Having given a definitive answer, Xie Lang didn't rush to continue.
Seeing the surprised and uncertain looks on the faces of the ministers, Wen Hemian promptly defused the situation: "Why don't you all share your opinions?"
Now that things have come to this, who doesn't know that His Majesty and Lord Wen are a couple? Lord Wen's intentions are most likely those of His Majesty.
Without much thought, they quickly expressed their opinions.
"With the Prince of Huailing and His Highness the Princess at the border, they should be able to resist the barbarians."
"However, if Prince Jia really colludes with those barbarians, he will definitely turn around and attack the city. Being attacked from both sides may lead to disaster."
"The imperial court will definitely send someone. I think General Zhou is quite good, and Commander Feifeng has also achieved some success in recent years..."
"There are still many capable people, but most of them are young and may lack experience. At that time, we can send a few veteran generals as strategists to command. Why should we be afraid of not being able to defeat a Prince Jia?"
When it comes to suitable candidates, everyone has a few in mind, but after some discussion, no one has decided who should lead the team.
Fortunately, in recent years the court has gradually become more capable, and there is no longer a shortage of personnel. The situation is relatively optimistic, so there is no need to worry about anything else.
Lu Zishen wisely crossed his arms and remained silent, listening to their discussion. He waited for the noise to gradually subside, until they had finished their discussion. Finally, he heard the emperor speak: "I have decided to personally lead the expedition."
He calmly announced his decision, leaving no room for discussion among the ministers.
Apart from Lu Zishen and Wu Zongding, who had guessed the truth, the other ministers all showed expressions of astonishment.
"How can this be allowed?"
“The barbarians are reckless and have always been hostile to the Great Zhao. If they know that Your Majesty is going there, they will definitely try to assassinate you at any cost!”
"There are many talented generals in the court; this trip is not worth the risk Your Majesty should take!"
After being so thoroughly ravaged by the late emperor, the ministers were all filled with apprehension. They had finally found a wise and virtuous ruler, so why did he insist on running off to a dangerous place?
"Lord Wen, please persuade His Majesty!"
Seeing that the emperor remained silent, the Minister of Rites turned his eyes and shifted the topic to Wen Heming. He had some reservations about Wen Heming, but in the face of this matter, these petty grievances seemed insignificant.
The key question is how to persuade His Majesty to relent.
This is no laughing matter!
If His Majesty won't listen to them, shouldn't he at least listen to Lord Wen?
Wen Hemian covered her forehead and lowered her eyes, knowing that they would shift the topic to her.
Lu Zishen and Wu Zongding exchanged a glance and shook their heads: Why couldn't they understand? This must be the result of Lord Wen and His Majesty's discussion.
Perhaps it's not that they can't understand, but that they're just pretending to be confused when they do.
However, Xie Lang did not give them the opportunity to make things difficult for Wen Hemian.
His eyes darkened instantly: "Why are you all asking the Grand Tutor about my decision? If the Grand Tutor doesn't advise against it, are you going to force him to answer?"
Upon hearing this, the Minister of Rites was startled and regretted his earlier rashness. He quickly knelt down and said, "Your Majesty, please forgive me. That was not my intention."
Regardless of whether he meant it that way, Xie Lang had some ulterior motives to deal with: "Deduct one month's salary."
The Minister of Rites hung his head dejectedly: "Thank you for your forgiveness, Your Majesty."
With him setting an example, the remaining ministers understood that once His Majesty had spoken, there was no possibility of changing his mind. Besides, since Lord Wen wasn't saying anything, their stubbornness was useless.
Once everyone fell silent, Lu Zishen slowly spoke, bracing himself against the gazes of others: "The journey to the north is long and arduous. I urge Your Majesty to issue an order to prepare early and deploy defenses in the capital."
Wen Hemian gave him an approving look. Lord Lu was as helpful as ever, always delivering the finishing blow at the crucial moment.
Xie Lang nodded and said calmly, "The specific details have been written in the imperial edict and will be announced later. I have summoned you all here to discuss the details."
Only then did everyone belatedly realize that they had already fallen into a trap; His Majesty had remained silent all along, waiting here.
With the emperor's mind made up, they exchanged a glance and could only offer their advice, focusing on the immediate problem together, and dealing with other matters later.
Getting back to business, Wen Hemian finally stopped standing by with his tea and joined the discussion. The atmosphere in the Imperial Study was heavy all afternoon, and the ministers didn't leave until nightfall, carrying heavy thoughts with them.
This matter has not been made public yet, and only people they trust have come. If news still leaks out, then there really is a problem.
From their perspective, they certainly don't want any problems among these people. After all, those who have reached this position are considered key figures, and losing even one would require a complete reshuffling of the workforce.
"There is a traitor within the capital, and I am never at ease with him."
Xie Lang rubbed his temples, shedding his dignified facade. He was only willing to show his vulnerable side to Wen Hemian.
"Don't you believe me?"
Wen Hemian looked at him with amusement: "Your Majesty, you can go with peace of mind. I'll be here in the capital, there won't be any problems."
The woman spoke in a gentle tone, but upon closer listening, one could discern an imposing aura beneath her calm demeanor. Having assisted Xie Lang for so long, she truly possessed considerable skill and ability to command respect from her subordinates.
It's just a matter of habit and kindness.
"No one distrusts the Grand Tutor."
As Xie Lang spoke, he stood up, leaned over, and easily pulled her into his arms from behind: "You can't distrust the Grand Tutor, but you still have to be wary of people, lest you get tired."
"No matter how tiring it is, it's not as dangerous as real guns and swords on the battlefield." Wen Hemian smiled helplessly. "You won't let me go with you anyway, so I should at least keep an eye on things here in the capital for you."
Throughout history, there have been countless instances of soldiers being betrayed during military campaigns. Xie Lang insisted on going, and she couldn't stop him. She could understand why he wanted to stay in the capital, since only they could entrust their backs to each other.
Xie Lang narrowed his eyes, then suddenly said in a softer voice, "When did I say I wouldn't let you go?"
"you……"
Caught off guard by the sudden accusation, Wen Hemian choked: "You're so eager to hand over the position of Grand Secretary to me, isn't that just your way of telling me to sit in the capital and take charge?"
That was indeed my initial thought.
Later, Xie Lang seriously reflected on his actions and realized that his tutor should not be a bird trapped in a cage. His actions were no different from imprisonment. It was only because Wen Hemian indulged him that they were able to live in harmony.
He was startled to realize that sometimes he wasn't so willing to see her compromise unconditionally for him.
This went against his original intention.
Xie Lang kissed her earlobe and smiled in a somewhat frivolous way: "I never said it myself, Han Shuang just tacitly agreed."
Wen Hemian: "..."
"Fine, I admit defeat." Wen Hemian's voice was cold. "Tell me your plans."
Xie Lang couldn't refuse, so he awkwardly touched his nose and said, "I'll go first. Once everything is settled, the Grand Tutor can bring his men over. There are a few people in the capital that the Grand Tutor has his eye on, that's enough."
He had been criticized by Wen Heming for being too wary, but this move was clearly an attempt to change.
This shows that he listened to everything she said.
Wen Heming was slightly taken aback.
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