newbobooks Chapter 266
Chapter 266
Hearing this, Yang Shen, who was standing to the side, had a complicated expression. He wanted to speak up for Zhou Chu, but for a moment he didn't know how to start. After all, the emperor had said that Zhou Chu should rest for a while, and his words were all for Zhou Chu's benefit.
Yang Shen never expected that the emperor would actually be wary of Zhou Chu because of the way Yang Yiqing and others flattered him. However, after thinking about it, Yang Shen realized that it was only natural for a qualified emperor to be wary of a subject like Zhou Chu.
That's why Yang Shen was in a dilemma. Even he wasn't sure whether he should speak up for Zhou Chu. From the emperor's perspective, he shouldn't speak up for Zhou Chu; he should agree with the emperor's actions.
From the perspective of the Ming Dynasty and its people, Yang Shen was also conflicted. After all, Zhou Chu seemed to be a double-edged sword to the Ming Dynasty at this time. This sword was too sharp, and if it was not used properly, it would hurt others and oneself, because Zhou Chu had that ability.
Yang Shen was well aware of this point. He could not assume that Zhou Chu would never have any disloyal intentions just because he trusted Zhou Chu out of personal feelings. Countless historical facts proved that a subject's loyalty or disloyalty was constantly changing.
It doesn't matter whether many people will rebel or not; the key is whether they have the ability to rebel. Once they have that ability, they will be unacceptable to the emperor.
Of course, in Yang Shen's view, Zhou Hengqi currently has neither such thoughts nor such threats, but taking this opportunity to keep Zhou Chu away from the center of public opinion is not necessarily a bad thing.
"His Majesty.."
Lu Bing stepped forward in a feigned manner, seemingly wanting to speak up for Zhou Chu.
"Alright, it's settled then, no need to say more."
Jiajing waved his hand and said.
Upon hearing this, Lu Bing swallowed back the words he was about to say. It must be said that in terms of acting skills, Lu Bing was no less than these officials in the court.
"Your Majesty is wise."
Seeing Lu Bing suffer a setback, Chen Wanyan was very pleased and hurriedly stepped forward to flatter him.
Little did he know that his flattery had backfired.
The more Chen Wanyan acted this way, the more Jiajing found him repulsive.
"In addition, Chen Wanyan, the Earl of Taihe, is hereby granted the title of Marquis of Taihe, with an annual stipend of two thousand shi (a unit of grain).
Jiajing looked at Chen Wanyan and seemed to admire his father-in-law quite a bit.
"Your Majesty, please reconsider."
Upon hearing this, Yang Yiqing was the first to stand up and object. Not only Yang Yiqing, but all the civil and military officials in the court were surprisingly united at this moment. Even Yang Shen and others stood on the same side as Yang Yiqing and spoke out against the conferment of the title.
“Your Majesty, we know that Your Majesty and the Empress are a harmonious couple, so it is not wrong to reward Lord Chen. However, it has only been a short time, and Your Majesty has been bestowing titles and honors upon Lord Chen repeatedly. It is not quite appropriate.”
Yang Shen carefully considered his words.
"Your Majesty, Lord Chen has rendered no service to our Great Ming, while Lord Zhou has rendered great service. Now Your Majesty does not reward Lord Zhou, but instead shows great favor to Lord Chen. What is the reason for this?"
Han Jie also stepped forward.
Han Jie could naturally see that there might be a scheme by the emperor involved, but that was not important. What was important was that Han Jie, being in this position, had to say what was appropriate for his position.
He sees through the emperor too clearly, acting as if he's the only one who's sober while everyone else is drunk. Who is he trying to impress?
Previously, Han Jie was able to rise to the position of Vice Minister of Revenue without relying on the Jiangnan civil official group. In terms of political wisdom alone, he was absolutely top-notch. Many things are not about whether you can see through them, but about what you say in what position.
"Han Wenju, what do you mean by this? Are you saying that I am a foolish ruler who is unclear about rewards and punishments?"
Upon hearing this, Jiajing appeared furious.
"Your Majesty, I dare not say that, but I believe that Your Majesty should act fairly."
Han Jie bowed and said.
Upon hearing Han Jie's words, many officials who had originally intended to attack and annihilate Chen Wanyan immediately abandoned their plans.
Because of Han Jie's words, Chen Wanyan's reward and Zhou Chu's affairs were placed on opposite sides, attacking and annihilating Chen Wanyan was tantamount to speaking on behalf of Zhou Chu.