Chapter 236: Debate in the Royal Court
In the Great Chu Imperial Court, everyone stared at Su Wen after he spoke.
Everyone started to sink into their own thoughts.
Was he going to interfere with the court now?
The Great Chu officials all had this thought.
As soon as Su Wen finished speaking, someone stood up and bowed to Su Wen. He then asked, “I wonder what sort of relations.h.i.+p the recommendations of the Nanli King has with you yourself?”
Su Wen glanced at him from the corner of his eye and didn’t answer, instead asking, “You are?”
“a.s.sistant Minister of the Ministry of War, Meng Jie!”
Su Wen looked at him and smiled. “In that case, I’ll tell you the truth. Yan Luoying is my wife, Yan Ze is my father-in-law, Wu Lie is my brother-in-law, Su Cheng and Su Yu are my two brothers. Are you satisfied with this answer?”
Meng Jie said coldly, “Sire, you truly don’t differentiate your relatives from your recommendations.”
A cold smile appeared on Su Wen’s face. “Why should I avoid recommending them just because they’re my relatives? Are you dissatisfied?”
Meng Jie looked at Su Wen’s cold smile and suddenly noticed a cold gaze staring at him.
It was precisely the Chu Emperor Xiang Feiyan. He couldn’t help but s.h.i.+ver.
The two of them were on the same side now!
He tactfully shut up and retreated.
Seeing that no one spoke, Xiang Feiyan asked, “Are the people Brother Wen mentioned outside the hall?”
“Outside the hall.”
“Then invite them to the palace!”
The palace maid shouted, “Summon Yan Ze, Yan Luoying, Su Cheng, Su Yu, and Wu Lie, to the court!”
Hearing the last name, the Third Prince in the hall clenched his fists.
This b.a.s.t.a.r.d dared to kiss me!
(TL Note: The original translation was changed to the Third Prince being beaten up by Wu Lie instead because that Pride scene was taken down LOL. Doesn’t affect us however so I’m just going to translate it as per him being kissed.)
As everyone entered the hall, Xiang Feiyan began to confer official positions to the newcomers.
“According to the order, Yan Ze is conferred the t.i.tle of 4th Rank Loyal Martial General, Yan Luoying will be conferred the position of 5th Rank Fixed Martial General. Su Cheng is conferred the 5th Rank Ningyuan General, and Wu Lie will be conferred the 5th Rank Rangers General.”
When everyone heard this, they heaved a sigh of relief. Their official positions were not too high after all!
Furthermore, they only had the t.i.tle of general and did not have any actual military power.
This was also the result of everyone’s discussion. The army was not like other areas. If one came in as a paratrooper, just his official position would not be able to suppress his subordinates.
Immediately after, Xiang Feiyan continued, “Su Yu will be conferred the position of the Right a.s.sistant Minister of the Ministry of Rites, a 3rd Grade official. He will be in charge of the Autumn Royal Examinations with Zhang Yong!”
“What?” As soon as these words were spoken, the entire court was filled with exclamations!
It was fine if it was just these few military positions, but a 3rd Grade official was actually conferred in the civil officials’ side!
Forget about the 3rd Grade Official, he was directly responsible for the Autumn Imperial Examinations as well..
One had to know that the greatest event for the Ministry of Rites was the Autumn Examinations.
For the officials in charge of this matter, as well as the students in the examinations, could all be considered as their students under their tutelage.
Furthermore, the benefits provided for handling and supporting the Autumn Examinations was not small at all.
Generally speaking, even one Ministry of Rites department was not enough, and there would be other officials from the Court involved.
Putting everything else aside, just having one’s name as part of the committee was an extremely great honor.
There was indeed no problem for Xiang Feiyan to let Zhang Yong take the lead. After all, he was the prime minister. However, she directly jumped past the Minister of Rites and the Left a.s.sistant Minister to put Su Yu as an accompanying member. This was clearly giving him the chance to get credit.
Finally, an old man stood out.
