flstandardbreds Chapter 148 Game
Chapter 148 Game
"Your Majesty is wise," Wen Hangqing and Fang Mingzhe said in unison, secretly relieved.
Upon seeing this, the civil and military officials in the court echoed and expressed their approval of the Empress's decision.
Chu Lan sat on the dragon throne, a barely perceptible hint of coldness flashing in his eyes.
She knew that although she could not promote Liu Shan for the time being, as long as the position of commander of the Imperial Guard was vacant, Liu Shan would have the opportunity to continue to control the Imperial Guard.
And she will also push for Liu Shan's promotion again at the appropriate time.
After the court assembly, Liu Shan was summoned to the imperial study.
Chu Lan looked at him, her eyes full of apology: "Liu Shan, I'm sorry you had to go through this today."
Liu Shan smiled slightly and said calmly, "Your Majesty need not worry. I understand that there are some things in the court that Your Majesty cannot completely control. I am content as long as I can continue to serve Your Majesty."
Chu Lan nodded, a hint of relief flashing in his eyes: "With your words, I am relieved. Although the position of Commander of the Imperial Guard is vacant, I believe that you will be able to continue to control the Imperial Guard and ensure my safety."
Liu Shan nodded solemnly: "Your Majesty, rest assured, I will do my utmost to live up to your trust."
Chu Lan looked at Liu Shan and secretly made up her mind.
She knew that Liu Shan was her most trusted general and her right-hand man in consolidating her power.
No matter how great the resistance in the court, she would push for Liu Shan's promotion again at the right time.
Liu Shan was also well aware of the responsibilities he bore.
He knew that the control of the Imperial Guard was only superficial; the real challenge lay ahead.
But he believed that as long as he continued to work hard, one day he would truly subdue the Imperial Guards and stabilize Chu Lan's rule.
……
The night was as dark as ink, and the candlelight in the imperial study flickered in the jade lamps, casting Chu Lan's long, thin shadow.
She stroked the memorial on the desk that impeached the Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, a hint of coldness flashing in her eyes.
The man's name had been crossed out with a red pen, but the two characters "Liu Shan" were still clearly visible in the ink.
She tapped the table lightly and murmured to herself, "Military merits are hard to come by... then let's change battlefields."
Not long after, Liu Shan returned to the Imperial Study.
He stood to one side, his expression solemn, awaiting the Empress's instructions.
"Liu Shan," Chu Lan said slowly, his voice tinged with weariness, "I originally intended to promote you to the position of Commander of the Imperial Guards, but the resistance from the court was too great, so I had to put it aside for the time being. However, I will not give up. You have made great contributions to me, and I will never treat you unfairly."
Liu Shan bowed slightly, his tone firm: "Your Majesty, I understand that the situation in the court is complex. I am willing to continue to serve Your Majesty, regardless of rank, I will have no regrets."
Chu Lan nodded, a hint of relief flashing in his eyes: "With your words, I am relieved. However, after much thought, I feel that if I want you to be promoted legitimately, you must have military merit. But the main duty of the Imperial Guard is to protect the palace and the capital, and they cannot go out of the city to suppress bandits, and the security of the capital does not require the Imperial Guard. I have not yet held my enthronement ceremony and cannot leave the capital. This matter of military merit is giving me quite a headache."
Liu Shan pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "Your Majesty, I believe that while military merit is important, it is not the only path. If I can make some achievements in the Court of Judicial Review, it may pave the way for my promotion."
A glint flashed in Chu Lan's eyes: "I didn't expect you to be on the same page as me! Continue."
Liu Shan nodded: "Your Majesty, although the position of Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review is not a military post, if I can make achievements in this position, it can also help me build my reputation. Moreover, the Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review wronged and framed Prince Kang, and should be dismissed and investigated. If Your Majesty can allow me to take on this position concurrently, it may lay the foundation for my promotion to Commander of the Imperial Guards."
Chu Lan pondered for a moment, then slowly nodded: "That suits me perfectly! Although the position of Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review is not a military post, if you can make achievements in this position, it will indeed pave the way for your promotion. I will announce tomorrow that you will concurrently serve as Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review."
Liu Shan bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I thank you for your great kindness."
Chu Lan smiled slightly, his eyes full of trust: "Liu Shan, I believe you can definitely achieve something in the Dali Temple. However, there is still considerable resistance in the court, especially from Fang Mingzhe and Wen Hangqing. They will not let you succeed easily. You must be careful in dealing with them."
Liu Shan nodded solemnly: "Your Majesty, rest assured, I will act with caution and live up to your trust."
The next morning at court, undercurrents were stirring within the Golden Palace.
Chu Lan, dressed in a black dragon robe, sat upright on the throne, his gaze sweeping over the ministers below, finally settling on Liu Shan.
He was not wearing armor today; his scarlet official robes made his features appear even more sharp, standing out from the smooth-talking officials from aristocratic families around him.
"The position of Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review has been vacant for a long time," Chu Lan said, tapping the memorial lightly with his fingertips, his voice as cold as frost. "I intend to appoint Liu Shan to concurrently hold this position. Does anyone have any objections?"
Before he could finish speaking, Fang Mingzhe stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Your Majesty! Although Vice Commander Liu is knowledgeable in military affairs, criminal justice is no child's play. The Court of Judicial Review is in charge of all criminal cases in the country; how can we allow a military man to overstep his bounds?"
He deliberately emphasized the word "military man," which drew repeated agreement from several censors.
Immediately, an imperial censor stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, “Your Majesty, although Liu Shan is exceptionally capable, he is already the deputy commander of the Imperial Guards. If he were to concurrently serve as the vice minister of the Court of Judicial Review, it would likely distract him and make it difficult for him to manage both duties. I believe this is inappropriate.”
Fang Mingli echoed, "Your Majesty, Minister Fang is absolutely right. Although Liu Shan has rendered meritorious service, he is unlikely to be able to handle two positions concurrently. I urge Your Majesty to reconsider."
Chu Lan frowned slightly, his tone carrying a hint of displeasure: "Minister Fang, Liu Shan's abilities are evident to all, and I believe he is capable of this position. Moreover, the position of Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review has been vacant for a long time, and if it is not filled as soon as possible, it may affect the operation of the court."
Fang Mingzhe wanted to persuade him further, but a soft laugh suddenly rang out in the hall.
Wen Hangqing stroked his long beard and stepped out of the ranks, his aged voice carrying a hint of amusement: "Minister Fang is mistaken. In the past, Emperor Taizu established the country through military force, and half of the nine founding ministers came from the ranks. Deputy Commander Liu is both wise and brave, and I believe that it is not inappropriate to appoint him as Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review."
His gaze swept over Fang Mingzhe's ashen face, and his tone suddenly changed: "This old minister thinks this appointment is excellent—the Imperial Guard needs upright men to deter villains, and the Court of Judicial Review also needs decisive and ruthless men to cleanse the filth."
Chu Lan's lips curled slightly. This old fox had indeed sensed an opportunity to bring down the Fang faction. She feigned hesitation, her fingertips hovering over the vermilion brush, "What does Prime Minister Wen think?"
"This old minister seconds the motion." Wen Hangqing bowed deeply.
The court fell silent instantly.
Fang Mingzhe's hand, gripping the ceremonial tablet tightly, bulged with veins—the Wen faction and the Fang faction had been fighting for years, and now this old scoundrel was willing to be the Empress's weapon!
He suppressed his anger and looked at his younger brother, Fang Mingli, the current Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, who stood with his head bowed among the civil officials, cold sweat beading on his forehead.