Ning Jun hummed a tune as he walked out of Yanying Hall. "It seems that Zhen's move has gone according to your wishes!" the Emperor said with a smile.”
Ning Jun cupped his hands and said,"Since the Emperor doesn't want it, I will reluctantly share the Emperor's burden."”
The Emperor walked side by side with him.”
Ning Jun looked left and right." Emperor, I suddenly remembered that I need to use the toilet, very urgently!”He was about to escape.
The Emperor grabbed him and threatened,""If you dare to slip away today, this one will immediately confer that Jia Yuanchun the title of Xiande Consort! Kid, do as you see fit!"
Ning Jun had no choice but to retract his leg." Your Majesty, you are the ruler of a country. Your words are the law. How can you go back on your words?”
"I will go back on my word. Do you have any objections?”The Emperor smiled faintly.
Who could stop the emperor from acting shamelessly?
Ning Jun spread out his hands." Alright, for the sake of the Emperor, I'll do my best."”
"That's more like it!" The Emperor laughed. I need someone…" She looked up and saw someone coming." Forget it, let's not talk about this today. Look who's here?”
Ning Jun looked at the place he was pointing at. Who else could it be but Yuan Chun?
She deliberately said,"She's just a small female official!" The emperor's business is more important!"
"Come on, do you think I don't know you?" The Emperor mocked. His heart drifted away. If I tell you this now, wouldn't I be wasting my breath? We'll talk tomorrow!" He moved to Taiji Palace.
Ning Jun sent off the Emperor and turned around to catch up to Yuan Chun who was still in the corridor.
After everyone bowed, the other palace maids and eunuchs tactfully left, leaving Yuan Chun alone. "Lord Jia, can I ask you for directions?" Ning Jun walked up to her and smiled.”
Yuan Chun became even more cautious and melancholic after the Old Lady Consort said those words to her. Seeing Ning Jun deliberately moving closer to her, he carefully took a few steps back." May I ask where you are going, Prince Zhongshun?"”
Ning Jun looked at her." Is there a way to your heart?" I seem to be lost!"
Yuan Chun's pretty face turned red, and she could not help but spit,""No way! Your Highness, please have some self-respect! I still have something to do, so I'll take my leave first!"
"Wait!" Ning Jun stopped her again." I'm not teasing you! I'm hungry. Do you have anything to eat?”
Yuan Chun kept his head down." Please wait a moment, Your Highness. I will get someone to go to the imperial kitchen to get it."”
"I'd rather starve than have those people cook." Ning Jun smiled. I'm asking you, do you have it on you now?”
"No!" Yuan Chun replied.
Ning Jun took two steps forward." Are you hungry?”
Yuan Chun gave way a few more times," Empress Dowager has summoned me, I cannot delay. Please forgive me, Your Highness!" She walked around him and wanted to leave.
"Eh?" Ning Jun stopped her. I don't eat people, why hide from me?”
Yuan Chun could only stand with his hands down and not speak.
"Are you hungry?" Ning Juncai asked with a smile.”
Yuan Chun shook his head.
Ning Jun took out two steamed buns from his sleeves and stuffed one into Yuan Chun's hands." You're not allowed to throw it away. Otherwise, I'll badmouth you in front of the Empress Dowager if I get angry!"”
Yuan Chun held a cold and hard steamed bun in his hand, feeling both angry and amused.
Ning Jun was really hungry. He ate half of it in two or three bites and asked,"Why aren't you eating?"
Yuan Chun looked at Ning Jun wolfing down the food and really could not help but laugh out loud.
"What are you laughing at?" Ning Jun asked.”
Yuan Chun glanced at Ning Jun." Be careful not to choke!”
After Ning Jun finished eating the steamed bun, he looked at the steamed bun in Yuan Chun's hand with a somewhat unsatisfied expression.
Yuan Chun handed the steamed bun over but felt that it was not good and took it back.
Ning Jun smiled and grabbed Yuan Chun's hand. He twisted it halfway and said embarrassedly,""How can I take back what I originally gave you? Just treat it as a gift from you.”
Yuan Chun's small hand trembled and he almost threw the steamed bun away. He was so embarrassed that he couldn't raise his head.
"Do you know why Mother asked you to go?" Ning Jun asked with a smile.”
Yuan Chun thought that it should be the matter that the Old Lady Consort mentioned, right?
Her face turned even redder.
Ning Jun looked at her shyness. Could it be that she already knew? He felt embarrassed and coughed." That should be a good thing!”
Yuan Chun said nothing.
Ning Jun was embarrassed. He thought that she was a girl with a weak reputation and couldn't take the joke." The steamed buns are not bad! Now, there was a slogan outside that the products of the loyal and obedient prince's residence must be of high quality!”
Yuan Chun's thoughts had been wandering in recent days. In the past, no one had ever spoken to her like Prince Zhongshun. It sounded like every sentence was rude, but in fact, every sentence was warm.
