The Return of the King: A Generation of Prodigies

"Quiet!" The eunuch shouted loudly at the noisy ministers.

Hearing the eunuch's scolding, the noisy court immediately quieted down.

"Prime Minister, you must have a reason for recommending Cheng Rui, right?" Looking at the uproar below, Shen Tianjiao knew that if she didn't give them a convincing reason today, this matter would probably not be accomplished.

For Wang Yunzhi, praising others is a very simple thing and there is no difficulty at all.

"The iron ore industry is originally under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Industry. The Ministry of Industry is currently short of talent, and the Minister of Industry has been on sick leave and hasn't been to court for a long time."

"The Minister of Works will stay to oversee the Ministry's affairs. As for the others, they are a bit too old to handle the duties."

"Cheng Rui is at the right age and is a young talent. Young people should go out and gain more experience."

"No matter which department we work in, we must promote more young talents. We old men must give way to the young people."

After Wang Yunzhi finished speaking these words without changing his expression or breathing, he immediately received resentful and angry looks from the "older" people in the Ministry of Industry.

They had always thought that Prime Minister Wang was a very law-abiding and fair person, but they didn't know until today.

This Prime Minister Wang is actually a person who tells lies with his eyes open and doesn't even write down his thoughts.

They really don't know people well and have made a mistake in their judgment.

"Well, it's time to promote more young people. The court needs more young people to be vigorous and energetic."

Shen Tianjiao's words gave the matter a way out, and also indicated that the matter could be stopped and ended.

"Since it was recommended by Prime Minister Wang, then I will approve it."

"Soon, I will send Cheng Rui, the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Works, to Pingzhou to oversee and handle the affairs of the iron mine."

"It's just that the position of Yuwenlang in the Ministry of Works is a bit low, so we'll set up a Supervisory Department within the Ministry of Works. From now on, all mines in Yunli will be under the unified management of the Supervisory Department."

"From today on, Cheng Rui will be the first Supervisory History of the Supervision Department. His rank will be the same as that of the Minister of Works."

For a moment, everyone's eyes in the hall were focused on Cheng Rui.

In just a short moment, Cheng Rui was promoted from a fifth-rank official of the Ministry of Works to a third-rank official of the same rank as the Vice Minister of Works.

What kind of luck does this guy have? How could such a good thing happen to him?

I'm afraid that the green smoke coming out of the Cheng family's ancestral tomb right now is about to burst into the sky, right?

Many people have been officials for their entire lives, but have always been stuck in the same position. Not to mention being promoted two levels, it is extremely difficult to be promoted even half a level.

How could such luck not make people go crazy with jealousy?

Unsurprisingly, Cheng Rui received many envious and jealous looks for this good fortune.

Even Cheng Rui himself was overwhelmed by this luck. He was usually a very smart person, but now he looked like a fool.

"What are you still standing there for? Why don't you kowtow and express your gratitude?"

Seeing Cheng Rui standing there like a fool without moving, his uncle became anxious and ran over to remind his nephew without caring that he was in the hall.

Cheng Rui came back to his senses and quickly knelt down to express his gratitude. "Your Majesty, I, Cheng Rui, thank you for your grace. I will do my duty faithfully and do my job well, so as not to disappoint the trust of the Emperor and the Empress."

"Well, get up. Now that the matter has been settled, Master Cheng should leave for Pingzhou as soon as possible."

Today was a day of fighting and dealing with government affairs, and Shen Tianjiao is still hungry.

Shen Tianjiao was tired and hungry now, and she really didn't have the mood to waste time here with these people.

Anyway, everything has been resolved and the overall situation has been decided. There won't be any trouble for the time being.

"Let's end today's court meeting here. I still have things to discuss with the Emperor."

Shen Tianjiao stood up and left without paying any attention to the court officials.

As soon as Shen Tianjiao left, the quiet court instantly turned into a vegetable market, and everyone gathered around Wang Yunzhi and Cheng Rui and became lively.

Marquis Zhenbei never joined in such a lively occasion. He followed Shen Tianjiao and left Zhenghe Palace.

When the Marquis of Zhenbei left, his direct descendants and followers also left with him.

