Chapter 847: Recommendation

Jingyang City.

During the early morning court session, hundreds of officials remained silent, and the atmosphere was extremely heavy.

Wu Dingshu stood solemnly, glancing sideways at Zeng Yu. The Prime Minister, at this moment, appeared to be deep in contemplation, looking at his nose and meditating in silence.

He naturally knew this man was highly talented and greatly trusted by the Empress, but the slightly furrowed brows indicated that he, too, was troubled by significant matters.

“The rebellion in the southwest Yi region was originally a minor issue… but then instability arose successively in the northern frontier and the East Sea. When did these barbarians beyond our borders manage to conspire together?”

As the Crown Prince, Wu Ding naturally knew more and learned faster than others, and he was deeply puzzled.

“The Emperor has arrived!”

Just as he was pondering, the shrill voice of a eunuch rang out, causing all the officials to snap to attention.

“Long live the Emperor, ten thousand years, a hundred thousand years!”

Even Wu Ding, who was the Emperor’s son at home, still had to act as a subject within the palace and knelt down with the others, shouting “Long live the Emperor.”

“Rise, my ministers.”

Wu Zhi, dressed in a robe embroidered with nine phoenixes, wearing a royal crown, lightly made up to conceal her increasingly youthful appearance, looked dignified and majestic as she slowly sat on the dragon throne and waved her hand, her voice echoing throughout the hall.

“Thank the Emperor!”

Before this Empress who had conquered the world as a woman and was rumored to have even destroyed a celestial immortal, the officials dared not breathe too loudly. They repeatedly bowed and then slowly stood up.

Wu Ding and Zeng Yu stood very near the front, and naturally noticed that beside Wu Zhi’s dragon throne, there was another chair placed parallel and respectfully, yet it remained empty. This was the seat Wu Zhi had insisted on reserving for Wu Ming, and she had even reprimanded a group of old conservatives to enforce it.

“Originally, I considered that since the Great Wu had just stabilized, the people needed rest and recuperation. Moreover, if the southwestern Yi people could be civilized and submit, they would become my empire’s subjects, so I gave them a chance. I never expected those local chieftains and barbarian kings to become so recklessly audacious!”

Wu Zhi directly began with a cold laugh, speaking unusually directly, causing the civil and military officials below to once again see the image of the former ruler who had ruled decisively and dominated with an iron fist.

“Now, who among you is willing to share my burdens and eliminate this scoundrel!”

She said coldly, and the officials below immediately felt a chill down their backs, each thinking: “It seems the Emperor has been secretly furious for a long time and is determined to resolve this issue thoroughly!”

“I am willing to die for the Emperor!”

As soon as she finished speaking, a group of military generals from the right side immediately stepped forward to express their willingness, some even rubbing their hands in anticipation.

These were veteran generals who had fought alongside her to seize the empire. When it came to military affairs, none of them were afraid; rather, they were somewhat eager for action.

“Chen Jingzong!”

Wu Zhi swept her gaze over them, seemingly somewhat satisfied, but finally pointed to someone from among the civil officials.

“Your Majesty!”

Chen Jingzong was a master strategist in the art of war, known for his brilliant military tactics. He had achieved many victories during Wu Zhi’s early rise to power. Later, he switched to a civil post to pave the way for his nephew. Even now, his influence within the military remained formidable.

Of course, he was now quite old and had only wanted to serve out his term as Minister of War before retiring peacefully. With Wu Zhi’s generosity, he would assuredly receive honors and a comfortable retirement, bringing great glory to his family.

Yet, facing Wu Zhi, Chen felt as if he had suddenly become an ordinary man with no cultivation at all. After just one sentence from her, cold sweat already appeared on his forehead.

“The majesty of the Emperor is unfathomable!”

Wu Ding murmured inwardly as he watched this scene: “My mother’s cultivation has indeed become increasingly profound. Just by calling his name, a Minister of War, a first-rank official, and a military master strategist became so…”

He clearly understood that this was not only due to the majesty of the throne but also because of Wu Zhi’s own martial cultivation.

