The next day.
Atop the court hall.
Minister Jiang suddenly proposed that Fengfeng be given a promotion in rank, which meant elevating him above the position of Prince Qi, bringing him close to the status of the Crown Prince. Minister Jiang's suggestion won the echo of many officials, and now the situation was clear: Fengfeng and the Crown Prince were equally matched in power and influence.
Fengfeng rejected Minister Jiang's proposal on the spot, feeling unentitled to receive such honor without any substantial achievements. He steadfastly refused for a long time until the Emperor finally agreed with his view.
The Crown Prince, who should have felt threatened, was not able to harbor any resentment towards Fengfeng when he saw him decline Minister Jiang's proposal.
And the Emperor still expected Fengfeng to complete the case he had assigned earlier.
