Deep in the palace, candles were brightly lit.
Inside the huge palace, golden bronze candlesticks as tall as a person were placed on both sides, illuminating the entire palace with brilliant light. In the flickering candlelight, slender figures walked towards the hall, discussing the urgent war with each other.
"His Majesty the Holy Emperor has arrived—"
Shortly after the ministers entered the hall, the young emperor walked into the hall under the protection of his guards and sat on the golden jade throne with a slightly frown, seeming to be in a bad mood.
After this shout, the hall fell silent. After about ten seconds of silence, the new king at the top finally spoke.
"The war is now intense. Do you have any good ideas?"
Just as everyone entered the hall, a small gap had been blown out in the city wall on the north side of Luojing. No one knew where the Northern Army got the special firearms from, but they were so powerful. Fortunately, there was only one shot and no follow-up, which showed that the opponent's means were quite limited.
"Now Lord Si Ji has led his troops to the tower to fight, so Luojing is safe." A minister dressed in a red court robe embroidered with gold came out and said flattering words.
In the past, the new king would probably feel relieved and secretly happy, but today was different. He was secretly angry at the man's empty words when facing a powerful enemy. Fortunately, another minister stepped forward and interrupted him.
"Although Lord Si Ji is leading the Julong Army to fight the enemy, the situation is different now. We are not facing a motley crowd like King Dai, but the brave Northern Palace Army. If we underestimate the enemy, we will be overthrown if we are not careful." His voice was steady and clear, which calmed the new monarch's originally anxious mood a little.
"Then according to Lord Jane, how should we deal with it now?"
Although the Dragon Army and the Red Sparrow Dragon Riders were fighting hard at the city walls, the new king was still uneasy and wanted to do something to ensure victory and comfort his anxious heart.
"Your Majesty, there's no need to panic. We still have the Red Scaled Halberd Guards available within Luojing, and we also have the retainers from the mansions of the various noble families. If all else fails, we can offer a bounty and immediately summon the brave men of the city to join the battle to make up for the shortfall."
Although they were superficially called mansion servants, the ministers present knew in their hearts that these servants could be said to be quite luxurious private soldiers. Most of them were elite warriors trained by each family since childhood. Their combat effectiveness was definitely not weak, but their disadvantage was that they were few in number and scattered, making it difficult for them to coordinate with the army.
There is no need to say much about the Red Scaled Halberd Guards. The current Red Scaled General is from the new monarch's maternal family and is naturally the new monarch's greatest support and confidant. Even now, when facing a powerful enemy, they are guarding the important places in Luojing and protecting the imperial palace. Without them, it would be difficult for the new monarch to sit firmly on the throne.
After Jian Qingyan's suggestions and explanations, the new king wearing the crown finally calmed down a little and slowly leaned his back against the dragon throne.
"Just as you say, my dear, I'll do it immediately."
After he finished speaking, he turned his gaze and looked at the faces in the hall. Many of these people came from the six great families in Luojing. If those servants and private soldiers were to be recruited, who knows what they would think. But now it is not up to them. He secretly grasped the dragon throne, feeling ruthless in his heart.
At present, the Northern Army must be kept outside the city in order to keep the throne. He is not like his two older brothers who have been operating outside for many years. After leaving Luojing, he has almost no basis. Even if he is accepted by local forces, he may become a puppet. He has seen such things many times when reading history books.
Not only the ministers knew that the emperor was being used to control the princes, but the emperor himself was also very clear about it. Unless it was absolutely necessary, he would never give up Luojing easily.
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Afterwards, the ministers in the hall discussed some additional matters, and then one by one, the messengers rode out of the palace at full speed. Soon after, the Red Scale Halberd Guards in Luojing began knocking on the doors of every aristocratic family, informing them of the new monarch's will, and began to announce the urgent recruitment of brave men in the streets and alleys.
In this huge city that can accommodate millions of people, teams of guards holding torches are now walking on the streets. Lanterns are lit on various buildings and towers, illuminating the entire city. Shouts for recruiting soldiers can be heard everywhere on the streets, and the friction of armor and the sound of footsteps can be heard from time to time outside the courtyard walls. In the distance, flames reaching the sky and faint shouts of killing can be heard.
Ye family mansion.
The Ye family mansion was also brightly lit tonight. Family members gathered in the hall that was rarely used in the past. The hall was crowded with people, and they were standing in a black mass.
Due to the crowded crowd, there is only a small open space at the top of the hall. Now, several leaders of the Ye family are sitting around the table, discussing the current dangerous situation.
"The informant in the palace just sent a message that the new king wants to recruit private soldiers from various families to serve as military forces." A slightly thin man in black clothes was sitting at the table. He had a shark-sheathed long sword in his hand and his eyes were somewhat sharp.
"I'm afraid this conscription will be a one-way trip." Another slightly fat man with sparse hair sat next to him, tapping his fingers on the table, looking at the table, and answered thoughtfully.
“Every family in the city knows the consequences of doing this, but those Red Scaled Halberd Guards are knocking on every door under orders to find someone. We either endure it and submit, or we will be regarded as treason…” The current head of the family, Ye Zhen, slowly shook his head, staring at the flickering candlelight.
Although the combined strength of all the families is considerable, they are scattered and are extremely small and difficult to deal with when facing Luo Jing's regular army.
"If the new monarch is capable of the task, we will offer our servants to him, but..."
Compared with the long-famous King Dai and King Huainan, the current emperor had no achievements before he ascended the throne. Although he did not make any major mistakes, he also did not have any amazing qualities. He was only of above-average ability.
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