Chapter 94: Shen Shilang Has Begun His Path Towards Becoming a Powerful Minister!

Emperor Jiacheng nodded, without saying anything further.

“Your achievements on this mission will be rewarded generously,” Emperor Jiacheng stated. “You may leave now.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty. This subject takes his leave,” Shen Shilang replied, backing away until he reached the door before departing.

After a moment of thought, Emperor Jiacheng summoned Grand Tutor Liu.

The emperor shared with him the agreed punishment for Wei Zhaoxian that he had discussed with Shen Shilang.

“Shen Shilang’s suggestion is indeed correct; this is currently the most appropriate punishment,” Grand Tutor Liu remarked, somewhat surprised. “I didn’t expect someone as young as Shen Shilang to be capable of such far-reaching plans.”

He had overseen the military alone, with no one to consult, and only learned about Wei Zhaoxian’s situation after arriving. Yet Shen Shilang had devised such a profound strategy in a short time, which was impressive.

Grand Tutor Liu lowered his head slightly, feeling a hint of apprehension.

This Shen Shilang was rather formidable.

Considering how he risked his life, nearly perishing to secure a future, it was no longer just bravery and wisdom that defined him. A person willing to gamble his life for advancement was truly alarming.

“Shen Shilang is right; the Northwestern Army cannot be entrusted to any military official in the court,” Emperor Jiacheng said. “Each of them holds their own military power. If they gain control of the Northwestern Army, I fear I may struggle to maintain authority in the future. The example of Wei Zhaoxian is clear; I will not repeat past mistakes.”

Grand Tutor Liu’s heart tightened as he asked, “Does Your Majesty have a suitable candidate in mind?”

“I summoned you to discuss this matter,” the Emperor replied.

Seeing Emperor Jiacheng’s expression, Grand Tutor Liu sensed that the Emperor had already made up his mind. He was merely waiting for his agreement.

“What are Your Majesty’s plans?” Liu inquired.

“I intend to assign the Northwestern Army to the Second Prince,” Emperor Jiacheng announced.

Grand Tutor Liu was taken aback. “What about the Crown Prince?”

Handing such a large force over to the Second Prince would surely provoke the Crown Prince’s ire!

“Although I am giving the Northwestern Army to the Second Prince, I will entrust Shen Shilang with the Tiger Tally,” Emperor Jiacheng said with apparent satisfaction in his own strategy. “I plan to promote him to Fourth-Rank Loyal and Brave General, temporarily overseeing the Tiger Tally’s duties while stationed in the capital.”

Grand Tutor Liu was momentarily speechless. The Emperor’s maneuver was so audacious it left him at a loss for words.

At the same time, he was astonished by Shen Shilang’s rapid rise.

Even knowing the Emperor had already made a decision, Grand Tutor Liu couldn’t help but voice his concern: “Shen Shilang has just achieved third place in the examination; he hasn’t spent much time at Hanlin and hasn’t gone through performance evaluations after leaving the capital. Isn’t this promotion too fast?”

The Emperor’s expression darkened suddenly. Grand Tutor Liu quickly added, “This subject doesn’t doubt Your Majesty’s judgment; I only worry that Shen Shilang is too young. If he is promoted too quickly, he might become arrogant and lose his sense of proportion.”

“Moreover, as a scholar, it may be difficult for him to command respect as a general,” Grand Tutor Liu continued cautiously.

“If he loses his sense of proportion, I will dismiss him,” the Emperor replied nonchalantly. “His position is granted by me; thus, I can also revoke it.”

“Though he is a scholar, he has managed to break through an ambush by the Turks and saved Wei Zhaoxian—who can still claim he is merely a scholar?” the Emperor said with a smile.

“I know what you are worried about,” the Emperor continued. “You are concerned that with the Tiger Tally in his hands, both the Crown Prince and Second Prince will try to win him over. I have already prepared for this.”

Grand Tutor Liu felt an ominous premonition; another audacious move from the Emperor was on its way.

“I will also appoint him as Grand Tutor of the Crown Prince and have him teach the Fifth Prince,” the Emperor announced. “The Fifth Prince is still young and cannot study with the Crown Prince and Second Prince yet; let Shen Shilang teach him first.”

Grand Tutor Liu took a deep breath and finally couldn’t hold back his shock: “Your Majesty, being Grand Tutor of the Crown Prince is a Second-Rank position!”

A newly appointed third-place scholar would go from Sixth-Rank to Fifth-Rank Imperial Censor within half a year, then directly promoted to Fourth-Rank Loyal and Brave General—and now also appointed as Second-Rank Grand Tutor of the Crown Prince?! Even Shen Liangyu hadn’t risen this quickly!

“It’s merely an honorary position,” the Emperor dismissed. “The Fifth Prince is still young and has no competition from above with both Crown Prince and Second Prince present. What influence could Shen Shilang have as his teacher?”

“Moreover, since the Fifth Prince’s maternal family is weak, Shen Shilang will effectively be part of his camp,” the Emperor chuckled.

A young prince hardly constituted a significant faction.

“He will have no connection with either Crown Prince or Second Prince,” the Emperor said, taking a few steps. “Besides, I am still here; all officials must remain loyal to me—how could they form private factions!”

“If Shen Shilang dares show any favoritism towards either Crown Prince or Second Prince…” The Emperor’s gaze turned fierce. “…I will kill him.”

Grand Tutor Liu remained silent.

Unbeknownst to the Emperor, all these words were clearly heard by Su Jinshi, who then relayed them to Shen Shilang.

“I naturally won’t show any favoritism towards either Crown Prince or Second Prince,” Shen Shilang scoffed. “Whether it’s one or the other ascending to power—they’re just another Jiacheng Emperor.”

“Of course it’s better for those raised with care since childhood,” Shen Shilang said lightly.

Su Jinshi took a deep breath; it seemed that Shen Shilang had already begun walking down the path of power! He had started cultivating a puppet emperor.

The decree relieving Wei Zhaoxian of military command was swiftly sent by express messenger to the Northwestern Army.

News of Wei Zhaoxian’s dismissal spread through court and society, causing an uproar followed by murmurs of pity.

“General Wei has fought for decades; who would have thought he’d end up like this?” someone whispered privately.

“Though he made mistakes this time, it shouldn’t warrant such severe punishment.”

“However, General Wei has always been cautious over many years and never made errors; how could he be so careless this time…?”

“It seems more than just carelessness…”

It seemed almost as if he had intentionally made mistakes for someone above to seize upon.

But no one dared voice their thoughts further or even listen closely after that.

“From now on, we can’t call him ‘General’ anymore,” someone reminded. “He currently holds no official position; calling him that could bring misfortune upon us both.”

Bringing misfortune upon themselves would also bring trouble upon Wei Zhaoxian.

The Emperor had always sought out Wei Zhaoxian’s faults; this time he dismissed him due only to Wei Zhaoxian’s significant contributions in previous years—he had no choice but to balance merits against faults.

All court officials understood that Jiacheng was still looking for opportunities—gradually tightening control over Wei Zhaoxian like boiling a frog in warm water.

If another mistake were found, even if Wei Zhaoxian survived this ordeal, he would certainly suffer further consequences.

…