The autumn wind was strong, whistling past the Eight Trigrams Stage.
Wang Shoufu's body seemed to be shaken by the wind.
After a long time, he opened his mouth, and a hoarse voice came from his throat, "Duke Huai's massacre case, he also had a part in it, right?"
The Supervisor did not respond. Silence represented a tacit agreement.
The face of this old man in his fifties turned pale little by little, and his eyes were dead.
"You, why didn't you stop it?" Wang Shoufu's voice was hoarse.
"This country belongs to him, doesn't it?" The Supervisor asked with a smile.
Wang Shoufu was speechless, and his eyes were full of confusion and confusion. It was because the country belonged to that person that it was even more incomprehensible.
Until he stepped into the Stargazing Tower, before this conversation, Wang Shoufu still had doubts about his guess.
The Supervisor then added, "But this country also belongs to the people."
After saying this, he did not speak again.
Wang Shoufu walked to the edge of the Eight Trigrams Stage and looked in the direction of the palace. His eyes were full of grief, anger, confusion, sadness, and disappointment.
Why did His Majesty rebel?!
Wang Shoufu bowed again, but this time he did not ask, and turned to leave.
…
On the seventh floor of the Stargazing Tower.
In the bedroom, Xu Qi 'an was lying on the bed, half dead, and a warlock in white was changing his dressing.
Song Qing was watching with a group of warlocks in white who admired Prince Xu.
"Ah, this, this injury is so serious."
"With such a serious injury, even if he recovers, there will be lingering effects."
"Why don't we change a body for Prince Xu, I think it will be very interesting."
"Then, leave this body for Senior Brother Song to do biological alchemy experiments?"
"Prince Xu has been obsessed with alchemy all his life, I think he will be very willing to sacrifice himself for alchemy."
The warlocks in white whispered to each other.
Are you demons?! Li Miaozhen's eyes widened and she almost wanted to chase him away with her sword.
Song Qing waved his hand to stop his Junior Brothers from making a ruckus. "Nonsense! How can you use Prince Xu's body for an experiment? We should at least ask for his opinion. That's basic courtesy. "
"Go go go!"
Li Miaozhen cursed and chased these annoying Warlocks away.
"None of the Supervisor's disciples are normal."
She complained to Chu Caiwei at the table.
Hearing this, Chu Caiwei nodded in agreement. "Among the Senior Brothers and Sisters of Master's direct disciples, I'm the smartest and most normal one."
May I ask, where does your confidence come from? Li Miaozhen glanced at her.
…
Imperial Palace.
In the sumptuous bedchamber, the old eunuch vividly reported the rumors in the streets.
"Everyone in the city is talking about Xu … Xu Qi 'an, that bastard's deeds. Some say he killed a hundred thousand enemies, some say a hundred and fifty thousand, some say two hundred thousand, and some even say he killed five hundred thousand elite soldiers."
The old eunuch's voice was gentle. "That's why people say gossip is a fearful thing. No matter good or bad, it will change if it spreads too much. However, although this Xu Qi'an is hateful and can be killed, he is not completely useless. "
Yuanjing Emperor glanced at his companion, who was hiding his joy, and said expressionlessly.
"Call Yuan Xiong and Qin Yuandao here."
The old eunuch was very observant. Seeing that His Majesty didn't seem to be happy, he left.
Yuanjing Emperor's face twitched. He took a deep breath and suppressed the anger in his chest.
The Witchcraft Cult was so useless. 80,000 elite soldiers were killed by a kid, and even two of their generals died in his hands.
If they couldn't slaughter the three prefectures, they couldn't destroy Daibun's luck and ruin his plans.
"Wei Yuan, oh Wei Yuan. It seems that you are destined to be infamous for thousands of years after your death!"
Yuanjing Emperor muttered to himself with a gloomy expression.
An hour later, the old eunuch came in to report. "Your Majesty, Qin Yuandao and Yuan Xiong are waiting outside."
Yuanjing Emperor nodded. "Let Qin Yuandao in first."
"Yes!"
The old eunuch left. After a while, he led Qin Yuandao in.
"You did well!"
