Chongzheng Hall.
The officials who had been urgently summoned here stood silently in their respective positions with solemn expressions.
Although the officials were still unaware of what had happened, it was certainly no small matter that could prompt the emperor to suddenly order a court session.
"His Majesty has arrived!!"
With a loud shout, the officials' expressions turned solemn, and they looked up.
"this......"
When the emperor appeared, the officials were stunned.
The emperor actually put on that handsome armor once again. The last time he wore armor to court was apparently because Goguryeo killed the Han envoy. I wonder what it will be for this time.
Only after Liu Hong sat down did the officials come to their senses and bow in greeting.
"Your Majesty, we, your humble servants, pay our respects!"
"All of you, rise!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
After the emperor and his subject exchanged greetings, Liu Hong looked at Zhang Rang with a stern expression.
"Read that urgent report to all of you!"
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
Zhang Rang respectfully agreed, then unfolded the urgent report and loudly proclaimed, "Your subject, Ma Yu, Prefect of Danyang, pays his respects."
On the 28th day of the ninth month of the fifth year of Jianning, Sun Sheng, a bandit from Kuaiji, led more than 100,000 men, proclaimed himself King of Yue, and openly rebelled.
Within a few days, the entire Kuaiji prefecture fell. Apart from the Kuaiji governor and officials of various counties, many merchants, students, and trainees who went to Kuaiji were also killed.
The bandit soldiers are ruthless, slaughtering civilians indiscriminately, causing rivers of blood to flow, and are sweeping towards Shanyang, Yuzhang, and Wujun…”
Zhang Rang's voice echoed in the hall, and all the officials were shocked by the contents of this urgent report.
No one expected that, at a time when the Han Dynasty was flourishing, someone would dare to openly rebel.
Provocation, blatant provocation.
The court officials and military generals were immediately filled with righteous indignation.
"Your Majesty, I am willing to lead troops to quell the rebellion!"
Lu Bu was the first to step forward, excitedly asking Liu Hong for permission to take command.
Having stayed in Luoyang for so long, Lü Bu felt that his halberd was almost rusty. Now that he finally had a chance to launch an attack, he was naturally unwilling to let it go.
“Fengxian is skilled in cavalry combat, while Kuaiji Commandery is mostly waterway, so it is more appropriate to use infantry for combat. I am willing to lead the troops there!”
As soon as Lü Bu finished speaking, Zhu Jun stepped forward as well.
"Your subject is willing to lead the troops there!"
Huangfu Gui, Xu Rong, Dong Zhuo and others also volunteered, and even many civil officials couldn't resist joining in the fun.
As for the reasons for the rebellion, no one asked, nor did they bother to ask.
Seeing the generous expressions on the faces of the many civil and military officials in the court, Liu Hong couldn't help but feel gratified.
Liu Hong then turned to Li Ying and asked, "Grand Commandant, what is the situation with the army that the court sent to Yangzhou?"
Li Ying respectfully reported: "Your Majesty, the 5,000 Imperial Guards led by Huang Zhong and others are currently stationed in Wu Commandery, and the 20,000 troops mobilized from various commanderies are also stationed in Danyang, Yuzhang, and Jiujiang Commanderies respectively."
Including the troops stationed in various prefectures, there were a total of 35,000 men in Yangzhou.
Liu Hong nodded: "Although the rebel army numbers 100,000, they are all a rabble. They will certainly not be able to conquer Danyang and Wu County in a short time."
Then Liu Hong looked at the officials and said in a deep voice: "In this rebellion, the rebels killed many Han officials, students and civilians, which is truly hateful. I want to lead the army to personally lead the expedition and crush the rebel army!"
"Your Majesty, no!!"
Upon seeing that the emperor was about to personally lead the expedition, Chen Fan, as the Grand Tutor, immediately spoke up to stop him.
"Hmm? Why not?"
Liu Hong was slightly taken aback. He was able to go to Goguryeo last time, so why couldn't he go to Jiangnan this time?
Chen Fan's expression turned solemn: "Your Majesty, in the past, emperors have personally led their troops into battle for the fate of the nation or to expand their territory. This rebellion is nothing more than a mere band of rebels. If Your Majesty were to personally go, it would not only be a loss of imperial dignity, but would also make people laugh at our court for having no capable generals!"
"Well..."
Upon hearing this, Liu Hong was taken aback. According to Chen Fan, he was only allowed to fight large-scale battles? Fighting small-scale battles would be a loss of face for the imperial court?
When did this old man become so arrogant?
"Your Majesty, the Grand Tutor's words are quite right. I hope Your Majesty will reconsider!"
Situ Xun Shuang also stepped forward. He not only took over Hu Guang's position, but also took over Hu Guang's responsibility of instructing the emperor. If the emperor's decision was inappropriate, Situ should dissuade him.
"Your Majesty, please reconsider!"
Li Ying, Yuan Feng, and all the civil officials in the rear also came out to dissuade him.
Although the military officers didn't move, Liu Hong could tell from their expectant gazes that they didn't want him to join in the fun.
After all, if the emperor were to leave, it would have a huge impact on the generals' achievements.
"Since you all think it's inappropriate, then let's do it your way!"
Liu Hong didn't insist any further and sat back down. As the emperor, he was indeed not suitable to appear on the battlefield to quell the rebellion.
"Your Majesty is wise!!"
Seeing that the emperor accepted honest advice, the officials felt relieved.
After taking his seat, Liu Hong looked at the ranks of military officers and prepared to begin the selection of generals.
"Huangfu regulations!"
"Your subject is here!"
Huangfu Gui, whose name was called, was delighted and quickly stood up, responding loudly.
"I hereby appoint you as General Who Pacifies the South, and you may immediately mobilize 30,000 troops from the Chang'an Camp to march south and quell the rebellion!"
"My lord, I obey the order!"
"Zhu Jun, Xu Rong!"
"Your subject is here!"
"You two gentlemen may serve as deputy generals, accompanying General Pingnan!"
"promise!!"
The two responded loudly and stood behind Huangfu Gui.
"Lu Bu, Dong Zhuo, and Dian Wei will lead 3,000 Imperial Guards as the vanguard!!"
"Your Majesty, we obey the decree!!"
For this selection of generals, Liu Hong appointed a total of six generals, plus Huang Zhong, Gao Shun, Li Jue, Guo Si, Fan Chou, and others who were in Wu County. This lineup seemed a bit like bullying.
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