vrcanaries Chapter 462 Sitting in a well and looking at the sky
Chapter 462 Sitting in a well and looking at the sky
Chapter 462: Sit in the Well and See the Sky
"In Mr. Changli's "Original Dao," there's a line: 'Sitting in a well and observing the sky, one says the sky is small, but it's not really that the sky is small.'"
Although Ce Ling understood the culture of the Central Plains, he had only read a small portion of the vast sea of ancient books. He did not understand An Lingrong's words and frowned as he asked, "What do you mean?"
"The frog at the bottom of the well thinks the sky he sees is the whole sky. But what's the truth? It's not that the sky is small, it's that his own vision is limited!"
Tsering's arrogant expression finally softened a little, his eyes gleaming with brilliance. "You're saying this Khan is a frog in a well?"
An Lingrong raised her eyes slightly, meeting his gaze with neither servility nor arrogance. With a charming smile, she said, "I think the Khan is new to the throne and doesn't yet understand our Qing generals. That's why he mistook Prince Guo's theoretical tactical skills for real skill. However, I can't blame you. Galdan's territory is small and sparsely populated, so the Khan's daily experience is limited, so it's understandable that his knowledge is somewhat limited."
She changed the subject, her tone suddenly firmer, her expression filled with pride. "If the Khan is determined to provoke this war, then that's fine. When we clash, you'll be able to personally experience the brilliance of a true Qing general. By then, the Khan will have a completely different opinion of Prince Guo."
These words were a mixture of ridicule and sarcasm, with a subtle threat thrown in. Not only did he accuse Tsering of being short-sighted, but he also compared him to Prince Guo and praised the Qing general's bravery. The implication was that if a war really broke out, Galdan would have no chance of winning.
How could Ce Ling not hear the deeper meaning behind this? His previously calm face was instantly etched with anger, his eyes as sharp as a knife as he stared at An Lingrong: "Empress Wenfei is so well-versed in poetry and literature, it's truly rare. With your intelligence, you don't look like a woman from the harem at all!"
An Lingrong remained calm upon hearing this, a faint smile plastered across her face, as if Tsering's anger had no effect on her at all. "Your Majesty, you are too kind. I am a simple-minded person, having only read a few articles occasionally, and have only a superficial understanding. If I have made any progress, it is entirely due to the Emperor's daily guidance and instruction."
Her answer was both humble and appropriate. She neither directly refuted Ce Ling nor attributed the credit to Yongzheng, without any flaws.
Ce Ling was momentarily speechless at her words, his fury raging with nowhere to vent. He could only snort coldly and say no more. If he debated with An Lingrong, it would seem he was too narrow-minded to argue with a mere woman.
Ever since Ce Ling entered the palace, Yongzheng had been feeling resentful towards the other party because of his arrogance and arrogance. Now, after hearing what An Lingrong said, the resentment in his heart seemed to have found an outlet and was released all at once.
He sat up slightly, a barely perceptible glint of joy flashed in his eyes. Although he still maintained the majesty of an emperor, his tightly furrowed brows had relaxed. He picked up the teacup and took a sip. The corners of his mouth hidden behind the teacup rose slightly.
This girl is eloquent and has a jumping mind. She is not even afraid of herself, the emperor, let alone this foreign Khan.
Yongzheng waved his hand and said gently: "Sit down."
Then he pointed to the wine jug on his table.
Su Peisheng understood, picked up the wine pot, walked to An Lingrong's table, and poured her a glass of wine.
In the second round, An Lingrong won.
An Lingrong finally breathed a sigh of relief, and while everyone was looking at Ce Ling's expression, she glared at Prince Guo fiercely.
Prince Guo felt a little guilty and lowered his head, not daring to look at her.
Tsering quickly subsided, he said, "Today is the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, a day for praying for wisdom and skill. This Khan has a wonderful item for everyone to admire. Many years ago, this Khan obtained a nine-linked jade ring. I heard that a jade miner from the Western Regions sacrificed his life to obtain this beautiful jade, and then spent a lot of effort to carve this ring. They say that the Central Plains is full of wise men. Could you please ask the Emperor of the Great Qing to help this Khan untie this nine-linked jade ring?"
