The bright moon hangs high, beckoning him down from his pedestal.

The next morning, in the Golden Palace.

Civil and military officials stood solemnly on both sides.

Prince Shen Yinian stood at the forefront of the officials, his eyes lowered, his expression calm.

Shen Wangxi sat high on the dragon throne, his noble and refined demeanor a natural quality.

"Today, I have two appointments to announce," Shen Wangxi said, his voice clearly resounding throughout every corner of the hall.

The ministers held their breath in concentration.

Shen Wangxi's gaze swept over Wei Zheng, who stood at the end of the military officer's line. "Wei Zheng, the former General of the Guards of the previous dynasty, has submitted to our Great Zhou. His heart is commendable. Effective immediately, he is appointed as the Vice Minister of the Ministry of War, a fourth-rank official."

A commotion arose inside the hall.

Although the position of Vice Minister of the Ministry of War was only a fourth-rank official, it was a position held by the Ministry of War and was in charge of military affairs in a region, and was by no means a nominal post.

Before everyone could process the news, Shen Wangxi continued, "Yun Wenhan, the Grand Tutor of the previous dynasty, was a man of great learning. He was appointed as the Director of Studies at the Imperial Academy, which was also a fourth-rank official position."

Now, the whispers became more noticeable.

The Director of Studies at the Imperial Academy was in charge of Confucian instruction, a powerful and prestigious position.

Duke Qi Rui of Su State stood at the front of the military officers. His eyebrows twitched slightly, and his gaze lingered briefly on Wei Zheng and Yun Wenhan before quickly returning to its original calm.

Xiao Yu also slightly raised his eyes to look at the emperor on the dragon throne, a complex expression flashing in his eyes.

His Majesty is being so magnanimous and forgiving of past grievances by appointing a former enemy of the dynasty for the sake of the Imperial Concubine.

"Your Majesty!" A censor couldn't help but step forward.

"Wei Zheng is an important general of the previous dynasty, and Yun Wenhan is also the former emperor's tutor. These two men have sensitive identities. It may be inappropriate to grant them powerful official positions immediately after their surrender. I urge Your Majesty to reconsider."

Shen Yinian kept his eyes down, as if he hadn't heard.

Shen Wangxi glanced indifferently at the censor: "Is there something wrong with it?"

The imperial censor felt a chill run down his spine under the emperor's gaze, but still forced himself to speak:

"It is still unknown whether these two are loyal. If we entrust them with important responsibilities, there is a risk of unforeseen changes."

"Furthermore, such a high official position might discourage the loyal ministers of our Great Zhou!"

"Loyalty?" Shen Wangxi's voice was slightly cold. "General Wei and Grand Tutor Yun voluntarily surrendered, helping me to stabilize the borders and educate the people. Their actions reveal their true intentions."

"As for chilling the hearts of veteran officials..."

He paused, his gaze slowly sweeping over the assembled officials in the hall. "In our Great Zhou, we appoint people based solely on their talent, regardless of their background. Merit is rewarded, and transgressions are punished. How can you speak of disheartening us?"

"Does my subject perhaps perceive me as an indecisive ruler who fails to reward or punish?"

The censor's face turned pale, and he immediately knelt down, saying, "Your subject dares not!"

"Wei Zheng is well-versed in military affairs, and Yun Wenhan is proficient in classical texts. Granting them these official positions will make the best use of their talents." Shen Wangxi stopped looking at him and her tone returned to its calmness. "This matter is settled and there is no need to discuss it further."

Another official stepped forward; it was Zhang Min, the Vice Minister of Rites. He bowed and said, "Your Majesty, it is indeed gratifying that General Wei and Grand Tutor Yun have submitted."

"However, Consort Zhao is, after all, General Wei's own daughter. Now that her maternal relatives have suddenly gained power, is it possible that...?"

He didn't finish his sentence, but his meaning was already clear.

Shen Wangxi's eyes suddenly darkened.

Shen Yinian, who had been silent all along, finally raised his eyes and looked at the Vice Minister of Rites.

Shen Wangxi's voice was unreadable, "Minister Zhang, are you teaching me how to balance the court and how to restrain the empress's relatives?"

Cold sweat beaded on Zhang Min's forehead: "Your Majesty... Your Majesty is only considering the well-being of the nation..."

"Consider?" Shen Wangxi interrupted him, her voice not loud, but carrying immense force.

"I have personally witnessed the talents of Wei Zheng and Yun Wenhan."

"They obtained these official positions through their own abilities; what does it have to do with the Imperial Concubine?"

"Does this mean that anyone related to the imperial family will be forever barred from employment? Such a move would truly chill the hearts of all talented individuals in the land!"

His gaze sharpened as he stared at Zhang Min: "Or does Minister Zhang believe that I am the kind of person who would let personal matters interfere with public duty?"

Zhang Min's legs went weak, and he fell to his knees with a thud, repeatedly kowtowing: "Your Majesty, I misspoke! I had no such intention! Please understand!"

The hall was deathly silent.

Shen Wangxi stopped looking at him and turned to Wei Zheng and Yun Wenhan: "Wei Qing, Yun Qing, step forward to receive your titles."

Wei Zheng and Yun Wenhan stepped forward steadily, walked to the imperial steps, and knelt down in obeisance.

"Your subject, Wei Zheng, thanks Your Majesty for your great favor!"

"Your subject, Yun Wenhan, thanks Your Majesty for your great favor!"

The two men spoke in calm voices, showing neither pride nor fear.

Shen Wangxi looked at them and said in a slightly gentler tone, "I hope you will all perform your duties diligently and live up to my expectations."

"We, your humble servants, will certainly exert all our strength to serve Your Majesty and the Great Zhou!"

Shen Yinian stood at the very front, never saying a word, only his lips tightened for a moment.

"Court adjourned." Shen Wangxi rose, his black sleeves brushing against the armrest of the dragon throne, leaving behind a hall full of ministers with their own thoughts.

Wu Tian's shrill voice rang out: "Dismiss the court—"

The officials bowed to see him off.

Once the emperor's figure had disappeared, everyone straightened up.

Many people gathered around to congratulate Wei Zheng and Yun Wenhan, their tone either sincere or tentative.

Wei Zheng's expression was cold and hard; he simply returned the greeting with a fist and palm salute, without saying anything more.

Yun Wenhan, on the other hand, smiled and interacted with the crowd, speaking appropriately.

Duke Qi Rui of Su walked up to Wei Zheng and cupped his hands in greeting: "General Wei, congratulations."

Wei Zheng looked at him, this heavyweight figure in the Great Zhou military, and returned the greeting: "Duke of Su."

Qi Rui nodded, said nothing more, and walked away.