The next day, just as dawn was breaking, the Prince Yong's residence was already bustling with activity.
At this moment, a huge uproar broke out in the imperial court: the Beiding Prefecture had rebelled!
A small number of avengers hidden in the court felt that this matter was being suppressed by a dark force; otherwise, why would they rebel at this time? Logically speaking, it shouldn't have happened so quickly. Beiding Prefecture had no legitimate reason to rebel, so how could they possibly rebel at this time?
However, Xie Yun couldn't care less about that. He stepped forward, holding up his jade tablet, and said, "Your Majesty, we still need someone to lead the army to quell the rebellion. Who do you think we should send?"
"Yes, Your Majesty, please decide on a general to be exonerated as soon as possible. The flames of war are raging everywhere, this is not good," Qiu Chengshi immediately echoed.
After Qiu Huli finished speaking, Yan Shiren also said, "Please Your Majesty appoint the military officer to be exonerated as soon as possible."
The non-New Party officials looked at each other in bewilderment. This was unlike their usual way of doing things. In the past, whenever there was a problem, these people would directly recommend someone. Why were they letting the Emperor choose first today?
However, they soon realized that Wei Tingsi was in Chu and he had to deal with the King of Shu and the King of Jing, who were both tough opponents. As for the others, such as the King of Zhou and the King of Qin, Wei Tingsi didn't even need to lift a finger; his subordinates could terrify these vassal kings.
Peng Rui is also in charge of guarding the area around Beijing. Peng Shoujun is getting old... and for some reason, he hasn't left his post at all, which is really strange.
After much deliberation, they realized that there were no suitable military officers in the capital, which explained why these cunning individuals had passed the problem on to the emperor.
Emperor Mingde frowned, harboring some dissatisfaction with the three men, but refrained from saying anything. He then turned his gaze to Yang Zhong, asking, "Minister Yang, who do you think is capable of undertaking this important task?"
Yang Zhong lowered his head and looked meek, much less sharp-looking, like a harmless and kind old man. When called upon, he stepped forward, holding up his jade tablet, and said, "Your Majesty, I believe that Prince Yong is capable of this important task."
Immediately, the entire court was in an uproar, especially Prince Hui. Why was it this kid again? He was the one who toured the country on behalf of the emperor, and he was also the one who redressed the injustice! Anyone with eyes could see that, compared to other vassal kings, the redress of the injustice in Beiding Prefecture was a way to gain merit!
After losing his composure, he stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, I am willing to share your burdens and lead the army to quell the rebellion."
The entire court was in turmoil not because Prince Yong was going to exonerate the wronged prince, but because it was Yang Zhong who proposed it! Why? Why was he speaking up for Prince Yong? What was his relationship with Prince Yong?
Numerous speculations arose, leaving the entire court, especially the old faction and a few officials who did not participate in the factional struggle, as well as the revenge party, completely bewildered. It was astonishing that they had no idea that Lord Yang could speak up for Prince Yong!
Emperor Mingde glanced at Prince Hui, that old man was restless again. He trusted Prince Yong more than Prince Hui. Then he asked Xie Yun, "What do you think, Minister Xie?"
"I think Lord Yang is right, and Prince Yong is the most suitable candidate," Xie Yun replied. Upon hearing this, Emperor Mingde cursed himself inwardly. Yesterday, Yang Zhong had already won him over, so of course he was speaking on behalf of the New Party. Prince Yong was indeed more suitable.
Beiding Prefecture is no ordinary place. The people of Beiding Prefecture once raised an army, but now they have no capable descendants. Going there would be like picking up credit for nothing, so we can't send military generals. It's a pity that all the capable sons have already been sent out, otherwise it wouldn't be Yongwang's turn.
Since he was going to claim credit, he couldn't help but think of Zhao Bi, his son with Yi De. He had to get some credit for him. Having military merit was very different from not having it. The princes hadn't been granted titles yet, partly because of the issue of weakening the power of the princes. Now he wanted to grant Zhao Bi a title. He secretly thought that he preferred Zhao Bi to be the crown prince, but Zhao Yi hadn't made any major mistakes and had even made some contributions, so it wasn't good to depose him.
Once a selfish thought took hold of him, he began to ponder, and after a moment he said, "My nineteenth brother has always been absurd, so I intend to send a prince to be his military supervisor."
Upon hearing this, the ministers inwardly spat. "Bah! He's clearly just here to claim credit! What do you mean by 'military supervisor'? How could Prince Yong be so absurd? Things have been going very well these past few years!"
But no one said anything, waiting for Emperor Mingde to speak. Seeing that no one objected or agreed, he was annoyed and said in a cold voice, "I want to appoint the fourth prince, Bi, as the military supervisor."
“That’s not appropriate.” Yang Zhong immediately stood up to object. Recalling Qiu Chengshi and Yan Shiren’s words at the palace gate, he objected firmly. This time, the old party members were in a state of confusion again. What’s wrong with Lord Yang?
It's not their fault. Yang Zhong hadn't even started persuading them yet, so they didn't know he had already betrayed them, just like when they chose to protect themselves in the Wang Kuanqi affair.
Emperor Mingde's veins bulged as he asked, "Minister Yang, what do you find wrong?"
"Beiding Prefecture is in the north, while the Fourth Prince is in Xiliang. I believe there is not enough time, and the Fourth Prince has no experience in military campaigns. It would be inappropriate for him to supervise the army rashly. Furthermore, the Crown Prince has no military achievements yet, so it is appropriate for the Crown Prince to serve as the supervisor."
Yesterday, when Zhao Shu delivered the letter to the Xie residence, the old foxes secretly met and had already devised a plan. They even guessed Emperor Mingde's thoughts accurately: if he wanted Zhao Bi to ascend the throne, they would first ask if he would agree!
Emperor Mingde was rendered speechless by his words, but at that moment Xie Yun and others stood up and shouted in unison, "Your Majesty, we second that proposal!"
This time, the majority of supporters were for the Crown Prince, which puzzled Emperor Mingde. The Crown Prince had no family members, so he was weak and alone, but he didn't expect so many people to support him.
But he was not willing to give up, so he found another reason: "The Crown Prince is in Jiangnan, and I'm afraid there isn't enough time for him."
"The Crown Prince can travel by water, it will be quick. The commander can go first, and the supervising officer can follow behind. It will be fine. The rules of our ancestors cannot be changed, Your Majesty." Yang Zhonglian even brought up the rules of our ancestors. The Crown Prince has no military merits, but a prince born out of wedlock has military merits first. It is outrageous.
They were so resolute in their opposition that they didn't even care about contradictions in their words.
"But Ah Jun is seriously injured, how can I let my nineteenth brother go to war?" Driven by selfishness, he even forgot that there are no private matters in front of the country.
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