This man was the newly appointed Vice Minister of War. Since Cui Zhaoqian, the Minister of War, had recently taken sick leave and was bedridden, the Vice Minister of War could barely be considered the Ministry of War's representative at this meeting.
At that moment, the Vice Minister of War stepped forward. "Your Majesty, I believe there is someone highly suitable."
Everyone present immediately pricked up their ears, their eyes fixed tightly on the Vice Minister of War.
This Vice Minister of War was plainly Imperial Faction—far more obvious about it than the previous censor. The moment he stepped forward to recommend someone, everyone present understood at once.
He was putting on a double act with the Emperor. It seemed the Emperor had already made his choice!
But what exactly was the Emperor's purpose in staging this? A system was a system; even an Emperor would not alter it at will.
The Emperor, however, appeared wholly unhurried as he asked at a leisurely pace, "Whom do you wish to recommend?"
The Vice Minister of War replied, "I recommend Lord Luo Pei. In my opinion, Lord Luo is the best candidate for this journey to the Southwest."
"Oh? Explain. What reason do you have for recommending Lord Luo?" The Emperor swept a glance over his sons, who were nearly unable to keep their expressions under control. That single glance made Prince Qi, who had been about to step out and object, draw back at once.
The Vice Minister of War had long since prepared his answer and naturally remained calm. "I recommend Lord Luo because he holds greater advantages than others if sent to the Southwest."
"Lord Luo is skilled in water management and, in his early years, once supervised naval warfare. The Southwest borders the sea, where water bandits run