Lin Shoufu couldn't help but look at Chu Yuanchen, and saw him standing calmly with a nonchalant smile on his lips. Lin Shoufu thought that he had never seen Chu Yuanchen panic in the Golden Palace today, as if Mount Tai collapsed in front of him, but he could still remain calm.

The emperor endured it again and again, and said slowly: "Achen, your brother is still young, and if he suddenly leads the army, I'm afraid..."

“I remember that when I first led an army, I was only eleven years old.” Chu Yuanchen smiled without any worries. “Your Majesty, since you have asked me to give up this title, as the saying goes, ‘One should not interfere in the affairs of another’[1], I will not bother with this and will just stay in the capital and wait for my chance to marry.”

"However, Your Majesty, I have always heard that the Mi Kingdom is brutal and invincible wherever it goes. I only hope..." He glanced at Chu Yuanyi, whose face was already pale, and said with a smile, "Second brother can come back alive."

His nonchalant attitude seemed as if he had really handed over the military power and title of Northern Frontier to Chu Yuanyi.

This was the result of the emperor's painstaking planning, but there was not a trace of joy on his face.

Chu Yuanyi was the same, his legs were shaking and his hands and feet were trembling.

He couldn't even think about going to the battlefield. His riding skills were so bad that he would die if he went to the battlefield! He didn't want to die on the battlefield like the ancestors of the Chu family, with no intact body. He didn't want that!

He is only twelve years old, why must he die? !

It was clearly agreed that he only had to take on the title and then return the fiefdom and military power to the emperor. He could continue to stay in the capital and live a comfortable life as a leisurely prince in the future.

This way, Dad and Mom can reconcile, and my eldest brother won't have to fight on the battlefield, and their family can be together.

This is a good thing for everyone, but why did it turn out like this? Chu Yuanyi's mind was in a mess and he couldn't figure it out.

"Yuan Yi..." the emperor began, "You..."

The emperor originally wanted to let Chu Yuanyi just take on the role, and he would send someone else to take over the military power in the northern border and lead the troops to fight against the Mi Kingdom.

The emperor thought about it and decided that this was the only way. Even if the Northern Frontier Army might not obey the people he sent, he still had Chu Yuanyi, and Chu Yuanyi also had the surname Chu.

Originally, the emperor planned to divide the northern border step by step, just like he divided the Lingnan Army and Pingliang in the past, and spend three to five years to slowly take back the military power.

There is no other way now!

However, as soon as the emperor said this, Chu Yuanyi refused without a second thought: "Your Majesty, I, I do not want to take the title... My elder brother is both civil and military, and has guarded the northern border for so many years, so he is worthy of being the King of Zhenbei. I am not worthy." His voice was still trembling slightly.

If Chu Yuanyi had said this over a cup of tea, others might have sighed: Brotherly love is deep and is not swayed by interests. As for now, Chu Yuanyi's fear and cowardice are too obvious, and it is impossible to pretend that he didn't see it.

Chu Yuanyi was just scared.

Over the years, Chu Yuanchen has guarded the northern border and has made Northern Yan afraid to invade.

Northern Yan was conquered by Chu Yuanchen in order to expand territory for Darong.

In the end, a cowardly and useless Chu Yuanyi will inherit the title, and he can only be an idle person from now on. No matter who happens to him, he will be angry to death, especially now that the Mi country has invaded. Chu Yuanyi himself does not dare to lead the troops, but he wants to push his elder brother to the battlefield. How can this man be so selfish?

Chu Yuanyi is afraid of death, so does he want his elder brother to die?

You want a title, fine!

There have always been ambitious people in every dynasty, and there have even been many who have forced the emperor to abdicate and usurped the throne. But at least they are worthy of their titles. No one has ever hidden away when someone is trying to usurp the throne and then try to take advantage of the situation after the usurpation.

Everyone shook their heads secretly. They were not familiar with the second young master before, but now it seems that he has brought disgrace to the reputation of the Zhenbei Palace!

Chu Yuanyi didn't notice these disdainful looks at all. Even if he noticed, he didn't care at this moment. He said incoherently: "Your Majesty, the only one who can bear the title of King of Zhenbei is my elder brother. I beg Your Majesty to make my elder brother the King of Zhenbei!"

The emperor's face turned pale and blue.

