Chapter 117 That Calming Tea
Time flies, and a year has passed in a flash.
Xiao Jin now holds the reins of power within the Daye Dynasty firmly in his grasp. Wang Gui's Eastern Investigation Bureau is incredibly powerful, with minions spread across the government and the country. Civil and military officials alike hold their breath, wary of him.
It was spring again, and when all things came back to life, memorials requesting the emperor to select concubines and fill his harem came in like snowflakes, almost filling up the imperial desk.
Wu Lingyu was carefully sorting out the memorials that were scattered on the ground by Xiao Jin, when suddenly, an urgent military report with a red feather stuck to the seal caught his eye.
Her heart tightened, and she immediately picked it up and quickly presented it: "Your Majesty! Urgent military report from the northern border, eight hundred miles away!"
Xiao Jin's eyes flashed, and he quickly took it and broke the wax seal. After just a few glances, his expression instantly darkened. He immediately ordered, "Empress Wu, immediately convey my command: Summon the Prince of Jin, all ministers of the cabinet, Elder Yu, the Minister of War, the Minister of Revenue, and the Vice Minister to the Yanying Palace for a meeting!"
"Yes!" Wu Lingyu took the order and hurried away.
In less than half an hour, the summoned important ministers had gathered in Yanying Hall. Feeling the unusual low pressure in the hall, everyone's face was solemn.
Xiao Jin threw the urgent report on the imperial desk. His voice was cold and solemn, carrying unquestionable authority: "The Oirat invaded our northern border, burning, killing, and looting with arrogance! The soldiers in the northern border are fighting bloody battles, and the situation is critical! My dear ministers, please discuss what is the best solution?"
He glanced at the crowd and took the lead in setting the tone, "There's no need to discuss troop movements! Yunfeng is facing the main Turkic force at Yanmen Pass and can't split his forces. The 200,000 troops in the Northeast and Northwest are both responsible for defending the territories and must not be moved lightly! We still have 200,000 troops remaining in the capital. Everyone, please take a look. Who is up to the task and can quickly lead reinforcements to the northern border?"
The hall fell silent for a moment, and then the ministers began to recommend candidates, but Xiao Jin rejected all the names they proposed for various reasons.
He frowned, obviously taking this matter very seriously, and ordinary generals were not in his eyes.
Prince Xiao Heng of Jin, who had recently married and was still in the throes of marriage, took a deep breath upon seeing this, stepped out of the ranks, bowed, and volunteered: "Your Majesty! I am willing to personally lead the army north to reinforce! The northern barrier must not be lost! If the pressure on Yanmen Pass doubles and the Wala breaks through, the capital will be in danger! Although I am not talented, I am willing to protect the country with my own life!"
Xiao Jin looked at his increasingly calm brother with a deep gaze, but did not express his opinion immediately.
At this moment, Yu Cheng, the elder of the Yu Pavilion, paused for a moment before stepping forward and saying, "Your Majesty, I would like to offer a recommendation—perhaps Duke Yun could step forward to lead the army once again. He is in his prime, renowned for his formidable reputation, and traveling from Jinzhou to the northern border is much shorter, saving considerable time."
As soon as these words were spoken, many people secretly speculated whether Lord Yu was pushing out this veteran who had been silent for a year because he felt sorry for his newlywed son-in-law, Prince Jin.
Xiao Jin didn't comment, but turned to look at the Minister of War, Bai Qi: "Lord Bai, do you think the Duke of Yun is suitable?"
Bai Qi bowed and spoke earnestly, "Your Majesty, I believe Duke Yun is the perfect candidate. He has spent half his life in the military, a master of military tactics and profound strategic planning. His martial arts skills are also exceptional, and his prestige within the army is unmatched. Last year, he suffered humiliation for his country without a single complaint, demonstrating his loyalty to the emperor and his patriotism. Heaven and earth can bear witness to this!"
Xiao Jin pondered for a moment, his gaze returning to Xiao Heng. His tone softened slightly, "I understand your intentions, Seventh Brother. However, you've only just gotten married, and I cannot bear to separate you two. Furthermore, you have no experience fighting against the Oirat Mongols before. This battle is of paramount importance and cannot be lost."
