At this moment, the red-robed figure of the Minister of Rites, Pei Cunyi, stepped forward. “He Qingrong originated from the Bureau of Works and is extremely knowledgeable in irrigation projects. Just who else can compare to him in this aspect? Moreover, filial piety is the foremost of virtues. If he does not even go to see his mother when she is seriously ill, he has failed as a son, and then what right does he have to stand in the Imperial Court to serve as an official and model for the empire?”
Wang Chong coldly observed everything from the sidelines, and harsh light flitted through his eyes. Pei Cunyi was the Minister of Rites and also one of King Qi’s men. If King Qi was even having him come forward, it was clear that he was dead set on this matter. Given the combined might of King Qi, the Grand Preceptor, Li Linfu, and the First Prince, if King Song’s faction lost even the Bright Minister, it would become extremely weak and incapable of opposing King Qi.
More importantly, without the help of a lower-rank-two official in He Qingrong, the words of King Qi’s men would have much more weight in the court and they would be able to easily pass many proposals. Further…
Wang Chong recalled the information King Song’s spy had obtained from King Qi. It was clear that the matter of He Qingrong was only the beginning. Once He Qingrong’s position fell into the hands of King Qi and the Confucian Sect, more and more people would probably be replaced. The Confucian Sect would not limit itself to just one position. This was also why Wang Chong had made an appearance today.
“Your Highness!”
A loud and energetic voice rang out through the hall. At the very back, Wang Chong raised his robe and stepped forward.
“Your subject proposes that the irrigation project in Jiangnan be supervised by King Qi.”
Wang Chong bowed.
Chapter 1275 - Caught Off Guard!
Chapter 1275: Caught Off Guard!
Translated by: Hypersheep325
Edited by: Michyrr
Rumble!
The court began to buzz with chatter. All the officials were stunned by Wang Chong’s proposal, none having expected him to suddenly step forward and drag King Qi in with him.
“Wang Chong!”
King Song and Minister of War Zhangchou Jianqiong were also taken aback. It was obvious that Wang Chong had not discussed this move with them beforehand.
“Bastard!”
King Qi was stunned at first, but he quickly came to his senses, his face turning savage as he ground his teeth.
This matter had already been submitted to the court as a memorial. King Song, in his capacity as co-regent, had clearly already seen it. But even though the matter of He Qingrong had been leaked, King Qi was not worried. He had already planned everything out, and Minister of Rites Pei Cunyi was one of his important pieces in this plan. But he had never expected Wang Chong to unreasonably drag him into the debate.
“Wang Chong, have you lost your mind? This king is a member of the imperial household, possessing an esteemed and noble status. And you would have me oversee an irrigation project?”
King Qi was utterly furious. Their battle at the Penal Court had already caused quite a stir amongst the officials, and now, Wang Chong was attacking him in front of the entire court, even proposing that a mighty King like him should oversee an irrigation project. This was an absolute humiliation that made King Qi hate Wang Chong down to his bones.
Wang Chong glanced at Zhang Lianchong and lightly said, “Heh, I hear that King Qi has gathered talented subjects throughout the realm, and that King Qi is modest and studious, having even studied irrigation. You even invited Minister of Works Zhang Lianchong to your residence. Was King Qi not precisely discussing irrigation with Lord Zhang?”
“You!”
King Qi immediately felt stifled, and he was not the only one. A look of apprehension appeared on the face of Minister of Works Zhang Lianchong.
In today’s court debate, the original plan was for him to follow up Minister of Rites Pei Cunyi, the two of them working together to pressure He Qingrong to leave the court. But with Wang Chong’s statement, Zhang Lianchong was forced to take a step back and remain silent. Otherwise, he would be proving Wang Chong’s statements and be suspected of colluding with King Qi.
For a moment, the entire hall was silent. From the reactions of King Qi and Zhang Lianchong, even the slowest person understood what was going on.
It was clear that the two of them had been colluding for some time!
