Chapter 41: Lin Xiang helps and becomes a fourth-rank official

Lai Mingcheng had a bad reputation, and all the ministers in the court just wanted to watch the show, and no one dared to stand up.

Li Chengping was too lazy to defend himself.

He knew in his heart that this was obviously Emperor Qing's plan, and his purpose was to stir up conflict between him, the Crown Prince, and the Second Prince.

I thought the matter was over.

Unexpectedly, Lin Ruofu stood up and bowed to Emperor Qing.

"Your Majesty, I object to what Censor Lai said. I think that not only should His Royal Highness Prince Wen be given a seat, but he should also be given the first seat!"

Lin Ruofu said loudly.

The sound echoed in the hall.

Li Chengping stood there in a daze, staring at Lin Ruofu, completely unaware of what the other party meant by this action.

The Crown Prince and the Second Prince looked at each other, and both could see surprise in each other's eyes.

The engagement of Li Chengping and Lin Wan'er was known to everyone in Kyoto.

According to common sense, as the future father-in-law, Lin Ruofu should speak for Li Chengping.

It would be fine if you don't help now, but why are you saying the opposite?

Lai Mingcheng did not expect Lin Ruofu to stand up and speak for him, but he was a stubborn person and did not care about it.

"Minister Lin, what do you mean by this? Your relationship with His Royal Highness Prince Wen is well known in the court. Those who can sit in the first seat are all ministers who have made contributions to our Qing Kingdom. May I ask what achievements His Royal Highness Prince Wen has made?"

Lai Mingcheng said without changing his expression.

There was no surprise on anyone's face.

After all, Lai Mingcheng could even argue with Emperor Qing on a daily basis, let alone Lin Ruofu, who was just a prime minister.

For a moment, everyone was just watching the show.

Lin Ruofu glanced at Lai Mingcheng.

"Your Majesty King Wen is renowned all over the world. His few poems have helped our Qing Kingdom's literary world stand up again. He is unanimously recognized by all the literati in the world as the youngest great scholar!"

"Imperial Censor Lai, you are also a scholar, and you must have read His Royal Highness Wen Wang's poems, so you naturally understand His Royal Highness's talent."

"Isn't this achievement enough to qualify me?"

These sharp words left Lai Mingcheng speechless.

As a censor, he had also read the poems and essays written by Li Chengping. Naturally, the literary talent was impeccable and he admired it from the bottom of his heart.

Lai Mingcheng's face changed suddenly, he knelt down and banged his head heavily on the ground.

"Your Majesty, I just spoke out of turn. I am willing to accept the punishment!"

"Well, I'll fine you half a year's salary as a small punishment!"

Emperor Qing did not delve into it too much.

Soon, two eunuchs carried a chair into the hall and placed it directly in front of Lin Ruofu.

The moment Li Chengping sat down, he could feel everyone's eyes were focused on him.

When all the court officials returned to their positions, the rewards and honors began to be alleviated.

Starting from Qin Ye, many generals were rewarded later, and even the soldiers who participated in the war were rewarded.

As for Li Chengping's name, it did not appear on the list of rewards at all, which made the ministers below the stage whisper to each other.

"What's going on? Why is King Wen not on the reward list?"

"The so-called military governor is just a sinecure. He didn't contribute much in this war. Why does he want a reward?"

"You can't say that. His Majesty is extremely fond of His Highness Prince Wen. Maybe he has prepared some great rewards for you."

"..."

Until the end of the court meeting, Li Chengping's name still did not appear on the list of rewards.

When the court was dismissed, the officials felt somewhat subtle.

Li Chengqian stepped forward personally with a false smile on his face.

"Third brother, congratulations! You have been granted a seat in the Taiji Hall by our father, and you are in the first position. This is truly an unparalleled honor!"

Li Chengping smiled faintly, the two sides exchanged a few simple greetings, and Li Chengqian left in a hurry.

As he left, a hint of disdain flashed in his eyes.

Although Li Chengping was granted a seat by Emperor Qing today, he would not be able to appear in the court tomorrow. What was the use of this honor? As soon as Li Chengqian left, Li Chengze came over and put his arm around Li Chengping's shoulders affectionately.

"Third brother, you've worked hard on this expedition. I've asked someone to reserve a banquet at Yishiju, so we can have a good gathering together later."

"Second brother, this..."

Li Chengping was about to refuse but was interrupted by Li Chengze.

"Third brother, it's settled now. I'll wait for you at Yishiju."

Li Chengze smiled slightly, turned and left.

Li Chengping was about to catch up when he was stopped by a voice.

"Third Prince, His Majesty asks you to go to the Yangxin Palace."

Li Chengping turned his head and found Eunuch Hou standing behind him with a smile on his face.

Li Chengping nodded and followed Eunuch Hou towards the Yangxin Palace.

On the way, he took advantage of the fact that no one was around and slipped a silver note to Eunuch Hou without leaving any trace.

"Eunuch, may I ask why the emperor called me to the Yangxin Palace this time?" Li Chengping asked in a low voice.

Eunuch Hou put the banknotes away unnoticeably and lowered his voice.

"I don't know the details, but Your Majesty is in a good mood today."

"Thank you, father-in-law!"

Soon, the two arrived at the Palace of Tranquil Longevity.

Eunuch Hou did not enter the palace but waited outside. Li Chengping simply tidied his clothes and followed him in.

The moment he walked in, an arrow shot towards him and flew past Li Chengping's cheek.

The arrow hit the breastplate hanging on the screen directly, made a dull sound, and fell to the ground.

Emperor Qing showed disappointment in his eyes. He threw the bow and arrow to the ground, raised his head and waved to Li Chengping with a smile.

"Third brother, why are you taking up so much space? Come, sit here." Emperor Qing said with a smile.

Li Chengping walked forward and sat down, glancing at Emperor Qing's desk.

I found a poem spread out on the table.

"The tide of the spring river reaches the level of the sea, and the bright moon on the sea rises with the tide..."

When Li Chengping saw the first sentence of the poem, his body tensed up instantly.

This poem was exactly what he wrote at the Zuixianju Poetry Competition.

After so much time had passed, did Emperor Qing put it on the table on purpose for me to see it? Or was there another hidden meaning behind it?

At this moment, Emperor Qing's laughter interrupted his thoughts.

"Third brother, are you feeling resentful that I didn't reward you in the palace just now?" Emperor Qing asked.

"No, Father must have his own principles in doing things, and I understand that."

Li Chengping bowed.

What he said was the truth. In the court, being the top position had made him the target of public criticism.

If there was another reward, it would be like adding fuel to the fire for Li Chengqian and Li Chengze.

It will only attract more hatred!

"You are indeed my good son, Third Brother. You have worked hard in commanding the army. I have decided to appoint you as the Minister of the Honglu Temple."

Emperor Qing smiled slightly and picked up the imperial edict beside him and handed it over.

Li Chengping thought Emperor Qing was joking, but when he opened the imperial edict, he found that the ink had dried.

It can be seen that this imperial edict has been prepared long ago!
"Father, didn't you promise not to let your son participate in government affairs?"

Li Chengping said.

"That's right. Although you are the Minister of the Honglu Temple, you don't have to attend the morning court like other officials. Unless there are special circumstances, you don't have to go to court to see the emperor."

"This way, you won't have to get involved in government affairs."

"Don't worry, I have already considered all of this for you!"

(End of this chapter)

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