"Clan meeting?"

Early the next morning, Zheng Yi had already received intelligence from the Shadow Guard about Xu Mujun planning to hold a clan meeting.

He did not respond to this news.

The actions of the Xu Family, under his indulgence, had indeed been pushing the limits.

It wasn’t just the arrogance and brutality of the clan members against the loyal and good, but more importantly, it involved Xu Mujun himself.

Nowadays, Xu Mujun’s reputation was indeed too great.

After decades of campaigns both north and south, in the southern states, many citizens, officials, especially military personnel, only knew of Xu Mujun and not the Imperial Court.

The existence of Xu Mujun was a heavy burden on both Zheng Yi and the Imperial Court.

Achievements overshadow the lord.

Of course, Zheng Yi felt assured about Xu Mujun, but he couldn’t ease the concerns of other officials and the royal relatives.

The self-degradation by Xu Mujun, along with the existence of his clan members, was meant to balance Xu Mujun’s reputation.

This day at the Great Court.

Because Xu Mujun had suddenly returned to the Capital City, almost all civil and military officials attended the court, whispering among themselves.

"His Majesty arrives!!!"

"Your servants greet Your Majesty, wishing Your Majesty longevity and prosperity!"

"All ministers may rise."

"Present your matters early, or else the court is dismissed."

After a few moments of silence, Xu Mujun, standing at the forefront of the civil and military officials, was the first to step forward and speak: "Your Majesty, I have a report."

"Speak, Xu Qing."

"The Xuzhou campaign is settled, King Chen has been executed, and the remaining rebels have scattered. It is only a matter of time before the Imperial troops take over Xuzhou."

Xu Mujun respectfully said: "But I am old and carrying hidden injuries, now residing in the Capital City, it’s inconvenient to lead the southern armies."

"I request to dismiss my position as Grand Marshal of the World and Acting Authority, and recommend a new Commander-in-Chief for the southern armies."

Zheng Yi said: "Approved."

"Since you are unwell, enjoy your retirement in the Capital City."

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Under the examination of Xiong Gang, Tianxingzi, and several other cultivators, Xu Mujun’s divine soul indeed suffered irreversible damage.

His lifespan was less than ten years.

In these ten years, allow Xu Mujun to enjoy a good life in the Capital.

The dialogue between sovereign and minister, however, caused the surrounding civil and military officials to look at each other in dismay.

What’s the situation?

Is Xu Mujun retiring?

And volunteering to give up the position of Grand Marshal of the World?

Willing to relinquish military power?

This...

Is Grand General Xu noble and virtuous, or is it that... achievements overshadow the lord?

Is His Majesty preparing to deal with Xu Mujun?

Many exchanged glances, pondering in secret.

There were also many who looked toward a few people at the front, secretly exchanging thoughts.

"Xu Qing."

Zheng Yi continued: "I am not very familiar with the military affairs of the southern states. As you were the commander, who do you think is capable of commanding the southern military now?"

"Your Majesty, currently the southern rebellion remains only in Jiangzhou, with the main rebel force based in Tianlong Temple."

Xu Mujun said: "Among the southern armies, whether it’s General Miaoo Xiu, General Meng Guang, or General Cui Xiawu, or General Guanshan, they are all well-versed in military matters and battle-hardened, all can serve as lead general."

"Everything, follows Your Majesty’s command."

"I am asking for your opinion, Xu Qing."

After a quick contemplation, Xu Mujun replied: "General Cui Xiawu."

"Oh, why so?"

"Although General Cui Xiawu is young, he has participated in several battles."

"The Battle of Black Mountain Pass, the battle of Mangzhou and Huangzhou Two States, the pacification of Guanzhong, and the Shuzhou uprising were all led by General Cui Xiawu."

Xu Mujun continued: "And now on the Xuzhou battlefield, General Cui Xiawu is thoroughly involved, well aware of military affairs in Xuzhou, Jiangzhou, and other places."

"For the Jiangzhou campaign, General Cui Xiawu is the best candidate."

As soon as he finished, the civil and military officials instinctively started whispering amongst themselves.

"Grand General Xu unexpectedly recommended someone from the Cui family, truly... noble and virtuous!"

