Zhao Huan said, "So it seems that the responsibility for the defeat lies entirely with the discord among the generals, each with their own agendas and greed for merit?"

Only then did the courtiers realize that the emperor was pointing out the problem by asking a question, and they all knelt down and said, "Your Majesty, we dare not have any selfish motives, we are all here to share the burdens of the Holy Emperor!"

"Please rise and rise. I am not blaming anyone. All of you here are my trusted ministers and the backbone of the nation. I am merely discussing matters with you!"

All the ministers stood up, and Zhao Huan continued, "As the ancients said, the right time is not as important as the right place, and the right place is not as important as the right people. In my opinion, the right people are the most important."

"The Emperor is wise and sagacious!"

"Therefore, I have decided to personally lead the expedition!"

Upon hearing the emperor's words, all the officials were slightly taken aback.

Junior Minister Wang Boyan hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, Hebei is dangerous, and I do not wish Your Majesty to put yourself in danger."

"You are overthinking it. The lands of Hebei and Hedong have been trampled by the Jin invaders, and the people have suffered. Every time I think of this, my heart aches. Furthermore, the front lines are now under attack by the Jin invaders, and the morale of our army is bound to be damaged. If I do not go now, I fear that even more soldiers will despair!"

"The emperor is the root of the state, Your Majesty!"

Li Gang said, "The Emperor is wise and sagacious. At this time, Hebei and Hedong truly need the Emperor's personal presence!"

Wang Boyan berated Li Gang: "Lord Li, you want to occupy the emperor's dangerous position, what are your true intentions!"

"Lord Wang, with the nation in peril and all soldiers and civilians fighting valiantly, do you remember the Treaty of Chanyuan, where Emperor Zhenzong faced the Yellow River to the north?"

"you……"

Zhong Shidao also said, "The Emperor's personal presence in Hebei is a blessing for the nation. The soldiers and civilians of Hebei will surely fight bravely and repel the Jin invaders!"

Zhao Huan nodded: "Very well, I hereby appoint Empress Zhu as regent, with Privy Councilor Li Gang and Junior Chancellor Wang Boyan assisting her!"

"I obey the decree!"