Where is Deputy Chief Steward Wang?

“Vice Commander Wang is currently training the soldiers and civilians in the city. I will have someone summon him here.”

"No need, let's go to the training grounds!"

When the group arrived at the training ground, Situ Heng's face was already deathly pale, and he was still bleeding. The doctor that Zhang Xiaochun had called had not yet arrived.

Upon seeing Wang Bing, Situ Heng hurriedly said, "Vice Chief Commander Wang, this is His Majesty's edict!"

Everyone present immediately knelt down and bowed, saying, "May the Emperor be well!"

"Tong Guan, the former Northwest Pacification Commissioner, deserted his post upon hearing of the Jin invaders' southward advance. As a result, the Western Army was leaderless, and all the prefectures and counties fell into the hands of the Jin invaders. He was beheaded at noon on December 25th at the Meridian Gate. I hereby order the Imperial City Guards to bring Tong Guan's head to Taiyuan to apologize to the soldiers and people of Hedong!"

"Now the Jin invaders have marched south, plunging the land into chaos and causing bloodshed. Taiyuan is besieged, and I am deeply saddened that I cannot fight alongside my generals! Soon, I intend to personally lead the royal army north to relieve the siege of Taiyuan. I urge all generals to hold Taiyuan and await my arrival so that we can fight together!"

After Situ Heng read it aloud, all the generals felt tears welling up in their eyes.

Wanyan Zonghan was the most valiant general in the Jin Dynasty. This time, he led 50,000 cavalry south. The Hedong Road army, which had lost its commander-in-chief, was routed and suffered heavy casualties. Zhang Xiaochun and Wang Bing were ordered to take charge in the face of danger and built a defensive line in Taiyuan.

Although the siege had only lasted a few days, the city was already under immense pressure.

Upon hearing of the new emperor's ascension to the throne, the generals were unaware that the Privy Councilor Tong Guan had already been beheaded. It was only after Situ Heng arrived and delivered Zhao Huan's edict that the generals learned of this.

He also felt the emperor's deep concern and determination from the imperial edict, which boosted his confidence even more.

"His Majesty has already issued an imperial edict in Tokyo, decreeing that all those who sacrifice their lives for the country shall be enshrined in the Martyrs' Shrine, regardless of their social status!"

Upon hearing this, the military officers became even more excited.

"Can even a lowly, uncouth warrior like us be considered?"

"You may all do so!"

"Your Majesty is truly a wise and benevolent ruler. We, your subjects, will defend the city to the death to repay your kindness!"

Situ Heng ordered his men to hang Tong Guan's head at the city gate. Everyone who saw Tong Guan gritted their teeth and cheered, thinking that the Holy Emperor had done a good job killing him. If Tong Guan hadn't deserted in the face of battle, Hedong Road wouldn't have ended up in such a state.

Meanwhile, Zhao Huan had Tong Guan's head sent to Taiyuan Prefecture. Although it was already midnight, he was still wide awake. Wang Kui'an reported that at least a dozen ministers had gone to see Zhao Ji in court.

He had already sensed a palace coup.