"I wonder how Elder Cui will react?"

"Besides Jiangzhou, isn’t there still Jinggzhou Yunmeng Marsh..."

"Shush... let’s see what the Cabinet says?"

The civil and military officials whispered, and after intentionally waiting for over ten breaths, Zheng Yi looked towards the Cabinet direction.

"Elder Lu, what are the Cabinet’s opinions?"

The elderly Lu Xiangqing feebly stepped forward: "Your Majesty, the Cabinet’s preferred candidate is also General Cui Xiawu."

"Very well, then appoint Cui Xiawu as the lead general of the southern armies to oversee the suppression of the Jiangzhou Tianlong Temple rebellion..."

"Report...!"

At this moment, an Imperial Guard quickly walked in, holding a memorial in his hands.

Strangely, the memorial had a white paper cover, an ambiguous omen.

Liu Cheng’en asked: "What is it?"

"Your Majesty... Lord Cui Jinghao has passed away!"

In the 13th year of Zhengyong, on November 25th.

The former Minister of the Ministry of Justice and First Chief of the Cabinet, Lord Cui Jinghao, passed away in his old home in Qinghe County.

The Emperor issued a Holy Decree for all funeral arrangements to be managed by the Ministry of Rites, and for him to be buried in the ancestral grave of the Qinghe Cui Clan.

On November 28th.

Noble Consort Cui requested permission to return home for mourning, and the Emperor granted it.

In the 13th year of Zhengyong, on the first day of December.

The Emperor decreed: "By the mandate of Heaven, the Emperor proclaims:"

"To honor the rectitude, empathize with the elders, and extend posthumous grace to commend the virtue during one’s lifetime. You, former Cabinet University Scholar Cui Jinghao, were knowledgeable and tactful, just and upright. Your scholarship had profound roots, deeply embodying the essence of sage wisdom. Your aspirations were free from obstructions, firmly holding to the richness of ethical principles, recording the chronicles of the previous reigns with impartiality, establishing an upright legacy for posterity."

"Pure, virtuous, contentment in humility, remembering your past labors, it is fitting to bestow praise and pity upon you, and thusly bestow the posthumous title of ’Wending’, to show gracious favor, to illuminate the secluded chamber with an everlasting legacy, thus blessing future generations and forever extending the grace of heights." 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝒆𝒘𝙚𝓫𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

"May your spirit rest at peace, honor this decree."

Wending, to be a great deliberator who calms the people is said to be ’Ding’; to act purely with no errors is said to be ’Ding’; to calm the people through great deliberation is said to be ’Ding’; to calm the people by following ancient practices is said to be ’Ding’.

This posthumous title is a first-class, positive posthumous title.

Upon hearing this title, countless officials and citizens offered their respect to the imperial grace, kneeling in gratitude to His Majesty.

Especially the Cui clan members and officials, who could barely contain their jubilation.

Watching the letters from the Cui clan members, Zheng Yi sighed silently and shook his head.

Years ago, due to involvement in the Pseudo-Yan rebellion, Cui Jinghao lost his position as Minister of the Ministry of Justice and Cabinet Minister, and only by giving up 200,000 acres of punishment land did he successfully retire.

Logically, Cui Jinghao, being a disgraced individual and the first high-ranking official to pay ’punishment land’, would be recorded in history books and remembered in infamy.

But Zheng Yi still granting him a posthumous title of ’Wending’ was an acknowledgment of his contributions.

After all, during the early reign of Emperor Zhengyong, Cui Jinghao achieved notable accomplishments.

Especially during Zheng Yi’s leadership of the court, he offered many suggestions, helping to stabilize the court.

Most importantly, he was Cui Xiabing’s grandfather.

Just that was enough.

"Sigh..."

He took a deep breath, letting out all the frustration in his heart.

As time passed, those familiar faces were leaving him one by one.

Whether they were friends or enemies, familiar or unfamiliar, they would become passing shadows.

In the secret chamber of Baiyu City, on a wide stone bed, lay a beautiful young girl.

Above the girl’s head, a painting floated gently in mid-air, sealing the space around her.

"Dog Emperor... let me go!"