Faced with the evidence laid out before them, the officials of Juyan were only stunned for a moment before they became extremely angry, just like Tuo Qi.
Regardless of what kind of person Tuoqi was, he was still their king! The Xiongnu people were so blatant in their assassination attempt that they clearly didn't even respect them.
"We must retaliate against them and show them that we Juyan people are not to be trifled with!"
Left Prime Minister Ta Xing stood up, his face contorted with anger.
"Yes, we must avenge ourselves against the Xiongnu!!"
The others chimed in, all seemingly united in their hatred of the enemy, but what they were really thinking remained a mystery.
Tuo Qi, sitting on the throne, said hatefully, "What you all say is right. I must seize all their women, cattle, and sheep, and kill all their men and children. Only in this way can I quell the hatred in my heart!"
"Your Majesty is right, we must plunder and kill them all!"
Led by the Left Prime Minister Ta Xing, a group of officials echoed his sentiments.
The next day, Tuoqi dispatched 1,300 cavalrymen from Juyan to head towards the grasslands.
Following behind this group were a number of guards from the various residences of the officials, totaling about three thousand men, more than enough to raid some small and medium-sized tribes.
Guo Si, however, remained in Juyan City with his men, since the grain and salt they possessed were the driving force behind the Juyan people's raids on the Xiongnu.
......
Inside the Deyang Palace, Liu Hong looked at the several secret letters sent by Duan Jiong, Xun You, Cheng Yu, and others on the table and fell into deep thought.
Just then, Song Dian, a young eunuch, hurriedly entered the hall.
Song Dian said respectfully, "Your Majesty, Minister Xi has arrived and is waiting outside the hall!"
"Huh? Zhicai's here?"
Liu Hong snapped out of his daze and quickly said, "Quickly, let him in!"
"promise!"
After saying this, Song Dian led Xi Zhicai into the hall.
"Your Majesty, I pay my respects!"
"Zhicai, there's no need for such formalities, please sit down!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
After the emperor and his subject exchanged greetings, Xi Zhicai was seated next to Liu Hong.
"Your Majesty, you seem to have lost even more weight in just a few days!"
Seeing the emperor's tired face and slightly sunken eyes, Xi Zhicai's face showed a hint of worry and concern.
Sensing the concern in Xi Zhicai's words, Liu Hong smiled slightly, "It's alright, I've just been busy lately and haven't been getting enough rest. Zhicai, don't worry."
"No matter how many things there are, they must be done one by one. Your Majesty's diligence is a good thing, but sometimes it can be too much! I hope Your Majesty can..."
"Let's put all that aside for now, Zhicai, take a look at this first!"
Before Xi Zhicai could finish speaking, Liu Hong quickly interrupted him and handed him the secret letters.
Seeing this, Xi Zhicai had no choice but to accept the secret letter from Duan Jiong and the others.
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