Xiao Heng, however, was adamant: "Your Majesty! I will not be the commander-in-chief. I am willing to be the deputy commander, accompanying the army to assist Duke Yun, learn from him, and serve the country!"
"Forget it." Xiao Jin raised his hand to stop him, a flicker of determination in his eyes. "It seems I still need to go there in person. Even if I don't personally participate in the battle, I should stay in Xuanhua to boost the morale of the army! During the reign of the previous emperor, the Oirat Mongols repeatedly invaded Ganzhou, Suzhou, and Datong, plundering our people and destroying our homes! After only six years of peace, they dare to make a comeback! This trend must not be allowed to continue!"
"Your Majesty! Absolutely not!"
"Your Majesty, please think twice!"
Before Xiao Jin could finish his words, he was met with fierce opposition from his ministers. Bai Qi was the first to throw himself to the ground, his voice trembling with urgency. "Your Majesty! Absolutely not! Recall that Emperor Yingzong was captured during his campaign against the Oirat Mongols, and it took him a year to return to the throne! The country cannot be without a ruler for a single day! Your Majesty's safety is at stake. How can you risk your life personally?! Please, Your Majesty, rescind your order!"
Yu Cheng immediately knelt, tears streaming down his face. "Your Majesty! The Oirat are savage and fierce, their cavalry moving like the wind, their fighting power immense! Your Majesty's life is worth a ton of gold, and the survival of our nation depends on it. You must not personally go to the front lines! I beg Your Majesty to reconsider!"
Xiao Heng pleaded again, "Your Majesty! I am willing to go on your behalf! Please stay in the capital! The country cannot be without a ruler for a single day!"
Seeing the ministers' resolute attitude, Xiao Jin knew this plan was unlikely to succeed. He had no choice but to take a step back and said in a deep voice, "Since that's the case... I will follow your advice. Send an urgent order to Duke Yun immediately, over 800 miles, ordering him to rush to Xuanhua to take charge of military affairs and fight against the Oirat!"
He immediately looked at the Ministry of Revenue officials and spoke at a rapid pace, issuing orders like a rapid-fire cannon: "The Ministry of Revenue must immediately begin collecting food and military pay. Ensure sufficient supplies are in place! Have the Minister of War, Bai Qi, personally escort them and immediately transport them to Xuanhua! Xuanhua already has a garrison of 100,000 men; we will quickly dispatch another 100,000 elite troops from the Beijing camp to support Xuanhua! We must stop the invading Oirat bandits at our borders and not allow a single soldier to set foot on Daye territory!"
"Your Majesty, I obey your command!" The ministers accepted the order and knew that the military situation was urgent. They bowed and withdrew, and quickly walked out of the hall to arrange matters.
The hall, bustling with activity just a moment ago, suddenly became empty and silent. Xiao Jin leaned back in his chair wearily, pinching his furrowed brows. He took a sip from the teacup beside him, the cool tea clearing his foggy mind slightly.
It was autumn, and leaves were drifting outside the palace. He suddenly remembered the warm, soothing tea Yun Zhao had served him on her first day as a tea-serving maid at the palace. Back then, her eyes were clear, a touch of cautious trepidation, yet possessed of an unyielding tenacity.
Wu Lingyu quietly stepped forward, sorted out the reviewed notes, and said softly, "Your Majesty, if you have no other instructions, I will take my leave."
Xiao Jin pulled himself out of his memories and remained silent for a moment before suddenly saying, "Send someone to thoroughly clean the side hall of Yanying Palace... and arrange all the items according to the old rules."
Wu Lingyu was slightly startled, then bowed his head and replied, "Yes, I obey your command."
Xiao Jin paused, then added, "Also, if Yunxianglou is fully renovated, we'll reopen it on a certain day. We'll go find the original owner and ask him to come back and continue running the business. Furthermore... we'll also have people carefully sweep the Yikun Palace every day. Don't neglect it."
Wu Lingyu understood that His Majesty still hadn't let go of Yun Zhao, who had been away from the palace for so long. She replied respectfully, "Your Majesty, I'll send someone right away."
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