Chapter 369: Bestow the Cavalry General!

"Oh?"

Yuwen Hu lightly tapped the jade belt at his waist with his fingertip, his gaze sweeping over Yu Jie, then he spoke slowly, with a deliberately exaggerated curiosity: "Why does Grand Uncle favor Supervisor Chen?"

His tone wasn't heavy, but the ending rose slightly.

His gaze circled the faces of the ministers, then settled back on Yu Jie, clearly signaling him to continue.

That look contained some calculation and some amusement, as if he wanted to use the old Grand Pillar of State's words to let all the ministers hear how capable this "trusted" Supervisor Chen really was.

Yu Jie felt a chill, instantly grasped Yuwen Hu's intent, bowed slightly, his voice becoming steadier: "Supervisor Chen excels in both civil and military affairs, repeatedly solves major cases, and is praised by the people of Chang'an as the contemporary upright sky!"

"He is loyal to the sovereign, loves the country, his thoughts are meticulous, and his methods decisive; he will surely intimidate the petty villains!"

He paused, adding a note of earnestness: "Having Supervisor Chen take full charge is more fitting than anything!"

"Heh!"

Yuwen Yan sat upright on the Dragon Throne, the bead strings on his crown draped down, just covering the cold surge in his eyes; his fingertip brushed the carved patterns on the throne's armrest, a series of cold sneers already forming in his heart: "You two are still echoing each other?"

What a fine double act.

One pretended impartial recommendation, the other feigned probing; in the end it's merely using the eyes of the court to push Chen Yan further upward.

Yu Jie says Supervisor Chen is "loyal to the sovereign and loves the country"?

He's probably afraid of the power of the Grand Chancellor on the throne!

Yuwen Hu asks out of "curiosity"?

He's probably clearer than anyone how useful this knife of Supervisor Chen really is.....

"I also second the nomination of Supervisor Chen!"

Pei Xun bowed deeply toward the throne, the hem of his Brothel brushed the golden brick floor, producing a faint sound; when he lifted his head, a few solemn notes had formed on his face, his clear voice rang through the hall: "As the saying goes, 'Promote the worthy without avoiding relatives'; although Supervisor Chen is my son-in-law, he is nonetheless the flawless best candidate!"

"No one can win the people's trust more easily than him!"

His tone rang, each word striking the ground with sound.

As a father-in-law, how could he not step forward now to promote his son-in-law?

Moreover, the phrase "Promote the worthy without avoiding relatives" directly shuts the mouths of those who wish to gossip, and can still earn a good reputation.....

Wei Jianshen also stepped forward slowly, his long beard swaying with his bow, raised his hand to smooth the front of his court robe, his voice steady and each word clear: "Your Majesty, Grand Chancellor, this case involves many matters; it requires someone utterly impartial and exceptionally capable!"

"Supervisor Chen heads the Mirror Office, has captured the bandit leader, and has won the people's hearts; he is truly the unrivaled choice for handling the aftermath!"

As soon as Wei Jianshen finished speaking, the hall rang with overlapping voices of agreement.

"I second!"

"I also second!"

"I nominate Supervisor Chen!"

Their tones varied—some earnest, some reverent, some shrewdly going with the flow—but every one of them expressed their stance.

The officials who had been watching the situation also rushed forward to agree.

In an instant, the word "second" echoed layer upon layer throughout the hall, flooding the golden brick floor like a tide.

Yuwen Yan sat on the Dragon Throne, listening to the chorus of agreement below, feeling the sound like fine needles pricking his eardrums.

He glanced at Yuwen Hu, seeing him leisurely stroking his sleeve cuff, a smile about to burst from his eyes—this whole court's agreement is nothing but a display of his power.

Yuwen Hu's finger slowly turned on the Jade Ring, the icy jade surface gaining a warm sheen from his touch.

He looked at the rising and falling chorus below the steps, then let out a low chuckle, his voice small yet clearly cutting through the remaining discussion: "It seems Supervisor Chen truly is the people's choice!"

The trailing tone carried a hint of laziness; his fingertip paused, the ring caught at his knuckle, and his gaze drifted slowly elsewhere.

