Chapter 75: Was the Treatise on Statecraft Truly Written by the Chancellor? Part 2

Qin Zijin stood there, ignored and awkward.

Fortunately, Grand Preceptor Dong reacted quickly, supporting him and whispering, “It’s fine. The Matriarch is old; it’s natural she doesn’t remember you.”

Yuan Zhuo took a step forward according to etiquette, bowing. “Please return to the palace, Grandmother. A banquet has been prepared to celebrate your glorious return.”

The Matriarch merely glanced at him. She didn’t acknowledge his words or speak to him, instead walking straight ahead. The others were forced to scramble to keep up.

As she passed Qin Zijin, her gaze paused for a fleeting second, sweeping over him with an indiscernible intensity.

That look was so sharp it sent a chill down Qin Zijin’s spine. For some reason, a wave of inexplicable panic surged within him. He forced himself to stay calm and followed the others inside.

The palace gates swung open, and the officials entered in their respective ranks.

As it was a celebration of the Matriarch’s return, the imperial banquet was exceptionally lavish. Gold hairpins, jade pendants, the sounds of silk and bamboo instruments—the atmosphere was festive and lively, yet a dangerous undercurrent surged beneath the surface.

The Grand Empress Dowager sat at the same table as the Emperor—separated only by a small desk.

The old lady sat composed, her expression unchanging, only occasionally taking a sip of tea. Her presence was as immovable as a mountain.

After three rounds of wine, Grand Preceptor Dong followed the plan he had discussed with Qin Zijin. He rose slowly and cupped his hands toward the throne. “Your Majesty, this subject has a request.”

“Minister Qin has composed a new poem. He wishes to present it before the throne on this day of the Matriarch’s return to express his loyalty.”

It was common practice for civil officials to present poetry at banquets. Under the watchful eyes of the court, many were curious to see what verses the “greatest talent under heaven” had produced.

Yuan Zhuo knew this master and disciple pair had no good intentions. He immediately refused. “Today is a joyful day for Grandmother’s return. There is no need for poetry. Submit the scroll to the imperial desk tomorrow; I will look it over myself.”

Qin Zijin’s expression tightened. He looked toward Grand Preceptor Dong.

Just as Dong was about to argue further, the Matriarch spoke up in a leisurely tone. “The author of the Treatise on Statecraft must be brimming with talent. I would like to hear his poem.”

She spoke the words “Treatise on Statecraft” with particular emphasis.

Qin Zijin’s heart settled. He rose and bowed respectfully. “I obey the Matriarch’s decree.”

He immediately began writing with a brush at his seat, quickly producing several lines of verse.

A eunuch carried the scroll to the Emperor’s desk. As Yuan Zhuo’s eyes fell upon it, his face instantly went cold.

The officials in the hall sensed the shift in atmosphere and began to whisper.

Grand Preceptor Dong and Qin Zijin remained calm, having planned this long ago.

Seeing Yuan Zhuo’s hesitation, the Matriarch turned her gaze. “Does a poem from the author of the Treatise on Statecraft make things so difficult for Your Majesty?”

Yuan Zhuo’s face was frost. He handed the scroll to the eunuch beside him.

The eunuch took the command and recited loudly:

“Three thousand iron cavalry charge from the Swallow Gate,

The dragon banner unfurls, surging like the clouds.

Bearing the legacy, I dare to emulate the great ambition,

Swearing to sweep away the Eastern Liao and avenge the nation’s grief.“

The eunuch’s voice echoed through the hall, each word striking the hearts of the audience like a heavy hammer.

This poem was clearly referencing the words Gu Huaiyu had used when he strongly advocated for the northern campaign—claiming to follow the Late Emperor’s legacy to wipe out the Eastern Liao!

The faces of the Gu Faction officials changed instantly. This was a clear attempt to use the Grand Empress Dowager’s hand to send Gu Huaiyu to his death!

Shen Jun’s mind raced to find a countermeasure.

Xie Shaoling stared death at Qin Zijin. The author of the Treatise on Statecraft whom he once admired was now willing to ruin the country for a personal grudge.

In an instant, all eyes in the hall fell upon the Matriarch.

The old lady, however, merely fingered her prayer beads slowly, looking at Qin Zijin with an unreadable expression. “Is this poem dedicated to me?”

Qin Zijin suppressed his nervousness and replied respectfully, “This poem was originally intended to express my feelings through Chancellor Gu’s words. The Chancellor once said that he would inherit the Late Emperor’s legacy and fight a life-and-death battle with Eastern Liao—”

“It’s quite poorly written.”

The Matriarch suddenly interrupted, her lip curling in disdain. “What a load of nonsensical rubbish. It’s far inferior to the Treatise on Statecraft.”

A suffocating silence filled the hall.

Qin Zijin could only force himself to remain steady, defending himself: “Please forgive me, Matriarch. The poem was written in haste. I ask for your indulgence.”

Seeing the situation stalling, Grand Preceptor Dong grew anxious. He finally couldn’t help but step forward, cupping his hands and speaking loudly: “Matriarch, while the poem may not be a masterpiece, no one dares forget the Chancellor’s original words. That day, in front of Zichen Hall, the Chancellor publicly claimed—”

“‘Henceforth, in all matters of Great Chen, everything shall be decided by my word!‘”

Everyone present was as sharp as they come. Who couldn’t see the intent behind Grand Preceptor Dong’s performance?

Even if the Late Emperor truly had said such things, what mother could bear to hear that her son had entrusted the entire empire to an outside official on his deathbed?

Moreover, everyone understood that this “deathbed decree” was likely Gu Huaiyu’s own fabrication!

The prayer beads in the Matriarch’s hand stopped. She frowned and looked at Yuan Zhuo. “Did the Chancellor truly say that?”

Yuan Zhuo remained silent, his face cold.

Grand Preceptor Dong and Qin Zijin exchanged a glance, their hearts leaping with joy.

Qin Zijin declared loudly, “Every word is true! The Chancellor publicly admitted that day that the Late Emperor’s dying decree entrusted all matters of Great Chen to him.”

The officials held their breath. The hall was dead silent, everyone waiting for the Matriarch’s explosive rage.

Yet, to everyone’s surprise, the Matriarch merely let out a long, melancholy sigh. “That child… he is still protecting Emperor Rui’s dignity even now.”

The Matriarch sat up straight, pressing the prayer beads to her chest. “On the day Emperor Rui passed, I was also in the bedchamber.”

“At that time—”

The Matriarch gestured with her hand, her eyes sharp as a hawk, showing no sign of the frailty of age. “Emperor Rui grabbed the corner of Minister Gu’s robes and begged him piteously.”