Chapter 7: The Emperor's Fury

At this time, Shen Yongmao, although renowned for his talents, was already seventy years old. Faced with the current crisis, he felt a sense of inadequacy despite his willingness to help. Upon hearing of the emperor's summons, he was filled with trepidation.

These individuals are masters of wordplay, and they quickly understood that Emperor Chongzhen's actions of first expressing anger and then showing mercy were indeed quite formidable. Once this spreads, it is likely that no other warrior would dare to imitate.

You all have arranged spies around me, do you really think I am easy to bully? Hu Guang was furious, but he did not explode immediately; he only questioned, "Do you mean to say that no one listens when I speak? Should I say it again?"

Your sister! Hu Guang cursed, realizing that there was no way to deal with this stubborn program, he withdrew from his thoughts and focused his attention on what was before him

Ding, achievement points +1, from Minister Qian Longxi

What Hu Guang wanted was precisely this effect. Seeing that the timing was about right, he softened his tone and said: "Regardless of the reasons behind Zu Dashou's actions, this is indeed a grave sin! However, as I am currently in need of capable individuals, if Zu Dashou can acknowledge his guilt, repent, and make significant contributions, I may choose not to pursue the matter further."

Suddenly, Hu Guang finally saw a memorial, and a smile appeared on his face. He deliberately took it out from the pile of memorials and set it aside. This left the ministers who were secretly observing quite puzzled, as they did not know whose memorial it was or what it said that could make the Emperor smile.

I also believe this is the case. Your Majesty has been working hard for several consecutive days, and your health is already in a precarious state. It is best to take good care of yourself and rest properly!" Qian Longxi quickly followed up with his advice

"System, this is unreasonable! In this way, wouldn't outstanding individuals be at a disadvantage?" Hu Guang argued unwillingly

Upon thinking of this, they immediately recalled the rumors that had circulated in the palace before. They were all taken aback, wondering if the Emperor had truly lost his mind

At this moment, Han Luan, the leader of the crowd, had no choice but to speak: "Your Majesty, the enemy's power is great; we must not act rashly!"

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

The logistics of the Guanning Army are firmly in the hands of the court; as long as the supply is cut off, the soldiers will either collapse, rebel, or seek refuge with the Jurchens. There are no other options available.

Manguai is somewhat unique, somewhat fitting the image of a military general in Hu Guang's impression. He stands about 1.75 meters tall, which is not particularly high. He is very sturdy, has a full beard, walks with large strides, and has the appearance of a valiant warrior

Upon hearing this, Han Luan and the others were left speechless. They had just thought that the Emperor was disregarding the overall situation and was truly intent on pursuing a case against Zu Dashou, aiming to force him into rebellion. However, they did not expect this sudden change in tone; in fact, there was no intention to pursue the matter at all, but merely a need for a way to step down gracefully.

System prompt: The contribution value for the same individual starting from the second time will only be rewarded with 1 point

Hu Guang organized his thoughts and then said solemnly and with great sorrow: "The Jurchens are rampaging through the capital region, leaving devastation in their wake, and my heart is deeply troubled! Do you have any good strategies to teach the Jurchens a lesson, drive them out of the capital region as soon as possible, or even eliminate them within the borders?"

The reason lies in the precedents that already exist. Taking the Ming Dynasty as an example, during the reign of Emperor Yingzong, the emperor was captured, and the Mongol forces, with their overwhelming might, were at the gates of the capital. This situation was even more critical than the current one, yet in the end, the dynasty did not collapse, and the Ming continued its national fortunes until now

Ding, achievement points +1, from Minister Zhou Yanru

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

Hugh Guang expressed himself succinctly, with a tone of clear dissatisfaction

Position in the lower left corner of the chat group: Achievement Points + 31. Upon seeing this, Hu Guang was somewhat bewildered and quickly asked the system in his mind: "System, why did you only give me a little achievement points? Is there a bug?"

