The First Marquis of Leisure

The next day, early in the morning

Li Chentian, dressed in official robes, rode in a carriage with Bai Xinghe, heading to the palace to meet the emperor today.

Inside the carriage, Li Chentian's face was filled with anger.

"The Yuan family is becoming increasingly audacious, daring to assassinate the current top scholar! I must report this to His Majesty and have it thoroughly investigated!"

Bai Xinghe shook his head and said, "Mr. Li, there is no need to be angry. Without solid evidence, His Majesty can do nothing."

"Since the Yuan family dared to send someone to kill me, they must have made thorough preparations."

Li Chentian was even more furious. Of course, he knew that Bai Xinghe's analysis made sense.

But he just couldn't swallow this insult; the Yuan family was clearly determined to completely break off relations.

"Elder Li, please bear with it for now. Since the Yuan family has failed to win me over, they are now trying to kill me. When the time is right, I will retaliate in kind!"

Bai Xinghe secretly resolved that he must not be soft-hearted towards his enemies.

......

Great Yan Imperial Palace

All civil and military officials had already arrived, including the current Prime Minister Qiu Qingtian and officials of all ranks from the six ministries.

Only General Ji Changzai of the Tian Ce Army did not arrive because she had important matters to attend to in the army.

The moment Li Chentian appeared with Bai Xinghe, all the civil and military officials rushed over to offer their congratulations.

"Bai Zhen, your talent is unparalleled in the world!"

"Excellent, we've all read your articles, we're impressed!"

Many court officials praised it, but Yuan Aofang and his family members looked disdainful.

Li Chentian looked at Yuan Aofang, and their eyes met. Although they didn't say a word, the tension was already palpable.

Seeing this, Qiu Qingtian walked over and was surprised when he saw that Bai Xinghe had an injury on his hand.

After some questioning, he learned that Bai Xinghe had been assassinated the day before, and he immediately became furious.

But when Qiu Qingtian saw Li Chentian staring at the Yuan family members with hostility, he understood.

"Gentlemen, at this morning's court session, I and Dr. Li will jointly recommend Bai Zhen for the position of Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of War!"

Qiu Qingtian's words caused quite a stir.

After all, becoming the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of War in one fell swoop is almost like ascending to the heavens in one step.

However, considering their identities and Bai Xinghe's talent, everyone felt it was only natural.

"hehe."

Yuan Aofang was the first to stand up and sarcastically remark, "Lord Qiu, have you forgotten the rules of my Yan Kingdom? Even if Bai Zhen is talented, he can't be directly appointed as the Right Vice Minister of War, can he?"

"What Elder Yuan says is absolutely right. If that's the case, wouldn't that be unfair to every previous top scholar? Wouldn't that be unfair to all his colleagues in the court?"

Some members of the Yuan family faction also stood up to voice their dissent.

"What's unfair about it?" Li Chentian said coldly, "The reason why my Yan Kingdom is where it is today is entirely due to His Majesty's establishment of the Golden Terrace to attract talented people from all over the world!"

"Bai Zhen's talent surpasses that of any previous top scholar; what's wrong with promoting him beyond the usual ranks?"

"Li Chentian, no matter how eloquent you are, I guarantee today that Bai Zhen will not become the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of War!" Yuan Aofang was confident and sneered repeatedly, as if he had a backup plan.

Li Chentian and Qiu Qingtian exchanged a glance, but didn't take it to heart.

When the two of them jointly recommend someone, it's usually a sure thing. Even if there are many protégés and former subordinates of the Yuan family, their joint opposition is useless.

"His Majesty has arrived!" Just then, the voice of a eunuch came from inside the palace.

Upon seeing the emperor's arrival, the ministers quieted down and entered the hall.

"Greetings, Your Majesty! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"

All the civil and military officials bowed and shouted.

"My lords, you may rise in your formalities!"

Emperor Ji Tiansheng of Yan waved his hand, exuding majesty.

Bai Xinghe couldn't help but glance at Ji Tiansheng. This man was strong and powerful, with an imposing presence, and every gesture he made exuded the aura of an emperor.

In comparison, neither the former emperor Zhao Tianhe nor the current tyrant Zhao Xing could compare to the state of Zhao.

"Your Majesty, I have a memorial to present!"

Li Chentian was the first to step forward.

Ji Tiansheng nodded, signaling Li Chentian to speak.

