The entire Imperial Study
fell into a strange silence
as Li Zhen's voice rang out.
No one could guess what Li Zhen was thinking.
After all, although his father's Jiangnan Faction had begun to make a name for itself in court, it was nowhere near strong enough to contend with Li Zhen's Li Faction.
Thus, on the surface, the Zeng Faction and the Li Faction currently had no conflict of interests whatsoever.
What did that old bastard mean?
His father remained expressionless, his gaze fixed squarely on Li Zhen's back.
Duke Wei Tian Ji's eyes did not move in the slightest.
He had always been indifferent to the struggles of court.
Emperor Jianhong slowly looked toward Li Zhen, a gentle smile appearing on his face.
"Why does Minister Li say that?"
That smile revealed none of his true feelings.
Li Zhen's expression did not change, and he still wore a faint smile.
"Your Majesty, as this subject understands it, Zeng Anmin is only sixteen this year and has yet to marry. If Your Majesty would be willing to act as matchmaker, this subject happens to have a suitable niece in his clan."
"As for granting him an official post... this is merely a report on military training. The army has yet to be formed, and its actual performance in war remains unknown."
"If Duke Wei returns in triumph from this campaign someday, his military merits may be assessed, and he will surely be granted a noble title."
"But if the results prove unsatisfactory, would Your Majesty not be subject to criticism?"
"Therefore, in this subject's view, it would be better to wait until Duke Wei returns in triumph before bestowing rewards."
??
The moment those words came out,
they left his father doubting himself.
He had thought Li Zhen intended