CHAPTER 253: CHAPTER 252: CAN’T HELP BUT ADMIRE

She still remembered when she first entered the Eastern Palace.

During her first time serving the Emperor, she had heeded Sister’s advice, acting gentle and obedient.

She lay there, motionless, allowing him to take what he wanted.

But the Emperor seemed to show little interest, dozing off after a perfunctory act.

Was I not obedient enough?

Consort Zheng Pin pondered for a long time but couldn’t understand.

She merely gave a bitter smile.

Forget it, I won’t think about it anymore. Whether she gains favor or loses it, what does it have to do with us? After all, those who were meant to be offended have already been offended, haven’t they?

Hong Yun didn’t know how to console her and could only say, "My Lady, our lives are still manageable."

"Although the Ministry of Internal Affairs has been somewhat negligent, they haven’t dared to be overly harsh with cutbacks."

The Empress values her reputation. Even though the Ministry of Internal Affairs is full of social climbers and sycophants, they still dare not treat us too poorly.

Consort Zheng Pin thought for a moment.

"You’re right!"

Life in the palace... one just has to endure it! We’ll see who can outlast whom.

Currently, only Consort Ning held the rank of Fei.

Perhaps in a few years, once I have enough seniority, I too could ascend to the rank of Fei. By then, if I pleaded with the Emperor, perhaps I could even foster a child. That would surely make my life complete.

Thinking this, Consort Zheng Pin felt a glimmer of hope.

"Enough!" she said.

"The Emperor detests it most when we squabble and become jealous over favor!"

Hong Yun smiled.

"It’s good that you see things clearly, My Lady!"

A pang of bitterness struck Consort Zheng Pin’s heart.

What good would seeing things clearly do? Is there any way to win the Emperor back? Forget it, forget it, I won’t dwell on it.

"Is my bird’s nest porridge ready?"

Hong Yun smiled.

"It’s been simmering for over a Shi Chen. This servant will bring it at once!"

Consort Zheng Pin smiled with satisfaction.

...

After the turmoil subsided, peace finally returned to the palace.

Everyone in the palace learned that Xia Jieyu’s brother was the Deputy Commander of the Imperial Forest Army.

Once the Harem knew, it was inevitable that the imperial court would also become aware.

That day, a war of words erupted in the court.

Grand Tutor Shih was the first to leap up in opposition.

"Your Majesty, the position of Deputy Commander of the Imperial Forest Army is crucial to Your Majesty’s safety! How can it be entrusted to an unknown upstart?"

Once Grand Tutor Shih voiced his objection, the majority of Civil Officials in the court also rose to oppose.

"Indeed, Your Majesty! In this humble servant’s opinion, it would be better to select someone from the trusted core of the Imperial Forest Army!"

"The Xia family? This humble servant has never heard of them! Presumably, their ancestors produced no one of consequence!"

"From this, we can infer that this man also lacks any significant ability!"

If Xia Ruqing were to hear this astounding line of reasoning, she would probably choke on her food.

What in the world is this nonsense? To judge a person’s talent and capability, one must trace back their lineage for eight generations? If that’s the case, everyone might as well emulate ancient peoples, go hunting, and wear animal skins instead of holding official posts!

Speaking of which, it was a fact that officials tended to be cliquish.

If it had been a member of an established martial family, that would have been one thing.

But for an unknown nobody to suddenly rise to such a position filled them with a sense of crisis.

It’s often said that the new waves of the Yangtze River drive on those before, and the foremost waves are dashed upon the sand. No one wants to be dashed upon the sand.

So, all they could do was try to prevent the new waves from rising.

The Civil Officials argued vehemently.

As for the Military Officials?

They all stood with bowed heads, saying nothing.

Why, you ask?

The Imperial Forest Army command was reshuffled every three years. Who wouldn’t attend such a major event?

Anyone who went saw with their own eyes that he had earned his position blow by blow.

As the defeated parties, they were utterly convinced and had nothing more to say.

Even General Xiao of the Capital City’s Three Great Camps had no objections.

He had witnessed with his own eyes that the man was indeed capable.

