Springtime Farming: A Happy Wife At Home

Chapter 2391: Minister’s Devotion

Shao Yunduan held deep respect for Minister Old Yun, viewing him as a guiding light in his life. Regardless of what the old man did, Shao Yunduan always regarded him as a mentor.

Despite this, the fact that the late Crown Prince had been Minister Old Yun’s favored disciple made Shao Yunduan feel somewhat uneasy about stepping into his role. He was aware of the difficult position he was in, but he couldn’t change his course now.

Xie Jingrong seemed to sense Shao Yunduan’s inner turmoil and clarified, “The Old Minister has recently devoted himself to Buddhism. He shaved his head before the Buddha a month ago and has since withdrawn from worldly affairs.”

Shao Yunduan was taken aback. “Is that true—”

Xie Jingrong’s words seemed to imply that Minister Old Yun had deliberately distanced himself from worldly matters. It appeared that the Old Minister might have chosen to become a monk to avoid involvement in political struggles or potential conflicts between the two “emperors.”

Indeed, if the prince sent a request to the Old Minister, the Old Minister would likely be compelled to comply. This could lead to a very awkward situation if the Old Minister made demands or requests of Shao Yunduan.

Shao Yunduan was acutely aware of the Old Minister’s deep affection for the Crown Prince, and he hadn’t anticipated that the old man would be so resolute in his decision.

“Did something happen to the Old Minister in the northwest?” he asked.

Xie Jingrong smiled, acknowledging Shao Yunduan’s perceptiveness. “You’re quite astute…”

This issue had its roots with the Fourth Prince. After losing significant territory in two major pincer attacks, the Fourth Prince was infuriated. Someone suggested that since Minister Old Yun was known to be in the northwest, they could send an invitation to bring him back to the capital. This move could also help win over the Northwest Army.

Though Minister Old Yun and Shao Yunduan were not formally master and disciple, their relationship was close enough that if Minister Old Yun intervened, Shao Yunduan would be pressured to comply. Even if he didn’t fully yield, he would likely have to show some deference and restraint.

Fame was crucial for both the Fourth Prince and Shao Yunduan, as it meant winning the hearts of the people.

The Fourth Prince’s eyes sparkled with excitement upon hearing that Minister Old Yun was indeed in the northwest. This was excellent news!

Confident that the Northwest Army, as part of Great Qin’s forces, would support him, the Fourth Prince believed that they would at least consider his request. His next move was to send a trusted aide to the northwest to invite Minister Old Yun to the capital.

The Fourth Prince’s delegation was further delighted to discover that Xie Jingrong was also in the northwest and extended an invitation for him to accompany them to the capital.

However, both Xie Jingrong and Minister Old Yun declined the invitation. While Minister Old Yun remained loyal to Great Qin, his loyalty was to the Great Qin of the former Emperor and the previous Crown Prince.

However, the unexpected deaths of the late Emperor and the late Crown Prince were deeply shocking. When Minister Old Yun first received the news, he was so overwhelmed that he nearly fainted. He then fell gravely ill and took two to three months to recover.

Both the Emperor’s and Crown Prince’s deaths were undoubtedly linked to the competing princes. Over the years, these princes had been consumed with their power struggles and personal gain, showing little regard for the Great Qin Empire or its people. Even when the Northwest Army requested food and supplies, the princes often found excuses to deny them.