However, all current governors are relatives of the Han dynasty, with precedents to follow. Appointing me as Governor of Bingzhou would be inappropriate.”

“Furthermore, how can there be a rationale of dismissing someone only to accept them again?”

Her reasoning remained lofty and righteous.

When Xu Zi praised her in the past for having a clear voice like a young phoenix, Qiao Yan had cursed this system.

Although at that time, she had only intended to gain fame and enhance her reputation through her discourse in the Monthly Assessment.

She probably did not anticipate that in her gradual pursuit of opportunities for advancement, she would have the chance to secure the position of Governor of Bingzhou while Liu Hong was still alive.

But now, this decisive memorandum undoubtedly became her last resort.

Now, in front of everyone, she once again declared her stance.

The system of appointing governors is inappropriate, and now I also feel it’s inappropriate!

So how can one criticize this system for easily breeding the seeds of rebellion, and yet eagerly accept such a position bestowed by His Majesty due to its tempting authority?

This clearly goes against reason.

Yuan Shao looked towards Qiao Yan and suddenly felt he had underestimated her.

If she hadn’t spoken these words first, showing everyone’s initial doubts about her suitability for this position, she would surely have advised against it for similar reasons.

But now that she had spoken, using this preemptive strike, regardless of whether Liu Hong might revoke the decree or whether her refusal was genuine, one thing was now unchangeable—

No one could morally criticize her for accepting the appointment as Governor of Bingzhou.

At the very least, they needed a new set of arguments.

He couldn’t help but feel wary of Qiao Yan’s previous instructions to Guo Jia to approach He Yong for information.

But she had already been extremely thorough in her words at that time, even reminding them to be cautious in selecting candidates, not to rush them.

This incident was completely due to He Jin’s lack of restraint, which had alerted Liu Hong in advance.

Yuan Shao still didn’t know the cause of the recent changes, but clearly Qiao Yan couldn’t be blamed for it.

Her unauthorized military action had already escaped blame, and how could she have anticipated that Liu Hong would let her directly skip so many ranks and inherit the position of Governor of Bingzhou?

She hadn’t even dreamt of such a thing!

So why did she need to go to such unnecessary lengths?

If Liu Hong found out she had leaked this kind of information and indirectly befriended the noble families, it would definitely not be good news.

Yuan Shao suppressed his suspicions after analyzing the situation, and then heard Liu Hong reply, “What you say is correct, but as I said to you years ago, times change and so do political necessities. Currently, appointing governors is feasible. I also intend to appoint governors to oversee the provinces of Liang, Bing, Yu, and Jing.”

“Huang Wan, the Inspector of Qingzhou, has settled the people’s livelihoods within Qingzhou with outstanding political achievements. I will order him to transfer to Yuzhou as its governor.”

“As for the remaining two provinces, I will decide after finding suitable candidates.”

He Jin was already feeling numb.

Military authority was such a large piece of cake.

First, there was the establishment of the Eight Division Army directly under the current emperor.

Even if these troops were not selected from the Northern Army’s Five division, they would still occupy the power to deploy troops and appoint commanders in the capital, effectively dividing up a piece.

The establishment of the General of Chariots and Cavalry further divided another piece.

Next, too far away to be of any concern, he marked off another piece.

A governor had the decisive authority over local military matters.

So, aside from the dismissed Huangfu Song, governors Liu Yu of Youzhou, Liu Yan of Yizhou, Huang Wan of Yuzhou, and currently the most controversial, Qiao Yan of Bingzhou, divided another four pieces.

What was the next step?

Was it to depose the Empress Dowager, and then depose the Grand General who relied on his sister and the prince’s identity to be in this position?

Don’t say Liu Hong felt himself surrounded by everyone’s tightening steps, He Jin also felt he was heading towards destruction from a scene of intense danger.

It took a long time for the stiff expression on his face to calm down, and then he heard Qiao Yan say at this moment, “Although Your Majesty has considered it, I still want to ask Your Majesty to listen to the thoughts of all the court officials.”