"Your Majesty, I wish to recommend Bai Zhen, the top scholar in this year's imperial examination, for the position of Vice Minister of War. I humbly request Your Majesty's permission!"

Following Li Chentian's lead, Qiu Qingtian also stepped forward.

"Your Majesty, I, like Dr. Li, wish to recommend the top scholar Bai Zhen for the position of Vice Minister of War!"

The leaders of the two major factions took the lead, and their subordinates followed suit, requesting permission to serve.

Ji Tiansheng waved his hand, then casually looked at Bai Xinghe with piercing eyes!

Bai Xinghe stood in the imperial court, feeling countless eyes staring at him.

"You're Bai Zhen, the champion of this competition?"

"This humble subject, Bai Zhen, greets Your Majesty!"

Ji Tiansheng nodded and said, "I have already read your essays and poems; they are unparalleled throughout history and will never be surpassed!"

"However, if you were directly promoted to Vice Minister of War, I fear it would be difficult to gain the respect of the people!"

"Your Majesty!" Qiu Qingtian quickly explained upon seeing this, "Of course, I came to Yan from Zhou, and I am but a commoner. It is thanks to Your Majesty's kindness that I am now able to become the Prime Minister of Great Yan!"

"I believe that if Your Majesty gives Bai Zhen a chance, he will surely lead our Great Yan to further progress, and the unification of the world will be just around the corner!"

Even Li Chentian was somewhat shocked by Qiu Qingtian's words, considering that Bai Zhen was considered a member of the Doctor's Mansion.

Even Bai Xinghe himself was somewhat surprised, not expecting Qiu Qingtian to think so highly of him.

"Minister Qiu, aren't you going a bit too far?" Ji Tiansheng said with a smile.

As the emperor, he was naturally aware of the fierce competition and infighting among the three major powers in the court.

Bai Xinghe's talent truly astonished even him. However, his direct promotion to Vice Minister of War was of great importance, and he certainly could not easily reveal his imperial ambitions!

"Your Majesty, I believe that Minister Qiu has gone too far."

"Our Great Yan owes its current prosperity entirely to His Majesty's wisdom and martial prowess. Although Bai Zhen is talented, he can be appointed as a first-class scholar in the Hanlin Academy for further training!"

"Military affairs are of paramount importance to the state. It is somewhat inappropriate for Bai Zhen, who is so young, to be directly appointed as the Right Vice Minister of War!"

At Yuan Aofang's instigation, ministers from the Yuan family faction also jumped out to express their opposition.

"Your Majesty, this old minister also believes it is inappropriate. The position of Right Vice Minister of War is of paramount importance, and is certainly not one that a young, inexperienced youth can handle!"

Minister of War Fang Qingyun also expressed his opposition; as the Minister of War, he was naturally more persuasive.

Soon, several forces attacked each other, and the atmosphere changed somewhat.

"Your Majesty, I have a memorial to present!"

At this moment, Qian Guanglu, who had been quietly waiting, suddenly stood up.

"Your Majesty, I believe that what you gentlemen have said makes sense. Bai Zhen is indeed not suitable for the position of Vice Minister of War."

"I have a candidate who is qualified to serve as the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of War."

Qian Guanglu's words surprised everyone, including Bai Xinghe.

He didn't expect Qian Guanglu to not support him.

"Oh? Who is the person that Minister Qian recommended?"

Qian Guanglu paused for a moment, then said, "General Hong Wuxiang, Commandant of the Cavalry!"

"Your Majesty, Hong Wuxiang has followed General Ji in battle for many years. He is well-versed in military strategy and personnel management. Moreover, he rose from a common soldier to become a General of the Cavalry through his achievements."

"I believe that Hong Wuxiang is the most suitable person to serve as the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of War. Moreover, the Ministry of War is the military department of the country, so it is appropriate to give priority to soldiers who have been on the battlefield."

Now everyone understood. It turned out that Consort Ji also wanted to take control of the Ministry of War!

"Ha, Hong Wuxiang is nothing but a brute, how could he be qualified for the position of Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of War?" Yuan family members mocked.

Qian Guanglu, without mincing words, replied, "Then may I ask, Lord Yuan, who is capable of this task?"

"Your Majesty, this old minister has something to say."

At this moment, Yuan Aofang, who had been silent all along, finally moved.

"In my opinion, the selection of virtuous officials should not be based on kinship. I believe that Yuan Shao is the most suitable candidate for the position of Right Vice Minister of War!"