Chongzheng Hall.
Today was not originally a day for court assembly, but because of the killing of Han soldiers by Goguryeo, all the officials put aside their work and gathered here.
Everyone stood solemnly in their places, silent, and the entire hall was unusually quiet.
Compared to the passionate young students, the officials undoubtedly had more to consider.
Although the national treasury is currently not short of money and food, and can support a large-scale expedition.
However, this time the people's demand was to destroy Goguryeo, which undoubtedly put the officials in a dilemma.
A war to destroy a nation involves far too many factors; it's not something that can be done easily.
"His Majesty has arrived!"
With Zhang Rang's loud shout, all the officials immediately stood at attention.
But the moment the officials saw Liu Hong's figure, they were all stunned.
Liu Hong, dressed in armor and with the Emperor's sword at his waist, slowly walked towards the throne.
The sound of armor clashing was particularly clear.
With his hand on the hilt of his sword, Liu Hong's cold gaze swept across the faces of the crowd.
"Goguryeo has killed our Han soldiers. What do you think should be done about this?"
Liu Hong's cold voice reached the ears of the officials in the hall, causing them to shudder.
When the officials saw Liu Hong in his armor, they understood the emperor's determination to send troops.
Before the officials could speak, Huangfu Song, from the ranks of military officers, stepped forward first and announced in a loud voice:
"Your Majesty, the might of the Han Dynasty cannot be offended. Goguryeo's actions are undoubtedly a declaration of war against our Han Dynasty. If we do not destroy their country and eradicate their roots..."
Those petty villains from all directions will surely look down on our great Han, and the prestige built by our ancestors will be tarnished.
I believe we should immediately send troops to execute him!
Liu Hong nodded, then looked at the officials and asked, "Do you all share the same opinion?"
Chen Fan also spoke up, saying, "What Huangfu Yizhen said is very true. Even if we, the descendants, cannot surpass our ancestors, we dare not bring shame upon them. Even if we use all the strength of the country, we cannot allow the barbarians to look down on us."
"We second that proposal!"
The officials did not hesitate and all chimed in with their opinions.
Other things were fine, but Huangfu Song and Chen Fan actually elevated this incident to the level of bringing shame to their ancestors, so even if the officials were unwilling, they had to obey.
Liu Hong nodded in satisfaction, and then said in a deep voice, "This battle is the first time in decades that our Great Han has taken the initiative to go to war. Therefore, I have decided to personally lead the army and lead the expedition."
"this....."
As Liu Hong finished speaking, the words "Imperial expedition in person" struck like a thunderbolt, making the heads of all the officials buzz.
Even military generals like Huangfu Gui, Xu Rong, Zhu Jun, Gongsun Zan, and Ma Teng looked at Liu Hong with disbelief.
They originally thought that the emperor was wearing armor to court today to show his determination to go to war, but they never expected that the emperor actually wanted to lead troops into battle.
This was unprecedented since the reign of Emperor Guangwu, leaving the minds of both civil and military officials completely blank. The entire Chongzheng Hall was silent as everyone stared in astonishment at the resolute emperor.
"Your Majesty, you mustn't!"
After a brief silence, Situ Huguang was the first to step forward and try to dissuade him.
“Yes, Your Majesty, as the Son of Heaven of the Han Dynasty, you bear the safety of tens of millions of people on your shoulders. How can you place yourself in such a dangerous place?” Grand Tutor Chen Fan said loudly.
Li Ying also stepped forward: "Your Majesty, Goguryeo is a small country and does not deserve such a large-scale mobilization. I hope Your Majesty will reconsider."
"Your Majesty, please reconsider."
Yuan Feng followed closely behind.
"Your Majesty, please reconsider!!"
Seeing that the highest-ranking officials and the three highest ministers all voiced their opposition, Cao Song, Xun Shuang, Yang Ci, and all the officials in the hall also stood up.
Although the military generals Huangfu Song and Xu Rong were extremely excited, they were also genuinely worried about the emperor's safety, so they had no choice but to echo the advice of the other officials.
first.
For the first time, the officials were so united in their opposition to the emperor's decision.
Looking at the officials in the hall, Liu Hong's already composed face grew even more somber.
The Han Dynasty is destined to conquer all directions, and I will certainly have to lead the army in person. If I retreat this time, I will hardly have another chance.
Furthermore, Liu Hong's decision to personally lead the expedition this time was not a spur-of-the-moment decision.
Because of the Western Regions incident, the people had finally managed to build a sense of unity. At this critical juncture, if the emperor could personally lead the expedition, it would play an unparalleled role in building and stabilizing this unity.
Furthermore, Liu Hong harbored ambitions that surpassed those of Qin Shi Huang and Emperor Wu of Han. To realize his ambitions, the support of the army and the people was indispensable.
The most direct and effective method is for the emperor to personally lead the expedition.
Therefore, Liu Hong remained unmoved in the face of the collective opposition from his officials.
Liu Hong stood up, looked at the civil and military officials, and then slowly drew the Emperor's Sword from his waist.
Upon seeing the emperor's actions, Chen Fan, Hu Guang, and the others' pupils contracted, and they couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
As Liu Hong's closest and most trusted ministers, they were very clear about the emperor's temperament.
Don't be fooled by the emperor's usual humble and amiable demeanor. Once the emperor is determined to do something, no one can stop him. Anyone who tries to stop him will be eliminated without mercy.
Corrupt officials, lazy and negligent officials, scholars and powerful figures who obstruct new policies are all like this.
Liu Hong gripped his imperial sword tightly, pointed it at the assembled officials, and said decisively:
"My mind is made up, my ministers need not try to persuade me any further!"
Seeing this, the officials opened their mouths, wanting to say something, but dared not speak, and could only sigh inwardly.
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