Chapter 1888 - 198: Rewards! (2)

But Jiang Ning is now the King of Luoshui, ruler of four counties, wield’s power in court, undefeated as the tide, already reached the pinnacle of a subject; there’s nothing more to bestow.

The court was silent for a moment.

Prime Minister Li first stepped forward, folding his hands toward Ji Minghao and said, "Report to the Holy Emperor, the merits of the King of Luoshui are unprecedented in history, spanning the eight hundred years of our dynasty, matched only by one other person. To speak of rewards, there’s nothing that can honor his achievements, or uphold his virtue!"

Upon hearing this.

Xiao Wuque was the first to rise, bowing towards Ji Minghao.

"I second Prime Minister Li’s proposal; the merits of the King of Luoshui indeed cannot be further rewarded."

"Whether it was single-handedly saving the Five Mountains Prefecture, beheading King Zhuanlun under Celestial Palace City, or fiercely battling the Sword Hero to protect the Royal Capital yesterday, each deed is a towering achievement."

"According to usual measure, not to mention bestowing him a title, even granting land and founding a nation would not be excessive!"

"But I observe the King of Luoshui, seems to have no such intentions."

"If the Holy Emperor finds it difficult to decide, why not let the King of Luoshui speak for himself."

Upon these words, a slight nod spread among the civil and military officials.

No one wanted to take the initiative on such a difficult issue.

Everyone knew that Jiang Ning’s merits had reached a point where no further reward was possible.

Low rewards might chill people’s hearts and lose their loyalty.

A higher reward, wouldn’t that mean giving up the Holy Emperor’s throne?

If they, as ministers, suggested something, it would also be a great dilemma.

At this moment.

The Minister of Rites stepped out from the line of civil officials, standing in the center of the hall, bowed to Ji Minghao.

"I second Master Xiao’s proposal!"

"The merits of the King of Luoshui indeed cannot be matched by ordinary rewards."

"I suggest, as Master Xiao said, whatever reward is needed, let the King of Luoshui propose it himself!"

"What the King of Luoshui asks for will always be what suits his own heart best!"

As the Minister of Rites spoke.

For a moment, all civil and military officials bowed, their voices joining into one.

"We all second this!!"

From the dragon throne.

Ji Minghao’s gaze swept through the ranks of officials.

Finally, it landed on Jiang Ning, and deep in his eyes, a complex expression emerged.

Then, he slowly revealed a gentle smile, nodding slightly toward the ministers below.

His voice clear and bright, "The words of my beloved ministers are not without reason! The merits of the King of Luoshui are beyond anything ordinary rewards can express by a fraction. To forcibly reward, would instead make me appear petty!"

After a pause, his tone changed, eyes locking onto Jiang Ning.

His tone had a trace of gravity and an almost indiscernible probing.

"The matter of reward is beyond what I and my ministers can decide; let’s have the King of Luoshui speak for himself, is there anything in your mind you desire?"

"Whatever is within my power, I will not refuse!"

After these words, Ji Minghao seemed to think of something and then added.

"The relatives in the family of the King of Luoshui have all been rewarded by me!"

In the Taiji Hall.

As Ji Minghao’s words fell, the eyes of the entire court of civil and military officials turned towards Jiang Ning.

Jiang Ning sat calmly on the sandalwood carved chair.

He could feel the flavors in those gazes.

He could sense the goodwill and malice from the court towards him.

Every subtle change was as clear as day.

Including Ji Minghao atop the nine-layered platform.

He understood in his heart, letting out a slight sigh.

Merit high enough to shake the ruler, with no more rewards possible.

This was the most subtle moment between emperor and meritorious official.

Ji Minghao was now saying "whatever is due, I will not refuse," but if he truly asked for some special reward, there’d be no friendship left to salvage.

If it were an ancient dynasty in another life, what would remain would be nothing more than "the clever rabbit dies, the hunting dog is stewed; the flying bird is gone, the bow is put away".

But in this world, he did not worry at all.

Under heaven, he was already the number one.

Every thought under absolute strength becomes meaningless.

Ji Minghao’s subtle change didn’t pressure him.

But thinking of Ji Mingyue, he couldn’t help but shake his head silently.

He knew, when it came to that point, it was the hardest for Ji Mingyue.

