"Li Qinghe has already caused enough trouble. Let's hope Tie Xinxiu doesn't cause any more!"
That was what several of the older, steadier elders were thinking.
Some privately blamed Fan Liren. He had clearly known something, yet had failed to act decisively. Since he had already chosen Tang Changsheng's side, how could he have let Tie Xinxiu escape?
Fan Liren looked even more embarrassed. With a rueful smile, he said, "I knew a little about the Jade Kun Sect's affairs, but Tie Xinxiu and I have been friends for decades. I..."
Everyone sighed at that, but also felt somewhat reassured.
The Crown Prince was soft-hearted and valued old ties. That did the affairs of state no good. But for those close to him, who wouldn't want the man they followed to be someone who wouldn't turn cold and ruthless at the drop of a hat?
Even Tang Changsheng found it hard to blame Fan Liren. For one thing, Fan was his future father-in-law. For another, he felt much the same as Elder Yuan and the others...
A mighty ruler who dominated all before him and made ruthless decisions cut an imposing figure. But life under such a ruler was no easy thing.
Even Fang Xuanling, that model of a virtuous minister beside Li Shimin, the model of an enlightened ruler, had told his family in private that after knowing Li Shimin for decades, he still lost all color and trembled with fear whenever he saw Li Shimin lose his temper.
Great Chu was no longer in the age when monarchs ruled and held all power in their own hands...
"No wonder the emperors who followed every dynasty's mighty rulers were mild men content to preserve what they had... Only the officials of the Manchu Qing had rotten luck. After Yongzheng,