Rumble!
In an instant, everyone was shocked, and the entire hall was in an uproar. No one had expected that Wang Chong would suddenly appear and drag King Qi down with him.
"Wang Chong!"
The King of Song and Minister of War Zhangchou Jianqiong were also stunned. It was clear that Wang Chong had not discussed this with them beforehand.
"Bastard!"
King Qi was stunned at first, but he quickly came to his senses. He clenched his teeth, his expression savage.
This court discussion had been sent to the court in the form of memorials. As an assistant minister, The King of Song had clearly seen it. But even though He Qingrong's matter had been leaked, King Qi was not worried. He had already arranged everything. Minister of Rites Pei Cunyi was an important chess piece, but he had never imagined that Wang Chong would act so unconventionally and drag him down in front of all the officials of the court.
"Wang Chong, have you lost your mind? This king is a descendant of the Emperor of Heaven, of noble status. You actually want me to undertake irrigation works?! "
King Qi was flustered and exasperated. The fight between the two from the Penal Court had caused such a huge uproar that almost all the officials of the court knew about it. Now, Wang Chong was attacking him in front of all the officials, even suggesting that he, a grand prince, should undertake irrigation works. This was an undisguised humiliation. This made King Qi hate Wang Chong to the bone.
"Haha, I heard that King Qi has recruited talented people from all over the world and is humble and eager to learn, even dabbling in irrigation works. Back then, you even personally invited Minister of Works Zhang Lianzhong to your residence. Could it be that King Qi didn't invite Lord Zhang to discuss irrigation works?"
Wang Chong glanced at Zhang Lianzhong and said indifferently.
"You!"
King Qi's expression froze, and he was momentarily speechless. Nearby, Minister of Works Zhang Lianzhong's expression also trembled, fear appearing on his face.
According to the previous arrangement, after Pei Cunyi, the Minister of Rites, it would be his turn. The two of them would work together to put pressure on He Qingrong to leave the court. However, after hearing what Wang Chong said, Zhang Lianzhong couldn't help but take a step back. He couldn't even say a word. Otherwise, as Wang Chong had said, he would be suspected of colluding with the Prince of Qi.
For a moment, the entire hall was silent. Looking at Prince Qi's reaction and then looking at Minister of Works Zhang Lianzhong's reaction, even the slowest person understood what was going on.
It was obvious that the two of them had colluded long ago!
Wang Chong had said that the Prince of Qi and Zhang Lianzhong were discussing the irrigation works in the residence. It was likely that the Prince of Qi had no choice but to admit it!
"Bastard! There will come a day when this King will dismember you into a thousand pieces! "
King Qi's eyes were filled with hatred and ruthlessness.
"Hahaha, good! Wang Chong, this King knew that you had your reasons for doing this. You wouldn't speak without thinking! "
Next to the coiling dragon pillar, The King of Song was the first to react. He finally understood why Wang Chong had interrupted Minister of Rites Pei Cunyi. Not even The King of Song knew that King Qi had recently colluded with Minister of Works Zhang Lianzhong to pull him to his side and deal with He Qingrong.
It was obvious that his subordinates had found out about this.
"Your Highness, this lowly subject believes that it is best to find someone else to manage the irrigation works in Jiangnan. As for He Qingrong, filial piety cannot be abandoned, but the affairs of the state cannot be abandoned either. This subject proposes that he be allowed two months of leave to return to his hometown in Jiangnan and visit his mother, the Liu Matriarch. Once his mother recovers, he can return to the capital. "
Wang Chong said.
He Qingrong's mother had only occasionally caught a cold, and it wasn't anything serious. He could return to his hometown to visit his mother and then return to the court. This was also the best compromise they could come up with. A cold was not a serious illness. Once He Qingrong returned to his hometown, it would naturally be resolved.
"He Qingrong, what do you think?"
Suddenly, a voice resounded through the hall. The Grand Preceptor, who had remained seated on the armchair this entire time and had his eyes closed, suddenly stood up and spoke.
This sudden action caused everyone to be taken by surprise. The conflict between Wang Chong and King Qi had attracted everyone's attention, and no one had expected the Grand Preceptor to speak at a time like this. And unlike before, the Grand Preceptor was extremely calm today, far less intense than before. His first words did not even mention that He Qingrong should go to Jiangnan to manage the irrigation works, but asked for his own opinion.
He Qingrong had always been a member of The King of Song's faction, so if the Grand Preceptor were to ask for his opinion, He Qingrong would have never agreed. But for some reason, Wang Chong had a bad feeling.
Almost subconsciously, Wang Chong turned his head and saw that He Qingrong's head was lowered. He did not immediately reject the idea, but appeared to be very worried.
"This lowly subject, this lowly subject …"
He Qingrong hesitated, unable to speak for a long time. At this moment, the ill feeling in Wang Chong's heart intensified.
"Not good!"
Wang Chong's heart instantly sank. If He Qingrong truly did not want to go, he could have directly refused. There was no need for him to hesitate, but there was clearly a problem in the current situation.
