The officials, led by Dong Chen and Yan Ming, reacted fiercely, prostrating themselves and lamenting the dangers of Qin Feng monopolizing power.
Mu Cheng swept his gaze over the assembled officials with a heavy heart. He wished he could nurture more young talent or cultivate loyal subjects like Cheng Qing. However, the court was filled with those whose loyalty was insufficient, and those with ability who harbored ulterior motives. He couldn't replicate Liang Xiao's method of selecting talent due to differing national conditions.
Liang Xiao's words also enlightened him. If he didn't prepare for the future, a sudden death could leave Qin Feng, despite holding command of the Zhenbei Army and the King of the North's Imperial Guard, vulnerable. Facing the pressure of the entire nation's forces and the new monarch's imperial authority, Qin Feng would quickly be stripped of his military power if he didn't rebel. Therefore, it was essential to have a loyal and capable subject in charge of the nation's military power to restrain the next Emperor of Da Liang and prevent conflict with Da Gan, which would only lead to widespread suffering.
At this moment, the Right Prime Minister Cheng Qing also looked troubled, unsure of what to do. He trusted Qin Feng's character, but he feared that Qin Feng's sole control of power would provoke a strong backlash from these aristocratic families. However, Cheng Qing soon had an epiphany. Why did they object? Was it not because they coveted military power? Since that was the case, entrusting the nation's military power to Qin Feng was at least more reliable than handing it over to them. His role would then be to navigate gracefully, appear impartial, offend no one, and serve as a bridge for communication and negotiation between the factions.
Qin Feng, following Mu Cheng's suggestion, feigned reluctance, saying, "Your Majesty, your subject is still young and cannot bear such a heavy responsibility..."
"Gan Luo was only twelve when he served the Qin state. You are over thirty, and it is because of you that Da Liang has grown unprecedentedly strong. How can you not manage this?" Mu Cheng put on an air of displeasure and then looked at Dong Chen and the others, "Minister Qin has already donated his entire fortune to the national treasury and is supported solely by the government. If you possess his courage, I would not object to giving you power."
The crowd below was instantly silenced, and everyone retreated to their ranks, daring not to speak. Their family wealth ranged from hundreds of thousands of taels of silver to over ten million. Qin Feng then expressed his gratitude. Regardless of the opposition from the officials, they could not change Mu Cheng's mind.
When the imperial decree spread, it shocked the entire city. However, due to the propaganda of the Da Gan Daily, Qin Feng was widely popular among the common people, and there was no general opposition. The heads of the aristocratic families of Da Liang gathered in a secret chamber of the Yan family, seething with anger.
"This incompetent ruler is becoming more and more wanton. Should we rebel!"
Iris said coldly, "The matter is settled. Military power is in Qin Feng's hands, and it cannot be changed. That dog emperor won't live much longer. Don't you even have this much patience?" The crowd had no choice but to accept reality.
"Shouldn't Liang Xiao also return to Da Gan?" Iris's voice trembled. The others were stunned and nodded. Could this sect leader, who had been elusive for over a decade and could once annihilate tens of thousands of people in two countries with a mere flick of his finger, also feel fear? After Long Yue's death, she feared Liang Xiao would discover her as well and had been hiding here for over a month, afraid to leave her residence!
At the Court of State Ceremonial, Liang Xiao gazed northward with a solemn expression. He vaguely understood Mu Cheng's intention in enfeoffing Qin Feng. Unfortunately, Mu Cheng was destined to be disappointed, yet he had still resolutely proceeded.
The Li family and the Chess Hall members had finished their preparations. All their land and houses were sold, and the proceeds converted into Da Gan silver notes. The Yue family had pledged allegiance to Liang Xiao, and the Li family also intended to seek his favor. However, considering that Liang Xiao already had many wives and that Li Xin had previously expressed to Mu Cheng her intention to live a solitary life, they dared not propose marriage on her behalf. If not for this incident, Li Xin might have been the foremost among the Heng Jiang Six Beauties and been betrothed to Qin Feng by Mu Cheng.
