Chapter 25: Serve as the Governor of Riverways? Qin Feng Lacks the Capability!

Old Zhu’s spirit suddenly lifted, and he asked in surprise, "Is that true?"

"Would I lie to you?"

Just as Qin Feng and Old Zhu were chatting, Wang Jinghong suddenly rushed into the hall.

"Your Majesty... the Crown Prince is here..."

Before Wang Jinghong could catch his breath, Zhu Biao burst into the hall to announce good news to Old Zhu.

"Father! Father! You are going to have another grandson! The imperial physician has just diagnosed Lady Lu with a pregnancy; she is already four months along."

Old Zhu’s eyes widened, and he slowly turned to look at Qin Feng.

This was truly miraculous!

By now, Old Zhu was deeply convinced of Qin Feng’s identity as a man from the future.

To be able to predict the birth and death of a person—was that not enough to prove Qin Feng’s origins?

Noticing that Qin Feng was also present, Zhu Biao quickly bowed and said, "Sir, you are here as well?"

Qin Feng stood up and cupped his hands, saying, "Congratulations, Your Highness, on the joy of a new child."

Old Zhu beamed with joy and said, "Qin Feng was just telling me that the Crown Prince would give me another plump grandson."

"At first, I didn’t believe it, but I never expected that just after he finished speaking, you would arrive to bring me the good news."

Zhu Biao’s face was filled with a joyful smile as he held Xiong Ying and said, "I was stunned for a long time when I first heard the news. I was actually hoping that Lady Lu would have a daughter, so that I would have both a son and a daughter."

Old Zhu laughed heartily and said, "Then you are destined to be disappointed. Qin Feng just said that the Crown Prince’s mansion would be adding another grandson to my household."

Zhu Biao looked at Qin Feng with suspicion and said, "Then I shall take your auspicious words for it, Sir."

Qin Feng replied, "If it is a boy, why not call him Zhu Yunwen?"

"Yunwen? Father, what do you think of this name?"

"Zhu Yunwen? A fine name! Qin Feng, once Yunwen is born, you shall be the grandfather to both Xiong Ying and Yunwen!"

Qin Feng smiled broadly.

Old Zhu is at it again!

However, I truly wouldn’t mind having Zhu Yunwen as my grandson for a change.

Zhu Biao was dumbfounded.

How did Qin Feng manage to take advantage again?

Surely the idea of acknowledging a grandfather wasn't proposed by Qin Feng himself?

Father, you are being muddled!

If Xiong Ying and Yunwen become Qin Feng’s grandsons, wouldn’t I have to call him uncle?

Seeing Zhu Biao’s surprise, Old Zhu remarked, "Qin Feng is your teacher now. By the rules of seniority, shouldn’t your children address him as grandfather?"

Old Zhu suddenly realized what he had said and couldn't help but slap his forehead.

Back then, he had been so preoccupied with matters concerning Xiong Ying that he had completely forgotten about this.

Seeing the awkward expressions on Old Zhu and Zhu Biao’s faces, Qin Feng quickly defused the situation: "Let’s just stick to our own respective relations; the hierarchy is already messy enough as it is."

Old Zhu: "..."

Zhu Biao: "..."

...

Wuying Hall.

Old Zhu was reviewing reports when Wang Jinghong whispered in his ear: "Your Majesty, the Duke of Han requests an audience."

He closed the report, pondered for a moment, and said indifferently, "Let him in."

A short while later, Li Shanchang, leaning on a cane, slowly stepped into the hall.

"Your humble servant Li Shanchang pays respects to Your Majesty. May you enjoy eternal peace and prosperity."

Seeing Li Shanchang, Old Zhu immediately instructed Wang Jinghong: "Quickly, bring a seat for the Duke of Han."

"Shanchang, it has been a while. How have you been since you resigned and retired to your home?"

"Is your household lacking anything? If you need anything at all, just tell me. Do not stand on ceremony."

Li Shanchang leaned on his cane and knelt, saying, "Your Majesty, I have a request."

Seeing Li Shanchang perform such a grand gesture, Old Zhu’s brows furrowed tightly.

What could have happened to make the once-powerful Duke of Han appear so humble?

Li Shanchang kowtowed and said, "If Your Majesty does not grant this, your servant will remain kneeling indefinitely."