"Your Highness!"
Wang Chong's heart sank as he subconsciously turned in the direction of The King of Song. At almost the same time, the King of Song also turned in Wang Chong's direction, his eyes filled with intense shock. He Qingrong was a member of The King of Song's faction, and Wang Chong had always avoided delving too deeply into The King of Song's faction. But it was clear that something had gone awry. The situation before him was completely different from what the King of Song had told him.
The shock in the King of Song's eyes clearly illustrated this point. It was clear that he had also sensed the change in He Qingrong's body.
"Your Highness, this lowly subject is willing to go to Jiangnan and replace the Imperial Court in repairing the irrigation works!"
Finally, He Qingrong opened his mouth. His words shocked everyone present. Jiang Yunrang and the others dropped their jaws in shock, while the other generals trembled as if they had been petrified. They had done all they could to help He Qingrong deal with King Qi's group, but they had never imagined that He Qingrong himself would run into problems.
In truth, it wasn't just the generals who were stunned. Even Zhou Taiqin and the other civil officials were stunned by He Qingrong's reply. This was truly unexpected, but just as everyone was busy arguing, He Qingrong gave them all a surprise.
"All the ministers have heard it. Lord He, since you have made up your mind, then this prince will approve the request! Within five days, make your preparations and immediately set out for Jiangnan. The prevention of floods concerns the lives of the nation and its people, involving millions of civilians. The project is enormous and will take a long time. You must do your best to handle this matter properly! "
Before Wang Chong, the King of Song, and Zhangchou Jianqiong could say anything, the First Prince, seated on his throne, lost no time in making the final decision.
"Many thanks, Your Highness! I, He Qingrong, will definitely not let you down and will do my utmost to complete this task! "
There was dead silence in the hall. He Qingrong bowed respectfully under the gazes of all the officials. At that moment, Wang Chong felt like He Qingrong had exhaled as if a great burden had been lifted from his shoulders. But a moment later, He Qingrong raised his head, and Wang Chong clearly saw him straighten his body and glance in the direction of the King of Song, an apologetic look in his eyes.
In a flash, Wang Chong seemed to realize something and fell silent.
Although He Qingrong's' betrayal 'had caught everyone by surprise, there was no doubt that he had his own difficulties.
"I miscalculated!"
A moment later, Wang Chong turned to the Grand Preceptor. He would never believe that the Grand Preceptor had just casually asked a question. It was clear that he had already known He Qingrong's answer before he had even spoken.
If the Grand Preceptor and King Qi had not done anything, Wang Chong would never believe it.
"The main event is coming!"
Wang Chong glanced at the Grand Preceptor and King Qi. The First Prince's words had been too timely, and in just a few moments, He Qingrong's departure from the capital had been set in stone. No one could change it. But Wang Chong was well aware that this was far from over. He Qingrong's' departure 'was only the formal prelude to today's court debate.
Everything had only just begun.
As expected, a moment later, Wang Chong heard a voice at his ear.
"Your Highness, this subject has a memorial. The Minister of Light, He Qingrong, originally held a position in the Hall of Governmental Affairs, responsible for filtering out and handling the memorials. With He Qingrong's departure, this position immediately became vacant. The matters of the Imperial Court cannot be neglected for a single day. This lowly subject proposes that a new candidate be elected to replace Lord He's position and handle the matters of the court. "
Minister of Works Zhang Lianzhong suddenly stepped forward.
Buzz!
With these simple words, the mood of the court instantly changed.
The dispute over He Qingrong's position was so intense not just because He Qingrong's departure from the capital would leave the position vacant, but also because both sides were vying for this position. Whoever could replace this position would have a much greater say in the court.
"Your Highness, this subject has a memorial! The Governor of Zhang Prefecture, Ge Huan, possesses outstanding abilities and has governed the region for many years. This subject recommends Ge Huan to replace He Qingrong! "
A voice suddenly broke the silence. King Qi had been fuming a moment ago, but now, he took in a deep breath and immediately calmed down. He then respectfully bowed to the First Prince. King Qi did not even try to conceal the fact that He Qingrong's position was at stake, and he immediately took action.
Upon hearing King Qi's words, the Grand Preceptor, Li Linfu, and the First Prince all imperceptibly creased their brows.
This was not the result of their previous discussions!
The Governor of Zhang Prefecture, Ge Huan, had always had a close relationship with King Qi. In the previous court debates, King Qi had appeared several times to try to get Ge Huan into the Imperial Court. No one had expected that King Qi would once more take advantage of this opportunity to get one of his own people into the Imperial Court.
Once his own interests were involved, King Qi's selfishness and disregard for the bigger picture would once more erupt.
"Your Highness, this subject objects! He Qingrong is only leaving the capital to work on the irrigation works, not to be dismissed. There is no need to find someone to replace him. Moreover, Ge Huan only has experience governing provinces and counties, not the ability to handle the affairs of the entire empire. This lowly subject believes that this matter is unacceptable. Your Highness, please reconsider! "
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