"His Majesty."
Finally, Zhou Hong, the Minister of Rites, broke the silence.
This senior official from the Prince of Jin's residence stepped forward, holding a jade tablet, his voice steady and calm:
"The great victory at Yishui is a blessing for the nation and a boon for all the people. The General has made such an unparalleled contribution. We beseech Your Majesty to decide how to reward him."
The words were spoken respectfully, but everyone understood the underlying meaning.
Yinji slowly raised his head.
The tassels swayed, revealing a pair of clear eyes.
These eyes are still young, without the cloudiness of years, yet possess a calmness beyond their years.
"What does Minister Zhou think should be done in terms of reward?" he asked in return, his voice calm and unwavering.
Zhou Hong bowed: "This old minister believes that the General's achievements are comparable to those of the founding of the nation. According to ancient custom, he should be granted the Nine Bestowments, allowed to wear a sword and shoes in the palace, and be honored without being named. He should also be granted the title of Regent, overseeing all military and political affairs of the realm."
As soon as he finished speaking, gasps of astonishment filled the hall.
What are the Nine Bestowments?
It was the highest ceremonial vessel bestowed by the emperor upon the feudal lords, and usually only powerful ministers who had usurped the throne received this honor.
To be allowed to enter the palace with a sword and shoes, and to be praised without being named, was a courtesy the emperor bestowed upon his most trusted ministers.
The regent, on the other hand, is above all officials and exercises imperial power!
This is tantamount to handing over imperial power!
But to Pei Lun, Fan Nan, Huang Chang, Zhao Wen, and other close associates of Zhao Muyun, it was utterly astonishing.
As a staunch supporter of the Prince of Jin's faction, Zhou Hong not only did not object, but even wanted to bestow a title upon Zhao Muyun. This was a case of flattery to kill, putting Zhao Muyun in a very difficult position.
Although Zhao Muyun was the emperor's brother-in-law, these things were insignificant in the face of imperial power.
"Your Majesty, you mustn't!" Fan Nan, the Minister of Revenue, strode forward. "Although the Grand General has rendered great service, there is a distinction between ruler and subject! If you were to bestow upon him the Nine Bestowments and appoint him Regent, how would the people of the world view Your Majesty? How would history record Your Majesty?"
Zhou Hong coldly replied, "Then what does Minister Fan think we should do? The General now commands the army of the realm and has made outstanding contributions. If the reward is too light, it will discourage the meritorious officials. What then?"
"Can……"
That's enough.
Yinji spoke, his voice not loud, but it instantly silenced the hall.
He stood up, and as the tassels on his hat swayed, his handsome face was revealed.
"Minister Fan's loyalty is commendable, and Minister Zhou's considerations are thorough." Yin Ji slowly walked down the imperial steps and entered the hall. "I understand what you have said. I am also aware of your concerns."
He stopped in the center of the hall and looked around at the assembled officials: "But you have forgotten one thing—the Grand General is my brother-in-law and my teacher. The current situation of the Great Yin Dynasty is entirely due to his efforts."
"Two years ago, before the late emperor passed away, he entrusted the Grand General to assist me and the Great Yin dynasty."
"The eldest princess's child was named Kuangyin by her grandfather."
"In the past two years, the General has fought in the north and south, recovering lost territories. He has not failed the late Emperor's trust, nor has he failed my trust."
"You say that the Grand General's achievements will overshadow the Emperor. I ask you—if the Grand General truly harbors disloyal intentions, why didn't he seize power when he held considerable military power two years ago when the late Emperor passed away?"
"I have only recently ascended the throne, and my power is not yet secure. Why doesn't he rebel now? Why wait until today, after he has fought a bloody battle, narrowly escaped death, and made unparalleled contributions, before he rebels?"
The main hall was completely silent.
“You all,” Yinji shook his head, “always assume the worst about people. Master is definitely not that kind of person!”
He turned around, his voice rising: "Issue my decree—"
"General Zhao Muyun of Jin was appointed Grand Marshal of the Armed Forces of the Realm, overseeing all military affairs. He was granted the Nine Bestowments, allowed to wear a sword and shoes in the palace, and was exempt from naming the emperor during audiences. He was also granted the title of Regent, giving him overall control over the military and political affairs of the Realm."
"After the rebellion of Li is quelled, I shall emulate the way King Cheng of Zhou treated the Duke of Zhou, personally welcoming him in the suburbs and treating him with the respect due to a disciple."
The imperial decree shocked the entire court.
But since the emperor said it and did it, what could a subject like me say?
Moreover, Zhao Muyun had already reached the pinnacle of his prestige and power.
The Great Yin Dynasty might not make any moves now that it's without the emperor and these ministers, but without Zhao Muyun, it will collapse in an instant.
"Draft an imperial edict immediately to commend the General and the soldiers at the front!"
"I hope they can take advantage of this momentum and recapture the old capital in one fell swoop."
"Court adjourned!"
After the court session, Yinji returned to the inner palace.
He did not go to the Imperial Study, but instead went to the lakeside in the Imperial Garden.
The lake was as calm as a mirror in autumn, reflecting the blue sky and white clouds.
"Royal brother."
A soft voice rang out.
Yinji turned around and saw his younger sister, Yinyao, standing under the eaves.
She was twenty years old, dressed in a light blue palace gown, her long hair loosely tied up, and without any makeup.
She was Zhao Muyun's wife, and she was only seventeen years old when she married him.
"Yao'er," Yinji smiled, "Why are you here?"
Yin Yao walked to his side and looked at the lake: "I heard that when my brother is in court, he gives everything to my husband."
"You knew all along?"
"It's all over the palace." Yin Yao turned to look at him, her eyes full of worry. "Brother, you don't have to be like this. Mu Yun... he's not that kind of person."
"I know," Yinji said softly. "Precisely because I know, it is all the more necessary to do so."
He picked up a pebble and threw it into the lake.
Ripples spread outwards, shattering the reflection.
"Yao'er, do you know what I feel every day when I sit on the dragon throne?" Before his sister could answer, he continued, "It's fear."
"I fear that I am not worthy of my position, that I am incompetent in governing the country, and that this empire will be ruined in my hands. Every day when I review memorials, I cannot sleep at night when I see reports of famine, rebellion, or corruption among officials."
“But Master is different. He was born for this country. He understands military affairs, knows the people’s livelihood, is good at using people, and is willing to accept advice. The fact that the Great Yin Dynasty has been able to hold on until now and achieve this great victory in the past three years is all thanks to him.”
My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com