Chapter 161 Tribute is approaching
Chapter 161 Tribute is approaching
Fang Heci was helpless. If he had known earlier, he would not have taken Xiaoyanzi, who was so out of touch, out. He regretted it again!
"Don't you think her features are somewhat similar to those of my adoptive father?"
"what?"
Fang Yan was even more dumbfounded. What did that mean?
"Forget it, go pack your things, you are not fit to use your brain!"
Watching Fang Yan leave, Fang Heci thought again of what his adoptive father had said to him before he left this time.
He sighed deeply, wondering when his godfather would arrive in the capital!
Court the next day.
With the tribute approaching, the court was much more lively than usual, not to mention that Prince Rui had returned to the capital and came to attend the court the next day. Suddenly, several factions in the court were arguing fiercely!
Some people who just wanted to watch the fun thought that the court was not noisy enough and clamored for Prince Chen to come to court as well, but the emperor rejected their request outright!
Although he also wanted Shen Chenli to attend the court and watch him and Prince Rui fight each other, he also knew that once he attended the court, half of these court officials would have to support him, especially the military generals.
This was not what the emperor wanted to see, so he would rather Shen Chenli stay in the mansion and reward him with some expensive medicines from time to time, which was better than having him come to court and cause trouble for himself!
"If you have something to do, start the show, if nothing happens, leave the court!"
The hall was quiet for a while.
The emperor thought that today was finally a peaceful day and he could quickly return to the harem. However, just as he was about to adjourn the court, a man stepped out and saluted respectfully.
"Your Majesty, I have a report to make!"
The emperor wanted to roll his eyes. These court officials were causing trouble for him every day!
"What's the matter?"
The official in charge of the tribute teams from various countries entering the capital was below the stage. He presented the memorial with a cold sweat on his face:
"I am in charge of the tribute team. This morning, I suddenly received a report from my subordinates saying that when the Dongqi team arrived at Luoshui Posthouse, the nearest county outside the capital, the postmaster discovered that the King of Dongqi was not in the team. The person who had been wearing the King of Dongqi's clothes was actually a guard beside the King of Dongqi!"
The entire court was like water in a frying pan, boiling in an instant. The emperor was also shocked and shouted in anger!
"What happened? Explain to me why the King of Dongqi disappeared!"
The official knelt down immediately and tremblingly told the story.
"Your Majesty, when the tribute team from Qi arrived at Luoshui Posthouse, a man indeed walked out of the carriage. The postmaster didn't care at first, but was just wondering why the King of Dongqi always wore a cloak. But he accidentally discovered that the man was actually a guard in disguise. The real King of Dongqi was no longer in the team!"
After hearing the official's words, people in the court began to whisper to each other.
"quiet!"
Everyone in the court was silent.
Then another official stepped forward.
"Your Majesty, the most urgent task right now is to find the King of Dongqi, otherwise we won't be able to explain to the Dongqi Kingdom!"
As soon as these words were spoken, they were immediately refuted by many court officials. The Censor Lin immediately stepped forward to refute this man's statement.
"This is not right. What do you mean we should report to Dongqi? There were no robbers in the envoy's team, and we Dasheng people have never had any contact with them. Why do we Dasheng people have to report to Dongqi?
Moreover, since they dared to find someone to impersonate, it means that they knew about the disappearance of King Dongping, and it has nothing to do with us. Otherwise, they should have come out and asked us to explain since the first day King Dongqi disappeared, instead of hiding it here!"
"What Censor Lin said makes sense!"
The court officials all nodded. Upon seeing this, Prime Minister Wen stepped forward and said:
"Your Majesty, the King of Dongqi has disappeared for no reason, and the tribute team of Dongqi has followed suit to cover up. I am afraid there is some conspiracy behind this tribute. Please make a decision as soon as possible and send a capable person to manage the tribute affairs."
The Ministry of Rites was in charge of most matters concerning the tribute, but now that something like this has happened, it is obvious that the Ministry of Rites alone cannot control those people with ulterior motives.
Therefore, there was nothing wrong with Prime Minister Wen's proposal, and it was quickly adopted by the emperor, but the next question was who would take the position?
Needless to say, those who did not have any status were not mentioned, and those present began to recommend the candidates they supported.
The first person that comes to mind is His Royal Highness Prince Hong, who also has the most supporters. Then comes the eldest prince, Prince Duan. Supporters of other princes pop up from time to time, but they are also a very small minority.
"Your Majesty, I think it would be better to let Prince Rui handle this matter. As a prince, Prince Rui can not only show our importance of tribute, but also deter other countries and make them fearful!"
The other court officials all stopped and turned to look at the person who was speaking.
My goodness, how come they don’t know that there are people in the court who support Prince Rui!
The emperor's eyes sank slightly, Prince Rui?
Turning around and looking at the person who heard his name being called, the emperor wondered if he had made a mistake in making a deal with him.
He actually didn't know that there were people in the court who favored Prince Rui?
Has he always been there or did he get to know her during the time he returned to Beijing?
"Your Majesty, I think it would be best if His Royal Highness Prince Hong came forward. Although His Royal Highness is young, he is calm and organized. He can show the majesty of our dynasty without being looked down upon by other countries. He is a perfect candidate!"
"Your Majesty, it is more reliable to have His Royal Highness Prince Duan. Moreover, His Royal Highness Prince Duan is the Queen's son and the Emperor's eldest son. He is the most suitable person to come forward!"
"emperor……"
While they were arguing, another voice suddenly came from the side, and everyone could hear it clearly.
"If that's the case, then Prince Chen can do it too. Don't forget, he is the one who defeated Beidi. If he shows up, wouldn't he scare the hell out of those people?"
There was silence in the court for a moment.
The person who just said this suddenly thought that Prince Chen is now disabled in both legs. If he were to show up, he would probably become a laughing stock!
For a moment, no one in the entire court dared to say a word. Firstly, they didn't know how to respond, and secondly, they were overwhelmed by Prince Chen's majesty. Even if he had a disease in his legs, he was not someone they could discuss.
The emperor saw that everyone had stopped and then he spoke.
"Alright, let Prince Hong handle the matter regarding the King of Dongqi. Make sure to find out where the King of Dongqi is. As for the person to manage the tribute affairs..."
The emperor looked at the expressions of the court officials below and pointed out two people.
"Prince Rui and Prince Hong will assist in this matter. Court is dismissed!"
"The minister obeys the order!"
When the emperor left the palace, the court officials were secretly complaining.
The emperor sent two princes, apparently intending to let them check and balance each other!
But didn't the emperor know what happened at the banquet before? How could he let them restrain each other?
The matter was finally settled, and the envoys were about to arrive in the capital, although no one knew what would happen next.
But what is certain is that the capital city will become lively again, and this time, no one can miss it!
mtl008