Royal Gold Medal County Magistrate

Finally, the crucial question was asked. Everyone who knew the inside story felt their hearts tighten and their ears perk up.

Naturally, when it came to speaking on such a matter, a heavyweight figure was needed.

No one was more suited than Li Yansong.

Sure enough, Li Yansong opened his mouth and said, "This matter naturally requires His Majesty's decision. I wonder if His Majesty has any inclinations?"

Emperor Jing shook his head, appearing troubled, "It seems there isn't a suitable vacancy for him. Are there any appropriate positions within the Six Ministries?"

Having said that, Emperor Jing's gaze swept across the heads of the Six Ministries.

Each person he passed responded with a shake of their head.

"How to reward him has now become a difficult problem. How about I issue an edict and bestow some gold, silver, and silk upon you all?" Emperor Jing asked.

The officials wore stiff expressions, inwardly grumbling.

Li Yansong said loudly, "Your Majesty, I have an idea. I wonder if Your Majesty would agree."

"Please speak, Master Li."

"Previously, for some unknown reason, Commandant Fang hastily resigned from his post. We ministers have actually discussed it privately, all guessing that Commandant Fang suffered quite a scare during the trip to the Jin Kingdom, so His Majesty specially allowed him to return to recuperate."

"But this matter has already passed such a long time, and given Commandant Fang's youth and vigor, he should have recovered by now."

"Now that he has rendered such great service, let him be reinstated... I wonder what Your Majesty thinks?"

Hearing this, Emperor Jing made a nasal sound, then began to tap on the imperial desk without revealing his thoughts, "Fang Zheng initially resigned somewhat suddenly, but since he himself was willing to leave, then if he wants to return, he should naturally come and speak to me personally."

"He wants to leave, he leaves. After he's been gone for a long time, the court has to invite him back. What does that make the Great Jing court?!"

"Moreover, he is a驸马 (imperial son-in-law). Among my many imperial sons-in-law, I alone give him preferential treatment. Before, his staying in the court was already an exceptional appointment. Do you ministers want me to open another back door for him?!" Emperor Jing said, his tone gradually becoming stern.

The ministers felt a sense of gravity in their hearts, all with serious expressions.

What's the meaning of this? It seems His Majesty doesn't want Fang Zheng to reassume the position of Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard?

Things have become a bit troublesome!

Li Yansong said solemnly, "Your Majesty, with all due respect, although Commandant Fang's political achievements are remarkable, in some aspects, he really doesn't seem like a young man."

"Commandant Fang's nature is somewhat lazy, and he seems to have no desire to be an official. I have heard that during his time of resignation, he has mostly indulged in comfort and pleasure."

"If the court doesn't summon him back, I'm afraid he himself will never think of returning to court."

The others immediately seized the opportunity to echo him.

"Yes, Your Majesty, Commandant Fang is indeed a bit lazy. He even sleeps during court sessions."

"I heard that he used to sleep until the sun was high in the sky...."

After everyone finished discussing, Li Yansong continued, "Just now, Your Majesty said that Commandant Fang is an imperial son-in-law and should not be an official. However, rules are rigid, and since Your Majesty has already made an exception once, it shows that Commandant Fang's talent has already been recognized by you."

"This time should be no exception. Your Majesty, think about it, Commandant Fang is so idle, yet he can still single-handedly lead the construction of new cannons. This is enough to prove his outstanding talent. Having such a virtuous imperial son-in-law is truly a blessing for our Great Jing, a blessing for the people, and a blessing for the royal family! If we abandon him simply because of his status, it would be tantamount to burying a pearl in dust and backfiring."

"Even if he has great talent, he still needs Your Majesty to guide him to be able to use it!"

After he finished speaking, Zheng Qiao immediately followed up, "I second that. Lord Li's words are reasonable. Our Great Jing has such prosperity today, all thanks to Your Majesty's discerning eye for talent and unconventional way of employing people. Since Fang Zheng has already demonstrated his strength, he should be selected and used."

Zhang Dongxiang stepped forward and said, "Our Great Jing values martial prowess. In terms of the elements of war, the advantage of cannons is unprecedented. Such merits should be rewarded according to merit, and it is necessary to convince the people. Please Your Majesty, think again."

With the three Grand Secretaries of the Inner Cabinet exerting their strength together, the rest naturally supported them in various ways.

Emperor Jing leaned back slightly, adopting a tactical recline, "Hmm... I understand what you mean. It seems that not letting Fang Zheng return is not an option?"

"Your old minister doesn't mean that, but rewarding merits must be in place, and talents must be used to their full potential. This has always been the purpose of the court's affairs," Li Yansong said.

Emperor Jing revealed a smile, "Very well then, since you ministers all think so, then I have no objections. But... if Fang Zheng is reinstated, that means he will be the Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. Currently, Tao Hui is temporarily serving as the Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, and I think he is doing a good job. If Fang Zheng returns, what position should I arrange for him?"

"Tao Hui, tell me what you think."

Tao Hui's appearance is that of an extremely serious person. Even when the entire court was chattering and discussing, and the news was all in favor of Fang Zheng, his expression did not change at all.

It wasn't until Emperor Jing asked him that Tao Hui said, "Your minister has no thoughts, I will obey Your Majesty's orders."

A pure bootlicker!

Many people curled their lips in disdain.

He really doesn't feel as likable as Fang Zheng. When Fang Zheng messes around, everyone can at least watch the fun and find an angle to scold him.

This wooden man... he's really impervious to blades and spears.

"I don't have any ideas either, what about you?" Emperor Jing asked below.

Feng Jie immediately replied, "Your Majesty, I suggest transferring Tao Hui back to the Ministry of War. When Tao Hui left, the position of Vice Minister was still vacant, and now it is just right for him to return."

"Moreover, I believe that Tao Hui was originally my subordinate. From my understanding, he is too frank and upright. The Embroidered Uniform Guard often walks among the people and has deep interactions with the common people. The matters are complex and changeable, and the position of Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard is not suitable for him. Tao Hui can only exert his talent in the Ministry of War."

"Tao Hui, what about you?" Emperor Jing looked at Tao Hui.

Tao Hui was silent for a while, then gritted his teeth and said, "I will obey Your Majesty's orders."

Tao Hui secretly cried out in his heart. Since taking office, many matters have been personally requested by His Majesty. After all this tossing and turning, I'm afraid I've offended all the ministers in the court.

Although I didn't know why at first, it is now completely clear... Isn't it all for Fang Zheng?

It's just that I've become a discarded pawn... How will I get along in the Ministry of War in the future?

Emperor Jing looked at Tao Hui and smiled, "After all, you've led the Embroidered Uniform Guard for so long, you can be considered meritorious. It wouldn't be appropriate to return to the Ministry of War."

"There is currently only one Associate Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. You will be appointed as the Associate Commander, which is not a slight to you."

A glint of light flashed in Tao Hui's eyes, "Your minister, thanks Your Majesty."

What! He's still in the Embroidered Uniform Guard?

A layer of gray mist simultaneously covered the faces of the ministers.

After working so hard, he was chased to the position of Associate Commander, a third-rank official... Still has a lot of power.

Unless Fang Zheng can always suppress him...

Li Yansong also sighed inwardly, but since things have come to this, he can't say anything more.

Just as everyone was lamenting in their hearts, they heard Emperor Jing say, "I'll ask you again, is it feasible for Fang Zheng to be reinstated?"

The ministers affirmed in unison.

"Good! Then issue an edict, ordering Fang Zheng to be reinstated!"

......