Chapter 155: Marquis Dingguo Resigns
Yunzhu, who was following behind Shen Ning, finally spoke up: "Your Majesty, why bother getting angry with them? They are just some rough guys, reeking of dirt and sweat."
As he spoke, he even raised his palms and fanned them in front of his nose, as if to blow away the sweat smell.
"Let's go." Shen Ning did not answer, but led Yunzhu towards Jinxiu Palace.
On the other hand, Shen Xiao felt very sorry for the Marquis and Deputy General Song. After he had some distance from Meng Quande, he said softly, "Please don't blame me, Marquis. My little sister is really ignorant."
Marquis Dingguo would certainly not be angry with Shen Xiao. Shen Xiao was indeed an excellent talent, and he intended to promote him to deputy general this time.
However, the final decision on this matter will still be made by the Emperor of Great Chu.
He also replied softly: "It's okay, it's just the temper of a child. The Royal Concubine used to be this straightforward."
"It's my fault today. This is my first time meeting the Empress, so I should show respect."
"The Imperial Concubine is the most polite person." Shen Xiao gently raised his hand to salute Marquis Dingguo. His sister was truly incomparable to the brave and warlike Imperial Concubine.
And Meng Quande, who was in front of them, had served in the palace for so many years and was a person who was very good at observing people's words and expressions. How could he not see the embarrassing situation just now?
Could it be that the Empress reprimanded Marquis Dingguo?
But this matter was not something he should consider, so he slowly slowed down his pace: "My Lord, the Royal Concubine has returned to Dingguo Mansion this morning to visit her relatives. You will be able to see her when you return home."
Marquis Dingguo had seen his own servant at the city gate earlier, and the servant had already reported the matter to him, so he was not surprised.
Zhao Saiyuan, who had been following silently on the left side of Marquis Dingguo, had not spoken a word since entering the palace. When he heard Meng Quande's words, his expression changed a little, but he did not say anything. He just lowered his head and followed behind Marquis Dingguo.
After paying respects to the Emperor of Great Chu, the Emperor of Great Chu only kept Marquis Dingguo to talk, and the Crown Prince had been waiting in Yu's study early in the morning.
Song Qingqi, Zhao Saiyuan, and Shen Xiao were waiting at the palace gate.
"Marquis Dingguo has been really busy these days." The Emperor of Great Chu saw Marquis Dingguo looking exhausted, and thought of what Wanwan said about him killing all the Marquis Dingguo's family members because he mistakenly trusted the treacherous ministers. He actually felt a little guilty.
But fortunately, the treacherous officials have been eliminated, and the loyal ministers and good generals are still there.
"This is what I should do." Marquis Dingguo said, handing the booklet in his hand to His Majesty. "The two border cities of Yuefeng Kingdom that we have captured are temporarily managed by the military strategists in the army. Your Majesty should send someone to take over as soon as possible."
"The Crown Prince will handle this matter." The Great Chu Emperor did not even open the booklet and directly handed it to the Crown Prince. "The Crown Prince has handled this matter very well."
"Helian Hengxin is now restrained by Helian Renxin, so he will not dare to act rashly against our Great Chu." Dingguo Hou looked at the Great Chu Emperor and said, "But flowers do not last forever. Helian Hengxin is extremely ambitious, and we must not let go of the border areas."
"This matter still has to be handed over to Song Qing." The Emperor of Great Chu now trusts Marquis Dingguo very much, so he naturally doesn't think about it.
"I have one more matter to ask Your Majesty when I return to the capital this time." Marquis Dingguo stood up again and saluted solemnly.
"Just say it." The Great Chu Emperor leaned back carelessly and smiled brightly.
"I am already sixty years old this year." Marquis Dingguo bowed again at this point, but he felt like he had a lump in his throat and couldn't say anything.
If he was asked to leave the army and leave the border, he was really unwilling. But now the fact was before him that he was no longer suitable for fighting on the battlefield. If he was captured by the enemy by accident, it would have a great impact on morale. It would be better for him to withdraw early.
As soon as Marquis Dingguo said this, the Emperor of Great Chu understood what he meant and sat up straight.
Indeed, Marquis Dingguo is now in his sixties and should have been enjoying his retirement at home, but now he is still fighting on the battlefield for the Great Chu State.
The Emperor of Great Chu couldn't help but feel a little heartbroken when he thought of this. He actually killed all nine clans of Marquis Dingguo.
What on earth possessed me at that time?
"Song Qing is right," the Great Chu Emperor pondered for a long time and finally spoke, "It's time to train a successor."
After saying that, he looked up at Marquis Dingguo and asked, "Do you have anyone to recommend?"
"It is said that one should not avoid relatives when promoting people at home, and one should not avoid enemies when promoting people abroad. I think my eldest son, Song Qingqi, is qualified for this task."
"Qing Qi has been following me in the army since he was young. He is both civil and martial, well-versed in military books, and his strategy is far superior to mine. He has also been in the Western Camp for more than 30 years. He is indeed the most suitable candidate." After saying this, Marquis Dingguo looked directly at the Emperor of Great Chu.
The Great Chu Emperor could see the purity and tenacity in his eyes, and was suddenly infected by the aura of Marquis Dingguo: "Since Marquis Dingguo recommended him, then Song Qingqi will be appointed as the general of the Western Camp."
"If Song Qingqi has any problems," Marquis Dingguo spoke again, as if to make the Great Chu Emperor believe in his decision, "I am willing to be punished together with him."
The Great Chu Emperor just waved his hand and said: "This is my decision, it has nothing to do with you."
"The person who was following behind Marquis Dingguo just now was the Empress's brother, Shen Xiao?" The Crown Prince, who had been silent all this time, finally spoke.
Marquis Dingguo decided to resign without consulting anyone in advance, so even the crown prince was surprised.
But it is true that my grandfather is now sixty years old, and he should be at an age where he can enjoy the company of his grandchildren at home.
Marquis Dingguo smiled and said, "That's right, Your Highness."
After saying this, he looked at the Great Chu Emperor again and said, "This time I brought Deputy General Song Qingqi, Deputy General Zhao Saiyuan, and Guard Shen Xiao back to the capital. Actually, I have other arrangements for these three people. It depends on your majesty's opinion."
"You say." The Great Chu Emperor had already come out of his shock and only looked at Marquis Dingguo.
"Shen Xiao is a very capable person. I think I should let him replace Song Qingqi's former position and serve as a deputy general beside Song Qingqi."
The Emperor of Great Chu thought about it carefully. After all, Shen Xiao was the Queen's brother, and also the King's uncle. It might not be a good thing for him to have too high a position in the army.
But if he is really a good general as Marquis Dingguo said, wouldn't it be a pity to lose him like this?
He also thought of Shen Ning's father, the Chief Justice of the Dali Temple. Lord Shen had always been a fair and strict person. When the imperial edict to crown the queen was issued before, he also sent people to secretly investigate the attitude of Lord Shen, the Chief Justice of the Dali Temple, and there was nothing unusual.
He nodded immediately: "Since he is recommended by Song Qing, I think he will not be bad."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Marquis Dingguo bowed and talked about Zhao Saiyuan. "As for Deputy General Zhao Saiyuan, he has been by my side for more than ten years and is quite capable. However, his daughter just passed away this year, and his wife fell ill out of grief. I think it would be better for Your Majesty to find him a job in the capital so that he can take good care of his family."