Capítulo 1305: Chapter 1300: Solemn
Failing to alleviate His Majesty’s burdens is one thing, but causing trouble for him is a dereliction of duty as the Clan Leader. He cannot escape responsibility.
Upon hearing Wei Zhong invite him in, Bai Qihe quickly stood up, lifted the hem of his robe, and stepped into the grand hall, respectfully bowing deeply to Bai Qingyan.
Then, Bai Qihe proactively confessed, “Initially, when His Majesty returned to the palace yesterday, I should have co to apologize. However, I thought His Majesty would be tired after just returning, so I didn’t disturb him and delayed until today. I heard that earlier at the royal court, Imperial Censor Sima already brought up Bai Qingshi and Bai Qingfan. It was my failure in managing the clan, causing His Majesty to be troubled. I implore His Majesty for punishnt.”
Chun Zhi and Chun Tao brought refreshnts and hot tea, serving Bai Qingyan and Bai Qihe.
Bai Qingyan smiled and said, “Clan Leader, please rise! You are the leader of the Bai Clan, but you are only one person with limited energy and cannot watch over them every day…
“Your Majesty! Actually… regarding Bai Qingshi, I noticed sothing, but… I was careless!” Bai Qihe closed his eyes briefly, honestly confessing to Bai Qingyan, “After Bai Qingshi was sentenced to exile, his grandfather ca to plead with , asking to help on the grounds of being kin. He didn’t dare ask for a pardon, just for to help maneuver in the Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Revenue. They wanted to switch a prisoner with Bai Qingshi and give him a new identity to stay in the capital. I told Bai Qingshi’s grandfather that the Zhou Kingdom is ruled by law, and since Bai Qingshi violated the law, nothing could be done… Bai Qingshi’s grandfather was infuriated and imdiately claid that Bai Qingfan was able to accomplish things, yet I, as Clan Leader, couldn’t make it happen. Clearly, I just didn’t want to help!”
Bai Qihe was deeply troubled, “I rely found it odd at the ti but didn’t think much of it. After checking, I found Bai Qingfan hadn’t violated Zhou laws, so I didn’t give it further thought. Who would have thought… who would have thought…”
“Rise!” Bai Qingyan spoke, “Sit down, have so hot tea and refreshnts. I haven’t had breakfast after the morning court session, so let us eat and talk.”
Upon hearing this, Bai Qihe quickly accepted and rose, kneeling at the small table Wei Zhong had brought.
In reality, Bai Qingyan knew Bai Qihe genuinely tried his best; after all, Bai Qihe was rely a Clan Leader without Hidden Guards to monitor the clan mbers constantly.
Moreover, under Bai Qihe’s leadership and managent, the Bai Clan has gradually gotten on the right track, with clan mbers starting to engage in legitimate activities. Although the Bai Clan mbers might not necessarily be able to assist Bai Qingyan, a significant number have at least started to make efforts!
For example, in this imperial examination, many young mbers of the Bai Clan appeared on the hall test list, and many sons of the Bai Clan also went to join the military, all of which Bai Qingyan was aware of.
Without Bai Qihe, the clansn might have still relied on their royal connections to enjoy unwarranted privileges.
Every clan has a few bad apples, especially the Bai Clan, which was accustod to running rampant in Shuoyang.
For Bai Qihe, as Clan Leader, to have rectified the situation to this extent in such a short ti since Bai Qingyan ascended the throne was beyond Bai Qingyan’s expectations.
“You’ve managed the clan very well, much better than I anticipated!” Bai Qingyan remarked, sipping tea slowly, “The Bai Clan’s problems have persisted for a long ti. Managing to change things so quickly under your leadership shows I placed my trust in the right person!”
“Your Majesty’s words make Bai Qihe truly ashad!” Bai Qihe bowed to Bai Qingyan in gratitude, recalling Bai Qingyan’s stern expectation for him to beco a good Clan Leader. He felt a bit disoriented… uncertain if this was because he was too incompetent back then or because Bai Qingyan, now a mother, had beco milder in disposition.
Reflecting, Bai Qihe concluded it must be the forr; Bai Qingyan is a decisive person who would never let emotions dictate her words or actions, sothing Bai Qihe had learned firsthand.
“Let’s set a standard: it’s the end of April now, and the Censorate caught two erring Bai Clan mbers. By the end of the year… our Bai Clan must absolutely prevent any more errors! Next year… the number must decrease to at most one clan mber committing errors annually, and then in the following year…” Bai Qingyan used silver chopsticks to pick up a pastry, gazing at Bai Qihe, “As a Clan Leader for these many years now, you’ve had your chances to learn through mistakes and must be adept by then, so from the year after next… clan mbers must no longer violate Zhou Kingdom laws!”
Bai Qihe imdiately bowed to Bai Qingyan, “Bai Qihe understands! Thank you, Your Majesty!”
“Rise, have so snacks! You probably haven’t been eating well lately…,” Bai Qingyan remarked, lowering her eyes as she took a small bite of the snack and sipped so hot tea, finding a bit of comfort.
Seeing that Bai Qingyan truly did not bla him, Bai Qihe felt reassured and joined Bai Qingyan in having so snacks.
In fact, Bai Qihe hadn’t been idle; he had been constantly contemplating how to better manage clan mbers, and he reached the conclusion… clan laws must be stricter than Zhou Kingdom laws!
But to and clan laws, Bai Qihe needed assistance, so after finishing snacks, he shared this plan to modify clan laws with Bai Qingyan and boldly requested, “I humbly wish to summon Bai Qingping from Shuoyang to assist with revising the clan laws.”
This matter held a personal stake for Bai Qihe; if Bai Qingping remained in Shuoyang, he would undoubtedly be the next Bai Clan Leader, but Bai Qihe secretly hoped Bai Qingping would enter officialdom.
Bai Qingyan nodded, set down the silver chopsticks, took the warm towel offered by Chun Zhi to wipe her hands, and said, “I have been contemplating this as well during this period!”
“A Ping is a good child; he stayed in Shuoyang to oversee the Shuoyang camp for , ensuring our past efforts there weren’t wasted. However, staying in Shuoyang indefinitely offers little benefit for A Ping’s future, but there hasn’t been a suitable person to replace him, so it’s been delayed!” Bai Qingyan reassured Bai Qihe with a smile, “Rest assured, I bear this matter in mind and will ensure A Ping is brought to Dadu soon. Prepare for the clan law revisions, and if you need manpower, go to Bai Mansion and find Steward Hao and Uncle Ping to assign personnel.”
“Yes! Thank you, Your Majesty!” Bai Qihe solemnly bowed to Bai Qingyan, realizing that Bai Qingyan hadn’t forgotten Bai Qingping.
After bidding farewell to Bai Qingyan, Bai Qingyan called for the Chief of Staff Shen Tianzhi to co over. Taking advantage of the ti before his arrival, she planned to check on her two children.
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