I am a boss in the world of nine uncles

"Greetings, Your Majesty."

A short while later, Jiang and Shen entered the Shouxian Palace side by side and bowed in greeting.

Qin Yao waved his hand: "No need for formalities... What brings you two here so late at night?"

Jiang Ziya said, "It was Lord Shen who invited me to come along."

Qin Yao then looked at Shen Gongbao.

Shen Gongbao cursed inwardly and said, "Your Majesty, we are here to report on the progress of the Deer Terrace."

Qin Yao knew perfectly well that this was just an excuse. The two men had clearly come for the Ji family father and son, but they were caught off guard by him and were therefore unable to speak openly.

"How is the progress of the Lutai project?"

"The progress is going very smoothly. If nothing unexpected happens, it should be completed within a month," Shen Gongbao said.

Qin Yao smiled slightly: "That's good. I look forward to drinking with the immortal."

Shen Gongbao: "..."

Jiang Ziya hesitated for a moment, then asked, "Your Majesty, I have heard that you intend to form a cabinet and appoint Boyi Kao as the chief minister?"

Qin Yao nodded and said, "That's right. There are just too many government affairs to handle, and I don't want to cultivate a powerful minister, so I came up with this institution to reduce my burden."

Jiang Ziya said, "I have no objection to the formation of the cabinet, but the main issue is the selection of the chief minister. Shouldn't you reconsider? After all, Boyi Kao is the eldest son of the Marquis of Xibo."

"The nation, the nation, the nation comes first, the family comes second; Boyi Kao is talented and of noble character, I trust him," Qin Yao said gently.

He knew very well that the most ambitious and imperially destined person in the Ji family was Ji Fa, not Ji Chang or Boyi Kao.

Another purpose of appointing Bo Yikao as chief minister was to suppress Ji Fa's imperial destiny.

After all, Boyi Kao was destined to be an immortal emperor, possessing the imperial aura of Ziwei, and his fate was extremely noble.

If he himself were not a Saint Realm expert, belonging to the transcendent realm, he really wouldn't dare to take him under his wing!

"Your Majesty, I dare to offer this advice: matters of state should not be decided by one side or one's own opinion. Moreover, Boyi Kao's identity is too special; he is not suitable to be the Grand Secretary." After Jiang Ziya was speechless, Shen Gongbao slowly spoke.

Qin Yao waved his hand and said, "Don't worry, he doesn't have the authority to make decisions. The final decision will be made by me. Do you have anything else to do? If not, you can go back now."

Left with no other option, the two had to take their leave.

When they walked out of the palace gate, they found that Ji Chang and his son had not left and were obviously waiting for them.

"Gentlemen, how about we meet at the Imperial Hua Inn?" Ji Chang said, bowing first.

Shen Gongbao said, "Let's go to the Deer Terrace and feel the night breeze; it will help us clear our heads."

Ji Chang: "..."

Not long after.

Lu Taichung.

The four people sat around a table on a high stone platform. The table was set with wine and dishes, but no one had touched them. In fact, the wine jars were quite empty.

"It's all in chaos, complete chaos."

He lifted the wine pot, filled the four cups with wine, and Shen Gongbao sighed deeply.

The Ji family father and son thought he was referring to the current situation; but Jiang Ziya understood that he was talking about strategic planning.

The layout of Yuxu Palace!

King Zhou was like a giant black hole, constantly devouring the Jade Void Palace's grand plan for the Investiture of the Gods, leading the future into the unknown, and at the same time stirring up the clear waters into turbidity.

If this continues, the situation will likely escalate to a point where even a sage would find it troublesome.

"Things have come to this, let's just take it one step at a time. I only hope that King Zhou will keep his word and allow my father to return to his roots in the future because of my merits." After a long silence, Boyi Kao said quietly.

"Your Majesty, this is too willful," Shen Gongbao sighed helplessly.

He once even considered mentally controlling King Zhou and becoming the uncrowned king of the Shang Dynasty, but now he finds that his mind simply cannot keep up with King Zhou.

The other party is too unpredictable to be understood using common sense.

