After hearing Cai Jing’s words, Zhao Ji once again raised his head and looked deeply at Cai Jing.
He had already heard a hint of pleading in Cai Jing’s words…
Tan Zhen, this was indeed a viable candidate. However, looking at the desolation in Cai Jing’s eyes, Zhao Ji ultimately remained silent.
Seeing the fleeting reluctance on the emperor’s face, Liang Shicheng, who had just opened his eyes, closed them again.
Sun Bo’s recommendation of Tan Zhen at this moment was clearly ill-intentioned. This fellow was trying to use his influence to completely finish off Tong Guan.
If this could truly be achieved, he might have taken the risk. However, after seeing the fleeting reluctance on the emperor’s face, Liang Shicheng completely abandoned the idea.
Zhao Ji was different from other rulers. Those other emperors, when it came to important court matters, would not care about any personal sentiment.
But Zhao Ji was different. To put it bluntly, this fellow was not a qualified emperor at all.
Liang Shicheng could indeed use this opportunity to force Tong Guan to step down and then put Tan Zhen in his place.
But after that, he would likely lose the emperor’s favor completely.
Compared to the mess in Hebei, he still leaned towards the former.
“Shou Dao, what do you say?”
After taking a deep breath, Zhao Ji looked at Liang Shicheng again.
Hearing the emperor’s words, even Zhao Huan, the Crown Prince, felt his breathing become tense at this moment.
He could even be certain that as long as Liang Shicheng spoke in recommendation, Tan Zhen’s position would be completely secured!
If Tan Zhen could truly achieve something in Hebei, then his position as Crown Prince would be even more stable. It was possible that after Tan Zhen returned to the capital, he wouldn’t even need to worry about Zhao Zhen…
“Replying to Your Majesty, this old servant believes that Prime Minister Cai’s words are reasonable. It is better to keep things as they are regarding the matters in Hebei. Grand Councilor Tong had won battles before. No matter who we replace him with, it will take more than a day to stabilize the situation. At this critical juncture, this old servant still leans towards Grand Councilor Tong!”
After hearing Liang Shicheng’s words, apart from Zhao Ji and Cai Jing, everyone else was completely bewildered.
Even Cai Tao did not expect Liang Shicheng to openly stand with them at this moment.
“This is indeed wise counsel for governing the nation! Guards, issue an edict, ordering Tong Guan to resolve the matter of Yanjing within one month. If he fails, he will be punished for multiple offenses!”
After hearing Zhao Ji’s words, Cai Jing finally let out a long sigh of relief.
This crucial matter had finally been dealt with. Now, all they could do was hope that Tong Guan and the others could seize the opportunity. If they truly proved incapable, then even an immortal would not be able to save him after this month…
Of course, Cai Jing understood better than anyone how Tong Guan’s previous victories were achieved. In any case, as long as Tong Guan could remain in his position for another month, it would be enough for Cai Jing…
“Your Majesty, this is a memorial submitted by His Highness the Prince of Xin just today. The southeastern provinces are experiencing severe hardship and can no longer support a large army. Now that the rebellion has been quelled, His Highness the Prince of Xin wishes to lead his troops back to the capital!”
After a moment of stunned silence, Fan Zheng Guo suddenly took out a memorial from his sleeve.
This immediately plunged the great hall into another deathly silence.
The war was over, and it was understandable for someone to want to return to the capital. However, from top to bottom, even Emperor Zhao Ji had never thought about allowing his son to return to Bianliang City…
After all, the day Zhao Zhen returned to the capital would be the day the balance of the court would be broken. This was not a good sign…
“Let us discuss this matter at tomorrow’s morning court. I am tired!”
After glancing at the memorial in Fan Zheng Guo’s hand, Zhao Ji suddenly frowned and said.
“This…”
“Does my esteemed minister have anything else to say?”
“This minister obeys!”
With the emperor bringing out such a powerful weapon, even Fan Zheng Guo could only temporarily set aside the matter for now.
Anyway, his task was to bring up the matter. As for how it would develop later, it had little to do with him…
“This minister and others take our leave…”
…
After everyone had exited the great hall, Zhao Ji slumped back onto the dragon throne in dejection.
Zhao Zhen’s victory in the war was too sudden, leaving him, the emperor, very passive.
At this moment, he could only hope that Cai Jing could understand the meaning behind his words.
Otherwise, no matter how much he, the emperor, disapproved of Zhao Zhen, he would have to watch helplessly as Zhao Zhen suppressed the other princes!
“Father, why did Liang Shicheng help us today?”
As soon as Cai Tao got into his carriage after leaving the imperial palace, he couldn’t help but ask.
“Why would you even ask? He saw through the emperor’s intentions and didn’t want to hurt his feelings…”
Although he had won today, Cai Jing’s face was as if he had lost his parents.
“The emperor’s intentions? But didn’t the emperor bring this up himself?”
After hearing his explanation, Cai Tao became even more confused.
“The emperor’s intention was indeed to dismiss Tong Guan. The reason he agreed to give Tong Guan another month was because the emperor was making a deal with me…”
“Making a deal?”
“Decades of loyalty between ruler and minister were exchanged for a month’s time…”
As Cai Jing spoke, he closed his eyes in pain again.
This was the last bit of affection between him and the emperor, yet he had to do this today.
But after using up this sentiment, what should he do next? Cai Jing was at a loss for what to do…
“Father, are you alright?”
Seeing the two tears flowing from the corner of Cai Jing’s eyes, Cai Tao asked softly.
“Have someone pack our belongings. I fear this position as Prime Minister will change hands again before long…”
After a long silence, Cai Jing finally spoke slowly.
“Father! Our matters still have more than a year to go…”
“Do you think this is where we are? Do you think your father is still the same father as twenty years ago?”
Before Cai Tao could finish speaking, Cai Jing interrupted him rudely.
Facing his furious father, even the usually overbearing Cai Tao could only remain silent now.
“Unless Tong Guan can come up with a plan that satisfies everyone within a month, the position of Prime Minister will truly be lost…”