allonlinenovel Chapter 1092 This is called giving someone a handle to use against you.
Chapter 1092 This is called giving someone a handle to use against you.
The Emperor's gaze once again fixed on Takasaki Motonori, and he said, word by word, "This is called giving someone a handle to use against you!"
This gives people something to criticize!
This is blatantly damaging the royal family's reputation and undermining His Majesty's authority over a few boxes of inanimate objects!
He shook his head slightly, his tone softening but becoming even more somber: "Yuan De, Tuo Ren is still young and too impetuous."
They only know how to charge recklessly and seize immediate benefits, but they don't understand the weight of the words "legitimate" or "justified," and they don't understand that there are certain boundaries that must never be crossed, not even tested.
He is currently at the height of his power; some in the military admire him, and some in the royal family see him as a sharp weapon that can be used.
But once the rules are broken and the boundaries are crossed, this knife may hurt itself or embarrass the person wielding it.
do you understand? "
Takasaki Motonori's forehead was slightly sweaty, not from heat, but from some invisible pressure. He bowed his head heavily: "Your Majesty... I understand. It is my fault for failing to properly educate my son, allowing him to act recklessly and offend Your Majesty's divine authority. I am guilty."
"I am not asking you to apologize." The Emperor waved his hand, his tone softening and even becoming somewhat persuasive: "I am teaching you. My position makes it inconvenient for me to say these things directly to Takuto. I want to teach him through you."
Tell him what he can and cannot do in this empire, what can be done secretly, and what must be done openly. Rules are very important.
He sat up straight again, placed his hands on his knees, and made the final decision, offering a way out and a solution that could not be refused.
“Yuande, go back and tell Tuoren that I don’t necessarily need that batch of things.”
Young people have a fondness for rare and exotic treasures, and they get itchy when they see something good, wanting to possess it. I can understand that; it's not some heinous crime.
He looked at Takasaki Motonori's suddenly raised eyes, filled with surprise and expectation, and slowly said the following words: "Here's what you'll do. Now, tell him to find a way to return the items intact and quietly hand them over to the Ministry of the Imperial Household."
"As long as the goods are returned, I will pretend this never happened."
The Emperor's voice was not loud, but it carried a metallic quality, echoing in the tranquil tea room:
"On the day of his wedding to Yuko, after the ceremony, I will return these items to Takasaki Takuto in their original condition, and even have the Imperial Household Department add the most formal royal seal and congratulatory letter as part of Yuko's 'dowry,' in a grand and legitimate manner!"
At that time, the items will still be his, but their origin will be clear and innocent, and they will be a reward he deserves as my son-in-law!
No one can gossip about this anymore or make a fuss about it. Wouldn't that be the best of both worlds?
These words were a masterful blend of carrot and stick. They solemnly declared the boundaries and inviolability of imperial power, issuing a stern warning, while also offering a respectable, even generous, solution that preserved the dignity of all parties, especially giving Takasaki Takuto a huge incentive and a legitimate future ownership right.
The Emperor's meaning is crystal clear: ownership of something can be negotiated, and it may even be granted to you in the end, but "royal authority" and "procedural correctness" cannot be challenged.
Taking it secretly now is an overstepping of authority and a slap in the face to the royal family.
It was a blessing and an honor to have it returned to me as part of my dowry at my wedding.
They are completely different in nature and have entirely different political significance.
Takasaki Motonori immediately understood the full meaning behind the Emperor's words.
This was not merely a simple matter of reclaiming property; it was a profound political correction, a lesson from the Emperor to Takasaki Takuto, and a reminder to the entire Takasaki family.
The power and indulgence you possess have limits.
This boundary represents the Emperor's will and the authority of the Imperial Family. Within this boundary, I can tolerate your misbehavior and even cover for you in exchange for your loyalty and ability.
But attempts to challenge, ignore, or even trample on this boundary will have drastically different consequences.
This was also a small warning to the Takasaki family and the nobles after the Emperor cooperated with the nobles to suppress the military and fully supported Takasaki Takuto... a caution against becoming complacent.
Once he understood this, the gloom on Takasaki Motonori's face vanished instantly, replaced by an exaggerated expression that combined tears of gratitude, sudden realization, and a great sense of relief.
He slapped his thigh hard, making a loud "smack" that nearly knocked over the teacup on the table.
"Your Majesty is wise! Your Majesty is magnanimous! Your subject... Your subject, on behalf of your unworthy son, kowtows to thank Your Majesty for your boundless grace!"
He made a grand gesture of worship, as if to topple mountains of gold and jade pillars, but was stopped by a slightly disdainful look from the Emperor.
"Your Majesty's method is simply perfect in every way, no, perfect in every way, perfect in every way! It preserves the dignity and prestige of the royal family, satisfies that brat's ridiculous hobby, and... it also gives this old minister and my son a huge way out and a great favor!"
Your Majesty's thoughtfulness is deeply appreciated and I am eternally grateful!
His words came out like a machine gun, full of street-smart enthusiasm and rough flattery: "Your Majesty, rest assured! I will write a letter as soon as I get back. No, writing a letter is too slow!"
I will personally go to China, taking a warship to Tianjin! I will grab that little brat by the ear and force every single word of His Majesty's decree into his brain!
Make him spit out everything he swallowed, with interest, no, make him vomit it all back to His Majesty intact!
If he dares to even frown, dares to utter a single word of dissent, Your Majesty need not lift a finger, this old minister will break his legs first and personally escort him before Your Majesty to beg for forgiveness!
Watching his exaggerated performance, spittle flying and pointing to the sky, the Emperor and the ever-silent Fumio couldn't help but reveal a faint smile.
The Emperor even laughed and cursed aloud:
"Alright, alright, sit down properly! Stop putting on this show of filial piety and upholding justice in front of me!"
You dare to lay a finger on your son?
"If you dare, go home and say it again in front of your father... and see if he'll give you a good spanking... Hahahaha."
Despite the playful banter, his tone had completely softened: "It's important to get the goods back. You don't need to go to Tianjin in person; just send a telegram. Tuo Ren is quite sensible."
Nearing the end? My lips twitched... "Sensible..." That word, no matter what, couldn't possibly be applied to Takasaki Takuto...
"Understood! Understood! Your Majesty, I will obey your decree!" Takasaki Motonori nodded hastily, his face full of smiles, but deep within those smiles, a glimmer of relief flashed by.
The iron kettle on the tea stove emitted a slight hum, the water was about to boil but not yet.
A dispute over royal treasures was resolved through a seemingly lighthearted but actually witty conversation, which was subtly deflected by the Emperor's skillful political maneuvering.