amaotonovel Chapter 787: Prince Hong volunteered
Chapter 787: Prince Hong volunteered
In the corner of the hall, an irrepressible whisper began to be heard, the voice was very low:
"After all, the Jing family is the only one who can be relied upon to shoulder the heavy responsibility of defending the country and maintaining its security!"
"Who says it isn't? Think back to when General Jing's Mansion was stationed in the northern border, how majestic was it? The Tatars were terrified, and the surrounding countries all bowed down to it. How could it have ever been so embarrassed as it is today?"
Although the discussion was quiet, it pierced the ears of the man on the dragon throne like a needle.
"What are you clamoring about?" The dog emperor, who seemed at a loss just now, was now extremely sensitive to the discussions below. He suddenly raised his voice, and his cloudy eyes shot out two glares that had little real deterrent power, pointing directly at the crowd.
"Secretary Qin! Prime Minister Hua! I hear you two are talking quite animatedly. Why don't you two go to the Northern Frontier to help me share my worries?" This sudden naming was filled with obvious anger and sarcasm.
The Minister of the Central Secretariat and the Prime Minister of the Cabinet who were called upon immediately stepped out of their positions, made exaggerated gestures as if they were about to kneel down, and repeatedly said, "I am terrified! I dare not!" However, there was no trace of real fear or shame on their faces as they lowered their heads, but instead a sense of helplessness at being accused without reason.
At this awkward moment, a voice rang out from the very end of the hall, in the most inconspicuous corner. Although the location was remote, the tone was quite firm and clear: "I think there is someone who can take on this task." As soon as these words came out, it was like throwing a huge rock into a stagnant pool of water.
All the officials in front, no matter they were nobles or important ministers, were shocked and turned sideways, their eyes all cast towards the source of the voice, and even subconsciously made way for the owner of the voice.
The Dog Emperor narrowed his eyes, trying to identify the middle-aged official standing at the end of the passage. He wasn't tall, but his face had distinct southern features. He couldn't quite place his name. "Who is it, my dear? ... Come up and tell me!" He pointed at the man.
The old eunuch Li Gonggong standing beside him immediately bent down and whispered in the emperor's ear, almost close to his ear, so that only the two of them could hear: "Your Majesty, this is the newly appointed Chief Censor, his surname is Feng, and he is Lord Feng."
Speaking of which, the rank of Chief Censor is only the third grade, and according to common sense, he is not qualified to attend court meetings every day. However, since he is responsible for supervising all officials and supervising war preparations, it is in accordance with regulations for him to appear here today to participate in emergency military affairs discussions.
"Who does Lord Feng recommend?" The emperor had no idea what to do, so he naturally became interested in the proposal. He leaned forward slightly, and his eyeballs, which were slightly bulging due to excessive consumption of elixirs, focused on Lord Feng, who was standing in the middle of the passage with dignity and neither arrogance nor servility.
"I think," Lord Feng said in a clear and steady voice, holding the bamboo hu (made of bamboo, in line with his third-rank rank) that represented his status respectfully in both hands.
"His Royal Highness Prince Jing fought in many battles in the past and made great military achievements..." Before he could finish his words, undisguised sneers and boos broke out from both sides, like cold water poured into a hot oil pan.
"Prince Jing? You're so smart! Don't you see how old the prince is now? Are you sending him to his death?" An official of the same age sneered bluntly.
"Hmph! I'm afraid you've only heard of Prince Jing's fame in the past, but have never even seen the prince in person? And you're talking nonsense here!" Another civil servant said with contempt.
"The prince is already nearly 70 years old and is about to die! As the Chief Censor, you don't even know this? It's ridiculous!" Even the emperor couldn't help but join in the ridicule, as if he had been fooled, and let out a few dry and harsh "Hahaha!" laughs, as if he had been fooled.
The court, civil and military officials alike, was largely silent among the northern military commanders, while the southern civil officials mostly watched with indifference or sneered. In this court, not a single official from Lingnan emerged, and naturally, no one would speak up for the isolated and helpless Lord Feng.
Everyone either remained silent with a cold smile, or spoke with undisguised sarcasm. No one suggested that Master Feng continue.
Yet, the Chief Censor, standing at the center of the storm, stood even straighter, like a bamboo in a gust of wind, unmoved. He held the bamboo tablet firmly in his hands, poised to continue his speech, his gaze determined, oblivious to the clamor around him.
"The adults here don't have many ideas, but they talk a lot of nonsense." A low and majestic voice broke the wave of voices directed at Feng Zhongcheng.
Prince Jing, who had remained silent the entire time, slowly emerged from the train. He first glanced coldly at the noisy officials around him. His gaze was as sharp as a knife, carrying the fierceness of a veteran and the dignity of a prince of the imperial clan, causing those caught in his glance to involuntarily shrink their necks.
Then, he turned toward the throne, bowed, and said in a resounding voice, "Your Majesty, Master Feng hasn't even finished speaking when you all rush to interrupt. I, the King, would love to hear the details."
With Prince Jing's appearance, the entire Golden Throne Hall instantly fell into a deathly silence. The chatter and laughter that had been so rampant just now suddenly ceased, as if an invisible hand had been strangled by their throats.
All eyes were focused on the old prince with white hair and beard but still imposing aura. No one knew what he was up to and everyone was wondering, could it be that he was still trying to gain military merit at his age?
"My dear Lord Feng," the emperor seemed intimidated by the sudden silence and Prince Jing's authority. He restrained his mockery and said in a slightly stiff tone, "Prince Jing is right. I allow you to continue."
After receiving permission, Zhongcheng Feng continued his speech slowly and steadily, his voice being exceptionally clear in the silent hall.
"Prince Jing fought numerous battles in his time, commanding a formidable reputation. Each time he went on an expedition, he would always bring Prince Hong with him to train with him, learning from him through words and deeds. I firmly believe that a son with the same heroic spirit and vision as his father will surely possess the same bravery and courage! At this critical juncture for our nation, when our society is in peril, I believe that His Highness Prince Hong will inherit his father's aspirations, accept the mission, shoulder the heavy responsibility of upholding the throne, turn the tide, and save the people of Daqing from this dire straits!"
As Feng Zhongcheng finished speaking, a suffocating silence reigned within the hall. As if drawn by invisible threads, everyone's gaze shifted from Feng Zhongcheng to the young royal family member, Prince Hong, who had been standing a few steps behind Prince Jing.
Their gazes were filled with surprise, scrutiny, suspicion, and a subtle hint of anticipation. Many people nodded, feeling that Feng Zhongcheng's words made sense.
"Your Majesty! Absolutely not!"
It was still Prince Jing. His originally upright body like a pine tree suddenly trembled, and then with a "thump", he knelt heavily in front of the cold and hard imperial steps!
He raised his wrinkled face, tears streaming down his face. His grief was evident, his voice trembling with sobs and despair. "Your Majesty, please understand! This old minister...this old minister...your uncle, the king, only has this one son left! You must not let him die on the Shura battlefield! Please, Your Majesty, have mercy!"
The vigorous old man who had been speaking righteously just now seemed to have suddenly become decrepit.
However, when the dog emperor on the dragon throne heard the words "Uncle Wang only has one son left", a strange light suddenly flashed in his turbid eyes, as if some vicious idea was awakened.