The end of the world begins with the king

Chapter 724
There is no doubt that in the face of this great enemy, the whole court is busy.

The arrogant soldiers need to be appeased, the army's food and grass must be mobilized, and the ordnance must be built and distributed...

In all aspects, there is no delay, and thousands of things have to be dealt with in Qian'an Hall every day.

But today, in front of the two cabinet ministers, as well as the ministers of the Ministry of Officials and the Ministry of War, Zhao Weilong was only discussing one matter.

"Jishui's army, the ministries are constantly at odds, and the top and bottom have different opinions. Zhu Chengming has not yet integrated his subordinates since he took office..."

The court has always been aware of and paid attention to the contradictions among the officers and soldiers.

It's just that Zhao Weilong thinks this is a normal phenomenon in the Xincheng army, and Zhu Chengming can calm down.

However, Zhu Chengming disappointed Zhao Weilong, and the conflicts within the army became more and more intense, to the point where the supervising army asked for a change of general.

Walking down the imperial steps, Zhao Weilong said with a serious expression: "Everyone, the rebels are now on the edge of Jishui!"

When he said this, Zhao Weilong also felt deeply regretful. He should have mobilized all the strong troops to block the Yong army to the west of the Han River.

The tens of thousands of imperial troops in Hanshui were defeated, and the imperial court's most capable army was ruined. This was a huge blow to the imperial court and Zhao Weilong.

"This matter must be resolved as soon as possible. What can you do?"

Regarding the countermeasures, Zhao Weilong had already discussed with Huang Zhicheng, Minister of the Ministry of Officials, and the latter suggested using veteran Lu Liqing.

Lu Liqing was able to lead the previous Western Front Legion, which shows his qualifications and ability.

It's just that Zhao Weilong single-handedly kicked Lu Liqing off, and he couldn't save face by using him again, so a court meeting was called.

It is undoubtedly much better to let the ministers discuss and reactivate Lu Liqing.

At this time Huang Zhicheng said: "Your Majesty, I think that since Zhu Chengming can't restrain the generals, the court should send a mature and prudent person to take over from him to organize military affairs!"

Zhao Weilong then asked: "Is there anyone for Aiqing?"

Huang Zhicheng replied: "I think you can send Lu Liqing, Duke Cheng!"

Having said that, the first half of the play is over.

Zhao Weilong glanced at the other ministers in the hall.

"My dear friends, what do you think of Huang Qing's words?"

Regarding this, the second assistant Xie Xiaofang didn't care at all, so his eyes were fixed on the floor.

Chief Assistant Wang Tinghe thought for a while and said, "Your Majesty, changing generals before a battle is a big taboo!"

It's not that he disagrees with the change, he just thinks that there are risks in changing the general.

Therefore, Zhao Weilong turned his attention to Wang Cunzhang, Shangshu of the Ministry of War, his opinion is very important right now.

"The lesser of two evils, the emperor... I agree with Lord Huang's opinion!"

Hearing this, Zhao Weilong heaved a sigh of relief, the matter was settled.

"In that case, let's make a deal!"

Immediately afterwards, Zhao Weilong glanced at Wang Tinghe and said, "Old Wang Ge, what do you think?"

"Your majesty is wise!" Wang Tinghe nodded.

There is really no good way right now, but to take one step at a time.

"Well, this matter is settled. The cabinet will draft an edict as soon as possible, and after handing it over to the palm seal supervisor to use the seal, the Ministry of War will send someone to deliver the edict!"

"Yes!"

Having discussed the most important matters does not mean that the court discussion is over.

Everyone was in the main hall again, discussing for nearly an hour, and then retreated one after another.

After everyone left, Zhao Weilong pushed back the other people in the hall.

Looking at Huang Zhicheng who was standing not far away, Zhao Weilong sighed: "Sir, the bandit army is so powerful that I cannot sleep or eat in peace!"

Faced with this sentence, Huang Zhicheng was also very helpless, and right now he was struggling to support himself.

Immediately afterwards, Zhao Weilong said again: "It is said that... a gentleman does not build a dangerous wall, sir... I was thinking, can I... temporarily avoid the sharp edge of the bandit army!"

It was very difficult for Zhao Weilong to say this sentence, and it even seemed difficult to say it.

Of course, what he wanted to say next was really hard for a king to say.

Before Zhao Weilong could say anything, Huang Zhicheng said first, "The emperor wants to move the capital?"

The matter of moving the capital was mentioned two years ago, and both Emperor Tai'an and Zhao Weilong expressed firm opposition to it.

Once the capital is moved, the prestige of the court will be greatly reduced, and it will be impossible to control the southern counties.

