Grand Tutor Xie raised his head, his emotions unreadable: "Your Majesty, I guarantee that no one in the Xie family will serve in office for three generations."
Upon hearing this, Emperor Chongde's pupils contracted slightly, and his heart trembled.
Three generations without holding official positions?
That proved that for the next hundred years, the Xie family would have little chance of rising again. His emotions surged, and he had to admit, he was tempted!
But this also brought a sense of unease. Something was definitely amiss. Why would he bring this up on his own initiative? Could he be plotting something bigger?
Grand Tutor Xie followed immediately, "But I wish to request Your Majesty a decree of imperial edict!"
Emperor Chongde's eyes suddenly darkened.
The "Iron Certificate of Immunity" (also known as the "Golden Token of Immunity") was a reward bestowed by emperors upon important officials or meritorious individuals throughout history. It was the highest honor, granting those who held the certificate immunity from punishment and death.
Emperor Chongde was suspicious by nature and had never granted anyone a certificate of merit since his ascension to the throne.
But compared to the allure of the Xie family's three generations of non-officialdom, the imperial edict was utterly insignificant!
Let alone a hundred years, even a dozen years is full of uncertainties. If no one enters officialdom within a hundred years, the Xie family will have long since withdrawn from the center of power!
Although Emperor Chongde was wavering, he did not show it. Instead, he tried to persuade the Grand Tutor to stay, saying, "Grand Tutor, why are you going to such lengths?"
Grand Tutor Xie was also a cunning old fox. With a calm expression, he spoke with sincerity: "Your Majesty is aware of your difficulties. The powerful families are deeply entrenched and even endanger the court. I do not wish to trouble Your Majesty and am willing to do my best to help you in the end."
These words were so moving that the emperor had no choice but to agree.
...
Regardless of what others said, Grand Tutor Xie was determined to resign from his post.
After they had finished their discussion, Emperor Chongde spoke in a deep voice: "The Grand Tutor submitted his resignation a long time ago, and I agreed. However, considering that the Grand Tutor has devoted himself to our dynasty for many years, I am deeply grateful and hereby bestow upon him a certificate of merit and incorruptibility to express my gratitude!"
"Wow!"
Another tremor ran down below, and everyone finally understood what had happened: the two of them had secretly reached an agreement long ago!
What an honor it is to receive a certificate of merit! If it weren't for utmost sincerity, how could His Majesty be willing to part with it?
Ignoring the opinions of others, Emperor Chongde began to reward those who had contributed: "I have seen your performance in this flood control effort."
Chi Jingyu was promoted to Minister of Works, a second-rank official, for his meritorious service in flood control.
The Emperor's tone shifted, and his expression softened: "If it weren't for Chi Yan's warning and early prevention, who knows what kind of tragedy would have occurred? This is a great achievement! I hereby appoint you as the Commander of the Ceremonial Guard, a third-rank official. What do you think?"
An uproar erupted around them.
In just six months, Chi Yan was promoted from a sixth-rank compiler to a third-rank commander. What an astonishing speed of promotion!
Chi Yan, however, did not rush to express his gratitude. Instead, he stepped forward and bowed respectfully: "Your Majesty, my wife also deserves much credit for her timely warning of the flood. I do not wish for any reward..."
Before he could finish speaking, Emperor Chongde gave him a meaningful look: "I knew you couldn't keep your composure."
He glanced to his side, where Eunuch Fu smiled and said, "Don't worry, Commander Chi, His Majesty has already made plans."
...
"By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Shen Tangning, gentle and virtuous, is of exemplary character and conduct. Considering her meritorious service in flood control, she is hereby granted the title of Third-Rank Virtuous Lady. This is the imperial decree!"
Shen Tangning was stunned for a moment, blinking her eyes in confusion. Chi Yan had actually managed to get her a title of nobility.
Eunuch Fu urged with a smile, "Young Madam, hurry up and receive the imperial decree!"
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