The Princess of Northern Land
Chapter 378: Transition from Old to New (4)_1

Chapter 378: Chapter 378: Transition from Old to New (4)_1

With a single statement from the Emperor, the Crown Prince and the Grand Master were left speechless.

"The Emperor is wise." A chorus of ministers called out in agreement.

"Your Majesty, I believe the Grand Master is also considering the interests of the Imperial Court. Although the Northern Land is the Prince’s fief, it would be better to send officials from within the court to supervise. The former top scholar of the kingdom, Yuan Yanzhao, stepped forward to report."

Upon hearing this, all the court officials nodded in agreement. Though the Northern Land was barren and had harsh climates, it played an important role. It was the rear guard of Daqin. If control was fully handed over to the Prince and his family, it would seem somewhat inappropriate.

Hearing Yuan Yanzhao’s suggestion, the Emperor frowned slightly. "What do my loyal ministers make of what Minister Yuan has said?" he asked.

"Father, I believe Minister Yuan has a valid point." The Crown Prince glanced at Yuan Yanzhao in agreement.

"Who do my loyal ministers believe would be best to send?" enquired the Emperor.

At these words, the hall immediately fell silent.

The Northern Land was a harsh, frigid region. Each year, anyone who was sent there had either committed a serious crime or were recruited troops sent by the inner court. How could any of these officials who were accustomed to revel in extravagance wish to head to such hardships?

For a moment, the whole court was quiet, with no previous debate or discussion to be heard.

The Eighth Prince could not help but force a wry smile. Such were the officers of Daqin. The Emperor, indulging in pleasure, had countless beautiful women in his palace and the national treasury’s silver all spent on pleasures. The officers below him, following his example, were all entrenched in corruption with the Emperor turning a blind eye. Even if he wasn’t interested in state affairs, he was aware of the emptiness of the national treasury.

Now, asking these people to endure hardships in the North, how could it be easy?

"Just now, weren’t my loyal ministers eager in debate? Why the silence now?" The Emperor’s face darkened.

The ministers all uniformly lowered their heads and remained silent.

"Your humble servant is willing to share the Emperor’s concerns." At the height of tension, finally, someone was willing to step forward.

The ministers turned to look, and it turned out to be the newly appointed top scholar, Shao Liufeng.

"This humble servant is also willing to share the Emperor’s worries." Yuan Yanzhao stepped forward.

"This humble servant is willing to share the Emperor’s concerns." This time, it was the top martial arts scholar Wa Jie stepping forward.

The Crown Prince frowned slightly. Both current and former top scholars were bold enough to step forward. Why did he have a bad feeling about this?

"Your Majesty," The scholar of Hanlin Academy, Mei Hanqing also stood up. "I am willing to share your troubles."

"Father, we should not send too many officials to the North. I think it would be best to send just one person." The Crown Prince stood up in opposition. Mei Hanqing was a minister of the Hanlin Academy and held a significant influence among the nobles. If he went to the Northern Land, it would inevitably affect the young students who came after him.

"Your Majesty." Mei Hanqing bowed, "As the Northern Land is vast and the Prince has a wide jurisdiction, how would just one or two officials be able to manage it? Only by sending several people close to the Emperor to support each other could they pose a threat to the Prince. I am willing to take my family over and settle in the Northern Land to alleviate the Emperor’s worries."

Although the Emperor was somewhat incompetent, he was aware of Mei Hanqing’s character. This minister was very upright and had offended many officials in the court. However, among the younger scholars, he wielded significant influence.

Such a person could indeed be trusted. Looking down at Yuan Yanzhao and Shao Liufeng, along with the top martial scholar, they were all glaring at each other as if no one respected the other. He remembered reports from his spies that these three did not seem to respect each other. The Emperor immediately made up his mind.

"Minister Mei, your loyalty and courage are commendable. I approve of your decision." The Emperor said.