A buzzing sound filled the great hall.
Of course, it wasn't just the Duke of Chengguo praising himself; several officials stood up too.
"Lord Sun, how could you say such a thing? One hand alone cannot clap." said an official.
"Indeed, besides, it was precisely because of the Duke of Chengguo's prior bravery that the people, including Miss Jun, revered and followed him, allowing him to rally many with a single call." another official chimed in.
The great hall was filled with voices all praising the Duke of Chengguo for accumulating power in the northern lands over many years, training formidable troops to ensure the entire populace was armed, bravely advancing without retreat, daring to attack the Jurchen prince in the Jurchen Territory, leading Miss Jun and others to swear allegiance and follow him to the death.
In summary, it was due to the Duke of Chengguo's valor that Miss Jun and others could carry out their plans and achieve such a great success.
Keep praising, keep praising. Among the ranks, Huang Cheng shook hands and lowered his head, a faint smile playing on his lips, allowing the emperor to see how many followers the Duke of Chengguo had in court, see how resounding his reputation was. Achieving greatness higher than the sovereign was not seen but spoken out.
"...You are wrong, this is clearly the merit of His Majesty!"
Amidst the praise and argument, a clear voice suddenly rang out.
Again, it's that shameless kid. Huang Cheng's face fell.
"Obviously, it was due to His Majesty's wisdom and valor that the Duke of Chengguo could accumulate such feats and popular support in the northern lands." Ning Yunzhao gestured with the wood plate and said, "Without His Majesty's trust and reliance, how could the Duke of Chengguo have achieved today? Censor's impeachment documents have piled up like mountains enough to crush the Duke of Chengguo."
"Indeed, it is His Majesty's merit."
Behind him, a group of young officials hurriedly stood up too.
"This is His Majesty buying a thousand gold horses."
"This is His Majesty being kind and generous, gaining the people's support."
The great hall immediately became even more clamorous. Not only did Huang Cheng freeze, but other officials were stunned too; even the debating officials were taken aback—and then some were annoyed.
When did it become these young officials' turn to speak up!
Moreover, to praise so blatantly!
Such audacity!
Both those on the Duke of Chengguo's side and those on Huang Cheng's side cursed in their hearts.
This batch of new officials simply doesn't cut it!
Don't they notice it's discussing serious matters now, why blindly flatter?
Several officials immediately raised their eyebrows ready to argue, when the emperor seated on the throne, who had been silent, suddenly smiled.
"Alright, alright, don't quarrel." he said, raising a hand to indicate, "I understand."
The officials in the hall bowed and listened.
"It turns out that Miss Jun has done so much, and meritorious deeds are definite." the emperor said with emotion and looked at the Duke of Chengguo, "of course, Duke of Chengguo, you are also meritorious, just as everyone said, this is mutually complementary, not something one person can achieve."
"Your Majesty is wise!" Ning Yunzhao said.
Why shout, haven't finished speaking yet, why rush! Other officials lowered their heads and glared angrily.
"Your Majesty is wise." They all echoed.
The emperor smiled, gesturing for everyone to quiet down.
"It's not wise, it is a matter of course." he became increasingly amiable, with some self-blame, "Miss Jun has been wrongly treated, having accomplished such great feats yet remaining unknown."
"Your Majesty, good deeds are never too late."
This time, Huang Cheng dared not be slower; he quickly stood up and said.
"Though at the time we couldn't parade achievements for people to know Miss Jun, now isn't too late, Your Majesty is about to reward De Sheng Chang, you can also declare honors to Miss Jun at the same time."
"Indeed, Your Majesty, even now is not late." Several officials immediately agreed.
Some other officials glanced at the Duke of Chengguo and also bowed in response.
At this rare moment of united opinion among the civil and military officials, especially those from the Duke of Chengguo and Huang Cheng's group, the emperor understood what they meant.
