Aside from those four words, no one else spoke for a moment. Zhao Zhang couldn't help but feel dejected. No one could defeat the enemy with a single blow. Shu's claim to the throne was a mistake from the very beginning.
Shen Zhiqing, who was behind the curtain, finally realized what had happened. However, the words had already been spoken, and a ruler's word is law. Even if Zhao Zhang wanted to go back on his word, the entire court would not allow it.
Immediately, all the civil and military officials knelt down, shouting "Long live the Emperor!" and taking turns weeping and wailing, expressing that the Emperor was young and that the people of the world were deeply grateful for the Emperor's kindness. They all said that the Emperor was a wise ruler and that the Imperial Guard did not need to be led by the Emperor himself. As his subjects, they would certainly share the Emperor's burdens.
Despite repeated persuasion and tears streaming down Shen Zhiqing's face, Zhao Zhang reluctantly agreed and did not go on the expedition.
They appointed the Shu chancellor as commander-in-chief and led a large army to meet the enemy.
After the court session, Zhao Zhang spread his hands, looking short and stout, barely able to walk steadily. How could he possibly lead an expedition in person? This crumbling new Shu dynasty probably wouldn't last many more days.
He sighed. If Wei Tingsi's army came to the city gates one day, he would definitely be doomed. Even if Emperor Mingde spared his life to save his reputation, he would still not have an easy time.
Hopefully, those words will have some effect, even if they make the court officials think he will be a good emperor and they will wholeheartedly assist him and protect him.
Indeed, those words, spoken with great passion and fervor, stirred up quite a wave among the civil and military officials, especially those old ministers who had served Zhao Yixing their entire lives. After court, several of them met and were all moved to tears by the young emperor.
Everyone praised the Emperor's wisdom and sagacity.
After learning about Zhao Zhang's deeds, Zhao Shu praised him highly, saying, "The sons of my Zhao family are truly outstanding."
"It's a pity. Even if he has no desires after ascending the throne, he can't escape the fact that others have desires. Most emperors without power do not have a good end... very few can abdicate and live freely." Wei Tingsi continued.
Zhao Shu nodded regretfully, "Indeed, his succession to Zhao Yixing's position was probably due to someone secretly sabotaging him. They wanted to kill this clever descendant of the Shu King to eliminate any future troubles. It was a case of using someone else to do their dirty work."
Zhao Shu recalled the feud between the Prince of Yan's mother and the Prince of Shu's lineage, shook her head and sighed, "What a pity."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
