A Ruthless Ruler Preserves the Realm

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Late at night, in Flower Immortal Hall, named after Qi Ji's title, within the royal palace of Nine Dragons Royal City.

"The enfeoffment ceremony is tomorrow. How does Your Majesty intend to appoint the twelve most important offices—the Three Dukes and Nine Ministers?"

"Hmm?"

Jian Shang, who had been stroking a bare body as soft and soothing as silk, furrowed his thick brows. His hand stopped as he looked at Qi Ji.

"I... I meant nothing else. I merely thought the Three Dukes and Nine Ministers were far too important to appoint lightly!"

Qi Ji panicked inwardly. Her gaze wandered as she stammered out a quiet reply.

"Of course. Do you really want to know the candidates?" Jian Shang patted the frightened Qi Ji's back to reassure her and asked calmly.

It took a dozen breaths before Qi Ji's emotions settled. Still uneasy, she answered honestly, "Jiang Qing asked me earlier. I thought there was no harm in knowing beforehand, so I promised to ask for her!"

"Is there really no harm?" Jian Shang asked with a smile.

"..." Qi Ji was tongue-tied, unsure what to say.

For Jian Shang, it naturally made little difference. But for the Huan Kingdom's ministers, its various factions, and even enemy states, it meant a great deal. At the very least, they could begin maneuvering ahead of time. After all, winning someone over or pledging allegiance before they took office was far better than doing so after their formal appointment. The significance was vastly different.

Unfortunately, Jian Shang had only mentioned that he would appoint his ministers according to the