The attendant behind him took out the Nine-Linked Jade Ring from his arms, and Xiao Xia Zi took it on a tray and held it in front of Yongzheng.
This nine-ring chain is composed of nine jade rings of different sizes that are linked together.
Without even glancing at it, Yongzheng waved his hand and said, "Bring it to the hall for all the ministers to examine. Whoever can solve it will have a generous reward."
Su Peisheng bowed in response, then shouted, "Sing and dance."
A group of singing girls dressed in light gauze walked into the hall with light steps, bringing a gust of fragrant wind. They held silk in their hands, with flexible waists, and danced gracefully to the melodious music.
Ce Ling picked up the wine glass, took a sip, and then enjoyed the singing and dancing with great interest.
There was song and dance one after another, but there was no sound outside the hall.
Shen Meizhuang sat at the banquet, feeling a little anxious. The song and dance she had arranged was almost over, and if no one came to the rescue, the audience would probably be in a state of embarrassment, leaving Ce Ling to watch the joke.
After the last song and dance ended, the music in the hall gradually died down, and the dancers bowed and stepped aside.
Shen Meizhuang prepared to play the piano herself.
At this moment, Su Peisheng hurried into the hall, sweating profusely, and bowed to report: "Your Majesty, no one can solve it."
Upon hearing this, Ce Ling sat up straight, raised his chin slightly, and a hint of contempt flashed in his eyes.
When Yongzheng heard this, his face turned slightly awkward. After a moment's hesitation, he waved his hand and said, "Let the princes have a look."
Xiao Xiazi hurriedly held the tray and walked in front of Prince Guo.
Prince Guo picked up the Nine-Linked Jade Ring and examined it carefully. His brows raised slightly. Just as he was about to speak, he suddenly remembered the look An Lingrong had given him. With a sudden thought, he placed the jade ring back on the tray and said calmly, "I don't know either."
A trace of disappointment flashed across Yongzheng's eyes, and he looked at Zhen Huan again: "Royal Concubine, do you have a solution?"
Zhen Huan took the jade ring, looked at it carefully, and shook her head gently: "I am incompetent and cannot unlock this thing."
Seeing that even the two smartest people couldn't solve it, Yongzheng's face completely fell.
The followers behind Ce Ling sneered unabashedly, "So the Qing dynasty is full of wise men. It's just a misunderstanding!"
Ce Ling did not stop the rude words, but instead showed a smug smile.
The atmosphere in the hall was solemn for a moment. Everyone looked at each other in confusion. No one dared to try again. And Yongzheng, who was at the head of the group, had a sullen face and a burning expression.
At this moment, the Sixth Prince, who had been standing next to Shen Meiyu, moved his eyes and looked secretly at An Lingrong.
An Lingrong nodded almost imperceptibly.
The Sixth Prince Hongxu stood up and walked to the center of the hall. He bowed respectfully to Yongzheng and said, "Father, I want to give it a try."
(When the Sixth Prince was born, I wrote his name as Hongyu. A book friend told me that the eldest son of Emperor Kangxi, Prince Yinzhi, was named Hongyu, so I changed the Sixth Prince's name to Hongxu.)
Yongzheng frowned slightly: "All the ministers and princes in the palace are at a loss as to how to solve it. How can a child like you solve it?"
Hongxu said calmly, "I am still young, and even if I can't solve it, I won't be laughed at. I am willing to give it a try."
Yongzheng pondered for a moment and looked in the direction of Shen Meizhuang.
Shen Meizhuang did not stop him, but just looked at him with a smile.
Yongzheng nodded and said, "Okay, go and try it!"
Xiao Xiazi hurriedly half-knelt on the ground holding the tray. Hongxu stepped forward, picked up the Nine-Link Jade Ring, looked at it carefully, and then moved his hands flexibly.
Everyone in the hall focused their attention on his hands, holding their breath, afraid of missing any details.