Chapter 1037: Troublemakers at Court! IV (1/2)
Chapter 1037: Troublemakers at Court! (IV)
Translated by: Hypersheep325
Edited by: Michyrr
The Grand Preceptor was the leader of the Three Dukes, the guiding light of the civil officials. It was clear that his words had influenced the Sage Emperor. Although the words 'We understand' did not indicate a particular stance, they were a symbol of a major shift in the debate, a massive sign of favor.
”Not good!”
The generals in the hall all felt their hearts sink. With the weight of the Grand Preceptor, the Sage Emperor was clearly beginning to lean toward the civil officials. Talas was in the middle of a crisis and had sent many letters urgently requesting reinforcements. If this proposal could not be passed, Wang Chong and Gao Xianzhi were almost certain to lose.
This was two Imperial Protector-Generals!
The Sage Emperor seemed on the verge of making his decision when suddenly, a gentle breeze heralded the entrance of someone into the hall. At the same time, everyone heard a voice in their ear.
”Your Majesty, this old subject has something to say!”
As this voice spoke, a gentle aura like that of warm sunlight shining over the earth appeared in everyone's perception. At the entrance to the hall, a white-haired and straight-backed figure wearing a white cloth robe stepped over the threshold and slowly walked in.
Waaaa! The sight of this figure immediately caused an uproar.
”Duke… Duke Jiu!”
As someone blurted out this name, the generals began to chatter amongst themselves while the civil officials were left dumbfounded. Even the Grand Preceptor, who had just been preparing to sit back down, felt his heart sink and his body shiver.
The Great Tang's Duke Jiu!
The wise minister of a golden age!
This was a most prestigious and most respected individual of the Great Tang. Even though he had retired decades ago to the Four Quarters Embassy, he still wielded enormous influence and reputation within society. Not even the Grand Preceptor could compare to him.
The name 'Duke Jiu' was enough to symbolize his prestige.
”Father!”
Wang Gen was also shocked to see his father appear. Just as he planned to go over, Duke Jiu shot him a glance that made him immediately stop.
”Grand Preceptor, it's been a long time since we last met!”
Wang Jiuling slowly stepped forward, holding a cane and smiling gently.
”Duke Jiu!”
”Duke Jiu!”
”Duke Jiu!”
All the officials in the hall respectfully lowered their heads to this elderly figure and retreated to the sides. Even Grand Scribe Yan Wenzhang had a solemn and deferential look on his face as he bowed and yielded the path.
As one of the architects of the Great Tang's golden age, Duke Jiu wielded an influence in court that was nigh unimaginable. Many of the important officials in court had even heard the legends of Duke Jiu while they were growing up.
Tap! Tap!
The white wooden cane in Duke Jiu's hand crisply clacked against the floor as he slowly walked forward.
”Jiuling pays respects to His Majesty!”
After walking several zhang, Duke Jiu suddenly stopped and gave a slight bow to that figure seated behind the bead curtains.
”You also came.”
The voice resounded over the hall, still supreme and dignified, but there was also a tiny tinge of warmth.
The Sage Emperor and Duke Jiu were sovereign and subject, one complementing the other. Together, they had created a thirty-year golden age for the Great Tang, and their feats had captivated the entirety of the Great Tang. Although Duke Jiu had retired decades ago, it was clear that he still had a high place in the hearts of the people and the Sage Emperor.
The Grand Preceptor felt his heart sink. Although the Sage Emperor had only said a few simple words, the friendship expressed in them made the Grand Preceptor's eyes go wide.
”Jiuling, have you come for the sake of your grandson?”
The Grand Preceptor cut straight to the point, his eyes sharp and fierce.