It passed over the bustling ministers and settled on the bright yellow figure on the Dragon Throne.

"Your Majesty, what do you think?"

The tone revealed no joy or anger, yet those oppressive eyes stared straight at Yuwen Yan.

"What 'people's choice'?" With those two old fools and their followers gone from the court, who dares to oppose you now?............ Yuwen Yan snorted coldly in his heart, his hand hidden in his sleeve clenching hard, his nails nearly digging into his palm.

The bead strings on his crown swayed, covering the surge of malice in his eyes, then he spoke slowly, his voice deliberately restrained, showing no ripple yet carrying a barely perceptible tension: "I... have no objections!"

The three words seemed squeezed from between his teeth, each wrapped in cold.

Are opinions useful?

Once dissent is voiced, the endless counsel of the ministers will surely follow, right?

Sometimes, Yuwen Yan really thinks, if only he could obtain Chen Yan's assistance.....

"Do you see this earnest expectation?"

Yuwen Hu withdrew his gaze from the Dragon Throne, turned to the purple figure below the steps, his fingertip resumed turning the Jade Ring, his voice bearing a casual authority.

He paused, let out a light laugh, his gaze sweeping the hall of ministers before returning to him: "Do not disappoint Your Majesty, do not disappoint this king, do not disappoint the entire court's civil and military officials who nominated you!"

Chen Yan lowered his posture slightly, clasped his fists to his chest, and said solemnly and respectfully: "I, Chen Yan, will devote my heart and strength, and will not fail Your Majesty, the Grand Chancellor, and the lords' great trust!"

"Good, very good!"

Yuwen Hu pursed his lips in a light smile, slowly released his tightly clasped fingers, and the Jade Ring traced a warm arc in the candlelight.

He raised his hand and waved, his wide sleeves sweeping over the throne's armrest, bearing an unquestionable resolve: "The Zhao bandit treason case is now fully entrusted to you to handle!"

After this, the legal sentencing process is finally completed.....

Everything is lawful and compliant.

"I accept the order!"

Chen Yan bowed deeply and responded loudly.

Using force to annihilate the Nine Clans is merely a means.

It must also be turned into an iron case that can stand the test of time, nailing the two Grand Pillars of State and their followers firmly onto the pillars of historical disgrace.

Yuwen Yan only felt the tendons behind his neck throbbing, the weight of the crown's bead strings pressing his temples with pulsating pain.

After the hall's chorus of agreement and scheming receded like a tide, only a suffocating heaviness remained.

He closed his eyes, and when he opened them again, his voice already carried a few unmistakable traces of fatigue: "Since it has already been decided, then retreat......"

His fingertips still rested on the dragon pattern on the Dragon Throne's armrest, the cool touch slightly suppressing his irritation.

At this moment, the little emperor only wanted to leave this nauseating court as soon as possible and return to the empty palace to be alone.

Even if it meant staring blankly at the walls, it was better than being a puppet here under others' control......

Yet before he could finish, a faint voice came from beside the throne: "Your Majesty."

"Does Grand Chancellor still have business?" Yuwen Yan restrained the fatigue that was about to spill over and asked.

Yuwen Hu leisurely sat back on the throne, half his body lightly leaning on the armrest, his posture lazy yet exuding an undeniable authority.

He scanned the bowing officials in the hall, then suddenly smiled, his voice warm: "In the process of crushing Zhao's plot to stage a coup....."

After a pause, his fingertip tapped the armrest lightly, and his tone suddenly became solemn: "Several people contributed greatly; I think they should be rewarded for their merits!"

Toppling those two old rascals and uprooting them wasn't enough? Still giving their men promotions?............ Yuwen Yan cursed wildly in his heart, inhaled deeply, tried to pull a smile, but only managed a stiff face; he lifted his head, straining to make his voice sound calm, even deliberately gentle: "It's appropriate… it's appropriate…"

Once spoken, even he found it nauseatingly hypocritical.

The little emperor, of course, knew Yuwen Hu's intention, didn't he?

Using the pretext of rewarding meritorious officials to lavishly promote his own followers—how greedy!

But what could he do?

He could only endure!

