While Mu Yunfeng was fighting on the battlefield, achieving remarkable feats for his country, the ministers at court were secretly engaged in various schemes. During the morning court session, Wei's Prime Minister Qin Hui stood up and reported to the emperor, "Your Majesty, Mu Yunfeng is leading the vast majority of Wei's troops in the war. This must cause us to be vigilant."
The emperor frowned slightly and glanced at the ministers in the court. He asked in a deep voice, "Prime Minister Qin, what do you mean by this?"
Qin Hui smiled faintly and replied calmly, "Your Majesty, although General Mu has made many remarkable achievements, his power is growing. Your Majesty has now entrusted all the troops to General Mu. I am worried that if he shows signs of rebellion, the court will find it difficult to check him."
As soon as these words were spoken, the court immediately erupted in discussion. Some ministers nodded in agreement while others looked displeased, clearly disagreeing with Qin Hui's remarks.
The emperor was silent for a moment, then slowly spoke, "Mu Yunfeng is loyal and devoted, and I trust him. Prime Minister, do you have any evidence to support your claim?" Qin Hui calmly pulled a scroll from his sleeve and presented it with both hands, "Your Majesty, this is some intelligence I've recently collected that may shed some light."
The emperor took the document and examined it carefully, his expression gradually becoming gloomy. However, the truth was that he was already overjoyed. If Mu Yunfeng really rebelled, wouldn't his mission be accomplished?
Looking at the document that recorded some of Mu Yunfeng's actions during his time abroad, although not enough to convict him, it was enough to arouse the emperor's suspicion. "I will personally investigate this matter,"
The emperor finally said, "Until there is solid evidence, I will not trust anyone's one-sided statement. Prime Minister, do you have any other evidence?"
Chu Fan knew that he had to suppress this matter. If he intervened now, what would happen if Mu Yunfeng didn't rebel in the future?
Qin Hui bowed slightly. "Your Majesty, I am only fulfilling my duty. Currently, there is no further evidence. However, I suggest that Your Majesty strengthen the court's control over the military to prevent any unforeseen events."
Chu Fan nodded, signaling Qin Hui to withdraw. The atmosphere in the court grew increasingly tense, as the ministers, each with their own hidden agenda, awaited the emperor's next decision.
Meanwhile, Mu Yunfeng was on the frontier battlefield, commanding his troops in a fierce battle with the enemy. He was unaware of the changing situation in the court, and was only concerned with how to defend the country and protect the people.
However, just as Mu Yunfeng held off the Xiongnu army in Luo County, the Xiongnu's supplies were burned. As long as they could survive the attacks for a few days, the Xiongnu would give up attacking Wei and return to their own places because they had no food to eat.
Just as Mu Yunfeng repelled the Huns, a fast horse galloped from the capital, bringing the emperor's secret decree.
Mu Yunfeng's expression suddenly became complicated after receiving the secret decree. He knew that he not only had to face the enemies on the battlefield, but also had to deal with the undercurrents in the court.
Chu Fan had this secret decree delivered to Mu Yunfeng on purpose. Since Mu Yunfeng now held military power and Chu Fan had told him about the accusations against him in the court, Chu Fan had no doubt that Mu Yunfeng would not rebel. However, what Chu Fan could not have imagined was that although Mu Yunfeng held a large military force, his loyalty to the country had never wavered.
Mu Yunfeng knew his duty, and would not be swayed by the intrigues of the court. He decided to return to the capital to personally confront the emperor, clear up any misunderstandings, and demonstrate his loyalty. He believed that as long as he acted honestly, the emperor would distinguish right from wrong and clear his name.
Just when Mu Yunfeng returned to the imperial city to meet Chu Fan, Chu Fan looked confused and at a loss.
Looking at Mu Yunfeng kneeling before him and swearing his allegiance to Wei, Chu Fan was at a loss for words. Didn't he just want Mu Yunfeng to rebel? Why was it so difficult?
Chu Fan stared deeply at Mu Yunfeng, who was kneeling before him. He was filled with confusion. Why did this man come back alone? Wasn't he afraid that he could also arrest him on a trumped-up charge?
Chu Fan asked, with a hint of probing in his tone: "General Mu, you are in this court, facing me, don't you have any dissatisfaction at all?"
Mu Yunfeng lowered his head and spoke firmly and forcefully, "Your Majesty's trust in me has allowed me to take charge of the military, and I am deeply grateful. I solemnly promise that I will do my utmost to live up to Your Majesty's expectations and trust."
Chu Fan was silent for a moment, pondering the matter. He had expected Mu Yunfeng to harbor resentment and perhaps even rebellion because of the suspicions leveled against him by the court. However, the general's loyalty and steadfastness surprised him.
"General Mu, I know you have fought hard and made great contributions for many years. But some ministers in the court have complaints about you, and I have to consider it carefully." Chu Fan said slowly, trying to find a flaw in Mu Yunfeng's reaction.
Mu Yunfeng raised his head and looked frankly, "Your Majesty, I have been a soldier since childhood, and have made it my duty to defend my country. My loyalty is known to heaven and earth. How could I be shaken by a few rumors? I am willing to guarantee with my life that I will never change my mind."
Looking at the loyal Mu Yunfeng before him, Chu Fan was speechless. At this turbulent time, most of Wei's military strength was actually in Mu Yunfeng's hands. If Mu Yunfeng were willing to raise his hand, he would definitely be able to overthrow him and even take the throne himself.
However, Mu Yunfeng always remained loyal to Chu Fan, a loyalty that surprised and confused Chu Fan. He couldn't help but think over and over again why Mu Yunfeng was so loyal and so unwavering in his support.
Chu Fan felt that he had no other options, so he decided to adopt a bold strategy, which was to try to take back the military power from Mu Yunfeng. As long as Mu Yunfeng knew that he no longer had military power, he would definitely launch a rebellion and rise up.
Chu Fan praised his own intelligence in his heart. He was really a smart person to be able to come up with such a solution.
Chu Fan stood in front of Mu Yunfeng and said seriously, "General Mu, since you have successfully repelled the Huns, it is time to hand over the military power to me."
Mu Yunfeng was slightly taken aback when he heard Chu Fan's words. But he quickly recovered and without hesitation, he prepared to return the military token to Chu Fan.
Looking at Mu Yunfeng who was showing great decisiveness and determination, Chu Fan couldn't help but be stunned.
A complex wave of emotions welled up within him, and he couldn't help but ask himself: Are he and the State of Wei truly worthy of Mu Yunfeng's unwavering loyalty and dedication, even to the point of protecting them at all costs? Chu Fan felt bewildered, yet at the same time, he felt a certain respect for Mu Yunfeng's loyalty. He knew Mu Yunfeng's decisiveness and unwavering conviction, but at this moment, he began to doubt whether it was truly worth it.
Chu Fan's heart was full of contradictions. He hoped that Mu Yunfeng would rebel, but he also hoped that Mu Yunfeng would stick to his belief of loyalty to the emperor and serving the country.
Looking at the military order presented by Mu Yunfeng, Chu Fan could only say helplessly: "General Mu should lead the troops. I'm tired and want to sleep."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