In this world now, he knew Ji Mingyue had only Ji Minghao left as her sole relative.

These days, although he hadn’t seen Ji Mingyue, he could imagine she must be in great pain.

Contemplating in his heart.

He slowly stood up.

Bowed toward Ji Minghao atop the nine-layered platform.

"Your Majesty’s kind regard, I am deeply grateful, but what I seek is neither high position nor power."

Ji Minghao, hearing this, had a glint in his eyes, his smile undiminished.

"What does the King of Luoshui require, do tell."

Jiang Ning met Ji Minghao’s gaze with frankness.

"What I require, are merely Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures, along with mundane gold and silver! Various rare minerals, Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures, Spiritual Medicines and Rare Treasures, for me, the more the better."

"If Your Majesty permits it, I am willing to exchange my achievements for these rewards from Your Majesty."

"Cultivation resources, gold and silver, regardless of type or quantity, the more the better."

As these words were spoken, murmurs of discussion arose in the hall.

Among the civil and military officials, there was an expression of surprise.

They knew that now Jiang Ning was truly the second in the world, if not the first.

At his Martial Arts realm, to advance further, worldly things were of no aid, unless it was the legendary Immortal Treasures that might be effective.

But currently, the Imperial Family has no treasures of that level, only existing in ancient legends.

So they all understood, those mundane gold and silver, Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures, for someone of Jiang Ning’s level, were no different from dirt on the street.

What Jiang Ning asked for was meaningless.

For a moment.

The eyes of the civil and military officials were filled with thought and consideration.

In the long-term court, deliberation and speculation have been their means of survival.

In the court, there are unseen and intangible blades and swords, but they indeed exist.

Each step, for them, was like walking on thin ice, not daring to be careless at all.

At this time.

On the nine-layered platform, after listening to Jiang Ning’s speech, Ji Minghao’s brows slightly relaxed imperceptibly.

Then, he shook his head, a touch of emotion appeared on his face.

"The King of Luoshui’s intention, I understand!"

"But since the King of Luoshui has set such mighty achievements, and yet only asks for some practically useless ordinary Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures, and mundane gold and silver — how might I explain this to the people of the world?"

"If the world knows I dismissed such a deserving official with mere ores and herbs, wouldn’t they mock me for lacking kindness and magnanimity?"

"If such words spread, it might cause the world to ridicule!"

Ji Minghao paused for a moment.

His tone became even more sincere.

"The King of Luoshui need not be so modest; your merits are worthy of being sung for a thousand years, your name inscribed on greenstone annals. If there is something you desire, speak freely, I will do my utmost to fulfill it."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Ning’s heart was clear.

He shook his head slightly afterward.

"Your Majesty need not worry, what I seek are precisely such things! Mundane gold and silver, as well as Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures, Spiritual Wonders and Rare Medicines, precious minerals and unusual treasures, all are what I urgently need!"

"And Your Majesty should understand, for me, power, titles, wealth have no meaning at all!"

"What I seek is solely my own Martial Path and cultivation."

Hearing these words, Ji Minghao’s gaze slightly narrowed.

After a moment of contemplation, his face then showed a bright smile.

"It seems I misconceived!"

"The King of Luoshui now ranks as the world’s foremost, what he seeks is not what us ordinary people desire!"

"The King of Luoshui should be among the Heavenly Immortals, not sharing a seat with us!"

"Since the King of Luoshui needs such ordinary items, then I shall comply with your demands."

With these words dropping.

Ji Minghao stood up, flicking his long sleeves.

"Deliver my decree."

"The King of Luoshui, Jiang Ning, has merits that span the universe, specially permitting him to enter the Imperial Palace Vault, choose any three treasures, among the three can take one of the nine treasures of the vault, to demonstrate his merits."

"Additionally, grant thirty thousand taels of gold, ten boxes of minerals, ten boxes of treasure medicine, and five boxes of pills."

"This matter is not to be taken lightly, let the Ministry of Rites arrange it immediately, and simultaneously announce it to the world."

At this moment.

Once Ji Minghao’s words completely fell.

The Minister of Rites then stepped forward.

"I accept the order!" he bowed and replied.

Jiang Ning also bowed, saying, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your benevolence!"

At this moment, a sense of joy arose in his heart as well.

With the aid of these resources, his strength could advance further.