“Chief Steward Hu, draw up the contract.”
“Once signed, it cannot be violated!”
Emperor Feng waved his large hand.
Chief Steward Hu then handed over the drafted contract.
After a quick glance, Ning Que picked up a brush, wrote his name, and pressed his handprint.
When it was Tian Zhongxun’s turn, he prepared to pick up the brush.
“Your Highness, think twice…”,
“Linzi County is the wealthiest county in the east.”
“It is rich in fish and salt, and its terrain is strategically important.”
“If we lose…”
Gu Mingzhi couldn't help but step forward to dissuade him.
They didn't need to take any risks at all.
They only needed to prevent the peace talks.
At that time, Ning Que would have the title of Prince, but no princely power.
“Are you saying this Prince will lose?”
“This official has no such intention!”
“Hmph!”
Tian Zhongxun let out a heavy snort.
How could Gu Mingzhi know his painstaking efforts?
Since the founding of Great Feng, there have been four Other surname Princes. They all had the merit of founding the nation, assisting Gaozu in conquering all directions. Gaozu swore an oath that they would have princely titles and fiefdoms, and that their lineage would be hereditary and endure with the nation.
But they overlooked Gaozu’s tactics.
Gaozu quickly promoted his own brother to be a Prince.
From then on, they were always suppressed.
The successive Princes of Qi had always dreamed of getting rid of Prince Ning.
They had been openly and secretly battling for hundreds of years!
When Old Prince Qi passed away, his face was still filled with unwillingness.
Now that there was an opportunity to completely eliminate Prince Ning, how could Tian Zhongxun not be excited?
He knew it was a trap.
But he had no choice!
Looking at the contract, Tian Zhongxun immediately picked up his brush and wrote.
Finally, he bit his finger and pressed his bloodied handprint.
Emperor Feng gave a quick glance and was very satisfied.
He knew Ning Que would be of great use.
See, didn't he help him?
Ensuring the peace talks went smoothly would allow him to reclaim Linzi County.
This was a real reduction of feudal power!
“Now that the contract is established, there’s no going back.”
“Today, we shall proceed with the enfeoffment ceremony.”
“Cao Shangshu.”
“Your subject obeys the decree.”
Cao Du slowly walked out.
As the Minister of Rites, he was responsible for the ceremonial aspects.
The civil and military officials simultaneously stepped back.
The ritual officials carried the incense table to the front of the hall.
Upon it were the August Heavenly Emperor, accompanied by the Five Directional Emperors.
The offerings were simple: three sacrificial animals and five grains.
Emperor Feng slowly walked down from the imperial couch.
Chief Steward Hu stood beside him, holding a wooden box.
The red cloth was lifted, revealing the crown and princely robes inside.
Maids removed Ning Que's court robes and dressed him in the dragon princely robes. Emperor Feng then personally removed Ning Que's jade crown, solemnly lifted the purple-gold princely crown, and held it high above his head. All the officials held their breath, staring intently.
This was also a rule passed down through generations.
When inheriting the title of Prince Ning, Emperor Feng himself would personally bestow the crown.
This was the true value of Great Feng’s only Prince!
It represented supreme power!
“He who wishes to wear the crown, must bear its weight.”
“Once you wear the crown, you are Prince Ning of Great Feng.”
“From now on, you must prioritize state affairs.”
“Be neither arrogant nor impatient, and shoulder the heavy responsibility of a Prince!”
“Your subject will not fail His Majesty’s high hopes!”
Ning Que put on the purple-gold princely crown, raised his hands, and bowed deeply.
He received the golden princely seal and held it high.
“Your subjects pay respects to Prince Ning!”
“You may rise, gentlemen.”
Ning Que smiled faintly.
He looked towards the palace gate.
In truth, he was the most likely to inherit the princely title back then. Old Prince Ning had placed great hopes on him, even sending him to Kunlun Mountain to study the Six Arts. However, he was not fond of power struggles, nor did he care for the petty squabbles in the imperial court. He preferred to travel incognito among the common people, mingling with them.
Alas…
In the battle of Yumen Pass, both his father and elder brother died in combat.
The Ning Royal Mansion was left with only him, a single heir.
For the sake of the Manor, he had to step forward and raise the princely banner!
Emperor Feng patted Ning Que, smiling meaningfully.
Then he flicked his sleeves, turned, and sat back on the imperial couch.
The ritual officials consciously stepped forward and removed the incense table.
