It's Actually Not Easy Wanting to be a Supporting Male Lead

Chapter 1.5:

General Fuyuan, Qin Zheng, managed to deal a huge blow to the enemy, breaking their troops’ morale and forcing them back. His remarkable reputation once again resonates throughout the country with this victory. Moreover, with the army that numbers more than ten thousand under Marquis Dingyuan’s command, they successfully dissuade other foreign invaders from trying their luck. While the worries in the Emperor’s heart is appeased, doubts also begin to rise.

Strangle the rabbit. Cook the hunting dog. Clip the wings of the falcon. Break the prized bow. These words are the one and only admonition feared by Generals in the ancient era. But it often comes true. Rare are those who are allowed to live the rest of their lives safe and sound after riding numerous waves of victory and bringing glory to their household.

As such, the Emperor begins to subtly hint for the civilian court officials to give trouble to Marquis Dingyuan. Hence, soon after news of their resounding victory, the Marquis’ residence receives news of rough times ahead.

The current Emperor is not a muddle-headed individual, but he is too impatient. Despite the heavy protests, he only cares about swiftly enacting a plan to regain the military command seal from the Marquis’ household and oppress their rising power.

In order to ensure he doesn’t fail the entire mission, Sui Yuan decides that what he really needs to do now is to follow the storyline, assist Qin Zheng and his people down the path of revolt and to protect the women, children and elders within the Marquis’ residence.

The AnHe Qin Wang who has always refrained from entering court politics begins to frequented the palace and the residences of important ministers. For the first time in his life, he reveals his outstanding talent for politics that is as incredible as his outward appearance. Every smile, every frown and every move from him can touch a person’s heart. No matter what he says, as long as he backs it up with sound reasoning, none would be capable of objecting.

Gradually, the Marquis and others following him begin to gather at Sui Yuan’s side. With him sheltering them, redirecting the Emperor’s ire and helping to shoulder the unofficial crime placed on their heads, they manage to significantly delay the Emperor’s plans.

Sui Yuan continues holding firmly onto the principle of virtues and morals, using them to tactfully persuade the Emperor that he must not act with haste. Revoking a household’s military power requires detailed step by step planning, and one must definitely not harm old Generals who are patriotic and utterly loyal, who shed blood and sacrificed so much in defence of this nation.

“All you have said, zhen[1] understands…however, can one sleep soundly on a narrow bed? One day of the seal remaining out of my hands is another day zhen cannot have a peaceful rest ah…” The Emperor who is more than half a century old sighs with sorrow and regret as he reaches out to stroke Sui Yuan’s long hair in comfort.

Dressed in a crimson and gold robe that enhances his alluring visage, Sui Yuan gazes at the sovereign with worry in his eyes. Gently, with a voice full of reassurance, he says, “I understand, Your Majesty. However, I am unwilling to continue listening to people denouncing you. Marquis Dingyuan’s household has always been loyal and faithful. Ever since the founding of the state, they have been valiantly guarding the border, shedding blood, sweat and tears for generations. Fighting against the enemy and defending the country. Let’s give them some time, I believe they will surely understand your difficult position and will hand over the command seal.”

Looking at the child he personally raised from childhood, the Emperor belatedly realised that the adorable, jade-like baby has already grown into a fine young man that all the more incites the urge to pamper him in people’s hearts. He simply cannot find it in himself to refuse this child.