Upon hearing Chen Mo’s words, Emperor Yong’an understood that Chen Mo was planning to handle Xu Guozhong and Lu Sheng. Although he had anticipated this, his heart inevitably sunk when it actually happened. My Chu Clan’s empire is indeed difficult to revive.

"As per... Duke An’s suggestion, let all matters large and small be managed by... Minister Chen. This country and its affairs are now... entrusted to Minister Chen." Emperor Yong’an declared.

"Your Majesty’s words are too heavy. I am merely fulfilling my duty as a loyal subject." Chen Mo cupped his hands respectfully and said loudly, "Subject Chen Mo, accepts the decree."

With the Emperor’s decree, whatever Chen Mo did next would be more legitimate.

"Imperial Guard Commander Wang Suo is a trusted confidant of the traitor Lu Sheng. His Majesty is trapped in the palace, and this traitor bears great responsibility. I believe he should be removed from his position as Commander, and once his crimes are investigated, he should be dealt with accordingly. For the vacant position of Imperial Guard Commander, I recommend Deputy General Yang Wei. He is an exceptionally capable person and a loyal subject of our Great Song, yet he has been suppressed by Lu Sheng and unable to be promoted for a long time." Chen Mo stated.

Having entrusted Chen Mo, Emperor Yong’an didn’t even think about who Yang Wei was before nodding slightly and then asked, "Who is General Yang Wei?"

"Yang Wei, His Majesty wishes to see you." Chen Mo shouted loudly outside the sleeping quarters.

Yang Wei, who was waiting outside, quickly entered bending over upon hearing Chen Mo’s call, first saluting Chen Mo, and then saluting Emperor Yong’an.

"General Yang is truly... dignified and impressive. Just now Duke An recommended General Yang to be the Imperial Guard Commander, and I believe General Yang can handle this heavy responsibility." Emperor Yong’an said.

Upon hearing this, Yang Wei was initially shocked, glancing at Chen Mo with excitement in his heart. He wished he could kneel before Chen Mo, to become his loyal servant. Before this, he considered himself a follower of Lu Sheng, yet merely accusing Wang Suo of his crimes, he was directly promoted.

As he previously thought, he’s already very pleased if he could just be pardoned of his own crimes.

"General Yang, hurry and express your gratitude." Chen Mo, seeing him standing foolishly, implored.

"Thank... thank Your Majesty." Yang Wei said respectfully.

Among the Imperial Guard’s high-ranking officers are Loren, Reed, and Cao Yan... Chen Mo recited several names. These people are high-level generals in the Imperial Guard and are also followers of Lu Sheng. They were on a list presented from below, and have now been captured and detained. Afterwards, Chen Mo accused them, sentenced them to death, and began appointing his own people.

First, the chief of the Imperial Guard was appointed as Grand General Commander, with Chen Mo recommending Yue Ruyan as Grand General Commander of the Imperial Guard and Xiao Jing as Deputy Commander.

Next was the position of Prime Minister.

Chen Mo recommended Geng Songfu to take the position. 𝑓𝘳𝘦𝑒𝑤𝑒𝘣𝘯ℴ𝘷𝘦𝓁.𝑐𝑜𝑚

Upon hearing this, not only Emperor Yong’an but also Yue Ruyan, Xia Zhining, and even Wu Yanqing were stunned. Logically, shouldn’t this position be held by Chen Mo himself?

Previously, Xu Guozhong and Lu Sheng, who succeeded in military coups, occupied the position of Prime Minister.

However, Chen Mo had his own plans, and felt he couldn’t fully qualify for this role given his abilities, as long as he held military power in his hands.

In contrast, Geng Songfu, whether previously serving as County Magistrate of Pingting County or Prefect of Huai State, had handled "government affairs" very well.

Geng Songfu was also one of Chen Mo’s long-time followers, making him feel quite assured to appoint him as Prime Minister.

Wu Yanqing was appointed as one of the Three Ministers, becoming Situ.

This position was originally held by Liang Mu, patriarch of the Liang Family.

Afterwards, Jiang Li, Xia Zhining, Nangong Xian, Sun Meng, Diwu Fusheng, Liu Ji, and even those not present such as Zhao Liang, Zuo Lianglun, Yang Xian, Chang En, and Song Shiming were also promoted and granted titles.

The exploits of Chang En and Song Shiming naturally lay in repelling foreign enemies and defending the borders.

In summary, all those powerful positions in the court were occupied by Chen Mo’s people.

As for the remaining nominal positions, such as Grand Tutor, Grandmaster, Junior Protector, Chen Mo generously bestowed them upon the Royalist Faction and the surviving Imperial Family.

Additionally, previously the former Empress Xu Ying and Princess Zhaoqing were demoted to slave status, but Chen Mo plans to promote Xu Ying to civilian status and restore Princess Zhaoqing as Da Song Princess.

Besides Xu Ying and Princess Zhaoqing, Madam Gan, Madam Xiao, Madam Hui, and even Chu Juan, who were still relatives of Prince Huai, all had their crimes pardoned by Chen Mo.

Of course, Chen Mo did not discuss these matters directly with Emperor Yong’an but resolved them privately.

Once Chen Mo finished speaking, half an hour had passed.

Yet the standing Yue Ruyan, Jiang Li, and others felt no fatigue, instead, they were energized.

Seeing Chen Mo fall silent, Yue Ruyan, who hadn’t spoken all along, stepped forward and said respectfully, "Your Majesty, Duke An has worked tirelessly for our Great Song, expelling foreign enemies, quelling rebels, and punishing traitors with great merit known to all. Minister requests Your Majesty to grant Duke An the title of... King Wei, with the Nine Bestowments."

The title King Wei historically holds significant status because, since ancient times, those who held the title of King Wei were prominent figures with ability and power. This makes the title "King Wei" more prestigious than other royal titles.

At this, Emperor Yong’an was greatly surprised. Though the Great Song Dynasty lacks a rule barring non-Chu surnames from being titled king, over nearly four centuries, apart from a few alien kings during the founding period, there has been no alien king until now.

Moreover, hearing the title King Wei, he recalled an old Uncle Wang, the King Wei from Emperor Jing’s era, Chu Lin (previously mentioned). He was the most talented genius in the Imperial Family, able to breakthrough to First-Grade Martial Artist without using the Soul Devouring Array. Unfortunately, despising power, Chu Lin departed overseas seeking immortals during Emperor Jing’s era, and has never been heard from since, likely no longer living.