Chapter 69 - Is It Just a Piece of Meat?
All eyes naturally fell upon Wang Zizhao's legs. His black attire concealed the view, but the way he moved provided some hints.
He had indeed recovered! Joy and disappointment rippled through the crowd.
Wang Zizhao made his way to the injured man's side. Upon confirming that the wound had been tended to, he arranged for someone to assist the man out. “Ensure his recuperation is well taken care of, and teach him proper manners once he's regained his strength. He appears rather clumsy; it's no wonder even Third Brother Wang felt compelled to teach him a lesson on my behalf.”
Wang Zixian's countenance stiffened, then transformed into a sardonic grin. “Ninth Brother's esteemed tutor, Yan, is renowned. However, it's understandable that recent illness may have temporarily preoccupied your focus on discipline. There's no need to interpret Royal Brother's intentions as interference.”
“How dare you!” Wang Zizhao dismissed him with a mere glance. He instructed the butler at his side, “Escort the young Tang of the Tang family to freshen up and change into clean attire.”
“Very well.” The butler proceeded efficiently. He assisted Tang Yue with every detail, from bathing to attire. Together, they retreated to the backyard.
Seated at the head of the gathering, Wang Zizhao extended his hospitality to the distinguished guests. “Today, I've summoned you all for two reasons: firstly, to express my gratitude to the young Tang for saving my life, and secondly, to reunite with friends and family, considering it's been a while since we last met.”
“His Highness's recovery is a matter of great significance to the nation, worthy of celebration,” commented State Duke Ann, his beard fondly stroked, as he cast a sly glance at Wang Zixian. His smile was as radiant as ever.
Wang Zizhao's injuries had prompted a shift in allegiance among many ministers who had formerly supported him. Even his own generals had their reservations. Should other princes ascend the throne, the Hu family would be the first to face their ire.
The connections between these influential families were as intricate as intertwined vines.
“The border remains volatile, and the war rages on. Must we allow our people to suffer for the sake of one individual?”
“The Northern-Southern tensions have persisted for decades, with the North Yue seldom taking advantage. Ninth Brother is worried about the world's preciousness, but is he underestimating North Yue? Is that a shared sentiment among all?”
Wang Zizhao didn't provide a direct answer. He simply inquired, “How is Madam Qi?”
Madam Qi, the Third Prince's biological mother, hailed from North Yue. This was Wang Zixian's most prominent vulnerability. Those close to him understood that Madam Qi was a topic to be avoided.
Without awaiting Wang Zixian's reaction, State Duke Ann continued, “The Third Prince was born in Ye City and raised there. He's never set foot on the border. Naturally, he hasn't witnessed the suffering of those who've lost their homes due to the war. An early end to the conflict could swiftly stabilize public sentiment.”
State Duke Ann's words seemed to diminish Wang Zixian's worth. A prince who'd never ventured beyond Ye City, what did he truly grasp about the world's significant matters?
“You're absolutely right. A proficient strategist needn't personally undergo every experience to make decisions. Throughout history, few emperors have been personally involved in battles.”
Everyone regarded State Duke Lu with astonishment. They hadn't expected him to defend Wang Zixian. Within South Jin's imperial court, it was tacitly acknowledged that Wang Zizhao would be the next king. Under typical circumstances, very few would dare to challenge Wang Zizhao's authority.
Wang Zizhao nodded composedly. “The duke speaks wisdom. Even without venturing outside, one can grasp the world's happenings. Great sages possess extraordinary insight. One leaf reveals the season, and one word unveils the truth.”
Yet, the real question remains, can you, Wang Zixian, be likened to these great sages?
Tang Yue couldn't help but suppress his laughter, acknowledging Wang Zizhao's skill in delivering cutting remarks. From joking about his mother to subtly questioning his intelligence, Wang's words, while not vulgar, held a sharp edge.
“Let's return to the main topic. Witnessing the young man from the Tang family save lives reminded me of the wounded soldiers on a battlefield. As State Duke Ann mentioned, many soldiers perish due to a lack of timely medical attention during conflicts. If such casualties can be minimized, it might also address South Jin's issue of a slow-growing population.”
Over the years, South Jin's population had been increasing at a sluggish rate. In addition to the substantial resources devoted to military expenditure, South Jin couldn't adequately support its entire populace. Every year, numerous individuals succumbed to cold and hunger. These were pressing problems that demanded solutions.
“Ninth Brother, you've solely focused on preserving lives, but have you considered how to support these wounded soldiers after their recovery? The Imperial Court will be responsible for their livelihoods and clothing. But where will the resources come from?”
“Being injured in battle doesn't necessarily render these soldiers incapable of working. They can engage in farming and labor, thus reducing their reliance on the Imperial Court for support.”
“The immediate challenge lies in how to curtail the death toll among injured soldiers. The Imperial Medical Office's capabilities are constrained. Even if they were to pool their resources, it's unlikely they could save such a large number of injured individuals,” State Duke Heng skillfully steered the conversation back to its central issue.
Tang Yue found himself amidst discussions of state affairs. Previously, he'd only gleaned information from news broadcasts. Now, he was part of the nation's ruling class, experiencing firsthand discussions of policy and governance.
Wang Zizhao had once remarked that the people of South Jin were united and cohesive. Regardless of their political affiliations, their fundamental aim was the betterment of South Jin.
Minor dissension could be dismissed; after all, the nine sons of the dragon possessed diverse characters. If all the princes were exceedingly gifted, they might become a source of unrest in the nation.
Yet, when this discordant voice was aimed at him, he couldn't simply ignore it.
“Considering that Tang Yue has a track record of mending the seemingly unhealable ailments from the Imperial Medical Office, why don't we consider deploying him to the border to lead the military physicians and assist our soldiers?” Wang Zixian proposed.
