novelnext Chapter 928 The first court meeting of the new dynasty!
Chapter 928 The first court meeting of the new dynasty!
It was late at night.
In the study of the imperial palace.
The flickering candlelight shone through the window lattice, faintly illuminating the area around the windowsill.
creak-
The study door was pushed open, and the door, which hadn't been renovated in a long time, made a worn sound.
Then, a graceful figure stepped over the threshold and entered the study.
The newcomer was Shen Mengyun, dressed in a magnificent long dress with the hem trailing on the smooth, clean ground, carrying a mahogany tray in her hands.
"Your Majesty, it's so late, you should retire for the night!" Shen Mengyun placed the mahogany tray she was carrying on the octagonal table, her voice gentle and kind.
As he spoke, he opened the food box and picked up the eight-treasure lotus seed porridge, which was at the perfect temperature.
Then she saw Ji Minghao looking at the memorial in his hand, his brows furrowed.
Her gaze swept over the words on the memorial and was instantly drawn to the four characters "northern barbarians".
Then, her gaze was drawn to the words on a book that Ji Minghao had placed next to his desk.
From Luoshui County to the Top Scholar
"Luoshui County?!" The thought flashed through Shen Mengyun's mind.
Just then, Ji Minghao raised his eyes slightly and noticed Shen Mengyun's gaze. He then looked up at Shen Mengyun with a faint smile, got up, walked around the desk, and came to the desk.
"Thank you for your hard work! Bringing me dinner so late!" He hugged Shen Mengyun, gently rested his head on her shoulder, and patted her back softly.
"Your Majesty has truly suffered! This is nothing!" Shen Mengyun said softly, her expression slightly moved.
"Go back to your room and get some sleep. I'll review the last two memorials and the content to be discussed at tomorrow's court meeting. Once I've approved them, I'll come to your room!" Ji Minghao said.
"Then I will wait for Your Majesty!" Shen Mengyun said softly.
“Okay!” Ji Minghao nodded.
He then watched Shen Mengyun leave, and only after the wooden door to the study closed did he slowly withdraw his gaze.
He turned to look at the desk and pushed aside the book that he had just casually pushed aside to cover it.
Look at those big characters above.
From Luoshui County to Top Scholar
A thoughtful look flashed across his eyes, then he reached out and tore off the first page of the book.
Then he opened the glass cover on the bronze lamp next to him, allowing the flames to slowly spread over the books.
At this moment, however, he was recalling his conversation with Jiang Ning during the day.
And the report from the inner guard.
"Go back to your residence first, then come see me! Brother Jiang is still so loyal!" He sighed inwardly, then shook his head with a wry smile.
At dawn, the sky was dark and gloomy.
Outside the Dongling Marquis's residence.
A black, flat-topped carriage was already parked quietly.
The imperial guard driving the carriage, draped in a black cloak and holding a palace lantern, stood beside the carriage with his head bowed, like a silent stone sculpture, quietly waiting for the gate to open. Even though there was little time left, he still did not step forward to knock on the gate of the Marquis's mansion.
Because before I came, I was specifically instructed and given instructions by my superiors.
Simply wait; do not rush or interfere.
He also knew who lived in the Marquis's mansion; it was the most powerful figure in the court at the time, the Prince of Luoshui, Jiang Ning.
The current emperor was able to stand out from all the princes, ascend the throne, and inherit the imperial lineage all because of this Prince of Luoshui.
He also heard that the Emperor had granted the Prince of Luoshui a fiefdom of four prefectures, with no limit on the number of private troops he could command.
But to this day, the King of Luoshui has never visited his own fiefdom, let alone established his own private army.
From this, he knew that the King of Luoshui had great ambitions and was not pursuing worldly fame and fortune.
Just now.
Boom—
The gate of the Marquis's mansion trembled slightly, causing the ground to shake.
Then he saw the door slowly pushed open, and a man's figure appeared in his sight.
The man, dressed in a black dragon robe and with a jade belt around his waist, stepped steadily across the threshold of the gate.
Looking at that figure, he felt that it was exceptionally tall.
He then lowered his head slightly.
In front of the Marquis's mansion.
"My lord, please be careful in everything you do!" Green Rhyme whispered at the door.
"Don't worry!" Jiang Ning smiled faintly. "I'm just going to attend a simple court assembly; nothing will happen!"
After saying that, he added, "Go back! It's still early, you can go back and catch up on some sleep!"
After saying this, he walked towards the carriage.
"Prince Luoshui, please board the carriage." The guards lifted the carriage curtain as Jiang Ning approached, speaking respectfully.
Jiang Ning nodded slightly, then boarded the carriage and bent down to enter.
The carriage was spacious, lined with brocade cushions, and a glass lamp was fixed in the corner, casting a faint halo of light.
The guards behind him also boarded the carriage and sat in the driver's seat.
"drive--"
Then, with a slight flick of the reins, the man's voice slowly carried through the empty street.
Then, the sound of horses' hooves pounding on the stone slabs and the wheels rolling over the bluestone slabs gradually spread, and the carriage headed towards the imperial city.
