Grand Tutor Wen Chenghuan said calmly, "The princess is of golden branches and jade leaves. How would this old servant dare be disrespectful? I am merely discussing the matter at hand, and hope Your Highness will be magnanimous." Though his words were tactful, every one of them pointed its spear at Qiqi.
Quite a few ministers stepped forward to support Wen Chenghuan. It was hardly surprising. Since the twelfth lunar month began, Great Kang's famine had grown increasingly severe, and the Imperial Court had no solution. Now Great Yong's proposal to exchange land for grain had brought a glimmer of dawn to Great Kang in its plight. Matters had different degrees of urgency. Everyone understood that national territory could not be given away lightly, but these two cities meant far less to them than grain. Eastern Luo Granary had only just been seized from Great Yong, while Eastern Liang Commandery had been given to them not long ago by Great Yong's Emperor Yongqing as compensation. Exchanging the two cities for grain would naturally leave everyone happy. To most ministers, it was an exceedingly favorable bargain.
Seeing the ministers all sing a contrary tune, Qiqi grew increasingly frustrated. In this vast court, not a single one of its many officials stood up to support her. Clearly, the emperor's influence within the Imperial Court remained deeply rooted.
At that moment, Chancellor Zhou Ruiyuan stepped forward. "Your Majesty, I too have something to say!"
The entire court instantly fell silent. Every gaze turned toward Zhou Ruiyuan, Qiqi's among them. Her heart filled with anticipation. Zhou Ruiyuan was undoubtedly the clearest-headed of all the ministers. He ought to see through Great Yong's treacherous scheme and oppose exchanging land for grain. Perhaps he could persuade the emperor to change his mind.
Long Xuan'en nodded. "Minister