He knew very well that Chu Yuanyi was a hopeless person, and that was the best way. Only when Chu Yuanyi became the King of Zhenbei could he take back his fiefdom. He did not expect that Chu Yuanyi was not only hopeless, but also cowardly and extremely stupid.

Haha. Chu Yuanchen let out a light laugh from his throat.

The emperor heard this laugh clearly, it was clearly someone laughing at him.

The emperor felt that all his calculations were just tricks in front of him, and he looked down on them at all.

The timing of Mikoto's visit was just too coincidental.

The emperor couldn't help but suspect that all this was actually planned by Chu Yuanchen.

But how is this possible?

Even if Chu Yuanchen could guess his intentions, could he still go to Zuoyou Mi Kingdom?

The surroundings fell silent again, and the atmosphere was extremely depressing.

The Mi country is fierce, and Jianglongwei alone cannot defend it. If troops are transferred from other surrounding guard posts, the guard posts have limited garrison strength. Even if ten guard posts are transferred, it is likely that it will be difficult to stop them.

Unless the imperial guards are mobilized directly.

But food and fodder cannot be allocated in a day or two, especially since the marching route is too long. The supply of food and fodder to the troops in the rear is a big problem. I am afraid that before the imperial guards leave the capital, the Mi Kingdom will have already broken through the border and moved south.

It can only be defended by transferring troops from the northern border.

Everyone knows that every soldier in the Northern Frontier Army is capable of defeating ten enemies with one, and they are all elite soldiers who have fought on the battlefield for many years. They are definitely not those who only talk about military affairs on paper.

Only the Northern Frontier Army can defend Darong.

Otherwise, if Jianglingwei was lost and the Mi army marched south, wouldn't the capital be in danger? The emperor felt an unspeakable panic in his heart.

In the past, when Darong was threatened by foreign invasions, there were vassal kings to protect Darong. Now that the borders have been pacified, how come a foreign country suddenly appeared?!

The emperor clutched the armrests of the throne tightly, his face gloomy.

Lin Shoufu secretly sighed, he knew that the emperor had no choice but to give in at this point.

If the emperor had found that the handwriting on the memorial was wrong, he would have stopped and backed down in time. Perhaps, some people would have thought that the emperor was also deceived. However, the fact that he only backed down now showed that he was trying to get rid of his nemesis.

Xiao Shuo's eyelids were slightly lowered, and his long eyelashes cast a shadow, perfectly concealing his expression.

"Your Majesty," Xiao Shuo said in a gentle and unhurried manner, "Since Second Master Chu is so modest, there is no need for you to force yourself."

His words gave the emperor a stepping stone, and the emperor nodded secretly in his heart: Yes, it was Chu Yuanyi who rejected the title himself, and he did not change his mind.

"Achen." The emperor gritted his teeth and forced a smile, saying, "Since your brother is not worthy of the title, you should take it."

He uttered these words in great pain.

This means that all his plans have failed, and Chu Yuanchen will be able to take control of the northern border rightfully from now on.

If we want to reduce the power of the feudal lords again, I'm afraid it will be difficult to find another opportunity.

Chu Yuanchen did not appreciate it, and said with a smile: "Your Majesty, you have already said that this memorial was written by my grandfather himself. I dare not disobey my grandfather's will."

emperor:"……"

His calm and cold demeanor made it almost difficult for the emperor to look him in the eye.

The emperor had no choice but to calm down and say, "I didn't think it through... The title of King of Zhenbei carries a heavy responsibility, for the sake of the northern border and the country."

As happy as the emperor was just now, his face hurt now.

He almost didn't dare to look at the ministers below, but now, he had to beg Chu Yuanchen... This realization made the emperor feel a tight pain in his chest.

"Achen, the title of King of Zhenbei is only worthy of you." The emperor calmed down his annoyance and said, "I was confused for a moment and did not consider the complicated situation in the northern border."

He has already apologized to Chu Yuanchen.

Chu Yuanchen did not stop there, but smiled and said, "So, Your Majesty, do you think this memorial is true or false?"

His sharp eyes easily tore through the emperor's superficial appearance and looked deep into his heart.

The emperor took a deep breath and said, "Prince Zhenbei's right arm was broken, so he can no longer write with his right hand. This memorial was forged by someone."