Yuwen Hu's fingertip on the Jade Ring suddenly halted, his gaze swept over the crowd and landed precisely on the crimson‑robed official at the front; his voice rose sharply, bearing unmistakable gravity: "In this punishment of traitors, Lord Gao's contribution was outstanding!"

"The first to be ennobled isn't Governor Chen?!"

As soon as the words fell, a faint stir rippled through the hall.

Many people's eyes widened with incredulous surprise.

They exchanged glances.

"Gao Bing?!"

Yuwen Yan heard this and was also startled, his mind racing: "Isn't he extremely close to Zhao Qian and Dugu Zhao?!"

Thinking of this, a bold and bizarre notion surfaced in his mind: "Could it be that he already....?!"

He had already thrown his lot to Yuwen Hu!

Becoming a spy lurking beside those two old rascals!

To be infiltrated to this extent, no wonder they were defeated so miserably.

Yuwen Hu's fingertip tapped the throne's armrest lightly, producing a rhythmic "thud‑thud"; his gaze lingered on Gao Bing for a moment, then he loudly declared: "Lord Gao, devoted to the nation, endured hardships, bore humiliation, bided his time beside the rebel leader, and promptly relayed the news that the rebels had gathered at the Duke of Chu's mansion, securing an early advantage for us!"

As he spoke, he suddenly struck the armrest, his tone decisive and unquestionable: "Reward ten thousand taels of silver, five thousand bolts of silk, confer the title Loyal and Brave Marquis, with a fief of a thousand households, to honor his merit!"

Why place him first?

It is to bind Gao Bing completely!

So he can only be loyal to us!

This Loyal and Brave Marquis, being a reward, is also a…

"Here it comes... here it comes... the Marquis promised by Grand Chancellor!"

Gao Bing clenched his fists tightly, his knuckles whitening, his sleeves trembling slightly.

A scorching light ignited in his eyes, a yearning suppressed for years, like dry wood meeting a spark, instantly blazing fiercely.

It was the Marquis he had long dreamed of!

And a fief of a thousand households.....

At this moment, he only wanted to offer his loyalty to Grand Chancellor!

Yuwen Hu lifted his eyes toward Yuwen Yan, as if seeking his opinion, yet his tone left no room for rebuttal: "Your Majesty, do you think my bestowal is appropriate!"

"You have already decided; is there any need to ask me further?"........... Yuwen Yan cursed inwardly, forced a reply through his teeth: "Extremely appropriate!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

"Thank you, Grand Chancellor!"

Gao Bing knelt on the ground, his voice steady yet tinged with barely restrained excitement.

Yuwen Hu waved his hand, signaling Gao Bing to rise, his gaze sweeping the assembled marquises, and laughed: "The second should be Governor Chen, who with thunderous methods captured the rebel leader in one net!"

"What is Yuwen Hu planning now, how to reward this confidant of his......"

Yuwen Yan's hand hidden in his sleeve twitched imperceptibly, a cold sneer rolled in his throat, but he dared not reveal a hint.

After the bestowal, Chen Yan had already become a Duke of State...

"Reward ten thousand taels of silver, five thousand bolts of silk, add a fief of a thousand households....."

Yuwen Hu's gaze hardened, he lightly waved his python robe, and said gravely.

After a pause, his tone rose, enunciating each word: "Confer the title General of the Rapid Cavalry!"

The words thundered like a flash of lightning in the great hall's center.

"Sss—"

Below the steps, a chorus of sharp inhalations rose.

An official standing in the middle rank wavered, stumbling to grab a colleague's arm, eyes filled with terror: "Only eighteen years old, a Cavalry General?!"

It was the first time in his life he had seen a Cavalry General so young!

The previous one of such youth was the Han's Huo of the Rapid Cavalry......

Yet that man was also only twenty when he was ennobled.

Governor Chen was a full two years younger than him!

His colleague beside him was also shocked, exhaling a foul breath, and said gravely: "Nevertheless, the Duke of Wei's great achievement for Great Zhou is unquestionably deserved!"

If it were anyone else, he would not dare to speak openly, but would still mutter in his heart.....