With the help of his uncle, Cheng Rui finally got rid of the enthusiastic attacks of his colleagues. After leaving the palace, he had been waiting for Wang Yunzhi.

Wang Yunzhi recommended him today, which was a favor to both him and the Cheng family.

Prime Minister Wang never accepted gifts and did not allow officials to visit his home at will, but Cheng Rui always thanked Prime Minister Wang for his recommendation and recognition.

Wang Yunzhi, who hated dealing with officialdom the most, was entangled by those court officials and could not get away. He had to find an excuse that the queen wanted to discuss something with him, and only then did he free himself.

As soon as he walked out of the palace gate, Cheng Rui came to greet him. He bowed and saluted, "I thank the Prime Minister for your promotion."

Wang Yunzhi stepped forward to support Cheng Rui and said, "The person you should thank is not me, but the Queen."

After Wang Yunzhi said this, he patted Cheng Rui on the back, got into the carriage and left.

Cheng Rui stared at Wang Yunzhi's carriage until it disappeared, then he withdrew his gaze.

The reason why I was able to go to Pingzhou this time was because of the Queen's personal choice?

Cheng Rui was not a fool and quickly understood what was going on.

It seems that not only he will have to go to the palace to express his gratitude to the Queen, but his grandfather will also have to visit the Marquis of Zhenbei.

After returning to Yuxiu Palace, Shen Tianjiao threw herself directly onto the recliner. It was no exaggeration to say that she was almost exhausted to death.

When Xia He saw Shen Tianjiao coming back, she quickly brought the warm porridge over.

"Master, this is mung bean and lily porridge, it's good for clearing away heat. Would you like some?"

Shen Tianjiao opened her eyes and looked at the rather bland porridge Xia He brought to her. She said with some disdain, "That's all? No meat?"

"I've spent too much energy today, I need a good meal to replenish my energy."

"Tell the kitchen to make more delicious food and send it over, like candied pork elbows, chicken legs, steamed dumplings, etc. The more the better. I'm so hungry now that I could eat a cow."

During the first few days after Shen Tianjiao came here, because she had been hungry for more than ten years, she seemed to be hungry every day. She ate whatever she could get her hands on, and she ate more meat.

Later, after gradually returning to normal, Shen Tianjiao was no longer picky about food. She basically ate whatever these girls prepared and never made any requests.

The request now can only mean one thing, that is, Shen Tianjiao is really tired and hungry, and she needs to eat more delicious food to replenish her energy.

"I'll prepare it right away." Xia He turned around, put down the porridge in her hand, and trotted to the small kitchen.

In addition to the royal chef, Dongyang is also in charge of cooking in the small kitchen.

Originally, Shen Tianjiao asked Dongyang to return to the Zhenbei Marquis Mansion to cook for her second brother Shen Tingzhi, but the second young master was too busy and was not at home all day.

Dongyang had a lot of skills but no place to use them, so he returned to the palace.

Shen Tianjiao had already explained it yesterday, saying that she would send the prince and princess to stay somewhere else with the marquis for a few days.

So Dongyang got up early this morning and started busying himself in the small kitchen.

She used all her skills in cooking, stir-frying and frying to make many delicious dishes, for she was worried that her little prince would starve and become thin during the time he was away from the palace.

When Xia He arrived at the small kitchen, she quickly ordered, "Dongyang, hurry up, the master is back and wants to eat. Hurry and serve all the dishes you prepared."

Looking at Xia He, who was running out of breath, and Dong Yang, who was busy and sweating, he said, "Sister, what's wrong? Why are you running so fast?"

"Nothing, the master just said he was hungry and wanted to eat." Xia He touched his chest, adjusted his breathing, and said, "Hurry up and set the table, I'll go call the young master."

"Okay, it will be ready soon." Dong Yang turned around, put down the big spoon in her hand, and began to arrange for someone to serve the meal.

When Xia He ran to find Li Muyang, the child was feeding the koi in the pond alone, looking depressed.

"Your Highness, what's wrong?" Xia He walked over and looked at Li Muyang, who was in a bad mood, and asked gently.

"Who made our little prince unhappy? Tell Sister Xia He, and Sister Xia He will help the little prince vent his anger!"

