The entire Imperial Study
fell utterly silent as Si Zhongxiao's voice faded.
It was obvious that when Emperor Jianhong heard those words, the hand gripping the armrest paused slightly.
Si Zhongxiao never interrupted Emperor Jianhong while he was thinking.
Now, he stood patiently and quietly where he was, respectful on the surface, yet lost in thought within.
As everyone knew,
even a mere county magistrate could not be a local.
Naturally, the Governor of Fengqi Road could not be Huang Yuangao, a man from Two Rivers Prefecture.
Otherwise, it would surely stir up no small amount of trouble.
But if Zeng Shilin remained in Two Rivers Prefecture,
the trouble it caused might well be even greater. Zeng Shilin alone held all power over Fengqi Road; the hidden danger was no less significant.
In an emperor's heart, balancing his officials was the foremost priority.
Si Zhongxiao knew full well that his words had merely served as a lead-in.
As for what came next, Emperor Jianhong surely had his own calculations.
At this moment, they needed to send a prince to be enfeoffed in Two Rivers Prefecture.
Then move Huang Yuangao there as well, and Fengqi Road would remain secure.
Though Huang Yuangao was from Two Rivers Prefecture, his only son held an office in the capital.
Didn't you wish to retire and return to your hometown? I'll let you return there yourself!
Then Zeng Shilin could be ordered into the capital.
He could be transferred laterally as Minister of War, granted the title of Grand Scholar, and admitted into the Grand Secretariat...
This could also serve to check Chief Grand Secretary Li Zhen!
With this move, one stone brought three, four, five birds down!
But then... who stood to gain from it?
Emperor Jianhong slowly raised his head and met Si