Chapter 152 Requesting for Permission
Golden Palace.
He Ning, dressed in a scarlet robe, stood at the bottom of the steps, his back straight, and said in a loud voice:
"Your Majesty, Jiang and I are blessed with a marriage granted by Heaven, and we are filled with deep gratitude. However, marriage is a serious matter, and it is especially important for parents to bear witness.
My father is far away in the northern border, guarding the border for the country. I dare not put personal interests above public interests. However, my fiancée Jiang Qingning, whose father and brothers Jiang Baichuan and Jiang Qinghuai have been ordered to guard Lingnan for many years, have worked hard and made great contributions.
I, your Majesty, boldly request that General Jiang and his son return to the capital to report on their duties. This will allow me and Qingning to marry, and it will allow the Jiang family to be reunited, demonstrating your Majesty's benevolent and compassionate heart."
He Ning's voice echoed in the empty hall, and there was silence all around.
The subtle voices of discussion surged, all indicating:
He Ning is truly a young and inexperienced person who is not afraid of tigers.
Xun Chen's expression turned extremely ugly. He took a step forward and said respectfully:
"Your Majesty, Lord He is mistaken. The Jiangs are entrusted with guarding Lingnan by Your Majesty's order. Lingnan, though remote, is a vital part of our nation. How could they abandon their duties due to personal feelings?"
He deliberately raised his voice and glanced around with obvious guidance.
"Besides, Jiang Qingning is already remarried. Whether her father and brother return or not will not improve the dignity of the wedding. Lord He, don't let your youthful ambition be blinded by personal feelings and lose sight of the greater good, delaying the important business of the court!"
He Ning still looked straight ahead, his voice steady: "Lord Xun, I beg your pardon. General Jiang and his son have been guarding Lingnan for eight years, fulfilling their duties and without fail.
Now that the situation in Lingnan is stable, Your Majesty summoned him back to the capital to report on his work. This is both a sympathy for the meritorious officials and the care that the court should show to the generals guarding the border.
As for Qingning, I respect her fortitude. Her father and brother are both meritorious officials of the country. It is my great honor to have them witness my wedding with Qingning. It is also a great honor for Your Majesty to show His grace. How can you say that we are losing the big picture for the sake of the small?"
"you!"
Xun Chen was speechless and his face turned red.
"alright."
Lu Bin finally spoke, interrupting the argument.
His eyes slowly swept across the faces of the people below the stairs, finally landing on Qin Xiu, who had been silent at the front of the queue.
"Qin Aiqing,"
Lu Bin's voice carried a hint of inquiry, "You are in charge of the criminal justice system, and you also oversee all criminal cases in the country. You also have a lot of insights into the appointment and dismissal of officials in various places."
"In your opinion, is it feasible for Mr. He to summon the Jiang family father and son back to the capital to report on their work? Will this hinder the defense of Lingnan's border?"
Everyone's eyes instantly focused on Qin Xiu.
This powerful prince of the Duke of Qin, who controls the Ministry of Justice and the Dali Temple, was once a killing god that terrified the Northern Di people. He also had a confusing scandal with Jiang Qingning.
For a moment, everyone was waiting for Qin Xiu's answer.
Qin Xiu slowly raised his eyelids, his deep eyes calm as he looked straight at the imperial steps in front of him.
He held a jade sceptre in his hand, his posture respectful and distant, his voice low and steady, without any emotion:
"Your Majesty, I believe that officials reporting on their work is a common practice in the court, and it is also a good way for Your Majesty to evaluate your officials and understand the situation of the people.
The father and son of the Jiang family have guarded Lingnan for many years with unwavering diligence. If Your Majesty, in consideration of their hard work, graciously recalls them, it would be both reasonable and legally sound."
He paused slightly, as if considering his words, before continuing:
"As for the Lingnan border defense, General Jiang and his son have commanded the army with skill, and the foundation is solid. Their officers are also experienced and accomplished. As long as they deploy the troops appropriately and appoint capable deputy generals to oversee military affairs, the foundation should not be shaken."
