Shipin Dalizheng

When the Earl of Jian'an first proposed that his daughter's son inherit the title, more than 80% of the officials in the court opposed it and protested fiercely. Now he finally had the opportunity to bring it up again.

Minister Wei of Rites stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, I propose that the request made by the Earl of Jian'an be rescinded. Since ancient times, titles have been inherited by male heirs. To allow a daughter's bloodline to pass it down is absurd. Since Duke Du also believes that this precedent carries great risks, it is better to abolish it."

"I second the proposal."

"I second the proposal."

Seven or eight officials came out at once and agreed.

Some people also wondered, "What happens after it's abolished? Will the title of Earl of Jian'an no longer be passed down?"

Minister Wei had a regretful expression. "There's nothing we can do about it. With our direct line cut off and no collateral line left, the title can only be reclaimed by the court. As for the rest... that's a family matter."

Everyone could hear that the so-called "other" referred to the Bo Mansion's property and Madam Rong's dowry.

Several more people stood up to second the motion. Prime Minister Zheng, Prime Minister Wang, Duke Du and others all had serious expressions but said nothing.

Emperor Xuanning looked around and was about to speak when someone stepped forward and bowed deeply, "Your Majesty, it is absolutely inappropriate to revoke the title."

It was Nangong Jing.

Emperor Xuanning didn't seem surprised either, and asked calmly, "Jingzhao Prefecture Governor, tell me what's wrong with it."

Nangong Jing said, "Back then, the Earl of Jian'an had made military achievements worthy of a marquisate, but he declined it. Instead, he used his military achievements to secure an imperial decree from Your Majesty to allow his wife's son to inherit the title. Although the ministers have objections, this matter is a foregone conclusion and cannot be changed. Otherwise, how can we comfort the hearts of loyal ministers in the afterlife?"

Zheng Xiang nodded, "Yes, they bought it with their military merits, and then abolished it after they died. It's not fair, not fair."

Minister Wei said, "But this edict has caused so much trouble today, and will cause endless trouble in the future. The emperor's orders are indeed final, but if you know you are wrong, can't you correct it?"

Nangong Jing said coldly, "I really don't understand what Minister Wei is saying. Madam Rong's son inherited the title because of the Earl of Jian'an's military merits. Do other noble families also have this privilege? Does Minister Wei even understand what exchange means? Even if it is a deal, it has been reached. Even if the Earl of Jian'an is dead, the same thing must be done. A man without trust cannot stand, and this applies to ordinary people as well as the emperor."

When everyone heard this, they realized that this was indeed very Nangong Jing's words. He was a man of integrity and uprightness.

Strangely, Emperor Xuanning was not angry. He looked at Minister Wei and listened to what he had to say.

Minister Wei gritted his teeth and said, "Your Majesty can take back the title and use something else to compensate the descendants of the Earl of Jian'an, so that people won't talk about it."

Nangong Jing said, "Very good. May I ask how Your Majesty should compensate me? Gold, silver, property, land, official titles? How about Minister Wei give us an estimate of how much should be paid to Rong Tang?"

Minister Wei was startled and panicked. With the military achievements made by the Earl of Jian'an in the past, he was worthy of being made a marquis and given rewards of gold and silver. However, he only used them to exchange for a chance for his grandson to inherit the title. The emperor did not give him any reward at all.

Now that the title of Earl of Jian'an has been taken back, it seems that corresponding rewards must be compensated to his descendants. Not to mention Huang Bai, His Majesty has already written countless IOUs to officials. In addition, another title must be granted to Rong Tang.

With such merit, it is not excessive to exchange him for a count.

Minister Wei came to his senses and immediately changed his words, "I have thought about it, and what Prince Jing said makes a lot of sense. Rong Tang should inherit the title."

He retreated, leaving his supporters stranded and feeling extremely embarrassed.

