When Daoist Yusu saw him accept the decree, his expression eased, and all severity vanished from his face. He smiled, made a Daoist salute, and said, "Yusu offers his congratulations to Councilor Zhang."
Zhang Yu returned the salute with a raised sleeve and said, "It is rare for you to visit. Please come inside and sit for a while."
Daoist Yusu shook his head. "No. After delivering the decree, I must return to the court and report." He paused slightly. "However, when I came here, a fellow cultivator asked me to inquire of Councilor Zhang: now that you have become a councilor, how do you intend to handle the former post of Eastern Court garrison commander?"
Zhang Yu said, "Naturally, it will be entrusted to a suitable person for defense, according to past precedent."
Daoist Yusu nodded. "Since Councilor Zhang says so, the Chief Councilor asks me to pose another question: in your view, after you, who should succeed to Eastern Court?"
Zhang Yu pondered briefly. This was likely asking him to recommend someone. That too was considered customary.
Not only he, but every councilor, after leaving office, could recommend a successor.
The main reason was that the personal preferences of a newly appointed Profound Chief could very likely alter the existing situation within a continent. If the change proved beneficial, it would be a good thing for the cultivators and people there. But if it went in the opposite direction, or if the changes were too drastic, it could cause a degree of unrest.
Generally speaking, those recommended to succeed would usually continue the actions and principles of the previous Profound Chief, preventing overly great changes.
But a recommendation was merely a recommendation. Whether it would ultimately be adopted still depended on the Profound Court's deliberations.
Daoist Yusu smiled