the system that will benefit future generations and have an impact on all ages. How can we be impatient for quick results and try to complete them in one lifetime?"
The people of the world are now exhausted and full of complaints, and there are signs of instability.
If this continues, future historians, with their sharp pens, will likely find it difficult to offer a fair assessment of His Majesty!
Yang Lin also stood up excitedly, his voice trembling with anxiety.
These and these incidents, one by one.
All of these factors were violently shaking the foundation that Emperor Wen had painstakingly established, and were draining the vitality of the Sui Dynasty, which had only existed for two or three decades.
He could almost see a future filled with war and chaos.
"Old Imperial Uncle!"
Yang Guang took a deep breath, and a complex expression appeared on his face, a mixture of madness, arrogance, and determination.
He spoke each word clearly, his voice resounding throughout the palace:
"My crime lies with the present generation."
"My achievements will last for a thousand years."
"Whether they know me or condemn me, only the Spring and Autumn Annals will tell!"