Wang Chong had said that King Qi and Zhang Liangchong had been discussing irrigation in his residence, and at this time, King Qi didn’t even have the option of retorting!
Bastard! One day, this king will tear you to pieces!
King Qi resentfully glared.
Hahaha, great! Wang Chong, this king knew that you had a reason for doing this!
King Song was the first to realize what was going on, finally understanding why Wang Chong had interrupted Pei Cunyi. Not even King Song had known that King Qi had recently been colluding with Minister of Works Zhang Lianchong, recruiting him so that he could push out He Qingrong.
It was probably Wang Chong’s subordinates that had investigated this.
“Your Highness, this lowly subject believes that there are people better-qualified to supervise the Jiangnan irrigation project. As for He Qingrong, one’s filial duties cannot be discarded, nor can matters of state. This subject proposes that He Qingrong be permitted two months of vacation to return to Jiangnan and visit his mother. Once his mother has recovered, he can return to the capital,” Wang Chong said.
He Qingrong’s mother had only caught a cold, and her condition wasn’t serious. For He Qingrong to go home and visit his mother and return once she had recovered was the best compromise available. The cold was not a major illness, and by the time He Qingrong returned home, it would probably already be resolved.
Suddenly a voice came from above. “He Qingrong, what is your opinion?” The silent and unmoving figure of the Grand Preceptor had suddenly stood up from his chair.
This sudden action caught everyone off guard. The abrupt quarrel between Wang Chong and King Qi had taken up so much attention that no one had expected the Grand Preceptor to speak at this time. Unlike before, the Grand Preceptor was extremely calm and less intense. His first words were not to support the idea that He Qingrong should go to Jiangnan to supervise the irrigation project, but asking He Qingrong his opinion.
He Qingrong was a member of King Song’s faction, and in normal circumstances, if the Grand Preceptor were to ask for his opinion, He Qingrong would naturally object. But for some reason, Wang Chong had a bad feeling.
Almost subconsciously, Wang Chong turned to look and saw that He Qingrong had his head lowered. He did not immediately voice his objection and appeared to be greatly troubled.
“This lowly subject, this lowly subject…”
He Qingrong hesitated, unable to speak. Wang Chong instantly felt his ill foreboding get even worse.
“Not good!”
Wang Chong felt his heart sink. If He Qingrong really didn’t want to go, he would have immediately refused and showed no hesitation. There was clearly a problem.
“Your Highness!”
Wang Chong subconsciously turned to King Song, and at almost the same time, King Song looked in Wang Chong’s direction with severe shock in his eyes. He Qingrong was King Song’s man, and Wang Chong had always avoided involving himself too deeply in their affairs. But it was clear that something had gone wrong. The situation was completely different from what King Song had told Wang Chong.
The shock in King Song’s eyes told him everything. It was clear that he had also noticed He Qingrong’s peculiar attitude.
“Your Highness, this lowly subject is willing to head to Jiangnan to oversee the Imperial Court’s irrigation project!”
Finally, He Qingrong spoke, his words leaving everyone stunned. Jiang Yunrang and the other generals had their mouths agape, their bodies petrified. They had done all they cou
ld to help He Qingrong deal with King Qi’s men, never imagining that there would be a problem with He Qingrong himself.
In truth, even Zhou Taiqin and the other civil officials were stunned by He Qingrong’s answer. When everyone had been endlessly arguing, He Qingrong had surprised everyone.
“All officials have heard this. Lord He, since your mind is made up, this prince will agree to the proposal! In five days, you must make your preparations and head for Jiangnan. The measures against the floods are linked to the well-being of the country and the lives of millions of people. Such a large project is certain to take a large amount of time. You must put all your mind into supervising this project!”
Before Wang Chong, King Song, Zhangchou Jianqiong, or anyone else could speak, the First Prince had seized his chance and settled the matter.
“Many thanks, Your Highness! He Qingrong will not fail at this mission, and will do all in his power to complete this task!”
