He paused slightly at this point.
"In this old minister's humble opinion, we need not cling to formal standing for the moment. Bestow honors first, then observe his conduct; win his heart first, then employ his strength. If the Gouwu Sea truly gains the strength of a circuit in the future, it will not be too late to discuss a substantive appointment."
These words sounded neutral, even as though they were holding Qing Chen down.
Yet on closer consideration, they clearly meant that Qing Chen could be given a chance, just not too much for now.
Emperor Jingtai offered no comment, but asked again, "What does the Grand Commander think?"
In the foremost seat on the right, Wu Zhanxian, Grand Commander of the Central Army, remained seated, heavy killing intent hanging over his black armor.
He looked at neither the assembled ministers nor Hu Yong, merely saying evenly, "The Central Army's Governor-General's Office only appoints circuit inspectors and commanding generals of Dao soldiers, and concerns itself only with battlefield campaigns. As for the choice of a circuit governor, this old minister is dull-witted. That is a matter for the Inner Cabinet and Your Majesty."
With that, he said no more. Wu Zhanxian neither supported nor opposed it.
Every gaze in the hall finally settled on the foremost seat on the left, where Zhang Taiyue, head of all the officials, still had his eyes closed.
The phantom image of Emperor Jingtai seemed finally to turn its gaze toward this Chief Grand Secretary as well, his voice containing a few more words than usual. "Sir, what do you think?"
Zhang Taiyue finally opened his eyes.
Those eyes were not sharp, and even held a trace of weariness, yet they seemed capable of seeing through every thought, every hidden thread, every scrap of