Emperor Feng surveyed his officials and slowly said, “Western Liang’s dispatch of envoys this time is clearly to stall for time. Prince Ning, since you have accepted the wager, you must prepare well. The locust plague in Jingyang has been quelled, so you don’t need to worry about it for now.”
“Your Majesty, I have something to report!”
“Speak.”
“When I was governing Jingyang a few days ago, someone dared to try and burn down the granary under the cover of night!”
Gu Yuan’s expression changed instantly.
He was talking about Lin Chao!
He had no good feelings for the Lin family.
Nor did he care about Lin Chao’s life or death.
However, Lin Chao was, after all, his subordinate general.
In the army, he was also a staunch supporter of his.
When charging into battle, he was never ambiguous.
No matter how dangerous, he would never retreat.
Such a person had great utilitarian value.
It’s just that…
Gu Yuan looked up.
He saw Emperor Feng’s eyes filled with anger.
After thinking for a moment, he decisively chose to protect himself.
There was nothing he could do; who told Lin Chao to act so carelessly?
Now that it had reached Emperor Feng, he was helpless.
If he pleaded for him, he would surely be implicated!
…
Emperor Feng frowned.
He had, of course, already known about this matter.
And it had been handed over to the Dali Temple Minister for full disposal.
Ning Que’s mention of it in court naturally had his own intentions.
Emperor Feng glanced at the silent Gu Yuan.
Then he looked at the Dali Temple Minister not far away.
“Minister Li, who was responsible?”
“Reporting to Your Majesty, it was Lin Chao, a Qianhu of the Western Border Wolf Army.”
Li Su had a sagittal beard and held a jade tablet. Years ago, he studied the Six Arts and was later recommended as a court official by Yu Ji. He was well-versed in laws and regulations and had considerable insight into legal governance. Starting as a ninth-rank legal official, he became the Dali Temple Minister in just ten years, an astonishing rate of progress!
“Lin Chao is naturally reckless, he probably wouldn’t think of such things.” Ning Que looked at Gu Yuan and said with a sneer, “General Gu, Lin Chao is your subordinate. Is General Gu unaware of this granary burning incident?”
“Why should I know?” Gu Yuan reacted as if his tail had been stepped on, immediately retorting, “Although he is my subordinate, he returned home after arriving in Chang’an. Prince Ning, why don’t you consider whether it’s because you abandoned someone, and thus incurred their revenge?”
“General Gu speaks very well.”
“Prince Ning should also look at his own problems, and not suspect others at the slightest thing. We know you resent Yuan’er, but Yuan’er was also poisoned for the country.” Gu Mingzhi smiled without warmth, and said lightly, “Your Princess is deeply righteous and willing to sacrifice the child in her womb to save him. Even if Prince Ning is unwilling, he shouldn’t make false accusations in court.”
“Impudent!”
Emperor Feng’s eyes turned cold.
“Guards, slap him!”
“Your… Your Majesty?!”
“Who gave you the audacity to speak to a Prince like that?”
Gu Yuan immediately knelt down and begged for mercy.
However, Emperor Feng paid him no mind.
The ritual official stepped forward and restrained Gu Mingzhi.
Chief Steward Hu stood in front of him, raised his hand, and slapped him.
It should be known that Chief Steward Hu was a martial artist.
With one slap, five red marks immediately appeared.
It didn't look serious, but his mouth was already bleeding.
After a few more slaps, Gu Yuan spat out a large mouthful of blood.
Finally, Emperor Feng still waved his hand.
“Prince Ning, was the granary burned down?”
“Fortunately, it was discovered in time, and there was no major damage.”
“Good.” Emperor Feng waved his hand, “Considering Lin Chao’s military rank, I shall commute his death sentence, but he cannot escape living punishment. His official position and noble title are revoked, he is demoted to commoner, and fined three thousand taels of silver.”
“Your Majesty is wise!”
Ning Que remained expressionless, raising his hand in acceptance.
Lin Chao, after all, had military merits.
Since no major mistake was made this time, he certainly wouldn't be beheaded.
This handling was already considered giving face.
“And you, Gu Yuan.” Emperor Feng stood up and said coldly, “Your subordinate caused trouble, which proves your ineffective discipline and poor governance. I sentence you to ten days of confinement for self-reflection and a fine of one thousand taels of silver!”
“Your subject, I thank Your Majesty for your grace!”
Gu Yuan clenched his fists tightly.
He glanced at the indifferent Ning Que.
Ning Que, this is all your fault!