"Thank you, Your Majesty. I believe Minister Zhang's words are unreasonable and utter nonsense!"
Just as Zhang Bangchang was feeling apprehensive, Fan Zhengguo suddenly said with righteous indignation.
"Prime Minister Fan, do you know what you are saying?"
At this, Zhang Bangchang's face turned grim.
"May I ask Minister Zhang, what was the original intention behind the imperial court establishing the position of Pacification Commissioner?"
Facing the aggressive Zhang Bangchang, Fan Zhengguo calmly posed a question.
"The original intention of establishing a Pacification Commissioner was naturally to proclaim imperial authority, pacify the borders, oversee generals, and supervise military affairs!"
Although he didn't know what Fan Zhengguo was getting at, Zhang Bangchang frowned and replied.
"Well said. The Pacification Commissioner is established to deal with situations and returns when the matter is resolved. Now that the main culprits have been punished and the realm is at peace, what is the Prince of Xin still doing there?"
"But..."
After hearing his words, Zhang Bangchang was stunned. What on earth was this?
This felt… off.
But he couldn't quite articulate what was wrong at that moment.
"But what? Hasn't the rebellion in the southeast been quelled? His Highness was appointed in a time of crisis. The imperial decree explicitly stated that the Prince of Xin should command the military affairs of the six southeastern provinces and quell the rebellion. Now that the great chaos is over, the remaining minor rebellions can be handled by local officials. If he doesn't return to the capital now, is he waiting to be accused of harboring rebels for his own benefit?"
Upon hearing Fan Zhengguo's words, Zhang Bangchang was rendered speechless.
Even Zhao Ji, the Emperor, couldn't help but look at Fan Zhengguo with renewed appreciation.
Although the Emperor Zhao Ji also wanted to refute, after contemplating for a long time, even he, as the Emperor, could not find a reason to object.
Since the matter of returning to the capital privately was a fallacy, then the accusation of disrespecting the sovereign was naturally baseless.
"You, you are twisting words! As a border official, it is a strict law of the court that one cannot return to the capital without the Emperor's decree!"
Seeing the Emperor's gloomy expression, Zhang Bangchang immediately felt a sense of inexplicable crisis. He knew he had only this one last resort left.
It could be said that if he mishandled the current situation, his political career would likely end here.
"Border official? Minister Zhang, the southeast is the heartland of the empire. Where is the border official?"
"I..."
Just as Zhang Bangchang's allies were preparing to intervene, Fan Zhengguo's calm statement choked the words they had painstakingly formulated back into their throats.
Damn it!
Seeing Fan Zhengguo's effortless demeanor, Zhang Bangchang found himself cursing his ancestors.
This guy usually seemed like a nice person, rarely clashing with his colleagues.
Why was he suddenly so sharp-tongued today?
His words were few, but each struck at the core, leaving him no room for rebuttal.
What had seemed like a sure victory had quickly turned into a complete rout.
It wasn't just Zhang Bangchang who was surprised; even Zhao Zhen looked at Fan Zhengguo with a new level of respect.
Now he finally understood why Han Mo had gone to such lengths to recruit him.
After all this talk, this was truly the greatest debater in the land!
"Very well, even if the matter is concluded and you are returning to the capital, you should have sent me a memorial. My son has rendered great service this time; at the very least, he deserves a welcoming ceremony at the outskirts!"
Seeing that Zhang Bangchang was losing ground, Emperor Zhao Ji had no choice but to shift tactics and play the emotional card.
"Father, you flatter me. The nation is in peril, and the war in Hebei has not yet concluded. How could I, for a mere vanity, waste national resources at this time?"
Hearing the Emperor's concession, Zhao Zhen seized the opportunity to disengage. After all, continuing to argue with the Emperor on this matter would likely lead to no good outcome.
"Your father is very pleased to hear you say this. However, what you did was indeed improper. You may not care, but what about the meritorious soldiers who fought bravely? You were inconsiderate in this matter!"
Being members of the royal family, they were all accomplished actors. Just moments ago, he was admonishing, and now he was showing fatherly affection.
As for how much of this was genuine and how much was feigned, perhaps only the two of them truly knew.
"Alright, why are you still kneeling? Stand up, and let your father have a good look at you!"
Since they had started playing the emotional card, Zhao Ji could only smile and signal Zhao Zhen to rise.
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
Hearing Zhao Ji's words, Zhao Zhen immediately stood up and straightened his back.
"You've grown darker and thinner. It seems you suffered quite a bit on your trip south!"
Hearing Zhao Ji's words, and seeing his eyes redden slightly, even Fan Zhengguo couldn't help but sigh inwardly. The Emperor's acting skills were no less than those of the actors in the entertainment quarters!
"Your son merely remembered Father's teachings, and with Your Majesty's great fortune and the soldiers' valiant efforts, the rebellion was quelled in such a short time. Everything else is fine, it's just that this son can't help but miss Father every night. Therefore, after the matter was concluded, this son couldn't consider anything else..."
As Zhao Zhen spoke, he actually began to shed tears.
Damn it!
Witnessing this display of fatherly affection, Chen Dong, who had observed the entire process, couldn't help but curse inwardly.
If Han Mo were here, he would undoubtedly applaud the performance of the father and son. In later generations, with such acting, if they weren't awarded two Oscars, the audience would surely cry foul.
"My child, what kind of place is this today, that you are weeping!"
Even though he usually didn't show much affection, seeing Zhao Zhen weeping so sadly, Zhao Ji couldn't help but feel a slight twinge of discomfort.
Even though he was the Emperor and had long since cultivated a heart of stone, at this moment, he couldn't help but question whether his past actions had been a little too excessive.
"Your son, your son... it's just that it's been so long since I've seen Father, so... so..."
Zhao Zhen continued to sob as he spoke.
"Your Highness Prince of Xin, this is, after all, the imperial court. Please restrain yourself!"
This scene was becoming rather nauseating. Even Fan Zhengguo was finding it hard to stomach. They still had important matters to discuss below. If you continue to weep like this, it will be difficult to proceed with the conversation.
Don't you see that Liu Zhengyan is still holding the memorial tablet in his hand...