The hall was deathly still, everyone staring at He Qingrong’s bowed and reverential figure. At that moment, Wang Chong felt as if He Qingrong had breathed a sigh of relief, like a heavy burden had been lifted off his shoulders. But a moment later, He Qingrong raised his head, and Wang Chong clearly saw him shoot an apologetic glance at King Song.
Wang Chong seemed to realize something and fell silent.
Although He Qingrong’s ‘betrayal’ had caught everyone by surprise, there was no doubt that he had his own troubles.
I miscalculated!
A moment later, Wang Chong gazed up at the Grand Preceptor. He would never believe that the Grand Preceptor had casually asked this question. It was clear that he had already known what the answer would be.
And Wang Chong would never believe that the Grand Preceptor and King Qi had not done anything behind the scenes.
The most important part is coming!
Wang Chong glanced at the Grand Preceptor and King Qi once more. The First Prince had spoken up too promptly, and their plans had been so meticulous that in just a few moments, He Qingrong’s departure to the capital had been settled, with no one able to change it. However, Wang Chong keenly understood that things were far from over. The ‘removal’ of He Qingrong was only the formal opening to the true court debate today.
Everything was only beginning.
As expected, a moment later, Wang Chong heard another voice.
Minister of Works Zhang Lianchong suddenly stepped forward and said, “Your Highness, this subject has a memorial. Bright Minister He Qingrong was the member of the Secretariat responsible for filtering and handling the daily memorials. With He Qingrong gone, this position is vacant. The matters of the court cannot be delayed even for a day. This lowly subject proposes that a new person be recommended to replace Lord He in handling the affairs of the court.”
Buzz!
His words immediately caused a shift in the mood of the court.
The debate over He Qingrong was so intense because both sides had always been fiercely struggling over the post he occupied. Anyone who could replace him in this position would possess much more authority in the court.
At this moment, a voice broke the calm. “Your Highness, this subject has a memorial! Governor Ge Huan of Zhang Prefecture possesses outstanding abilities. He has administered the prefecture for many years and has made remarkable achievements. This subject recommends Ge Huan to replace He Qingrong!”
King Qi had still been venting his anger earlier, but after taking in a breath, he had calmed down and stepped forward. King Qi was scarcely able to conceal his desire for He Qingrong’s position, personally stepping forward to make a recommendation.
Upon hearing King Qi’s words, the Grand Preceptor, Li Linfu, and the First Prince all imperceptibly frowned.
This was not what they had previously discussed!
Governor Ge Huan of Zhang Prefecture had always been extremely close with King Qi. In the last few court debates, King Qi had already stepped forward several times to try and get Ge Huan into the Imperial Court. They hadn’t imagined that King Qi would try again as soon as he saw this new opening.
When it came to benefit, King Qi always placed his own interests above all, and his lack of care for the overarching situation had cropped up once again.
At almost the same moment, King Song stepped forward, his expression stern as he loudly said, “Your Highness, this subject objects! He Qingrong is only leaving the capital to supervise the irrigation project and has not resigned his post. There is no need to seek out a replacement. Moreover, Ge Huan only has experience in managing provinces and does not have the capability to handle the matters of the entire empire. This lowly subject believes that this proposal cannot be accepted! Please consider this!”
Chapter 1276 - The Plot Revealed, Li Junxian!
Chapter 1276: The Plot Revealed, Li Junxian!
Translated by: Hypersheep325
Edited by: Michyrr
King Qi was far too selfish. When considering matters, he would always place his own interests above the welfare of the country. His faction was already strong enough to give his opponents a headache. If he were allowed to insert Ge Huan, no one knew what sort of state he would put the court in.
Most importantly, amongst all the officials, no one except Wang Chong and King Song were capable of opposing him and ruining his plan.
“Absurd! What sort of nonsense is this!”
King Song’s opposition caused King Qi to immediately retort in agitation.