He said in a deep voice, “Your Majesty, that Su Yu is only a traitor of the Zhou Country. How can he preside over the royal examinations of our Great Chu? This subject is bold enough to ask Your Majesty to reconsider! Furthermore, he doesn’t have any reputation and hasn’t revealed his abilities internally.
For a young man to be awarded a 3rd Rank official position is really too high! This subject thinks that he can be appointed as the county governor and be released to see his ability before considering whether to transfer to the capital.”
As soon as he said this, Xiang Feiyan’s face showed displeasure. “Minister Bai, you’re a scholar of the Royal College. Your main job is to focus on your research. Don’t get involved in the matters of the royal court.”
Bai Mujin said in a low voice, “I am a subject of Chu. I’ve been indebted to the King for generations and have received the King’s grace. Even if I die today, I must speak up for justice. Your Majesty’s actions are not in accordance with the rules and are not according to the etiquette. There is the suspicion of cronyism. Please retract your order, Your Majesty!”
Xiang Feiyan frowned and was about to flip out.
At this moment, Su Yu moved. He walked in front of Bai Mujin and bowed, “What Senior said is reasonable. This junior indeed doesn’t have any reputation in the Chu Country, but in terms of ability, this junior believes that I’m not lacking in terms of knowledge and ability. Senior, please take the chance to give me a test. If I can’t answer Senior’s question, it will be considered that I’m lacking in talent. I’m then willing to give up the official position bestowed by His Majesty. If Senior can’t knock me down today, please give me a chance. Let’s see if I can a.s.sist Lord Zhang Yong in this Royal Examinations!”
Su Yu was, after all, the top scorer. He had been in the Profound Language Pavilion for many years and naturally had his own pride.
Su Wen did not interrupt. Since Su Yu had spoken, it was his choice.
Su Wen would not interfere forcefully.
He would not lack confidence in Su Yu.
“Alright! Listen to me…”
Bai Mujin did not stand on ceremony and immediately began to test Su Yu.
Su Yu was really capable. No matter what he asked, he answered everything smoothly.
In the annals of history, he was proficient in all aspects of governing and debating.
After a series of responses, the entire court’s civil and martial officials had a whole new level of respect for this young man.
Initially, everyone thought that he had relied on Su Wen to climb up the ranks. He did not expect him to be so talented.
However, at the same time, some people became even more vigilant.
On the other hand, Xiang Feiyan was very happy. Su Yu’s display of talent also proved that the talent Su Wen recommended was capable.
But to her surprise…
After several rounds of testing Su Yu, Bai Mujin realized that he could not stump him at all.
He said, “Sire is talented and has a solid foundation. You are indeed a talent, but you don’t have any qualifications. Furthermore, you are from Great Zhou and you want to preside over the capital. How can you convince all the students? This matter still won’t do!”
At the end of the day, Bai Mujin was just unhappy with Su Yu’s ident.i.ty.
Although his words sounded nice, in reality, he was still being xenophobic.
Of course, this kind of behavior was not necessarily wrong.
However, to Su Wen, this was unacceptable.
He looked at the Bai Mujin and sneered. “You old man, you only said that my Second Brother is incompetent and ignorant earlier. Now you’re finally telling the truth. It turns out that you’re dissatisfied with our ident.i.ties!”
At this point, Su Wen looked at the court officials and shouted, “Anyone else who is dissatisfied with this matter, step forward!”
No one made a sound or moved.
Su Wen looked at the Bai Mujin and smiled. “Old man, look, these people don’t think like you.”
“Those who are timid are not worthy of being schemed against!”
Bai Mujin said casually.
At this moment, Xiang Feiyan spoke, “Su Yu is indeed knowledgeable. There’s no need to change the decree. Scholar Bai, please retreat. There’s no need to be bothered about this matter.”
Su Wen smiled.
In the end, no matter what Bai Mujin thought, he had no say in the matter!
However, at this moment, to everyone’s surprise, the Bai Mujin turned to look at Xiang Feiyan and cursed, “Stupid ruler! Inept ruler! A woman is ruining the country!