Old Zhu hurriedly helped Li Shanchang up, saying, "Old brother, what are you doing? If you have a request, just tell me. Why go to such lengths?"

Li Shanchang shook his head helplessly: "I implore Your Majesty to appoint an official with extensive experience in river management as the Governor of Waterways."

Old Zhu’s expression changed. He suddenly realized that the matter of the waterways was likely of great significance.

Could even an old official like Li Shanchang be involved in this?

With waterway officials currently on trial in the capital, the court ministers were all in a state of panic.

Having governed for so many years, Old Zhu knew that the recent breach of the Yellow River was certainly not as simple as the corruption of a single Governor of Waterways.

The waterway issue would inevitably implicate more court officials, which is why he had deliberately fostered the misconception among the ministers that he wanted to appoint Qin Feng as the Governor of Waterways.

Old Zhu had intended to use this to catch a big fish, never expecting that the one to take the bait would be such a wily old fox.

"Who does the Duke of Han think is most suitable for the position of Governor of Waterways? I fear the court lacks true talent for managing the rivers, doesn't it?"

Li Shanchang sighed and said, "Only Li Zhen, the Magistrate of Pingyuan County, is fit for the post of Governor of Waterways."

"Li Zhen once served in the waterway department and possesses considerable experience. Compared to those who have never managed rivers, I believe it is safer to choose an official with actual experience."

"Under normal circumstances, I should not be the one to recommend him, as he is a distant relative of mine. But the matter of the waterways is of grave importance. I am willing to bear the criticism to offer this advice to Your Majesty. I beg you to think twice before making your appointment!"

Old Zhu quickly helped Li Shanchang up, musing, "Duke of Han, I have met your distant relative, Li Zhen. He is at best mediocre. You are likely recommending him out of desperation, aren't you?"

Li Shanchang’s expression shifted; he knelt once more and said in a low voice, "Does Your Majesty wish to see the tragedy of the Huai-Xi region repeated? If a villain is appointed as Governor of Waterways, not only will the court ministers refuse, but the Huai-Xi nobles who fought alongside you through life and death will not stand for it either."

Old Zhu could hear that Li Shanchang was desperate, even using the Huai-Xi nobles as a bargaining chip to threaten him.

"Duke of Han, tell me the truth: do you not want Qin Feng to be the Governor, or do you not want anyone other than Li Zhen to hold the post?"

Li Shanchang leaned on his cane and said, "Your Majesty, the title of 'The Ming Dynasty's Most Favored Official' has already spread throughout Yingtian Prefecture."

"If we continue to let this boy, Qin Feng, run wild in the court, the Huai-Xi nobles will soon lose their composure."

"We have all risked our lives for you for years. Are our achievements not enough to outweigh a young man you have only known for a few months?"

Old Zhu was silenced by Li Shanchang’s words.

Among the founding fathers of the Ming Dynasty, only Li Shanchang and Xu Da had the standing to speak to Old Zhu in such a manner.

They had helped him build the empire and had rendered great service. Whether in the court or throughout Yingtian Prefecture, they still commanded a degree of prestige.

Old Zhu was, to some extent, wary of these nobles, viewing them as thorns in the side of his empire.

No matter who inherited his throne in the future, he would have to root out these thorns first!

A smile slowly appeared on Old Zhu’s face. He helped Li Shanchang up and said calmly, "The Duke of Han is absolutely right! No matter whom I favor now, they cannot be compared to you old brothers."

"Tell our old brothers not to worry. I have always known how to handle things. That boy Qin Feng cannot be the Governor of Waterways."

"He has caused me enough trouble as it is. If I were to put him in charge of the waterways, that would truly give me a headache."

Li Shanchang was surprised that Old Zhu had agreed so readily. "Your Majesty has granted my request?"

"I will say it here and now! Qin Feng cannot be the Governor of Waterways. He lacks the capability!"

Li Shanchang cupped his hands: "Your Majesty is wise! Then your servant shall take his leave!"

Old Zhu said politely: "It is rare for the Duke of Han to visit the palace. Won't you stay and share a meal with me?"

Li Shanchang shook his head: "Your Majesty is busy with a thousand tasks; I shall not intrude further."

"Wang Jinghong, see the Duke of Han out for me."

Once Li Shanchang had left Wuying Hall, Old Zhu’s face turned somber.

These stubborn ills of the Ming Dynasty!