Yuanjing Emperor sat behind a large table covered with yellow silk and looked at Qin Yuandao.
He didn't say what it was, but both the emperor and his minister knew it.
Yuanjing Emperor continued, "The Grand Secretary of the Cabinet is the pillar of the country. After a long time of observation, I think Minister Qin is more suitable."
"Your Majesty is too kind. I don't deserve it."
Yuanjing Emperor waved his hand and said, "Minister Qin, don't decline. After Wei Yuan's matter is settled, the situation in the court will change."
Qin Yuandao bowed deeply. "I eat your salary and bear your worries. It is my duty as a minister to share your worries. "
Yuanjing Emperor nodded in satisfaction. "You may leave."
He turned to look at the old eunuch and said, "Let Yuan Xiong come in to see me."
Soon, Yuan Xiong entered the imperial study.
Emperor Yuan Jing's expression was no longer gentle. He said coldly,
He said with a cold expression, "It is said that the most important thing for an official is not to serve the country, the emperor, or the people, but to live with the light and dust. Imperial Censor Yuan of the Right knows this well."
Yuan Xiong was shocked. He knelt on both knees and shouted, "I know my mistake!"
Yuanjing Emperor snorted coldly. "Oh? Why don't you tell me what crime you have committed? "
Yuan Xiong had been in the court for many years. He knew that accompanying the emperor was like accompanying a tiger. He said in fear and trepidation, "Not being able to share your worries is my biggest crime."
Yuanjing Emperor's expression softened.
"Now that Wei Yuan died in the Witchcraft Cult's headquarters, Jing Shan City, the night watchmen can't be without a leader. They need someone to lead the night watchmen and the censor. I originally had my eyes on Minister Yuan. "
Yuan Xiong could almost hear his wildly beating heart. His emotions were surging, but he remained calm on the surface. He bowed and said,
"I will sacrifice my life for Your Majesty."
Yuanjing Emperor took the opportunity to ask, "What do you think about the war in the Northeast?"
Yuan Xiong said loudly, "Please tell me, Your Majesty!"
…
The next day, the court meeting was held as usual.
For the past three days, the court had been actively discussing how to deal with the aftermath. However, all the officials knew that the real highlight had not yet begun.
This war, which was called helping the monsters and barbarians to attack the Witchcraft Cult, had to be finalized.
After it was finalized, it could be announced to the world. The historian also needed to know how to write, whether to praise or criticize.
Yuan Jing had been dragging it on. Some of the shrewd officials had figured something out in the past few days.
His Majesty was waiting for someone to say something different.
However, this was a taboo after all. The first to bear the brunt would be scolded.
Which civil official didn't care about their reputation?
This matter was different from ordinary party disputes. If they messed it up, they would be branded as a treacherous official. Then, they would be investigated, demoted, or dismissed. Then, they would be recorded in the history books.
Before dawn, the officials entered through the side door of the Meridian Gate, crossed the Golden Water Bridge, and entered the Throne Room.
Rows of lacquered golden coiled dragon candles illuminated the resplendent palace hall.
The officials entered the hall and waited for a quarter of an hour. The Yuanjing Emperor, dressed in a yellow robe, slowly walked in.
After discussing the post-war matters, the Minister of Revenue stepped out and said,
"Your Majesty, the compensation should not be delayed any longer. Please give the people and the families of the fallen an explanation as soon as possible."
This time, the Yuanjing Emperor didn't avoid the topic. He looked down at the officials in the court and said slowly, "What do you think, my dear officials?"
Censor Zhang Xingying stepped out and said loudly, "Your Majesty, Duke Wei captured the headquarters of the Witchcraft Cult and slaughtered Jingshan City. This is unprecedented in the dynasties of the Central Plains. I sincerely ask Your Majesty to confer Duke Wei the title of First-class Duke of Wei with the posthumous title of Zhongwu."
This was definitely the highest honor after the Wu Zong Emperor.
First-class Duke of Wei was the highest title.
Zhongwu was the highest title of a general.
After all, Wei Yuan wasn't a scholar from the imperial examinations and didn't have any scholarly titles. Otherwise, Zhang Xingying would dare to ask for the posthumous title of Wenzheng.
