In former times, there were still entanglements of interest between the sovereign and his minister, but now with Cai Jing about to depart, the absence of vested interests made the relationship between the two take on a subtle new dimension.
Looking at the familiar scenery before him, even Emperor Zhao Ji felt a complexity of emotions.
Given that he was in the emperor's presence, even though Cai You might have harbored numerous grievances against his father, at this moment, he could only play the role of a dutiful son.
After receiving the emperor's warning, Wang Fu stood behind Zhao Ji like a block of wood.
Everyone else had become mere supporting characters. Only the sovereign and his minister conversed, discussing everything from the south to the north.
From the techniques of bird breeding to the methods of planting flowers and trees, in their leisurely chat, the two even felt as if they had returned to the past.
"Yuan Chang, after you return, you must still write to me from time to time. Without you in Bianliang City, I feel an emptiness in my heart!"
At lunchtime, Zhao Ji casually instructed Cai Jing as he ate.
"Your Majesty..."
Cai Jing's eyes reddened again, and his nose stung. Tears began to stream down his face.
Neither of them truly understood. While the Great Song Dynasty was vast, it was also not so small. Cai Jing was already of such an advanced age. This departure might very well be a separation of life and death.
"Alright, alright. I know the hardships you've endured over these years. I have failed you..."
Looking at the white-haired and stooped Cai Jing, Zhao Ji felt an inexplicable twinge of guilt.
Perhaps half of the notoriety Cai Jing bore was for him, and another small portion was for carrying out his duties.
At this point, his dismissal had truly caught Cai Jing off guard.
"Your Majesty!"
Upon hearing these words, all of Cai Jing's pent-up grievances erupted.
His previous unwillingness to yield transformed into tears.
He stood up abruptly, knelt down with a thud, and began to weep uncontrollably once more.
"What are you doing? We have been sovereign and minister for so many years. There's no need for this, truly no need..."
As he spoke, Zhao Ji subtly reached up to wipe the tears from the corners of his eyes.
"Esteemed Elder Yuan, acting this way will only make His Majesty feel distressed. If you still have any unresolved issues, why not speak to His Majesty directly?"
After witnessing the prolonged performance between Cai Jing and the emperor, the charade of harmonious sovereign and minister, Wang Fu's mouth twitched incessantly from the side.
Seeing the drama escalating beyond reason, Wang Fu finally stepped forward and said.
"Indeed, Yuan Chang, if you have any lingering concerns, do tell me directly! You have toiled for so many years, and I will not treat you unfairly! If you were to speak of them after returning home, the vast distance might cause trouble for the messengers!"
Hearing the emperor's words, Cai Jing felt a wave of melancholy.
The emperor spoke lightly, but his meaning was clear.
He was being asked to state any remaining conditions, after which he was expected to remain silent upon returning home.
"Everything that this old subject possesses now has been bestowed by Your Majesty. Without Your Majesty, this old subject would merely be an old man in a desolate village. Nowadays, even my descendants have achieved official titles. What more could this old subject ask for..."
After all, as a national prime minister, he had seen grand affairs, and his art of speech had naturally reached its pinnacle.
Wise men speak with implicit understanding. His words were not only for the emperor but also for Wang Fu.
These sons of his could not be touched; this was his bottom line. If Wang Fu crossed this line, he would face Cai Jing's desperate counterattack.
"Wail—wail—wail—"
As soon as Cai Jing finished speaking, Wang Fu began to sob.
Zhao Ji's mouth twitched. He couldn't fathom what this old man was playing at.
"Ming, what are you doing? Why are you crying?"
Zhao Ji coughed and asked.
"I am truly sorry, Your Majesty. Seeing Elder Yuan in such a state, my heart is reminded of my own elderly father!"
"If Duke Wang misses his elder so much, why not return home to fulfill his filial duties?"
Seeing this fellow becoming increasingly absurd, Cai You said with a cold smile.
Hearing his words, even Cai Jing, standing beside him, almost couldn't help but laugh.
"Cough—Issue an imperial decree!"
Sensing the awkward atmosphere, Zhao Ji coughed and instructed the young eunuch beside him.
Upon hearing this, the young eunuch hurried away, inviting the two imperial attendants who were serving outside.
"Prime Minister Cai has rendered distinguished service with great effort, but due to advanced age, he has repeatedly requested retirement. I reluctantly grant his request. I hereby decree that the eight sons and thirteen grandsons of the Cai family shall each have their honorary official rank elevated by one level, as a reward for Prime Minister Cai's merits!"
"This old subject thanks Your Majesty!"
At this juncture, Cai Jing naturally would not refuse any further.
After all, this was an expression of the emperor's favor. Although it was merely an elevation of everyone's honorary rank by one level, it was the emperor's subtle way of telling Cai Jing to return home and retire peacefully, assuring him that his descendants would be well cared for.
If Cai Jing were to refuse at this point, things would likely become problematic.
Wang Fu, whose scheme had failed, could only stand aside with an awkward expression.
His gaze towards Cai You now held a hint of venom.
Upon witnessing all this, Cai Jing simply smiled faintly and said nothing.
"Alright, Yuan Chang. Your descendants have their own fortunes. Your sons are all pillars of the court, and I intend to make great use of them in the future. I should be thanking you!"
Even Zhao Ji had not expected Wang Fu to engage in such theatrics at this occasion.
However, he was quite pleased with the minor conflict between him and Cai You.
If the two of them were to get along harmoniously, the subsequent matters would truly be troublesome.
A ruler naturally valued balance above all else. The principle of balance was almost ingrained in the very bones of every Zhao emperor.
Even a dissolute ruler like Zhao Ji was extremely adept at playing the game of balance.
On the imperial court, although it appeared that Cai Jing held sway alone, in reality, among the three factions of Liang Shicheng, Prince Yun, and the Crown Prince, any two of them with even a modicum of understanding could immediately counter Cai Jing.
This approach allowed them to utilize Cai Jing's influence to ensure the smooth functioning of state affairs while simultaneously preventing his power from expanding further.
Just as it was now, when Liang Shicheng, the Crown Prince, and Prince Yun all desired Cai Jing's resignation, Cai Jing had no choice but to leave!
Of course, after Cai Jing's departure, his influence would naturally be divided. A portion would go to Cai You, and another portion to the remaining sons of the Cai family.
But that was a story for another time...