The officials of the Six Ministries watched Jia Lingyun with schadenfreude, secretly gloating in their hearts. When Jia Tu was alive, they wouldn't have dared to act this way, but now that he was dead, surely he was theirs to manipulate! Since time immemorial, children were not permitted to determine the posthumous title of their parents. Even if Jia Lingyun wanted a perfect title for Jia Tu, he could not propose it himself. The officials of the Six Ministries seized upon this point, ensuring that whatever title they gave Jia Tu would be somewhat lacking.
Fa Yun, serving as a Vice Minister of the Ministry of War, adjusted his official robes and bowed. "Reporting to the Empress Dowager, I believe that based on the old Prime Minister's meritorious service, his posthumous title should be Wénzhèng!"
As soon as these words were spoken, the crowd erupted in an uproar! The title "Wénzhèng" carried immense weight; it was the highest posthumous honor a subject could receive. The officials of the Six Ministries had been playing a game of obfuscation precisely because they did not want to grant Jia Tu a good reputation. Seeing Fa Yun ruin their plans, Guō Lǐ immediately reprimanded him. "What kind of petty official are you? This ministry is currently deliberating important matters with other dignitaries. What qualification do you have to offer advice here?!"
Chapter 22