Chapter 140 - 105: Dad’s Bewilderment

Chapter 140: Chapter 105: Dad’s Bewilderment

It was a good thing to be able to put in a good word for his dear son’s friend at a time like this. Of course, it did not matter to him whether it worked out or not.

"Heh, Minister Zeng, I’m afraid those words of yours are quite inappropriate, aren’t they?"

Just as he finished speaking, a sarcastic voice rang out. Ren Weizhi, Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, wore a cold sneer on his face. "What is your relationship with Bai Ziqing? To think you would actually dare to openly recommend him here in the imperial court!"

Father asked indifferently, "Recommend? When did I ever show any intention of recommending him? Your Majesty asked a question, and I answered. Ultimately, everything is left for Your Majesty to decide." Speaking up to this point, he gave Ren Weizhi a fake smile. "What’s wrong? Could it be that Bai Ziqing holds some unspeakable secret of yours? Is that why Minister Ren is so afraid of him taking office?"

Upon hearing this, a sharp glint flashed through Ren Weizhi’s eyes. Before he could even open his mouth, someone else had already spoken up for him.

"Minister Zeng, it isn’t proper to speak such childish words in the imperial court, is it?"

"Exactly. The crime of losing one’s decorum in the palace can be severe or light, but Minister Ren is a high-ranking court official after all. How can we allow you to slander him like this?"

"Your Majesty, Zeng Shilin has publicly insulted an important court official right here in the court. I beseech you to punish him for his crimes."

Seeing Ren Weizhi being mocked by Father, several people immediately stepped forward, filled with righteous indignation, and pointed at Father as they unleashed a barrage of accusations.

Father’s brows furrowed deeply. Having just recently entered the imperial court, he did not have many allies or lackeys yet. In a verbal sparring match... he was indeed somewhat isolated and weak. But so what? He had experienced far more intense arguments than this. He took a deep breath, preparing to give them a taste of their own medicine.

However, a loud THUD suddenly rang out, and everyone’s attention was immediately drawn toward the sound. They saw Lou Yingli drop to his knees once more. His expression was extremely solemn, and his voice was mournful. "Your Majesty, Director Bai Ziqing only took seven days to solve a major case in my estate! His Realm is that of a Fourth Grade Martial Artist, and he even holds the prestigious title of being the number one swordsman in the capital. He has both merit and experience, having even participated in the Yin Wu demon-slaying battle alongside Ji Qing seven years ago.

"Not only does he have an outstanding military record, but he is also both brave and resourceful. After that Green-Bellied Snake appeared yesterday, he slew it in the courtyard with a single sword strike. How could someone like him be incapable of taking on the role of Commander of the North?!"

His voice was filled with genuine emotion, and every single word held immense weight. Sure enough, as soon as he said this, everyone’s eyes subconsciously shifted toward Bai Ziqing.

Bai Ziqing was struggling to suppress a smile. He looked at Lou Yingqi, who was kneeling on the ground, and felt as if he had just gained another lifelong confidant. Every single word and phrase had spoken directly to his heart. He thought, "Lou Yingqi, very well. I must definitely become close friends with you in the future, regardless of our age difference."

"Furthermore, Your Majesty, Ren Weizhi, Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, has openly slandered Minister Zeng of forming factions right here in the imperial court. Such a grave crime cannot be underestimated!" Lou Yingqi stood up expressionlessly and glared at Ren Weizhi. It gave off the faint impression that he was protecting Father behind his back.

"When did I ever slander him..." Ren Weizhi subconsciously wanted to retort.

"Hmph! Minister Zeng has been in the imperial court for less than a month. Let alone forming factions, he wouldn’t even know the way to Director Bai’s office at the Imperial City Department!

"So how could he be slandered by you as wanting to recommend him?!"

Lou Yingqi went full throttle with guns blazing, staring fixedly at Ren Weizhi. "Is this not slander?! Is this not slinging mud at him?!" Saying this, he bowed deeply toward Jianhong. "Your Majesty, Ren Weizhi, Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, has spoken wildly and slandered a prominent official of the court! I beseech Your Majesty to see clearly and not leave such a black sheep in the imperial court!"

Father glanced blankly at Lou Yingqi. He thought, "Who is he? Why is he protecting me like this??"