Chapter 156 (1/2)
As he sat high upon his Dragon Throne, watching his ministers' performance below, an imperceptible smile formed on the Emperor's lips He waved a hand to allow Xin Qiwu to withdraw, and spoke gently ”Gentlemen, do you all believe that Xin Qiwu is the most suitable atheredtheir whole breath to show respect
Qin Heng, the attaché of the Bureau of Military Affairs who had suggested Fan Xian as envoy to Northern Qi, looked at the Eaze Now that all the ministers deemed Fan Xian an inappropriate choice for envoy, he reckoned that His Majesty could change his ree with your views”
The hall was suddenly silent Only the Eh the palace ”It is said that one cannotit Gentleraceful bearing in the hall on that day Although he is a civilian official, he also had the bravery to slaughter his would-be assassins at Niulan Street How can we allow such brilliance to go to waste in the quiet corridors of Taichang Tee?”
Hearing this, theheld this view But they did not understand why His Majesty insisted that Fan Xian go to Northern Qi
The Eathered officials and continued ”He is inexperienced Thus, we o This assigniven to him”
If the Emperor - the Son of Heaven - said so, then it was so
The gathered ministers did not dare speak up Only on the faces of Fan Jian and Lin Ruofu did some trace of anxiety show As his father and father-in-law, they were unable to hide it This reaction was only natural If they were to pretend to be overjoyed and praise the Emperor's brilliance, they would simply arouse the scorn of His Majesty and all those present
”Fan Jian” The Emperor looked at the assistant htly
”Yes, Your Majesty” Heaing his name, Fan Jian was somewhat surprised, and hurriedly stepped forward
”I wish to give this task to your son,” the Emperor said quietly ”What is your opinion?”
Fan Jian was quiet for a moment Suddenly, he smiled ”I do not dare to have an opinion on the matter”
”Is it that you do not dare, or that you do not have one?”
”I do not dare”
”If you dared, ould your opinion be?”
The wind and snow intensified outside, while inside the hall was as war And yet the words between their lord and his minister ood terms with Fan Jian could not help but secretly worry How could Count Sinan answer so inappropriately?
A moment later, Fan Jian quietly responded to the Emperor ”I was separated froo If we are separated again, I cannot deny that it will be difficult”
The word ”difficult” echoed through the hall Who kneho ht have heard it?
The Emperor smiled He knew that Fan Jian's response was that of his childhood friend In truth, he did not understand the real reason why he was sending Fan Xian to Northern Qi It see was the only one who understood hi inin early autumn What about that is difficult?”
The E, he waved his hand, issuing his decree ”The Minister of Revenue is old, and his health is fading He has been convalescing for a long time I hereby decree that assistant minister of revenue Fan Jian is to take his place”
There was no objection fro hidden the truth at the Ministry of Revenue, but he had never been prorumbled to themselves assistant Minister Fan had finally promoted his concubine Lady Liu to the status of wife, and the Emperor had finally promoted hi ago, would he not have taken Lady Liu as his wife much sooner?
Of course, the officials all presumed that this was compensation for the Emperor's decision to send Fan Xian to Northern Qi
Fan Jian knew that nothing more could be done about this matter His face calratitude The Emperor then turned to Lin Ruofu and shter is newlyFan Xian as envoy to Northern Qi Do you wish to say anything?”
Prime Minister Lin Ruofu forced a sdoood ter and none would dare provoke him His previous benevolence toward Fan Jian was so His Majesty had asked for his opinion, and he did not dare object He spoke calmly ”Fan Xian should indeed acquire experience”