nashuaworldcup Chapter 319 Promotion and Ennoblement
Chapter 319 Promotion and Ennoblement
The next month or two were very peaceful, and nothing major happened.
But today, a major event has occurred, a major event that has brought joy to the entire Xiao family: Xiao Qinian has been promoted again.
This morning, before the court session ended, Eunuch Wei suddenly announced an imperial edict.
"Since taking office, Xiao Qinian, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, has been diligent in his duties and has repeatedly presented grain seeds, so that the people of the Great Zhou no longer suffer from hunger and cold. In recent years, the population has increased dramatically, which makes me very happy. Therefore, I hereby appoint him as the Minister of Revenue and grant him the title of Marquis of De'an. This is my decree."
Xiao Qinian knelt down in disbelief to receive the imperial decree. He had been promoted so quickly, and by two ranks at that, directly from the fourth rank to the third rank, and was even granted the title of marquis.
But now is not the time to think about these things.
"Your subject receives the imperial decree."
Emperor Zhou looked at Xiao Qinian with a smile on his face. He was overjoyed that Xiao Qinian had achieved so much in just a few years. If it weren't for the fact that other officials disagreed, he would have promoted Xiao Qinian two more ranks.
"Minister Xiao, get up quickly."
"Thank you for your favor, Your Majesty." Xiao Qinian stood up, feeling as if he were floating on air. His promotion was really easy.
While the emperor and his ministers were happy, the other officials had varying expressions, especially those who were at odds with Xiao Qinian, whose faces were so black they could practically drip ink.
And then there's Wu Neng, who's been targeting Xiao Qinian. He's also been eyeing the position of Minister of Revenue for a long time, thinking that even if it wasn't him, it couldn't possibly be Xiao Qinian.
As a result, His Majesty played such a joke on himself. His rival has now become his superior. How can he continue to work in the Ministry of Revenue?
Grand Tutor Shen Junru looked at his prized disciple with a smile, feeling that the official position was well-deserved. Others might not know, but he did. Xiao Qinian's achievements combined were enough to justify his position.
Rong Yin, the newly appointed Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, looked at Xiao Qinian with a complicated expression. Two years ago, Xiao Qinian was his subordinate and the magistrate of Qianyuan County. But who would have thought that in just two short years, Xiao Qinian's official position would be several ranks higher than his own, and he could not catch up with him even if he tried.
At this moment, Grand Commandant Yu suddenly stood up, cupped his hands to Emperor Zhou, and said, "Your Majesty, I have a dissenting opinion."
Emperor Zhou's expression remained unchanged; he simply looked at Grand Commandant Yu and asked, "Oh? Does Minister Yu have any objections?"
"Your Majesty, I believe that Minister Xiao is still too inexperienced and should not be promoted further, lest it cause unrest among officials. It would be better to wait a few more years before promoting him."
"Hmph, still too inexperienced? Not suitable for promotion? Don't you know Xiao Aiqing's achievements over the past few years?" Emperor Zhou sneered.
“Your Majesty, please calm down. I know that Lord Xiao is a pillar of the nation and his achievements are unmatched by others. However, Lord Xiao’s promotion in the past two years has been too rapid, which may cause dissatisfaction among other officials. It would not be too late to promote him in another two years.”
Grand Commandant Yu was clearly dissatisfied with the rapid promotion of his relative, Grand Tutor Shen's student, but he hypocritically claimed that other officials were dissatisfied.
Another issue is the position of Minister of Revenue. He had always wanted his student Wu Neng to take the position, but now it's Xiao Qinian's turn. How could he be willing to accept that?
Everyone present knew what Grand Commandant Yu was thinking, but since Grand Commandant Yu wielded too much power, the other officials dared not speak out against him.
"Dissatisfied? Which minister is dissatisfied? Step forward and let me see." Emperor Zhou's eyes swept across the officials below him like knives, frightening them into lowering their heads and not daring to look him in the eye.
Emperor Zhou was clearly angry. How could they dare to confront him? Wouldn't that be courting death?
"Your Majesty." Just as the atmosphere in the hall was tense, Grand Tutor Shen suddenly stood up.
This was hard for everyone else to believe. Wasn't Xiao Qinian Grand Tutor Shen's student? Did he also oppose Grand Tutor Shen's bestowal of titles?
Emperor Zhou was also somewhat surprised: "Does Minister Shen have anything to say?"
“Your Majesty, I disagree with Grand Commandant Yu’s words. Although Lord Xiao has not been in office for long, his seniority is truly remarkable. From the initial high-yield grains such as potatoes and corn, to cotton for keeping warm, and various methods to increase the national treasury’s revenue, he is far beyond what we can compare with. It would be most appropriate for him to be promoted to Minister of Revenue.”
Upon hearing this, Grand Commandant Yu looked at Shen Junru with a sinister gaze: "Does Grand Tutor Shen suspect that you are engaging in favoritism?"
"Please appoint someone based on kinship? Does Grand Commandant Yu think that Lord Xiao's achievements are insufficient for a promotion?" Shen Junru asked confidently.
"Grand Tutor Shen, please don't beat around the bush. I didn't say that Lord Xiao wouldn't be granted a title, I just said that it would be postponed for two years."
"What difference does it make if it's two years earlier or two years later? The position of Minister of Revenue is currently vacant. If we don't take office soon, can Grand Commandant Yu bear the responsibility if something goes wrong?"
“Naturally, the position cannot be left vacant. We can arrange for a senior official to serve in the position temporarily, and then let Lord Xiao take office in a few years.”
"Ha, Grand Commandant Yu's abacus beads are practically bouncing off my face. Who is this senior official you're talking about? Is it that good-for-nothing Wu Neng?"
"You..." Grand Commandant Yu pointed at Shen Junru, his fingers trembling with anger.
Wu Neng was so frightened that he lowered his head even further, afraid of being seen by others. He dared not interfere in the battle between these two. Grand Tutor Shen, you can say whatever you want, but why drag him into it?
That's what he thought in his heart, but he didn't dare to say it out loud. Besides, wasn't it a bit too much for Grand Tutor Shen to call him a good-for-nothing?
"Hmph, Grand Commandant Yu, you'd better keep your thoughts to yourself. Do you really think others can't see through you? With Lord Xiao's achievements, he is fully capable of serving as Minister of Revenue." Shen Junru was practically firing off a barrage of attacks, leaving the assembled ministers stunned.
Grand Commandant Yu was so angry that he shut up. He hated Shen Junru with a passion, but he was powerless to do anything about it.
It's all Wu Neng's fault, that good-for-nothing. He's completely useless, which prevented him from making a recommendation and even got ridiculed by Shen Junru.
He knew, of course, that any one of these achievements would be enough to defeat many ministers, let alone so many. But he was still furious. Why was someone as talented as Xiao Qinian not his student and not able to be used by him?
Emperor Zhou sat quietly on his dragon throne, watching the two ministers below debate each other.
"Does anyone else have any objections?" Emperor Zhou asked casually.
"We have no objection." Since Grand Commandant Yu had been defeated, how could they dare to have any objections? Even if they were jealous, they dared not say it.
"Since there are no objections, then this matter is settled. Effective immediately, Minister Xiao will be the Minister of Revenue." Emperor Zhou nodded in satisfaction.
The ministers dared not voice their opinions, but the princes each had their own thoughts. Xiao Qinian was so highly regarded by their father, and he was extremely capable, managing the Ministry of Revenue. If they could be put to use, then their great cause would gain another powerful general.
However, Emperor Zhou is currently at the height of his power, and no matter how much they fight, they dare not challenge him, unless they want to be commoners instead of princes.