It was just that the heavens had destined that they would only meet and nod at each other. Perhaps the two of them would never have the chance to talk like this again in the future, so she tried to persuade him,"Your Highness should also do some proper business."
Ning Jun nodded." That's right! The emperor was planning to send me on a mission just now. Fortunately, you arrived in time, otherwise, you would have pulled some strong men. You're my lucky star!"
"What lucky star? What did your highness say?" Yuan Chun turned around and left.
On the second day of court, the court announced the imperial edict and settled Ning Jun's matters.
Ning Jun stood in the middle of the class and stood out from the crowd. Even the ministers looked at him with envy and jealousy.
Then, a certain official in charge of the matter reported," Reporting to the Emperor, the Xining Prince has passed away on a certain date. The Imperial Court should give him a posthumous title and bestow him with a noble title to appease the people.”
This stone stirred up a thousand waves, and the court was instantly in an uproar.
The posthumous title was still fine. There were not many people who knew about this. Only the Ministry of Rites and the Ministry of Official Personnel suggested that the Xining County Prince's achievements should be listed one by one. Then, they would use words to make it up. In the end, it would be Zhongsu. It was not bad. It was comparable to Yu Qian back then! In the entire court, there were probably not many people who knew the difference between a loyal warrior and a loyal warrior.
Ning Jun was still complaining about his title being loyal. Why did it sound more and more like a posthumous title?
Just as he was flying away, he suddenly heard someone tugging at his sleeve." The Emperor is asking you a question!”
Ning Jun quivered and came back to his senses. He looked around and saw that all the civil and military officials were looking at him with eager eyes, making his hair stand on end.
Who can tell me what you were talking about just now?
When Minister Xu of the Ministry of Works saw this, how could he not know that this master was distracted?
He held his hand and reported," Your Majesty, the second-class men, Jiang Zining and Xie Jing, have reported that the Prince of Xining had made outstanding contributions when he was alive. His eldest son should inherit the title of the Prince of Xining. North Jing Wang Shui Wang, Ministry of War Niu Shangshu and other adults agreed with this matter, the Ministry of Civil Affairs Ji Shangshu, the Ministry of Rites Cai Shangshu think that the national code system can not be abolished, Xining County title can only be granted three generations, now should be according to the rules to reduce the title examination seal, can not be hereditary original title. The ministers all had their own opinions and could not agree. I believe that the title of the court is the most important, can not be arbitrarily granted. However, the Xining County Prince also had merits to rely on, so he humbly requests the Emperor to judge!”
After talking for a while, it was equivalent to saying nothing.
Everyone knew that he was explaining the situation in the court to King Zhongshun!
Only now did Ning Jun get a rough idea. One side wanted to inherit the title, while the other wanted to demote the title. They were at a stalemate.
"You've been arguing for half a day just because of something as small as a sesame seed? He really had nothing better to do! The drought in Qilu and the flood in Jingchu, have you all gone to relieve them? What countermeasures do you have for the locust plague in Hanzhong? The Ministry of Revenue's national taxes can't make ends meet. What have you thought of? One by one, they had nothing to do! Does it have anything to do with you whether he is a hereditary king or a first-class general? You're the one who's blushing!" He pointed at Feng Tang, the Divine Martial General in the class." Back then, Xining County Prince saved your life on the battlefield. You want to be generous and repay your kindness with the title of the imperial court, right? Do you really treat the Imperial Court as your own home? That's right, the reason why all of you are so united is that you all have titles. Who doesn't want to pass on their titles to their descendants? Today, this precedent is about to be set, and all of you will follow suit. Do you not even want the laws of the imperial court?”Ning Jun had forgotten the name of Xining Junwang's son.
Feng Tang immediately retorted,"Prince Zhongshun, this subject agreed to it for the sake of justice. The former Xining County Prince risked his life for the imperial court. He went deep into the Hanhai Desert several times to hunt down the enemy…"
"Enough!" Ning Jun shouted loudly," You keep talking about Xining County Prince. Which of his contributions had not been rewarded by the Imperial Court? All of you, say it! Oh, the contributions of the father should be inherited by the eldest son. Then may I ask, was the contribution of the Duke of Rong not greater than that of their King of Beijing and King of Xining? His son was only a first-class general now! Today, you're asking for a county title for the Li family. Are you accusing the Retired Emperor of being unfair?”
Feng Tang was frightened by Ning Jun's words. He hurriedly knelt down and kowtowed."Emperor, this official would never dare to have such thoughts!”
At this moment, Niu Jizong had no choice but to step forward and say,"Emperor, General Feng has always been loyal and this official can guarantee that he has no resentment. Emperor, please understand!"
"Minister Niu, you also agree with the hereditary title and oppose the demotion of the title?" Ning Jun smiled.”He dug a small hole.
