Impeachment of Jing Rong
No one expected that the person to be called out would be Ji Huan.
Many pairs of eyes immediately turned towards him.
Originally, he was filled with hostility because of his brother's dismissal. He didn't expect that it would be his turn now.
Logically speaking, as a general, it shouldn't be a problem for him to send troops to exterminate the Barbarians.
However, everyone knew that he was the Changlin General and held military power. He didn't need to act against a mere barbarian – he could just send any general.
From this, it could be seen that Qi Zhen Emperor's decree had a hidden meaning.
He immediately stepped forward and bowed, "Your Imperial Majesty, this subject …"
Before he could finish, Jing Yi interjected, "Imperial Father, although the Barbarians are barbaric by nature, a hundred thousand soldiers is more than enough. However, General Ji is a great general. There is no need for him to lead the troops."
"We have already considered this thoroughly."
There was no rebuttal.
"General Ji holds the fort in the capital and has many military achievements. Imperial Father can send General Gao or General Shao to exterminate the Barbarians."
It wasn't unreasonable for him to be so nervous.
Right now, he was in need of manpower. However, the Qizhen Emperor had stripped Ji Li of his position and now intended to send Ji Huan to the desolate border. Ji Huan's wings, which had just been fully developed, were broken just like that. Of course, he was unwilling.
Qi Zhen Emperor clenched his fists tightly within his dragon robes, his expression displeased. Then, with a stern expression, he said, "Indeed, Ji Heng has made countless contributions and even seized several cities for Great Lin. It would be overkill to have him lead an army to the borders to exterminate the Barbarians. However, We have already said and thought it over. The Barbarians have been at the borders for hundreds of years, and now that they have a new ruler, their power cannot be underestimated. As a precaution, We must send a trustworthy, courageous and astute person to lead the army. In the entire Imperial Court, the most suitable candidate is Ji Heng."
"Imperial Father, please reconsider."
"We have already thought about it." He immediately slapped the table and ordered, "Ji Huan, We order you to lead a hundred thousand soldiers and bring back the head of the new Barbarian Lord within three months. We must ensure peace at the border."
The imperial decree had been issued!
Ji Huan was a general and held military power, but his superior was still Qi Zhen Emperor.
Although he was filled with anger, he was naturally furious that Qi Zhen Emperor was now trying to mess with him.
But …
He could only obey the decree.
He unwillingly accepted the order. "Yes, this subject … obeys."
Good boy!
At this moment, Jing Yi's complexion was ashen. What a good move, the 'Late Emperor's Edict'. Just like that, his wings had been easily cut off.
He glared at Jing Rong.
Jing Rong remained expressionless and silent, playing the role of an outsider who stood aloof from worldly affairs.
Jing Rong appeared calm, but his heart was in turmoil. Qi Zhen Emperor's strategy was within his expectations.
After the officials quieted down, the Qizhen Emperor decided to feign ignorance and ignore the matter of Jing Rong staying in the capital.
He only said, "If there is nothing else, the court is dismissed."
Of course, there were other things!
The ministers who had received Jing Yi's instructions yesterday immediately began to put on a show of attacking with Qi.
One of them asked, "Your Majesty, how will the matter of Prince Rong be handled?"
"What is it?"
He continued to feign ignorance.
"Your Majesty had previously decreed that Prince Rong should not return to the capital if he cannot solve the Yufu disaster relief silver case. Now that Prince Rong has delivered the Late Emperor's Edict, shouldn't he immediately return to Yufu and continue investigating the disaster relief silver case?"
Qi Zhen Emperor was silent for a moment, as if pondering in his heart for a long time. Then, he said, "It is true that We have issued this Edict, but Jing Rong's contribution cannot go unnoticed in solving the problem of the barbarians."
The official retorted, "The Edict was given to Marquis Kang by the Late Emperor. If we want to count the contribution, it should be Marquis Kang's. It has nothing to do with Prince Rong."
What do you mean by what?
He was fortunate enough to be sent to the capital, how could it have nothing to do with him?
He was lying through his teeth.
After the official finished speaking, the officials behind him also began to echo his sentiments.
"Your Majesty, Prince Rong cannot return to the capital before he can solve the case. Moreover, Your Majesty has already decreed that Prince Rong must obey."
"Please give the order for Prince Rong to return to Yufu."
"Please allow Prince Rong to leave the capital."
…
Everyone was talking at once!
So noisy.
Qi Zhen Emperor's frown deepened.
He knew that he could no longer pretend to be muddle-headed.
In his heart, he also knew that this group of officials were obviously incited by Jing Yi.
"We understand what you all are saying. As a prince, Jing Rong should only return to the capital after investigating the whereabouts of the disaster relief funds. But no matter what, he was the one who sent the Edict to the palace. Even if he did not make a contribution, he still worked hard. We will send someone else to Yufu to investigate the matter of the disaster relief funds."
Everyone refused to listen!
"Back then, it was Prince Rong who personally volunteered to accept the disaster relief funds. Since he accepted it, we naturally have to investigate it thoroughly. Moreover, Your Majesty has also issued an oral order. Therefore, I request that Your Majesty immediately issue an edict to order Prince Rong to return to Yufu."
Overbearing!
The Qizhen Emperor had also expected this and was not surprised.
But …
He had to make Jing Rong stay.
Jing Yi was too impatient now. He only had Jing Rong, his son, to rely on.
But at this moment, the officials all knelt down.
"We request that Your Majesty issue an edict to order Prince Rong to return to Yufu immediately."
Coercion!
All of them knelt on the ground.
Each of them had eaten the heart of a bear and the guts of a leopard.
Qi Zhen Emperor was speechless, his brows tightly knitted.
Jing Yi, whose wings had just been cut off, was secretly laughing.
At this moment, Jing Rong suddenly stepped forward and said, "This son risked his life to deliver the late Emperor's edict and have already solved a problem for the Great Lin. If Imperial Father issues an edict for this son to return to Yufu, this son will naturally accept it."
What?
He's not resisting?
Everyone was dumbfounded.
He had suffered so much to return to the capital and almost died under Ji Li's sword. It was obvious that he wanted to return to the capital to participate in the struggle between factions. He was determined to defend the capital and not leave. Why was he so obedient now?
However, this was in line with his character as a prince who did not fight for anything.
Qin Shiyu, who had been silent all this while, also stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, although Prince Rong volunteered and Your Majesty issued an edict, Prince Rong is still a prince. If the matter of the disaster relief silvers is never investigated, won't Prince Rong never be able to return to the capital? Firstly, Prince Rong did not violate any of the Great Lin's laws. Secondly, he did not have any intention of rebelling. Moreover, Your Majesty knows Prince Rong's temperament. He is not someone who would disturb the imperial court. He is innocent and should not stay in Yufu forever. Please allow Prince Rong to stay in the capital. "
Qin Shiyu had always been someone who had a say in the imperial court. His words on Jing Rong's behalf were naturally useful.
But …
Now that all the officials were kneeling, Qi Zhen Emperor had also issued an edict.
If he retracted it, then the Emperor's words would probably lose credibility.
Lord Yu, the Supreme Court Chancellor, also said, "Lord Qin is right. Prince Rong is innocent and has committed no crime. Please allow Prince Rong to stay in the capital."
Two parties!
Neither side was willing to back down!
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