Firefly Journey

Chapter 273 Chu Ting’s Grand Stage (10)

The little incident that happened during the procession was so big that it would immediately reach the palace, but it had nothing to do with Lin Yuanran and the other person.

If we have to say something, it's that Lin Yuanran was a member of the Ministry of Rites, which was responsible for overseeing foreign churches.

The person who did it was an extraordinary individual, but there was no evidence to prove that it was done by someone from the church, and it had nothing to do with Lin Yuanran.

More importantly, their keen sense of smell prevented a disaster from happening.

After several days of investigation, the case seemed to have made no progress, and Lin Yuanran was notified by the palace guards to attend the court assembly that day.

He held a sinecure as a vice minister in the Ministry of Rites, a rank that qualified him to attend court assemblies, but as for his job duties, it was better for him not to go...

He had been slacking off for a long time when he suddenly heard Emperor Zhuang summon him. He thought to himself that there must be a clue in the arson case.

Because he couldn't think of any other reason to go to the palace.

At the command of the master of ceremonies, the officials entered the Tianqi Hall one after another and began to stand in their respective categories.

Lin Yuanran smiled and nodded to Lü Jianming, who was standing in front of the dragon table. Lü Jianming responded with winks and gestures, which made Lin Yuanran a little embarrassed.

You want all the officials to know that I'm in cahoots with you, right?

Emperor Zhuang held court, and everyone bowed. After the ceremony, the routine court meeting began.

For the first two hours, led by the two prime ministers, officials lined up to report on government affairs to Emperor Zhuang, according to their rank.

After all that fuss, Lin Yuanran felt his legs were numb. He glanced enviously at Zhao Zheng at the front, thinking how good it was that the Prime Minister was, receiving preferential treatment.

Around 10:30 a.m., Emperor Zhuang seemed to finally remember the purpose of calling Lin Yuanran over, and said loudly, "Mr. Morris, there is something I need to trouble you with."

Lin Yuanran frowned and stepped forward. After bowing, he felt something was wrong. Why would they summon someone like him, a nobody, to court? Was it not because of the arson case?

That's why...

"I dare not. Serving His Majesty and being loyal to the Great Chu is my duty!"

Lin Yuanran spoke in a serious and proper manner, but only Lü Jianming knew that Lin Yuanran, who was used to the ways of the duchy, had no respect for the emperor at all. If it weren't for his mission, he would never have come here to be so obsequious.

Emperor Zhuang cleared his throat and said, "These past few days, I have carefully considered the words of the two prime ministers, and I feel more and more that the matter of establishing a consort for the crown prince is of utmost urgency."

As he spoke, Emperor Zhuang looked at his beloved son, wanting to see his reaction.

Lü Jianming didn't react much.

Even when faced with the entire court of officials, or even his father, the emperor, he would still choose not to marry.

But since it was his uncle who forced him to marry, he dared not be willful and could only accept his fate.

The only requirement is...

I just hope that person isn't an ugly monster, like a bear-man who came to pay tribute. If that's the case, even if his uncle pierces his heart with a thousand arrows, he will still run away from the marriage and would rather die than submit!

Emperor Zhuang continued, "The two prime ministers and I have put a lot of effort into this matter, discussing it privately for a long time, and finally found a suitable person."

Inside the Tianqi Hall, it felt as if a heavy weight was hanging from the roof beams, making it hard for everyone to breathe.

The selection of a consort for the Crown Prince is a matter of state, and everyone present is eager to know who the consort chosen by Emperor Zhuang is.

Lin Yuanran was also looking forward to it.

Back in St. Louis College, Lü Jianming was arrogant and domineering, looking down on everyone. It's quite interesting to think about who could possibly subdue him.

"Many years ago, my Great Chu fought against the Debasa Empire at the Great Barrier. Although we were defeated, we did not let them get away with it either."

Now that my Great Chu has regained its former glory, they are showing signs of restlessness again. However, after that great battle, I finally understand that the conflict between our two nations cannot be resolved solely by force.

