Chapter 008: Morning Council

It is evident to any discerning person that this so-called six-way reinforcements are merely a pretext for bringing troops to the front lines. Once at the front, one can easily hand over command and retreat to the rear, not only reaping military honors without any risk but also avoiding the fear and anxiety of battle. Who wouldn't want to take advantage of such an easy gain?

Hua Fu immediately understood and leaned forward to whisper, "This is the Fourteenth Prince, Ying Xuan, born of Concubine Liu"

Does elder brother mean to say that even if Father Emperor personally leads the expedition, he cannot defeat the Eastern Hu? Is elder brother lacking confidence in Father Emperor or in the soldiers of our Great Qin?" Ying Xuan, breaking from his usual gentle demeanor, retorted without hesitation.

However, Xiao Changluo and others maintained a silent smile in response to the overly flattering courtiers. With the assistance of their trusted aides, they quickly returned to their residence. Some quick-witted ministers had already rushed home to prepare generous gifts, ready to pay a visit.

After the morning assembly, Xiao Changluo and others immediately became highly sought after, with countless princes and ministers surrounding them. Their sole purpose was to secure a share for their own children and nephews in the command of the six armies.

Your Majesty, the Fourteenth Prince merely wishes to share his concerns for the nation; it is simply a matter of goodwill and not intended to offend Your Majesty. It would be better to allow him to finish speaking. This would not only demonstrate Your Majesty's magnanimity but also provide an opportunity to assess whether the Prince has made any progress in his studies over the years.

Rational.

Emperor Yanping gazed for a long time, yet could not recall which prince this was, so he turned his head to look at the chief eunuch, Hua Fu, standing beside him

I request to go to battle

Thank you for your great kindness. After Du Sheng expressed his gratitude, he returned to the ranks, standing tall and straight, as if he had just returned from a great victory. However, the several military generals standing beside Du Sheng turned their faces away in disdain.

I believe that the Eastern Hu's military strength is currently formidable, having captured ten cities in just seven days. Our army's morale is bound to suffer as a result. Therefore, I concur with what Envoy Chen has said: His Majesty should personally lead the expedition to bolster our troops' morale

The Grand Scholar of the Imperial Academy, Liu Rusu, had not expressed his opinions in the court for a long time. This time, he suddenly stood up and expressed his hope that the Fourteenth Prince could finish speaking, which somewhat surprised Emperor Yanping. However, not wanting to offend Liu Rusu, he furrowed his brows and said, "Since the Grand Scholar has said so, then please go ahead and speak."

After much anticipation, when Chen Yu returned to the queue, there was silence in the grand hall. Everyone was watching, yet no one dared to step forward.

But the countless common people and soldiers of my Great Qin are the very foundation of our state. They are currently fighting bravely on the front lines, defending the territory of our Great Qin. While they are sacrificing their lives and shedding their blood, how can the royal family of Great Qin hide in comfort? At this moment, as a member of the Great Qin royal family, I should charge to the front and face the national crisis alongside the people of Great Qin. Although I am unworthy, I am willing to go to the front lines on behalf of my father, the emperor, and fight alongside the soldiers of Great Qin.

Emperor Qin Taizu was concerned that the powers of the Imperial Envoys were too great, so he only granted them the official title of seventh rank. This allowed them to supervise the governors without being overly assertive. Additionally, Emperor Qin Taizu feared that if the powers of the Imperial Envoys were too insignificant, future successors might easily abolish them with a single decree. Therefore, he established a family rule stating that any Imperial Envoy who offered counsel, regardless of whether it was right or wrong, would not be subjected to punishment.

"Your Majesty, I, your humble servant, have something to say." After a long silence, Ying Xuan, who stood at the very end, stepped forward and knelt on the ground.