Chu Yuanchen did not stop, and asked aggressively: "Who forged it?"

Who forged it? !

This is too obvious. The memorial was taken out by the emperor and presented by Jiang Ting.

The fake one was either the emperor or Jiang Ting.

Of course, the emperor could not admit this. He directly said to Jiang Ting: "Jiang Ting, you dared to forge the memorial from the King of Zhenbei and deceived me, causing me to almost misunderstand Chu Yuanchen. Jiang Ting, what crime should you be punished for!"

Jiang Ting never thought from the beginning that this fire could actually burn him.

He was totally unprepared and explained in a panic, "Your Majesty, this memorial is real. It is really real. This memorial was indeed entrusted to me by the old prince and presented to Your Majesty. I beg Your Majesty to examine it."

"You still want to deceive me!"

The emperor was filled with anger that could not be vented, so he threw the memorial in his hand towards Jiang Ting.

Jiang Ting didn't dare to hide. The letter hit Jiang Ting's forehead hard, and blood splashed everywhere.

"ah!"

Upon seeing the blood, Chu Yuanyi, who was standing next to Jiang Ting, uttered a cry of surprise and shrank back, and the elegant appearance he had managed to maintain was instantly wiped out.

Everyone couldn't help but secretly shook their heads. Chu Yuanyi panicked just because of a little blood. How could he lead the troops? ! Kill the enemy? !

If it weren't for Chu Yuanchen, the Mi Kingdom would have really attacked the capital.

Jiang Ting fell to his knees with blood all over his head. He felt a bone-chilling chill all over his body.

The emperor could never be wrong, but now someone had to take the blame, and he had to become the scapegoat.

When Jiang Ting realized this, his whole body went limp. He never thought that things would come to this point.

I left behind the burden of the Zhenbei Palace, but somehow I stepped into another quagmire.

"Your Majesty." Chu Yuanchen looked at him and said, "Actually, there is one more thing that I am quite curious about. Back then, the Northern Yan came too fast, which was really unusual. Who brought the Northern Yan people to the Northern Frontier? Your Majesty, would you like to investigate?"

"No. Not me!"

Jiang Ting panicked. He subconsciously looked at Chu Yuanchen. He never expected that Chu Yuanchen would force him like this and not care about the relationship between father and son at all.

Jiang Ting denied it immediately, "Your Majesty, I was in the capital at the time and never left. I definitely did not do this!"

emperor:"……"

Chu Yuanchen said calmly, "Back then, Northern Yan and Northern Xinjiang had been at peace for nearly a year. However, they suddenly attacked and bypassed the Humen Pass and appeared in Jinli City. If not for this, how could my grandfather be defeated and die tragically at the hands of the Northern Yan people?"

Chu Yuanchen said calmly, "I have never really understood this matter. I used to think that the people of Northern Yan were cunning. But what the emperor said today made me think a little more."

The emperor stared at Chu Yuanchen intently. He realized that Chu Yuanchen would not give up easily.

And now, it is obvious that Chu Yuanchen is in the lead again.

Chu Yuanchen's peach blossom eyes showed a mocking smile, and he said, "It just so happens that the Prince of Beiyan is also in the capital. Your Majesty might as well summon him to ask questions, so that he can solve my doubts."

“No!”

The emperor blurted out, and he seemed to realize that he was too hasty, so he took a breath to calm himself down and said, "Since Beiyan has surrendered and is willing to be a vassal state of Darong forever, then we should not start a war because of some suspicion, and there is no need to mention the past."

He thought what he said sounded very eloquent, but many people in the throne room remained silent.

Back then, Northern Yan invaded the pass too hastily and too quickly, so hastily that even the brave and warlike King Zhenbei was unable to react. He led only a thousand men to meet the enemy head-on and ended up dying at the hands of the Northern Yan.

Many people had the same thought at the same time: Could it be that the emperor took the initiative to lead the Northern Yan people into the pass in order to reduce the power of the vassal states? !

The emperor paid no attention to any of this; he just wanted to move on from this topic as quickly as possible.

When the emperor's gaze fell on him again, Jiang Ting shuddered and his whole body went limp.

"Jiang Ting." The emperor stared at Jiang Ting and said, "Did you collude with Beiyan at that time and then forged this memorial, thinking that once the King of Zhenbei died, I would support a young son to ascend the throne, so that the people of Beiyan could march straight in without any obstacles."

