"Your Majesty is wise!" the ministers responded in unison.
Huang Long's face was now deathly pale.
He failed to complete the task assigned by the Empress. What should he do now?
Just as he was feeling uneasy, he heard Zhang Li say from the side:
"Your Majesty! Your humble servant has another important matter to report!"
Jin Fengluan took a deep breath, her hands already clenched into fists, but her expression remained unchanged.
She tried to calm herself down and slowly uttered a single word.
"explain."
"Your Majesty, the Prince of Zhenbei wrote that during the previous bandit suppression, it was discovered that the bandits were connected with Zhao Yuan, the commander of Beiyuan City."
"However, with the destruction of the bandits, there was no concrete evidence. But this time, when the Hu cavalry entered Beiliang and stepped into Jubeichuan, Zhao Yuan did nothing and allowed the Hu cavalry to enter the pass. Thousands of Hu troops entered the pass openly!"
"It's absolutely impossible to say that this matter has nothing to do with him!"
At this point, Zhang Li turned his head, his sharp gaze falling on Huang Long, and continued:
"Zhao Yuan was originally a subordinate of General Huang. It was General Huang who advised him to be assigned to Beiyuan City. I wonder if General Huang knew that he had already colluded with the Hu Ma?"
These words shocked everyone present, and all eyes turned to Huang Long.
Huang Long was already worried that the matter would be exposed, so he went to the palace early yesterday to apologize to the Empress. But now that Zhang Li had brought it up in court, his face changed immediately and he hurriedly knelt down.
"Your Majesty is wise! Regardless of whether Zhao Yuan colluded with the Hu people or not, even if he did, it has nothing to do with me!"
"He has been in Beiliang for several years, and I have long since lost contact with him. How could I possibly know whether he has colluded with the Hu people!"
At this point, Huang Long's face turned ashen, and he glared at Zhang Li through gritted teeth, saying:
"Minister Zhang, we only have different political views, so how can you say such baseless things and put me in a position of being unrighteous and immoral!"
Although the words had been spoken, the gazes of the court officials toward Huanglong already carried a hint of something unusual.
Even Wang Yong, the Minister of Revenue with whom he had a good relationship, moved cautiously, looking down at the ground, afraid that Huang Long would look at him.
After all, colluding with rebellious foreign tribes to plot against court officials is a serious crime at any time!
Just then, a voice filled with anger rang out.
"Since it was written by the Prince of Zhenbei himself, it seems there's no way it can be faked!"
"Commander Zhao Yuan colluded with the Hu and Ma tribes; his crime is unforgivable! According to the law, his entire family should be executed!"
Upon hearing Jin Fengluan's words, Huang Long's heart tightened, and cold sweat broke out on his back. He was about to speak when he saw Jin Fengluan's icy gaze directed at him.
That sharp, knife-like gaze was already a warning to him to stop talking nonsense.
Huang Long's throat moved, but he ultimately didn't utter a single word; his face was now utterly defeated.
"And you, Huang Long! As you said, although you no longer have any dealings with Zhao Yuan, he was once your subordinate, and you were the one who recommended him to Beiliang to serve as a commander. You also bear responsibility for his collusion with the Hu Ma!"
"Effective immediately, you are relieved of your position as Grand General of the State, demoted one rank to Second-Rank General of the Army, and your salary will be reduced by three years!"
Upon hearing this, Huang Long's face turned pale, but he couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.
The Empress spoke with great fanfare, but her words fell softly to the ground.
Although he was demoted one rank, it was still better than being dismissed and investigated.
But no matter what, this time he not only failed to eliminate Qin Ze, but also caused himself to be demoted by one rank and lose face in front of so many people.
Huang Long sighed inwardly and bowed, saying:
"Thank you for your magnanimity, Your Majesty. This humble subject is willing to obey all Your Majesty's orders and is willing to serve Your Majesty to the death to protect the great empire!"
The Empress narrowed her eyes slightly, her expression unchanged, and continued:
"Those who commit crimes will be punished, and those who perform meritorious deeds will naturally be rewarded by me!"
"Since the Prince of Zhenbei cannot return to the capital, then we will bestow titles and rewards upon him when we annihilate the Hu Ma in the future!"
"However, there are many Hu horses on the Beiku Grassland. I am worried that he will be unable to fight alone and may not be able to cope."
"How about this, General Huang, I'll give you a chance to redeem yourself through meritorious service!"
"Huang Tianhu has been in the capital for several days. I am giving you 50,000 troops from your Panlong Army to lead to Beiliang and assist the Prince of Zhenbei in annihilating the Hu Ma. You must go immediately and not delay!"
Upon hearing this, Huang Long felt a tightness in his chest and a nameless fear gripped him.
Why would His Majesty send his second son to lead troops to support Qin Ze?
Even if we really had to send reinforcements, how could a mere 50,000 troops be enough? It would be suicide!
Just as he was feeling uneasy, Jin Fengluan continued:
"By the way, Qin Ze has already gone to the Beiku Grassland. By the time Huang Tianhu arrives at Hurong Pass, he will probably be deep in the grassland."
"Very well, let Huang Tianhu lead his troops on his own after he enters the Beiku Grassland."
Upon hearing this, Huang Long's pupils contracted, and he immediately understood the Empress's meaning.
These 50,000 troops were definitely not meant to fight the Hu cavalry!
His Majesty said that Tianhu would lead the troops alone, which means he would not have to accept Qin Ze's orders. In this way, these 50,000 troops would be more like a military supervisor than reinforcements!
To go even further, it might even be for... eliminating Qin Ze!
If he doesn't come to the capital, then we'll wipe him out on the Beiku Grassland. Afterwards, we can easily blame it on Hu Ma and do it flawlessly!
Thinking of this, Huang Long's expression darkened, and he said respectfully:
"Yes, Your Majesty! We will obey Your Majesty's decree!"
The Empress nodded slightly, her lips pursed, and then looked at Zhang Li and said:
"Minister Zhang, is there anything wrong with my arrangements?"
Zhang Li bowed deeply and said in a deep voice, "How dare this humble subject speak recklessly on His Majesty's decree!"
"His Majesty is wise and discerning, and his willingness to send troops to Beiliang to support the Prince of Zhenbei is naturally a great honor for the people on the border!"
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