"Report!!"
"Deputy General Zhang's urgent secret letter: Zhou Zhenguang led an army of 170,000 to seize all the grain and supplies from the granary, refused to return to the capital, and occupied Jiangling City, causing panic among the people on the border."
"Subsequently, Deputy General Zhang led 5,000 elite troops in a night raid on Jiangling City, coordinating with Commandant Fan Wei to burn its granaries and kill its warhorses."
"After this great victory, Commandant Fan Wei led 40,000 soldiers to surrender to the court. With the grain and fodder burned, there are now less than 130,000 people willing to follow Zhou Zhenguang. Deputy General Zhang requests Your Majesty to issue an order to immediately attack the city and capture Zhou Zhenguang."
"........"
Upon receiving this secret message, the entire Golden Phoenix Palace fell silent.
Even the crown prince who walked in narrowed his eyes slightly, a hint of disdain and contempt flashing across his face.
I thought Zhou Zhenguang was somewhat of a threat, but now it seems... he's nothing special!
Not only was his prestige in the army usurped by Deputy General Zhang, whom he had personally promoted, but he was also betrayed by his confidant Fan Wei.
The grain and fodder were burned, and nearly half of the warhorses were lost.
Whether they can even survive this winter is a question, so where do they get the confidence to fight a major battle against the imperial court?
Oh,
That feeling must be absolutely awful, right?
In an instant, a twisted sense of pleasure rose in the Crown Prince's heart. The more miserable the Zhou family was, the more he could make up for the pain and helplessness of Zhou Cheng taking Cheng Xianyi away!
"Is this really true?!"
Emperor Yan's solemn and dignified face revealed no emotion.
His voice was low and deep, his tone carrying a mixture of disbelief and regret: "Is Zhou Zhenguang really refusing to return to Beijing? Is he so stubbornly persistent?"
The scout knelt and reported, "Your Majesty, Deputy General Zhang's confidant confirms that Zhou Zhenguang has indeed declared himself king!"
"Alas." Emperor Yan sighed deeply and shook his head, looking at his ministers: "Even now, I still refuse to believe this. The Zhou family has been loyal and virtuous for generations, how could this be..."
"Minister Wang, you have a very good relationship with Zhou Zhenguang. Tell me, what kind of person is Zhou Zhenguang? Would he really betray the country and rebel?"
Lord Wang, whose name was called out, was startled.
He quickly came out and knelt down on his knees.
Zhou Zhenguang, don't blame me, blame yourself for being arrogant and self-important!
What I'm about to say is also for my own career advancement.
Lord Wang gritted his teeth and replied, "Your Majesty, I am not familiar with Zhou Zhenguang, but I think... Zhou Zhenguang has already led an army of over 100,000 to occupy Jiangling City. I'm afraid the rumors circulating in the capital recently are not unfounded."
"Oh? So you mean you think Zhou Zhenguang would collude with the Xiongnu to rebel?" Emperor Yan raised an eyebrow without changing his expression.
then,
Then he looked at Lord Fang, who had a good relationship with the Zhou family.
Lord Fang knelt down in fear and gave the same answer as Lord Wang.
Each of the ministers present harbored their own thoughts, their eyes gleaming with shrewdness.
Lord Su, his head bowed and hands clenched tightly, was furious. He turned his head and glanced at the two men with disappointment, just about to stand up and say something on behalf of General Zhou!
Sudden--
The sound of Grand Tutor Cheng's hurried footsteps and his heart-wrenching cry for justice came from outside the door: "Your Majesty! This old minister believes that Zhou Zhenguang and his entire family are loyal and righteous, and would never commit treason!"
“All of Zhou’s ancestors died on the border. Zhou Zhenguang is a benevolent, filial and righteous man. How could he do such a treacherous thing for power?”
"Your Majesty, there must be some hidden story behind this. I beg Your Majesty to investigate thoroughly! Give the Zhou family justice and fairness, and do not let the soldiers on the border who have shed blood and tears feel disheartened and disappointed."
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