"Lord Xu, Lord Xu, what's wrong?" His colleagues in the Yunzhong officialdom were all shocked and rushed to help him.
However, the number of people was much smaller than when they had just received an overwhelming response.
That's how cold and indifferent people are in officialdom. Everyone could see that this impeachment had failed and he was sure to have a bad ending.
The key point is that Zu'an has also latched onto Yan Xuehen, a powerful figure, and with the Crown Princess's favor, he can basically walk sideways from now on, and there is no way Xu Yu can turn things around.
Zuan naturally showed no sympathy whatsoever; if he lost this time, his fate would only be worse.
In the video, the emperor still expressed his concern for his subordinate: "Someone, help Lord Xu down and ask the doctor to treat him."
Xu Yu's henchmen quickly and hastily took him away.
Then the emperor asked in a deep voice, "Gentlemen, what do you think is the best way to reward Lord Zu for his great achievements?"
Sang Hong felt a chill run down his spine. The emperor acted as if nothing had happened, as if the dramatic impeachment had nothing to do with him. But anyone with eyes could see that the impeachment meeting would not have been held if the emperor hadn't tacitly approved it.
Based on his understanding of the emperor, if he really wanted to reward his subordinates, he would not say such ambiguous things. Instead, he would at least set a general direction and let the ministers discuss the details.
As expected, everyone present was shrewd and could sense the emperor's attitude. They looked at each other and remained silent for a moment.
At this moment, Bi Linglong's clear voice rang out: "Lord Zu has saved countless people and averted a great calamity for the entire human race. I think it is not an exaggeration to confer a duke title for such merit."
According to the unwritten rules of the imperial court, only descendants of the royal family could be granted the title of king, and for officials of other surnames, being granted the title of duke was already the pinnacle of a subject's career.
She knew, of course, that wasn't realistic, but only by asking for the absolute maximum would she have room for the other party to bargain.
Sure enough, an official soon came out and said, "Lord Zu has risen from a commoner to a baron in just a few months, and then quickly to a viscount. If he is to be promoted to a duke now, the speed of his promotion is simply too astonishing."
Bi Linglong said coldly, "The reason why our Great Zhou Dynasty is invincible is because we believe in rewarding those who have made contributions. If we use the speed of promotion as a reason, it will inevitably discourage other people who serve the country."
Many ministers rolled their eyes, thinking that among so many people who had made so many contributions, none had risen to such a high speed as Zu An.
Biqi, worried that his daughter was attracting too much hatred, cleared his throat and said, "Lord Zu's merits are indeed worthy of reward, but he is too young. If he were to rise to the top in one step, it would not be a blessing for a subject. In my opinion, it would be better to promote him to the rank of Earl."
Sang Hong secretly admired him; he was indeed a cunning old fox in politics, speaking words that offended no one, and even Zu An could sense his earnest advice.
It means to instruct or guide.
The emperor nodded. These words were indeed similar to what he had thought. It would be unreasonable not to reward Zu'an for his great service, but too much reward would also make him unhappy. A count would be just right: "Then let's promote him to count. Everyone can discuss the title issue."
Upon hearing that the emperor had bestowed the title of Earl upon Zu'an, a group of people in Yunzhong County cast envious, jealous, and resentful glances at him.
These people may have higher official positions than him, but none of them have the same noble title as him. He became a count at such a young age, which is probably unprecedented in the entire history of humankind.
Unlike official titles, peerage not only grants a fiefdom from which taxes can be collected, but it can also be passed down through generations. Of course, except for some hereditary princes, most peerages will be downgraded with each generation, but an earldom can last for several generations. That is the pinnacle of wealth and honor, and it has a huge advantage in terms of marriage alliances with the true aristocratic circle.
Zaun was equally pleased, not because of the Earl, but because he could finally get rid of the title of "cuckolded lord".
Although there's no such thing as being cuckolded in this world, it still feels unsettling.
After a brief discussion, the high-ranking officials in the court quickly came to a conclusion: "It just so happens that Da Ji City recently reported that many people have migrated here. Why not make Da Ji City the fief of Lord Zu?"
The emperor nodded: "Very well then. Confer upon Zu'an the title of Grand Earl of Ji. I am tired. Let the court adjourn."
Bi Linglong was well aware that Daji City was actually quite barren. Due to banditry and the harsh geographical environment, it was practically deserted. The so-called people who migrated here were actually just refugees.
The Pei family's proposal of such a fiefdom was purely a trap to annoy Zu'an.
Unfortunately, before she could refute it, the Emperor's word was final, and there was no way to change it.
"Although Da Ji City is a bit poor, it's still a count's city, which is not bad." That was the only way she could comfort herself.
Zuan was dumbfounded: "Great Ji Bo?"
First came the "phoenix man" (a man from a poor background who achieves success), then the "cuckold" (a man who is cheated on), and now this "big lesbian" (a man who is overly chaste)?
Why can't my title be more normal?
This is outrageous!
When the emperor left the court, a group of people bowed and saw him off.
Zhu Xiechi gave Pei Mianman a meaningful look, but ultimately did not reveal her identity.
Now that the main figure, Zu'an, is here, it's really inconvenient. Since the Emperor hasn't made any statement, he naturally doesn't dare to make decisions on his own.
After the officials left, Bi Linglong appeared in front of the video mirror, looked at Zu An as if she wanted to say something but hesitated, and finally said, "Lord Zu, you must not fail the Emperor's great favor."
Zuan knew she had a lot to say to him, but it was inappropriate to talk about private matters in such a public setting, so he could only do so under the guise of business.
"many
"Thank you for your guidance, Your Highness. I will dedicate myself to this cause until my dying breath," Zu An said firmly.
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