"Let's disperse," Jiang Ziya said, rising from his seat, unwilling to hear others speak ill of his benefactor.

The other three nodded slightly and dispersed without further ado...

The next day, morning.

As usual, Qin Yao made decisions on court affairs, one by one, totaling sixty-nine items. After the ministers had no further reports, he raised his eyes and said, "Summon Boyi Kao, son of the Marquis of Xi, to an audience."

The voice was booming and full of energy, and it didn't need the guards outside the door to repeat it. It went directly to the ears of Boyi Kao, who had been waiting for a long time outside the Nine-Room Hall.

Boyi Kao stamped his slightly numb feet, raised his chest and head, strode into the royal palace, and bowed, saying, "Your subject, Boyi Kao, pays his respects to Your Majesty."

"Be flat."

Qin Yao nodded slightly and then said, "From this day forward, a cabinet will be set up in the court to consider the affairs of the outer court on my behalf, and I will be in charge of making decisions."

The cabinet was composed of cabinet ministers, the head of whom was called the Grand Secretary. The first Grand Secretary was Bo Yikao.

The moment the words were spoken, a storm of shock and disbelief swept through the hearts of all the civil and military officials.

Grand Secretary Boyi Kao?
what's the situation?
Doesn't Xiqi harbor rebellious intentions?

Even the Marquis of Xibo was forcibly taken hostage, so how come his eldest son became the chief minister who could make decisions on government affairs?
Thinking of this, countless court officials raised their eyes to look at the Prime Minister and the Second Prime Minister, only to find that both prime ministers were looking down at their noses and their minds, seemingly detached from the matter.

"Your subject, Boyi Kao, kowtows to express his gratitude for Your Majesty's great kindness." Boyi Kao bowed deeply, his expression unchanged.

“Starting tomorrow, there will be no need for the morning court every day; the morning court will be held once every seven days.”

All matters within the court were handed over by the Prime Minister, the Vice-Prime Minister, and all officials to the Grand Secretary. After the Grand Secretary's deliberation, the Illegible would then take the seal of office.

"Furthermore, Wei Zi is to be transferred back to the capital to serve as the second-in-command, and to serve as a joint advisor with Boyi Kao," Qin Yao said, rising to his feet.

The ministers looked at each other in bewilderment, but could only bow and obey.

After the court session ended, many officials, as soon as they left their homes, began to meet with each other, preparing to discuss recent developments in the court with their allies.

The main problem was that many of the king's appointments were incomprehensible to them, giving them a feeling of being out of touch with the times...

One hour later.

Chaoge East City.

While King Zhou's half-brother Wei Zi Qi was helping his wife build a chicken coop, a group of men dressed in brocade robes and carrying long knives suddenly appeared in front of the door. The leader bowed and said, "Wu Ji, the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, pays his respects to Wei Zi."

Beside the chicken coop, Wei Zi's heart skipped a beat, and his wife beside him almost fell to the ground.

Nowadays, the fact that the Embroidered Uniform Guard is a henchman of the imperial power has become deeply ingrained in people's minds, and it has gradually gained a fearsome reputation by working with the Censorate to arrest many officials in the court.

Therefore, anyone holding even a minor official position was terrified of the Embroidered Uniform Guard coming to their door.

After all, it's not that being incorruptible means you're without fault. Nobody's perfect; everyone makes mistakes. If you really investigate, one case can bring down a high-ranking official!
A moment later, Wei Ziqi quickly led his wife out of the main gate to greet Lord Wu with a smile, saying, "Greetings, Lord Wu."

"I wouldn't dare," Wu Ji replied with a smile, not daring to be presumptuous.

If the other party were merely a viscount, Buji wouldn't have gone to such lengths.

But now that Wei Ziqi has risen to prominence, from a nobleman left behind in Chaoge to the second-highest-ranking official in the cabinet, and has the authority to act as regent, he is no longer someone Wei Ziqi can afford to offend.

Even if his master, the Imperial Censor Jiang Ziya, came, he wouldn't dare to be presumptuous in front of the Second Assistant Minister.

