The streets where the citizens of the capital gathered were deathly silent, with only suppressed sobs and angry gasps to be heard.
The last fig leaf of imperial power was completely torn apart.
Deep humiliation and hatred are buried deep in everyone's heart.
The news spread like a plague, shocking the world.
In the Yanzhou Valley, Zhao Muyun received detailed intelligence and remained silent for a long time. A cold murderous aura emanated from his body, and the temperature in the tent dropped sharply.
Without saying a word, he turned and walked towards the playground, training even more frantically.
In Jinzhou City, upon learning of this, Prince Yinxi of Jin was shocked at first, but then revealed a twisted look of satisfaction and calculation:
"Yin Zhao, oh Yin Zhao, you are so incompetent! God is really helping me!"
He immediately made a big fuss about Yin Zhao's stupidity and misconduct to create public opinion for himself to win over the people's hearts, but he remained inactive on the issue of sending troops to fight against the Di people.
Under the stimulation of this extreme humiliation, all forces are reassessing the situation and brewing the next round of storm.
......
In the early winter of Yanzhou Valley, the cold wind howled, but it could not blow away the heat and bustle of the workshop area.
Zhao Muyun and Fan Nan sat opposite each other in the warm tent, the charcoal brazier in the middle crackling, reflecting the serious faces of the two.
"Master, King Jin has replied."
Zhao Muyun pushed over a letter with the seal of King Jinyang.
"In a haughty tone, they accepted our 'surrender' and promised to send us a batch of food and military supplies in two weeks, but they demanded that we cooperate with them to recapture the lost territory north of Xinzhou."
A hint of sneer appeared on his lips. "It seems he wants us to be cannon fodder, to test the Wuliangha's strength and to deplete our power."
"However, it's a surprise that Xiao Cheyun didn't tell King Jin that I wasn't dead."
Fan Nan carefully examined the letter and said thoughtfully, "As expected. The Prince of Jin is ambitious but incompetent, greedy and suspicious. How does Mu Yun plan to respond?"
"Take all the food and supplies as ordered, but don't send anyone out."
Zhao Muyun said decisively, "Reply to him. The Shuozhou army has suffered heavy casualties after a bloody battle and is in urgent need of rest and replenishment. Han Zhong is seriously ill and unable to lead the troops. I beg Your Highness to give us some time. Once we have recovered, we will be the vanguard."
"At the same time, they 'presented' five improved thunder bombs, complaining that the craftsmen had been killed or injured, materials were hard to come by, and production was extremely difficult."
"Show the enemy your weakness and make them arrogant."
Fan Nan nodded, "Excellent. Besides, releasing Xiao Cheyun had a significant effect."
"After returning to Jinyang, this man spread the news that Shuozhou was in ruins, Han Zhong was about to die, and that our army had only managed to hold the city thanks to the 'heavenly thunder'. The King of Jin and his staff seemed to believe it."
Zhao Muyun nodded: "Xiao Cheyun is a smart man. He knows what to say and what can protect his future. This is very good."
He paused, his tone becoming grave, "What do you think of the affairs of the capital, Lord Fan?"
Fan Nan's face was solemn, and he sighed deeply, "What happened to Concubine Xiao is an unprecedented shame and humiliation!"
"Yin Zhao is so foolish and cowardly. The fate of the royal family is over."
"This incident has shaken the world and divided people, but it has also sparked silent anger. This is a crisis, but it also contains opportunities. The people's hearts can be used!"
"yes!"
Zhao Muyun's eyes were sharp. "Humiliation must be washed away with blood. But this blood cannot be shed in vain. We must let this anger burn where it should burn."
He stood up and walked to the map. "Before the first heavy snow arrives, the Wuliangha will surely make a big move, and the King of Jin will also want to take the opportunity to expand."
"Our Shenji Battalion, Modao Battalion, and Cavalry Battalion must develop true combat effectiveness before this!"
"Military production cannot stop for a moment!"
"I understand."
Fan Nan also stood up. "Government affairs have been initially sorted out. The resettlement of refugees, land reclamation, and workshop management are all on track. However... talent is still extremely scarce, especially capable officials."
"We are not bound by any rules, but only the talented can be selected."
Zhao Muyun said, "We will secretly select refugees, surrendered soldiers, and even frustrated minor officials in the Jin King's territory. Yanzhou, Yinzhou, and Xiazhou will be our talent testing grounds."
"And our old friend, Lord Pei Lun, is still in the inner city, and he's in a dilemma. Master, please put aside your past grudges and communicate with him properly."
"Don't worry, Muyun. I'm no longer the Fan Nan I used to be."
“…”
The two discussed for a long time until late at night.
......
The capital city seemed to be shrouded in an invisible layer of haze.
The news that Concubine Xiao and three hundred palace maids were sent to Di Camp was like ice water that extinguished the last glimmer of hope in people's hearts.
The whispers among the people in the market were filled with suppressed anger and deep shame.
The palace was even more dead.
Yin Zhao fell seriously ill and became increasingly haggard, almost no longer attending court.
All government affairs were controlled by Cui Kaiji, Gu Dingming and others, but in reality, everything depended on the attitude of the Diying camp in the north of the capital.
In strange contrast, the newly established royal tobacco shop of the Imperial Household Department was bustling with activity.
Zhou Dequan, Bai Shouren and Wang Pan wore brand new official robes, looked very proud and proud, and supervised the craftsmen's testing day and night.
However, key processes are lacking, especially tobacco fermentation, baking and rolling techniques.
The "Imperial Smoke" they hastily made was of poor quality, either spicy and choking, or bland and tasteless, and could not be compared with the "Hibiscus King" in their memory.
"Trash! A bunch of trash!"
Zhou Dequan was so angry that he smashed a teacup. "We spent so much money and wasted so much time, and all it took was to make something that even pigs wouldn't smoke?"
Wang Pan remained relatively calm, but his brow furrowed. "Brother Zhou, calm down. The more pressing issue right now is that the imperial court is pressing hard, and the emperor is counting on this tobacco shop to solve his urgent needs. But what can we hand over to them?"
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