The rest of the aristocrats were not having an easy time either, only slightly better off than the members of the imperial family being kept in captivity.

Now, with someone like Xu Qing, who has an almost divine presence, joining them, the aristocrats seem to see hope of revitalizing their old glory, almost envisioning a beautiful future where they regain the radiance they had at the founding of the Dynasty.

Some aristocrats even began to imagine the scenario in which, on the court, the aristocratic group once again takes a significant lead, standing on equal footing against the civil servant group.

After a brief uproar and commotion, the hall gradually quieted down, and everyone fell into silence.

At this moment, the Emperor raised his hand slowly and struck the Jade Chime, a clear and melodious sound reverberated in the hall, as if reminding everyone to return to the main topic.

The Emperor's expression was calm, and he said lightly, "It seems none of you are opposed to the matter of granting Xu Qing a noble title."

As he spoke, he turned his gaze to Huo Jing and continued to ask, "Elder Huo, in your view, what title should Xu Qing be given?"

Huo Jing bowed slightly and replied respectfully, "I believe that Xu Qing has accomplished outstanding feats on various occasions, and being so young and having achieved such unparalleled accomplishments, it would be fitting to grant him the title of Champion Marquis."

Upon hearing this, the ministers were all taken aback.

Throughout history, there have been two individuals who were granted the title of Champion Marquis. One of them was one of the Empire's Twin Pillars, renowned for sweeping the battlefield in his youth, achieving immortal feats, and becoming a model admired by future military generals;

The other was a relative with significant power for a time, who, though domineering and presumptuous, also left a profound mark in history.

Of course, the former young Empire's Twin Pillar was also of a relative background, but while his actions were somewhat presumptuous, he did not abuse power; rather, his remarkable military success on the battlefield and his legendary life made him the focus of attention.

In some ways, these two Champion Marquises were both powerful figures in their respective eras, renowned far and wide.

And Xu Qing's current achievements and influence bear some similarities to these two Champion Marquises, with the only difference being that Xu Qing is not of a relative background.

The glorious achievements of the first Champion Marquis need not be elaborated, while the second Champion Marquis, in a sense, was also a regent like Huo Guang, whose end was tragic.

Interestingly, the younger Champion Marquis's brother was Huo Guang, who, although his end was not great, successfully revived the Han Dynasty during his term, continuing the splendor of the Han Realm.

Huo Jing's proposal for this title is indeed intriguing.

From a negative perspective, this title somewhat carries a hint of a curse implying Xu Qing's poor outcome, or even an early death.

After all, the ultimate fates of the two historical Champion Marquises were not perfect. But from a positive viewpoint, this is undoubtedly the old Emperor showing his deepest trust and regard for Xu Qing, with a vibe of handing over the dynasty.

However, if the true intent is to express the handing over of the dynasty, directly granting the title of Loyal Martial Marquis might be the best choice. Because Loyal Martial Marquis is an exclusive title of the Zhuge family, Zhuge Liang's life was dedicated, loyal, and wise, admired by later generations, and this title represents an entirely positive image.

But considering the perspective of age and accomplishments, the Champion Marquis title is indeed more appropriate. Moreover, does this also imply that the old Emperor still harbors the grand ambition of striking north, defeating the grassland, and sealing the Langju Hsu?

At this moment, the sharp-minded and clever people among the ministers have already realized that this must have been previously discussed between the old Emperor and Huo Jing.

They could not find any reason to oppose, so they all shouted, "Holy and Wise!"

Just like that, Xu Qing's title was settled in this grand court discussion.

...

...

"Elder Huo, what exactly do you mean today? Xu Gongming has the world's respect, even if he becomes an aristocrat, he can still control the court, or even lead the aristocrats to compete with us for power." After the court finished, the Minister of Military Affairs and Minister of War Hong Xuan intercepted Huo Jing and directly questioned.

Among the civil servants, there is no lack of smart people. After the court finished, many people realized that Xu Qing becoming an aristocrat was not a good thing for everyone either.

But during the grand court discussion, no one was willing to step up and oppose.