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your great kindness. I am unable to repay the trust you have placed in me. I am willing to dedicate my life and efforts for Your Majesty, without hesitation, even if it means facing death a thousand times." Upon hearing the words of Emperor Yanping, Chen Yu seemed profoundly moved, as if he had been touched by a great force. He knelt on the ground and bowed deeply several times before wiping away his tears and snot as he withdrew. As he approached Duke Cao, he did not forget to flick his sleeve and let out a few heavy snorts to express his dissatisfaction

Emperor Yanping furrowed his brows as he looked down at Chen Yu, who was crying pitifully. Although he felt an immense loathing, he was also helpless.

Very well, General Du, with this determination, I am greatly comforted. I bestow upon you the command insignia to lead Xiangyang. Should there be any obstruction, you may execute first and report later.

Your Majesty, I believe that since the princes and esteemed officials are so loyal and devoted, we can select six individuals from among them to lead six divisions of troops to Jingchu for support. This will not only bolster our military prestige but also allow the troops in the capital to gain experience, as they have not been on an expedition for a long time. The Grand Commandant and Minister of State, Yi, stepped forward and respectfully stated this.

"Your Majesty, please forgive me." The courtiers in the hall hurriedly knelt down on the ground

Emperor Yanping looked down with a dark expression at the vast crowd of people kneeling below, yet remained silent for a long time

The Grand Commandant is correct

After Jiao Xin, a large number of ministers suddenly knelt down in the Golden Hall, all requesting to go to battle

"I concur with the proposal," said Prime Minister Xiao, stepping forward and bowing.

After the founding of the state, Emperor Qin Taizu feared that his successors would be influenced by sycophants, so he specifically established the Censorate and granted the Censor officials the authority to patrol on behalf of Heaven. These Censor officials were all carefully selected from the Taixue, known for their strict adherence to principles. Their main task each day was to inspect various regions to see if local officials were engaging in corrupt practices. Once any misconduct was discovered, they could report it directly to the emperor, wielding significant power. However, this often led to offending people without any personal gain.

Alright, alright, Minister Chen, I know that you are loyal to the country. I am well aware of your unwavering loyalty, and I will not doubt you because of the words of others

Ying Xuan said this and then knelt down on the ground, pleading with Emperor Yanping.

"Fourteenth Brother, how can you utter such rebellious words?" The Crown Prince Ying She stepped out of the ranks and pointed at Ying Xuan, saying: "Father is the foundation of our Great Qin. How can he easily venture into dangerous territory? If something were to happen, who would bear the responsibility?"

Cao Guojiu, without any evidence, one cannot speak recklessly. Your Majesty, I am wholeheartedly devoted to the country, loyal and steadfast, as the clear sky can attest. If Your Majesty does not trust me, I shall dash my head against this golden hall and die to demonstrate my resolve. Chen Yu had not spoken much before he was already in tears, a middle-aged man in his forties or fifties crying with tears and snot in the golden hall, resembling a wronged child.

"Are you all afraid of that Yelü brat?" The Emperor Yanping, seeing that no one in the hall dared to speak, was immediately filled with anger and shouted loudly.

I request to go into battle

Very well, in that case, all of you esteemed ministers may put forward the candidates you deem suitable. The three distinguished officials, Minister Xiao, the Duke of the State, and Grand Minister Situ, will cast their votes together. Three days later, we shall take an oath and set out for battle at the Zhenghua Gate

Long live our Emperor, long live, long live for eternity

"Your servant, Prince Yingzhan, requests to fight." The Tenth Prince Yingzhan also stepped out of the ranks and knelt down to request battle

"Your Majesty, I humbly report. " The Grand Commandant and Minister of Works, Yi, stepped out of the ranks and knelt in the hall, saying: "I believe that the Sui state is merely attempting to take advantage of the chaos in Xiangyang to seize a share for themselves. Therefore, they would not dare to act recklessly without absolute certainty. Moreover, the Sui state and our Great Qin both belong to the Central Plains and are Han Chinese nations. The current invasion by the Eastern Hu is an incursion by foreign tribes. If the Sui state dares to act rashly, they will surely become the target of public condemnation. Thus, there is no cause for concern. I propose that General Fu Wei lead an army of 100,000 to strictly guard all passes to prevent the Sui from launching surprise attacks amidst the chaos. Once we have repelled the Eastern Hu army, the Sui forces will naturally withdraw. The most critical point this time is how to effectively repel the Eastern Hu army."

