Read Novel Full Chapter 957 - 66: Prince Han Is Very Clean
Chapter 957: Chapter 66: Prince Han Is Very Clean
The death anniversary of the late Empress Dowager is after the Dragon Boat Festival. However, compared to the Dragon Boat Festival, Prince Dai and the other princes and ministers care more about the late Empress Dowager’s death anniversary.
The Emperor is filial and pays great attention to the death anniversaries of the late Emperor and Empress Dowager.
In the past, on the late Empress Dowager’s death anniversary, the princes and ministers would not overly display their homage before the Emperor. But this year, it is different for Prince Dai; they cannot approach it as they did in previous years.
This year, on the Empress Dowager’s death anniversary, Prince Dai and the others intend to spare no effort to win the Emperor’s favor. If they can please the Emperor at the Empress Dowager’s death anniversary, his status will surpass that of the four princes.
Marquis Xuanping sees the late Empress Dowager’s death anniversary this year as an opportunity to outshine Prince Chu and others; he must make the Emperor happy.
At this moment, Marquis Xuanping and the ministers supporting Prince Dai, along with several strategists, are discussing with Prince Dai how to please the Emperor.
Prince Dai and the former Crown Prince were luckier than Prince Chu because during their childhood, the late Empress Dowager was alive, and they all enjoyed her favor. Even if not to please the Emperor, Prince Dai wishes to express his filial piety at the Empress Dowager’s death anniversary.
In the past, on the Empress Dowager’s death anniversary, the Emperor only asked his sons to transcribe Buddhist scriptures for their grandmother and did not have them do other things. This year will surely be the same, but Prince Dai and the others want to display their filial piety in additional ways.
"Why not offer the things the late Empress Dowager liked?"
"What did the late Empress Dowager like in her life?"
"It can’t be extravagant things; I remember the late Empress Dowager was very frugal in her life."
"The late Empress Dowager liked worshipping Buddha; why not offer Shariputra?"
"That’s a good suggestion, offering Shariputra before the late Empress Dowager’s spirit; I’m sure the Emperor will be pleased."
"It’s not easy to find Shariputra."
"Great Zhou is vast; we can certainly find it."
So, Prince Dai and the others decided to offer the Shariputra of a certain master at the Empress Dowager’s death anniversary.
In Prince Chu Mansion, Yang Ling was also asking about this matter.
Prince Chu said, "Transcribing Buddhist scriptures is enough, do not do anything additional."
Yang Ling guessed that Prince Chu would say this, "Your Highness, Prince Dai and the others intend to win the Emperor’s favor at the Empress Dowager’s death anniversary this time; they will offer other things. Are you not going to offer anything else either?"
Prince Chu spoke in a calm tone, "I won’t."
Yang Ling advised, "The late Empress Dowager worshipped Buddha during her life, just offer some items related to Buddha, I believe the Emperor won’t be displeased."
Prince Chu glanced at Yang Ling and spoke earnestly, "For the Imperial Grandmother, the health and well-being of her descendants are more important than anything."
"Though that’s the case..."
Prince Chu interrupted Yang Ling, "Sir, transcribing Buddhist scriptures is enough, do not do anything more."
Seeing Prince Chu’s determination, Yang Ling had little to add.
Aside from Prince Chu, not intending to prepare other items, the other princes decided to offer items related to Buddha at the Empress Dowager’s death anniversary.
Far in Lingnan, Zhao Yao was also being inquired by He Lianfang about the same matter.
"Ah, isn’t transcribing Buddhist scriptures every year sufficient? Why offer other things?" Zhao Yao planned to bathe and fast in a couple of days and then concentrate on transcribing Buddhist scriptures.
He Lianfang said, "All the princes in the capital intend to offer other things, if you don’t, won’t it appear unfilial?"
"Father used to say that as long as we transcribe Buddhist scriptures, there’s no need for anything extra. Why is this year different?"
He Lianfang retorted, "What do you think?"
Zhao Yao quickly caught on and immediately pursed his lips, responding irritably, "They want to show off in front of Father."
"That’s right, the atmosphere this year is unlike the past; the princes in the capital can’t sit still, and they will try every means to display in front of the Emperor. The Empress Dowager’s death anniversary is an excellent opportunity."
Zhao Yao expressed disdain, "They want to put on a good show, but what does that have to do with me? Besides, Father isn’t a fool; what’s the use of their flamboyant actions."
"Letting the world see their filial piety is useful." He Lianfang, seeing Zhao Yao’s reluctance, kindly reminded him, "If you do nothing, the ministers in the court may report you for lacking filial piety."
Zhao Yao didn’t care about his reputation, whether he had a filial reputation wasn’t significant to him, but he couldn’t implicate Lady Liang. If he was accused of lacking filial piety, it would be said Lady Liang hadn’t taught him well. Reporting him was tolerable, but not Lady Liang.
"Alright then, I’ll offer something too."
"What do you plan to offer?"
Zhao Yao pinched his chin, thought seriously for a moment, and said, "Mother said when Grandma was alive, she was very frugal, didn’t like ostentation or lavishness, nor gold and silver jewelry. On regular days, her favorite thing was worshipping Buddha because during the days Father and Grandfather were founding the kingdom, they killed many people and committed many slaughters. Also, Father and Grandfather often went out to fight battles, and Grandma worried about their safety, praying for them at home every day."