A single imperial edict caused everyone to kneel on the ground to receive it.
Quan Jing walked in with a bright smile, dressed in a bright outfit. He saw the people kneeling on the ground receiving the imperial decree, and couldn't help but smile slightly, without saying anything more.
Standing alone before the incense table, he slowly unfurled the imperial edict and read it aloud, word by word:
"The way to win favor from afar is none other than bestowing imperial favor; the righteousness of honoring one's end is not limited by distance. Your trusted minister and virtuous minister, Tianyong, who received the mandate of heaven from afar and offered his utmost tribute, is hereby posthumously granted the title of Grand Master of the Palace. His extraordinary stature is commemorated by the imperial seal, signifying his righteous conduct; his splendid robes are a testament to his enduring glory. Therefore, the Minister of Rites is hereby appointed to bestow this imperial decree with the necessary rites. This is the imperial decree!"
After the panoramic view was read, everyone immediately knelt down to express their gratitude.
With a smile, Quan Jing handed the imperial edict to Hu Tianyong, who stood up to receive it, and said with a smile, "Congratulations, Prime Minister! On His Majesty's birthday, he is crowned Grand Master of the Palace. From now on, scholars and gentlemen should have even greater respect for you, Prime Minister!"
Hu Tianyong smiled and said amicably, "Not at all, not at all, it's all thanks to His Majesty's favor! How could I dare to be the foremost scholar in the land? My knowledge is too shallow to even be worthy of your attention!"
Hu Tianyong made a polite remark, but starting with Lan Linxue, everyone's expression turned somewhat unpleasant.
Qin Kou'er immediately realized that Hu Tianyong's polite remark was actually a bit too much.
The title of Grand Master of Ceremonies was merely a nominal civil post, insignificant compared to the title of Prime Minister.
It's just that this title was passed down from ancient times, and scholars valued it highly.
Hu Tianyong considered himself to be from a distinguished family and wanted to make a name for himself through his literary talent. He longed to give his family such a title.
Today is his birthday, and Lan Shanyang specially granted him a wish, which was meant to appease him. Who knew that Hu Tianyong would start to consider himself the foremost scholar in the land, which is a bit unacceptable.
The foremost scholar in the land should at least hold the title of top scholar in the imperial examination, possess a masterpiece, or have an independent theory that commands the admiration of the world. Hu Tianyong, however, failed to meet any of these criteria, except for wielding immense power.
In Lan Linxue's words, this old man's shamelessness had reached a level of perfection that no one could match.
Quan Jing's expression remained unchanged, as if he hadn't heard the words at all. He turned around and still smiled and waved to the eunuch behind him.
"Prime Minister, His Majesty knows that today is your birthday and has specially bestowed gifts upon you. Please accept these gifts and express your gratitude!"
Hu Tianyong quickly knelt down again to accept the reward and express his gratitude.
Lan Linxue stood behind Hu Tianyong and smiled coldly. He was certain that this would be Hu Tianyong's last glorious birthday celebration. Next year at this time, he would definitely send the old man a bowl of longevity noodles from prison.
After all the ceremonies were over, Hu Tianyong welcomed Quan Jing inside.
Upon seeing Lan Qingtian and the others, he quickly bowed and paid his respects, showing no sign of being the Grand Steward of the Imperial Household.
When he reached Lan Linxue, she immediately whispered with a smile in his ear, "Eunuch, you must go back and tell Father Emperor properly about Hu Tianyong's claim that he is the foremost scholar in the land. Let him be disgusted with that too!"
Upon hearing this, Quan Jing chuckled and whispered to Lan Linxue, "Don't worry, this old servant will tell the Emperor the truth when we get back!"
"Telling the truth won't do; you have to embellish it!"
There was nothing the whole world could do about the little master who had grown up in front of him. He nodded with a smile, and the group sat down to talk.
While exchanging pleasantries with those around her, Lan Linxue was also calculating the time, occasionally exchanging glances with Qin Kou'er.
Shuanghua and the others were already prepared outside. After personally watching Xu Ming and Lan Qingtian enter the Xu residence one after the other, he knew it was time to take action.
Just as Lan Linxue and the others were talking, a report came from outside that Jiang Ming had come to offer his birthday congratulations, and Qin Kou'er's eyes immediately lit up.
He slowly stood up, nodded to Shu Lingxi and apologized, then walked out alone with Jun Yannuo beside him.
Qin Kou'er did not forget her promise to Lan Linxue: the officials in Jiangnan had to be replaced, starting with Jiang Ming.
Stepping out of the courtyard, Qin Kou'er immediately met Jiang Ming, who was rushing over.
"Lord Jiang, how have you been?"
Qin Kou'er saw Jiang Ming bow first.
Jiang Ming was surprised that Qin Kou'er had come today, and that he had seen her outside. He couldn't help but smile and say, "Pavilion Master Qin is here too!"
Qin Kou'er nodded, then pointed inside: "I am honored that Lord Hu has not looked down on me and allowed me to witness such a grand occasion today!"
As she spoke, Qin Kou'er glanced intentionally or unintentionally at the box Jiang Ming was holding. This must be the birthday gift Jiang Ming was giving to Hu Tianyong.
That's right, the thing is so small, but it's enough for her to do her thing.
Jiang Ming said with a not-so-strong smile, "Pavilion Master Qin's abilities are extraordinary; it would not be surprising if I saw him anywhere!"
As he spoke, Jiang Ming looked inside, clearly not paying any attention to Qin Kou'er.
Qin Kou'er understood his meaning, and smiled tactfully: "Lord Jiang is going to see the Prime Minister, so I won't disturb you any longer!"
As she spoke, Qin Kou'er bowed to Jiang Ming, then stood up and walked past him with Jun Yannuo beside her.
However, as Jun Yannuo and Jiang Ming passed each other, she accidentally bumped into Jiang Ming.
Jiang Ming immediately swayed his body, bumping Qin Kou'er to the side.
It was a split-second action, but in that brief moment of passing by, Qin Kou'er had already deftly switched the items in Jiang Ming's arms.
Jiang Ming, however, felt nothing at all.
This chapter is not finished yet. Please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