It was still dark, and the long street was quiet, with only the sounds of horses' hooves and wheels echoing through the air.
Occasionally, night patrols would pass by with torches, their armor clanging. Upon seeing the carriage approaching, they would all step aside and respectfully watch it depart.
They all recognized it; it was a palace carriage, and the passengers were all important figures from the capital.
Inside the carriage, Jiang Ning closed his eyes to rest. He had been cultivating until late at night, and then spent a long time with Lin Qingyi. Now he woke up early to attend the morning assembly, so he hadn't slept very well.
After a long while, the carriage slowly came to a stop.
"Your Highness, we have arrived at the palace gates." The voice of the palace guard rang out from outside the carriage.
Jiang Ning slowly opened his eyes.
According to regulations, all carriages and horses entering and leaving the palace must be strictly inspected.
However, after the guard exchanged a few words with the gatekeeper, the carriage started moving again and continued into the palace.
Inside the carriage, Jiang Ning felt a slight sense of surprise.
Then I understood.
He couldn't help but chuckle.
At this moment, the wheels rumbled past the palace gate.
Once inside the palace gates, the Taiji Hall wasn't too far away.
Jiang Ning was too lazy to continue resting with his eyes closed.
He then lifted the curtain of the carriage and glanced out the window. The sky in the distance was dark blue, and the palace walls stood tall like a black dragon lying in wait, the sky being cut into pieces by the palace walls.
As the carriage passed through the many palaces and arrived at the square in front of the Taiji Hall, the eastern sky was already beginning to lighten with the first hint of dawn.
"The King of Luoshui has arrived!"
As soon as Jiang Ning stepped off the carriage, someone called out his name loudly.
In an instant, dozens of gazes swept over.
Those gazes held awe, curiosity, scrutiny, and a complex, enigmatic meaning.
Jiang Ning remained calm as he slowly ascended the steps leading to the Taiji Hall plaza. He arrived at his usual spot, the frontmost seat for a second-rank official.
"Your Highness, please come forward." A guard hurriedly ran forward and bowed to Jiang Ning.
Upon hearing this, Jiang Ning immediately realized what was happening.
It’s different in the past.
He was no longer the Marquis of Dongling, but the King of Luoshui.
In the imperial court, he truly held a position second only to the emperor, above all others. He smiled faintly, then followed the imperial guard forward.
The officials in front of him all stepped aside.
Once he stood still, he was at the very front of all the officials.
Xiang Yuan stepped forward and whispered, "Brother Jiang, impressive skill!"
As he spoke, his face was full of admiration: "Even two heavenly soldiers from mythology couldn't do anything to Brother Jiang, they couldn't do anything to him at all. He is the person I admire most over the years."
Jiang Ning smiled faintly, "I only managed to escape with my life by sheer luck from the Heavenly Soldiers! This is only because the current environment is unsuitable, and the Heavenly Soldiers, these ancient war puppets of the Heavenly Court, cannot maintain their peak for long! If it were in ancient times, with two Heavenly Soldiers joining forces, I would have nowhere to escape!"
Upon hearing this, Xiang Yuan laughed heartily.
"Brother Jiang, you are being too modest! If this were ancient times, I wouldn't even have the right to stand before you and speak with you! You would be a true immortal then, but I would only be a mortal!"
Upon hearing this, Jiang Ning smiled faintly and did not continue to be modest.
It was the hour of Mao (5-7 AM).
thump—
thump—
thump—
Three chimes rang out from the Taiji Hall and echoed throughout the palace.
Then.
Rumbling--
The tall, heavy doors of the Taiji Hall slowly opened, causing the ground to tremble slightly.
"All officials, enter the hall—" A majestic voice echoed from the Taiji Hall.
On the Taiji Square, civil and military officials lined up on the left and right sides slowly crossed the threshold of the Taiji Hall and entered the hall.
Inside the Taiji Hall, the floor is paved with gold bricks, and towering dragon pillars stand tall.
On the dragon throne, Ji Minghao sat upright, wearing a crown and a bright yellow dragon robe. His face was calm and his eyes were sharp. He had completely abandoned his usual humble demeanor and revealed the majesty that a monarch should have.
The space to the left below, next to Prince Ji Xuan, is empty.
Ji Xuan was not present at today's court assembly.
After the officials entered the hall, they lined up on the left and right sides.
"Greetings, Your Majesty!"
"Greetings, Your Majesty!!"
"..."
The civil and military officials on both sides bowed to Ji Minghao on the dragon throne.
Jiang Ning also bowed with his hands clasped in greeting.
Although he enjoyed the privilege of wearing a sword and shoes in the palace and not having to bow when entering the court.
But now that Ji Minghao is the emperor, he feels that the respect due should still be given.
If he doesn't give it to him, then Ji Minghao's position will become even more difficult to hold.
He still vividly remembers the grievances Ji Minghao poured out to him yesterday.
Throughout the entire court, Ji Minghao had very few people he could command.
