novelraw Chapter 1276 - 1275: Receiving the Imperial Edict
Chapter 1276 - 1275: Receiving the Imperial Edict
With the words of those two, more than half of the other civil and military ministers nodded in approval.
Song Hong was anxious, seething with hatred, realizing that the Duke Qiguo and the Ruan Family had joined forces.
But he wasn’t fighting alone; how could the Gu Family let Song Chongjin be sent out just like that?
Thus, he looked toward Gu Changqing.
Gu Changqing’s expression did not change, as if the discussion about Song Chongjin had nothing to do with him, and he pretended not to notice Song Hong’s signals.
Seeing that he couldn’t rely on Gu Changqing, Song Hong felt a sinking in his heart but did not want to give up. He gave a glance to some allies, and despite the pressure, a few people forced their way forward to oppose again.
Naturally, there were also rebuttals from the Duke Qiguo and Ruan Family’s side.
For a moment, the hall was filled with arguments again.
At the door, the other members of the Hanlin Academy also heard clearly. Was Song Chongjin going to be sent out as a County Magistrate to manage mules and horses?
Some people around didn’t know whether to look at Song Chongjin with sympathy or pity.
But Song Chongjin was indifferent, as if the discussion above wasn’t about him. He simply kept his gaze lowered, focusing on his toes.
After arguing for half a day, the Emperor finally couldn’t help but speak.
"I’ve listened for half a day, and the opinions of Duke Wang and General Ruan are reasonable and well-argued. Minister Song, I know you can’t bear to part with this son of yours, but I see that your son has a calm and composed disposition, much like his father. When you stood before me and volunteered to go to the frontier to guard the nation’s gates, weren’t you about his age?"
"You achieved great military successes when you were young, so it’s likely your son won’t bring disgrace to your name! It would be a legendary father-son tale!"
Hearing the Emperor’s words, Song Hong knew there was no turning back, but he couldn’t help saying, "I’m grateful for Your Majesty’s regard. To share Your Majesty’s burden is indeed a blessing for my family and me! However, my son is not like I was back then; he’s not as experienced. I’m afraid he might lack the strength for the task, and while his personal safety and reputation are minor concerns, failing Your Majesty’s great trust and delaying state affairs would be a grave sin!"
The Emperor pondered for a moment, "Minister Song’s concerns are valid. However, sending your son is not for him to handle every task personally. He only needs to manage the overall situation; others will handle the details. At that time, take two skilled horse breeders from the Imperial Horse Administration as well."
Song Hong felt half relieved, understanding that the Emperor’s intention was to have Song Chongjin oversee the situation rather than directly manage the horse breeding. Even if the mule and horse numbers were insufficient years later, at most, it would be a scolding, which wouldn’t affect his future prospects.
Since the decision was made, a Hanlin officer immediately drafted an order on the spot, appointing Song Chongjin as the Prefect of Chicheng County, responsible for investigating the decline in mule and horse birth rates and supervising their increase.
In full view, Song Chongjin stepped forward to accept the decree and express gratitude.
The Emperor looked at Song Chongjin with interest. Normally, with the noble status of the Hanlin Academy, someone like Song Chongjin would remain in the Capital City, gaining experience, and then be transferred to another department, a smooth career path.
Yet today, despite being promoted in rank from a seventh rank to a full seventh rank County Magistrate, he was sent out to Chicheng, confronting a mess.
Those with poor mentality might break down and cry on the spot.
But Song Chongjin remained composed, accepting the imperial edict calmly, without anger or despair.
After expressing his gratitude, he prepared to leave according to protocol.
The Emperor stopped him: "Song Chongjin, what a good name! Do you have any questions about my decree?"
Song Chongjin replied with neither arrogance nor servility: "Your Majesty, I have no questions. The command of the ruler is my direction! There’s no need to ask for reasons; I only need to loyally perform my duties!"
The Emperor’s eyes lit up, repeating softly, "The command of the ruler is my direction!"
Even the seasoned politicians in the court began to look at Song Chongjin with a bit more respect. This Song Family Boy, aside from anything else, had a way with words that resonated with the Emperor’s heart.
Just for this statement, he might have secured a place in the Emperor’s thoughts.
Like his father, Song Hong, this boy was shrewd. What started as a tough assignment might now turn into a blessing in disguise, thanks to a clever remark!
The seasoned politicians with less capable offspring looked at Song Hong with envy.
Sure enough, the Emperor, having been flattered, was delighted and immediately said, "Well said! The command of the ruler is my direction! With such words, I can rest assured!"
"Here’s the deal; according to the rules, new Scholars should have a month’s leave to visit home. Your mission to Chicheng is a thousand miles away, and the matters about mules and horses cannot be delayed. Before the job is done, you won’t be able to visit home. But given your loyalty to the nation, I’ll grant you a three-month leave, let you go home gloriously, and then assume your post!"
With these words, the entire court envied him.
After all, who doesn’t long to return home in glory and boast a little upon becoming an official?
Once one enters court service, except for mourning duties, there’s rarely such a long leave. Even if new Scholars have a month’s leave, going far takes time, and if one manages to visit home, it’s just a quick celebration before rushing to the post.
During mourning, one grieves while worrying about potential reinstatement in three years, hardly a time to boast.
But Song Chongjin managed to be assigned a unique privilege, returning gloriously by imperial decree!
He alone had such a status in the entire world!
Song Chongjin immediately thanked the Emperor’s boundless grace.
In good spirits, the Emperor generously promised before the entire court, "If you manage to restore the mule and horse numbers to normal while in Chicheng, I will ensure your achievement is noted, call you back to the Capital City, and promote you three levels. By then, you’ll have your pick of the Three Departments and Six Ministries!"
The entire court was in an uproar!
Some envied Song Chongjin, while others worried for him!
The rewards were appealing, but he had to be alive to claim them! This was putting Song Chongjin on the fire!
No one understood why the Emperor treated Song Chongjin like this—his attitude seemed both appreciative and suppressive, leaving others puzzled.
But Duke Qiguo and General Ruan showed a hint of satisfaction.
Song Hong had embarrassed them for his Princely Heir, and today, they jointly thwarted his hope on the court, crippling his favored heir outright!
No matter how articulate one is, once in Chicheng, without results, no flowery words would help.
If they added a bit of influence, whispered a few things before His Majesty, they believed he wouldn’t escape punishment!
An incriminated Heir to the Duke would be rendered useless! Then, even if Song Hong was unwilling, he’d have to replace the heir, right?
With support from the Wang and Ruan Families, who would dare compete with Song Chongjun?
Song Hong was well aware of the Duke Qiguo and Ruan Family’s malicious intentions, boiling with hatred internally, yet maintaining composure outwardly.
Once the court session ended, Song Hong glared at the Duke Qiguo and the Ruan Family, his anger almost tangible, as he waved his sleeves and hurried after Gu Changqing.