"Jiang Ting, I trust you so much, but you are so thoughtful. I am really disappointed!"

Jiang Ting looked horrified.

If he forged a memorial, the worst that could happen to him would be imprisonment; if he committed treason, that would be a serious crime punishable by the extermination of his entire clan.

"Your Majesty, I don't know." Jiang Ting said in panic, "It really has nothing to do with me. I made this memorial..."

In a panic, he admitted that he had forged the memorial.

Jiang Ting didn't care about that. He knelt on the ground and admitted it all at once, "I am selfish. I have never been close to my eldest son..."

Chu Yuanchen smiled and reminded him, "Master Jiang, we are no longer related."

Jiang Ting: “…”

Chu Yuanchen's "Lord Jiang" startled Jiang Ting, and he could only change his words: "I am not close to Chu Yuanchen, so I want my youngest son to inherit the title. This is out of my own selfish desire, but I have absolutely not colluded with Beiyan. I hope the emperor will investigate clearly."

Jiang Ting no longer dared to hope for wealth and glory; he just wanted to save his life.

It is better to admit a forged memorial than to admit treason.

Chu Yuanyi was completely panicked. He wanted to plead for Jiang Ting, but just standing there, facing the emperor's rage, had already exhausted all his courage.

He didn't even dare to beg for mercy.

Xiao Shuo's eyes swept around and fell on Chu Yuanchen, and he nodded slightly to him.

The two of them had a tacit understanding, and Chu Yuanchen also understood what he meant, which was neither too much nor too little.

Letting Jiang Ting be charged with colluding with Beiyan was like letting the emperor easily pass over this handle. It was really not worth it.

Now all they need to do is plant a seed in everyone's heart, and they can wait for the seed to slowly sprout.

So, Chu Yuanchen smiled slightly and said, "It turns out that Lord Jiang was just greedy for a moment. Lord Jiang's greed almost caused instability in the northern border. Lord Jiang, what do you think of this?"

Jiang Ting's face turned pale. He regretted it. He really regretted it!

"Jiang Ting, you forged the memorial for your own selfish interests and then framed the Prince of Zhenbei. I will hand you over to the three courts for trial!"

As soon as the emperor gave an order, two imperial guards came forward and grabbed Jiang Ting, restrained his shoulders, and pulled his arms back.

Jiang Ting was powerless and had no chance to resist.

"No, no, Your Majesty, I know I was wrong. Please forgive me."

Jiang Ting knelt on the ground, begging desperately, blood flowing down his forehead. The scene in his nightmare seemed to become reality, as if a giant beast was baring its fangs and claws at him.

He should be able to live a better life after leaving Zhenbei Palace, why... why?!

He doesn't understand, he can't figure it out!

"Your Majesty, Your Majesty...Achen, Achen, save me."

"Master Jiang, are you begging me?"

Chu Yuanchen walked up to him, looked down at him, with a hint of smile in his peach blossom eyes.

"Master Jiang." Chu Yuanchen deliberately emphasized these three words, "Master Jiang and I have severed our relationship and have been strangers ever since. It has only been a short time, has Master Jiang already forgotten?"

Break off relations...

Jiang Ting felt as if someone had poured a bucket of ice water on his head, and his facial features were somewhat distorted.

To sever ties.

The blood relationship was severed and from then on, they were no longer father and son.

The father will not be implicated in the sins of the son, and likewise, the son will not be implicated in the sins of the father.

Even if I died, Chu Yuanchen would not need to observe three more years of mourning for me, so he no longer had any reason to save me.

Jiang Ting understood, this is what Chu Yuanchen was waiting for!

The one who really wanted to break off the relationship was not him, but him, Chu Yuanchen! Every step he took was actually in Chu Yuanchen's plan!

Jiang Ting's lips were trembling.

Chu Yuanchen looked at him with a smile and said, "Master Jiang, have a safe journey."

Jiang Ting was completely unable to suppress the panic in his heart.

He was not close to Chu Yuanchen. Chu Yuanchen had lived in the northern border since he was a child and would occasionally return to Beijing. His inherent arrogance and pride made him a little timid. Chu Yuanchen was not like Chu Yuanyi who would get close to him and act coquettishly. He always kept a distance from him. The existence of this son reminded him all the time that he was a son-in-law.