“But if Your Majesty insists on appointing Yan as the Governor of Bingzhou, Yan dares not forget Your Majesty’s trust and the teachings of my grandfather. I will surely devote myself to the country, guarding the borders, ensuring that reports of barbarian raids do not disturb Your Majesty’s sleep, and ensuring the stability of the people of Bingzhou.”

This third sentence still couldn’t be criticized.

He Jin felt he had really suffered from his lack of education and had been blocked again.

But what Qiao Yan said was not just casually spoken.

The so-called three requests and three refusals, accepting the surrender had to go through this process.

Didn’t Qiao Yan, who was promoted to a high position, also use it?

So listening to the thoughts of the court officials was the third reason she gave herself for refusing.

But people can’t just refuse, especially for Liu Hong now.

If she doesn’t even have the courage to enter the position and says that she is still young, or even speaks as a woman, how will Liu Hong continue to view her as a life-saving weapon?

So she wants to step down, but not completely.

Even more so, at this moment, she must bravely say, if Your Majesty doesn’t change the decision, then she can also take on this challenge and do her best for the people and stability of Bingzhou, never disappointing Liu Hong!

As she looked up at Liu Hong, she had already taken off her cavalry helmet and her face was reflecting the twilight.

Her resolute words were imbued with the fiery determination of the sunset, showing a young person’s courage.

Liu Hong was increasingly satisfied with her performance.

Although he lacked a Huo Biaoqi, he had Qiao Bingzhou!

Although the decision to appoint Governor of Bingzhou was sudden, under the influence of such a sudden piece of news, he had no choice but to look at it.

How many people really supported him in the court!

“Very well, let’s discuss it thoroughly in the court.”

….

When Wang Yizhang left the Western Suburb Camp, Dong Min, who had vented his anger while drunk, arrived late.

Since Liu Hong had used Qiao Yan to suppress He Jin’s faction, Dong Min was punished for disrespect, though kneeling before Liu Hong, he had no idea what role he played in it.

As a general from Xiliang, he was often looked down upon in Luoyang.

Only Grand General He Jin, born from a butcher’s family, treated him well.

However, he was deliberately placed opposite the Marquis of Le Ping during the selection.

Qiao Yan’s direct attack on the enemy’s formation undoubtedly put great psychological pressure on Dong Min.

Later, she often appeared before him coincidentally, and her apologies sounded more like provocations, further burdening him.

He received news from the old officials of the gentry that a good wine had been sent to the military camp.

He happened to be drunk and fainted when the young yellow door came looking for him, or had the fit of madness before the emperor, or exacerbated the contradictions when he returned to the capital after the awards ceremony, and there was no difference.

If the time were right, Qiao Yan even wanted to express heartfelt thanks to Dong Min.

Although Dong Min probably didn’t want to listen.

He had just sobered up and heard the news of Qiao Yan’s appointment as Governor of Bingzhou.

Seeing everyone returning to the capital with the protocol, he blurted out subconsciously, “What’s the rationale behind this?

Yes, what’s the rationale behind this?

Huang Wan’s appointment as Governor of Yuzhou could be seen as a proper process considering his age and political achievements.

Moreover, Yuzhou is not far from Luoyang, making it easy to control.

But Qiao Yan’s appointment as Governor of Bingzhou was like a thunderbolt striking Luoyang.

Officials holding important positions in the court tonight would find it difficult to sleep.

Even though Lu Zhi didn’t doubt Qiao Yan’s abilities to handle this position, he couldn’t help but sigh deeply in the cool night air, “Tomorrow’s court meeting will surely be lively.”

As soon as he finished speaking, he heard Qiao Yan’s voice coming from the other end of the courtyard, “In the opinion of Lord Lu, will they lean more towards debating whether I can handle the role of Governor of Bingzhou, or—”

“Who should be appointed as Governors of Liangzhou and Jingzhou?”