With Xiao Yu's voice fading, the matter was finally brought to a close.
From this moment on, the Great Li Dynasty no longer has a third prince.
Xiao Mei was dragged away by the guards like a dead dog.
Du Yuheng's gaze fell upon the figure standing in the center of the hall.
With just a single word, he directly deposed a prince.
Even he was taken aback by such skill.
Just then, Mu Zian also looked up and looked around.
Their eyes met in mid-air.
With just one glance, Du Yuheng felt a chill run down his spine.
Intuition told Du Yuheng, based on his years of experience navigating the treacherous waters of officialdom, that Mu Zian before him already knew some secrets.
At that moment, Xiao Yu's voice came.
"Xiao Jiu, what's the situation in the city now?"
Xiao Xiuning quickly stepped forward and said.
"Reporting to Father Emperor, the rebellion of the Xiongnu in the city has been quelled!"
Xiao Yu nodded in satisfaction, then turned his gaze back to Mu Zian.
"The reason why the capital was able to be saved this time is entirely due to the Duke of Zhenguo's long-distance raid."
"Tell me your requests, and I will grant them all."
All the officials present cast envious glances at Mu Zian.
After all, since ancient times, there has been no greater merit than saving the emperor.
Upon hearing this, Mu Zian bowed and said, "Is that so?" Then, as if no one else was around, he grabbed Xiao Xiuning's hand and smiled.
"Your Majesty has already bestowed upon me your most precious possession; how could I dare to covet anything else?"
Upon hearing this, Xiao Xiuning, who had been standing solemnly beside Mu Zian, instantly blushed.
All the civil and military officials present were taken aback.
Xiao Yu, sitting on the dragon throne, burst into laughter.
"Interesting, interesting."
The tense atmosphere instantly dissipated with Xiao Yu's laughter.
After a long while, Xiao Yu looked at Mu Zian and said.
"This matter is not urgent. Let me give you more time to think about it."
"After a cold rain, winter has arrived. What is the Duke of Zhenguo's opinion on the affairs of Liangzhou?"
After pondering for a moment, Mu Zian spoke.
"I believe it is not advisable to escalate the war at this time."
Upon hearing this, the officials in the hall immediately began to discuss it, and someone spoke up.
"Your Majesty! The Xiongnu army is currently at its end, and the best course of action now is to launch a full-scale attack to completely defeat them!"
"That's right! That's right!"
"We second that proposal!"
Mu Zian coldly observed these so-called high-ranking officials, who seemed to have suddenly become advocates of war again.
I wonder if they've even tried on the women's clothing I gave them.
Mu Zian said coldly.
"Although the Xiongnu are currently at their wits' end, if we drive them into a corner, they will inevitably perish together with our Great Li."
"Such a fight between the snipe and the clam will only benefit other countries."
"Rather than fighting to the death, let's use this great victory to secure a century-long benefit for our Great Li."
"Let's turn the grasslands into our Great Li's horse ranch! With just a few years of accumulation, our Great Li will have the power to conquer the world!"
"At that time, we can lead our troops to first conquer North Korea, then march south to destroy Zhao, attack Zhou, defeat Qin, and wipe out Wei! And unify China!"
Mu Zian's voice resonated in everyone's minds like a booming bell.
On the dragon throne, Xiao Yu seemed to see a magnificent blueprint gradually solidifying before him.
The grand promise of becoming the greatest emperor in history, as envisioned by Mu Zi'an, seems to be within his grasp.
Mu Zi'an already had a plan for the grasslands.
The key to this plan was Gao Qiu and Jie Li.
Mu Zi'an intends to use Gao Qiu to remotely control Jieli and manage the grassland.
Therefore, all that is needed now is to break the spine of the Xiongnu; there is no need to continue the attack.
After all, even if they were to take a desperate gamble and occupy the grasslands, given the current state of Dali, they would be powerless to defend them and would only become a burden.
Just then, Xiao Xiuning's voice rang out.
"Your subject also agrees with the Duke of Zhenguo's idea. Continuing to fight will only bring harm and no benefit to our Great Li."
At this moment, Xiao Xiuning stood firmly behind Mu Zian.
He responded to Mu Zian's heartfelt confession with concrete actions.
Xiao Yu smiled and immediately spoke.
"Mu Zian, step forward to receive your investiture!"
"Mu Zi'an has rendered meritorious service in defeating the enemy, making a thousand-mile raid to capture the Xiongnu Khan alive! He then travels a thousand miles back to rescue the Emperor."
"Effective immediately, Mu Zian, the Duke of Zhenguo, is hereby promoted to the rank of Second-Rank General of Zhenguo and concurrently Governor of Liangzhou, with the authority to govern the military and political affairs of Liangzhou."
This series of titles caused all the officials present to gasp in surprise.
With his position at the pinnacle of power and control of a large army, Mu Zi'an was now practically all-powerful in the court.
Mu Zian bowed and said.
"Thank you for your great kindness, Your Majesty!"
"I entrust you with full responsibility for the war negotiations with the Xiongnu. Do not disappoint me."
"If one day I were to pacify the world, I would not hesitate to give up the title of a king of a different surname."
Mu Zian smiled upon hearing this, saying that the one on the dragon throne who only talked about empty promises was no less impressive.
The fighting in the capital has ended, but the pain it caused will linger for a long time.
The once bustling street was now a scene of devastation after the fierce battle.
Jieli Khan was invited to the palace by Xiao Yu, along with Gao Qiu.
Mu Zian, having just finished the battle in the capital, still couldn't rest.
He must now return to Liangzhou to handle the peace talks with the Xiongnu.
Even after the torrential rain, a faint smell of blood still lingered in the air.
When the sun shone again the following morning.
After a night of fierce fighting, the capital city was once again filled with the shouts of vendors and heart-wrenching cries.
No matter what the world is like, life must go on.
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