The officials in the court looked at each other and didn't refute, which was rare. This included his political enemies.
If it was in the past, the officials would definitely jump out and slap him in the face.
But now, there was no need.
First of all, Wei Yuan's achievements were enough to match this honor. Secondly, a person's death was like an extinguished lamp. So what if he was given a posthumous title? Wouldn't it show the magnanimity of the officials who were orthodox scholars?
The officials of the Wei Party stepped out and echoed Zhang Xingying.
The Yuanjing Emperor didn't say anything. He glanced at the Right Imperial Censor Yuan Xiong. The latter understood and stepped out, saying loudly,
"A bunch of nonsense. Zhang Xingying and the others are talking nonsense. Your Majesty, don't be bewitched by these treacherous officials."
There was a small uproar in the hall. The officials leaned back and thought, "What kind of trick is this?"
The Yuanjing Emperor was also very unhappy. He frowned and said,
"Why do you say that, Minister Yuan? Wei Yuan was the God of War of Daibun. He made contributions to the country and sacrificed his life for the country. When he was alive, he was my confidant. He deserves to be conferred a title. "
"Your Majesty!"
Yuan Xiong shouted, "Wei Yuan's death is not to be regretted. He was a boorish man who brought disaster to the country and its people, not a meritorious official."
"Bastard!"
The Left Imperial Censor Liu Hong was furious.
He was Wei Yuan's confidant. Like the Minister of War, he was the backbone of the Wei Party. Even Zhang Xingying was his subordinate.
Crack!
Liu Hong's angry rebuke was met with an even louder whip from the old eunuch. He scolded, "Don't make a ruckus."
Yuan Xiong didn't panic at all with someone backing him up. He ignored the officials' cold, hostile, or mocking gazes and said emotionally,
"That's right. Wei Yuan did conquer the Witchcraft Cult's headquarters and set a new precedent. Just based on this, Wei Yuan's crimes are too numerous to list."
Zhang Xingying narrowed her eyes and sneered.
"Conquering the Witchcraft Cult's headquarters is a crime? Your Majesty, Yuan Xiong colluded with the Witchcraft Cult and committed treason. Please behead him. "
Yuan Xiong wasn't afraid at all.
"The purpose of the army's expedition was to assist the Monster Barbarians and stop the Witchcraft Cult's ambition to annex the Northern Region. However, look at what Wei Yuan did. He led the army to the Witchcraft Cult's headquarters, Jing Shan City, and caused the deaths of more than eighty thousand soldiers of Daibun.
"Wei Yuan acted rashly for his own benefit and caused such a huge loss. Your Majesty, there are more than eighty thousand soldiers. They have parents to take care of and children to raise.
"Because of Wei Yuan's greed, his soldiers died in a foreign land. How can such a person who brought disaster to the country and its people be conferred a title? How can he be conferred a title of Zhong Wu? "
Qian Qingshu of the Royal Faction retorted.
"Yuan Xiong, don't talk nonsense and mislead people. Is there a better way to help the Monster Barbarians and force the Witchcraft Cult to retreat than to conquer the Witchcraft Cult's headquarters? After Wei Yuan conquered the Witchcraft Cult's headquarters, the Jing Kingdom immediately withdrew its troops. This is the best proof.
"Moreover, casualties are unavoidable on the battlefield. Conquering the Witchcraft Cult's headquarters is unprecedented. How can you slander it?"
Yuan Xiong snorted. "Slander? There are many ways to force the Jing Kingdom to retreat. Is conquering the Fire Country more difficult than conquering Jing Shan City? Is conquering the capital of the Jing Kingdom more difficult than conquering Jing Shan City?
"Wei Yuan is a master of the art of war. He should know this. But he chose to conquer Jing Shan City. In the end, his army of one hundred thousand was almost completely annihilated. Only about ten thousand escaped.
"Why? Isn't Wei Yuan trying to make history and leave his name in the annals of history? "
The officials in the hall whispered to each other again.
Did Yuan Xiong's words make sense?
Yes.