At this moment, Xiang Feiyan could no longer suppress her anger!
“Men! Drag him away! Death by a thousand cuts!”
女人的心眼都是很小的.
To be scolded in public like this, Xiang Feiyan was not some kind person that could take it lying down.
Su Wen was speechless. He actually did not dislike the old man…
How should he put it? This situation was indeed human nature. He could only slowly change it.
However, since Xiang Feiyan had given the order, Su Wen would definitely not speak up for the old man.
Xiang Feiyan’s words shocked the entire court. Although these people were unwilling to stand with Bai Mujin, they did not want to see him die.
Prime Minister Zhang Yong was the first to step forward. He bowed and said, “Your Majesty, Bai Mujin is truly dedicated to the country. Although he has contradicted you, please consider his contributions to the country for generations and spare his life!”
The moment he came out, all the officials stood up and requested for his pardon.
When Bai Mujin heard Ling Chi’s words, he became afraid. He was initially furious and thus directly rebuked Xiang Feiyan. However, even if he really wanted to die, he did not wish to die in such a tragic manner.
He immediately calmed down and did not dare to curse anymore.
All the ministers pleaded.
However, Xiang Feiyan was furious. She was not moved at all. She said coldly, “Bai Mujin is so arrogant and disrespectful to me. He should be executed!”
At this moment, Zhang Yong stood up and came to Su Wen’s side. He bowed and said, “Nanli King, although the words of Bai Mujin are wrong, his crimes are not worthy of death. Please help me plead for leniency. After all, Elder Bai has an extremely high position in the ministerial departments. If he dies, I’m afraid it won’t be beneficial for Su Yu to preside over the examination.”
Zhang Yong’s meaning was clear. If Su Wen was willing to plead for leniency, he would support Su Yu to preside over the exam.
“Haha!” Su Wen laughed loudly. He stepped forward and bowed. “Your Majesty, Bai Mujin has made numerous contributions to the country after all. In my opinion, he can be spared from death, but it’s impossible to escape punishment. Your Majesty can place him under house arrest until the day he dies.”
Xiang Feiyan smiled when she saw Su Wen speak. “Alright!”
With that said, she looked at Bai Mujin and spat coldly, “Since the Nanli King has spoken for you this time! I’ll spare your life! From now on, you are to return home and never leave your house again! You are also not allowed to have outsiders!”
“Hiss!” Everyone in the royal court sucked in a cold breath of air.
Su Wen had his own thoughts on how he should deal with Bai Mujin.
Firstly, there was no need to sentence him to death by a thousand cuts. His crime was not serious to the point of losing his life nor going to prison. However, he could not ignore the fact that Xiang Feiyan had been humiliated by him!
If he just let it go like this, Xiang Feiyan would also be displeased.
Being placed in house arrest until his death…
At the very least, he could retain some dignity and be more comfortable.
Su Wen would naturally not release him. He did not think that this old fogey would be grateful to him even if he saved him.
Instead, he would probably spread rumors about him being able to influence the Queen and incite people!
Keeping him in house arrest til his death could also be considered as eliminating future troubles!
Bai Mujin looked gloomy, but he did not dare to speak.
Sometimes, people were just like that. They had the courage to walk around the gates of h.e.l.l, but once they lost their courage, they would lose their unyielding spirit.
Everyone was lost in their own thoughts as they watched this scene.
Su Wen’s status in Xiang Feiyan’s heart was just too high.
Even with such a crime, it was useless when the officials all pleaded. But the moment he opened his mouth, Xiang Feiyan agreed.
Zhang Yong also looked deeply at Su Wen.
This fellow was really formidable.
In just a moment, he had thought of a way to protect Bai Mujin, but he had also punished him at the same time. Xiang Feiyan was satisfied, and this allowed her to also warn the ministers.
To be honest, he did not care about Su Yu, even though he was a talented person.
In his opinion, there were many talented people in this world!