“Just who exactly enters the Imperial Court with experience? Doesn’t everyone start with nothing and slowly ascend, step by step? If others are not given a chance, how can we ever nurture new talent? Ge Huan has outstanding achievements, and this king believes that he is completely suitable for the post!”
King Qi would do his utmost to get his own man into the court.
“But this king does not find him suitable!”
Wang Chong’s voice resounded through the hall as he stepped forward, coldly smiling. King Qi could not be permitted to use this chance to insert his own man into the Imperial Court. Ge Huan might have been decently qualified, but the Great Tang had many more people who were much more talented than him!
“Wang Chong!”
King Qi roared upon hearing Wang Chong speak up, his eyes turning red. Wang Chong had already ruined his plans twice now.
“This subject also believes that Ge Huan is not the best candidate!”
At this time, Minister of War Zhangchou Jianqiong also stepped forward. Bright Minister He Qingrong’s departure from the capital was already a done deal that could not be altered. All they could do now was do their utmost to prevent King Qi’s men from occupying He Qingrong’s post.
“This subject agrees!”
“This subject also agrees!”
In a flash, the generals and officials in King Song’s faction stepped forward and agreed, agitated looks on their faces. This chorus of voices caused King Qi’s face to twist in rage.
“Your Highness, if Ge Huan is not acceptable, this old subject has a person to recommend!”
In the middle of this tense stalemate, an extremely elderly voice resounded through the hall. The Grand Preceptor had chosen to speak once more.
“This old subject has interacted with this person before, and based on this old subject’s judgment, he is entirely capable of entering the Secretariat to assume He Qingrong’s position and handle the matters of state.”
The Grand Preceptor’s words left everyone dumbstruck, and even King Song and Zhangchou Jianqiong appeared taken aback. In the back, Wang Chong was startled and instantly felt an extremely ill foreboding.
Ever since their conflict in the Imperial Court, the Grand Preceptor had not appeared at the morning court session for a very long time, let alone participated in the discussions. And based on the question the Grand Preceptor had asked He Qingrong, it was clear that he had come to this court session amply prepared. Wang Chong would never believe that the Grand Preceptor had thou
ght up this person on the spot.
“Who is it?!” King Qi furiously roared, his eyes bloodshot, so enraged that he didn’t even realize that it was the Grand Preceptor who had spoken. But before King Qi could realize what he had done, a thunderous and energetic voice came from outside.
“Me!”
This single word was pronounced with absolute confidence, showing no fear for the many luminaries and influential officials gathered within the court. And with this word, a tapping of footsteps came from outside Taihe Palace, immediately attracting everyone’s attention. Whoosh! Instantly, all the officials, including Wang Chong, turned to look.
A moment later, in a dazzling flash of light, an upright figure with his head held high, his robes as white as snow, strode over the threshold.
His steps were confident, and his demeanor graceful, like an orchid found deep within a serene valley.
Upon seeing this man, at least half of the civil officials in the court lowered their heads with respect in their eyes.
Wang Chong had cared little at first, but when he got a clear view of that person’s face, he trembled all over like he had been struck by lightning!
Li Junxian!
Wang Chong stared in disbelief at that familiar figure. Never had he imagined that the person the Grand Preceptor was recommending would be none other than the Confucian Sect leader he had met in Drunken Moon Pavilion, Li Junxian!
At that moment, Wang Chong suddenly felt like he was drowning in the middle of a scheme.
From the irrigation project and He Qingrong’s departure to King Qi’s recommendation of Ge Huan and finally to the Grand Preceptor’s recommendation of Li Junxian… these events flew through Wang Chong’s mind at astonishing speed, and then he recalled how King Song’s spy had learned from King Qi that the entire structure of the court was about to change. At this moment, Wang Chong finally understood what was going on.
At this moment, Li Junxian stood at the entrance to the hall and rapidly scanned the officials, in the end setting his gaze on Wang Chong.
The Human Emperor c1-2382 Page 803