The entire Li family, except for Li Xin, was in low spirits. Only Li Xin was beaming with joy every day, often receiving lectures from her elders. Her father, Li Shiheng, had promised to strive for success in the officialdom of Da Gan and to arrange more meetings with the Marquis of Anguo for her! Zhuo Xun remained by the side of the Chess Sage, and the master and disciple were much more cheerful than before.
The Yan family was furious upon learning that "Yue Da Liang" had defected to Liang Xiao. They believed that Yan Liu had certainly been framed and murdered! The Ministry of Justice had found no traces of fighting or oppression on Yan Liu, and Mu Cheng had given a final ruling on the matter, making it impossible to pursue further. The guards who had retrieved Yan Liu from the Yue residence had vanished without a trace.
Liang Xiao and his entourage visited Sword Master's home again. Mu Cheng suggested that Sword Master accompany Liang Xiao to Da Gan, but it was politely declined. After all, his nephews and nieces were buried here, and he did not wish to leave his homeland.
News of Liang Xiao's imminent departure for his country also spread throughout the capital. The streets and alleys were filled with the voices of the common people expressing their reluctance to see him go. They had noticed that since the Marquis of Anguo arrived in Da Liang, the security in the capital had been unprecedentedly stable, and the officials, whose families had served for generations, no longer dared to oppress them! Over the past few months, Mu Cheng had ordered grain to be distributed and the poor to be relieved across the nation. Countless citizens believed that Liang Xiao had also contributed to this. They feared that once Liang Xiao returned, these officials would revert to their old ways. They also heard that their Emperor was in poor health and did not seem likely to live to a hundred years old...
In the imperial study, Mu Cheng learned of the capital's citizens' reactions and was filled with emotion. "It's a pity that we were born at the wrong time with Liang Xiao, unable to realize that vision earlier." The two countries had discussed all necessary matters and handled all arrangements. Liang Xiao had stayed in Da Liang for over three months, assisting in the crackdown of the Huichun Cult, capturing high-level fugitives like Chan Master Long Yue, and refusing any monetary rewards. This was already more than enough. Compared to the seven princes, Mu Cheng treated Liang Xiao more like a son, with trust and affection, but ultimately had to let him return.
Dong Chen and the others were overjoyed upon hearing the news and came forward with suggestions. "Your Majesty! Since Liang Xiao is returning to his country, there is no reason for the princes to remain in Da Gan!" Mu Cheng glanced at his officials. "Minister Dong, are you instructing me on how to do my job?" Dong Chen repeatedly denied it. "I have my own judgment. Let them study in Da Gan and learn how to be wise rulers who care for the people!" The officials were furious inwardly but dared not express it. They returned home, filled with confusion, wondering, "Has the incompetent ruler discovered something?"
The Zhenwei and Yingwei troops of Da Gan arrived north of the capital of Da Liang to escort Liang Xiao. "Marquis of Anguo, can you not stay a few more days?" Countless citizens spontaneously rushed to the northern city, all filled with sorrow, and children wailed loudly. Liang Xiao announced loudly, "Thank you all for your kindness, but the date is approaching, and I must return to report for duty. With the Emperor of Da Liang here, your country can be assured of stability." The people had no choice but to accept the reality. Numerous people spontaneously knelt to bid him farewell, and no matter how Liang Xiao called out to them, they refused to rise. Finally, unable to bear it any longer, Liang Xiao turned north.
Outside the city, it was cold. Liang Xiao had asked Mu Cheng not to see him off, but Mu Cheng insisted. On the southern bank of the Heng Jiang River, a vast crowd of Da Liang citizens, having heard the news, had gathered to send Liang Xiao off on his final journey.
"Never forget your original intention." Mu Cheng gently admonished Liang Xiao and saw him across the river.
"It's just like that year, this scene..." Gazing at Liang Xiao's retreating figure, Mu Cheng was overcome with grief and began to cough up blood again.
The members of the aristocratic families, this time, all feigned illness and remained in the capital. Only after confirming that Liang Xiao had crossed the river did they all celebrate, as if they had just avoided a disaster, and were on the verge of tears. Finally, they had sent away this plague god!!