Chapter 207: Your Majesty, the Chancellor's Position Is Vacant

In the Xuanshi Hall of Weiyang Palace, it was time for the morning court.

Following Chen Wenjin's legal punishment, Wei Qing and Tian Qianqiu successively resigned, and the overburdened officials only then discovered that the Chancellor's position had unexpectedly become vacant.

Everyone's expressions varied; they looked doubtfully at the Son of Heaven on the Dragon Throne.

After a long while, Zhang Qian stood up first, flicked his sleeve, and said: "Your Majesty, Prince Wei has campaigned south and north, his prestige far-reaching; he not only knows frontier warfare well, but also understands court operations inside out. During his tenure, Minister Tian implemented many people-benefiting policies, letting the populace live in peace and contentment, his prestige extremely high."

"Now the Southern Development is urgent; only these two officials can oversee it. Let Prince Wei serve as Right Chancellor, coordinating military and court affairs; let Minister Tian serve as Left Chancellor, handling people's livelihood and development—this will surely steady the court's administration; I hope Your Majesty will consider it."

Su Wu also nodded slightly, stepped forward to add: "Your Majesty, Marquis Bo Wang is absolutely right. Prince Wei and Minister Tian, one civil, one military, complement each other perfectly. General Wei's decisiveness and strategy, Minister Tian's steadiness and wisdom, are indispensable wealth of our Great Han. Now letting these two officials return to service will swiftly stabilize the court, advance the Southern Development, and open a new prosperous era for our Great Han."

Wei Xiang immediately cupped his fists and said: "Your Majesty, since Chen Wenjin's faction disrupted governance, the court has been unsettled inside and out. Now all affairs await revival; we truly need ministers like Prince Wei and Minister Tian, the right-hand men who can turn the tide. Their experience and prestige will make all factions submit, ensuring the Southern Development proceeds smoothly and securing the future of our Great Han."

Xu Wei also hurriedly stepped forward, saying eagerly: "I concur! Southern terrain is complex, the development path fraught with difficulties; Prince Wei and Minister Tian, with their rich experience and outstanding leadership, will surely coordinate all sides, resolve problems, and make the South a new economic and military stronghold of our Great Han."

Everyone spoke in turn, their words earnest, praising Wei Qing and Tian Qianqiu's abilities and contributions.

For a time, discussion rose and fell in the hall; everyone placed high hopes on them, expecting them to shoulder the great burden once again.

At this moment, Liu Ju sat expressionless above, gazing at the crowd in the hall.

Wei Qing frowned deeply, hurriedly stepped forward and said: "Your Majesty, fellow officials, I am grateful for everyone's favor. But after years of campaigning, my health is no longer what it was; I truly cannot handle the important post of Left Chancellor. Instead, Minister of Revenue Su Wu has remarkable achievements, is loyal to the Great Han, versed in ancient and modern affairs, understands governance; letting him serve as Left Chancellor will surely assist Your Majesty and inaugurate an age of peace and prosperity."

Wei Qing's gaze was like a torch as he looked at Su Wu, his eyes full of approval and expectation.

Tian Qianqiu trembled slightly, took a few steps forward, bowed and said: "I, the old minister, have already retired, wishing to enjoy my twilight years; I truly lack the energy to bear the Chancellor's burden. Huo Guang is young and capable, quick-witted; in the campaign to eliminate Chen Wenjin's faction, he displayed extraordinary courage and strategy. The Southern Development is full of challenges; we need someone like Huo Guang, bold and enterprising, to oversee the overall situation. I recommend him as Right Chancellor."

As soon as these words were spoken, the court fell silent instantly; everyone stared at each other, clearly not expecting Wei Qing and Tian Qianqiu to refuse the recommendation and instead nominate others.

Zhang Qian was the first to regain his composure, thought a moment, then said: "What General Wei and Minister Tian said is not without reason. Mr. Su and Mr. Huo both possess outstanding talent; having them serve as Left and Right Chancellors might bring new vitality to the court."

Upon hearing this, Su Wu's expression panicked; he hurriedly stepped forward, clasped his hands, and declined: "General Wei overpraises me; my talent and learning are shallow, I fear I cannot bear this heavy responsibility."

Huo Guang also stepped forward, respectfully saying: "Minister Tian's favor, Huo Guang's experience is still shallow; he needs more training, and truly dares not accept the Right Chancellor's post."

However, Wei Xiang nodded in agreement: "Mr. Su and Mr. Huo, since entering court, have been diligent; their achievements are evident. Now the court needs reform; they are young and decisive, and will surely be capable."

Xu Wei also echoed: "Not bad."

As the two expressed their views, voices of agreement gradually rose in the court.

Su Wu pondered, let out a faint sigh, then bowed to Prince Wei and Minister Tian, his voice trembling: "Prince Wei, Minister Tian, what virtue or ability do I possess to receive such high esteem from you two? Court affairs are complicated; I fear I cannot handle the Left Chancellor's post."

