Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
Although this was said, the emperor's expression remained grim. It was good that the Night General had not encountered any issues, but the Plague in Gaochang was urgent, and it was a problem to decide who to send now.
The Chancellor naturally saw his dilemma and spoke again: "Your Majesty, the Plague in Gaochang is severe. If Your Majesty does not have a suitable candidate, I can go myself."
Upon hearing this, the ministers in the court immediately opposed it. "The Chancellor is a key minister of the court; how can he casually go to the barbaric lands? Isn't that extremely dangerous?"
The emperor's eyes were filled with contemplation as he looked at Jiang Huai's face, which showed no expression.
He continued, "If Your Majesty sends me, first, I can gather information about the Night General along the way. Second, the Plague in Gaochang is indeed serious. Since there is no suitable person in court to go, it is appropriate for me to take on this task."
The Chancellor's words were met with disagreement. Everyone knew that among the Heavenly Universe Kingdom's officials, his position was significant; thus, he should remain by the emperor's side to assist him diligently and not venture out recklessly.
At this moment, it was Minister of Rites Qin Fan who spoke up. With a full beard, he did not appear to be a scholar at first glance.
For a time, there was much discussion in the court about who would be most suitable to go.
"Enough! This matter can wait until I consult with the Empress Dowager. For today, let us leave it at that. Dismissed," the emperor finally made a decision, interrupting all discussions.
The Chancellor seemed unsurprised by this outcome; there was no hint of astonishment on his face as he respectfully bowed and withdrew.
As Li Ye strolled through the Imperial Garden, he had his own thoughts. The matter of Night Star had come rather suddenly, and there must be something amiss.
Thinking this way, it would be wise to discuss it with the Empress Dowager; thus, he set off for Yonghe Palace.
The Empress Dowager's chambers were located in the upper right corner of the palace, where the sun rises. Compared to other palaces within the imperial grounds, Yonghe Palace appeared more dignified.
The vermilion walls had a history of over a hundred years and showed signs of peeling; however, this did not diminish its grandeur. It stood like a quiet lion, calmly observing every change within the palace.
Due to being deep within the palace, the environment was exceptionally quiet, making this vast imperial residence stand out even more. Upon entering the hall, the intricate decorations and exquisite carvings dazzled any outsider.
When the Emperor entered, the Empress Dowager was reclining at an angle on the Consort Couch, her eyes lightly closed as she rested.
"Son pays his respects to the Empress Dowager, wishing you good health."
The woman on the couch appeared to be no more than fifty years old; her well-maintained appearance made it difficult to discern her true age, giving her a youthful aura.
She slowly opened her eyes, which were deep and star-like, drawing anyone who looked into them.
Raising her hand slowly, she said, "Oh, it's the Emperor. Please get up. Did you just finish court? What brings you here to see me?"
The graceful demeanor of this woman reflected her nobility in every aspect. Her gentle words felt like a spring breeze, exceptionally comforting. It was no wonder she had won the Former Emperor's favor and became the current Empress Dowager.
"Today, I actually came to ask the Empress Dowager about something."
Surprised, she raised her gaze. Ever since the Emperor began governing independently, she had rarely involved herself in state affairs. The Empress Dowager was a wise woman who knew when to act and what to do; it was precisely because of this wisdom that she had managed to navigate her way to this point.
"I am just a woman now; there are some matters that the Emperor can decide on without consulting me. I am getting older and can no longer manage things as I did in my youth."
She gently adjusted her hair, her expression warm.
"What are you saying, Empress Dowager? You will always be young in my heart! This matter is indeed somewhat difficult; if it weren't so, I wouldn't have come to consult you."
With a smile that hinted at seriousness, the Emperor's tone grew heavier.
"Since that's the case, then go ahead and speak. I will assist you with my advice, but it is merely a suggestion; how you choose to proceed is entirely up to you."
Li Ye understood the reasoning behind it and slowly recounted the matters of today's court and the assassination attempt on Night Star, causing the Empress Dowager to unconsciously furrow her brows.
After a moment of silence, the Empress Dowager slowly spoke, "The Prime Minister cannot leave the capital. If the Emperor trusts me, I have someone to recommend."
"Empress Dowager, you flatter me. I certainly trust you. Please tell me, who is it?"
"Vice Minister of War Liu Qiankun."
The Emperor was not unfamiliar with this name; Liu Qiankun's rise to become Vice Minister of War was partly due to his own merits.
Upon first meeting Liu Qiankun, one would be drawn in by his appearance, but soon thereafter, one would be impressed by his talents. Among all the martial champions throughout the years, only he left a deep impression on Li Ye, indicating how extraordinary this man truly was.
After that year's competition, the Emperor originally intended to send him into battle to earn achievements before returning to be appointed as a general without question.