All eyes turned to Tang Yue. He felt as if he'd been blindsided. Surveying the numerous nods of approval, it was evident that many regarded this as a sound idea. With a wry smile, Tang Yue inquired, “Is it possible… we're on the menu here?”
Essentially, even if he harbored any inclination to become a military physician, Wang Zixian's proposal was not the avenue he'd choose. Military physicians diverged from conventional practitioners; without the appropriate training, they'd only be spectators at the plight of the wounded. Tang Yue had no desire to undergo such an agonizing ordeal.
“Pfft…” Someone couldn't stifle a laugh, expelling a mouthful of saliva with an audible splat.
Tang Yue glanced toward the source of the disturbance, finding Zhao Sanlang attempting to quell his laughter. His companion beside him glared with intensity, seemingly eager to distance himself from the mirthful situation.
“We're well past noon, aren't we famished?” Tang Yue maintained a composed demeanor, urging Wang Zizhao to abandon the lofty discourse. Not now, please!
Tang Yue assumed a serious expression as he cautioned Wang Zizhao, “His Highness hasn't fully recuperated yet. You ought not to overexert yourself. Perhaps you should sit and relax for a while or engage in some light exercise.”
Wang Zizhao's lips curled into a faint smile as he adjusted his posture. “You're right; my apologies for the oversight. Let's get some food!”
A single comment sufficed to divert the discussion. Wang Zixian, however, persisted with a hint of sarcasm, “Ninth brother, are you planning to keep the miraculous physician at your side for contingencies?”
“Tang Yue is the only son of Marquis Yueyang; he isn't here at my behest. Decisions regarding his placement do not fall within my purview.”
Tang Yue stood up, offering a respectful nod to Wang Zixian. “I appreciate your concern, Third Prince. While I do desire to assist the border soldiers, the timing isn't quite right. Someday, I hope to extend my invitation to visit the border.”
The audience regarded this as a polite but non-committal response. They understood that a respected marquis such as Tang Yue wouldn't readily embrace risks.
Wang Zizhao scrutinized Tang Yue with a thoughtful expression, internally stirring.
Half of Wang Zixian's statement was accurate. He did wish for Tang Yue to be near him, though not solely for emergencies. He envisioned Tang Yue serving under his command.
During the meal service, Tang Yue realized that he had prepared numerous dishes during his stay at Prince Zhao's Mansion. He had put forth considerable effort in crafting three daily meals for Wang Zizhao.
Aside from Zhao Sanlang and a select few young men, Tang Yue's culinary talents were largely undiscovered by the other guests. Observing the unusual dishes, they inquired about the origin of Prince Zhao's Mansion's chef.
The meal proceeded harmoniously. Noble Heir of State Duke Heng contributed with humor and entertained the gathering, eliciting laughter from the elderly attendees.
After subsisting on porridge for a month, Noble Heir's appetite had notched up significantly. When he beheld the presented meat, his gaze fixated with ravenous hunger.
Tang Yue cleared his throat gently and offered a reminder, “Noble Heir, it would be wise to limit your meat consumption. Otherwise, the progress of this past month might go to waste.”
Upon hearing Tang Yue's counsel, State Duke Heng promptly instructed the removal of meat from the table. He joined his son in relishing a meal of porridge and vegetables.
This incident could have concluded here. State Duke Heng's affection for his son radiated as brightly as the sun and moon. Noble Heir's resolve to shed some pounds became a commendable tale.
However, it appeared that Noble Heir from State Duke Heng's family hadn't grasped this yet. While savoring his meal, he covertly cast glances at Zhao Sanlang's neighboring table, yearning for a share of his meat.
Initially, this impulse wasn't particularly remarkable. It was just meat, and most people wouldn't utter a word if someone took a piece. But Zhao Sanlang was not one to endure such actions. He immediately exclaimed, “Give me back my meat!”
This enthusiastic outburst captured the attention of everyone in the hall.
State Duke Heng turned to see his son helping himself to Zhao Sanlang's meat. Zhao Sanlang of the Zhao Family grabbed his son's arm, striving to retrieve the meat.
His face flushed with embarrassment as he rebuked sternly, “Shun'er, what are you doing?”
Noble Heir was too preoccupied to respond; his mouth was brimming with meat. Furthermore, he was so agitated that he struggled to catch his breath, choking in the process.
State Protector felt awkward witnessing this spectacle. He even felt like strangling his own son. “Sanlang, it's just a piece of meat. Why are you making such a fuss? You're older than him; you should have let him have it. Father is truly disappointed in you!”
Zhao Sanlang widened his eyes. “That was… that was my favorite sauce, the secret recipe from the Tang family!”
He couldn't fathom how the cook in his household had evolved. The recipe he brought back couldn't replicate the original flavor. Each time he tasted it, something was amiss.
Spotting this dish at Prince Zhao's Mansion was rare, and its tantalizing aroma was especially enticing. Just as he was about to dig in, a pudgy hand swooped in without permission. How could he endure this?
“But what? When I return, I will kneel in the ancestral temple for a day and transcribe our forefathers' rules ten times!” State Protector asserted loftily.
Zhao Sanlang couldn't retort, seething with frustration. He had exerted too much force, nearly crushing Noble Heir from State Duke Heng's arm.
He clenched his teeth. This infuriating chubby man had caused him to lose face at Prince Zhao's Mansion. He needed to sever all ties with Noble Heir from State Duke Heng, completely disassociating himself.
Tang Yue observed these two individuals in speechless incredulity. He truly wished he could disavow any knowledge of them. It was merely a piece of meat; was there really a need for such a scene?
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