The thirteenth year of Yuming.
"Rise of court—"
"Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"
With all officials paying homage, the nation was at peace and prosperous. Emperor Yuming sat on the dragon throne, his every gesture exuding majesty. "My beloved ministers, rise."
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
The most trusted eunuch by Emperor Yuming's side stepped forward with a whisk in hand, saying, "If you have something to report, please do so; otherwise, the court may adjourn."
The officials remained silent. Thirteen years ago, Emperor Yuming conquered this land and changed the country's name to "Yu". Although Emperor Yuming is somewhat lax in his duties now, he was quite diligent in governing in previous years. Now the country is peaceful and prosperous, and the officials have nothing to report.
Seeing that his ministers were all bowing their heads, Emperor Yuming understood and, unusually, took the initiative to ask the Minister of Rites, "Minister Lu, do you have any memorials to present?"
The officials stood solemnly. The current emperor was deeply suspicious and divided between himself and the prime minister. The prime minister held a high position and wielded great power, second only to the emperor. His sister was also a favored concubine in the palace, which made Emperor Yuming very wary. All the other officials had either sided with Emperor Yuming or Prime Minister Qin, but only Minister Lu remained neutral and never took sides.
Lu Feng, the Minister of Rites, stepped forward, bowed, and replied respectfully, "Thank you for your consideration, Your Majesty. This humble subject has nothing to report."
Emperor Yuming nodded, but then asked about something else: "I remember that Minister Lu has a very outstanding son. Is he married?"
Minister Lu solemnly replied, "Your Majesty flatters me; my son is not yet married."
Everyone in the court knew that Lu Feng, the Minister of Rites, had two sons. His eldest son, Lu Chuan, joined the army at a young age and is now a commander in the Northwest Army, whose rank is not much lower than his father's.
The second son, Lu Huai, was a notorious playboy in the capital, indulging in drinking, gambling, and whoring—there was nothing he wouldn't do.
Anyone with a modicum of sense knows that His Majesty intends to marry the princess to Lu Chuan in order to win over Minister Lu.
As expected, Emperor Yuming smiled and asked very kindly, "How about I betroth Princess Zhaoyang to him?"
Unexpectedly, Minister Lu suddenly knelt down: "Your Majesty, I am terrified. My son is incompetent and already has a woman he admires. I am afraid that he will disappoint Your Majesty's good intentions. Please forgive him."
Emperor Yuming's expression stiffened slightly. Aside from the Prime Minister's faction, few dared to refuse him in court. He inquired, "Oh? May I ask which family's young lady is so fortunate?"
Minister Lu kowtowed, "Your Majesty, my son admires the Prime Minister's daughter, Miss Qin Qi."
The officials were in an uproar. This Minister Lu was really bold. Not only did he refuse Emperor Yuming, but he also wanted to pledge allegiance to the Prime Minister's faction in front of him. Even Prime Minister Qin turned around and glanced at him.
Emperor Yuming's face had turned somewhat ashen; he hadn't expected Lu Feng to say something like that. After a long silence, he finally said, "I'm a little tired today. Let's discuss this matter later."
"Respectfully bidding farewell to our Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"
-
Phoenix Palace.
"This is outrageous! This Lu Feng is simply not taking me seriously!" Emperor Yuming slammed his teacup down on the table, the veins on his forehead throbbing.
The Empress walked to his side, removed her nail guards, and gently massaged his temples: "Your Majesty, please calm down. Now is the time when we need capable people, and we must not offend Lu Feng."
The Empress was the birth mother of the Fourth Prince and Princess Zhaoyang. Although she was already a mother, she still retained her charm, and Emperor Yuming still frequently visited Fengqi Palace.
Emperor Yuming closed his eyes and snorted coldly: "Then what do you suggest? He's not someone to be easily fooled."
The Empress smiled charmingly, leaned close to Emperor Yuming's ear, and whispered, "Your Majesty, have you forgotten that Minister Lu has two sons?"
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