Chapter 55 A Master is By His Side
Only then did the courtiers realize that this ten-year-old emperor was originally a person of strong character and unyielding spirit.
"If the Northern Barbarians only engage in plunder, they will not occupy the Northern Capital for long, nor will they agree to any division of the country along the river. Even if this private letter came from Gehaier, it is neither a state letter nor a test. A test to see if I am weak. A test to see if the surviving subjects of my Great Xiao have been terrified."
As Xiao Qing spoke, her thoughts became clearer and clearer.
"The Prime Minister read this private letter yesterday and then proposed to hold a court discussion. I did not think much of it."
She looked down at Wang Xiang kneeling on the ground, bent down with difficulty, and stretched out a hand through her cane, her expression very gentle and dependent.
"Please rise, Prime Minister. I cannot stand for long. I need your assistance. Would you be willing?"
Wang Xiang looked up, somewhat confused, and saw that Xiao Qing looked pained, with pale and dry lips. He hurriedly stood up, took Xiao Qing's hand, and kept apologizing.
Xiao Qing smiled gently, leaning half his weight on Wang Xiang's arm, and continued, "Now it seems that it is very necessary to discuss this matter in court."
"If we don't discuss this further, won't our Great Xiao court be ridiculed by the people and the Northern Barbarians gloat? If our Great Xiao agrees to replace the person, do you all think that what awaits Great Xiao are those suffering hostages?"
The ministers pondered the matter carefully, their hearts growing cold.
"Just a few days ago, you were all troubled by the vacancy of military positions. I said that these military officers should be ready to go to the battlefield at any time. That's why we held the martial arts competition at the South Training Ground to confer ranks. Did you all think I was joking?"
Xiao Qing helped Wang Xiang take a few steps. "The blood and fire of Yongxiao Palace constantly burn my eyes in my dreams. Can you, my beloved ministers, comfortably remain in a secluded corner?"
She raised an eyebrow sarcastically. "You gentlemen might consider this: if the Northern Barbarians knew that those south of the Xiao River were spineless cowards who would wet their pants at the slightest intimidation, wouldn't they be overjoyed to march south again? At that time, would you hand me over to the barbarians, or offer yourselves to these savage peoples in your eyes?"
The ministers who had previously argued loudly that replacing him was the best option were now ashamed and blushed.
Xiao Qing snorted coldly, "At that time, will there still be a Fu Mingyi to charge into the enemy ranks and save me from this predicament?"
Wang Xiang helped Xiao Qing up more carefully.
It was at this moment that he truly felt the frailty of this young emperor. Yet, this young emperor's bones were extremely strong.
"Prime Minister, I have seen the thoughts of the ministers. I believe that it is best for the government to handle state affairs. War is unlikely to break out anytime soon, and Gehaier certainly intends to establish a state. Yesterday I also said that private letters need not be addressed. I still hold the same opinion today. Since the Grand Tutor was injured north of the Xiao River, that area is now the territory of the Northern Barbarians. Sending official letters to inquire and dispatching envoys to question the implementation of the agreement are matters that the Prime Minister is familiar with and will handle well."
Wang Xiang was at a loss for words. Then he saw Xiao Qing looking at him with concern, her big eyes filled with sadness and longing. He was caught off guard and his heart skipped a beat.
"As for the refugees from Daxiao who were refused entry outside the city gates of Jiangzhou, the Prime Minister can make proper arrangements for their resettlement. In the face of national crisis, we must not let the suffering people live in fear any longer."
Wang Xiang didn't know whether to curse the assassin or the garrison commander of Jiangzhou.
Immediately afterward, Xiao Qing gripped Wang Xiang's arm tightly, her voice suddenly tinged with a sob. "Most importantly..."
Wang Xiang's heart skipped a beat again.
"I am already in a precarious situation with the Grand Tutor. I have lost my left arm, and I cannot afford to lose my right as well. Prime Minister, I implore you to take good care of yourself and not worry me."
Xiao Qing had the advantage of her looks and age, which even made the cunning and powerful minister waver a little.
