bayedsolid Chapter 1934: Your Majesty's Judgment
Chapter 1934: Your Majesty's Judgment
Chu Ning's depth and elusiveness made these family leaders who were used to playing within the rules feel unprecedentedly confused and passive.
After a round of discussion, everyone's eyes involuntarily turned to Cui Yan, the head of the Qinghe Cui family, who was standing in the front row with a solemn expression and remained silent.
The Cui family was the leading family among the northern gentry, and Cui Yan himself was known for his maturity, prudence, and far-sightedness.
At this critical moment that concerns the life and death of everyone, everyone subconsciously hopes that the most prestigious head of the family can step forward, break the suffocating deadlock, and find out the young emperor's trump card.
Wang Jing secretly gave Cui Yan a look with a questioning and pleading look.
Li You also nodded slightly, indicating that he should perhaps express something.
Zhao Kuo looked at him with burning eyes.
Feeling the gazes full of expectation and pressure coming from behind him, Cui Yan felt extremely heavy in his heart.
Didn't he want to know Chu Ning's intentions? Didn't he worry about the family's property and future?
But he knew better that at this time, whoever lost his patience first might fall into a completely passive position.
He took a deep breath and forced himself to calm down.
The more indifferent Chu Ning appears, the more unpredictable he becomes, and the bigger his plans may be.
The song and dance, the waiting, and the seemingly insignificant opening remarks were all carefully designed to completely overwhelm them psychologically.
Now, should I continue to be patient and wait for Chu Ning to reveal his cards?
Or should I take a risk and try to get the conversation to the point by myself as the representative?
Cui Yan's gaze quickly swept over the young emperor sitting in the main seat, who seemed to be concentrating on enjoying the singing and dancing but was actually in control of everything. He had already made a decision in his heart.
He couldn't wait, nor could he let others speak rashly.
He must be the one to initiate this, but his approach must be extremely cautious and must not reveal any impatience or questioning.
Just as the song was about to end, the dancers' movements began to slow down and the music became softer. Cui Yan sorted out his thoughts and took half a step forward.
Cui Yan took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the uneasiness surging in his heart. He took a half step forward and bowed deeply to the main seat. He lowered his posture very low, but tried to keep his voice steady and clear enough for everyone in the pavilion to hear:
"Your Majesty, I, Cui Yan of Qinghe, take the liberty to make this report."
The music turned low at this moment, and his voice immediately attracted everyone's attention, including Chu Ning on the throne.
Chu Ning's gaze, which had originally seemed to be casually focused on the singing and dancing, slowly shifted to Cui Yan.
The gaze was calm, yet carried a weight of scrutiny that made Cui Yan feel an invisible pressure.
"Oh?"
Chu Ning responded softly, with a slight rise in the ending tone, carrying a barely perceptible hint of amusement.
"So it's the Cui family. I've heard that the Qinghe Cui family is a family that has a long tradition of poetry and etiquette, and is also renowned in the Han area for their wisdom and far-sightedness, and is also known for their patience."
"How come today, before I've even finished enjoying this song and dance, Lord Cui is already losing his temper?"
These words seemed casual, but they were like a fine needle, accurately piercing the composure Cui Yan had tried so hard to maintain.
It also points out the contrast between the Cui family's past reliance and current behavior, implying a warning.
Cui Yan's heart trembled, and a thin layer of sweat instantly broke out on his back.
He didn't dare to raise his head, and kept bowing, his tone even more humble:
"Your Majesty, I would never dare to do that! Your Majesty's divine presence has summoned us, a truly extraordinary grace."
"It's just...it's just that I, a humble commoner, am grateful for the emperor's grace. I feel both excited and uneasy."
"Your Majesty just mentioned the word 'future', which concerns the future of our family. We are ignorant and uneasy, fearing that we have misunderstood Your Majesty's intentions."
"Therefore, I boldly ask Your Majesty to clarify this matter, so that we can swiftly realize our aspirations and truly serve Your Majesty."
His words attributed the reason for his proactive inquiry to his excitement for the emperor's grace and his fear of the emperor's will.
Try your best to avoid any implication of questioning or coercion, and focus on the level of effectiveness.
Upon hearing this, Chu Ning leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on the table, crossing his fingers, and staring at Cui Yan with interest, asking:
"What are you thinking about? I wonder what is going on in your heart, Mr. Cui?"
This rhetorical question directly kicked the ball back, forcing Cui Yan to be the first to reveal some of his cards in front of everyone.
Cui Yan knew he couldn't escape, so he made up his mind and answered carefully:
"Your Majesty, today the Mandate of Heaven has come to an end. The False Han has fallen, and the Great Chu is in control of the world. The unification of the Central Plains in the future is the general trend of the world. Although we are foolish, we can see it clearly."
"My Cui family... and all the other family heads present here are not pedantic and ignorant of current events. We fully understand the principle of following the will of Heaven and responding to the needs of people."
He first stated his position, emphasizing his obedience to the new dynasty, and then carefully cut to the core:
"However, the continuation of the family is related to the future livelihoods of thousands of clansmen."
"Many specific matters, especially... especially those involving the vital interests of each party."
"We, the common people, are at a loss and don't know what to do. Naturally, we need...we need to seek your Majesty's judgment."
In the end, he did not dare to use the word "negotiation", but instead used the more humble term "asking for the Holy Judge", handing over the final decision-making power without reservation.
"Vital interests..."
Chu Ning repeated these four words softly, and the playful smile on the corner of his mouth seemed to deepen a little.
He did not respond to Cui Yan immediately, but turned his gaze away from Cui Yan and slowly glanced at the other family heads in the pavilion who were holding their breath in concentration. His voice was calm, but it carried a pressure that could not be avoided:
"Family heads,"
He asked loudly, "Does what Patriarch Cui said reflect your shared thoughts? Is this also what you're worried about and hoping for?"
These words were like throwing a huge rock into a calm lake!
The family heads, who had been waiting for a long time and were extremely anxious, saw that Cui Yan had already brought up the topic and the emperor had also asked questions, so how could they dare to hesitate at all?
Suddenly, an urgent and respectful echo echoed from the pavilion, and everyone bowed to express their opinions:
Wang Jing of the Taiyuan Wang family spoke first, "Your Majesty is wise! What Lord Cui said is exactly what we, the ministers, truly believe! The entire Wang family awaits your Majesty's orders!"
He spoke in a hurried tone, afraid that he would be a step slower.
Li You of the Longxi Li clan followed closely behind, his voice trembling with the trembling of an elderly person: "Your Majesty, the Li clan also agrees!"
"The future of our family depends on your Majesty's will. We, the common people, eagerly await your guidance!"
He kept a very low profile.
Although Zhao Kuo of the Xingyang Zhao family was unwilling to accept this, he could only respond loudly: "The Zhao family will follow your Majesty's orders! Please clearly state the rules, and the Zhao family will not argue!"
He tried to appear cheerful, but his clenched fists betrayed his inner nervousness.