"Emperor, my opinion is exactly this. Minister Xiang shares this sentint as well, and I hope the Emperor will consider it carefully." Chu Heng spoke with full confidence, not explicitly stating it, but clearly not intending to let this excellent opportunity go to so officials with ulterior motives.
Xiang City was infuriated, his face flushed red, as he was dragged into the matter by Chu Heng. If it were not both being in the Imperial Court and having his words exploited by the other party, he wouldn’t have been at a disadvantage.
Xiang City barely managed a smile: "Emperor, I think Lord Chu’s suggestion is good, but it’s inappropriate to postpone the matter. I’m just not sure when the competition will be set."
Emperor Xuanming did not imdiately respond.
From his perspective, a fair competition is naturally better than allowing ministers to directly recomnd confidants to control these three important posts.
However, he had not yet decided on candidates.
Additionally, as both scholarly and martial skills are to be tested, many individuals from wealthy families born into the military cannot compete; after all, most of them are illiterate, and they might fail the scholarly test.
This is also why the百官 surprisingly did not oppose Chu Heng’s proposal.
Even Minister Qi and others had their own plans, but at this mont, they all remained silent in tacit agreent.
Seeing Emperor Xuanming’s hesitation.
A few officials couldn’t stand idle anymore.
They began to speak up in support.
"Emperor, I also believe Lord Chu’s thod is reasonable, and it ensures fairness. In the future, soldiers in the military camps will have a path for promotion, and their morale will likely remain high."
"I second the motion..."
"We all support Lord Chu’s opinion."
A large group of officials stepped forward, looking at Chu Heng with an uncommonly ambiguous attitude.
As if hinting to Emperor Xuanming, that in private, their relations with Chu Heng are indeed good.
As it stands, Emperor Xuanming is most wary of officials forming cliques and pursuing personal interests, even regarding royal princes and lords with intense scrutiny.
Were it not for him ascending the throne at a young age, even though the eldest prince is now in his twenties, the Emperor himself is still considered young, only in his forties, hardly past his pri.
The previous life of Emperor Xuanming ended prematurely for reasons difficult to fathom; ostensibly dying of illness, the true cause was sothing none dared to speak.
Emperor Xuanming indeed was not pleased: "How co I didn’t know you all were so well-acquainted with Minister Chu? Lately, you’ve all been willing to speak on his behalf."
The hundred officials naturally wouldn’t engage in such petty sabotage.
They knelt, proclaiming their efforts were rely for the welfare of the people, etc..."
Chu Heng also knelt, staying silent but keeping his back straight, firm and unyielding.
"We shall discuss this matter later." Emperor Xuanming waved his hand, adjourning the court.
The other officials knew this matter couldn’t be settled imdiately, considering the significance of military power, it couldn’t be decided in a day.
A group of officials walked out.
To Chu Heng’s surprise, several groups of people kept approaching him one after another.
"Lord Chu, previously I misunderstood you. You are the truly upright and honest official working for the people."
"Oh? Is that so?" Chu Heng looked at the person, half laughing: "I wonder why Minister Deng only realized this now. I always thought that over the years, Zi Qiu dedicated himself to his duty, working tirelessly for Great Chu and for the people, assuming everyone understood this. Disagreents only stemd from differing political views. It seems now Minister Deng only today comprehends Zi Qiu’s sincere dedication."
Minister Deng: "..."
Initially, he thought Chu Heng would either dismiss him with a bad attitude or struggle to deal with the situation.
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