Chapter 94: A Silver Lining

Grand Chancellor Guo shook his head slightly at Guo Zixuan and let out a gentle sigh. “Although the Fifth Prince is young,” he said, “he is your sovereign and you are his subject. How can you treat him in such a manner? Hurry and help him up! It seems Dream Butterfly’s eye for people is indeed sharp—she chose someone truly loyal and righteous. Born into the imperial family, yet not only does he harbor ambition and strategy, he also retains a child’s pure heart. Such a person is truly rare. He is remarkable! That girl Dream Butterfly, following me, has developed a keen discernment—truly a student surpassing the master!”

Guo Zixuan, hearing his father’s words, protested unwillingly, “Father, but—”

The old Grand Chancellor’s face grew stern and, with authority, he interrupted, “But what? You dare disobey me now? Have your wings grown so strong you no longer care for your old father?”

Guo Zixuan, cowed, quickly replied, “Your son would not dare. Please, Father, do not be angry. I will do as you say.” With that, he helped Zhu Hao, who had fallen deep into his own grief and lost consciousness, and led him toward the old Grand Chancellor.

Brought before him, Zhu Hao stared blankly ahead. The old Grand Chancellor reached out and tapped Zhu Hao lightly on the shoulder, then suddenly shouted, “Young man, wake up!”

His voice was filled with imposing authority. At the sound, Zhu Hao shuddered involuntarily; his vacant eyes slowly regained focus and gradually restored their usual liveliness. Yet a trace of sorrow lingered, and it seemed something brilliant flickered in his eyes.

Recovering from his sorrow, Zhu Hao looked at the silver-haired, youthful-faced Grand Chancellor, then at Guo Zixuan, who now respectfully supported him. He understood at once who these people were, and quickly bowed in the manner of a junior. “Zhu Youjian pays his respects to the Grand Chancellor.”

The old Grand Chancellor smiled gently and inclined his body slightly. “Your Highness, such courtesy is too much. I do not dare accept it. You are a prince, and it is I who should be bowing to you.” With that, he made a motion to rise and pay his respects to Zhu Hao.

Zhu Hao hurriedly supported him. “How could I, with my meager virtue, accept such honor from you, Grand Chancellor? Please do not do this, or you will truly overwhelm me! Grand Chancellor, Dream Butterfly, she…” Regaining his composure, Zhu Hao did not immediately broach the topic of requesting the Grand Chancellor’s help, but instead anxiously sought confirmation about Guo Mengdie.

The old Grand Chancellor waved his hand. “Let us not speak of Dream Butterfly for now. Your Highness, you must have urgent matters for coming to find me. Let us attend to state affairs first. A true man must put his country above personal attachments; we cannot let private feelings interfere with great matters.”

Zhu Hao understood he was being taught a lesson. Since the old man had said so, Zhu Hao composed himself, suppressed his grief and doubts, and bowed again. “I thank you for your guidance, Grand Chancellor! I do indeed have a request. This Li the Imperial Concubine is growing audacious—she has taken over the Palace of Heavenly Purity and seeks to use the enthronement of the new emperor to coerce the ministers. Her aim is to become Empress Dowager and rule from behind the curtain! Though the ministers remain loyal and refuse her demands, for now they are at an impasse. With no other choice, I have come to disturb the Grand Chancellor, hoping you would step forth, turn the tide, steady the tottering edifice, and save the nation from peril!”

Before the old Grand Chancellor could respond, Guo Zixuan, unable to suppress his displeasure, snorted. “My father once swore before the image of Confucius never to meddle in court or imperial affairs again. You think you can convince him to return to service? Give up your delusions. I advise you to abandon this hope.”

Zhu Hao knew Guo Zixuan’s rudeness stemmed from bitterness over the deaths of Empress Guo and Guo Mengdie. But Zhu Hao also knew only the Grand Chancellor’s return could change the current deadlock. Thus, he paid Guo Zixuan’s words no mind, nor did he show any annoyance. He kept his keen gaze fixed on the old Grand Chancellor, awaiting his reply.

No sooner had Guo Zixuan finished than the Grand Chancellor, displeased, rebuked him sternly. “Xuan’er, show proper respect to His Highness! Apologize at once!”

Guo Zixuan pointed at Zhu Hao. “Apologize to this boy? Impossible! I’d rather die than apologize to him!” He braced himself defiantly, as if ready to face any consequence, and Zhu Hao could not help but inwardly sigh at his obstinance.