The Duke of Chengguo dared to do this, naturally wanting to fish for the reputation of being magnanimous and selfless, and secure in the belief that there is certainly no refusal.
As for Huang Cheng and his group, naturally, they hope to weaken the Duke of Chengguo's merits, and even take the chance to label the Duke of Chengguo with the stain of greedy achievements.
Each has their own little calculations.
The emperor's gaze swept over, suddenly halted, and landed on Ning Yunzhao.
The young official in a green robe did not, like most officials, bow to express his opinions but rather stood upright, looking at him with determination.
No matter what others think or do, all he wanted was to hear how His Majesty decided.
The emperor couldn't help but smile and shake his head, young people indeed.
Young people are good too, especially since this young man, being a Ning Family descendant, is talented, capable, and has an elder in Ning Yan supporting him.
Ning Yan's political capabilities are beyond doubt, though his temperament is rather disagreeable, but Ning Yunzhao is different.
In future political affairs, Ning Yan can advise behind the scenes, while Ning Yunzhao can communicate and adhere more astutely, truly a case of killing two birds with one stone.
The emperor's eyes sparkled with laughter but then slightly frowned, looking at Ning Yunzhao's green official robe.
The position is too low, and during the Grand Court sessions, he can attend, but at other times, he isn't qualified to discuss politics, seems he'll need to find a chance to move him to a different place.
This is easy to handle, the emperor straightened up; taking advantage of comforting Ning Yan, he could grant this matter too, earning a reputation of lenience and generosity towards ministers.
The voices of the officials in the great hall had quieted after their chatterings, but the emperor remained silent.
Huang Cheng raised his head puzzled, seeing the emperor seemingly lost in thought, frowning from time to time, apparently contemplating something.
What's he contemplating?
Does this matter require contemplation?
As long as it's implemented, raising private soldiers, reducing military achievements, letting the populace know the Duke of Chengguo isn't all-powerful, the merit claimed by him was actually done by someone else, his popular prestige would certainly decline, all this is within easy reach.
Initially, the identity of Miss Jun and Duke of Chengguo's heir as husband and wife was dubious, but now they themselves said it, it's practically a pie falling from the sky, not catching it would be a waste.
As to why the Duke of Chengguo did this, likely due to Miss Jun wanting to claim credit, this woman, since entering the capital, every move aimed for fame over gain, such prestigious influence in the northern lands, how could she graciously let another take it over? And the Duke of Chengguo wants to win over Miss Jun, naturally won't oppose, for them, it's a mutually beneficial good matter.
A cold smile curled at Huang Cheng's lips, but such good things in the world can't all be monopolized by you, right?
"Your Majesty." He stepped forward, slightly raising his voice.
The emperor returned to focus, looking at him.
"Your Majesty, clear punishment and reward is the mark of a wise ruler, Miss Jun's meritorious service shouldn't be buried." Huang Cheng said sincerely, shooting a glance at the Duke of Chengguo, bluntly targeting, "Whose merit it is, that's the person's, the people should know, lest they be misguided to blind faith."
This statement should be clear, the emperor should grasp his intentions.
Huang Cheng prepared to add a few words, the emperor spoke.
"Good, you all are right." He said, raising a hand to indicate, "Clear distinction between reward and punishment, when there's merit one must reward, can't dampen the morale of those who achieved."
He looked at Huang Cheng.
"You all discuss it, use the highest standards."
So simple, it seems the emperor indeed thought it through, and determined to eliminate the Duke of Chengguo.
Huang Cheng thought, a slight pause when a sound already rang in his ears.
"Your Majesty is wise!" Ning Yunzhao bowed and said loudly.
Shameless.
Huang Cheng cursed internally, bowed along.
"Your Majesty is wise."
This time all the civil and military officials in the court bowed in unison.
What's wise or not wise, regarding someone about to be eliminated, who cares about it much, even if more merits are given, who will take them back at the end.
The emperor smiled faintly, with no need to worry much, if you want it, I'll give it to you.