vrcanaries Chapter 206 Controversy
Chapter 206 Controversy
The questions asked to the other two people earlier were all light and casual. They were nothing more than some opinions on the court, the world and so on. They could be answered satisfactorily by quoting from classics.
But when it came to Ning Yunxiao, the problem became acute.
The person who asked the question was none other than Lord Liu, who had previously engaged in a war of words with Censor Ye.
Come to think of it, Lord Liu had already offended Ning Yunxiao with what he said just now. Now he naturally had to find Ning Yunxiao's weaknesses and attack him to death. Otherwise, if Ning Yunxiao became Prince Sheng Ling, wouldn't he be the first one to suffer?
Ning Yunxiao, facing such a sharp and harsh question, remained calm.
In contrast, Lord Liu seemed even less dignified.
"Lord Liu, the reason for your question has already been explained. A gentleman does not stand under a precarious wall. My life, Ning Yunxiao, could be put to greater use, either by contributing to the nation or serving the people, but I do not intend to die in vain at the hands of a thief. Lord Liu, you shouldn't advocate such an act, which would only please your enemies and cause your loved ones grief."
Lord Liu was choked by Ning Yunxiao's words, and his face flushed as he retorted, "Your Highness's answer seems to be evading the main point! Although His Majesty doesn't blame you for concealing the truth, that doesn't mean you are innocent! Is it true that Your Highness doesn't understand the way of being a minister?"
Lord Liu's words were a compliment, and it was difficult to respond. If he wasn't careful, he would offend Emperor Shengwu as well.
Ning Yunxiao pondered for a moment, and just as he was about to speak, he heard Emperor Shengwu chuckle from the dragon throne and retorted, "Lord Liu, are you saying that I don't understand how to be a king?"
Although Emperor Shengwu's words did not contain the slightest hint of anger, they made Lord Liu's legs go weak and he immediately knelt down, trembling.
"I made a mistake in my words, but I had no intention of disobeying Your Majesty. Your Majesty, please understand!"
Emperor Shengwu's eyes darkened, but the smile on his face remained. "Lord Liu, you have done a great service by kowtowing and praying for the Crown Prince. I will naturally not make things difficult for you. Sincerity is the most important thing in worshipping Buddha. You should go and fulfill your vow sooner rather than later."
Emperor Shengwu punished him with Lord Liu's own words. Every word he said was like a soft knife. Everyone knew when they heard it that Lord Liu would probably only live a life of seclusion and idleness in this life.
Lord Liu's erect body suddenly collapsed. He kowtowed and replied in a trembling voice, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your consideration. I will take my leave."
After saying this, Lord Liu, who had been so arrogant just now, walked out of the hall with his head lowered, hunched over, heading towards a bleak future.
The matter of Lord Liu sounded the alarm for the ministers and also revealed the intention of Emperor Shengwu.
Emperor Shengwu is optimistic about Ning Yunxiao.
Suddenly, there was harmony in the court, and no one dared to criticize Ning Yunxiao anymore.
But some people are very stubborn.
General Weiyuan stepped forward, bowed, and said, "Your Majesty, although Lord Liu's words and actions were inappropriate, he was correct in one thing: Prince Zhao was indeed late for his return to the capital. The assessment time is set by His Majesty. If you miss it, you will be deemed unqualified and ineligible to participate in the next assessment."
I have to say that although General Weiyuan is a rough man, his words are much more sophisticated than those of Lord Liu.
Using Emperor Shengwu's words as a raft, not only the ministers, but even Emperor Shengwu himself could not overturn his own words, and no one could defend Ning Yunxiao anymore.
After all, Ning Yunxiao returned to Beijing nearly a month late, and indeed did not catch up with the assessment time set by Emperor Shengwu.
The whole court was in complete silence.
"Nan Chu Zhaohua, requests to see the emperor." At this moment, a crisp voice was heard outside the hall.
Jiang Lige? What is she doing here?
All the officials in the palace were completely bewildered. However, Emperor Shengwu, who was at the top, was the first to react. "Announce."
As soon as Emperor Shengwu finished speaking, Jiang Lige walked in, holding a brocade box. She bowed with a smile and full of courtesy. "Your Majesty, your humble servant, Zhaohua, respectfully wishes you the best of health."
"Be flat."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Jiang Lige stood up, but before she could say anything, she heard Censor Ye snort softly and remind her, "Princess Zhaohua, why are you here? You should know that women are not allowed to interfere in government affairs."
This Censor Ye is really rigid when it comes to rules and doesn't distinguish between friend and foe.
Jiang Lige curled his lips helplessly, but answered without any pause.
"I am the Princess of Nanchu, so I can barely be considered an outsider. Is it not too much for me to enter the Golden Palace? Besides, I am not here to interfere in government affairs, but to deliver something to His Majesty."
These words, neither humble nor arrogant, completely blocked Censor Ye's way.
Seeing Censor Ye so embarrassed was rare, even Emperor Shengwu, who was sitting at the top of the table, couldn't help but curl his lips. He then cleared his throat and said seriously, "What is it?"
"Deng Sijiu was just sent back from the border town at full speed. This servant didn't know about it either." Jiang Lige said with a smile, handing the box to Ning Yunxiao, "Why not, let Your Majesty reveal it."
Ning Yunxiao took the box with a faint smile in his eyes, "Thank you, Princess Zhaohua."
"You're welcome." Jiang Lige replied, then asked Emperor Shengwu for permission and left the hall.
He almost has the words "stay out of politics" written on his face.
Ning Yunxiao presented the wooden box to Emperor Shengwu on his behalf. When Emperor Shengwu took out the scroll and took a look at it, his eyes instantly turned red.
When the ministers were full of curiosity, they saw Emperor Shengwu stand up and walk to the jade steps. He threw one side of the scroll to the ground, and the scroll rolled far away with the skull and was completely spread out in front of all the officials.
It was a petition jointly submitted by the people of the border town. There were not many words on the scroll, but it was several meters long.
The few words written clearly describe what Ning Yunxiao did for the people when he was controlling the flood in the border town. Every word and sentence is a heroic deed!
Apart from the text, the rest are the names signed and fingerprints pressed by the people in the border town. The handwriting is crooked and different, and not very beautiful, but it can be seen that it was written after hard practice.
This shows how much importance is attached to it.
In the scroll, there are also several small paintings, showing flood control, natural disaster relief, arresting corrupt officials, driving out termites, and winning the hearts of the people. Every good deed is depicted vividly!
As soon as the petition was released, the entire court was shocked and deeply touched everyone present, who were impressed by Ning Yunxiao's passion and courage.
Ye Yushi's eyes were filled with tears, and he said excitedly: "If you don't reward hard-working officials, you can't encourage merit; if you don't reward brave soldiers, you can't encourage courage!"
Emperor Shengwu nodded gently and said, "Yes, anyone who has made contributions to us, Sheng Ling, is a hero of our country, regardless of life or death. They should be rewarded. Otherwise, wouldn't it discourage the heroes? This is why I and the chief judges nominated Ning Yunxiao. As for the assessment rules, the people are more important than the emperor. Why not petition me to change a single word?"
Upon hearing this, no one among the ministers objected and they all bowed their heads, "Your Majesty is wise!"
Emperor Shengwu waved his hand and said, "My dear ministers, please vote."