The Grand Chancellor, seeing his son’s attitude, heaved a deep sigh and bowed to Zhu Hao. “Forgive my son’s lack of discipline; it is my failing. When I return, I will see he is properly taught. I beg Your Highness not to take offense.”

Given his status, the Grand Chancellor had no need to care about Zhu Hao’s feelings, especially now that the late emperor was gone and none could challenge him. Yet he spoke so humbly—this showed respect not just for the royal family, but also for Zhu Hao himself. Through this exchange, Zhu Hao realized that this once all-powerful Grand Chancellor merely sought to be a Zhang Juzheng, not a Wang Mang. Though these two figures had different aims, both sought greater power through the emperor, and such power, once accumulated, inevitably clashed with ambitious sovereigns. This was why his own father had so deeply resented the Grand Chancellor and, by extension, Empress Guo.

Seeing the Grand Chancellor so humble, Zhu Hao felt compelled to speak. “Though the Marquis of Southpeace spoke harshly, he is a forthright man. How could I bear a grudge against him?”

Guo Zixuan, hearing Zhu Hao’s words on his behalf, responded ungraciously, “Spare me your false kindness. I won’t accept it! Hypocrite!”

This thoroughly angered the Grand Chancellor. “Rebellious son! How dare you! Where are your manners? Go home and submit to family discipline. Stay inside and study what it means to be a proper subject. When you have learned, you may come out again!”

He then barked, “Guards! Escort this unfilial son back to the manor! I do not wish to see him for now!” With these words, two servants emerged and quietly said to Guo Zixuan, “Forgive us, Marquis, but we must escort you.” They moved to take him.

Guo Zixuan snorted, “I’ll go, don’t touch me! I can walk on my own!” He cast one last cold look at Zhu Hao. “Boy, this is not over between us. We shall see who prevails.”

After Guo Zixuan had been taken away, the Grand Chancellor once more apologized to Zhu Hao. “Your Highness, my son’s misconduct is my failing. For the sake of my lifelong service to the court, I beg you not to hold it against him.”

Zhu Hao, seeing such humility, quickly took the opportunity to ease the situation. “The Marquis is my mother’s brother and thus my elder. How could I ever blame him? Please, Grand Chancellor, do not say such things, or you will truly overwhelm me.”

Afterward, Zhu Hao continued, “As for my earlier request, may I ask what the Grand Chancellor’s thoughts are? I would be grateful for a clear answer.”

No sooner had he spoken than the Grand Chancellor replied, “I am old now, frail and useless. Though I wish I could help, I no longer have the strength to share the burden of state. What you ask, Your Highness, I am powerless to do.”

Hearing this, Zhu Hao realized the Grand Chancellor truly meant to refuse him, as Guo Zixuan had warned. He pressed on, unwilling to give up. “My mother has only just passed, and already Li the Imperial Concubine, a mere concubine, dares to seize the throne. Can you truly stand by and do nothing? If she succeeds, how could my mother rest in peace?”

Zhu Hao had no choice. To persuade the Grand Chancellor, he had to invoke the late Empress Guo’s death as a final appeal. He felt some guilt for doing so.

Yet to his surprise, the Grand Chancellor showed no anger, merely answered calmly, “Life and death are decreed by fate, fortune and rank are ordained by heaven. If Li the Concubine has the destiny to become mother of the realm, then so be it. Zhao’er is gone—she will not return.”

Seeing the Grand Chancellor so unmoved, Zhu Hao was at a loss. He hesitated, feeling discouraged and defeated. “Since you are unwilling to help, Grand Chancellor, I will not trouble you further.” With that, he turned to leave.

But as soon as Zhu Hao turned, the Grand Chancellor called after him. “Young man, you are still too impatient! I may have said I cannot share the burden of state, but I never said I would not help you. If you leave now, my intentions will be wasted.”

Zhu Hao was taken aback—he truly couldn’t understand. What was the difference between not sharing the burden of state and helping him? In his mind, to help him was to return to service, and returning to service was helping the state. He turned back, puzzled. “Grand Chancellor, what do you mean?”

The old man smiled gently and produced a letter, handing it to Zhu Hao. “While I cannot serve the court directly, I can still assist you. Here is a letter—take it to Yang Lian. Though he now holds only the post of Censor in the Ministry of War, he is a core member of the Donglin Faction and one of the few upright men among them. When the late emperor fell ill, he was appointed as a minister-regent. Take this letter to him, and he will do as you ask, lending you his support!”