But in just a short period of time, for someone to able to think of a way to deal with a troublemaker, yet also satisfy most people was even rarer.
As expected of someone who had helped Xiang Feiyan succeed.
Zhang Yong turned to look at Xiang Feiyan and said, “Su Yu has profound knowledge, so he can a.s.sist this subject in preparing the examinations!”
This was his concession!
When he spoke, no one objected.
Bai Mujin was taken away and sent home. He could probably only enjoy his retirement at home now. There was nothing else he could do.
In the future, he would only be able to move around in his residence.
At this moment, Su Wen’s faction had officially entered the Great Chu Royal Court.
At this moment, the Fourth Prince stood up and bowed. “Your Majesty, a few days ago, there was an urgent report that the Great General Chen Fang of Ji Luo Country had been killed. Now that Ji Luo is in the midst of war, this younger brother is willing to lead troops and expand our Great Chu!”
Ji Luo was located in the eastern part of Great Chu. Compared to the Yan Country, they were much weaker.
The Fourth Prince wanted to take the opportunity to transfer out and attack Ji Luo.
The moment he spoke, someone immediately echoed.
“Ji Luo is close to the sea and is rich in resources. If Your Majesty can take down Ji Luo, you can definitely establish outstanding merits.”
“That’s right. The Fourth Prince is willing to lead the army into battle. Please agree, Your Majesty.”
“Your Majesty, please agree.”
The court was suddenly filled with the voices of the Fourth Prince.
The Third Prince however ignored him and Zhang Yong didn’t speak either.
At this moment, Su Wen took a step forward and smiled. “Your Majesty, I think His Highness’ reasoning is sound!”
“???”
Xiang Chun was stunned.
Reasonable?
What was going on with this fellow?
In reality, he was already prepared to be rejected by Su Wen.
After all, he had previously mentioned to Su Wen about releasing him, but Su Wen had rejected him.
Xiang Feiyan was also a little stunned. Didn’t she say not to let the Fourth Prince go out?
Su Wen continued, “It’s naturally good that we can defeat Ji Luo Country. However, the Fourth Prince is a member of the royal family and cannot take risks easily. I can guarantee someone that will definitely help Your Majesty to succeed!”
As he spoke, he looked at Yan Ze and said, “General Yan Ze is at the peak of the 9th Grade of Earth Rank. His cultivation is spirited, and he’s proficient in the art of war. This is the time for him to aspire to make contributions! Your Majesty, please allow General Yan Ze to lead the army and attack Ji Luo!”
‘F*ck!’ The Fourth Prince cursed in his heart.
This Su Wen was too good at seizing the opportunity. Not only did he reject him, he even wanted his own people to lead the troops out!
Su Wen had his own considerations. If Yan Ze and the others entered the army without any military merits, they would definitely be looked down upon.
If they were to attack Yan Country now, the Great Zhou would definitely take this opportunity to catch their breath. On the other hand, Ji Luo in the east was weaker. Once they attacked, they could even open up a sea route and turn the Chu Country from an inland country into a country with a coastline.
It was beneficial for the development of the entire country.
As soon as Su Wen spoke, Xiang Feiyan ignored the Fourth Prince and turned to Yan Ze with a smile. “General Yan, are you confident?”
“Yes!” Yan Ze took a step forward and said in a deep voice, “I’m willing to lead the army!”
“Alright! I will mobilize 80,000 troops and hand them over to General Yan. I will order Yan Luoying and Su Cheng and Wu Lie to be the deputy generals! We will attack Ji Luo!” Xiang Feiyan naturally understood Su Wen’s intentions.
He asked Yan Luoying, Su Cheng, and Wu Lie to follow Yan Ze.
The two of them, one Emperor and one King, complemented each other very well.
The Fourth Prince wanted to cry but had no tears.
Aren’t you going to ask for my opinion?
After the court session ended, everyone knew that the sky of Great Chu was about to change!
Su Wen had clearly started to dip his hands into the Royal Court!