ushernet Chapter 548 Keep up the good work
Chapter 548 Keep up the good work
Wei Zhongxian felt a bit like his dirty scheme had succeeded, since he had only mentioned it briefly and the emperor had already adopted his suggestion. If Chen Er hadn't brought it up earlier...
In fact, the Emperor did not want to announce this news today. After all, Zhang Xingchen's absence already indicated that Zhang Xingchen did not want to face the Emperor.
This made the Emperor even more uncomfortable. Zhang Shaoqing smiled and continued.
“My choice is Zhang Xingchen. Although he is not very reliable and acts too impulsively, he is good at heart. Therefore, I hope that Your Majesty can entrust this position to Zhang Xingchen.”
Zhang Shaoqing's words immediately caused an uproar in the court. No one expected that the person Zhang Shaoqing recommended was not Chen Er but Zhang Xingchen.
Even Wei Zhongxian couldn't understand Zhang Shaoqing's intentions at this moment. Of course, given Wei Zhongxian's personality and thinking ability, it wasn't hard for him to guess.
This must be a conspiracy between the Emperor and Chen Er. However, Wei Zhongxian couldn't figure out why the Emperor and Chen Er would do this, even if he smashed his head.
The Emperor hesitated for a moment before looking at Wei Zhongxian: "I don't know what suggestions you have for this matter, Lord Wei. Do you think Zhang Xingchen is qualified for the position?"
The Emperor's words surprised Wei Zhongxian slightly, but Wei Zhongxian was a very clever man, and he understood the Emperor's intention even with a snap of his fingers.
To put it bluntly, the Emperor is deliberately trying to incite hatred against Wei Zhongxian. If everyone agrees today, only Wei Zhongxian disagrees, and Zhang Xingchen is the Minister of War.
If Zhang Xingchen knew about this, it would be strange if he didn't get angry. So Wei Zhongxian didn't think too much about it and just said with a smile.
"Of course we'll follow His Majesty's advice. Whoever His Majesty thinks is more suitable, that's fine. There's no need to ask for anyone else's opinion."
Wei Zhongxian has now started playing the game of evasion, and the emperor is quite satisfied with his response.
"Now I announce that Zhang Xingchen will be the next Minister of War. I hope you can continue your efforts and create glory for the Ming Dynasty. Alright, that's all for today."
After the emperor finished speaking, he winked at Chen Er. In fact, even the emperor didn't know whether what he did this time was right or wrong.
Whether it would be adding icing on the cake for himself or giving Wei Zhongxian wings, only Zhang Xingchen's final statement would tell. Wei Zhongxian watched the emperor's departing figure and fell into deep thought, wondering what the emperor was really up to.
At this moment, Zhang Xingchen returned to his residence with Yang Xiaomei. Not long after, Wei Zhongxian actually came over with his men. When Zhang Xingchen saw Wei Zhongxian...
The enthusiasm had waned, because just now a eunuch had come to report that the Emperor had announced that Zhang Xingchen would become the Minister of War, and that Zhang Xingchen was now a powerful figure.
With the added title of Minister of War, Zhang Xingchen was no longer afraid of Wei Zhongxian in terms of official rank, and his performance impressed Wei Zhongxian.
He was also very unhappy, but Wei Zhongxian knew what he had to do, after all, one has to bow one's head when under someone else's roof.
"Congratulations, Lord Zhang Xingchen! You will be the Minister of War from now on. I hope you will give me more opportunities in the future."
Wei Zhongxian said very seriously. Before Zhang Xingchen could speak, Yang Xiaomei quickly ran over and grabbed Wei Zhongxian's arm.
"Godfather, why are you only coming to see her now? Xiaomei has missed you so much. Besides, Lord Zhang Xingchen hasn't been able to come because he's fallen in love with someone. You must be considerate of Zhang Xingchen."
Yang Xiaomei made Zhang Xingchen very embarrassed, and Wei Zhongxian laughed and patted Yang Xiaomei's head.
"No matter what, you are still my adopted daughter. Now that Lord Zhang Xingchen has taken a liking to you, it is a blessing you have accumulated over the years. From now on, you will stay by Lord Zhang Xingchen's side to serve him and fulfill all his requests."
After Wei Zhongxian finished speaking, he looked at Zhang Xingchen with a malicious smile. Zhang Xingchen understood the meaning behind Wei Zhongxian's words and could only give an awkward smile.
"Lord Wei Zhongxian, you came to see me today not just to say these meaningless things, but to get straight to the point and see if I can help you."
Zhang Xingchen wasn't stupid. Although he was usually a bit too rough, he also had his moments of confidence, especially during this sensitive period. Zhang Xingchen understood what Wei Zhongxian's purpose was in coming here.
Upon hearing Zhang Xingchen's words, Wei Zhongxian immediately burst into laughter and slapped his thigh vigorously.
“I knew that Lord Zhang Xingchen was a very generous person. In fact, you could have guessed that I was here today. You are now the so-called Minister of War, and you are also a powerful figure.”
"In the court, you have become second only to the emperor. I hope you can stand on our side and stick together for warmth." Wei Zhongxian spoke very calmly, but there was a hint of firmness in his words.
It was an unintentional way of putting pressure on Zhang Xingchen, telling him not to think that just because he is now the Minister of War, he should know whose credit it is that he has secured this position.
Zhang Xingchen wasn't stupid. Upon hearing Wei Zhongxian's words, Zhao Beixing gave a strange smile before looking at Wei Zhengxian with a firm expression and saying...
"Please rest assured, Lord Wei Zhengxian, I know what to do in the future. As long as our two families maintain a good relationship, it will be very easy for us to gain a certain status in the court."
Zhang Xingchen's serious expression immediately displeased Wei Zhongxian, who understood the meaning behind Zhang Xingchen's words.
“Lord Zhang Xingchen, I used to think you were a physically strong, thick-necked person with no ability to think, but today I feel that’s not the case.”
Actually, you are a very opinionated and ambitious man. I believe you would never make that choice.” Wei Zhongxian looked at Yang Xiaomei after saying this.
"Xiaomei, it's been a long time since you've been back by my side. Come back with me today, and we'll have a good talk about your future." After saying this, Wei Zhongxian was about to leave with Yang Xiaomei. Wei Zhongxian's intention was very simple: he wanted to use Yang Xiaomei to threaten Zhang Xingchen.
However, Zhang Xingchen had a different opinion on this matter. Although Yang Xiaomei was similar to Yang Xiaoqian, who had left him, Zhang Xingchen felt that Yang Xiaomei was a woman who was somewhat unrealistic.