Ning Yunzhao not only said those words with an unchanged expression but actually lifted his foot and started walking out.
The colleagues inside could no longer hold back.
"Alright, alright, Lord Ning, stop pretending." One of them stood up and quickly walked over to pull Ning Yunzhao back. Turning to the people entering the room, he said, "What are you saying out there? We can't make out your words inside."
The newcomers, as well as the people outside the door, were momentarily startled but then exchanged meaningful smiles.
"Isn't Lord Ning known for ignoring what happens outside his window?" one of them remarked.
Ning Yunzhao smiled.
"I only ignore the matters outside the window that have nothing to do with me," he said in a lowered voice.
Both those inside and outside were taken aback, then broke into laughter, nodding in acknowledgment.
Such is the truth! Absolutely genuine and free of pretense. Everyone claims to act without self-interest, but who can truly declare themselves completely unselfish?
"Lord Ning, how about not eavesdropping like this anymore?" someone suddenly stepped forward and said. "We're about to head out to have a simple meal. Why don't you join us?"
At his words, there was some commotion among the people behind him.
"Alright, alright, we'll all go together," said one of Ning Yunzhao's colleagues in the room, taking the initiative to answer.
Ning Yunzhao nodded as well.
"Fine, let's go together then," he said.
As Ning Yunzhao walked forward with a few people, those trailing behind had somewhat complicated expressions.
"Why invite him? After all, his surname is Ning," someone murmured quietly. "Ning Yan, after all, supports the Duke of Chengguo."
But another person immediately shook his head.
"Mr. Ning and Lord Ning are not the same," he said in a low voice.
"How are they not the same? They're from the same family. Must we believe he'll turn his back on his kin?" The first person frowned and said.
"No, no, not turn his back on his kin, but turn inward toward himself," another person replied in a low voice.
"Indeed. Last time, when Lord Ning opposed the peace talks, Mr. Ning remained silent," someone else leaned in to whisper. "Moreover, thanks to his advice, quite a few people escaped becoming scapegoats—not only those advocating for war but also those advocating for peace."
Hearing everyone's explanations, those who were initially doubtful now looked surprised, and then understanding dawned upon their faces.
"Considering this, Mr. Ning is quite astute. Bringing him along to discuss might yield some valuable insights," one said.
............
In the Zhang Family Restaurant, located in the busiest district of the capital, the place was bustling with activity, be it day or night.
At this moment, a spacious private room was filled with people. Though they appeared to be dressed modestly, their dignified gestures revealed an air of authority. A sharp-eyed attendant recognized them at once as Capital Officials.
Of course, the attendant also noticed that these officials didn't hold high-ranking positions. Such figures were plentiful in the capital, and many were no more than clerks at best.
However, Capital Officials were still Capital Officials. With their numbers and years of entrenched connections in the capital, they were not to be underestimated.
They conversed unhurriedly, their words plain yet laced with subtle barbs. After a few rounds of wine and tea, they began to discuss some matters.
"So, we've all come to a consensus now," said a man in his forties as he stood up. His composed demeanor and expert tone marked him as someone long seasoned in the bureaucratic world.
"The Duke of Chengguo's idea of rewarding troops has become so excessive that it threatens to deplete the treasury. He's forcing merchants to contribute money and officials to forfeit their salaries. Such arrogance and audacity are intolerable."
The people present all nodded in agreement.
"Indeed, he's a man who loves grandiose displays, pursuing war at the expense of the people."
"Now even various military generals are imitating him, seeking credit and rewards with reckless abandon, behaving like savage beasts."
"If we let him succeed this time, tomorrow he'll demand even more."
"Today, it's a few hundred taels from merchants' profits and officials' salaries. Tomorrow, it'll be thousands. How many merchants will have to ruin their homes and be left destitute by then?"
For a moment, heated discussion filled the room.
The man who had stood up seemed pleased with everyone's reaction and gestured for them to quiet down. A glint of cold calculation flashed in his eyes.
"Those oppressed merchants have already decided to file a collective complaint. As officials, we cannot act directly, so we must persuade the scholars to petition on behalf of the merchants, submit a joint memorial, and stage a mass class strike to draw attention."