Li Muyang looked up at Xia He, shook his head, and said, "No one bullied me, I was just in a bad mood."

Xia He squatted down, looked Li Muyang in the eye, and asked, "Your Highness, can you tell me what made you feel so bad?"

"Do I have to leave the palace?" Li Muyang raised his head and looked at Xia He with tears in his eyes. Anyone who saw her pitiful little appearance would feel soft-hearted.

Xia He picked up Li Muyang and took him back, explaining to him, "Your Highness, the Queen is reluctant to let you leave the palace."

"It's just that the situation in the court is complicated right now, and the Queen is about to do something very important, and it's a dangerous thing."

"The Empress must be completely focused in order to complete this task. If the young prince and the princess remain in the palace, the Empress will have concerns and weaknesses."

"Our enemies will also try their best to use the little prince and the princess to threaten the queen, just like the last time the little prince was assassinated in the street."

"Your Highness is still too young and unable to protect himself, so sending you and the princess away is for your safety and to get rid of this big trouble."

"Once that big problem is solved, His Highness and the Princess will no longer have to be separated from the Queen."

"Oh!" Li Muyang looked down at his little arms and legs and couldn't help but sigh, wondering when he would grow up.

When I grow up, I can protect my mother and younger sister, and I won’t have to make my mother worry about me all day long.

Since being brought back to Yuxiu Palace by Shen Tianjiao and being well-fed, Li Muyang has grown taller and stronger, but he is still a child after all, and there are many things he cannot take on.

"Okay, our little prince is no longer sad." Xia He looked at Li Muyang, smiled and said, "Our little prince will grow up soon. When he grows up, he can protect mother and sister."

Li Muyang's mood was not comforted by Xia He's words. He understood the logic, but he just couldn't accept it.

Shen Tianjiao, who had already eaten a bowl of beef noodles, only felt alive after putting down the bowl and chopsticks.

But before she could finish her sigh, her precious son came in with a little face.

Seeing Li Muyang's unhappy look, Shen Tianjiao knew why without asking.

This child is good in every way except that he likes to stick to her and there is no way he can change that.

This may be because he lost his mother at a young age and grew up under the contempt of others. He lacks a sense of security and needs to stay with someone who can give him a sense of security.

But now Li Muyang is the crown prince, and as the next king of Yunli, he must learn to be strong.

Because there will be many things and decisions in the future that can only be completed by him alone, and no one can help him make decisions.

Everyone's growth comes at a price. As the king of Yunli, Li Muyang has to pay an even greater price.

After taking Li Muyang from Xia He's arms, Shen Tianjiao waved her hand to signal the people in the room to leave.

She now wants to spend some time alone with her son. In addition to comforting the little guy, she also wants to teach him some principles that he must know.

The people in the room disappeared in an instant, and now only Shen Tianjiao and Li Muyang, mother and son, were left in the room.

"Mu'er." Shen Tianjiao touched Li Muyang's head and said, "Mother knows you are reluctant to leave me, but there are some things you must do."

"Mother, I know, but I just don't want to leave you."

"Can you let my son stay and let my grandfather take my sister away?"

"You told your son that he is the crown prince of Yunli and the future emperor of Yunli. No matter what time comes, he will live and die with Yunli and its people."

"I don't know what the Queen Mother is going to do, but I know that everything she is going to do is for the good of Yunli and the people of Yunli."

"Then why not let your son stay with the Queen Mother and deal with it together with her?"

"Although my son is still young, he can protect himself."

"I can't let my mother face those dangers alone. Isn't this my responsibility?"

Li Muyang looked up at Shen Tianjiao, his eyes sparkling as if they could glow, making people feel warm in their hearts.

Shen Tianjiao looked at her son and suddenly became speechless, not knowing what to say. Her son had really grown up.

When she didn't have time to take care of him and teach him, he grew up all of a sudden.

Shen Tianjiao felt that there was no need to explain those big principles to Li Muyang anymore. This kid was very clear-headed and he knew what his responsibilities were.

Even though he knew there was danger, he was willing to take responsibility. He did not choose to escape or retreat, but chose to face it bravely.