Did the eldest daughter ascend the throne today?

Inside the palace, the palace servants all looked solemn and the atmosphere was extremely quiet.

The Bai family father and son walked in cautiously, fell to their knees with a plop, and bowed deeply.

"I have met the emperor. Long live the emperor. Long live the emperor."

Only a calm voice sounded, "Get up."

The head of the Bai family stood up, not daring to look up, and presented a gift list with both hands, "Your Majesty, this is a gift from our Bai family to you. Our Bai family is willing to serve Your Majesty as our master and be loyal to Your Majesty."

The gift list included 10 million dan of grain, 100,000 pieces of cloth, 100,000 pairs of boots, and 100,000 cotton-padded clothes.

This can be considered a gift of surrender, a formal recognition of the master, no longer trying to please both sides and placing multiple bets.

There was no way out. Xiao Linfeng had killed so many people in Jiangnan that he had incorporated large tracts of land into Dayong's territory.

The Bai family’s assets are all in Jiangnan, so they have no other choice.

Ning Zhiwei took a glance and nodded slightly. Compared with the 100,000 dan of grain last time, the Bai family had suffered a heavy loss this time. It seemed that they were scared by Xiao Linfeng.

Some people just deserve a beating.

"Very good, you guys are thoughtful."

Patriarch Bai secretly breathed a sigh of relief, "Thank you, Your Majesty."

Ning Zhiwei saw that he was understanding and asked calmly, "What do you want?"

According to convention, if someone donated their property, the imperial court had to show some appreciation.

This is also to let the world know that as long as you are loyal to the court, the court will treat you with respect.

The head of the Bai family hesitated for a moment, wanting to say something but stopping himself.

"Eh? This... can you give me a place in the Imperial Guard?"

Although he had the guts to think, how could he dare to speak directly in front of the emperor? So he chose to take a roundabout approach.

The 100,000 imperial guards are the emperor's personal guards. They are the army that guards the imperial city and protects the safety of the royal family, and they are directly responsible to the emperor.

Ning Zhiwei hesitated for a moment, then... let's make him the captain of the left army's gate guard. "

The Guard Captain was a minor official who was responsible for collecting and keeping the weapons worn by ministers entering the palace.

But, he is also the emperor's personal guard, so it is very respectable to say so.

The head of the Bai family was overjoyed, "Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty."

Bai Zhanyang was also very happy. This was much more respectable than the previous Jiangnan grain collection.

The most important thing is that this position is very close to the emperor and one can see the emperor at any time.

"Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty. I will do my best to protect your Majesty's safety."

Ning Zhiwei glanced at him indifferently. He came from the common people and didn't understand many rules. However, once he entered the palace, there was a set of strict rules, and naturally someone would teach him.

"Do your job well."

"Yes."

The head of the Bai family got what he wanted and was very happy. He believed that with his son's ability, he would definitely win the favor of the emperor.

At that time, it was a good opportunity for the Bai family to rise to prominence.

He was full of anticipation, and for a moment, he felt a little dizzy.

"Your Majesty, I have something to say but I don't know whether I should say it or not."

Ning Zhiwei was quite accommodating because he was tactful and said, "Go ahead."

The head of the Bai family said casually, "The former Jinyiwei commander, Lord Xiao Linfeng, was doing too much while on duty in Jiangnan. It has a bad impact on the reputation of the court."

Ning Zhiwei's eyes flashed, "What do you mean?"

The head of the Bai family rolled his eyes and said, "The situation in Jiangnan is complicated. We should not act hastily. We should take it slow and nibble away at it step by step, instead of wielding a big knife and hacking at it randomly, which will only intensify the conflict."

Although the Bai family was not involved, some of their industries were affected.

Of course, he also wanted to take the opportunity to swallow up the power of several major families, replace them in the chaos, and become the new generation of leaders in Jiangnan.

Well, first of all, we have to get rid of that killer Xiao Linfeng.

Ning Zhiwei narrowed his eyes, "Who is in conflict with whom?"

Patriarch Bai said subconsciously, "Of course it is the conflict between the imperial court and the aristocratic families."

A cold voice sounded, "Are you speaking for the family?"

A man in blue walked in. He had a pair of slightly upturned peach blossom eyes, a tall and slender figure, and an extraordinary demeanor.

The head of the Bai family recognized him at a glance, Rong Jing, the former Minister of the Dali Temple, the current Minister of Personnel, and the husband of the empress.

Being stared at by Rong Jing coldly, he felt nervous for some reason. "No, no, no, I have absolutely no such intention. The aristocratic families have been stepping on me by relying on their profound background. Even if I become the richest man in Jiangnan, I still have to act according to their wishes. I feel deeply humiliated."

The aristocratic families did look down on him and excluded him, but they also did business with him, so they could be considered a group of interested parties.

But when something happens, his first reaction is to distance himself from it and take its place.

"But, we have to admit that the fact that the family has been passed down for a thousand years is indeed extraordinary. Lord Xiao acted recklessly, bringing disaster upon himself and countless troubles to the court."

Rong Jing walked over slowly, "Who are you?"

The head of the Bai family was stunned. People at his level really could not reach the power circle. He knew Rong Jing, but Rong Jing didn't know him.

He took the initiative to introduce himself, "I am the head of the Jiangnan Bai family..."

Before he could finish, Rong Jing said coldly, "Xiao Linfeng is the former commander of the Imperial Guards and has extensive experience, and you are just a commoner. How can you have the confidence to criticize a high-ranking official of the imperial court?"

The richest man is just a commoner and does not hold any official position.

However, Xiao Linfeng is a top noble and holds the highest position among the officials.

He actually secretly put on airs in front of the empress. Was it money that gave him the courage?

"No, how dare I blame you? I'm just worried..."

Rong Jing raised a hint of sarcasm at the corner of his mouth, "Don't meddle in other people's business. You, a commoner, care too much."

This is a knock, don't stretch your hands too far.

Patriarch Bai was struck by lightning, and fear surged into his heart. Oops, he had done something wrong.

Bai Zhanyang frowned slightly and glanced calmly at the empress sitting at the top. She was watching with interest, smiling, and it was impossible to tell what she was thinking.

"Master Rong, why are you so aggressive? My father is just worried about the country and the people. He is worried that the situation in Jiangnan is turbulent and the people are suffering."

Rong Jing could only say that, as he was born into a businessman family, his vision and experience were still a little lacking.

"Oh, worrying about the country and the people? I don't even dare to say that."

He turned around and bowed to Ning Zhiwei, "Your Majesty, the Bai family is of low birth, knows nothing about officialdom, and lacks the necessary political qualities. I think Bai Zhanyang is not suitable for the position of the Imperial Guard."

He will not allow unstable factors to remain around Ning Zhiwei. Don't think that he can't see what the Bai father and son are thinking.

The one who is close to the water gets the moon first? You are dreaming.

"I think since he is so concerned about the country and the people, he is very suitable to go to the Dali Temple to investigate cases and redress grievances for the people."

Ning Zhiwei's lips curled up slightly, "Then, the chief clerk of the Dali Temple, seventh rank."

Even in the imperial examination, if one could stand out from thousands of opponents and become the top scorer, one would be awarded an official position of the seventh rank.

Bai Zhanyang started from the seventh rank, which was a very high starting point, but he was very dissatisfied.

The imperial guards could often see the emperor, but for the chief clerk of the Dali Temple to see the king was harder than climbing to heaven.

In a moment of desperation, he said loudly, "Your Majesty, I want to stay by your side and relieve your loneliness."

Ning Zhiwei: ...

Rong Jing: ...