A heavy rain poured down, and none were happier than the common people, yet some wept out loud in anguish. If only the rain had come sooner, perhaps they wouldn’t have had to endure the scattering of their families.
It was raining, and as long as it continued for a few days without resulting in a flood, the drought could be resolved. Such thoughts were mostly harbored by the commoners, rejoicing in the rain, while those in high positions thought otherwise.
In a vermilion mansion, a man clad in a blue gown stood under the corridor, watching the curtain of rain falling from the eaves and heaved a sigh.
"Master, your wound has just healed, and the doctor said you still need to recuperate. This rain is heavy; be careful not to let the damp chill seep in." Yuan Ye, with a thin embroidered cloak of dark green with golden eagles spread out in his hand, flicked it to unfold, wanting to drape it over his master.
Ah Jiu raised his hand and said, "I’ve sustained only internal injuries; I’m not as feeble as you claim. Why do I need a cloak in this hot weather? Take it away."
Yuan Ye, having no other option, draped the cloak back over his arm and stood by.
Ah Jiu extended his hand to catch the rainwater falling from the eaves, feeling the sensation of raindrops bouncing off the palm of his hand, and his lips twitched slightly.
"The fate of Nanyue is still intact."
Had this rain not come, the drought would have persisted, likely resulting in more deaths, as well as an increase in refugees and rebellious armies, but now it was raining.
Yuan Ye glanced at him and said, "Master, a single rainstorm won’t change anything."
Ah Jiu shook his head and replied, "Heaven’s will cannot be defied. The Emperor Star of Nanyue still shines brightly; it won’t decline for another decade or so."
"In the Northwest, they have already started relief efforts, and Shao Zhendong is leading troops to suppress the rebels. With Shao Zhendong there, the Northwest won’t fall into chaos." Ah Jiu continued: "As for the imperial court, although Emperor Song does not handle practical matters, he is fortunate to have a benevolent and good Crown Prince."
Crown Prince Song Chengming of Nanyue, a man of virtue and ability, also had the demeanor of a sovereign. With him around, Nanyue wouldn’t face any major problems for the time being.
Yuan Ye scoffed: "Master, even though Crown Prince Song has the demeanor of a king, he still can’t withstand his brothers who are like wolves and tigers. It is said that a single tree does not make a forest, and Crown Prince Song is barely able to maintain control of the situation. If the foundation below him crumbles, it’s still uncertain whether he can ascend to the throne."
Ah Jiu withdrew his hand and nodded.
The Imperial Family of Nanyue was boisterous enough; besides the Crown Prince, the princes and grandsons were all eager to act. With so much discord, even the most talented person would struggle if his subordinates kept tripping him up.
"You’re right, the most difficult part for Crown Prince Song is having Empress Fan around. Even if genuine affection exists for the legitimate son, I fear it’s hard to compete with the whisperings beside the pillow," said Ah Jiu with a faint smile.
Empress Fan was a favored consort who later became empress. Now over thirty, she still maintained her youth like a maiden and was dearly loved by the Emperor. Her Tenth Prince was also intelligent and commendable. Even if Empress Fan and the Tenth Prince had no intentions, it would depend on whether the Fan Family agreed or not.
"So, Master, you shouldn’t think too much about it. Nanyue’s decaying opulence is spreading, and sooner or later it will decline."
"I know, I’m just lamenting," Ah Jiu said indifferently. "The founding Empress of Nanyue was such a wise and intelligent woman. Seeing her descendants , I wonder if she would feel so angered she’d burst out of her tomb."
That was a statement better left unanswered.
"Anyway, it’s good that the commoners suffer less from disasters," Ah Jiu said, looking into the puddles forming in the courtyard.
"Master is compassionate."
Upon hearing these words from Yuan Ye, Ah Jiu’s lips curled up coldly. There was nothing compassionate or uncompassionate about it; having an inept ruler was just the misfortune of the common people.
"How’s the investigation into that girl’s matter going?" Ah Jiu changed the subject and asked.