The enemy is at the city gates!
In the capital, the public sentiment, which had just been appeased, began to stir up unrest again.
It's no wonder the people of Beijing are making such a fuss.
Starting last year, Jia Yi began to jump around, either impeaching this family or attacking that family.
The struggle between the late emperor and the powerful families had entered a fierce stage, with officials falling from grace every few days.
Demotion or dismissal from office are considered minor offenses; more serious ones include having one's property confiscated and being exiled.
Such scenes play out frequently, causing some panic among the ordinary people in the city.
Will the capital city descend into chaos?
Subsequent events proved that the people's premonition was correct.
The capital city is indeed in chaos.
The upheaval at Tangquan Palace and the death of the emperor caused widespread panic among everyone, from officials to ordinary citizens.
Helian Jue descended from the heavens and inherited the throne in accordance with the "edict," finally bringing some stability to the court.
But just a few days later, the Turkic cavalry were already approaching the capital again.
The hearts of the people rose and fell, as if they were riding a roller coaster.
If it weren't for the fear of running into the Turkic cavalry if they ran out, everyone would have wanted to escape.
The capital city was high and its moats deep, which could hold off the Turks for a while.
But how long can this "resistance" last?
If the Turkic cavalry were to breach the city walls, these people would once again suffer the ravages of war.
Sigh, it's a dilemma – whether to run away or not.
The people were filled with anxiety, and the entire capital was shrouded in an atmosphere of fear and gloom.
The three prime ministers didn't show it on their faces, but each had their own plans in mind.
Those who actively colluded with the Turks were the aristocratic families led by them.
Fearing that the late emperor would exterminate the powerful families, they decided to "drive away the wolves and tigers."
Unexpectedly, the late emperor ended up killing himself.
A new emperor was appointed, but due to his age and seniority, he was unable to contend with the old foxes in the court.
The three prime ministers have already made plans to "assist" the new emperor.
For a moment, they all forgot about their own trade with the Turks.
Even more unexpectedly, the Turkic Khan who had fled to the grasslands had such ambitions that he actually dared to lead a large army to besiege the capital.
Despite the unexpected turn of events, the three prime ministers were not particularly worried.
They originally wanted to "cooperate" with the Turks.
At most, it's just that opening the door to thieves is more likely to ruin one's reputation than making a secret deal.
However, reputation is not important; the continuation of the family line is the most important thing.
With so many dynastic changes during the Northern and Southern Dynasties, if we define the founders of new dynasties as traitors and rebels, then no one is a good person!
These powerful ministers from aristocratic families simply didn't care!
Of course, it would be best if one could avoid damaging their reputation.
For example, they could persuade Helian Jue to negotiate peace with the Turks.
Paying money and arranging marriages—it was all on the royal family's dime anyway, so the powerful ministers were happy to act generously.
"Sage, you can follow the example of the late emperor and form a marriage alliance with the Turks!"
Wang Yu, the prime minister (the most powerful of all the prime ministers), was the first to speak.
"I must observe three years of mourning for the late Emperor; therefore, any marriage alliance is absolutely out of the question!"
Helian Jue's attitude was very firm.
He was proud by nature and never wanted to be coerced.
Even when he was crippled, he never easily submitted to anyone.
Now that he has money, troops, and is an emperor, he is even less likely to compromise.
“Your Majesty, you are the emperor, and you should prioritize the well-being of the people.”
Minister Cui immediately followed up, earnestly persuading, "The Turkic cavalry have already besieged the capital. If we don't negotiate peace in time, they will definitely attack the city!"
Once the capital is breached, forget about any sage; the entire Great Zhou Dynasty will likely be overthrown.
It's just marrying a princess and losing some money; it won't be a serious financial blow.
The best course of action would be to be patient, appease the Turks, and then proceed gradually.
Even if one wants to take revenge on the Turks, one should be like the late emperor: first endure, then unleash one's power.
Suffering some grievances and hardships before having the strength to engage in a major showdown is nothing at all.
Despite their bitter feud with the late emperor, these prime ministers still held him in high esteem deep down.
He was flexible and adaptable, skilled in both literature and military affairs, making him a worthy ruler of his time.
It's a pity that the late emperor was too proud of his achievement in unifying the north and south. He became arrogant and overconfident, and ended up losing his way.
If he had maintained the same caution and patience he had shown when allying with the Turks, the late emperor would not have met such an end.
And this Great Zhou Dynasty is not in the hands of a deposed crown prince like Helian Jue.
"Attack the city? Very well, I'll be waiting!"
Helian Jue raised his head, his eyes full of disdain. "I want to see how these barbarians will breach my capital."
The three prime ministers, Wang, Cui, and Zheng, suddenly felt a sense of powerlessness.
That's just how young people are—full of vigor, impulsive, and easily angered.
This is a matter of national importance; how can we act out of spite?
No matter how imposing your words are, or how harsh they are, without sufficient strength, they are useless.
It will only make them a laughing stock.
"It seems our previous choice was correct!"
“That’s right, the Helian family members are all too arrogant.”
After Helian Gui left, now Helian Jue has arrived.
It's time for a new family to take control of the Great Zhou Dynasty.
The three prime ministers began to lose faith in Helian Jue and continued to secretly collude with the Turks.
The strength of the troops and the state of defense in the capital were no secret to the young Turkic prince who came to besiege the city.
He even knew that the people in the capital were in chaos, and the young emperor could not win over the masses. Not to mention the court officials, even the generals who led the troops did not take him seriously.
"A mere child, still wet behind the ears, dares to be so arrogant."
"You want to marry my Ashina princess? Hmph, you'd be better off sending her to the grasslands instead!"
Not only must they marry into a foreign land, but they must also provide a large dowry.
Otherwise, he really would have led his troops into the capital.
By then, it will be too late for Helian Jue to beg for mercy!
"Pass down the order: attack the city at Chenshi (7-9 AM) tomorrow!"
The young Turkic prince issued his orders with great authority.
In reality, his so-called siege was nothing more than a show to scare the young emperor and his courtiers of the Great Zhou Dynasty.
Only family members know their own affairs.
The Turkic prince led only five thousand cavalry in this surprise attack on the capital.
Moreover, his battle lines were stretched too thin, making him a lone force deep in enemy territory.
Logistics, reinforcements, and other supplies could not be guaranteed for a long time.
The Little Prince's visit this time was more of a test than a real war.
If a siege is truly necessary, a swift victory would suffice. However, if it drags on for three to five days until the troops from the capital's main camp arrive, the young prince's forces will be caught in a pincer movement.
They were easily surrounded and wiped out.
All the little prince has to do now is bluff and get those noble families who are colluding with the Turks to surrender.
Whether it's surrendering the city or sue for peace, as long as we can tear a piece of flesh from the Great Zhou Dynasty, we can consider this mission a complete success.
Gazing at the magnificent and bustling city not far away, the Turkic prince revealed a cruel smile.
Just wait until tomorrow!
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