Chapter 9: Great Determination

One speculates from the character of Emperor Hong Taiji, while another infers from a strategic perspective; these align closely with Hu Guang's own judgment. He could not help but feel a bit pleased and immediately praised, saying: "Li Qing's words are reasonable; I am greatly comforted."

Hu Guang pondered for a moment, then assumed a serious expression and asked, "Manqing, do I need to ask you again?"

Your Majesty, this is absolutely unacceptable! At this moment, Han Luan finally came to his senses and hurriedly advised, "Those who have achieved fame are all literati; how can they understand military affairs?"

Ding, achievement points +1, from Minister Zhou Yanru

All the people in the hall were stunned by Hu Guang's words. Throughout history, it is likely that no emperor has ever possessed such great courage

Hmm? Hu Guang noticed that Cao Huachun seemed to be in a daze, and immediately let out a heavy snort.

Ding, achievement points +1, from assistant Li Biao

Upon thinking of this, they could not help but smile bitterly. It seemed that the Emperor was determined to teach the Jianlu a lesson. If they did not cooperate, they would likely be held accountable under the charge of associating with the close attendants.

After he finished speaking, the Deputy Minister Li Biao suddenly spoke up and said: "Your Majesty, if the Jianlu can capture the capital, it would be an unprecedented achievement. Such an opportunity is rarely seen in a hundred years, and I believe that Jianlu will surely make every effort to besiege the city"

After Hu Guang spoke at length, he softened his tone a bit and said: "Of course, I am not an unreasonable person. If someone values their life highly, they may also use money and grain as a substitute. Anyone with a title, regardless of who they are, who does not wish to exert effort, must donate ten shi of grain and fifty taels of silver; even royal relatives and nobility are not exempt!"

Ding, achievement points +1, from General Man Gui! In the bottom left corner of the chat group, achievement points: 49

At this point, he turned to Cao Huachun and instructed, "This matter was proposed by Chief Minister Han, and I believe this method is quite good. You in the Eastern Depot shall act according to the records. If you fail to carry out your duties effectively, I will take your head. Do you understand?"

After speaking, Hu Guang raised his voice and announced: "I have made my decision; this is how it shall be done. Let the Jianlu come to the capital and suffer a bloody defeat!"

Upon hearing this, Qian Longxi quickly stepped forward and said: "Your Majesty, as far as I know, the speed of the enemy's advance is too rapid, and more than half of the grain has yet to be transported into the capital. If the enemy besieges the city for too long, the capital will surely be in danger due to a lack of food"

Your Majesty, the troops in the capital are not well-trained, the supplies are insufficient, the formidable enemy surrounds the city, the people's hearts are in turmoil, and the risks are extremely high! Cheng Ji Ming has also joined the ranks of those presenting difficulties, yet only Li Biao remains silent

"Good!" Hu Guang listened and unexpectedly praised, saying: "I like it this way. When an issue arises, it can be raised and then resolved. But if the first thing that comes out of your mouth is just opposition, what use do I have for you?"

Zhou Yanru observed that Emperor Chongzhen was listening without showing any anger, but rather appeared to be deep in thought. He then added, "Your Majesty, the soldiers must be rewarded and motivated for their service, yet the national treasury is empty, which may not be sufficient to incentivize them"

"Do not understand military affairs? It is not as if they are being asked to command in battle! All that is needed is strength to move logs and stones, to carry the wounded; these are all manifestations of contributing to the defense of the city! In the face of a formidable enemy, what use is civility? Protecting the home and the nation is the true principle; do scholars not even understand this basic truth?"

Ding, achievement points +1, from Minister Cheng Jiming!

"Yes, this servant will faithfully obey the imperial decree!" Cao Huachun came to his senses and quickly responded.

When did the Emperor become so formidable? Han Zhuan and others couldn't help but feel puzzled.

Ding, achievement points +1, from Chief Minister Han Luan

Then he immediately said to Man Gui: "Man Qing is responsible for the defense of the capital. All military forces within the capital will be under your command for the defense of the capital. Do you have confidence in this?"

Your Majesty, based on my understanding of the Jianlu, I fear they may launch an attack. However, if the losses are too great, they will withdraw in time. That slave chieftain Huang Taiji is indeed very cunning!

"What is there to be concerned about?" Hu Guang immediately retorted, "In this time when the court is in need of capable individuals, those who eat the lord's salary must act in loyalty to the lord. Defending the capital is both an act of loyalty to the lord and a means of protecting one's family. The family and the nation are one; who can remain indifferent to this matter?"

Upon hearing this, the officials were immediately stirred in their hearts, sensing that the Emperor's words implied that the matter to follow was of great importance. If it proceeded smoothly, they would not be held accountable for the crime of associating with the close attendants.

Achievement Points: 48. Hu Guang felt a bit puzzled, wondering why the other few individuals did not contribute any achievement points, causing him to lose several points of achievement.

Upon hearing this, Man Gui felt as if his head had exploded. Without considering anything else, he immediately pushed the golden mountain and toppled the jade pillar, kneeling on the ground, and excitedly replied in a loud voice: "This subordinate will certainly serve with utmost loyalty!"

Do not be deceived by his imposing presence as the Chief of the Eastern Depot and the Chief Eunuch of the Imperial Ceremonial Office. Regardless, he is merely a servant of the Emperor, and with just a word, no one can intervene, even if it leads to death. Since the Emperor has made a resolute decision, he dares not refuse to carry it out

Han Luan was startled upon hearing this. He did not dare to openly oppose it and could only express his difficulties, saying: "Your Majesty, the military strength within the capital is lacking. The capital garrison is not only understaffed, but also has a high number of the elderly, weak, sick, and disabled. Even with the addition of the Five City Military Command and others, this amount of military force is truly insufficient"

Speaking, he looked towards Han Luan and immediately continued: "Is there a shortage of troops? I can allocate half of the imperial guards to defend the outer city, still under the command of Master Man. If necessary, I will personally ascend the city walls to fight the enemy, and I will not hesitate to do so!"

Han Luan could not help but silently lament as things were settled this way. It seemed that this time it was going to be the end; those people, unable to harbor hatred towards the Emperor, would surely direct their grievances towards him instead

Hu Guangcai disregarded the inner thoughts of the two individuals and then turned to Qian Longxi, saying: "From today onwards, we will strictly control the grain prices in the capital. Anyone who dares to take advantage of the situation to hoard grain and profit from the national crisis will not be spared. Additionally, with the grain we should be able to obtain and the previous reserves, will it be a problem to sustain for two to three months?"

However, it is still quite good, as just one meeting yields 48 achievement points, and I will soon be able to add more people. With just two points remaining, it is sufficient to casually showcase my talents

They have not yet reacted, and Hu Guang continued: "In the capital, all those with titles, except for the elderly, the weak, women, and children, as well as those with responsibilities, regardless of their status, aged between 18 and 45, are all permitted to ascend the city walls and fight the enemy. In this way, will the military strength be sufficient?"

His response surprised everyone slightly. Hu Guang was also a bit taken aback, not expecting him to engage in a serious discussion about the matter, quite impressive!

Previously, Man Gui was in charge of the loyalist army stationed outside the capital, resisting the invading forces. Now, he is being brought into the city to command the capital garrison and other troops, taking full responsibility for the defense of the capital. This represents the greatest trust placed in Man Gui, as well as the highest level of promotion!

Ding, achievement points +1, from Minister Qian Longxi

Cao Huachun was drenched in sweat upon hearing this; while it was a matter of authority, it could offend many people. Although the Eastern Depot was not afraid of trouble, the good relationship he had previously established with the civil officials was likely to be ruined