"Rise, all of you. I cannot stand for long. Let's end this discussion here today."
Xiao Qing waved to Ma Hong, then looked at Wang Xiang with reluctance, slowly letting go of his hand. With Ma Hong's help, she watched for a long time as Wang Xiang led his ministers out of the hall and walked away.
When Zhao Youchen rushed over, the event had already ended.
He had heard about what happened in the hall earlier, and was just about to express his complicated feelings when he saw Xiao Qing hop around a couple of times with his crutch, his eyebrows drooping, and he said weakly to Mingxiu, "So tired, so tired."
Mingxiu chuckled and quickly went to switch hands with Ma Hong.
Zhao Youchen cleared his throat, causing Xiao Qing, who was about to pounce on Mingxiu, to freeze for a moment and stand up straight instantly.
"General Zhao, they actually want to replace the Grand Tutor with someone else, how is that possible?" She turned to complain, looking distressed.
Zhao Youchen could no longer hold back.
"Your Majesty is wise. Your humble servant reports that the messenger has been brought to justice, but... we have not been able to find out who ordered him."
Xiao Qing narrowed his eyes. "You mean, he didn't assassinate me because of those refugees?"
Zhao Youchen cautiously replied, "That possibility cannot be ruled out. However, given the turbulent times we are in, I am overthinking things."
Xiao Qing thought for a moment and nodded, saying, "General Zhao is absolutely right. It's good to be more thorough in your considerations."
Zhao Youchen hesitated for a moment, then said, "Your Majesty, I have something else to report privately."
Xiao Qing then dismissed his attendants and instructed Mingxiu and Ma Hong to wait outside before saying, "General, please speak."
"The Grand Tutor has not returned for a long time, and this matter has been reported. I interrogated the messenger overnight, fearing that there might be some danger that has been overlooked. Although I wish to follow the Grand Tutor's instructions and stay by Your Majesty's side at all times, there are also changes in military ranks within the Imperial Guard. I believe that reorganizing military affairs and guarding Nanhua Palace are also urgent matters. I fear that I will be unable to attend to everything, which may give unscrupulous people an opportunity to put Your Majesty in danger."
Xiao Qing felt this was a problem.
"What does General Zhao think we should do?"
Zhao Youchen laughed.
"It was my short-sightedness that blinded me; I had not examined it carefully before. Grand Tutor, you are indeed a man of profound wisdom and foresight."
Xiao Qing looked at him strangely, then heard him say, "What does Your Majesty think of Ma Hong and Liu Yi?"
“That’s right.” Xiao Qing was even more confused.
Zhao Youchen smiled again. "If Your Majesty trusts them, one of these two must stay by Your Majesty's side at all times, and Your Majesty's safety will be assured."
Xiao Qing was startled, "General Zhao..."
A mischievous glint seemed to appear in Zhao Youchen's eyes. "Your Majesty, I dare to suggest that you summon Ma Hong." He then turned and left.
Xiao Qing had no choice but to call out, "Ma Hong."
Ma Hong, who was outside the door, turned around and stepped over the threshold to go inside.
As he brushed past Zhao Youchen, Zhao Youchen suddenly stretched out a foot, as swift as lightning.
Ma Hong was startled, and his body reacted instinctively, preventing him from tripping.
He was about to look at Zhao Youchen when a fist shot out from the side.
Ma Hong understood in an instant, so he stopped holding back and quickly got into a fight with Zhao Youchen.
Xiao Qing's eyes widened as she finally understood what Zhao Youchen meant.
Even though she didn't understand martial arts, she could tell that Ma Hong's skills were probably superior to Zhao Youchen's.
Because Zhao Youchen's palm strikes and fist techniques are orthodox, while Ma Hong has a rather unruly style.
Liu Yi must also know martial arts.
Zhao Youchen stepped aside, and Ma Hong knelt down before Xiao Qing, saying, "This servant did not intend to conceal anything, but the Grand Tutor had given me some instructions before he left. Please punish me, Your Majesty."
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