Compared with two years ago, the current situation is even worse. The relocation of the capital led to the collapse of the imperial court, which is basically a certainty.

"Your Majesty... once the capital is moved, it will definitely lead to chaos in the army, and the Yong army will cross the river without any effort, and then the court will be gone!" Huang Zhicheng persuaded him very earnestly.

As a teacher, he understands Zhao Weilong's worries and fears, but as a subject, he must assist the monarch to make rational and correct decisions.

Of course, just direct remonstrance is not enough, he has to let the emperor see hope.

"Your Majesty, there are now nearly 20 officers and soldiers, of which [-] elite soldiers are waiting for work at leisure, and there is Jishui as a natural danger to resist the enemy. This time I have the advantage!"

Speaking of this, Huang Zhicheng went further: "And the emperor's appointment of veteran generals like Cheng Guogong will surely enable our army to cooperate sincerely, not to mention defending Jishui... Even if we confront the rebels head-on, it may not be impossible." Fight and win!"

I have to say that Huang Zhicheng's words worked well, at least it made Zhao Weilong feel much more at ease.

In fact, Zhao Weilong didn't want to move the capital, but planned to go out of Beijing for a "southern tour". Of course, there is essentially no difference between the two.

Just when Huang Zhicheng was about to strike while the iron was hot, he heard a voice from outside: "Report to the Emperor... Taifu Fang Hongji, please see me!"

This old Mr. Fang from the south was awarded the title of Grand Tutor by Zhao Weilong half a month ago to show his extraordinary respect and win the hearts of the people in the south.

"Please!"

"According to the order!"

Seeing that Zhao Weilong wanted to see other people, Huang Zhicheng immediately said: "Your Majesty, should you avoid me first?"

"Mr. Fang and Mr. Fang are both upright and fair people, so there is no need to avoid them!"

Huang Zhicheng didn't argue about this, he was also curious about what Fang Hongji was doing here.

After a while, Fang Hongji, who was nearly eighty years old, walked into the hall tremblingly.

"The old minister kowtows to the emperor!"

"Excuse me, old man!" Zhao Weilong got up himself and helped Fang Hongji up before he knelt down.

In the whole world, Fang Hongji is the only one who can enjoy the emperor's supporting treatment.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Fang Hongji's voice was hoarse.

"The old man is here, is there something important?" Zhao Weilong asked.

I only heard Fang Hongji say: "Your Majesty, even though I am old, I still have the ambition to serve the country..."

Hearing this, Zhao Weilong said: "The old man is willing to come to the capital to teach me, and he has already relieved the country's worries!"

Huang Zhicheng on the side also said: "What the emperor said is very true. The old man is already sharing the country's worries, and he has made great contributions to the court and society!"

Fang Hongji shook his head, and said bluntly: "Your Majesty, the rebels are rampant now, and I am willing to send an envoy to the bandit camp, to move them with emotion and reason, and to persuade the rebel soldiers to abandon the dark and turn to the light!"

Hearing this, both Zhao Weilong and Zhao Weilong thought the old man was crazy, and ran into the rebel army at a young age, wasn't he courting death?
Zhao Weilong said hastily: "The old man has such a heart, I am very moved, but after all, the man is old..."

Before Zhao Weilong finished speaking, Fang Hongji said: "Your Majesty, although I am old, I can still move forward!"

"Treasons are rampant, the world is in trouble, and the court is in danger. How can veterans sit back and watch!"

Hearing that Fang Hongji wanted to continue, Zhao Weilong glanced at Huang Zhicheng, wanting him to help persuade him.

The latter readily understood, and immediately said: "Old man, the traitor is insidious and cunning, with the heart of a snake, scorpion and jackal. The old man going deep into the den of thieves is like a sheep entering a tiger's mouth!"

"This old man is 79 years old, half of his body is buried in the ground. Does Master Huang think that this old man is afraid of death?"

Fang Hongji wasn't even afraid of death, and nothing else seemed to scare him, so that Huang Zhicheng didn't know what to say.

Fang Hongji continued: "Your Majesty, the old minister has a group of disciples and grandchildren. If the old minister dies in the bandit camp, they will work together to avenge the minister, and they will surely become a great help to the court!"

These words really moved Zhao Weilong's heart.

He wooed Fang Hongji because he wanted to use his extensive influence in the south to strengthen the centripetal force of the southern counties towards the imperial court.

If Fang Hongji died in the hands of the Yong army, it would definitely make several counties in the south hate Zhao Yanxun deeply, which would be of great benefit to the court.

So, do you agree to Fang Hongji's request?Zhao Weilong was a little confused.

(End of this chapter)