sbdcsierra Chapter 225 Selection of Imperial Envoy
Chapter 225 Selection of Imperial Envoy
Emperor Yongxi issued an imperial edict, and after the court assembly, Crown Prince Que Jin returned to the Eastern Palace and held another small court assembly.
"Whom do you gentlemen think is suitable to be the imperial envoy sent to Pingshan Pass?"
The Crown Prince's close advisors exchanged glances. If it was indeed the Marquis of Yongyi who had started the war, then the Crown Prince would have to reprimand him and order him to withdraw his troops. But choosing an imperial envoy would be difficult. If the official rank was too low, the person would be too weak to command the Marquis of Yongyi. If the official rank was too high, it would be inconvenient for him to leave the capital easily, and he would also be unwilling to take on this hot potato.
"I believe that it is advisable for Attendant Yu to go. Once you are unfamiliar with something, you will become more familiar with it. Last year, Attendant Yu went to Pingshan Pass on His Highness's orders and has experience in dealing with Marquis Yongyi."
Upon hearing this, Yu Lian was startled and looked at Song Yuan with an unfriendly expression. "Good lad, he looks like a good guy despite his thick eyebrows and big eyes."
"In terms of friendship, it has to be Song Sheren. We all know that Shen San Niangzi is the next leader of the Three Immortals. The Shen and Song families are old friends, and she can represent Grand Tutor Song."
“What the Attendant-in-Ordinary said makes sense.”
"I second the proposal."
Yu Lian's suggestion was agreed upon by many. Que Jin looked at Song Yuan and asked, "Minister Song, would you be willing to tour the realm on behalf of Heaven?"
Song Yuan raised his hand and bowed respectfully, saying, "Your subject is willing to share your worries, Your Majesty."
He then returned to the queue, lowered his hands, and stood calmly. He had too many questions in his mind and really wanted to see Qingxi again to ask her for clarification.
Upon seeing this, Yu Lian immediately realized that he had been tricked. He secretly pursed his lips, thinking that Song Ziyan was cunning and calculating, always scheming about useless things.
"In that case..."
Seeing that the Crown Prince was about to give a formal order, Wang Mao immediately stepped forward and said, "Your Highness, this imperial envoy needs to enter the territory of Anguo. Song Sheren is a civil official who is not familiar with military affairs. It would be more appropriate for a military officer to go instead."
Everyone knows that the Shen and Song families have a good relationship. If Song Yuan goes, he will definitely favor Shen Qingxi. Wang Mao and Shen Shi don't get along, so naturally he will oppose it.
Que Jin was well aware of his uncle's ulterior motives, but what he said did make sense. This time, he was going to the front line, and it would be bad if he were to be surrounded by the scattered soldiers of Anguo. For the safety of the imperial envoy himself, a military officer was indeed more suitable. Since he was representing the imperial family, it would be best if he also had a noble title, so military merit was indeed the best choice.
"In the Grand Minister's opinion, who is suitable?"
Wang Mao immediately wanted to recommend one of his own people, but seeing Que Jin's expression, he knew that his intentions had been seen through. He could not push his luck any further and was preparing to fairly and impartially recommend someone who had no connection with any faction.
While they were pondering, Song Yuan spoke first, "I recommend Wei Chao, the heir apparent of the Earl of Ninghai."
“The Crown Prince of Wei only holds a sinecure; I fear he is not worthy of the title of Marquis Yongyi.”
"I believe that the position of General of the Household is more suitable."
"General of the Central Army..." Que Jin pondered for a moment. Jiang Se was granted the title of Marquis of Changyi with his minor military achievements due to his father's guilt towards the Consort and his fifth brother. He was deeply trusted by his father, but his reputation in the court was extremely poor, and he was jokingly called the Marquis of Caiyi. He was a lone minister, which was indeed appropriate.
"Summon the General of the Palace Guard to an audience."
The young eunuch received the order and hurriedly ran out to find the person.
Seeing that his goal had been achieved, Wang Mao's lips curled up almost imperceptibly. The Song family was all very aloof and not like him. His people couldn't go, and he couldn't let Wei Chao, recommended by Song Yuan, go either.
Jiang Se accepted the summons readily.
"The minister obeys the order."
Looking at his former classmate, whose temperament was completely different, Song Yuan felt a pang of emotion. Just like in his previous life, Jiang Se had lost her loved ones and embarked on the path of a favored but isolated minister. However, in this life, the military power of the Three Immortals had fallen into the wrong hands, and he had the foresight to cut off Jiang Se's path to becoming a powerful minister.
Que Jin finally decided that Jiang Se would lead the team and Song Yuan would be the deputy envoy, because military matters could not be delayed, and ordered them to set off immediately.
The group was hastily assembled, and a small incident occurred when they arrived at the city gate: Wei Chao, the heir of the Earl of Ninghai, suddenly cut in and joined the group.
"Why are you here?" Song Yuan was somewhat surprised. Although he had recommended Wei Chao, since Jiang Se had been chosen as the chief envoy, there was naturally no need for Wei Chao to go.
"Upon hearing the news, he immediately went to the Eastern Palace to beg for a favor, considering it merely an opportunity to gain experience along the way."
"..." Song Yuan was speechless, meaning he didn't care about the job and only wanted to join the tour group.
Wei Chao ignored Song Yuan's complicated gaze and rode forward on his horse. It couldn't be said that he was still unwilling to accept it; he had to see with his own eyes what level of military skill the man who talked so eloquently on paper could actually achieve in commanding an army.
Just as the imperial envoy's entourage was leaving Xuandu, thousands of miles away in Anguo, Ji Si was also seeing off the emperor's uncle, Zuo Mingyi, as he led his troops into battle.