Emperor Changwu was not seriously ill, his ailment was merely a weak constitution, susceptible to fatigue and emotional distress. The best course of action was to allow him to live as a leisurely wealthy gentleman, perhaps sipping tea and fishing occasionally.
Emperor Changwu heartily agreed with this diagnosis, nodding. "It seems the imperial retreat is indeed suitable for me. Little Fuzi, instruct the Imperial Observatory to choose an auspicious day for travel."
Situ Yan became anxious. "Father, you've been back for less than two months! If you leave, what will happen to the Yellow River disaster relief efforts?"
"I've already considered this for you. You will depart for disaster relief tomorrow."
"I'm going?" Situ Yan was stunned. What did Father Emperor mean by this?
Emperor Changwu winked at Li Furui, who then led Ji Jin and a retinue of eunuchs and maids out of the room.
"Little Seven, your second brother is stubborn and will not learn until he hits a wall. Let him hit it then. If you remain in the capital, he will have no opportunity to stir up trouble."
"Aren't you being rather unfeeling as a father by digging such a pit for him?"
"Where is there so much fatherly love and filial piety in the imperial family?" Emperor Changwu playfully hit him with a pillow. This little rascal, enjoying the benefits while complaining.
Situ Yan said, "Aren't you afraid your second son will hate you?"
Emperor Changwu sighed. "He already hates me."
Seeing his father's dejected expression, Situ Yan felt a pang of sympathy. "Don't think about it. Ajin said you should avoid excessive worry, as it's bad for your health."
"Mm, after dealing with your second brother's matters, I will retire to the imperial retreat to enjoy my old age."
"It is my son's fault for causing you so much worry."
"You were lost to us from a young age. I only found you after you had already married and had a child. It is only right that I worry about you."
Situ Yan's eyes turned red. People like him were most vulnerable to gentleness. He clasped Emperor Changwu's hand. "Father, you should depart for the imperial retreat tomorrow. Please do not concern yourself with my matters and my second brother's. It is a matter of victory and defeat, each relying on their own abilities. If I lose, I can only blame myself for lacking the fate."
In earlier years, if the Crown Prince had simply remained steady and made no mistakes, upon Emperor Changwu's departure, he would have been the undisputed emperor.
But now, with the reins of state affairs in his own hands, he, the Crown Prince, was merely a figurehead, already as anxious as an ant on a hot pan. Once an opportunity arose, he would undoubtedly cause trouble. His departure from the capital for disaster relief was his best chance.
Without even needing to rebel, he could eliminate his Father Emperor and smoothly ascend the throne.
Situ Yan understood clearly that this was precisely the effect Emperor Changwu desired.
Emperor Changwu smiled. "Little Seven, both the palm and the back of the hand are flesh. Your second brother is also someone I watched grow up. No matter how disobedient he is, I still wish for him to grow old in peace. Only through my intervention can he gracefully cede the position of Crown Prince. If I allow you two to fight, it will inevitably be a fight to the death, and the repercussions will only be greater. I cannot bear to lose another son, nor can the court withstand the strife you two would cause."
"Then I will not contend. Grant me a piece of land, and I will bring my wife and son to care for you in your old age."
"Ultimately, if your second brother can bear the burden of the empire, why should I trouble myself with these matters? Go back, prepare your luggage, and depart quickly. The people of the Yellow River are waiting for you."
Everything that needed to be said, Emperor Changwu had already conveyed to him. Situ Yan could think of no better solution, so he could only entrust Ji Jin with the responsibility of taking good care of his father. Fortunately, Lu Nianfu had played the role of a matchmaker quite successfully today, and Ji Jin, in good spirits, readily agreed.
The separation came unexpectedly, leaving Lu Nianfu completely bewildered. Situ Yan kissed her forehead. "I still need to find Changdong. I'll have to leave the matter of luggage to you."
Lu Nianfu nodded vigorously, watching him hurry out of the residence to make arrangements for the disaster relief.
When Yao'er came running over excitedly, his father was nowhere to be seen.
Soon, the imperial decree was issued.
Emperor Changwu not only dispatched Prince Rui to assist with disaster relief but also appointed the Crown Prince to oversee the imperial court.
The ministers were increasingly perplexed by Emperor Changwu's intentions, merely sighing that the emperor's mind was unfathomable. Not long ago, he had favored Prince Rui, seeming to indicate he would hand over the empire to him. Yet, at this critical juncture, he sent him away for disaster relief. They wondered when he had changed his mind. Was he now deciding to give the throne back to the Crown Prince?
Alas, the emperor's mind was truly inscrutable.
On the surface, Emperor Changwu's favoritism was beyond anyone's comprehension.
But in secret, he was truly partial to his younger son. Before the Ministry of Revenue had even finalized the amount of relief funds, he had already opened his private treasury and given Situ Yan ten thousand taels of silver notes.
Lu Nianfu had no time to dwell on the sorrow of marital separation. Instead, she expedited the dispatch of people to various regions to purchase grain. It was summer, and as long as the ground was dry and sheltered from rain, it would suffice. However, grain was absolutely essential. This flood had submerged countless fertile fields, and this autumn would undoubtedly yield no harvest.