Peasant Woman’s Decreed Life as a Wife

Chapter 2034: Chapter 2031: Personality

Elder Zhong was not willing to go to war either; his previous statement was merely the best outcome in an ideal situation.

He had long anticipated that many officials would disagree during the morning court session.

Though he was an elder, his word was not final.

Speaking in such a manner was also a way to leave himself a way out.

Emperor Xuanming waved his hand: "My dear minister, your words are reasonable; let it be done as you said."

Grand Tutor Deng’s face turned red with frustration, wanting to decline, but he had missed the opportunity. Even if he was not the wisest, he knew that once the emperor had made a decision, it was not something that could be changed by a few casual words; it required careful and long-term consideration.

Minister Qi was relatively clever; he knew well that the current emperor did not wish to see war and upheaval in the imperial court. Even though Emperor Xuanming’s mood was unpredictable, dislike of trouble was certain.

Involving Grand Tutor Deng, he knew the emperor would not refuse.

The morning court session ended.

Minister Qi and Grand Tutor Deng left, their sleeves swept dramatically.

The court officials did not need to ask to know that the two were at odds now.

Elder Zhong, accompanied by a group of civil officials, walked out of the main hall.

Chu Heng followed from behind.

Today, he was not involved at all; he did not need to think much, and was in a good mood.

He walked outside the hall.

He saw Huo Zhengming and Elder Zhong had not yet left.

He stepped forward to greet them, then prepared to leave the palace.

Elder Zhong called out to him: "Zi Qiu, you didn’t say a word during today’s session; is there some other thought on your mind?"

"No," Chu Heng shook his head.

He wasn’t lying— the discussions in court about the Northern Region were somewhat vague.

After all, it would take at least half a month for news to travel from the Northern Region to the capital.

The exact situation in the Northern Region changed daily, and it was necessary to wait for new information to come back to know.

He trusted Li Chongjin; the child was a natural military genius, suited to warfare. With him present, even without King of Huainan, the Northern military camp should not fall into chaos.

However, the relationships in the Northern military camp were very complex, and trying to win over the soldiers there would likely take considerable time.

Currently, it was not suitable to act recklessly.

Upon hearing this, Elder Zhong did not continue to press the issue and changed the topic: "I heard you’re currently studying reforms for the yamen soldiers?"

"Yes, I’ve had the thought that the treatment for soldiers is insufficient, which is why recruitment is difficult," Chu Heng didn’t hide, since he had this idea, he naturally hoped to gain more support from officials.

Elder Zhong was a seasoned official, and serving the country and the people, was quite a good collaborator.

Upon hearing this, Elder Zhong sighed lightly: "Indeed, soldiers shed blood on the front lines, and if even military supplies and provisions cannot be ensured, naturally, no one would want to enlist."

"Zi Qiu, could you write down your thoughts and submit them for me to review?"

Chu Heng thought for a moment and agreed. However, before leaving, he said to Elder Zhong: "My lord, for now, there’s no need for you to speak up on my behalf."

"Your meaning is...?" Elder Zhong stroked his white beard, paused, and after a moment, he understood his intention.

He laughed suddenly: "Zi Qiu, you are indeed different from others."

"It’s just considering that Elder Zhong already has more important matters to attend to; it wouldn’t be right for me to trouble you with this minor duty of mine," Chu Heng replied with a gentle smile, neither servile nor overbearing.

Elder Zhong chuckled and did not refute his words, which was essentially a tacit approval of his request.

In fact, officials like Chu Heng, who do not exploit others and rely solely on individual efforts, were indeed rare in the court.