These words are well-balanced and flawless.
It sounded like he not only did not object, but was actually providing a basis for He Ning's proposal.
However, his overly calm tone, when heard by Lu Bin, revealed another meaning.
Qin Xiu seemed to be hinting that the Jiang family's father and son had already established their influence in Lingnan, so it wouldn't be a problem if they left for a while. He even hinted that it was a good thing to leave?
Lu Bing's eyes flickered slightly under his crown, and his fingertips tapped lightly on the armrest of the dragon throne.
Qin Xiu's attitude was ambiguous, even a little reluctant.
This was a little different than he had expected, but more to his liking.
It seems that He Ning's impeachment of Wang Huanzhi in the court and his arranged marriage to Jiang Qingning have completely angered Qin Xiu, and the rift between the two has become deep.
It is reasonable that Qin Xiu does not want to see the father and son of the Jiang family return and become a helper to Jiang Qingning and even He Ning.
The emperor's doubts caused by Qin Xiu's failure to clearly express his support were instantly replaced by the certainty that He Qin was against him.
A knowing smile appeared on his face.
Checks and balances are what he wants.
As for the father and son of the Jiang family, Lu Bin’s mind quickly flashed through the events of eight years ago.
Jiang Baichuan was in command of a large army at that time, and his achievements were indeed so great that they frightened the emperor.
But now, the military power has been cleverly taken back by himself. Now that Duke Fengguo Lin Chong has fallen, the military power is firmly in his hands.
The father and son of the Jiang family have been in Lingnan for eight years, far away from the power center of the capital, like duckweed with its roots cut off. All of their old subordinates have died, dispersed, or been transferred away, and they are no longer a force to be reckoned with.
The capital city has seen several personnel changes, so what kind of waves can they make?
It’s better to come back. I can keep an eye on them right under my nose and let He Ning and Qin Xiu fight each other. This will save them from being far away in Lingnan.
Thinking of this, Lu Bin felt relieved.
The smile on his face became more tolerant, but he did not immediately agree to He Ning.
"Lord He is a filial son, and it is understandable that he is considerate of his fiancée. Lord Qin's concerns are also the words of a wise and experienced ruler."
"The father and son of the Jiang family have made great contributions to defending the border. I often think of them, but..."
He changed the subject, his tone becoming more cautious. "Although Lingnan is peaceful, it is still an important border town. Jiang and his son are the pillars of stability. Their sudden departure will lead to the handover of local military affairs. A single move will affect the entire system, so we must be cautious."
He glanced at the ministers with different expressions on their faces below the stairs, and finally landed on He Ning. He said soothingly, "I will give this matter some careful consideration and discuss it with the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Personnel. We will discuss it again in two days. He Qing, rest assured, I will definitely give you and Jiang an explanation."
"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your consideration!"
He Ning immediately bowed to express his gratitude, his face still showing gratitude.
The emperor would not give in easily. This delay was both a test and a trade-off.
"Withdraw from the court!"
The eunuch in charge of ceremonies' shrill voice rang out.
On East Street, the most prosperous street in the capital, the streets are bustling with people, and the various hawking sounds, the sounds of carriages and horses, and the sounds of conversation and laughter merge into a vivid picture of the market.
A simple and elegant carriage with green curtains slowly moved forward among the bustling crowd.
Inside the car.
Jiang Qingning was wearing a plain moon-white long dress, with only a simple mutton-fat jade hairpin pinned in her bun. There was no extra ornament on her body, but she had a calm and cold demeanor.
Jiang Qingxi was wearing a brand new goose yellow woven long dress and an exquisite pearl hairpin on her head. She snuggled up to Jiang Qingning, as if she was trying to please her elder sister because she had made her elder sister angry.
Jiang Yuerou lowered the carriage curtain and turned around, her face flushed with shyness. "The Jinyu Pavilion is up ahead. I heard they've just received a batch of South China Sea pearl head ornaments, as well as the latest kingfisher feather craftsmanship from Jiangnan. The Third Young Master is truly elegant, and I..."
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