Nangong Jing looked around and said, "My lords, please don't worry about the consequences. Throughout the dynasties, only the Earl of Jian'an happened to be in such a predicament, without an heir, and was willing to exchange military merit for success. If any of you find yourself in this situation in the future, and are capable of making great achievements, I, Nangong Jing, will be the first to recommend you to His Majesty, so that your grandson will be eligible to inherit the title."

All the ministers felt it was bad luck. Wouldn't that mean all his sons would die for this to happen? Furthermore, it was too uncertain whether he could achieve great merit.

All the opponents retreated at once, leaving only Nangong Jing in the middle.

"As to whether Rong Tang is Madam Rong's biological son, I can also explain it to you from the perspective of etiquette and law. First, he has a birth certificate. Second, his name is in the Rong family tree. Third, Madam Rong recognizes him. Fourth, the Rong family recognizes him. Five,"

He looked at Jin Shizhao and brought up the most important point. "On the day of Madam Rong's burial, it was Rong Tang who smashed pots and banners, carrying out the funeral procession on her behalf as her son. Afterwards, he lived in the dilapidated courtyard of Rongjia Village, wearing plain clothes and observing mourning for Madam Rong. Everyone, he has done everything a son should do. Even if he is not a biological son, as an adopted son, he is already the heir to the Earl's Mansion. What did Jin Yaoyang, whom Lord Jin strongly supported, do? How could a man who refused to even attend a funeral have the nerve to call himself Madam Rong's son? His stepmother had just passed away, and yet Jin Yaoyang, dressed in splendid clothes, paraded through the streets. Is this what a self-proclaimed son should do? On what grounds did Lord Jin advocate for Jin Yaoyang?"

The court was so quiet that you could hear a pin drop.

Nangong Jing, worthy of being Nangong Jing, speaks directly to the essence of the matter.

It doesn’t matter whether Rong Tang is Madam Rong’s biological son or not. As long as he meets these five points, he meets the requirements of being an heir.

Seeing that no one objected, Emperor Xuanning breathed a sigh of relief and was about to issue an edict.

However, at this moment, another person emerged from the ranks of military officers with a serious expression. "Your Majesty, I have no objection to recognizing Rong Tang as the heir to the Earl of Jian'an. However, the military power of the Rong family army is of great importance. How can it be handed over lightly?"

When the ministers looked, they saw that it was General Wang Biao, the current commander of the Rong family army.

That’s right, the military power of the 50,000 Rong family troops belongs to Rong Tang. Where can he go to seek justice?

"Leading an army in battle is no child's play. Even if I die, I will never place the lives of 50,000 soldiers in the hands of a child."

After he said this, the court became quiet again.

Nangong Jing frowned and said, "But before, we almost let Jin Yaoyang inherit the title, and we didn't hear General Wang's objection."

Wang Biao said, "This general did not object because it was not the right time. Even if it was Young Master Jin who wanted to inherit the title today, this general would still mean the same thing. If he wants to gain control of the Rong Family Army, he has no choice but to join the army. Once his abilities are recognized by the entire army, he will naturally gain control."

After a moment of silence, the ministers all understood that Wang Biao did not want to give up power and wanted to remove the command of the Rong family army from the title of Earl of Jian'an.

But everyone tacitly agreed that whoever inherited the title of Earl of Jian'an would also inherit the Rong Family Army. Without the Rong Family Army, would Earl of Jian'an still be Earl of Jian'an?

On one side is a general who holds real power, and on the other side is a man who only has a title of moderate importance. Everyone knows which is more important.

All the ministers looked at Emperor Xuanning. The emperor lowered his eyes slightly and spoke softly, "Rong Tang is the grandson of the Earl of Jian'an and the legitimate son of the Rong family. His status is confirmed. As for his title..."

All the ministers listened attentively, wondering how the emperor would deal with the matter.

"Appoint Rong Tang as the heir apparent of the Jian'an Earl. When he reaches the age of sixteen, he will enter the military camp for testing. This decree will be issued after the trial tomorrow!"

Jin Shizhao was shocked. Even after all this, there still had to be a trial?