The morning court session having concluded, Luo Xiaofeng, in an unprecedented move, did not immediately return to the Inner Palace to cultivate. Instead, he summoned the Grand Scholar Shu Wu and the Six Ministers to the Imperial Study for a private meeting...
Ye Jingyu, naturally, was also called to the Imperial Study...
So, when Ye Jingyu once again stepped into the Imperial Study, he saw Luo Xiaofeng seated firmly upon the golden-red round throne chair, while Grand Scholar Shu Wu and the various Ministers sat respectfully on the round stools below—a great honor indeed...
“This commoner, Ye Jingyu, pays respects to Your Majesty...” This was not his first visit to the Imperial Study; the last time had been with Hei Ming Shixuan. After sweeping his gaze over the assembly, Ye Jingyu stepped forward and performed a cupped-fist salute to Luo Xiaofeng...
Seeing an unfamiliar young man enter the Imperial Study, several ministers paused in surprise. However, upon hearing Ye Jingyu announce his name, looks of astonishment spread across their faces. They might not have met Ye Jingyu personally, but they had certainly heard the renown of his name...
It could be said that the smooth progress of the Northern Expedition War owed a great deal to Ye Jingyu’s effortless conquest of Lingyan City. Otherwise, Lingyan City alone would have been enough to drain the military strength of the Shu Yun Kingdom...
“Heh heh, Minister Ye, your rank as Great General remains secure, why refer to yourself as a commoner? Come, come, be seated, be seated...” Luo Xiaofeng burst into laughter, his face alight with cheerful expressions, showing no hint of impropriety...
“Your Majesty is too kind. It is precisely because I have come today that I wish to tender my resignation as Great General...” Ye Jingyu offered a bow but made no move to take the offered seat...
“Oh? For what reason, Minister Ye?” Luo Xiaofeng’s expression shifted to one of surprise...
“This commoner was apprehended by the Bai family. Fortunately, my Master arrived in person and rescued me. However, I was punished for my lack of discipline in my studies and confined for half a year. This confinement lasted a year and a half, making it impossible to attend to Your Majesty or manage the affairs of the Iron Army. I have failed Your Majesty's trust, and I feel deep remorse in my heart. I humbly request Your Majesty’s permission...” Ye Jingyu spoke without subservience or arrogance...
“Indeed? May I ask who Minister Ye’s Master is?” Luo Xiaofeng bypassed the issue of Ye Jingyu resigning his generalship and instead inquired about his Master. Since Ye Jingyu was taken by Bai Tianyu, there had been no news. No one dared to probe too deeply into the Bai family’s affairs—not even Luo Xiaofeng. Thus, everyone, like him, was astonished that Ye Jingyu had returned alive, and naturally suspected the power behind him...
“Please forgive this commoner’s temerity, but my Master has forbidden it, so I dare not speak...” Ye Jingyu uttered the words, yet a cold sneer played in his mind—revealing it might well shock the Emperor to death...
“Heh heh, I understand. I was too abrupt, Minister Ye. If you truly tire of the Great General’s post, I shall not force you. However, your loyalty to the nation is unwavering, and your merits during the Northern Expedition War were monumental. Over this past year and more, every time I thought of you, I could only sigh. Now that you have returned, I happen to have a position that requires your talents...” Luo Xiaofeng paused, and before Ye Jingyu could speak, he continued, “The former Commander of the Cloud Guard, Lin Xiao, passed away from illness, leaving the Cloud Guard without leadership. You held the rank of Commander of a Thousand Households in the past. With your capabilities, you can manage the post of Grand Commander, overseeing all civil officials on my behalf...”
“Hmm...” Ye Jingyu blinked in surprise. Not just him, but all the ministers in the Imperial Study were taken aback. Just how much authority did the Grand Commander of the Cloud Guard command? That was a position equal in stature to Shu Wu! Of course, in terms of prestige, he was far below Shu Wu, and in rank, he was lower than every minister present. But those entrenched in officialdom knew the true power wielded by the Cloud Guard...
To supervise all officials—nowadays, which official was entirely without blemish? For the ubiquitous Cloud Guard, uncovering the dirt on any one official was hardly a difficult task...
Thus, despite their low official rank, which official dared to show disrespect to the Cloud Guard? This explained why a mere Cloud Guard Centurion had once dared to berate a Military Advisor...
The former Grand Commander, Lin Xiao, had only secured that position in his fifties. How old was Ye Jingyu? Just past twenty. This was far too young...
“Your Majesty...” Before Ye Jingyu could speak, Shu Wu and the others could not hold back. Setting aside the question of Ye Jingyu's competence, even if he were capable, which of them present wished to see a man barely in his twenties wield such formidable power?
“I have decreed it. My esteemed ministers need not say more...” But Luo Xiaofeng cut off Shu Wu with a cold tone...
A chill settled in everyone’s hearts. They could not fathom why Luo Xiaofeng would make such a decision. But seeing his resolve so firm, they knew any further persuasion was futile, and they uttered no more...
Resigning the post of Great General only to become the Grand Commander of the Cloud Guard, with his title elevated from Baron to Earl of the Third Rank, transforming him into a high noble—this was Luo Xiaofeng’s compensation for the suffering Ye Jingyu had endured over the last year. Of course, had he not been captured by the Bai family, his achievements would have been far greater...
The matter was thus settled. After discussing matters of state with the ministers, Luo Xiaofeng dismissed the seven officials, leaving Ye Jingyu alone...
“Minister Ye, do you know why I have granted you the position of Grand Commander of the Cloud Guard?” Looking at Ye Jingyu seated below, Luo Xiaofeng displayed a faint smile. The Eunuch Yun behind him also wore a knowing smirk...
How would I know? It couldn’t be because I’m his bastard son, could it? Ye Jingyu cursed silently in his heart, yet offered a polite smile outwardly, “This humble official is dull-witted; I beg Your Majesty to instruct me...”
“Heh heh, you stayed the night at the Third Prince’s residence upon your return yesterday. You must have heard many complaints from the Third Prince...”
“Your Majesty, the Prince...” Ye Jingyu began to defend himself, but Luo Xiaofeng cut him off directly...
“Enough. You need not explain. As his father, I know precisely what he thinks. The Eldest Prince now monopolizes great power, and life is difficult for his brothers. To say they hold no grievances against me, their father, is impossible...” Luo Xiaofeng’s face held a faint smile...
Damn it, don't assume you know everything. I spent last night in the Imperial Palace... Ye Jingyu muttered inwardly...
“Your Majesty’s thoughts are beyond the grasp of mere mortals...” Though he thought thus, Ye Jingyu dared not voice it aloud...
“Heh heh, don't try to flatter me with empty words. I understand your nature perfectly. The reason I grant you the Cloud Guard’s Grand Command is this: ostensibly, it is to oversee the civil officials, but truly, it is for you to supervise the Crown Prince...” Luo Xiaofeng chuckled lightly at the flattering words from this young man who seldom showed him proper reverence...