The expedition was to contain the Jing Kingdom and force them to retreat. As long as Wei Yuan crippled the Fire Country, besieged the city, and crippled the Kang Kingdom who came to help, would the Jing Kingdom not retreat?
Wei Yuan had already done it. He had brought his troops to the Fire Country's capital and then besieged the reinforcements.
Wouldn't it be better to launch a surprise attack on the Jing Kingdom?
But he chose to attack Jing Shan City and perish together with the Witchcraft Cult's headquarters. This was a first in history, but it also cost the lives of his army.
Most of the eighteen thousand survivors were from the Fire Country. The number of surviving soldiers in Jing Shan City was less than five thousand.
None of the officials present would believe that Wei Yuan was not greedy for achievements and wanted to advance recklessly.
Seeing that it was about time, the Minister of War Qin Yuandao stepped forward and said in a deep voice.
"Your Majesty, I think Censor Yuan is right. Wei Yuan's greedy and rash advance not only cost the lives of eighty thousand soldiers, but also incurred the revenge of the Witchcraft Cult. If not for Xu Qi'an being at Xiang Zhou's Jade Sun Pass, I'm afraid Xiang Zhou would have become a wasteland by now. The people would be massacred and the tragedy from forty years ago would be repeated. "
"This …" The officials' faces changed slightly.
Qin Yuandao used this incident to attack Duke Wei. This was the truth and no one could refute it.
Once Jade Sun Pass fell and the people of Xiang Zhou were massacred in revenge, Duke Wei's actions would no longer have any merit to speak of.
Wang Shoufu frowned and a strange feeling rose in his heart. The Yan and Kang Kingdom's coalition army attacking Jade Sun Pass was just to pave the way for His Majesty to kill Wei Yuan's merit.
It was not just for a reputation. There must be some hidden reasons behind it. Or maybe, killing Wei Yuan's merit was just one of the goals … Wang Shoufu's heart sank.
He stepped forward and said, "Truth be told, I have already met Xu Qi'an. He told me that the reason he went to Jade Sun Pass was because he was entrusted by Wei Yuan. Wei Yuan knew that the Witchcraft Cult would definitely take revenge, so he had a backup plan. "
Beautiful!
The eyes of Zhang Xingying and the rest lit up.
Qin Yuandao used Xu Qi'an's merit to attack Duke Wei. Wang Shoufu's move was equivalent to taking drastic measures.
This was something that could not be verified. Regardless of whether it was true or not, Xu Qi'an would definitely stand on Duke Wei's side.
The older, the wiser.
Yuan Xiong retorted, "Since the Witchcraft Cult has already predicted revenge, why didn't they inform the imperial court? Instead, they entrusted it to a commoner in the wilderness? Does the Grand Secretary think that His Majesty is a three-year-old child that can be easily fooled? "
Yuan Xiong and Qin Yuandao's "lackeys" agreed and supported the opinion of the Right Imperial Censor.
The three parties quarreled fiercely.
At this moment, a Royal Prince stepped forward and choked with sobs.
"Your Majesty, Wei Yuan is greedy and rash, causing my Daibun to suffer heavy losses. Even the demons and barbarians have not suffered as much as my Daibun. Were they helping the demons and barbarians? This was weakening the country's strength. It's true that Jing Shan City has fallen, but how can we, Daibun, win?
"I'm afraid the demons and barbarians are overjoyed at this moment. They are the ones who reap the benefits. What if they invade the border of Chu Zhou next year?"
The meaning of this Regional King was very simple. Although Jing Shan City had been conquered, Daibun had already lost strategically.
Wei Yuan deserved to die!
Several other noble family members stepped forward to support the Assistant Minister of War Qin Yuandao and the Right Imperial Censor Yuan Xiong.
"Alright!"
The Yuanjing Emperor revealed a sorrowful expression, in a deep voice he said: "Wei Yuan was my trusted aide, he accompanied me for more than twenty years, he sacrificed his life for the country, I am deeply grieved. We will discuss this matter tomorrow. "
He then rose to his feet and strode away.
With his back facing the officials, the Yuanjing Emperor's lips curled into a smile.
He was smiling.
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