Chapter 721

First Volume, Chapter 721: Re-Enfeoffed as Marquis

The Liang Emperor rested his chin in thought, after careful deliberation, found the suggestion not without merit, and immediately asked: "Then, in your view, how should it be arranged?"

Qin Feng bowed with clasped hands: "I have read in ancient texts that among the Fan Bang Zhu Guo, one state shares a similar official structure with our Da Ming Chao."

"Beneath the Three Dukes, it also establishes the Three Solitaries: Shao Wei, Shao Bao, and Shao Fu."

"Why not adopt one of them—Shao Bao—to serve as this honorary title?"

The Fan Bang Zhu Guo Qin Feng referred to were in fact the Three Dukes and Three Solitaries system of his past life's Ming Dynasty.

Since no one present knew the truth, he simply forced the analogy without hesitation.

The Liang Emperor did not reply immediately but turned to the Imperial Party officials, who had already discussed it privately.

Finally, Tian Yuanshou stepped forward to respond: "Your Majesty, we believe this proposal is feasible—it ensures smooth implementation of state decrees and safeguards the Liang realm's stability; it is a Secret Strategy."

Since even the Imperial Party agreed, the Liang Emperor had no further hesitation and immediately approved: "This recommendation is acceptable."

"Yet, the position of Shao Bao must be held by a specific individual; if entrusted to someone with unstable loyalty, it will inevitably become a tool of Following the Trend."

"Which of you ministers believes fit to assume the role of Shao Bao?"

All present turned their eyes simultaneously toward Qin Feng.

After all, as the son of the Taolin Party Chief, Qin Feng had turned the tide at a critical moment and halted the Taolin Party's further errors, proving his unwavering loyalty.

Tian Yuanshou's attitude toward Qin Feng had undergone a complete transformation; he immediately bowed and advised: "I believe the position of Shao Bao is best filled by Marquis Anle, Qin Feng."

With Tian Yuanshou openly recommending him, the Taolin Party officials naturally welcomed it and echoed in agreement.

"Minister Tian speaks wisely; I concur."

"I also concur."

In the Liang Emperor's heart, the most suitable candidate was also Qin Feng!

Just moments ago, Qin Feng had clearly declared his stance: as long as he ceased covert sabotage, he would pledge his life to serve him.

And the facts had proven Qin Feng reliable!

Just as the Liang Emperor was about to issue the order, Qin Feng suddenly spoke, interrupting everyone.

"I, Qin Feng, am certainly capable of assuming the role of Shao Bao—but there is someone even more suitable."

"After all, I am soon to depart for Beixi Di; once I leave, the court will still have only the Grand Commandant and Grand Tutor. What purpose would the Shao Bao serve then?"

Saying this, Qin Feng turned to Chen Zheng: "Minister Chen, I urge you to assume the position of Shao Bao."

Chen Zheng…

A flash of brightness passed through the Liang Emperor's eyes; besides Qin Feng, Chen Zheng, the foremost of the Pure Stream loyalists, was indeed the most fitting candidate.

He cared nothing for social niceties or power, only for what was right or wrong.

Moreover, Qin Feng's voluntary nomination of Chen Zheng released immense goodwill.

The Liang Emperor's final trace of suspicion toward Qin Feng had completely vanished.

His mood had shifted from hell to earth.

Chen Zheng bowed slightly and said softly: "I currently serve as Minister of Court of Imperial Stud, already burdened with heavy duties; I fear I am unfit for the role of Shao Bao."

Seeing Chen Zheng refuse, Qin Feng did not lose heart; he shifted tone, abandoning his earlier sharpness, his voice now gentle.

"Minister Chen, due to our differing political views, we have clashed fiercely—public matters are public, private matters are private; I beg you not to hold it against me."

"As the sole living top-ranked scholar of Liang, your abilities have always commanded my respect."

"Only you can fulfill the role of Shao Bao."

"Is not the purpose of the Pure Stream loyalists to serve the state and the people? Now is the time to realize your ambition."

"If both the Grand Commandant and Shao Bao positions fall to my Qin Family, do you not worry?"

Chen Zheng never concealed his thoughts; he replied bluntly: "I do!"

"No matter how loyal you appear, no matter how many merits you achieve, as long as the Qin Family's power grows too great, I will always remain wary of you."

"As the saying goes: cautious sailing ensures a thousand-year voyage."

This was harsh words, yet Qin Feng accepted them gladly.

"Then, Minister Chen, I entrust the Shao Bao position to you."

Seeing this, the Liang Emperor no longer hesitated and immediately issued the edict: "I decree that Minister of Court of Imperial Stud Chen Zheng shall concurrently hold the position of Shao Bao."

"This office shall be listed as one of the state's policies."

"When the Grand Commandant and Grand Tutor cannot reach consensus, the Shao Bao shall decide; otherwise, this office shall hold no actual authority."

With the Imperial Edict issued, Chen Zheng no longer refused: "Thank Your Majesty for your great favor."

At that moment, the Liang Emperor's voice sounded again: "Qin Feng's achievement in the State Peace Talks with Di has not yet been rewarded."

"Since the founding of the state, no Duke shall be enfeoffed again."

"I bestow upon Qin Feng the title of Tianlu Marquis—below a Duke in rank, but equal in status—and grant him a territory in the Northern Border, including Beixi County, as his marquisate."

At these words, even Qin Feng was taken aback—he had not expected the Liang Emperor to be so generous.

Though Qin Feng had long been the de facto ruler of the Northern Border, his authority had always lacked legitimacy.

Any decree issued beyond Beixi County held little weight and required the Ming King's voice to be enforced.

Now, with the Liang Emperor directly granting him the Northern Border, Qin Feng's efforts to develop the region would proceed far more smoothly.

This Tianlu Marquis title, though a Marquis, was equivalent to a non-imperial prince!

Though Tian Yuanshou knew Qin Feng to be loyal, hearing the Liang Emperor's decree still left him momentarily stunned.

"Your Majesty, Tianlu Marquis is the foremost of all Marquises; granting it to Qin Feng is acceptable."

"But this fief…"

Before Tian Yuanshou could finish, the Liang Emperor cut him off decisively: "I trust Qin Feng!"

"With Qin Feng guarding the Northern Border, our northern defenses shall be secured once and for all!"

Implicitly, the Liang Emperor had finally freed himself to focus on the Powerful Clans of Nan Jing.

"Open the door!"

At the command, the Di Tang doors slowly opened.

Zhang Xiuye and the Imperial Guard, drenched in sweat, had feared a massacre inside the hall—after all, there were no few military officers present, and if a fight broke out, they'd strike even darker than the Imperial Guard.

But they found that every Official's face, including the Liang Emperor's, had cleared like clouds parting.

Could it be… everyone was delighted?!