Seeing his humble demeanor, Wei Ziqi felt somewhat at ease.

It is common in the world to fawn over the powerful and belittle the weak. The fact that the other party is so respectful clearly means that they are not here for "bad things".

"Lord Wu, please come inside and let's talk."

“No, I’m here on an errand for the Grand Secretary to invite the Second Grand Secretary into the Cabinet,” Wu Ji said with a smile. “Grand Secretary, Second Grand Secretary?” Wei Ziqi looked bewildered.

What are these terms?
Wu Ji immediately explained it to him, leaving Wei Ziqi stunned on the spot.

I?
Second Assistant?

The woman standing nearby was completely dumbfounded.

This was a life experience she never dared to imagine.

"Your Excellency, why don't you tidy up first?" Wu Ji said politely.

Wei Ziqi was feeling dizzy and subconsciously said, "It's time to tidy up..."

After changing into clean clothes, with the Imperial Guards clearing the way, he felt as if he were walking on cotton, each step feeling unsteady.

I, Wei Ziqi, am about to ascend to the highest hall of power in the kingdom.

What right do I have?
Am I qualified?

That night.

Wei Ziqi's wife waited at the door until nightfall before her husband slowly returned, carrying a lantern.

"Husband, are you alright?"

Wei Ziqi chuckled and said, "What could possibly be wrong with me?"

"I'm afraid something might happen to you," the lady said earnestly.

Wei Ziqi silently took her hand and said gently, "The king has changed, the court has changed, everything has changed, and our family is the biggest beneficiary. May God bless us, may our ancestors bless us."

The lady breathed a sigh of relief, then couldn't help but ask curiously, "Are you really capable of handling the king's memorials?"

“Of course,” Wei Ziqi replied.

"How could the King relinquish his power?" the lady asked, puzzled.

Wei Ziqi shook his head and said, "The chief minister and I only have the power to offer advice, not the power to make decisions. Moreover, we are completely dependent on the king's power, so it cannot be said that Your Majesty has relinquished power."

The lady said, "I didn't understand."

Wei Ziqi smiled and said, "Come inside, I'll tell you slowly..."

half a month later.

The cabinet operated smoothly. In addition to the chief minister Boyi Kao and the second minister Wei Zi Qi, a new cabinet minister named Ji Zi was added.

This man was the younger brother of Emperor Yi and the uncle of King Zhou. He was knowledgeable in poetry, literature, rites, music, medicine, yin and yang, and witchcraft, making him an all-rounder.

The three men were henceforth known as the Three Wise Men of the Cabinet, working together to plan important national affairs.

Through the efforts of the three of them, Qin Yao was completely freed and spent a long time with Daji in the Longevity Palace, studying the Great Dao together.

Or rather, by guiding the other party in their pursuit of the Great Dao, Daji's cultivation progressed rapidly, and her admiration for him grew day by day.

A few more days passed.

When the news from the Chaoge court reached Xiqi, Ji Fa, who was ruling in place of his father and brother, was completely dumbfounded.

Didn't the eldest brother go to rescue Father? How did he end up becoming the Prime Minister after rescuing himself?
The key point is that from the moment he was born, a prophecy began to circulate in the west: "When the phoenix cries on Mount Qi, the Zhou dynasty will rise; when the Shang dynasty is exhausted, the world will return to the west."

It was because of this prophecy that the father continuously expanded the military strength of Xiqi, just to wait for the time when the world would be unified in the west.

The time isn't right yet, so why is my elder brother going back to business first?

Ji Fa was terrified and even resentful, his eyes filled with confusion.

"Second Young Master, Doctor San Yisheng requests an audience." Suddenly, a guard rushed over and whispered the news.

"Send it quickly," Ji Fa hurriedly said.

In the blink of an eye, San Yisheng strode over and bowed, saying, "Greetings, Second Young Master."

Ji Fa held the other man's arms and asked, "What brings you here, Doctor?"

San Yisheng asked, "Second Young Master, have you heard about the Eldest Young Master being appointed as the Grand Secretary?"

Ji Fa smiled wryly and said, "I've heard about it, it's simply... unbelievable."

