The First Prince had only been in court for two years, how could he possibly spar verbally with Duke Wei, who had served three dynasties. Looking at the Ninth Prince, who was younger than him but had been in court for several years longer, the First Prince grew increasingly angry. Yet, the people he had gathered were no match for Duke Wei's bravery and strategic brilliance.
The Empress hailed from the Grand Tutor's mansion. In the early years, Grand Tutor Pang was a teacher whom Emperor Qi greatly respected. Unfortunately, he passed away before his grandson's wedding, and the Pang clan gradually declined. With a weak maternal clan, the First Prince naturally had to rely on his wife's family.
He chose the Li clan, first for Madam Li's honest and virtuous character, and second for the Li clan's prosperous descendants, with uncles and brothers holding positions in court.
It was a pity that while the family prospered, it was also riddled with internal corruption. Time and again, Duke Wei and others seized upon their weaknesses, suppressing them for many years. Those who stood out were either demoted or no longer employed, causing the First Prince's path to the succession to become arduous and perilous.
Seeing the First Prince fall silent, Duke Wei turned his attention to Prime Minister Bai. The Prime Minister appeared calm and detached, more like an immortal who had achieved enlightenment than a minister.
"What does Prime Minister think?"
"Since Duke Wei has spoken, what more can this humble minister say? There is only one point I cannot comprehend. If Feng Hai remains unwell, will this position remain vacant indefinitely? If the Grand Canal Administration encounters problems this year, dare I ask Duke Wei, will the yet-to-be-appointed Feng Hai come forward to confess, or will all thirteen Surveillance Censors of Liangzhe be brought to account?"
His calm tone struck Duke Wei at his most vulnerable point. The First Prince felt a surge of satisfaction watching his ashen face.
Prime Minister Bai showed no interest in whether his son-in-law would take on this crucial post. He neither refused nor recommended, but merely raised questions about potential future problems. This, in turn, made Emperor Qi more suspicious of Duke Wei's strong recommendation for a Feng family member to ascend.
"Enough. My dear Feng is still recovering from his injuries and cannot possibly be expected to take up his post on short notice. Duke Wei need not mention him again. Let us select another capable individual from the court."
Emperor Qi's words carried a hint of displeasure. Duke Wei knew the matter was settled and there was no use struggling. It was a shame, though, that the grand plan he had orchestrated for so long was about to begin, but the key player was absent, dampening the mood.
However, he quickly began to strategize. If this position could not be used to bring down the Feng and Bai families, then his own man must take it. Otherwise, if such a lucrative post fell into the hands of others, he would be considerably constrained.
"Your Majesty is correct."
While responding to Emperor Qi, he signaled to someone behind him. A certain Minister Yan immediately spoke up, "Reporting to Your Majesty, this humble minister wishes to recommend someone."
"Who is this esteemed minister referring to?"
"The Minister of the Grand Court of Judicial Review, Liang Quanbin."
Liang Quanbin, whose name was mentioned, was initially stunned. Then, he lowered his head to request resignation, but his eyes were filled with elation. He had never expected this. Could it be Duke Wei's arrangement?
Minister Yan continued, "Lord Liang has served as an official for over twenty years, always diligent and dedicated. The Grand Court of Judicial Review has never encountered any issues under his jurisdiction, demonstrating his meticulous nature. Does the Grand Canal Administration not require someone who is meticulous and decisive? In this humble minister's opinion, Lord Liang is the most suitable candidate for this post!"
Wen Jingsong was no fool. As the Vice Minister of Personnel, he knew that Liang Quanbin had received an 'Excellent' rating in the recent official assessment. According to regulations, he was indeed due for a promotion. He had simply not expected him to be elevated to this position so smoothly. Truly, marrying into the Wei family was extraordinary; even one's official career became much more prosperous.
"My dear Liang? He is indeed a good candidate. What are the opinions of the esteemed ministers?"
"We obey Your Majesty's decree."
In early February, the Wei and Liang families were to be wed. Minister Yan's words at this moment were undoubtedly Duke Wei's intention. No one wished to antagonize the Wei family for such a position, and thus, no one dared to speak further.
Emperor Qi had no doubts about Liang Quanbin's capabilities. He was merely displeased that Liang Quanbin's son had snatched the Wei family's young lady, which was why he had delayed issuing the decree.
Liang Quanbin was as anxious as an ant on a hot pan, but he had to maintain a calm demeanor, neither humble nor arrogant, appearing as if everything was subject to His Majesty's decision.
After careful consideration, he genuinely could not find a more suitable candidate than Liang Quanbin and was about to issue the decree. Just as the words were on his lips, he heard the First Prince exclaim, "Prime Minister Bai, Prime Minister Bai, what is wrong?"
Prime Minister Bai stumbled and fell backward. If not for the Sixth Prince, who was standing nearby, catching him with quick reflexes, he would have fallen to the ground.
For some unknown reason, Prime Minister Bai's collapse threw everyone present into a panic. A crowd of ministers swarmed forward, blocking the view, their faces flushed and eyes tightly shut.
"Could it be that Prime Minister Bai is overly worried about the Feng family and his health has suffered?" As soon as these words were uttered, Emperor Qi, seated high above, could not remain indifferent. He immediately ordered an imperial physician to be summoned and Prime Minister Bai to be moved to a side hall for treatment.
The Sixth Prince and the First Prince accompanied him. Duke Wei watched coldly, feeling a strong sense of displeasure.
He fainted at such a convenient time.
However, the matter of the Grand Canal Administration supervisor still needed to be decided today, otherwise, any changes tomorrow would be troublesome.
Just as he was about to petition Emperor Qi again, he saw Eunuch Wang, who was beside him, whisper a few words to Emperor Qi with a grave expression. Emperor Qi was first stunned, then a flicker of panic appeared in his eyes, but it was quickly suppressed.
He immediately said, "Prime Minister Bai's collapse concerns me greatly. Let us adjourn court for now and discuss it another day."
"Adjourn court."
Seeing Emperor Qi leave in such a hurry, Liang Quanbin was furious. The duck that was about to enter his mouth had flown away!
Why did Prime Minister Bai choose to faint now, not earlier or later, but precisely when His Majesty was about to issue the decree? He was truly determined to oppose him.
Duke Wei did not miss Emperor Qi's hurried departure. He wondered if something had happened in the inner palace.
He never imagined that the Feng family had just experienced the smallpox epidemic, and Prime Minister Bai had visited them. Now, with his eyes closed and collapsing, no one could be sure if he had also contracted the illness.
Emperor Qi was extremely cautious of his own life. After Eunuch Wang's reminder, he naturally wanted to leave first.
Subsequently, all the imperial physicians on duty at the Imperial Hospital, including the Chief Imperial Physician, went to the Hall of Heavenly Peace to examine Emperor Qi's pulse, ensuring his well-being.
In the side hall, the two imperial physicians who had come to examine Prime Minister Bai were at a loss regarding his fainting spell.
Judging by his pulse, it was extremely precarious, like a faint thread, appearing and disappearing, as if Prime Minister Bai might cease to breathe at any moment.
Such an incident in the imperial palace was considered bad for feng shui and luck. They quickly instructed the palace servants to prepare a carriage, and soon, Prime Minister Bai was sent back to his manor.
The people at Prime Minister Bai's manor were terrified when they saw him being carried in.
It was Madam Lin, the First Wife, who remained calm and composed. She quickly sent someone to fetch the ginseng that the Feng family had previously returned, which finally helped Prime Minister Bai to recover slightly.