Ji Huan's Name
While Jing Yi's henchmen were pleading on Ji Li's behalf, there were a few exceptions.
Qin Shiyu, Vice-Chancellor Yu, Minister of Personnel Peng Yuanhai, and Lord Qu of the Office of Transmission.
How strange!
When the Ministry of Personnel reported Jing Rong's interference in the transfer of officials, Peng Yuanhai was so enthusiastic. Logically speaking, he should be standing on Jing Yi's side and pleading on Ji Li's behalf. Why was he acting as if this matter had nothing to do with him?
Lord Qu of the Office of Transmission was the same.
How interesting!
In truth, Qi Zhen Emperor didn't dare to do anything to Ji Li.
After all, Ji Li held military power. Although it wasn't an important position, it was still the lifeline of Great Lin. Moreover, he said that it was his duty, which was why he tried his best to stop Jing Yi. When he couldn't stop Jing Yi, he gave the order to 'kill without mercy'. If Jing Yi was dragged to the Meridian Gate and executed because of this, Ji Huan would probably lead his troops to attack right after his death. Unless, like Jing Yi, he could get a hold of the Ji family's weakness. Otherwise, the soldiers who had risked their lives with the Ji brothers would definitely rebel.
Even if they failed in the end, Great Lin would still suffer heavy casualties.
The gains wouldn't make up for the losses!
Thinking of this!
Qi Zhen Emperor could only give up.
"Ji Li, you issued a false order and nearly took Jing Rong's life. With just a single order of 'kill without mercy', We could have used the Great Lin's laws to have you executed, but …" He paused for a moment before continuing, "All the civil and military officials in the court are pleading for your life. We also know that you were carrying out your duties and had no other choice. If we really killed you, I'm afraid that none of the civil and military officials in the court would be convinced. In consideration of your many years of dedication to the court, We can spare you for now. However, the death penalty can be spared, but punishment cannot be spared. For the time being, we will dismiss you from your post and return to your residence. We will make further decisions in the future."
What?
Dismiss him from his post and return to the residence?
How was this any different from dismissing him from his post and investigating him?
To put it more accurately, this was a disguised stripping of his authority in the Ministry of War.
It had to be said that Qi Zhen Emperor was truly astute. He even thought of this move.
Hearing this, Jing Yi's brows tightened. He hurriedly cupped his hands and tried to persuade, "Imperial Father, although War Secretary Ji …"
Before he could finish —
"Enough!" He slapped the table. "This matter has been decided. If anyone says another word, we will deal with it the same way."
Ugh!
Jing Yi was not afraid of death. He continued, "Even if War Secretary Ji is at fault, his crime is not this severe. This son requests Imperial Father to give him a lighter sentence."
"We have already decided. Jing Yi, you don't need to plead for him."
"But Father …"
"Enough." Qi Zhen Emperor was displeased.
Jing Yi could only reluctantly shut his mouth.
No one in the imperial court made a sound, for fear of implicating the innocent.
Of course, Ji Li was extremely dissatisfied. He had been forced to work for Jing Yi, and it was even more so for him to stand out. Who would have thought that Qi Zhen Emperor would not play by the rules and actually wanted to remove him from his position!
F * ck, just because of this trivial matter?
Thousands of curses ran through his mind.
Qi Zhen Emperor suddenly asked him, "Ji Li, do you admit defeat?"
Not convinced!
I'm not convinced.
He wouldn't accept it even if he was beaten to death.
"I am willing to accept my punishment."
Brother, don't you feel hurt when you say something against your heart?
Qi Zhen Emperor waved his sleeves.
Ji Li could only dejectedly hide among the court officials, acting like a mute fish.
Ji Huan, who was standing beside him, had a belly full of anger. He tilted his head and said softly, "Big Brother, I think His Majesty clearly did this on purpose."
"Of course I know."
"Then why did you …" agree just now?
Ji Li was helpless. "You saw it for yourself just now. I had no choice."
Hmph!
Ji Huan clenched his fists, anger rising to his head.
He really wanted to drag that muddle-headed ruler down from the platform and give him a good beating.
But the next moment, Ji Li pulled him back and softly dissuaded him, "If there's anything, wait until we return to the residence."
He could only suppress his anger.
Endure.
Little did he know that it would be his turn next.
Qi Zhen Emperor said, "Now that the punishment has been meted out, let's talk about the late Emperor's posthumous edict."
Here comes the main topic!
The late Emperor's posthumous edict was presented on a tray by a palace servant.
Qi Zhen Emperor took it out and placed it on the dragon table in front of him, not opening it.
"Dear ministers, as you all know, a few months ago, the Barbarians were wreaking havoc at the borders. We should have sent troops to suppress and exterminate them, but because of the thirty-year truce agreement, we held back our troops. Who would have expected that the Barbarians would become even more rampant, taking advantage of our Great Lin's lack of troops? This time, the late Emperor's posthumous edict that Jing Rong sent to the capital will solve this problem. Not only can the thirty-year truce be broken, our Great Lin can also send a hundred thousand troops to exterminate the Barbarians."
Eh?
What kind of posthumous edict is this?
The court officials discussed fervently.
Jing Yi seemed to realize something. He suddenly glanced at the calm and composed Jing Rong, his eyes darkening.
It was as if a smokeless war was quietly brewing.
Just as everyone was puzzled, Qi Zhen Emperor handed the posthumous edict to Zhang Quan.
He read it out.
Zhang Quan slowly unfolded the imperial edict that seemed to weigh a thousand catties.
"On the first day of the ninth month in the 37th year of the reign of Qianzhi, the Barbarians have been at the borders for more than a hundred years. They have been paying tribute to us for more than a dozen years and have maintained friendly relations with us. In the future, if the Barbarians rebel and cause trouble, we shall send troops and not tolerate them. Send a hundred thousand troops to the borders to quell the Barbarians."
His voice reverberated in the throne room.
The court officials were shocked.
The late Emperor actually left such a posthumous edict?
Since ancient times, the late Emperor's edict was greater than the heavens!
This posthumous edict was the last straw that could save Great Lin, perfectly solving one of Great Lin's problems.
But —
An official questioned, "This official has a concern. Since the edict was written by the late Emperor, why is it in Prince Rong's hands?"
Before Qi Zhen Emperor could respond —
Jing Rong raised his eyes slightly and turned to the official, "The edict has always been in Marquis Kang's hands."
His voice was neither soft nor heavy.
The official seemed to be aggressive and continued to ask, "Since it is in Marquis Kang's hands, why was it brought to the capital by Prince Rong?"
"If Lord Zhang wants to know, why don't you ask Marquis Kang why he gave the edict to this prince to bring into the capital?"
"This …"
He was speechless.
Qi Zhen Emperor said, "Regardless of who sent this edict to the capital, it was indeed written by the late Emperor. With this edict, the agreement is no longer valid. Be it the common people or the countries, none of them can say anything. However …" He paused for a moment and continued, "Although sending a hundred thousand troops can exterminate the Barbarians, they are still barbaric by nature. We cannot let our guard down. We have thought about it for a whole night and really can't think of who to send to lead the troops this time."
Pairs of eyes stared at him, waiting for him to continue.
"Only just now did We come up with a good idea." His gaze suddenly fell on Ji Huan, an idea forming in his head, "General Ji is the Changlin General that We have personally conferred upon you. You are brave and skilled in battle, and have made great contributions to our Great Lin. You are the most suitable person to lead the troops this time."
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