Eternal Life as False Emperor

Chapter 410: Chapter 345: The Crown Prince’s First Morning Court (Part 2)

"Xu Mujun, Zheng Zongbing, Zheng Zongxian, Zheng Xuanyue, Li Changfeng, Kong Xiangsi, Wang Anshi, all of whom are loyal and righteous, possessing both talent and virtue, I entrust with the task of ministers of imperial decree. You all must wholeheartedly assist the Crown Prince, fulfill your duties, correct the gains and losses, and ensure the eternal stability of my empire."

"By Your Majesty’s decree!"

Xu Mujun, Zheng Zongbing, Zheng Xuanyue, Li Changfeng, Kong Xiangsi, and Wang Anshi all stepped forward and respectfully said, "We ministers accept the decree with gratitude!"

With the seven ministers of imperial decree, Zheng Zongxian was still stationed at Black Mountain Pass, but after receiving the order, he immediately resigned and returned.

In at most half a month, he will arrive in the Capital City.

As the only Innate Realm expert in the Great Yu Imperial Family, Zheng Zongxian’s arrival will once again strengthen the power of the imperial family.

"Long live the Emperor!"

Seeing this, Lu Xin spoke again, "Submit reports if you have them, otherwise the court is dismissed~!"

Xu Mujun was the first to step forward, "Crown Prince, now that Your Majesty is in seclusion, he has appointed you to supervise the nation. All governmental affairs will be decided in consultation with the Cabinet and you."

Remembering his mother’s advice, Zheng Chengji quickly said, "Xu Qing, I... understand. Before leaving, Father also advised me to learn from all you ministers."

Xu Mujun nodded, "It is best that the Crown Prince has such intentions. We ministers will certainly assist the Crown Prince wholeheartedly, living up to Your Majesty’s trust."

Zheng Chengji said, "Does Xu Qing have any important matters to report?"

"Responding to the Crown Prince, major court affairs are handled by the Cabinet. However, there are indeed two matters that require Your Majesty’s decision."

Zheng Chengji became interested, "What matters?"

"Wei Country."

Xu Mujun said, "Last year, King Wei passed away, but his heir was forced by the Third Prince and internal power ministers to flee to our Great Yu."

"At that time, Your Majesty ordered Cai Dashi and General Qu Bo’s Second Army to enter Wei and quell the unrest."

"Now General Qu Bo’s Second Army has already entered Wei Country, defeating seven of Wei’s troops, and they are less than a hundred li from Wei’s capital."

"Now, the Third Prince of Wei is seeking surrender, willing to abdicate the King Wei’s position, only hoping to spare his family’s life."

Zheng Chengji cautiously asked, "What does the Cabinet think of this?"

Xu Mujun did not speak, but Zheng Xuanyue stepped forward and said, "Replying to the Crown Prince, Your Majesty’s idea is... the false King Wei is greatly treasonous, having usurped the title of king, we must not accept his surrender."

"His entire family is also labeled as treasonous and is to be executed."

Zheng Chengji nodded slightly, "I see, it seems Father intends to support the heir of King Wei?"

"Cough cough..."

Zheng Xuanyue coughed lightly, then said, "Crown Prince, General Qu Bo reported that half a month ago, when the battles were going smoothly, the heir of King Wei suddenly went hunting in the mountains."

"But at that time, the mountains were covered with thick snow, and the horse of King Wei’s heir far outpaced the accompanying guards, and he disappeared."

"At that time, the heavy snow sealed the mountains, and the soldiers could not search, they could only wait until the snow stopped before searching again."

"Finally, they found the heir of King Wei in a mountain hollow... but unfortunately, the heir of King Wei had already passed away."

"According to the examination by the accompanying military doctor, the heir of King Wei was pierced through the abdomen by a beast like a wild boar, and due to excessive bleeding and not receiving timely medical treatment, he passed away."

"What?!"

Zheng Chengji was surprised, "Did the heir of King Wei also pass away?"

"Then why does Father still want to execute the whole family of the Third Prince of Wei?"

"Wouldn’t that mean Wei has no heir?"

As soon as he finished speaking, there was no response in the entire hall, everyone looked at him with a strange gaze.

Zheng Chengji immediately realized he had said something wrong and instinctively looked at Xu Mujun.

Seeing this, Xu Mujun said softly, "Your Majesty, without an heir in Wei, it should naturally be managed by our Great Yu."

Only then did Zheng Chengji realize, understanding the intentions of his Father and the Cabinet.

This is a merit of expanding territory!

Though Wei is in a harsh land, it borders the East Sea and is rich in resources.

At the very least, its land area is much larger than Nanyue County.

Given time, the Great Yu Thirteen States may see a new state, Weizhou!

Thinking of this, he quickly changed the topic, "So Xu Qing, what is the second matter?"

Xu Mujun said, "When Your Majesty was in office, he once decreed the establishment of military regions within our Great Yu Thirteen States to guard local areas."

"The Cabinet and Ministry of War, based on the situation of each state’s garrison and border army, have already made a preliminary plan, only needing the final stamp to announce it to the world."

