Chapter 311 Choices
"Master! This...no way!"
"If that's the case, wouldn't the imperial family be discarding us after we've served our purpose?" Madam Xu said anxiously.
In Madam Xu's eyes, Prime Minister Xu was a meritorious official who supported Emperor Xiao Wu's ascension to the throne. How could it be that in less than a year, the emperor had a new set of officials?
If the current imperial family really dares to do this, aren't they afraid that other officials will feel the same way?
"Discarding a donkey after it has served its purpose?"
Madam, you're overthinking it. It's better if we don't overestimate ourselves.
Even without me, that position would eventually belong to Your Majesty.
Weren't you also taken to the palace by the Zheng family? Couldn't you see what was going on back then?
If Chang Sheng Gong doesn't come, all of us are doomed.
The King of Qin might spare any other family, but he would absolutely not spare our Xu family.
Even in the mansions of the Duke of Dingguo and the Duke of Changsheng, the King of Qin would let them off the hook, at most demoting them to commoners.
But for the Xu family, that was a complete collapse.
Chang Shenggong appeared to be on the Crown Prince's side, but what was he really like?
When you invite Lady Changsheng to your residence, you're lucky if she comes two or three times out of ten invitations.
But she was having tea and chatting with that Madam Shen.
They should have a bad relationship, but they always seem to be together.
Are they around the same age?
"Lady Huangfu is considerably older than Lady Shen," Prime Minister Xu sighed.
Ultimately... he figured it out too late.
“But…but the Changsheng family has married our granddaughter as their daughter-in-law!” Madam Xu couldn’t help but say.
"So what? In their eyes, it doesn't matter who they marry."
Does marrying someone from your family mean you have to stand with them?
The late emperor also married a woman from the Zheng family. So what!
"Madam, the situation is no longer one where the Xu family can hold absolute power," Prime Minister Xu sighed once more.
Madam Xu wrapped the handkerchief in her hand several times.
Although she didn't want to hear these words, it seemed to be the truth.
It seems that Madam Shen and Madam Huangfu have a better relationship.
Even though she was the most senior civil official's wife in the past, she still couldn't bring these two ladies under her command...
Moreover, now.
The old man's saying, "A new emperor, a new court," makes a lot of sense.
Madam Shen is now the most respected person in the imperial family.
And what about Lady Huangfu? She was the first wife of Duke Changsheng.
As the greatest contributor to the rise of the imperial family, Changsheng Gong not only helped the imperial family ascend to the throne, but also indirectly saved the lives of most noble families in the capital.
But Lady Huangfu remained unassuming and acted as before.
However, at this banquet, both of them were explaining something to Madam Xu.
These two families are not only old-fashioned noble families, but also the two families most relied upon by the imperial family now...
"My lord, you are the head of the civil officials, with students and old friends all over the court. How can you just retire like that!"
"Even if you want to back out, those people won't let you," Madam Xu said seriously.
Prime Minister Xu walked to his desk and looked at the unfinished painting again.
"Madam! The current situation is that His Majesty is young, and no one can accurately assess his condition!"
If the late emperor were still on the throne, I would still know what he wanted to do, and at least I could have ensured the Xu family's wealth and prosperity for thirty years.
But now His Majesty…” Prime Minister Xu shook his head.
He must be the old fox that others are talking about.
Even so, he was powerless against the current emperor.
This emperor... seems to never play by the rules!
Just like last time when he was rebuked by the emperor at the court meeting, he pretended to be sick for two days.
If the late emperor were still alive, he would have sent the chief eunuch to visit him immediately.
What is said is not important; the main thing is to let everyone in the capital see that the imperial family still values the Xu family.
In this way, he could conveniently continue attending court.
But what about this emperor now?
Haha, when his son said he was feeling unwell and needed to rest in bed, Tian Jia actually nodded seriously.
"Is the old Prime Minister unwell? Has the imperial physician been summoned? Should I help post the imperial edict?"
Oh! It's not a serious illness! All you need to do is rest?
Then the old prime minister should rest well! He can return to court when he is fully recovered.
As for the old prime minister's political affairs...
"Lord Shangguan, please take the trouble!"
These few words were more effective than any magic pill, so much so that Prime Minister Xu only rested for two days before rushing back to court.
On another occasion, two fifth-rank officials argued during a court assembly over how much silver should be allocated to the river management project.
If the late emperor were still alive, he would have first reprimanded the emperor, and then tried to smooth things over with a few words.
"Prime Minister Xu, lead your discussion properly. When you reach a conclusion, inform me!"
What's all the commotion about? This is the imperial court, not Qianmen Street!
But what about His Majesty, who is only fifteen years old?
Hehe, he who had been looking bored immediately sat up straight on the dragon throne.
"You all have a good debate, and I will support whoever makes the most sense!"
Go ahead and argue! Show us what you've got to offer.
"I'll give you a live case investigation..."
Look at this, what emperor could do this? What prime minister could be so frustrated?
The most crucial point is that when the emperor engages in inappropriate behavior, the censors are required to offer their advice and reminders.
But the former censor, Lord Shangguan, is now the Minister of Personnel, and he seems quite detached, implying that he doesn't concern himself with politics since he's no longer in a position.
What about the censors nowadays...?
He was Tian's cousin, and he didn't say a word...
In the past, censors dared to impeach even the emperor and all officials; now, they only have eyes for the officials...
No one could do anything about this new emperor.
Since she's only fifteen, nothing she does is considered excessive!
Who can blame them when the Weiyuan Army is standing behind them!
Prime Minister Xu pondered for a long time, and the more he thought about it, the more he felt that his career seemed to have come to an end...
"Madam Shen said that the Empress and the Imperial Concubine will be chosen from among the noble families?" Prime Minister Xu suddenly asked.
Mrs. Xu nodded.
"That's what Madam Shen said, that she would definitely choose from a family of noble birth."
However, it cannot become too powerful!
"Sir, does Madam Shen mean that Roujia has no hope?" Madam Xu asked.
Prime Minister Xu slowly shook his head.
"No! This is the imperial family negotiating terms with me!"
"Negotiate terms? What terms?" Madam Xu was taken aback.
"If you want Roujia to enter the palace, whether as Empress or Imperial Concubine, then I must withdraw from the court."
If I don't withdraw from the court, Roujia will not be able to enter the palace.
The situation where the Xu family jointly controlled the court and the harem is no longer possible.
"Which path to choose is up to me!" Prime Minister Xu said slowly.
Madam Xu...
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