“My dear minister, who do you think would be suitable to lead the campaign?”

Wu Zhi asked softly.

“Your Majesty holds the entire empire in your grasp. My humble opinion cannot even grasp a fraction of your wisdom…”

Chen Jingzong took a deep breath: “All the generals present could suppress the rebellion. However, the southwest is remote and difficult to attack, easy to defend but hard to conquer. To recover the county towns, we would need an army of twenty thousand and one hundred thousand laborers. To completely destroy the rebels and eradicate the chieftains’ strongholds, we would require an army of one hundred thousand and five hundred thousand laborers!”

This assessment was more seasoned than Lin Feichong’s, and some of his views coincided, causing Wu Ding to nod inwardly.

“Ah…”

However, many civil and military officials listening to this found themselves involuntarily drawing in cold breaths.

An army of fifty thousand or one hundred thousand was nothing, but mobilizing five hundred thousand laborers? That would surely shake the entire Great Wu to its core, and a slight misstep could severely damage the nation’s foundation.

“Throughout history, it has been easy to find elite soldiers and capable generals, but difficult to find those who can manage logistics and maintain order…”

Wu Zhi pursed her lips and sighed, then slightly emphasized her tone: “However, Minister Chen, it seems you have not yet spoken of whom you truly wish to recommend?”

“Your humble servant is foolish. Generals Zhang Ting, Bao Guo, and Chen Shuncheng are all suitable to serve as supreme commanders of the military!”

Chen Jingzong kowtowed.

“Indeed, recommending those close to you without fear of conflict!”

Wu Zhi smiled slightly.

“Your Majesty, this subject has a memorial to present!”

At this moment, a civil official suddenly stepped forward, kowtowing and bowing.

“Hmm? Wu Yue, the Vice Minister of Rites?”

Wu Ding glanced at this official and immediately recognized him: “What is this person doing interfering for no apparent reason? It’s quite puzzling.”

However, what he said next made Wu Ding even more restless.

Wu Yue loudly declared: “Generals Zhang Ting and Bao Guo are both high-ranking generals of the court, and General Chen Shuncheng goes without saying. Why use a butcher’s knife to kill a chicken? To deal with these barbarians, it is sufficient for our imperial troops to arrive, and they will surely submit! This subject recommends Lin Feichong, a commander from the Crown Prince’s Mansion, to lead the campaign! He will surely achieve a swift victory!”

“The Crown Prince?!”

In an instant, Wu Ding felt numerous suspicious gazes directed toward him and Wu Yue.

But in all fairness, this Wu Yue was not even his man!

However, even though Wu Yue was not his man, his sudden appearance now seemed like a bugle call, and from the civil officials’ ranks, more than a dozen officials simultaneously stepped forward, all kneeling: “We second the motion.”

“You…”

Wu Ding’s eyes flashed red, barely managing to restrain himself. Looking at Zeng Yu, he saw that the Prime Minister was watching the kneeling civil officials below, and even some military generals who continued to join them, with a trace of worry on his face.

“Truly… truly…”

His inner fury was beyond words.

He knew that Wu Yue’s appearance this time had many interpreting it as his own intention, prompting the so-called “Crown Prince faction” to act. Once they moved, some fence-sitters followed suit. Most critically, amidst the chaos, he could not distinguish who was loyal and who was treacherous.

Moreover, Wu Ding knew Wu Zhi’s temperament well. Such a move by the ministers would resemble a palace coup, undoubtedly provoking her silent anger. In the end, she would surely vent her wrath on him.

After all, even if he explained that this was not his intention, who would believe him?

And how would the Emperor react upon seeing the Crown Prince being so readily obeyed?

“Crown Prince, what is your opinion?”

