The atmosphere in the Imperial Court grew noticeably oppressive.
Indeed, Meng Xiutang's words had brought quite a few people to their senses.
Yesterday, Jiang Xiaobai had used the enemy forces on the Northern Frontier to gain the upper hand over the Ministry of Justice.
Today, Meng Xiutang had followed that line of argument and pushed the Northern Yu delegation right in front of Jiang Xiaobai.
His meaning was simple.
Jiang Xiaobai, hadn't you claimed that someone in the Ministry of Justice was colluding with the enemy?
Very well. Since the Northern Yu delegation was coming, you could receive them!
After all, this was such a fine opportunity for you to investigate thoroughly.
If you passed it up, then your suppression of the Ministry of Justice... likely had some other purpose.
Li Bingzhang also recognized the malice in Meng Xiutang's words. A cold glint flashed in his eyes, and he immediately prepared to speak.
But just then, Xiao Jinxuan's voice rang out. "Enough!"
That single word made Li Bingzhang swallow what he had been about to say.
"Jiang Xiaobai!"
Xiao Jinxuan's gaze settled on Jiang Xiaobai.
"Your subject is here!"
Jiang Xiaobai stepped forward as he answered.
"This matter..."
Looking at Jiang Xiaobai, Xiao Jinxuan said slowly, "I believe Chief Grand Secretary Meng has something of a point."
"The delegations from Northern Yu and Qi will indeed need a suitable person to receive them when they enter the capital."
"As this year's newly appointed Top Graduate, and the man who proposed the policy of opening border markets, you would put my mind at ease if I entrusted this matter to you."
"Of course... I will not force you. If you have any thoughts, you may tell me."
As Xiao Jinxuan finished, every official present turned his eyes toward Jiang Xiaobai.
Standing