Mu Wuxia hesitantly looked at Emperor Mingde. “Does Father Emperor truly wish to listen?”
“Of course,” the Emperor replied.
Entering the lecture hall and taking a seat, the Emperor smiled, “I’m very curious to see just how capable my youngest son is.”
“Very well,” Mu Wuxia nodded. He turned and rang the bell outside. The hall instantly filled with people, yet remained remarkably quiet. They sat in an orderly manner, attentively watching the person at the front.
Mu Wuxia adjusted his robe and sat down on the meditation cushion. Without a book in hand, he scanned the audience and began, “Today, we will discuss the way of ruling.”
The eunuch beside the Emperor was startled and was about to speak, but the Emperor raised his hand to stop him.
“This child has much to say to me,” Emperor Mingde smiled. “Let him speak his fill this time.”
“…Yes, Your Majesty.”
Mu Wuxia, not looking at his father, sat upright with a serious expression. “A ruler should govern the world with benevolence; this is known as benevolent governance. Mencius advocated ‘the people are precious, the ruler is light,’ meaning the people are heaven and the emperor is its son. Those in power should seek the welfare of the people to maintain long-term rule.”
“Are you saying the common people are more important than the emperor?” Emperor Mingde raised an eyebrow, unable to resist interjecting. “Then what’s the point of being emperor? Why not let the people rule themselves?”
Everyone turned to look at him, their eyes full of astonishment. The Emperor was taken aback and lowered his voice, “Am I not allowed to ask questions?”
“Questions are certainly welcome,” Mu Wuxia smiled, respectfully explaining, “‘The people are precious, the ruler is light’ doesn’t mean that any single commoner is more important than the emperor. Rather, it means that the interests of all the people outweigh the personal interests of the emperor. A ruler who treats his subjects well will gain their support and stabilize his throne.”
Emperor Mingde fell silent. It sounded reasonable, but which emperor wasn’t selfish? They all thought about how their descendants could continue to rule, not how to improve the lives of the common people.
“Confucianism advocates ‘governing by valuing the people,'” Mu Wuxia continued. “This means the people are precious and the ruler is light, the ruler should investigate the people’s hardships, emphasize education, and govern with propriety. This way, when the people live in peace and contentment, they naturally obey orders, which benefits the ruler’s governance.”
It seems… there’s some truth to this. Emperor Mingde frowned, reaching for the “Analects of Confucius” from someone nearby, reading as he listened.
He had heard these ideas many times from his court officials, but they had always remained superficial, and he never truly listened. Today, sitting here, he suddenly began to understand the meaning behind these words.
Mu Wuxia was an inner disciple of Master Qian, well-versed in Confucian teachings of benevolence, righteousness, filial piety, and brotherly respect. His exceptional talent allowed him to understand these concepts better than most and explain them with practical examples. Despite his young age, even white-bearded elders respectfully bowed to him and listened to his lectures.
“In my humble opinion,” Mu Wuxia said, “a ruler who commands the world should seek the love of all people. To gain the people’s love, one must truly consider their fundamental needs: reduce taxes, minimize harsh policies, and prioritize the people. Only in this way can one achieve lasting fame.”
Mu Wuxia looked up, his eyes full of sincerity as he gazed in Emperor Mingde’s direction, “This is the only path to leaving a lasting legacy.”
Emperor Mingde looked at him intently, his expression unreadable. He quietly listened to the lecture for half an hour, his fingers repeatedly tracing the edges of the “Analects” until they began to curl.
Mu Wuxia was only sixteen and had been in his presence for merely two years. The Emperor had always thought of Wuxia as a stubborn, peculiar child. But after listening to this lecture, although he didn’t agree with everything, he suddenly realized that his youngest son possessed more qualities of a wise ruler than his other princes.
If… Wuyin couldn’t succeed, perhaps making Wuxia the Crown Prince wouldn’t be a bad idea.
Upon returning to the palace, the Emperor rewarded the Prince Nan with numerous gifts. Just as he was about to speak with him further, the Crown Prince rushed in, looking distraught.
“Father Emperor!” Mu Wuyin knelt, his face streaked with tears. “Something terrible has happened to Prince Heng!”
“What?” The Emperor was startled and quickly asked, “What happened? Wasn’t he inspecting the military camps?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. I just received news that while inspecting the camps, Prince Heng encountered some deserters. He led a group to pursue them but fell into a trap set by hunters in the mountains. His leg was caught and broken by an animal trap!”
The Emperor’s vision darkened momentarily, and he swayed before regaining his composure. Slamming his hand on the table in anger, he shouted, “How could this happen? Where were his guards? Which camp did the deserters come from? And whose trap was it in the mountains? Arrest everyone involved!”
“Father, please calm down!” The Crown Prince bowed his head. “I’ve already sent people to bring Prince Heng back, but his injuries are severe. He’s still unconscious, and his high fever won’t break…”
“Have the best imperial physicians ready. They must treat him as soon as he returns!” The Emperor anxiously pounded the armrest of his chair.
However, amid his anxiety, he suddenly calmed down and looked up at the Crown Prince.
He had been aware of the recent power struggle between the Crown Prince and Prince Heng. How could Prince Heng, who had been fine, suddenly meet with such misfortune? Wasn’t this too coincidental? Thinking back to what had happened to Prince Yu earlier, he suddenly felt a chill in his heart.
“Wuyin,” the Emperor said in a low voice, “What were you doing when Prince Heng had his accident?”
The Crown Prince was taken aback, not expecting the Emperor to question him. He bowed and replied, “Your son has been recuperating in the mansion. I only just heard the news.”
“Is that so?” Standing up and walking towards him, the Emperor said, “I truly hope there will be no more incidents of brothers harming each other. I only have four sons. Now Wugu is gone, Wuhen has lost a leg, and you’ve injured your hand… It seems we’ve been plagued by misfortune lately.”
Mu Wuyin quickly responded, “Father, please don’t worry. I will take good care of my brothers. It’s just that some disasters are beyond my control.”
“Whether it’s a natural disaster or man-made calamity, I’m not a fool,” the Emperor said, looking down at him. “I value blood ties and hope my sons can love each other. If someone is so ruthless as to harm their brothers, such a person will never ascend to my throne. Do you understand?”
A chill ran down the Crown Prince’s spine, and he frowned, lowering his head. “Your son understands.”
Isn’t this all because of how Father has forced my hand? The Crown Prince thought bitterly. If that useless Heng had just stayed low-key for life, it would have been fine. But no, he had to be ambitious and try to usurp my position, all while putting on a facade of righteousness. And Father even fell for his act, thinking he was capable. If I didn’t cripple him, how could I ensure my position as Crown Prince remains secure?
Although Meng’er had advised him not to harm his brothers, given the current situation, if he didn’t act against others, they would take what was his. Better for others to suffer than himself.
Mu Wuyin believed he had done nothing wrong, and Minister Shen hadn’t stopped him either. This must be the necessary path to the throne.
(End of Chapter)