Although he said so, his eyes could not hide excitement and exhilaration.

Huo Guang likewise felt mixed surprise and joy; a flicker of panic crossed his youthful face, then he steadied himself, respectfully bowing to Wei Qing and Tian Qianqiu to express thanks:

"Thanks to your two recommendations, Huo Guang's experience is still shallow; his time training in court is short, and he truly fears failing to meet everyone's expectations." Yet his slightly trembling shoulders still revealed his inner surge.

Liu Ju sat upon the Dragon Throne, his gaze sweeping over the officials in the hall, and spoke slowly: "This matter need not be raised now; it is still premature."

As soon as he said that, a low murmur of discussion immediately arose in the court.

Su Wu's face turned slightly pale, a flicker of loss crossed his eyes, and he again bowed, saying: "Your Majesty is sage."

Wei Qing frowned slightly, cupped his fists, and said: "Your Majesty, Mr. Su and Mr. Huo are outstanding in ability and loyal beyond doubt. Now the court is in need of personnel; please decide soon to put people's minds at ease."

Tian Qianqiu also said, voice trembling: "The old minister recommends these two precisely because he sees their potential. The Southern Development is urgent; we need young, capable individuals to inject new vitality; I hope Your Majesty will give it careful thought."

As the two spoke, everyone's gaze turned toward Liu Ju.

And Liu Ju on the Dragon Throne still merely shook his head slightly.

Only then did Wei Qing suddenly recall that earlier Liu Ju had told him he wanted to abolish the Chancellor system.

Could it be that the Son of Heaven has been plotting for so long, waiting for just this moment?

He couldn't help but look at Liu Ju, who happened to be looking at him and gave a slight nod.

At that moment, Wei Qing understood everything.

Liu Ju's gaze slowly swept over the officials below, then he suddenly asked: "The Chancellor oversees all officials, assists in governance, and is tied to the rise and fall of our Great Han. Today, I wish to hear what you, my beloved officials, think of the Chancellor system—just how is this system?"

The officials looked at one another, bewildered, not understanding what the Son of Heaven on the Dragon Throne meant to express.

Zhang Qian hesitated long, then spoke first: "Your Majesty, the Chancellor system is truly an indispensable cornerstone of our Great Han. Back when I was sent on a mission to the Western Regions, passing through many states, they lacked a Chancellor system as complete as ours, resulting in court chaos and ineffective orders."

"In contrast, our Great Han has the Chancellor coordinating the whole, letting each official fulfill his duties. In Emperor Wen's time, Shen Tu Jia, wielding the Chancellor's authority, purified court morals, intimidated lawbreakers, so that the entire realm united as one and the state developed steadily. Thus, the Chancellor system not only ensures court stability but also lays the foundation for our Great Han's prosperity and flourishing—its benefits need no explanation."

Su Wu continued: "Your Majesty, Mr. Zhang is absolutely right. I have herded sheep in the North Sea for nineteen years, my heart always with the court of our Great Han. The Chancellor system endows the Chancellor with great responsibility, enabling him to step forward at critical moments to relieve the nation's worries and difficulties."

"During the Grand Emperor Emeritus's era, Gong Sun Hong, serving as Chancellor, widely recruited talent, injecting fresh blood into the court; Chancellor Tian Qianqiu upheld the righteous path, and since Your Majesty ascended the throne, he has stabilized court affairs, letting the people return to peace. The Chancellor is like the nation's pillar, supporting the Great Han's realm; such a system is of immeasurable value to our Great Han."

Tian Qianqiu bowed slightly and said: "The old minister has assisted Your Majesty for many years, witnessing the important role the Chancellor system has played in different periods. The Chancellor oversees all affairs, able to comprehend the emperor's will above and implement orders locally below. In the past, whether formulating laws or pushing reforms, the Chancellor could organize officials to discuss, propose feasible plans, greatly enhancing the court's administrative efficiency. Precisely because of the Chancellor system, our Great Han can advance steadily amid complex circumstances; the old minister believes this system should be used forever."

Wei Xiang said: "Your Majesty, Qin established the Chancellor to unify the Six States and build a vast empire. Our Great Han inherited Qin's system and refined it, making the Chancellor system better suited to national conditions. Now, the Chancellor oversees officials' evaluations, with clear rewards and punishments, motivating them to fulfill their duties."

"With the Chancellor system's constraints, court order is clear and the state's various undertakings can proceed smoothly. This system embodies the wisdom of the ancients and is the guarantee of our Great Han's lasting peace and stability."

After hearing several speakers, the other officials nodded in turn, voicing low agreement.

And Liu Ju merely narrowed his eyes, shook his head slightly, and glanced at the calm Wei Qing.