Unfortunately, Night Star later emerged, inheriting his father's title and appearing like a god of war out of nowhere, creating countless legends.
In such a spotlight, Liu Qiankun, a man without connections, seemed insignificant and even overlooked, making it normal for him to be forgotten!
If not for the Empress Dowager bringing him up today, the Emperor might not have remembered that such a person existed in court.
"The Emperor appointed him as Vice Minister of War back then; now is the time to give him an opportunity. If he performs well in this task, the Emperor can appoint him as a general to prevent a situation where only Night General holds all the power in court."
The Empress Dowager proposed this individual out of fear of Night Star. The so-called merit can overshadow authority; if that day truly comes, the Emperor would not be powerless and could avoid being beaten down without resistance.
Li Ye pondered for a moment and agreed with the Empress Dowager's words. "You are right, Empress Dowager. Thank you for your reminder; without it, I might not have remembered this person at all."
"This is not your fault, Emperor. There are too many capable people in court now. All I can do is offer some guidance when you are confused. However, this Empire ultimately belongs to you; you must protect it yourself."
The words of the Empress Dowager were heartfelt, filled with expectations for her son, yet tinged with a hint of coldness.
As the Empress Dowager of this country, her thoughts were solely focused on the interests of the nation; she could not allow personal feelings to cloud her judgment.
The next day in the court, after the Emperor announced the matter, there was an uproar. Who would have thought that someone who had been forgotten in the corner by the Emperor would have such an opportunity today?
How could Liu Qiankun, upon receiving the imperial decree, be described as anything less than ecstatic? The first to voice opposition was still Minister of Rites Qin Fan.
"Your Majesty, I believe this action is inappropriate. Although Liu Shilang is Vice Minister of War Liu Qiankun, he has never held such a heavy responsibility before. I ask Your Majesty to choose someone else."
Upon hearing Qin Fan's words, Li Ye's face instantly fell, and he asked in a deep voice, "Then when I ask My Lord, who do you think is suitable for this position?"
Faced with the Emperor's counter-question, Qin Fan was momentarily at a loss for words and could only shake his head silently.
He slammed his palm on the table in front of him, producing a loud sound that echoed throughout the empty Hall of Great Strength, causing some to feel a chill run down their spines.
"You all had nothing to say when it was your turn! Now that I want to appoint someone, you all oppose me so quickly! If you have any ability, why can't you suggest a suitable candidate?"
The Emperor was furious, and naturally, there was silence in the hall; no one dared to speak. At this moment, speaking would be inviting trouble—who would dare to disturb the authority of the Emperor?
Jiang Huai wore a smile on his face but neither spoke out against nor supported anyone. He maintained a rationally neutral stance on this matter, neither favoring one side nor speaking ill of another.
For him, it made little difference which side benefited.
"I have already made my decision! I do not wish to hear any more opposing voices! As for the Gaochang Plague matter, let Liu Shilang handle it! Whoever dares to say another word will find their head on the block!"
At this point, no one dared to disagree. They eagerly stepped forward to kneel and bow. Liu Qiankun could barely articulate his words in excitement. "I... I will certainly not disgrace my mission and will do everything I should! I will not fail!"
Nodding slowly, the Emperor said in a deep voice, "Do well, Liu Qiankun, and your good fortune will follow."
Such an obvious hint; those who had mingled in the court for many years were all old foxes.
Anyone could hear that the Emperor was implying that if he performed well, upon returning from Gaochang, promotions and titles would certainly not be lacking.
In an instant, the previously quiet residence of Vice Minister of War Liu Qiankun became lively, contrasting sharply with the earlier coldness of the hall.
Upon learning of this matter, Old Madam could no longer sit still. The honor that originally belonged to the Night Family was now falling into someone else's hands, which she could not accept.
As soon as Jiang Huai left the court, he received news from a servant that Old Madam had summoned him. Without a second thought, he did not even return to his own residence and headed straight to the General's Mansion.
As soon as he stepped through the door, Old Madam was already waiting at the entrance, her expression unusually anxious. "Brother, shouldn't we be the ones going to Gaochang to treat the Plague? How has it ended up in someone else's hands?"
Before the man could even cross the threshold, she impatiently asked.
He gave her a glance, indicating that the entrance was not a suitable place for discussion. Old Madam immediately understood, closed her mouth, and led him back to her courtyard.
After sitting down and taking a sip of water, he slowly said, "Before the incident at Night Star, this was something that couldn't be taken away. But now that Night Star is missing and the Plague in Gaochang is severe, it is only natural to send someone else."
"Can't you go instead?" Jiang Yu retorted without thinking.
"Foolish! I am the Chancellor of the state; even if I wanted to go, how could the Emperor agree? Do you really think the Emperor is a three-year-old child?"
Comment 0 Comment Count