Because they were also unsure if Xu Qing and the old Emperor had reached an agreement.

In this Great Yu Dynasty, as long as it's something agreed between the old Emperor and Xu Qing, even if the Heavenly King himself came, he couldn't oppose it.

Besides, what if it's a trap to lure the snake out of the hole?

They wouldn't want to get a beating.

They've been beaten enough by Xu Qing over the years.

So it's better to pick the softest fruit to squeeze.

Hong Xuan said nothing during the grand court discussion and directly found Huo Jing to question after the court ended.

This old guy is also up to no good.

He questioned Huo Jing not only to vent for the Outer Court ministers but also to establish authority using Huo Jing as a Grand Secretary and enhance the power of the Military Affairs Office.

To put it simply, power is contested.

Since its establishment, the Military Affairs Office must compete for power with the Cabinet, otherwise, why establish the Military Affairs Office in the first place?

Huo Jing understood Hong Xuan's intentions thoroughly.

He said calmly, "Xu Gongming is a public-minded person, not one who seeks power. Is Hong Daren suggesting Xu Gongming is a petty-minded villain? Please forgive me for not agreeing."

After all, Huo Jing has been the mainstay of the Inspection Bureau for many years and is a master of argumentation.

Indeed, Hong Xuan was a bit too young and intended to give the old man a hard time but got a taste of his own medicine instead.

He, however, is skilled at gauging situations, and with a smile, said, "Fairness is in people's hearts, Elder Huo. Since you are unwilling to say, I dare not pursue further. Farewell."

He departed gracefully.

Huo Jing cursed inwardly, what shamelessness.

Unable to argue, they resorted to irrational rants and veiled insults.

Well, that's a typical skill used by civil servants.

It's not important whether to kill or not, as long as you can attack the heart and throw dirt, as long as you disgust the opponent.

Huo Jing now clearly understands that not explaining anything is best, at worst, let the saliva dry on its own.

However, after the court ended, he immediately wrote a sincerely worded congratulatory letter to Xu Gongming and sent his wife to greet Feng Wu.

He increasingly feels that being a Grand Secretary is meaningless, being caught between the old Emperor and Xu Qing, serving as a punching bag.

If he were to return to the Capital, adding a Prince Yu would mean facing attacks from three sides, who could bear that?

Old Liang is really clever.

Huo Jing now has to admire Old Liang's foresight, fleeing directly.

This position of Grand Secretary, unless one is as strong as Zhang Tai'a, is better not taken.

If only he had set a price and sold it to Wang Gong, he could have been the Minister of Rites or Minister of Personnel, wouldn't that have been delightful?

Yet having been a Grand Secretary, the amount of space it takes up in history is different; should Huo Jing have never been a Grand Secretary for his entire life, he would not be willing either.

Oh well, just getting by, can he possibly resign?

...

...

"Granduncle, are you saying that His Majesty has set his eyes on the Celestial Spirit Sealed by my husband?" Feng Wu frowned.

The Emperor of the Great Yu has the Emperor's Dragon Qi, protected by the Dynasty Destiny and is not afraid of Dao Skill masters. During the battle on Taihe Mountain, almost all the martial arts masters from all over the world came.

Thus, even though the Hierarch of Heshan Tao is so powerful, he did not dare to go to Taihe Mountain.

Similarly, the Snowfield Living Buddha is the same.

Only an entity like the Old Black Mountain Demon, a creator, who can also be considered as a Human Immortal, dared to face the Emperor.

The Temple Master of Chaotian Temple nodded slowly, "His Majesty may not actually want it, it may just be a test. If Gongming does not hand it over, he may continue to forcibly demand it, or he may pretend nothing happened."

Feng Wu knew in her heart that with her husband having reached his current position, he was bound to clash with the imperial power.

In fact, the old Emperor and her husband now, if they do not handle it properly, will both suffer in the future when facing great enemies like the Old Black Mountain Demon, the Snowfield Living Buddha, and Grandmaster Murong, and neither will fare well.

She pondered for a while, then said, "Thank you, granduncle, for the reminder. I will discuss this with my husband before making a decision."

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