CHAPTER 334: CHAPTER 334: ENCIRCLE WEI TO SAVE ZHAO

The Marquis of Northwest only slightly restrained his temper after being reprimanded by the Emperor.

Perhaps it’s due to age, but if these words were spoken by the former Emperor, he might have been rebuffed long ago.

Yet now his demeanor remains relatively calm.

The Fourth Prince squinted at the Marquis of Northwest with obvious dissatisfaction.

The Liu Family’s ambition to overpower the throne isn’t new, and everyone in the Royal Family is wary of it.

The Northwest Army has long been tainted under generations of control by the Liu Family.

Who knows how many of those six hundred thousand troops are loyal to the Liu Family, and how many to the Royal Family?

The Marquis of Northwest, under the gaze of the Fourth Prince, returned the stare fearlessly.

The mockery in his eyes was evident.

With a cold snort, he addressed the Emperor.

"Your Majesty, the matter of military pay is imperative. I, a seasoned commander, know not how to gather funds or provisions. Staying here is pointless. I implore Your Majesty’s pardon, and I shall take my leave."

Saying this, after a respectful bow, he strode out of Qian’an Hall.

His demeanor left those present sweating profusely.

The Marquis of Northwest has not returned to the capital in over a decade, so people have gradually forgotten how unyielding his temperament can be.

A man who fears not death will hardly be shaken by a mere reprimand from the Emperor.

Watching him depart from the palace, the Fourth Prince grew ever more agitated, blowing his beard and glaring fiercely.

"This is rebellion, rebellion! Does the Marquis of Northwest think he can come and go from the palace as he pleases?"

Compared to the Fourth Prince’s discontent, the Prime Minister Lin seemed very calm.

Only the two Chiefs of Staff suffered, trembling terribly at this moment.

The Emperor, expressionless, watched the gradually departing figure of the Marquis of Northwest, as if a decision was forming in his heart.

Over a decade ago, he faced the Marquis of Northwest with more trepidation and helplessness.

But today, if he were still treated with such demeanor by a subject and remained indifferent, then he might as well abandon the idea of forging a prosperous and peaceful era.

Thus, suppressing the blue veins on his forehead, he spoke.

"The Northwest Army has guarded for many years, and many civilians are descendants of soldiers who have shed blood for Da Wei. I cannot bear to leave them in the harsh north where they suffer. From today, the eight great cities of the Central Plains shall be open, requiring only registration to receive thirty taels of silver for relocation and settling."

Upon hearing this, those present frowned.

Even Prime Minister Lin, who had served for decades, couldn’t comprehend the meaning behind this imperial decree.

Thirty taels as relocation funds could be a rare opportunity for civilians.

But to the northern aristocrats and those surviving attached to the Northwest Army, it posed no allure.

So what is the Emperor’s intention here?

Civilians migrating to the Central Plains while leaving the Northwest Army stationed there?

Considering this, Prime Minister Lin felt somewhat perplexed.

He opened his mouth to ask.

"Does Your Majesty intend for the Northwest to become a ghost town?"

"With six hundred thousand troops guarding the Northwest, how could it be a ghost town? It’s only that I pity the people, so I offer leniency. No need to inquire further; simply carry out the orders."

Then, his gaze swept over those present, finally fixing on the Fourth Prince.

"I recall that Uncle’s subordinates Feng Qi and Jiang Huanqing are capable. I appoint these two to lead three thousand men to handle this matter."

Three thousand men—an arduous task against six hundred thousand Northwest troops.

Facing such numbers, even without conflict, they might already be slaughtered.

This mission sounds exceedingly difficult.

But if successful, their future prospects would naturally be promising.

The Emperor and the Fourth Prince shared the same intent—to greatly nurture promising youth.

Only if they firmly establish themselves can they become meritorious officials in the Emperor’s flourishing era.

Such is the case for Lin Xingzhi, Feng Qi, and Jiang Huanqing.

Including Lin Muzhi and Dong Keli, still at the Imperial College, they too shall become pivotal court officials.

Yet, discussions of these matters are premature.

The immediate priority is to arrange and successfully execute this task.

Having not understood the Emperor’s meaning, Prime Minister Lin refrained from speaking further.

This was his usual manner.

Yet, the Fourth Prince showed some joy regarding this matter.

"Alright, I shall return and inform them to set off immediately!"

"No need to hurry. Lin Guard’s wedding is in a few days; let them depart afterward. One is his brother-in-law, the other a good friend; they shouldn’t miss it."

"Your Majesty’s benevolence is appreciated; I shall convey this message."

"Hm."

After arranging everything, the group withdrew.

Before leaving, the Emperor intended to say a few words to Prime Minister Lin but refrained, remembering he needed to see Lin Wanyi shortly.

Prime Minister Lin’s mind was preoccupied with the Emperor’s decision, oblivious to this matter.

Watching Prime Minister Lin decisively depart, the Emperor felt a sense of darkness and obscurity.

At one time, his spirited, erudite mentor was all calculations.

Lin Xingzhi is his own grandson, yet despite all they discussed, Prime Minister Lin showed no stance.

His thoughts remained unclear.

The same applies to his stance toward Lin Wanyi.

In the past, he seldom cared for the main branch’s members, but since Lin Wanyi became a concubine, he frequently displayed concern.

He entirely neglected his other granddaughter, Lin Guifei.

Such an attitude caused the Emperor’s heart to grow cold.

If Lin Guifei hadn’t gotten involved with Empress Xu’s affairs, the Emperor would still feel a degree of regret and apology toward her.

After all, their many years together resulted in a daughter.

For the sake of Princess Ming Ruo, the Emperor wouldn’t mistreat Lin Guifei.

Ensuring her status and prosperity is assured.

But now, a beautiful face, and a viperous heart.

When she took the step to harm others, she severed the bond of favor with the Emperor.

Thus, a full corpse can be granted, but the enjoyment of glory in life is denied.

Turning to Dong Yuzhong, he asked.

"Have you completed the task I assigned you?"

Dong Yuzhong nodded, lowering his voice.

"Rest assured, Your Majesty. This task was personally handled with no mistakes. I reckon results will emerge within a year."

"Hm, keep a close watch, ensure no one notices. I want the Imperial Consort to pass quietly, understand?"

"Yes, I understand."

How Empress Xu died then is how Lin Guifei meets her end today.

Though Empress Xu’s loss of a child deceived all.

Now, regarding Lin Guifei, finding reasons for her illness is equally necessary.