"Oh? What military regions are there?"

Xu Mujun took out a memorial and said,

"Central Military Region, stationed in the Capital Region, covering Bingzhou, Qingzhou, and Jizhou."

"Northern Military Region, stationed in Binzhou, covering Binzhou, Youzhou, and Haizhou."

"Southern Military Region, stationed in Jiangzhou, covering Yunzhou, Jinggzhou, Jiangzhou, and Nanyue County."

"Eastern Military Region, stationed in Haizhou, radiates to Haizhou, Xuzhou, and other regions."

"Western Military Region, stationed in Yongzhou, radiates to Yongzhou, Shuzhou, and other regions."

"In addition, the North Sea Navy and the South Sea Navy will be established to jointly guard the maritime borders of Great Yu."

Zheng Chengji was momentarily bewildered, not quite familiar with the Great Yu Thirteen States and these military regions.

Nevertheless, he nodded and said, "I wonder who commands these five major military regions... and the North Sea and South Sea? What are their standings?" ƒгeeweɓn૦vel.com

Xu Mujun said, "Each military region has one main commander, three deputy generals, and several other officials stationed in various places."

"At the same time, to ensure that the major military regions do not form separate warlords, the commanders of each region are rotated every five years."

Xu Mujun’s tone was peculiar, "This matter was urged on by Your Majesty alone; it cannot be abolished."

"Your Majesty is the overall commander of the five major military regions and the two navies; any military appointments must be decided by Your Majesty."

"Among them, the Central Military Region is commanded by myself as the National Guardian General."

"The Eastern Military Region is commanded by General Cui Xiawu, bestowed with the position of General of the East, a first-grade military officer."

"The Western Military Region is commanded by General Miaoo Xiu, bestowed with the position of General of the West, a first-grade military officer."

"The Southern Military Region is commanded by General Guanshan, bestowed with the position of General of the South, a first-grade military officer."

"The Northern Military Region is commanded by General Xu Qilin, bestowed with the position of General of the North, a first-grade military officer."

"These four were appointed by Your Majesty as the main commanders of the five major military regions, attaining first-grade status, and are in charge of all military affairs in their respective state counties, independent of the state administrative systems."

"Besides serving as the National Guardian General of the Central Military Region, I am also the first principal of the Great Yu Military Academy, primarily responsible for cultivating officers of Great Yu."

Having heard so much in the clouds and mist, Zheng Chengji had gained some understanding of the five military regions.

"Eh, that’s not right, General Xu."

Zheng Chengji suddenly asked, "Didn’t you say that besides the five military regions, there are also the North Sea and South Sea Navies? What about them?"

Xu Mujun replied, "The original main commander of the North Sea Navy was General Meng Guang."

"However, he is currently stationed in Yunmeng Marsh and cannot be in two places at once in the short term."

"As for the South Sea Navy, it has not yet been established."

"Your Majesty’s intention is to draw naval talents from the North Sea Navy to establish the South Sea Navy."

"The preliminary investigation for the location of the South Sea Navy can be set up along the coast of Nanyue County."

"As for the position of the main commander of the South Sea Navy, the Cabinet is still in discussion."

"At that time, it may be submitted to the Crown Prince for your decision."

Zheng Chengji nodded and said, "I understand..."

After discussing some matters, the young eight-year-old Zheng Chengji was somewhat weary.

Seeing this situation, Xu Mujun and the Cabinet members wisely refrained from reporting more state affairs.

"Adjourn~!"

With Lu Xin’s loud exclamation, Zheng Chengji’s first court as regent came to an end.

On the way back to the palace, Zheng Chengji caught his breath, rubbed his temples, and said, "It’s so tiring to hold court, no wonder Father Emperor retreats to the Celestial Longevity Mountain Palace for seclusion~"

Lu Xin cautiously said, "Your Highness was truly magnificent today; so many officials bowed to you!"

Zheng Chengji also smiled and said, "I am the Crown Prince and the future Emperor, of course, they must bow to me!"

"The Crown Prince is truly magnificent~!"

Lu Xin added, "However, this servant noticed something during today’s court."

"What is it?"

"This servant noticed that the civil and military officials seem to respect Grand General Xu more~"

Zheng Chengji furrowed his brow and said, "Grand General Xu has contributed immeasurably to the country and the people, and even Father Emperor trusts him greatly."

"It’s only right for the officials to respect the Grand General~"

Lu Xin lightly tapped his mouth and cautiously said, "It was impertinent of this servant; I hope Your Highness forgives me~!"

"Forget it, you mean well, just don’t speak out of turn in front of outsiders in the future."

"Yes~!"

Lu Xin smiled faintly, but didn’t care much inwardly.

Once or twice might not be effective, but over the years, it would undoubtedly change Zheng Chengji’s thoughts and ideas.

By then, he would have fulfilled the orders given by the Lu Family.

"This servant has already ordered the palace attendants to prepare hot water. When you return, Your Highness can take a bath, and this servant will personally massage you to relieve fatigue."

"Brother Xin did well~"