Chapter 1861: Chapter 4: Emperor Ying Stirs, Four Directions Move
If the progress is slowed, there may be a threat to one’s life.
Even if everyone knows that such things are merely for the emperor’s lavish enjoyment, if done according to the emperor’s wishes, it might be of no benefit to the world. Yet, few would use their lives to admonish.
Is that paltry monthly salary worth it?
Death is terrifying.
But the rewards, promotions, and enduring wealth are so enticing.
Thus all the ministers and officials give their utmost effort.
Wei Yiwen’s methods were easily dismantled by Jiang Yuan, the old prime minister remained silent for a long time, looked up to the sky, and sighed, knowing that Jiang Yuan was not a man without intelligence, only his heart is entirely not on the country.
It’s all used in suppressing and controlling the officials.
It’s not that Wei Yiwen is not a match for the emperor, it’s just that in the world, Wei Yiwen is ultimately at a lower position, to influence and control those in higher positions, the required mental effort and methods are incomparable.
On that day, Qin Yulong decided to leave Ying Country with Xue Peijun and their child.
He is already disheartened.
However, Qin Yulong stayed away from the border for too long, eventually being discovered, someone sent a letter to the court, Jiang Yuan was enraged, issued an imperial decree to escort Qin Yulong and his wife into the court, only then Qin Yulong realized, in the border troops, there might be many of Jiang Yuan’s informants.
He Ruoqinhu and Wei Yiwen tried hard to protect Qin Yulong.
As Jiang Yuan’s anger grew, he threw the jade artifact he held onto the court hall, angrily saying: "As the Great General at the border, yet he leaves his post, leaving the troops at the border, what is Qin Yulong trying to do?!"
"Is he trying to hand all my Daying Kingdom’s borders over to Li Guanyi?!"
"Or does he intend to hand over all those fierce soldier troops to him as well?!"
Wei Yiwen remained silent for a long time.
This old official who has navigated the officialdom for a lifetime couldn’t help but curse inside, do you not know why Qin Yulong returned?!
Despite this, he still harbored some resentment towards Qin Yulong, feeling that for a woman, Qin Yulong made such an absurd move, it was excessive.
However, he also knew, that an Eighth Layer Heaven famous general, almost always defeating other generals of the Eighth Layer Heaven realm, in such a situation, holds considerable weight.
He did not endorse Qin Yulong’s actions and choices.
A mere woman, at most marry a princess as compensation.
Yet he valued Qin Yulong’s significance, saying: "General Qin Yulong had reasons, moreover, the general’s brilliant strategy ensured no conflicts arose at the border, and the nation’s matters did not fall into anarchy."
"Just please, Your Majesty, in light of General Qin Yulong’s merits in battle for the country, the toil and achievements, administer minimal punishment."
Jiang Yuan said: "Matters of great importance to the nation, can they all be erased with merit alone?!"
"Throughout history, those influential ministers beheaded were not without contributions to the country and society, why, should they not have died?"
"Can past accomplishments offset future consequences?!"
"The noble ranks and wealth you enjoy are bestowed by the country, dedicating to serve the nation is but a natural duty, yet such grave mistakes defy the ruler, Prime Minister, using what should be done to counter major disrespect, is it not inappropriate?"
Wei Yiwen knew this was Jiang Yuan admonishing him.
The aged Prime Minister remained silent, seemingly struggling, struggling whether to protect Qin Yulong.
Suddenly Jiang Yuan asked: "Prime Minister, how old are you now?"
Wei Yiwen replied: "Already eighty-six."
Emperor Ying Jiang Yuan expressed: "The Prime Minister also has eighty-six years of life, diligently serving in my Daying Kingdom for 60 years, toil and achievements, and can be granted the posthumous title of Wen Zheng."
Wei Yiwen opened his mouth but went silent.
He was already white-haired, not like those rare Martial Arts Grandmasters with prolonged life, he didn’t covet beauty, didn’t indulge in enjoyment, didn’t love culinary pleasures, nor carnal music.
But, this title.
To Wei Yiwen in his twenties, then he was spirited with fervor, capable of confronting Tantai Xianming, mockingly dismissing reckless, radical, as unworthy of orthodox Tao!
At that time, he wouldn’t concern himself with such titles, only doing the right things.
But he grew old, he was too old now.
The youthful vigor and passion ceased, the youthful hot blood gradually cooled down, the old eyes only saw the passing of familiar faces, colleagues dying with disgrace and ruined names.
Seeing the passing of Red Emperor, Great Khan, seeing Chen Dingye, Divine Martial King, even the magnificent Jiang Wanxiang also all gone, the more it was so, the more he felt a fear, even a sense of emptiness.
A name, for this old scholar who read his entire life, was too tempting.
Especially, he wasn’t sure if he could see the final year of peace in the world, perhaps before Jiang Su and Emperor Qin settle victory, he would have already died, then, this name...
Wen Zheng.
The highest posthumous title for civil officials.
Wei Yiwen was silent, Jiang Yuan slightly lowered his eyes, casually waving his hand, letting the nearby officials read the Imperial Decree, it was announcing the former Consort Ping would become the empress, and the concubine, her surname being He Ruo.
That was He Ruoqinhu’s daughter.
Wei Yiwen remained silent, looking towards the old general with eyes closed, accomplishments throughout his body, the old general closing his eyes, seemingly unable to see the splendor, magnificence of the palace.
Wei Yiwen suddenly remembered, that empress was pregnant.
All were people in the officialdom, within moments, everything became clear.