It may have been one thing for merchants to file complaints, but a student strike was a much larger matter. Scholars were the future officials and intellectuals of the nation, representing the legitimacy of the state. If they acted publicly, a major political storm was sure to follow.
The room immediately grew even livelier.
"What do you all think?" the man asked once more, though it was mostly rhetorical. In his heart, he was already certain no one would oppose this plan—after all, the operation had been unfolding for some time.
But as soon as he finished speaking, a crisp voice was heard.
"I don't think it's a good idea."
Instantly, the room fell silent. Who was this person? How did a troublemaker get in here?
All eyes turned toward the source of the voice, only to see a graceful and tidy young man sitting calmly on a cushion. His posture was upright, his expression composed and warm—a figure who exuded natural charm and goodwill.
Just from his demeanor and appearance, it was hard to imagine associating him with someone purposefully causing trouble.
Could it have been a mistake?
"Everyone, I truly believe this isn't a good idea," Ning Yunzhao spoke again.
The room erupted into low murmurs and whispers, with the person who had brought him here visibly uneasy.
Fortunately, the man leading the group was experienced in handling crises. Though incensed, he quickly regained his composure.
"Lord Ning, why would petitioning on behalf of the people be a bad thing?" he asked in return.
"Petitioning on behalf of the people is, of course, good," Ning Yunzhao replied. "But this order comes directly from the emperor. Are you all suggesting that we defy royal authority?"
The "top scholar" Ning Chang—had he read too many books and lost his wits? They were most certainly not defying the emperor's decree but simply targeting the Duke of Chengguo instead.
"His Majesty was pressured and deceived by the Duke of Chengguo to issue this command," the leader patiently explained. "That is precisely why we need to make the Duke hear the collective voice of the citizens and compel him to turn back."
Ning Yunzhao shook his head.
"The timing, however, is not suitable," he said patiently, his calm demeanor and gentle tone lending credence to his sincerity. "To praise or reward the Duke was the emperor's order. If such an incident unfolds now, what will the visiting princes think? What of the emperor waiting at the Imperial City Gate? The streets are filled with citizens eager to see the grand spectacle—not just of the Duke but also the emperor's splendor. If such a scene erupts, it's not just a slap to the Duke's face but a blow to the emperor's honor."
Indeed, on reflection, this made sense. Their plan was relying on the emperor's presence to provoke his anger and impose penalties on the Duke.
However, this would indeed damage the emperor's dignity. And if the emperor punishes the Duke, those involved in the disturbance might not escape unscathed either…
Low murmurs of discussion rippled through the room.
"The will of the people is paramount, and His Majesty wouldn't grow angry at that…." the leading man quickly interrupted with a raised hand, speaking in a loud voice.
Ning Yunzhao continued smoothly where the man left off.
"His Majesty cares for the people's will, and so should we," he said. "This is why I believe that while petitioning is certainly justifiable, a gentleman knows when to act and when to refrain. This matter isn't the emperor's mistake. It isn't right to embarrass him in such a way."
As he spoke, he stood and took a few steps toward the room's center.
In contrast to the older man, Ning Yunzhao's clear voice and poised demeanor immediately captured everyone's attention.
"We receive our salaries from the emperor and owe him our loyalty. We should choose a more appropriate time to address this issue. To put it bluntly, we mustn't ruin the emperor's moment of joy."
"With the peace talks concluded, the nation is stable, and the worries of war have finally lifted. It's a rare time of celebration for the entire country and a moment of happiness for the emperor. I hope everyone will consider this carefully."
With those words, Ning Yunzhao bowed to everyone in the room with cupped hands.
The murmurs grew louder now. Some faces showed hesitation, while others unconsciously nodded their heads.
The leading man watched this scene, seething internally.
Yes, Ning Yunzhao's reasoning was entirely correct, except for one point: the emperor wasn't afraid of losing face. The emperor didn't care about this spectacle. The emperor would much rather see his facade torn apart.
But that point couldn't be spoken aloud, as the emperor had put on this show too perfectly.
The man glared at Ning Yunzhao with vehemence.
Infuriating! Ning Yan, that upright and obstinate official who always clashed with the emperor—how could he have such an obsequious nephew?
This young man seemed determined to protect the emperor's public image at all times, wearing his loyalty on his sleeve.
Absolutely useless!
.
.
(I really don't know what to say… I just can't express it….)