Qing Mo wore a helpless expression as the crowd ushered him into the hall and seated him!
And to keep him from suddenly leaving, Cheng Yaojin and Yuchi Gong—the two thickest-skinned men of the Zhenguan Era!
Sat directly at his left and right, continuously massaging and kneading his arms under the lofty pretense of helping him relax!
"National Preceptor, I heard you have the chance to earn a page all to oneself in the history books. What do you think of me?"
"After all, you know Fang Xuanling's capabilities. Whatever you need me to do, just give the order. No need to stand on ceremony!"
Before anyone else present could speak, Fang Xuanling, the chancellor, beamed so broadly that his old face resembled a chrysanthemum as he took the initiative to lean toward Qing Mo, his eyes fixed intently on him!
"Xuanling! What are you doing? Why are you making it look like you're asking the National Preceptor for something?"
"What sort of conduct is this?!"
"National Preceptor! Xuanling is getting on in years, so I fear his strength may no longer be up to the task. Look at me—this old Du is in the prime of life!"
"Didn't you once say it yourself? Fang plans, Du decides! Xuanling is suited to strategizing, but this old Du is different. When it's time to act, when it's time to make a decision, I've never been vague about it!"
Du Ruhui, whose expression remained calm but whose eyes were equally eager, shoved Fang Xuanling aside and immediately began recommending himself to Qing Mo!
"You two old geezers!"
"What do you take the National Preceptor for? How can you behave like this?"
"National Preceptor! Ignore them. Scholars are always so sour and fussy, unlike us martial men, who are forthright!"
"National Preceptor! Look,