Qin Ze casually picked up the yellow robe from the ground and threw it onto the young emperor, then coldly said, "Get dressed and come with me to the front lines!"
The young emperor trembled as she received the yellow robe with trembling hands. She slowly put it on, but her fingers still trembled slightly. The robe was smooth, embroidered with dragon and phoenix patterns, which had once been a symbol of her power, but now she felt only humiliation.
After donning the yellow robes, the young emperor followed Qin Ze out of the tent. Outside, the northern army was already lined up in neat rows, awaiting Qin Ze and the young emperor's arrival. Their steps were firm, their swords and spears gleaming coldly, and their eyes filled with determination.
Qin Ze led the young emperor to the city gate and addressed the guards, "His Majesty orders: Open the city gates!!!"
Qin Ze's voice was firm and authoritative, like a thunderclap that shook the soul, impossible to ignore.
The soldiers guarding the city walls stared wide-eyed in disbelief as Qin Ze stood alongside the real emperor below. This unexpected scene plunged everyone into utter chaos and hesitation.
The soldiers' weapons trembled slightly; their faces were pale, and their hearts were filled with conflict. On one hand, they had to defend the imperial city, but on the other hand, they could not ignore the emperor's orders.
Inside the capital, the ministers were in complete chaos. Some harbored resentment, hurling insults at Qin Ze, calling him despicable and shameless, and regarding him as a traitor.
"This Qin Ze is utterly despicable and shameless! He actually dared to take the emperor hostage, he has completely betrayed the faith of our imperial city!"
"What a disgrace that we are to be ruled by this traitor! The glory of the capital will be tarnished!"
"This couldn't possibly be the Emperor's will; it must be Qin Ze coercing him! We can't just sit here and wait to die. We should seek reinforcements and bring this traitor to justice!"
"Perhaps this is the emperor's scheme, a temporary measure to maintain peace in the capital. We must not lose faith."
"In any case, we must proceed with caution now; protecting His Majesty the Emperor is of utmost importance!"
"But what can we do now? He is the emperor after all; we can't just ignore him!"
A minister stepped forward and made a suggestion: "Ministers, the situation is critical. Could we try to negotiate with Qin Ze through diplomatic means and seek a peaceful solution? At the same time, we could send an elite cavalry force to launch a secret raid at night to rescue His Majesty."
Everyone's eyes lit up instantly.
"Great idea!!! Let's do it!"
After careful consideration, the ministers unanimously approved the plan. After all, in this critical moment, buying even a little time meant a glimmer of hope. They decided to send a high-ranking official to negotiate with Qin Ze. The content of the negotiations was not the most important thing; the key was to buy time and gain more breathing room.
Ultimately, everyone unanimously chose Gu Siming, the Minister of Personnel, who, with his rich political experience and negotiation skills, became the envoy. He stepped forward, his face showing no fear, but rather composure and calmness. He knew that at this moment, he shouldered an extremely important mission.
"I will go to negotiate with Qin Ze, ministers, please rest assured," Gu Siming said solemnly. His words reassured the ministers present somewhat, because at this moment, they had no better choice.
Gu Siming entered Qin Ze's military tent. The tent was dimly lit, and the floor was covered with a fur carpet, giving it a luxurious and heavy feel. Qin Ze sat in a carved chair, a glass of fine wine beside him, seemingly relaxed and content.
Qin Ze's gaze lingered on Gu Siming for a moment, then he smiled faintly: "Minister of Personnel, you've arrived. Tell me, what are your conditions?"
Gu Siming's expression was solemn. He bowed slightly to show his respect and then said, "General, we hope that you can release His Majesty and prioritize the peace of the country."
Qin Ze sneered: "Release Her Majesty? That's a naive idea. Her Majesty is in my hands now. I have her life, and her life is the guarantee of national peace."
Gu Siming was anxious, but he remained calm: "General, we do not wish for bloodshed. We only hope to resolve the issue through negotiation. If you agree, we can consider offering you some benefits in exchange for His Majesty's freedom."
Qin Ze took a sip of wine, a cold glint in his eyes: "Interests? Do you think I would release His Majesty for some interests? You're too naive."
Gu Siming said in a deep voice, "General, we are not enemies. You were once one of us, and we do not wish to use force against you. As long as you release His Majesty, we can fight for a bright future for you."
Qin Ze scoffed, "A bright future? Minister of Personnel, your words are quite laughable. I want more than just a bright future; I want power, I want the throne!"
Gu Siming took a deep breath and continued, "General, if you insist on this attitude, it will only worsen the situation. Please reconsider; we do not want to see the country in turmoil."
Qin Ze suddenly stood up, slammed his hand on the table with a loud bang: "Internal strife? Haha, Minister of Personnel, I'm not afraid of internal strife. What I want is the entire country, what I want is the throne!"
Gu Siming took a deep breath. He knew he had to take action, or the situation would continue to deteriorate. He decided to try to make concessions in the negotiations and find a compromise solution.
“General, I understand your ambition. You desire the country and the throne, but continuing in the current manner will only lead to internal strife and suffering for the people. We can consider a compromise: you can assume an important position in the country, wielding power and influence, while also ensuring the stability and peace of the nation.”
Qin Ze frowned slightly, and after a moment of silence, said, "Minister of Personnel, your proposal sounds good, but why should I believe you will keep your promise?"
Gu Siming solemnly replied, "General, please believe us. We are the ones who hope for stability in the country. If you release His Majesty, we are willing to compromise on the issue of the throne and guarantee your status and power."
Qin Ze pondered for a moment, then finally nodded: "Alright, Minister of Personnel, go back and tell them that if they can meet my conditions, I can consider releasing His Majesty. But please do not try any tricks, or you will bear the consequences."
Gu Siming breathed a sigh of relief, feeling a glimmer of hope for victory. He solemnly expressed his gratitude: "General, your wise decision will contribute to the peace of the country, and His Majesty will remember your kindness."
Gu Siming hurriedly left Qin Ze's military tent and rushed back to the capital. He was anxious and needed to inform the court officials of this news as soon as possible so that they could formulate the next steps.
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