I Have A Qi Fortune Altar.
Chapter 621: 422: The Struggle for the Leadership of the Imperial City!_2

Chapter 621: Chapter 422: The Struggle for the Leadership of the Imperial City!_2

“Taking command of the Heavenly Patrol Bureau’s patrols would be more suitable for now, and once Green Envoy Chen Yuan breaks through to the True Core, appointing him as one of the eight Great Commanders wouldn’t be too late.”

Becoming a patrol commander is considered to be a step below the eight Great Commanders, but it is not subordinate to them; rather, it is directly under the command of the four Divine Envoys of the Heavenly Patrol Bureau, so it can indeed be considered a position of high status and authority.

Generally, candidates for the Great Commander positions are expected to be stronger than the Vice Envoys of the states; however, if a Vice Envoy holds real power, then it’s more of an even match.

“Moreover, with the ancestral rites coming up in three years, Green Envoy Chen Yuan lacks any experience. If he performs poorly, not only will he face criticism, but even His Majesty might be implicated…”

The recently vacated command position was already in the sights of Cao Zhengxian; it was prepared for Yang Yuanqing. Even though his status beside the Emperor is not insignificant, after all, real power is what he lacks.

Without first taking the position of Imperial City Commander, he wouldn’t be able to naturally succeed as the Supervisor, and for his adopted son, Cao Zhengxian has truly racked his brains.

Furthermore, today Yang Yuanqing was reprimanded by the Emperor, and imperial favor is gradually fading, so preparations must be made early.

“Your humble servant believes that Supervisor Cao’s words are incorrect. Now, everyone under heaven knows that His Majesty summoned Chen Yuan into the Capital to entrust him with important tasks. Assigning him with just the role of a patrol commander could make others see this as petty.

Chen Yuan has brought glory to the country, becoming the first in the court to ascend as a rising dragon. With such merit, is that not enough to silence the idle talk? As for ‘experience,’ that’s nothing but a groundless claim by Supervisor Cao.”

Upon hearing the term ‘groundless claim,’ Cao Zhengxian’s expression changed slightly. Even though he is a eunuch, he does not wish to be referred to in such a way.

In fact, with his cultivation and power, he had long been capable of finding Spiritual Objects to regenerate limbs, it’s just that… there was no use for it in the Harem.

Moreover, he himself had no interest in such matters; isn’t it all just about going in and out?

“The triennial ancestral rites are simply a matter of following the rituals as per the book, replicating the previous years’ ceremonies. Moreover, the Imperial City Commander is only responsible for the defense, while all matters concerning sacrificial offerings and etiquette are governed by the Ministry of Rites.”

“Supervisor Cao himself has said Chen Yuan is a pillar of the state, a talented individual. Can’t such a talent take on the role of the Imperial City Commander, which is just a minor position?”

Divine Envoy Zhang Yantong said in a deep voice.

“Your Majesty…”

Cao Zhengxian was about to say something more, but Jingtai interrupted him with a wave of his hand, saying indifferently:

“Both ministers make some good points, but since Chen has indeed made significant contributions to the court, how can he be properly rewarded and convince the masses without a generous honor?”

Upon hearing this, Cao Zhengxian’s brow furrowed tightly, and he quickly said:

“Your Majesty, it is true that Green Envoy Chen Yuan has contributed, but Yang Yuanqing has also served Your Majesty with hard work and dedication for many years. It was your old servant’s intention to appoint him as the Imperial City Commander.”

He knew well that in recent years the Emperor intended to weaken the Heavenly Patrol Bureau’s power in the Capital and wanted the Imperial Supervision Bureau to act as a check against it. The Imperial Supervision Bureau had previously seized two commander positions from the Heavenly Patrol Bureau, which was orchestrated by Jingtai.

Upon hearing this, Jingtai’s tone became strained, and he did not continue what he had been about to say. His original intention was to directly appoint Chen Yuan, and that’s why Cao Zhengxian had interrupted.

The Emperor’s word is as heavy as nine cauldrons, carrying the weight of heaven’s laws; once spoken, it cannot be changed, especially not in front of so many people, as it would undermine the Emperor’s authority.

“Do you also wish to take the role of Imperial City Commander?” Jingtai turned his gaze to Yang Yuanqing.

“Your humble servant wishes to exert himself for the country, to guard the Imperial City for Your Majesty,” Yang Yuanqing immediately said, bowing. He did not express that he had been by the Emperor’s side for too long and now sought a position of real authority.

That would be a death sentence!

In fact, the reason why he asked his adoptive father to transfer him to the role of Imperial City Commander was not only to gain real power but also to distance himself from the Emperor, who he had felt becoming more terrifying and unpredictable in recent years.

Serving the monarch is like accompanying a tiger; he had become timid.

This was why he wished to keep his distance. Otherwise, if it was just about power and status, serving beside the Emperor would rank him above any of the eight Great Commanders or Gold Envoys of remote states.

The concubines of the Imperial Palace who sought the Emperor’s favor had to treat him with utmost deference, entirely at his whim.

Jingtai tapped his fingers on the table, his eyes slightly squinting as he pondered some matters. As of now, the Imperial Supervision Bureau had been able to seize two commander positions from the Heavenly Patrol Bureau in the Imperial City, and as Cao Zhengxian had guessed, it was at his instigation.

That was the reason why the Imperial Supervision Bureau succeeded and why the Divine Envoys of the Heavenly Patrol Bureau did not react too strongly. Otherwise, with the power of the Heavenly Patrol Bureau, they were not something the Imperial Supervision Bureau could compare with.

His real aim was to completely separate the inner and outer cities, where the four Great Commanders of the outer city would be under the Heavenly Patrol Bureau, while the four Great Commanders of the inner city would fall under the Imperial Supervision Bureau.

The power of the Heavenly Patrol Bureau was too strong, with one peerless True Monarch seeking to break through to the Sixth Realm, and four Refining God powerhouses stationed in the Capital, in addition to over a dozen Gold Envoys commanding different regions.

If they were to develop misgivings…

It was inevitable that the calamity that befell the Royal Family in the past would reoccur.

Of course, not only the Heavenly Patrol Bureau, but the military as well was something Jingtai was gradually weakening, distributing the troops of several posts within the Capital and keeping them firmly under his control.

If one desires to revitalize Great Jin and stem the decline, the first step is to gather all power into one’s own hands, thereby preventing the court from its gradual fall.

Watching Jingtai deep in thought, Zhang Yantong frowned, naturally conceiving of some matters, and feared that appointing Chen Yuan as the Imperial City Commander was not as simple as it seemed.