Indeed, the Duke of Wei's meritorious service deserves the title of Swift Cavalry Grand General, and it is truly well‑earned!

Even leaping in a single step to become a Pillar of the State would not be excessive....

Those around, hearing this, wholeheartedly agreed, nodding repeatedly, echoing: "Chief Chen is praised as a youthful soldier‑immortal; he truly deserves the Huo Swift Cavalry of our court!"

Chen Yan stepped forward, clasping his fists against his chest; his figure seemed a bit shorter than before. Though his voice was not loud, it rang clearly through the great hall: "I, with my modest, nearby achievements, could not possibly merit such favor."

"I respectfully ask Your Majesty to have the Grand Overseer rescind the appointment!"

The final words were spoken earnestly, the tone tinged with a deliberately modest humility.

These words sounded like complete concession, but in fact they were merely modest phrasing that used retreat as a means of advancement.....

He answered directly without any evasion—what kind of words were those?

Yuwen Hu, of course, understood what Chen Yan was thinking, turned his gaze toward the young emperor on the Dragon Throne, and deliberately asked: "Your Majesty, do you think this reward from my side is excessive?"

"Just right!" Yuwen Yan snorted coldly in his mind, then slowly uttered the four words.

He paused, then with a forced, toothless grin he played along: "Duke of Wei, do not be modest; your achievements are outstanding, do not decline!"

"I, Chen Yan, bow in gratitude to Your Majesty, and the Grand Overseer's great favor!"

Chen Yan slowly bent both knees, and with a 'thud' knelt upon the golden brick, his movement steady and without any haste.

He bowed his body and touched his forehead to the ground; at the instant his brow met the floor, the purple fabric folded into deep creases in the light and shadow.

Yuwen Yan showed little expression, raised his hand and waved; the wide sleeves of his dragon robe swept over the carvings on the handrail, his voice flat as a pool of still water: "Duke of Wei, no need for ceremony!"

His voice was even and unruffled, revealing no hint of joy or anger.

When Chen Yan rose to stand straight, he spoke again, his gaze sweeping over the crowd at the steps as if looking into emptiness: "The remaining meritorious officials' rewards are all drafted by the Tian Guan Fu; there is no need to submit each request individually!"

As soon as the words fell, he almost immediately raised his voice: "Retreat…"

Yuwen Yan no longer wished to be a cold stamping machine, so he simply handed everything over to Yuwen Hu.

He just wanted to flee this place quickly, to escape the suffocating power lust that filled the hall.

But before the word 'court' could be spoken, Yuwen Heng stepped forward, bowed, and said: "Your Majesty, I have a word!"

What again???........ Yuwen Yan twitched his mouth, the fatigue in his eyes nearly spilling over, yet he still forced down the irritation that surged to his head, too lazy to look at Wei Lin, directing his gaze toward the empty hall doors; his voice carried a trace of exhausted hoarseness: "Grand Marshal, what matter do you wish to report?"

Each syllable seemed squeezed out from between his teeth, the final sounds involuntarily tightening.

He could feel the tendons at the back of his neck twitching, and the bead strings on his crown tassels swayed more violently, causing his vision to flicker with darkness.

At this moment, the young emperor truly wanted to ask, "Is this ever going to end…"

Yuwen Heng, appearing impatient with Yuwen Yan and oblivious, kept his spine straight, and in a low voice said: "Your Majesty, have you ever considered what exactly caused the Zhao bandits and others to dare entertain thoughts of rebellion against the palace?"

"This…"

Yuwen Yan was taken aback by the question, somewhat puzzled, and asked: "What does the Grand Marshal think is the cause?"

For a moment, the young emperor could not comprehend the intent of this Grand Marshal's cousin…

"I believe it is due to the decentralization of central power within the Court!"

Yuwen Heng stepped forward, bowed deeply to Yuwen Yan, and concluded:

He paused, then his tone suddenly grew heavy: "I request the Chief of the Five Offices to the Heavenly Office!"

"All shall be under the Grand Overseer's control!"

——

PS: Curiosity led me to eat mushroom soup hot pot and a stir‑fry that turned my hands green, causing stomach upset; I'll continue the update after I recover ┭┮﹏┭┮