Jiang Ting's whole body was paralyzed and he was dragged down from the Golden Palace by the imperial guards. He couldn't even utter a word to beg for mercy.

"Chu Yuanchen, from today on, you will be the one to take the title of King of Zhenbei."

The emperor's words finally put an end to the matter.

From then on, Chu Yuanchen was granted the title of vassal king and became the King of Zhenbei.

"I obey your command." Chu Yuanchen's face was calm, and even his tone did not fluctuate in the slightest, as if everything was natural and logical.

That's right. If the emperor hadn't deliberately made things difficult for him, Chu Yuanchen's promotion to the title would have been a matter of course!

The emperor was relieved and said, "Then, King Zhenbei, I order you to return to the northern border immediately and lead troops to support Jiang Longwei."

"Your Majesty," Chu Yuanchen said leisurely, "There is one thing that I forgot to report."

The emperor was in a very bad mood and asked impatiently, "What's the matter?"

Chu Yuanchen looked at him without hesitation: "When I conquered Northern Yan, I also went to Mi Kingdom and conquered it. I thought this would be a great joy for Darong, so I ordered them to come out and train the troops so that His Majesty can see the style of the Mi warriors."

"Your Majesty, are you surprised?"

As soon as these words were spoken, there was an immediate uproar in the Golden Throne Hall.

The emperor's heart was sinking as he stared at Chu Yuanchen with a look that seemed to be able to tear everything apart.

The young general who came rushing to ask for help from a distance of 800 miles could hardly believe his ears.

The Mi Kingdom was in turmoil for several years, and only half a year later did a new king unify the tribes. Could it be that...

"Chu Yuanchen!" The emperor was furious and looked at Chu Yuanchen below with narrowed eyes.

He understood everything at once.

Jiang Ting is a soft spot for Chu Yuanchen. Because of Jiang Ting's existence, Chu Yuanchen's every move will be restricted. If Jiang Ting dies, he will have to mourn for him for three years.

Now that the relationship is over, everything is different.

Not only did Chu Yuanchen get rid of his own weaknesses, he also successfully inherited the title, and even forced himself to lose face in the court. After today, he didn't know how many people would suspect that he was intentionally weakening the power of the feudal lords.

He was being played around by Chu Yuanchen!

"Chu Yuanchen." The emperor's eyes were burning with anger, and he gritted his teeth and said, "You let the Mi Kingdom approach us, are you planning a rebellion?"

Chu Yuanchen said calmly: "Your Majesty, the Mi Kingdom is not pressing us, they are just training their troops."

emperor:"……"

The Americans are only gathering at the border and have not yet invaded. You can call it intimidation or military training, but it cannot be said to be conspiracy.

Chu Yuanchen smiled and continued calmly, "The people from the Zhenbei Palace are watching over the Kingdom of Mi. There won't be any trouble, so you don't have to worry. I'm still in the capital now. When I return to the Northern Frontier, I will take good care of them."

He spoke calmly, but to the emperor's ears, every word he said was full of threats.

Yes. Chu Yuanchen is now in the capital, and the emperor can manipulate him at will, but there are 300,000 troops in the northern border, and there are also Mi people waiting at the border.

If anything happens to Chu Yuanchen, can Darong stop it?

Such threats were not only heard by the emperor, but also by everyone.

However, they could not go against their conscience and accuse Chu Yuanchen of being a traitor and a villain. Everyone could see clearly what happened today because the emperor was being aggressive and forced Chu Yuanchen to take this step.

The emperor's chest heaved.

He stood up suddenly, said "dismiss the court", and left.

The ministers hurriedly said, "We respectfully send off His Majesty."

After the emperor left, they looked at Chu Yuanchen in the palace, hesitating whether to go over and congratulate him.

Chu Yuanyi walked slowly to Chu Yuanchen's side and said cautiously: "Brother, I was wrong..."

Chu Yuanchen glanced at him sideways. Even if he didn't say a word, this extraordinary aura made him feel suffocated. He regretted that he should not have been angry with Chu Yuanchen.

Chu Yuanyi said hurriedly: "Brother, I will listen to you from now on."

"Chu Yuanyi." Chu Yuanchen chuckled and said meaningfully, "Do you know that you are a fake?"