Chapter 369: Chapter 325: The New Chief Minister and the Passing of King Wei

The matter of selecting concubine candidates and reviewing the troops was almost completed, and Zheng Yi did not intervene, instead attending to some miscellaneous affairs.

The 14th year of Zhengyong, September 11.

Zheng Yi personally went to the Lu Mansion to visit Chief Minister Lu Xiangqing.

Over a hundred people from Lu Mansion came out to greet him, led by Lu Xiangqing’s eldest son Lu Jiye.

After some pleasantries, Zheng Yi saw Lu Xiangqing, who was bedridden due to paralysis.

"Mmm, mmm, mmm..."

Originally lying on the bed, upon seeing Zheng Yi, Lu Xiangqing struggled to sit up and pay his respects.

Lu Jiye hurriedly went over to assist him, but due to his stroke, Lu Xiangqing was barely able to speak, continually uttering ’mmm, mmm’.

"Alas..."

Seeing Lu Xiangqing’s miserable state, Zheng Yi shook his head.

In the entire Imperial Court, although Lu Xiangqing belonged to a noble family, since his granddaughter Lu Lin’er was the Empress, he had consistently supported Zheng Yi.

Even in his advanced age, he held the position of Chief of the Cabinet, assisting Zheng Yi in managing the Imperial Court.

Though there were suspicions of forming factions and conducting partisan struggles, his contributions could not be erased.

Yet now, he suffered from paralysis due to a stroke.

Truly, the affairs of the world are unpredictable.

Zheng Yi offered words of comfort, and after visiting, called upon Lu Xiangqing’s children still in the Lu Mansion.

"Your subjects meet Your Majesty, long live Your Majesty!"

More than twenty direct relatives of Lu Xiangqing, including sons, daughters, and grandchildren, kneeled on the ground, expressions reverent.

"Lu Qing has made great contributions to our Great Yu, and now has fallen seriously ill, for which I am grateful."

Zheng Yi said, "From today onward, all matters of Lu Qing’s medical treatment and recovery will be handled by the Imperial Hospital to ensure Lu Qing can recover quickly."

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Stroke paralysis is extremely difficult to recover from, especially for an elderly person.

From a modern perspective, it’s better to enjoy what one wishes to eat and enjoy the twilight years in peace.

"Lu Qing holds an important position with many responsibilities and cannot be arbitrarily dismissed."

"But considering Lu Qing is now seriously ill and unable to move, the affairs of the Imperial Court will temporarily be handled by the Cabinet."

Seeing the varied expressions among the people, Zheng Yi continued, "Of course, I am not heartless, and will provide rewards to Lu Qing."

"You will wait for the Holy Decree."

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Upon returning to the Imperial Palace, Zheng Yi immediately summoned the senior ministers of the Cabinet.

"Your subjects meet Your Majesty!"

In Baiyu City, Xu Mujun, Zheng Xuanyue, Li Changfeng, Wang Anshi, and Zheng Zongbing, five Cabinet Ministers.

Also present were Yuan Qichang, Cai Dashi, and other Cabinet Ministers.

"Gentlemen, please rise and be seated."

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Once everyone was seated, Zheng Yi said directly, "Now that Lu Qing is severely ill and unable to attend to state affairs, I intend to relieve him of his position as Chief of the Cabinet and appoint a replacement."

"However, given Lu Qing’s contributions to the nation and now retiring due to illness, you may discuss a way to reward him."

Upon hearing this, the few felt a stir in their hearts. Lu Xiangqing was indeed unsuitable for the role of Chief of the Cabinet, and Zheng Yi couldn’t just dismiss him without providing rewards to appease those aligning with Lu Xiangqing.

Zheng Xuanyue immediately said, "Your Majesty, Lord Lu has been loyal to the country and deserves a reward."

"I propose conferring a title upon Lord Lu to showcase Your Majesty’s generosity and grace."

"A title..."

Zheng Yi glanced at Xu Mujun. Among them, only Xu Mujun held the title of Marquis.

If Lu Xiangqing were to be granted a title, it couldn’t be lesser than Xu Mujun’s, or it would cause dissent in the Imperial Court.

"What is your suggestion, Zheng Qing?"

Zheng Xuanyue said, "Lord Lu can be granted the title of Third-grade Duke Cheng’en, a Duke."

Duke!

Zheng Yi felt stirred, sizing up Zheng Xuanyue.

Duke Cheng’en, though dubbed a Duke, was merely a third-grade title.

Typically, this was held by the Empress’ father, given they had made significant contributions.

Presently, no such title of Duke Cheng’en existed within the Imperial Court.

If this title were bestowed upon Lu Xiangqing, it would indeed be suitable.

Most importantly, compared with Xu Mujun’s First-class Loyal and Brave Marquis, although a Duke, it was slightly inferior.

"What do you all think?"

Xu Mujun concisely stated, "I concur!"

"I concur!"

"I concur!"

"Good!"

Zheng Yi decisively said, "Since that’s the case, bestow upon Lu Qing the title of Third-grade Duke Cheng’en, a floating title."

"As You decree!"

The so-called floating title means the title only applies to the individual.

Once the person passes away, the title is annulled, the most common form in title succession.

However, Xu Mujun’s First-class Loyal and Brave Marquis is hereditary.

As long as Great Yu exists, Xu Mujun’s descendants will inherit the title, unless involved in rebellion, which is extraordinarily noble.

"There is another matter."

Zheng Yi said, "Since Lu Qing cannot serve as Chief of the Cabinet, let us discuss today who will assume the position."

As soon as he finished speaking, faces changed slightly.

Zheng Xuanyue was the first to say, "Your Majesty, the position of Chief of the Cabinet should naturally be filled by Grand General Xu."

"Firstly, the Grand General was the first Chief of the Cabinet, and it is reasonable for him to resume the position."

"Secondly, Grand General Xu has rendered great service, and the Imperial Court has yet to reward him; the position of Chief of the Cabinet must go to Grand General Xu."

"I concur!"

"I concur!"

Wang Anshi and others spoke in agreement.

Seeing the situation, Zheng Yi also looked toward Xu Mujun.

Originally, according to his plan, the position of Chief of the Cabinet was reserved for Wang Anshi.

Unfortunately, Wang Anshi in terms of age and experience couldn’t match Xu Mujun.

The intention was for Lu Xiangqing to stay a few more years, allowing Wang Anshi to gain more experience.