The thrilling day finally ended, and I thought it would be peaceful the next day.
Unexpectedly, an astonishing decree was issued early in the morning, which successfully made the minds of the ministers active again. This activity contained shock, surprise, uneasiness, various speculations, as well as unexpected loss and discomfort.
Uncle Xie Xiaoguo is young and promising, decisive and prudent in his work. He is temporarily acting as Minister of Household Affairs.
As soon as this decree came out, the whole court was in an uproar.
The two ministers of the Ministry of Finance, who were standing among the ministers, both looked stiff. Recently, in order to compete for the position of Minister of the Ministry of Finance, they have shown their talents and used various methods. The superiors can win over, the subordinates can bribe, and they are waiting for the emperor. When it was time to mention the Minister of Hubu, more people in the court spoke for them.
Unexpectedly, the emperor decided on the position of minister without saying a word, and... And it was the King of Xie from the Ministry of Punishment who killed people without blinking an eye and made prisoners afraid during torture?
Uncle Xie Xiaoguo came out and knelt down to receive the order to express his gratitude: "I thank the Emperor for his grace. I will be more diligent and loyal to the Emperor in the future."
All the officials in the main hall looked at Uncle Xie Xiaoguo. Uncle Xie Xiaoguo raised his eyes leisurely, gave them a kind smile, and nodded calmly, as if to say that he would give them more advice in the future.
"Father!" King Chen was the first to stand up after being shocked and knelt in the hall in panic. "My son thought that uncle Xie Xiaoguo was still young and had never performed the duties of the household department. He didn't know anything about the household department, so he rashly asked him to do so. It is not appropriate to take over the position of Minister, and I hope my father will think twice."
Emperor Mu's eyes were cold and stern: "Then who do you think is more appropriate?"
King Chen's heart palpitated, realizing that his father's anger was still lingering, and he had even transferred his anger towards Jin Yue onto him. It was definitely not smart to object at this time, but he had to do it.
The position of Minister of Household Affairs was his promise to the Minister of Chu. This position could not be given to others, especially the Xie family.
King Chen gritted his teeth and replied: "I think that the Minister of Chu has long qualifications, a calm temperament, and is more familiar with the affairs of the Ministry of Household Affairs, so he should be able to hold the position of Minister."
"Your Majesty." The Minister of Rites came out and knelt down, "I think Master Chu is more suitable."
Another official came out: "Your Majesty, I think that the right minister is more suitable."
Emperor Mu raised his hand coldly: "Don't argue. It's useless if you think it's suitable. It's really suitable if I think it's suitable."
"emperor--"
"Besides, I just said it was only temporary." Emperor Mu's tone was calm, not angry but powerful, "I have made up my mind, you don't need to say more."
King Chen lowered his head and clenched his palms tightly with his hands hanging in his sleeves.
He had no idea what his father wanted to do.
Isn’t the Xie family powerful enough? By continuing to promote Uncle Xie Xiaoguo, does he want the entire court to be under the control of the Xie family?
"There is one more thing." Emperor Mu raised his hand and picked up some memorials on the case in front of him. "Recently, more and more people have persuaded me to establish a heir, all of which are said to be for the stability of the country. I thought about it, dear sirs. It all makes sense, and the matter of the crown prince really shouldn’t be delayed any longer.”
The ministers were shocked, threw up their sleeves and knelt down: "Your Majesty, Your Majesty! Long live my emperor! Long live my emperor!"
Emperor Mu silently looked at the uniform formations in the palace. He thought that the ministers were really anxious, so he smiled lightly: "I will think carefully in the near future and choose a prince who is broad-minded, caring for the world, and capable as soon as possible. Dearest friends, Please wait patiently for a while, and I will examine the political performance and ability of all the princes, and I ask you all to help me examine them together."
"I am terrified!" Everyone said in unison, as if they had rehearsed in advance.
"Retreat from the court."
"Your Majesty, long live, long live, long live!"