Feeling Wu Zhi’s gaze fall upon him, Wu Ding took a deep breath and stepped forward: “Your humble son… Your humble son believes that even though Lin Feichong is capable, his low rank and position may make him unsuitable for such a task…”

“Since he has talent and ability…”

Unexpectedly, Wu Zhi waved her hand: “Moreover, I have reviewed this person’s record, and he is not without foundation. As for his low rank, the court can elevate him. Record my decree: Appoint Lin Feichong as the Acting General for Suppressing the Yi, bestow upon him the imperial flag and tablet, and command an army of ten thousand, mobilizing one hundred thousand laborers from local forces to head southwest and quell the rebellion!”

Although this was merely a minor general title, and the word “Acting” indicated it was temporary, this battlefield promotion still caused many veteran generals to feel a trace of envy in their eyes.

After all, since the establishment of the new dynasty and the setting of its rules, such extraordinary promotions had become increasingly rare.

“Your humble son obeys the decree!”

After listening, Wu Ding’s expression was dazed, unable to articulate what he truly felt inside.

After all, Wu Zhi’s unconventional moves left his thoughts increasingly confused.

…

After court was dismissed.

Originally, upon seeing Zeng Yu’s carriage, Wu Ding wanted to approach and seek some advice, but seeing the sharp gazes of the palace guards around him, he restrained himself and returned directly to the Crown Prince’s Mansion.

“Humble servant greets the Crown Prince!”

Lin Feichong was summoned, and upon hearing the news, his face could hardly conceal his excitement.

“Well… I won’t say much else. This is your opportunity. If you succeed, you will soar to the heavens! But if you fail…”

Wu Ding leaned back in his soft chair, sipping plum juice slowly while rubbing his temples, his face showing a trace of fatigue.

“Please rest assured, Your Highness. Even if I must give my life, I will earn honor for you!”

Lin Feichong declared loudly.

“You are one of my men, and naturally, I wish you well… but be extremely cautious!”

Wu Ding smiled bitterly, repeatedly reminding him.

In reality, he was already the Crown Prince, enjoying the utmost favor and honor. Even if Lin Feichong achieved a great victory, what benefit would it bring to him?

On the contrary, war was dangerous, and if he suffered a defeat and faced criticism, Wu Ding himself would inevitably be affected. At the very least, he would be blamed for poor judgment.

What would happen to a crown prince branded with the accusation of poor judgment?

At the very least, Wu Ding did not want such a significant negative political asset.

“Humble servant understands!”

Lin Feichong’s expression turned serious, clearly grasping the key point.

“Alright, you may leave now. Let Zhang Hanlin come in!”

Wu Ding waved his hand, dismissed Lin Feichong, and summoned Zhang Hanlin. Suddenly opening his eyes, a flash of lightning seemed to pass through the quiet room, his eyes filled with a murderous intent: “Vice Minister of Rites, Wu Yue, I want you to thoroughly investigate this person. Remember, dig to the bottom!”

“Understood!”

Zhang Hanlin naturally understood the seriousness of the matter and answered solemnly.

…

“The matter is settled!”

Just as Wu Ding was deeply troubled by this, in a secret room, several Taoist priests gathered secretly, their faces filled with joy.

“Is Wu Yue reliable?”

“Of course!”

Another Taoist priest answered, his face filled with pride: “Because he is not even one of us! He even prides himself as a loyal minister of the Crown Prince. He is just a bit foolish, unable to see the situation clearly. I merely had someone give him a few hints and subtly influence him, and he immediately thought that the Crown Prince needed to establish military achievements to consolidate his position… Ha ha… The fish has taken the bait!”

“Excellent!”

“Flawless!”

Several Taoist priests smiled, stroking their beards: “Without leaving any traces, even if the plan fails, it cannot be traced back to us. Such a loyal minister, let’s see how the Crown Prince will handle him… Ha ha… If this person were under my command, I would surely strike him down with a palm thunder as soon as possible to avoid causing trouble. But human hearts… Ha ha…”