Zhao Junyao rubbed his nose, feeling immensely relieved.

Fortunately, this group of Civil Officials isn’t arguing with me directly. Their verbal combat skills are truly eye-opening.

However, his relief was short-lived.

Grand Tutor Shih, leading a contingent of Civil Officials, suddenly dropped to their knees in a great commotion.

"Your Majesty, the position of Deputy Commander of the Imperial Forest Army is of utmost importance! We implore Your Majesty to reconsider!"

Zhao Junyao was speechless. And here I thought they weren’t targeting me!

Just then, General Xiao spoke up.

"What Grand Tutor Shih says is reasonable, but this general fails to understand how you’ve concluded that Commander Xia is unfit for the position of Deputy Commander of the Imperial Forest Army."

Military Generals, who usually preferred to resolve matters with their fists, disliked pointless arguments.

Therefore, they held a genuine admiration for those stronger than themselves.

When defeated, they had no choice but to concede sincerely.

Furthermore, positions in the Imperial Forest Army were meant for the capable.

If one’s fists weren’t strong enough, how could one speak of protecting the Emperor?

So... there was really nothing to discuss!

Being formidable and skilled was all that mattered.

Grand Tutor Shih shot General Xiao a look one might reserve for a crude barbarian.

Then, he solemnly stroked his beard and launched into a lengthy diatribe.

His lengthy speech essentially boiled down to one point: this man’s background was unknown.

Who knew if he might be a spy sent by another nation, or an assassin sent by a rebel faction?

How could the Emperor’s safety be entrusted to such an individual?

General Xiao interjected.

"Grand Tutor Shih, you’re being somewhat excessive. This man’s ancestors for eight generations were all farmers. Though perhaps... unremarkable, their lineage is undeniably untainted and honest!"

After General Xiao finished speaking, Zhao Junyao gave him an approving glance.

They had already reached a consensus on this matter privately.

Their reasoning was sound. In the Great Chu Dynasty, society was structured with scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants, and the status of farmers was by no means low. What was wrong with an untainted and honest background? Besides, his father was a literate man, a scholar—was his background truly unknown?

"Or perhaps," General Xiao continued, "Grand Tutor Shih believes that a general cannot come from a family of scholars?"

Grand Tutor Shih was rendered speechless.

Yet, he remained unconvinced in his heart.

He glanced back, and the Civil Officials, understanding his cue, once again became agitated.

They began to argue that...

If His Majesty insisted on selecting generals from humble origins, then it would be far better to hold a formal military examination.

Appointing him in this manner would only lead people to suspect that Commander Xia had been promoted through connections.

"Indeed, Your Majesty! If he had been selected through the military examinations, this humble servant wouldn’t dare utter a word of objection, even if I had ten times the courage!"

"Precisely! Only selection through the military examinations can truly convince the public and reassure the realm!"

Zhao Junyao felt a vein throb in his temple.

Since when did selecting an Imperial Bodyguard require the consent of all the people under Heaven?

His expression darkened, and he slowly rose to his feet.

"My dear ministers, you certainly have a talent for condemnation!"

Without a single curse word, they can berate you until you feel utterly ashamed, making you seem like a benighted ruler who exploits the people, ignores their welfare, favors sycophants, and alienates the virtuous.

Zhao Junyao sneered.

"In my view, if there’s another foreign invasion, we won’t need these generals to lead troops into battle!

"Just have your three thousand scholars go to the front lines, sit down, and thoroughly lecture the invaders on the noble teachings of Confucius!

"Let’s see then if your eloquent tongues and sharp pens can drive back the enemy!"

After he spoke, an abrupt silence fell upon the great hall.

General Xiao lowered his head, a hint of schadenfreude in his expression.

The Emperor’s words were spot on! He, too, was curious to see if these censors could truly ascend to the heavens with their talk. They really want to control everything. They can twist any matter into a discussion about the Dao of kingship and grand principles concerning the welfare of the realm. It’s truly exasperating.

The great hall remained steeped in silence.

Zhao Junyao’s gaze was cold as he resettled onto the dragon throne.

"If you have matters to report, present them. If not, court is dismissed!"