Chapter 1320: Chapter 1320: Each Loyal to Their Lord

Mr. Ning was straightforward, which killed many of Emperor Chu’s prepared speeches in his throat.

He felt a bit uncomfortable.

Emperor Chu suddenly had a question and asked it out loud.

"Master Ning, having once been a prominent court official, how do you see the realm of Great Qing and its people?"

Mr. Ning cupped his hands and said, "The realm is intact, the people live in peace and contentment. If things continue this way, Your Majesty could indeed be called a wise ruler of his era."

Emperor Chu raised an eyebrow, staring at him intently, trying to discern the truth of his words from his eyes.

However, Mr. Ning’s gaze was very sincere, carrying an undisguised admiration.

Mr. Ning did not evade or hide, letting him scrutinize without a trace of fear.

He indeed was not lying.

The downfall of Great Xia was due to Emperor Xia’s indulgence in pleasures, his trust in treacherous ministers, corruption in the bureaucracy, which caused the people’s lament and loss of their hearts.

In fact, the founding Emperor of Great Qing, Emperor Chu’s father, rose to power by following the will of heaven and seizing the opportunity. Many cities welcomed his army by opening their gates, citizens and officials alike, allowing Emperor Qingwu to change dynasties in the shortest time.

During Emperor Qingwu’s reign, Great Qing was in a period of rebuilding and revitalization; those years were not particularly prosperous, giving those remnants a chance to breathe and secretly prepare, and by the time Emperor Qingwu passed away, their system had already formed and slowly developed.

Emperor Qingwu founded the nation through military might, but was weak in handling state affairs. Fortunately, he was willing to heed the advice of the courtiers, or else Great Qing might have collapsed shortly after. Though now, this one here...

Having lived so many years and having served as a Cabinet Minister, Mr. Ning had to admit that Emperor Chu was more suited to be Emperor than his father, lacking neither cunning nor strategy in governance. During his reign, he implemented several reforms related to strengthening the nation and improving the people’s livelihood, leading to a flourishing Great Qing and the people enjoying peace.

In this way, how could the people’s hearts not align?

Thinking of this, Mr. Ning sighed slightly, feeling a bit more at ease inside.

Being defeated by such a person, he considered it no loss.

He glanced at Song Zhiyuan ahead to the left, his eyes also showing a hint of appreciation.

With such a pillar, if Emperor Chu continues to trust him completely, Great Qing will surely prosper for another twenty years; but if doubt arises, then...

Just like himself, didn’t Emperor Xia doubt him, resulting in conflicting opinions between sovereign and ministers, giving treacherous ministers an opportunity?

Mr. Ning’s eyes flickered slightly.

Song Zhiyuan did not miss this look, a trace of deep thought flashing through his eyes.

"Even though the Cabinet Minister considers me a wise ruler, he would rather be a lurking specter in the shadows than stand in the sunlight to assist me in governing this vast nation," Emperor Chu retorted sarcastically.

Mr. Ning didn’t feel insulted, only smiled faintly and said, "We each serve our own masters." He glanced at Song Zhiyuan and said, "I believe Prime Minister Song would do the same in my place."

He remained loyal to the Crown Prince of Xia; no matter how good any Emperor might be, he would only assist the Crown Prince, regardless of success or failure.

"A man dies for his confidant, so with Mr. Ning saying this, you don’t intend to hand over those old subordinates, do you? If that’s the case, there’s no need to continue the discussion, is there? Why not state your true purpose for entering the palace," Song Zhiyuan said.

Since he is so loyal, he won’t reveal the names of his old subordinates, leaving no leverage for negotiation.

Mr. Ning had stood there so long with a calm and composed demeanor, but upon hearing Song Zhiyuan’s words, a subtle change finally appeared on his face.

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