Especially those who have power, influence, and strength are all arrogant and proud.
Even imperial power could not make them obey orders.
People like Xiang Yuan.
The emperor's edicts were basically something he would listen to if he wanted to, and ignore if he didn't.
Even imperial power cannot sway the personal will of someone at the peak of the first-grade martial arts realm.
Therefore, he basically believed everything Ji Minghao said yesterday.
He could only mobilize Shen Xiao, and it was also because Shen Xiao's beloved daughter married Ji Minghao and became empress.
In an instant, countless thoughts flashed through Jiang Ning's mind.
"All of you, rise." Ji Minghao looked at the officials below, then his gaze fell on Jiang Ning, who was at the forefront of the military officers. He then raised his hand and said in a steady voice.
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" the officials said in unison, and then stood up.
Ji Minghao's gaze swept over the assembled officials, lingering for a moment on Jiang Ning, a fleeting warmth crossing his eyes before he regained the majesty befitting an emperor.
"Please take a seat." Ji Minghao's gaze fell on Jiang Ning again, a hint of warmth flashing in his eyes before he spoke.
As he finished speaking, two palace maids on each side carried a chair together, their bodies swaying like willows and their movements as swift as the wind, and they quickly arrived at the front of the civil and military officials. There were more than twenty of them in total, carrying more than ten chairs.
They placed chairs behind Li Xiang, General Shen Xiao, Prince Shenwei, Xiao Wuque, and others, as well as behind Jiang Ning, who was at the front of the military officers.
"Please, my beloved subjects, take your seats!" Ji Minghao said, gesturing with his hand once more.
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
"..."
The group bowed to Ji Minghao, who was seated on the dragon throne.
Ji Minghao nodded and took a seat first.
As he sat down, Jiang Ning and the others also took their seats.
Even the military officers behind him, including Xiang Yuan and others, only sat down after seeing Jiang Ning take his seat.
This scene, witnessed by the civil and military officials behind him, sent a chill down their spines.
"My beloved ministers, please speak if you have anything to report!" Ji Minghao said, his voice clear and loud, echoing throughout the hall.
Upon hearing this, an official from the military ranks immediately stepped forward, bowing respectfully to Ji Minghao on the dragon throne with a booklet in his hand.
"Your Majesty! The Five Sacred Mountains Prefecture's plea for help arrived in the capital two days ago. With each day of delay, the Five Sacred Mountains Prefecture becomes more perilous. The Yellow Heavenly King, the Mountain-Suppressing Heavenly King, and the Sea-Overturning Heavenly King of the Yellow Heavenly Sect each lead a large army. Such power is beyond the Five Sacred Mountains Prefecture's ability to withstand! Once Juntian City falls, the entire Five Sacred Mountains Prefecture will surely fall. At that time, not only will it embolden the Yellow Heavenly rebels, but it will also plunge the millions of people of the Five Sacred Mountains Prefecture into dire straits!"
After saying this, the military officer bowed deeply to Ji Minghao once again.
"Your Majesty, please make a decision as soon as possible! Do not let the hearts of the millions of ordinary people be broken!"
"Your Majesty, please make a decision as soon as possible!"
"Your Majesty, please make a decision as soon as possible!"
"."
Following the military officer's lengthy speech and his bow to Ji Minghao.
One by one, military and civil officials stepped forward and bowed to Ji Minghao.
Upon hearing these words, Ji Minghao remained calm and composed, gazing steadily at the civil and military officials below.
The entire Taiji Hall fell silent for several breaths.
Just then.
Shen Xiao took the initiative to stand up, stepped forward, and stepped forward.
He cupped his hands in greeting to Ji Minghao on the high platform.
"Your Majesty, I am willing to lead ten thousand elite troops to attack the Five Mountains Prefecture. With my assistance, I am certain that the crisis in the Five Mountains Prefecture can be resolved!"
Upon hearing this, Ji Minghao laughed heartily.
"Minister Shen is truly a peerless patriot!"
"However, there is no need for Minister Shen to take action on this matter!"
Upon hearing this, Shen Xiao looked up at Ji Minghao, his eyes filled with confusion.
"Why?" he asked, forgetting even the title "Your Majesty".
Ji Minghao smiled faintly, then said loudly, "Because yesterday, King Luoshui went to the Five Sacred Mountains Prefecture. King Luoshui took action without losing a single soldier, and the two kings of the Yellow Heaven Sect obediently led their troops to retreat, not daring to stay in the Five Sacred Mountains Prefecture for even a day longer!"
"What?!" Xiang Yuan exclaimed first, his face showing astonishment.
Upon hearing this, Shen Xiao's pupils dilated, and he slowly turned his head to look at Jiang Ning.
Meeting Shen Xiao's gaze, Jiang Ning could sense the astonishment and doubt in Shen Xiao's eyes.
He then nodded to Shen Xiao, indicating his agreement with Ji Minghao's words.
Seeing Jiang Ning's expression, Shen Xiao's gaze faltered for a moment, then his expression became complicated. (End of Chapter)