With the Imperial Envoy's Staff bestowed, the Ministry of Rites withdrew to its ranks.
Qin Yan lowered his eyes. Wei Shouzheng received the staff and returned to his place.
Wei Mingde looked back, a thousand emotions crossing his face, as though he had words he could not speak!
What a pity...
Father and son met each other's gaze, then each looked away.
"My ministers, are there any further memorials?"
Upon the Imperial Throne, the emperor's words had barely fallen when Song Yue stepped out from the head of the Ministry of War's ranks, Court Tablet in hand:
"Your Majesty, I have a matter to report!"
"The Ningxia Command Change was settled at the Cabinet Council the day before yesterday.
Zhou Quan, Garrison Vice Commander of Datong, held the rear at Black Mountain Ridge and raided the enemy camp at the Hutuo River during the Emperor Shizong Era. His military achievements are all recorded in the Ministry of War's archives.
The Ministry of War has prepared the Western Campaign General's seal, and the official dispatch has been sent.
I ask only that Your Majesty settle the matter by an explicit decree."
At this, Shen Duan walked slowly out of the ranks with his Court Tablet and stood below the Vermilion Steps:
"Your Majesty, Grand Secretary Song is correct. I already explained the particulars at the Cabinet Council.
At today's audience, I ask only for Your Majesty's explicit decree!
Let Zhou Quan bear the Western Campaign General's seal, with authority to act as circumstances require.
Moreover, this was Lord Feng's injunction: 'Border affairs must not be delayed.'"
"Lord Feng devoted forty years to the realm, and even as he departed, his thoughts remained on the frontier.
Though I now occupy the post of Chief Minister, I cannot hope to catch even