Hu Guang listened, feeling somewhat puzzled. He glanced at them and suddenly came to his senses. Could it be that they already knew about what had happened in the palace that morning?

Although Li Biao and others did not speak, they all looked up at Emperor Chongzhen, their eyes reflecting a sense of agreement.

Ding, achievement points +1, from assistant Li Biao

Thus, Emperor Chongzhen reiterated what he had said earlier and then asked: "Do you have any good strategies?"

Han Luan was unable to do so, and could only suggest: "Your Majesty, it would be best to summon the Minister of War and General Man, who is in charge of the troops in the capital, to discuss this matter!"

Such reasoning is understood by everyone. However, to truly act upon it requires extraordinary courage and the ability to bear the consequences of any potential outcomes. Among these civil officials, no one possesses such courage. Even the previous Emperor Chongzhen lacked this resolve, but Hu Guang does! (Hu Guang's monologue: I am also being forced; if I fail to complete the task, I will be eradicated!)

Upon hearing these words, the ministers were immediately taken aback. Some among them had previously been concerned about the safety of the capital, yet unexpectedly, the Emperor demanded to take further action, wanting to teach the Jurchens a lesson, and even sought to eliminate the Jurchens within the borders. Was this not a daydream? Only someone insane would think this way

They were contemplating when they heard Emperor Chongzhen's tone turn a bit more severe as he said: "If he does not know what is good for him, disregards the grace of the sovereign, and fails to think of loyalty to the country, I do not believe that every single one in the Guanning army will turn to banditry; I have plenty of means to deal with him"

The Minister of War was originally Wang Qia, but due to military affairs, he was recently imprisoned. The Left Deputy Minister of War, Shen Yongmao, took over the position of Minister of War.

After the two individuals entered, they were somewhat surprised to see a group of ministers kneeling there, and they quickly paid their respects to Emperor Chongzhen

The rules are as such and cannot be changed

Whether it is Han Luan, the Chief Minister, or Li Biao, the Deputy Minister who is eager to reclaim the position of Chief Minister, both are shocked by their thoughts and dare not speak out

"What is going on? Why is everyone suddenly mute?" Hu Guang's face darkened as he coldly questioned.

While waiting, a memorial was delivered by the Minister of Justice. Hu Guang casually flipped through several volumes. Having merged with the soul of the former Emperor Chongzhen, he found no difficulty in reading the ancient vertical, traditional Chinese memorials without punctuation. As he read through them, one reported a shortage of funds, another a shortage of grain, or perhaps a report on how many refugees in the capital had frozen to death. In any case, none of it was good news. Having merged with the soul of the former Emperor Chongzhen, he found no difficulty in reading the ancient vertical, traditional Chinese memorials without punctuation. As he read through them, one reported a shortage of funds, another a shortage of grain, or perhaps a report on how many refugees in the capital had frozen to death. In any case, none of it was good news

Thus, they waited until General Man Gui and Minister of War Shen Yongmao entered.

Afterward, he looked at the ministers kneeling below and had no intention of allowing them to rise. They were truly disappointing; not a single one met his expectations, so they might as well kneel and reflect properly!

These three paths could subtly be used to threaten the court, yet no one dares to take such a route before reaching a dead end

Regarding the matter of the Guan Ning Army, the tone has already been set. The primary punishment will be directed at Zu Dashou, but if he can confess in a timely manner and make contributions to atone for his sins, he may be granted clemency

His scolding made the ministers below too afraid to carry out their own little schemes. The atmosphere in the hall became somewhat tense, to the point where even breathing was done quietly.

The emperor remained resolute, and as subjects, they had no choice but to comply. One by one, while they were filled with concern, all eyes turned to the chief minister.

Zhou Yanru was also frightened; in case the Emperor went mad and did something crazy, the consequences would be unimaginable. He quickly added, "Your Majesty, please rest assured and take care of your health. Once the Guan Ning army returns and the loyal troops gather, we can discuss this matter again, which would be the most prudent strategy"