Tianze Palace.

Wen Tai and Wang Ren stood at the bottom of the steps, their backs to the empty dragon throne on the steps.

When Yuan Xiu and the others entered Tianze Palace, the scene they saw was completely different from what they had imagined.

They thought that there were only Wen Tai and Wang Ren in Tianze Hall, and at most some of Wang Ren's personal guards, but to their surprise, almost all the officials were gathered in the hall.

Civil and military officials stood solemnly on both sides.

As Yuan Xiu walked toward the dragon throne, he was momentarily dazed. The scene before him pulled his memory back to a year ago, when he diligently attended court every day, watching the officials stand solemnly.

However, since the establishment of the Central Secretariat, he has never had such an experience again. Even if he had a few such experiences later, he would only deal with them absentmindedly.

Some things, once changed, can never be undone.

As Yuan Xiu and Wen Tai drew closer, Yuan Xiu saw that Wen Tai was still the same as before, with a handsome face. Although he was forty-three years old, he had very few wrinkles at the corners of his eyes. His demeanor was completely different from that of the aged Zhao Huan. It was as if he had not been in prison these days, but had been living a life of luxury.

"Your subject Wen Tai greets Your Majesty."

"This humble general, Wang Ren, greets Your Majesty."

"Left Prime Minister, how have you been?" Yuan Xiu helped Wen Tai up, smiled slightly at him, and then looked at Wang Ren and said, "The matter of Qinhuang County is not yet over, yet General Wang has rushed to Changsui without stopping. You must be very tired."

Wang Ren and Wen Tai both understood the meaning behind Yuan Xiu's words. Yuan Xiu was being sarcastic. As soon as Wen Tai gave the order, Wang Ren even disregarded the Atkin coalition in Qinhuang County and came to Changsui in a hurry. He was really obedient!

Wang Ren said solemnly, "Compared to the crisis in Qinhuang County, His Majesty's safety is of course more important."

Despite being clearly flattering, Wang Ren spoke with utmost seriousness, showing no sign of genuinely trying to curry favor with Yuan Xiu.

Yuan Xiu found it boring, so he said no more and went up the steps to sit on the dragon throne.

Wen Hu and Yuan Li stood at the bottom of the steps, standing in a row with Wen Tai and Wang Ren.

Yuan Xiu placed his hand on the armrest and said, "General Wang, now that you know the purpose of my summons, there's no need to say more. Hurry up and make preparations."

Wang Ren asked, "Zhao Huan has already raised an army in Yanchuan City and is heading towards Changsui. How does Your Majesty wish me to fight? Should we hold Changsui City, or annihilate Zhao Huan outside the city?"

"Then naturally we'll wipe out Zhao Huan outside the city!"

Yuan Xiu said seriously, "Changsui City is the capital of the Great Jing Kingdom. If we launch a siege, it will inevitably affect the city's economy, and it won't sound good if word gets out!"

Wang Ren said, "If we hold Changsui City, I am fully confident that I can defeat Zhao Huan."

Yuan Xiu asked, "If it's in the wild, what are the chances of success?"

"Eighty percent."

"That's enough."

"Although I am 80% certain, many people will die."

Wang Ren looked coldly at Yuan Xiu and asked, "Your Majesty, can you accept such casualties?"

Yuan Xiu said sternly, "Since it is a war, there will naturally be sacrifices. As long as we can win, I will spare no expense!"

Wang Ren nodded and said, "I have finished speaking."

Yuan Xiu nodded and said, "Go. Du Yucheng, the Marquis of Zhenhai, will lead 30,000 troops from Changsui to assist you. General Wang, you have 330,000 soldiers of Dajing under your command. You must not disappoint me!"

Wang Ren clasped his hands in a fist salute.

At this moment, Wen Tai said, "When the empire is in turmoil, it is not only necessary to have elite troops and strong generals to defend against the enemy, but also for the court to be united and stable. Before General Wang goes on his expedition, I have a memorial to present to you."

A bad feeling rose in Yuan Xiu's heart, but he said aloud, "Please speak, Left Prime Minister."

Wen Tai glanced at Yuan Li and said, "Since the establishment of the Central Secretariat, the government has been in chaos, with powerful ministers in power, leading to internal turmoil and external enemies. I even think that Zhao Huan's purge of the court of corrupt officials is not wrong. With such treacherous ministers around His Majesty, it will be difficult for General Wang to win this battle."

Upon hearing this, all the officials in the hall held their breath.

Is Wen Tai using this opportunity to make a move?

Everyone knows that Zhao Huan's so-called "purging the court of corrupt officials" was aimed at Wen Hu. Wen Tai's words were a way of retaliating against Wen Hu!

Yuan Xiu couldn't help but glance at Wen Hu. Good heavens, Wang Ren hadn't even exchanged blows with Zhao Huan yet, and this uncle and nephew were already about to tear each other apart!

Yuan Xiu said, "Please speak frankly, Left Prime Minister, what are your thoughts?"

Wen Tai said, "Abolish the Central Secretariat and imprison Prince Xin!"

Hiss!!!

A collective gasp filled the room; everyone was stunned. It turned out that Wen Tai wasn't targeting Wen Hu, but rather Prince Xin?

Although the Left Party officials have been largely eliminated, that only applies to the Left Party civil service system. Now that the Central Secretariat has been abolished, Wen Tai's power as prime minister has been effectively restored. With the help of Left Party military generals, he can quickly grow stronger. When Wang Ren defeats Zhao Huan, the prime minister's power will completely surpass that of the emperor.

Wang Ren lost, Zhao Huan stormed into Changsui City, and Yuan Xiu suffered the consequences.

If Wang Ren wins, Wen Tai will seize power, and Yuan Xiu will become a puppet.

Sitting on the dragon throne, Yuan Xiu suddenly felt a chill run down his spine; he was in a very awkward situation!

He looked at Wang Ren, noticing the disdain in Wang Ren's eyes, knowing that Wang Ren was aware of Wen Tai's actions.

He roared in a final act of defiance, shouting, "Dian Chen!!"

Dian Chen immediately ran in from outside the palace, clasped his hands in greeting, and said, "Your subject is here!"

Yuan Xiu said, "Take Wen Tai and Wang Ren away!"

Dian Chen did not move, but looked up at Yuan Xiu and said, “Your Majesty, when the Left Prime Minister’s office was in power, the strength of the Great Jing increased dramatically. The Left Prime Minister was loyal to the Great Jing and has already suffered once. I cannot bear to see the Left Prime Minister suffer injustice again. With the country in crisis and the Zhao family’s rebel army heading towards Changsui City, Your Majesty cannot detain General Wang without cause. Your Majesty may not need General Wang, but the Great Jing needs him!”

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