Lin Yuanran understood; this was an arranged marriage, and he wondered which unlucky girl it was.

Lu Jianming was initially in low spirits, but his eyes lit up when he heard what Emperor Zhuang said.

"May I ask, Father, has the candidate been chosen?"

Emperor Zhuang was slightly surprised by his behavior, thinking to himself, "Didn't you always look down on him? Why did you suddenly change your attitude and ask him questions? Have you really become sensible?"

"This matter was the result of a temporary discussion between me and the two prime ministers, and we have not yet informed the other party."

Today, we will announce this matter in front of all the officials, and then issue a document and send an envoy to 'Radiant City' Horlocke to request a marriage alliance.

Upon hearing this, Lin Yuanran understood even more. So, it turns out I'm going to be a matchmaker. No wonder they called me here; they probably valued my background as a member of the Duchy, which is close to the Debasa Empire, and the customs on both sides are similar.

Moreover, I am also Lü Jianming's classmate, so my status is appropriate.

No sooner had Emperor Zhuang finished speaking than a powerful voice rang out.

"Your Majesty, this is absolutely unacceptable!"

The person speaking was the second person in the right row; he immediately knelt down on both knees.

This man was tall and muscular, with an extremely robust physique, clearly someone who had practiced martial arts for many years.

This man was none other than Xue Ruyue, the Minister of War of the Great Chu.

His original name was Xue Chongyue. During a certain war, the late emperor praised him as steady as a mountain.

So he changed his name to Xue Ruyue, a typical supporter of imperial power.

His sudden appearance did not surprise Emperor Zhuang.

"Oh? What's wrong with it, Minister Xue?"

Despite being over fifty years old, Xue Ruyue remained strong and healthy on his knees, and said with a strong voice, "Your Majesty, when Debasa invaded our country with the full strength of the nation, I was fortunate enough to be appointed as the marshal and command the battle thanks to Your Majesty's favor."

In that protracted war, my mismanagement led to our country's crushing defeat, for which I am to blame and should atone with my death.

Your Majesty is merciful and spared my life. Since then, I have sharpened my sword day and night and studied military strategy, all for the sake of one day avenging the national humiliation.

Now that our Great Chu is at its strongest, we no longer fear the Debasa Empire. We have no need for a marriage alliance, no need to show weakness! The Crown Princess of Great Chu, with such a noble status, how could we allow a Debasa dog to be her!

Xue Ruyue's impassioned speech resonated with many officials, especially military officers, many of whom had personally experienced the great battle and were still burning with resentment, eager to make a name for themselves.

For them, defeat was a disgrace that had to be washed away with blood. Proposing a marriage alliance was seen as a sign of weakness, which they could not accept, and they all stepped forward to volunteer.

The long queue on the right side immediately descended into chaos. At the very front, Right Chancellor Du Fufeng slowly closed his eyes, neither cheering nor opposing, awaiting the Emperor's judgment.

The civilian officials on the left were more rational, and none of them echoed the sentiment.

Emperor Zhuang was so frightened that he "turned pale with fright" and hurriedly stepped down from his dragon throne, bending down to help the Minister of War who had led the kneeling.

But Xue Ruyue was stubborn and refused to stand up, his legs feeling like they were filled with lead.

Tears streamed down his face as he cried, “Your Majesty! This marriage alliance is absolutely unacceptable! The entire nation of Great Chu is proud and unyielding; we would rather fight than be humiliated. I beg Your Majesty to rescind your decree!”

As he spoke, Xue Ruyue broke free from Emperor Zhuang's hand, knelt down and took two steps to the side, then kowtowed heavily, touching his head to the ground.

With him taking the lead, the officials who supported him followed suit, one after another getting close to the ground.

"Your Majesty, please take back your order!"

……

……

P.S.: It seems the college entrance exam starts tomorrow. If there are any graduating students reading this, I wish you all the best.

I'm not very good with words, so I'll just share a lesser-known poem:

Six years of tattered clothes and dusty imperial city, a single day of swimming in the Heavenly Pool and shedding my scales.