NOVEL WEB Chapter 508
"Luo Ji..." Zong Wenxiu also recalled this person.0
They had met once during a hunting expedition.0
Luo Ji had been falsely accused of cheating, but he proved his innocence with undeniable skill. Those who had slandered him quickly changed their tune, praising his prowess while emphasizing his status as the eldest son of the Duke of State Protection. Though Luo Ji left his name behind, only the elite class remembered him.0
The young emperor nodded emphatically. "Only if I go as the eldest son of the Duke of State Protection will the Luo faction not suspect me. They might even believe my loyalty lies with the Luo family. Besides, Luo Ji is a man of integrity—if I ask him not to give the documents to Luo Jingfeng, he'll surely comply. A perfect solution!"0
Zong Wenxiu sucked in a breath, pondering. "If he truly agrees, then it would indeed be the best resolution. But Luo Jingfeng is still his father—would Luo Ji really defy his father's orders?"0
Jin Cheng smirked. "With the imperial decree weighing on him, of course he'd dare."0
Then he called out to the attendants outside, "Summon Luo Ji for an audience."0
"Summon Commander Luo for an audience!" echoed the eunuch's voice.0
Zong Wenxiu blinked in surprise. "He only won the military examination last year, and he's already been promoted to a third-rank commander?"0
That was just one step below a general—several ranks higher than the position granted after his initial success.0
Meanwhile, those who had taken the civil examinations the same year were still lingering at the sixth or seventh ranks, including Qin Ye, who hadn't been promoted yet.0
Chu Jincheng scratched his head. "Well, he... uh, distinguished himself in several campaigns. General Pang kept pressuring the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Personnel to fast-track Luo Ji's promotions. I wanted to reject them on principle, but Father said I was already suppressing the entire Luo faction too harshly. If I didn't leave them an opening, their rebellious sentiments might grow stronger. Besides, as long as I don't let Luo Ji take the battlefield, he can't rise to general—this is as high as he'll go. It's just letting him enjoy a third-rank title a little earlier."0
Though Luo Ji was undoubtedly capable, and though Luo Jingfeng was too occupied with campaigns to pay attention to his eldest son, the entire Luo faction had pinned their hopes on Luo Ji—they wanted to elevate the Duke's heir to a lofty position.0
Father had said that since the emperor's power wasn't yet fully consolidated, he shouldn't provoke the Luo family over minor issues. As long as it didn't cross any red lines, a little compromise could prevent conflicts from escalating.0
And so, this was the result...0
Zong Wenxiu swallowed hard. "Well... alright. Luo Ji is a decent man—even with a higher rank, he wouldn't act recklessly."0
The two brothers exchanged glances—one uneasy, the other awkward.0
Afraid his brother might resent him, Jin Cheng quickly added, "Brother, Prime Minister Shen says I've been handling affairs more maturely lately. Once I... once I grow stronger, I won't let things like this happen again."0
Seeing his nervousness, Zong Wenxiu chuckled. "I know being emperor is difficult—you have to consider countless things. You're already doing very well. Many commoners praise you as a young and capable ruler."0
Jin Cheng asked timidly, "Really? No one's cursing me?"0
Zong Wenxiu shook his head. "Not that I've heard."0
Jin Cheng let out a relieved sigh.0
Zong Wenxiu continued reassuring him, "Jincheng, don't pressure yourself. Remember how you used to argue with us, saying many things aren't just black and white? Though our goal is a peaceful world where people are treated fairly, it doesn't mean everything has to be absolutely fair. Pushing people too far can lead to trouble. Uncle's advice was wise, and I understand. So don't overthink it—you're already doing great."0
The young emperor pouted. "Thank you, Brother. I'll keep working harder."0
Zong Wenxiu ruffled his hair. "Alright, Luo Ji will be here soon. I'll head home first—summon me if you need anything."0
"Alright."0
When Luo Ji entered the palace, he was clad in a crimson official robe. Tall and lean, his youthful softness had faded, leaving behind the striking poise of a distinguished young man.0
"Your subject, Luo Ji, pays respects to Your Majesty."0
The young emperor grinned. "At ease, at ease! Cousin, it's been so long—do you remember me? We met at the hunting grounds once."0
Luo Ji kept his head slightly lowered. "This subject remembers, though we did not speak much at the time."0
Truthfully, his first impression hadn't been favorable.0
His father had repeatedly favored this child, even making Luo Ji take the blame for him twice. Luo Ji had once asked who Jin Cheng was, but Luo Jingfeng rebuked him, forbidding further inquiry.0
Only after the young emperor's ascension did everything become clear.0
So this was his aunt's child—his cousin.0
No wonder Father doted on him so much.0
Chu Jincheng waved him over. "Cousin, don't just stand there. Come sit here and have some grapes—the palace grapes are huge."0
"As you command."0
Luo Ji took a seat at the small table, accepting the offered fruit plate. The palace grapes were indeed larger and sweeter than those found in common households.0
"Your Majesty, have you summoned this subject for an assignment?" Luo Ji's tone was polite but distant, clearly treating him as an emperor first.0
The young emperor pouted. "Cousin, can't I just call you in for a chat? I'm so bored in the palace—no one to play with, no relatives close to my age. You're practically the only one I've met before. After we parted at the hunting grounds, I admired your archery and character for the longest time. I've always wanted to befriend you."0
"My... character?" Luo Ji was puzzled.0
The emperor mimicked his demeanor, clearing his throat. "'I am myself. My father is my father.' Those words of yours stuck with me. Before, I'd only met Luo Chen, who always caused trouble under Uncle's name. But you—you wanted to prove yourself through your own skill. You must have ambitions and ideals, right?"0
Luo Ji frowned. "Your Majesty, what do you mean?"0
Chu Jincheng spoke bluntly. "Your promotion to commander—I approved it. But you know how much of it was the Luo faction's doing, don't you?"0
A flicker of discomfort crossed Luo Ji's face. "This subject knows."0
The young emperor frowned. "When I took the imperial exams, I placed second. Uncle asked if I wanted the top rank. I said I did—but only if I earned it myself. I thought you were the same kind of person. Yet you didn't refuse. I don't understand. Are you happy about your promotion?"0
Jincheng wanted Luo Ji to deliver the documents, but he needed to gauge the man's true stance first—lest he miscalculate.0
Luo Ji remained silent for a long time.0
Just as Jincheng thought he wouldn't answer, Luo Ji finally spoke. "No."0
The greatest grievance in Luo Ji's life was this: all his efforts were overshadowed by his father's influence.0
He could have risen through the ranks on his own merit, yet General Pang and others insisted on pushing him forward, ensuring the world knew his promotions came solely because of his father.0
The young emperor tilted his head curiously. "Then why didn't you refuse?"0