San Yisheng asked, "Has the Second Young Master decided how to respond?"

Ji Fa said, "No, did the doctor teach me anything?"

"Please send a trusted confidant to Chaoge immediately to consult with the Lord," said San Yisheng.

Ji Fa nodded repeatedly, and immediately summoned his two wise ministers, Tai Dian and Hong Wo, ordering them to disguise themselves as merchants and rush to Chaoge...

One day.

At the suggestion of Bigan, Qin Yao held a royal banquet. The Shouxian Palace was brightly lit at night. Jiang Ziya, Shen Gongbao, and Boyi Kao were invited as special guests. Everyone exchanged cups and laughed and chatted, creating a harmonious scene.

The vast majority of them were genuinely happy, with the exceptions of Boyi Kao and Shen Gongbao.

Bo Yikao was preoccupied with his own thoughts, hesitating whether to take this opportunity, while King Zhou was in a state of joy, to suggest releasing his father back to his homeland.

Shen Gongbao was deeply worried. The Shang royal family was united, the court was stable, King Zhou was wise, and the ministers were loyal. How could Xiqi raise the banner of rebellion against Shang?

Raising troops to rebel against the Shang dynasty is a completely different concept from treason, and the Jade Void Palace cannot openly support a group of rebels.

Thinking about all this, he suddenly felt a splitting headache, and he kept drinking one glass of wine after another, but he couldn't quell his sorrow.

During the banquet, Wei Ziqi came to toast Qin Yao, and after being pulled to sit down, he couldn't help but say a few more words:

"Your Majesty, I did not understand why you appointed Boyi Kao as the chief minister."

But after this period of contact, I have come to understand that Boyi Kao is indeed a man of great talent, capable of handling complex and demanding affairs with ease, and truly a pillar of the state.

Your Majesty has a discerning eye for talent and knows how to use people wisely; my Shang Dynasty will surely rise to great prominence once again.

Not far away, Bo Yikao, upon hearing this, quickly stepped forward: "The Vice Minister has had too much to drink."

Qin Yao smiled and waved his hand: "The Vice Minister wasn't drunk. What he said is exactly what I wanted to hear."

Ever since I brought the Marquis of Xibo to Chaoge, countless people have been watching, waiting to see when I will make my move against Xiqi.

But they don't know that in my eyes, isn't Xiqi also my brother?

"As I said long ago, bringing the Marquis of Xibo here was not for the purpose of fighting, but simply to prevent any future trouble."

Bo Yikao gritted his teeth and knelt down: "Your Majesty, I understand your good intentions."

But my father is old, and he thinks of Xiqi by day and his family by night. He often sheds tears, which makes me very sad.

"I beg Your Majesty's mercy to release my father and allow him to return west. I will be eternally grateful and devoted to the country. If I disobey, may Heaven and Earth punish me."

Qin Yao slowly narrowed his eyes, recalling the lurking Zhou King Wu, and thought to himself: If I don't let Ji Chang go west, I will have to give him a righteous cause. Fine, keeping Boyi Kao alive is already fortunate; I'll let Ji Chang go back and keep Zhou King Wu in check for a few more years.

Thinking of this, he silently got up, took Boyi Kao's arms with both hands, and slowly helped him up:

"You are my trusted advisor. Since you have a request, how can I refuse?"
Here's what we'll do: go back and tell your father to send the fierce soldiers of Xiqi to welcome them.

This is mainly to guard against any unforeseen events on the road; otherwise, the relationship between you and me, ruler and subject, will inevitably sour.

Looking at the gentle king before him, Boyi Kao was deeply moved: "Thank you, Your Majesty. I am deeply grateful and will do my utmost to repay Your Majesty's kindness."

Qin Yao waved his hand and said, "Alright, stop acting like a child. My dear minister, I toast you, hoping that you, as the chief minister, will take good care of the Yin Shang dynasty."

Watching the harmonious scene between the ruler and his ministers, Shen Gongbao silently clenched his fists, a fierce thought rising in his mind: You forced me into this situation, don't blame me for being ruthless! (End of Chapter)