Niu Jizong shook his head." I just feel that Xining King has been loyal to the state for decades. He is a role model for us officials and should be praised to inspire future generations." The best way was to let his eldest son inherit the title. This was not hereditary. If the descendants did not work harder, they would still have to be reduced in rank. In this way, this was not only a reward, but also a form of encouragement!”
"That's right, you're comparing it to Prince Beijing's example."”
The Prince of Beijing, Shui Rong, could not help but say,"I am the son of a dog. I have received the emperor's great kindness and received the title of county. I am really ashamed to accept it."”Actually, he was just being humble.
Unexpectedly, Ning Jun deliberately took it seriously." Compared to Jia She, you should be ashamed!”
Prince Beijing's face immediately turned red." You…"
Fortunately, the Commandery Prince of Nan 'an stopped him and said with a smile,""Prince Zhongshun is so eloquent!"
Ning Jun turned his body slightly." Actually, I've always had a question. Shui Rong, aren't you still in mourning? Shouldn't you be in mourning?”
Prince Beijing's face turned even redder. He was angry.
However, Minister Cai of the Ministry of Rites explained to Ning Jun,""The Prince of Beijing is a Martial Noble. According to the system, he will not be relieved of his official position during mourning. He will be given a hundred days off.”
"No wonder I saw him shopping with a girl that day!" Ning Jun said casually.”
Prince Beijing was completely speechless.
The Prince of Nan 'an was an old fox. He smiled and said,""Young people are easily impulsive. There's no need to delve into it. We're talking about Xining County Duke now. Minister Niu's words were the words of an old man to plan for the country. I implore the emperor to adopt them! Moreover, Prince Beijing and Prince Xining's contributions have always been on par, so we think it's better to treat them equally.”
"That's what you really mean." Ning Jun laughed. However, according to what I said, the title on Shui Rong's body doesn't depend on how much battle achievements the former Prince Beijing had. In his last battle, he had sent out 100,000 soldiers. Not only did he die in battle, but how many soldiers had returned? To be conferred the title of King after such a miserable defeat, the Imperial Court was praising his unparalleled loyalty and bravery. He had already done his best. Can't we just let this page turn over? Today, you are still comparing Prince Beijing and Xining King. Don't you feel ashamed? Are you going to force me to commit suicide or force me to commit suicide?”
The Prince of Nan 'an sighed,"The former Prince of Beijing sacrificed his life for the country.”
Ning Jun still had a smile on his face. Since the emperor wants this little brother to speak, this little brother will speak casually. Everyone can listen casually.”
"So, Prince Zhongshun, do you agree with the reduced rank?" asked Minister Ji of the Ministry of Civil Affairs.”
Ning Jun spread his hands." I didn't say anything." We will listen to the emperor's decision!"
Since he didn't say anything, was it just an illusion?
The Emperor had been sitting on the throne watching Ning Jun verbally battle the officials. It had been a long time since he felt so comfortable. However, Ning Jun feigned ignorance and did not say anything at all?
"I want to hear your opinion!"
Ning Jun thought for a moment before he smiled and said,"I have an immature opinion!"”
"Speak!" the Emperor said.
"Didn't they say that Xining County Prince's contribution was great?" Why don't you let the Li family choose for themselves, whether to choose the title of Xining King or to choose a hereditary title.”
The Xining King here was a prince, right?
The court was silent.
This was a rather brilliant and rather damaging idea.
If they wanted to choose posthumous titles, they would naturally have their titles reduced. If they were to choose hereditary, not only would they lose their posthumous titles, but they might also lose their posthumous titles.
It seemed fair to choose one of the two, but if they dared to choose hereditary, where was their filial piety?
If that was the case, Xining King's Mansion would definitely lose its reputation, and the gains would not make up for the losses.
Perhaps the Emperor would have been happy for them to make such a choice!
Good!
When the Emperor asked for his opinion again, no one dared to have any objections.
However, when the court was about to retreat, the gazes of those martial meritorious officials were all directed at King Zhongshun. It was obvious that they had offended a large group of people.
The loyal and obedient king was still striding with his head held high. Since when was I afraid of them?
On the other side, Nan 'an Commandery Prince and Beijing Commandery Prince left the palace and boarded the carriage together.
The Prince of Nan 'an smiled." I was just fighting for it. It's fine as long as I try my best."”
"I just can't stand Ning Jun's appearance," the Commandery Prince of Beijing said indignantly.”
"We underestimated him!" "I'm afraid even the Retired Emperor didn't expect this," the Prince of Nan 'an said. I'm afraid the court will be in chaos."
"There's news from the palace that the Emperor has betrothed Jia Zheng's daughter to Prince Zhongshun as a talent," Prince Beijing said softly. Old Lady Consort's method had failed, what should she do?”
"We only want a daughter from a noble family, not the Jia family," the Prince of Nan 'an said with a smile.”
In the Hall of Respect.
The Emperor gave Ning Jun two edicts. One was to confer Jia Yuanchun the title of loyal and obedient king, and the other was to let Ning Jun go south.
This book comes from：m.funovel.com。