Inside the bedroom of the Yang residence, Yang Yan lay still "weak," his breathing "weak."
Hearing the commotion of "His Majesty has arrived" and the sound of hurried footsteps outside, his eyes, though tightly closed, shifted slightly, and his lips tightened almost imperceptibly for a moment.
Supported by Li Yuan and Feng Liang, Li Jingang walked straight into the bedroom, exuding a solemn royal aura.
Li Juan immediately knelt down to greet her.
"Brother Yang, I've come to see you."
Li Jingang walked to the bedside, looked at the "haggard" Yang Yan on the bed, and tried his best to make his tone sound calm and concerned.
He addressed each other as subjects, but referred to each other as brothers as they used to be, which shows his attitude.
Yang Yan opened his eyes with difficulty, looking bewildered. He then struggled to get up, his voice hoarse and trembling.
"Your Majesty... Your Majesty was unaware of His Majesty's arrival... I deserve death... I was ill and unable to..."
His movements were slow and he appeared to be struggling.
Li Jingang quickly pressed down on his shoulder: "You are ill, no need for formalities, just lie down and relax."
He paused, looked at Yang Yan's "pale" face, and cut straight to the point, his tone carrying a barely perceptible plea.
"Brother, are you aware of the situation in Hebei? Ma Zongliang suffered a crushing defeat, his 140,000-strong army has scattered, and Wuzhu's iron cavalry will soon march south. The nation is in peril, and I... need you! I hope you will prioritize the affairs of the country and do your utmost!"
Yang Yan took a breath with difficulty and shook his head, saying, "Your Majesty... I am deeply grateful for your great kindness."
"However, I am guilty of a crime and fear I will not be able to command the respect of the people. Moreover, I have been out of battle for a long time and my energy is waning. I truly fear... that I may jeopardize Your Majesty's important affairs and commit a grave mistake..."
"The court is filled with excellent generals, and Prime Minister Feng is full of wisdom and resourcefulness. He must have... a good plan to repel the enemy. Your Majesty... I really dare not accept such a heavy responsibility..."
Feng Liang, listening from the side, cursed the "old fox" inwardly, but had to force a concerned expression and step forward to advise him:
"Prime Minister Yang is too modest! Everyone in the court knows that Prime Minister Yang is a man of both literary and military talent, with profound strategic acumen, and is especially skilled in defense. He is the only one who can handle the current crisis!"
"His Majesty has long since forgiven any past misunderstandings. Now that the nation is in peril and the country is in turmoil, it is precisely the presence of a pillar of the state like Prime Minister Yang who can step forward and turn the tide!"
"We hope that Prime Minister Yang will keep the well-being of the people in mind, set aside personal gains and losses, and bravely shoulder this heavy responsibility!"
Li Yuan stepped forward, his words earnest: "Prime Minister Yang! I know you are angry and wronged. But now, only you can save the Great Feng and help my brother the Emperor!"
"Please, for the sake of the people and for the sake of my mother (Yang Yan's mother-in-law), come out of seclusion! The Great Feng cannot do without you!"
Seeing that Yang Yan was still "making excuses," Li Jingang was extremely anxious, but the situation was beyond his control. He had no choice but to lower his stance and said, almost pleadingly:
"I... I beg you, brother! If I have done anything wrong in the past, it is all my fault!"
"I apologize to you! The Great Feng Empire needs you to hold it up! As long as you are willing to fight, I will grant you any request, as long as I can fulfill it!"
Having said all that, the emperor was practically begging his subjects.
Yang Yan knew that the time was right, and any further hesitation might lead to unforeseen circumstances.
He then "struggled" to sit up with Li Juan's "help," leaned against the headboard, and looked at Li Jingang. His cloudy eyes gradually gathered a sharp light.
"Since Your Majesty trusts me, I... would rather die than refuse!" His voice was still "hoarse," but it carried a resolute air.
Upon hearing this, Li Jingang, Li Yuan, and Feng Liang finally felt a great weight lifted from their hearts and breathed a sigh of relief.
But Yang Yan abruptly changed the subject, his expression becoming extremely serious, even carrying a hint of sternness:
"However, Your Majesty, Wuzhu has just won a victory and his momentum is at its peak, while our army has just suffered a defeat and our morale is low."
"To defeat a powerful enemy, loyalty and courage alone are not enough. If Your Majesty wishes to grant me this important task, I have three requests. Only if Your Majesty approves will I dare to accept this command and be prepared to go through fire and water, even unto death!"
“Speak freely, my dear minister! I grant all your permission!” Li Jingang said without hesitation.
Yang Yan extended his first finger, speaking slowly and clearly:
"Firstly, Your Majesty, please immediately issue an urgent order to Zhao Muyun, commanding him to lead troops out of the Daxing Mountains and attack Youzhou to contain Wuzhu's rear!"
"This is a strategy of 'besieging Wei to rescue Zhao.' If successful, it can force Wuzhu to divide his forces, relieving the pressure on our front. However, Zhao Muyun is a ruthless and ambitious man, and he may not obey orders."
"Therefore, if they remain inactive or feign compliance within ten days of receiving the decree, then Your Majesty should immediately issue an edict ordering all remaining troops in Hebei to abandon Xiang, Wei, and Wei prefectures and retreat south to the south bank of the Yellow River to defend it!"
"We must never again engage in a fierce battle with Wuzhu on the Hebei Plain, wasting our troops in vain!"
This move not only seeks external assistance but also tests Zhao Muyun and plans for the worst-case scenario. It demonstrates a clear and mature approach to national affairs.
Li Jingang hesitated for a moment, then looked at Feng Liang.
Feng Liang nodded slightly, indicating that the plan was feasible. At the very least, it could force Zhao Muyun to make a statement and buy the court time to deploy defenses.
"Very well! I will issue the decree immediately! It shall be as you say, my dear minister!"
Yang Yan extended his second finger, his gaze intense:
"Secondly, Your Majesty, I request that you grant me full authority to command the war in the capital region and Hebei! All 100,000 troops in the capital garrison shall be under my command. The appointment and removal of generals, military strategy deployment, and allocation of provisions shall all be decided by me alone, and no one—including imperial envoys—may interfere!"
"Furthermore, Your Majesty, please summon Ma Zongliang and Niu Desheng back to the capital immediately to report on their duties. Regardless of their condition, all matters concerning the front lines will be under my sole command and decision-making authority!"
This means having absolute, unhindered military power, and transferring defeated generals who might hinder the front lines to avoid issuing conflicting orders.
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