Chapter 6 Platform Summons
"What is the greater picture? Do you not understand that if such a precedent is set, other generals will follow suit and threaten me at critical moments? Am I to appease and satisfy them all?" Hu Guang, infuriated, stood up and pointed at them, scolding them angrily
Oh? Upon hearing this, Hu Guang's face revealed a hint of playful mockery as he retorted.
The host can rest assured that this daily task is open indefinitely, with no restrictions
Zhou Yanru, upon seeing this, became somewhat anxious and spoke up, saying: "Your Majesty, the Guanning Army is the elite force of our Ming Dynasty, and it is imperative to recall them promptly to guard the capital!"
Upon hearing this, Han Luan and the others each struck their heads against the ground, no longer daring to argue. They had to admit that the words of Emperor Chongzhen were not incorrect; if such a precedent were set and other military men followed suit, the consequences would indeed be unimaginable
Upon hearing that the timid Zhou Yanru had already frightened Emperor Chongzhen for him, Han Luan could not help but silently praise him. Given his status, he had to voice his opinion: "Your Majesty, I also believe this is the case. The immediate course of action should be to quickly ascertain the whereabouts of the Guanning Army, investigate the reasons, and then recall them to guard the capital!"
If it can only be done once a day, it is estimated that there will not be much achievement value
Furthermore, the imperial edict of Emperor Chongzhen was soon conveyed to the cabinet, allowing the ministers, who had been somewhat anxious, to finally breathe a sigh of relief. Calculating their own interests, they proceeded to the platform under the guidance of the eunuchs
Upon hearing these words, no one could stand firm; regardless of their intentions, they all knelt down. Among them, Han Luan made a desperate attempt to argue: "Your Majesty, we prioritize the greater good..."
Ding, achievement points + 5, from Minister Qian Longxi
Cheng Ji Ming listened and immediately understood that they were likely to bring up Yuan Chonghuan next. Therefore, he quickly stepped forward and said: "Your Majesty, I observed that General Zu was trembling in both legs when Commander Yuan was imprisoned by edict, which indicated that something was amiss. Just as I was about to report this to Your Majesty, I did not expect that his troops had already collapsed. There must be some misunderstanding in this matter. In my opinion, we should soothe him with kind words and accompany it with a personal letter from Commander Yuan; this will surely lead to his return"
Hu Guang was overjoyed, ha ha, it seems that obtaining achievement points is not that difficult! Come, come, let them experience our skills again, and let's gather enough achievement points early to add someone to the chat group and see.
Hu Guang looked at these old men, each with their heads bowed in silence, and continued to scold them in anger: "As high-ranking officials of the court, you do not consider matters from the perspective of the court, but instead expect me to appease a soldier who dares to threaten me. Is this how you serve me?"
The chief minister Han Luan and the other officials stood on either side after paying their respects, waiting for the emperor to consult them. Although they stood still, their eyes seemed to be looking straight ahead, yet their pupils occasionally shifted to observe their colleagues and then turned again to gauge the expression of Emperor Chongzhen, clearly indicating that they were contemplating something.
This statement carries significant weight, subtly implying that Zu Dashou has the intention of asserting military power for his own benefit. To put it more bluntly, it suggests a desire for rebellion. This remark startled the ministers, as they did not expect that, in such circumstances, Emperor Chongzhen would dare to lose his temper.
Understanding this point, Han Luan and Qian Longxi exchanged a glance, both showing a hint of annoyance in their eyes
Ding, achievement points +5, from Chief Minister Han Luan
"Indeed, Your Majesty!" Zhou Yanru immediately continued, "The Beijing garrison is utterly inadequate, among the various loyalist armies, the Guanning Army is the most elite. The enemy is fierce, numbering up to 100,000. If the Guanning Army does not arrive, the capital will be in grave danger!"
Han Luan felt a surge of joy in his heart; His Majesty has begun to inquire about strategies. However, when he looked at Emperor Chongzhen, he did not see any signs of panic on the face of this young emperor, which caused him to be slightly taken aback, clearly a bit unexpected.
Unexpectedly, Cheng Jiming spoke up first, without even mentioning the intention to release Yuan Chonghuan. For Emperor Chongzhen, releasing Yuan Chonghuan immediately after his imprisonment would clearly be a slap in the face; he would not do so unless absolutely necessary. Now that Cheng Jiming has presented this strategy, it has completely dashed any hope of An Ran rescuing Yuan Chonghuan.
"I concur, Your Majesty!" Upon hearing this, Qian Longxi immediately stepped forward to present his case.
This can be considered a clear countermeasure; if successful, the credit will be attributed to him
Hu Guang looked at the several high-ranking ministers of the empire before him and couldn't help but sneer inwardly. Damn it, the real Emperor Chongzhen was indeed played to his death by you all like this!
This countermeasure is precisely what Han Luan and others are preparing to discuss. However, there is one key difference: they also wish to use this as a reason to persuade Emperor Chongzhen to issue an order for the release of Yuan Chonghuan, which would inevitably lead to the return of the Guanning Army
As the system's sound echoed, the bottom right corner of the chat group system changed to "Achievement Points: 1". This took Hu Guang by surprise; he had not expected to be so outstanding that merely speaking a few words could earn him achievement points! With this thought, his mood instantly brightened.
Therefore, Hu Guang immediately sought verification, asking: "System, how many times can this daily task be performed?"
Upon hearing this, Hu Guang's mood instantly improved. He was preoccupied with the life-threatening main quest and had no desire to rest. He got out of bed and simultaneously instructed outside, "Prepare the platform, summon the esteemed ministers!"
This platform is not located in an open-air venue, but rather in the rear position of the Jianji Hall.
Ding, achievement points +5, from Minister Cheng Jiming!
Hu Guang did not linger with them and soon asked in a deep voice: "The enemy has not yet retreated, yet the Guan Ning army has already collapsed. Esteemed officials, is there any protocol regarding this matter?"
The ministers did not expect that when they arrived at the platform, Emperor Chongzhen was already there. Instantly, they all thought in unison: "The emperor seems to be truly anxious; indeed, in this situation, it is best to discuss matters after the fact!"
Ding, achievement points +5, from Minister Zhou Yanru
If we were to follow their approach, we would at most achieve results similar to historical trends. In that case, we would fail to complete the main tasks assigned by the system and would be eliminated. Rather than that, it is better to proceed according to our own ideas
Ding, achievement points +1, from the eunuch Xiao Lizi
The little eunuch at the door couldn't help but feel astonished: "The Emperor has only rested for a short while and is already going to meet with the ministers again, truly diligent in governance!"
He suddenly let out a cold laugh, and then asked sternly: "At a time when the soldiers of the world are diligently supporting the throne, Zuo Dashou instead leads his troops to flee. What is he trying to do? Is he taking advantage of the fact that I dare not punish him at this moment, and is he trying to threaten me?"
In the late Ming Dynasty, the platform for consultations was a customary practice, equivalent to the current national policy advisory meetings, serving as a venue for the emperor to consult with ministers on state affairs
After the emperor posed his question, it was customary for the chief minister to respond first. However, Han Zhuan was taken aback and did not answer immediately
The continuous "ding ding" sounds rang out, and when Hu Guang glanced at the bottom left corner of the chat group, he saw it displayed, "Achievement Points: 26." Instantly, he felt as refreshing as having ice cream on a scorching summer day
When the deputy minister Li Biao saw this, he felt delighted and immediately reported: "This strategy is mature and prudent, I support it!"
Ding, achievement points +5, from assistant Li Biao