King Chen looked up at his father's leaving figure, his heart sank, and he had an ominous premonition for no reason.
I don't know why, but I always hoped that my father would establish a heir apparent. With his prestige in the court, he was the only person the court could choose for civil and military affairs, and King Yu's reputation could not compare with him.
Rong Cang had guarded the border for many years and had no connections in the court.
But today, my father suddenly said that he was considering establishing a heir, but it was accompanied by the appointment of Uncle Xie Xiaoguo as the Minister of Household Affairs. It was really hard to understand his decision.
What on earth is the father planning?
"Congratulations to His Highness King Chen." Chu Yuanzhong came over and congratulated King Chen, "The emperor has finally decided to establish a heir apparent, and King Chen will definitely be the best choice."
The surrounding ministers stood up and walked out of the hall in twos and threes.
King Chen came to his senses, stood up from the ground, and looked at Chu Yuanzhong apologetically: "Master Chu, this king——"
"It doesn't matter." Chu Yuanzhong looked very generous, but the smile at the corner of his mouth looked really forced, "I understand His Highness King Chen's intentions, and I am very grateful to His Highness. Besides, isn't it still undecided?"
King Chen turned to look at the ministers walking out of the palace, sighed softly, and patted Chu Yuanzhong on the shoulder: "Don't worry, I will try my best to fight for you again."
Although they said this, they all knew in their hearts that although the emperor said it was a temporary replacement, this kind of temporary replacement by air was already a definite fact. They just needed to give the officials of the Ministry of Household Affairs some time to adapt.
Unless Uncle Xie Xiaoguo cannot be reused after he goes to the Ministry of Revenue, the emperor may change his mind later.
Usually when encountering this kind of situation, as long as all the officials unite to squeeze out the new officials, there is nothing they can do after taking office. After all, can one person deal with so many people grouping together?
But Uncle Xie Xiaoguo is not someone else.
He is the Minister of the Ministry of Punishment, or he is a descendant of the Xie family. He has the support of the Xie family. He has the power to interrogate hundreds of officials. No one knows how much evidence the Minister of the Ministry of Punishment holds about the crimes of officials - even if it is not a heinous crime, even if it is just a little bit. A small clue was enough for him to list the charges and take them to the Criminal Department for interrogation.
When they interrogated prisoners in the past, did they give themselves some backup options? For example, they asked some officials for their explanations from the prisoners' mouths.
Therefore, it is conceivable that when Uncle Xie Xiaoguo serves in the household department, there are probably not many people who really dare to embarrass him.
King Chen followed and walked out, his voice calm: "I have something to ask Master Chu for help."
Chu Yuanzhong said: "Your Highness, King Chen, please speak."
King Chen's eyes were deep: "I want to ask Yun Jiao something recently, but she is trapped in the palace by Princess Zhan and can't get out. I can't see her. I wonder if Mr. Chu can find a reason to let her go home?"
Chu Yunzhong was slightly surprised, and then pondered: "She is just a concubine in Prince Zhan's Mansion. She is not allowed to go out without the consent of Prince War and Princess. How should I help Your Highness in this matter?"
"Just say that Aunt Chen is seriously ill and let her go home to take care of her." King Chen had thought up all the excuses and had obviously already decided on the matter. "If King Zhan and his wife still don't agree, I will ask my mother-in-law to give them medical treatment." Press, order them to let Chu Yunjiao go home."
Chu Yuanzhong thought for a moment and nodded slowly: "Okay."
"Thank you Lord Chu." His Highness King Chen smiled with satisfaction, a dark look flashed in his eyes, "I will never treat Lord Chu badly in the future."
"I don't dare to take this position." Chu Yuanzhong bowed and resigned, "I will go to the Hubu Yamen first, and I will hand over work to Uncle Xie Xiaoguo later, so I will retire for the time being."
King Chen watched him leave, his eyes darkened, and he didn't speak for a long time.