This great man is General Du Sheng of the Fu Wei, one of the most renowned generals in recent years. Together with General Duan Yan of Long Wei, General Jiang Hui of Sheng Wei, and General Jiao Xin of Xuan Wei, they form the Four Great Generals. After the death of the War God Yan De, the Qin state no longer appointed a Grand Marshal of the Army to commemorate Yan De. The Four Great Generals gradually became the leaders and pillars of the military in the Qin state due to their military achievements. To show respect for Yan De, all Four Great Generals hold the rank of First Class.

"Nonsense, this is the place where court officials discuss state affairs. You need only listen; how can a mere child like you speak such nonsense? Quickly withdraw from my presence." The Emperor Yanping said, somewhat impatiently waving his hand.

In the Qin state, the Grand Historian was a very unique figure

Many people in the Xuanzheng Hall are aware that Du Sheng is a subordinate of Situ Yi. Du Sheng's military talents are undeniable, yet he is more adept at boasting and currying favor, as well as forming factions. This behavior has led the straightforward martial officials to look down upon him, resulting in most being unwilling to associate with Du Sheng. Despite this, Du Sheng's official rank continues to rise, and he becomes increasingly self-important, dismissing the martial officials. However, the civil officials in the court are also reluctant to befriend Du Sheng, finding him coarse. Consequently, Du Sheng finds himself caught between the two groups, alienated from both, and thus can only cling tightly to the thigh of Grand Commandant Situ Yi.

"Your Majesty, I believe that our army has suffered a heavy blow from the Eastern Hu forces at this time, and the morale of the frontline troops must have plummeted. Therefore, I propose that Your Majesty personally lead the expedition this time to restore our army's prestige." The Grand Inspector Chen Yu stepped forward and spoke.

Everyone in the court responded in unison

I, Minister Jiao Xin, wish to accompany the Fourteenth Prince on the expedition. This was stated by a general clad in silver armor, who stepped forward and knelt on the ground.

In this way, regardless of what the officials say, whether right or wrong, they cannot be struck or scolded. The most troublesome aspect is that these pedants, who adhere strictly to their principles, are all extremely devoted to their integrity, preferring to die rather than yield. Moreover, they are all adept at shedding tears, and whenever they speak, it is accompanied by a flood of snot and tears, causing immense headaches for the successors of Emperor Qin. Yet, they cannot be punished; all that can be done is to soothe them with kind words.

However, Ying Xuan's words put Emperor Yanping in a dilemma, which increased his feelings of aversion towards this somewhat insignificant illegitimate son.

At this moment, a burly man with a face full of beard stepped out of the line, knelt heavily on the ground, and said: "I, Du Sheng, am willing to guarantee with my head that if the Sui army takes even an inch of our Great Qin territory, I, old Du, shall not want this head any longer"

The expression on Emperor Yanping's face was not very pleasant, appearing somewhat gloomy. In his heart, he did not wish to personally lead the expedition. Regardless of his age or his military talents, he felt inadequate to command such a great battle. Emperor Yanping's wisdom lay in his sufficient self-awareness and his ability to recognize and utilize the talents of others

"Bold Chen Yu, how dare you incite His Majesty to venture into such a perilous place? What are your true intentions? Your heart is deserving of punishment." The Duke of State, Cao Fang, immediately stood up and pointed at Chen Yu, scolding him fiercely as soon as Chen Yu finished speaking.

A profound silence enveloped the Golden Hall, as the Crown Prince Ying She felt his face flush with embarrassment, yet he found himself at a loss for words, unable to walk away or remain standing, trapped in an awkward predicament

Ying Xuan's words immediately caused an uproar in the Golden Hall, as the standing ministers of the Qin State stepped out of the ranks one after another to accuse Ying Xuan of disloyalty and unfilial behavior, while only a few officials on the imperial platform nodded in agreement from above.

If His Majesty were to personally lead the campaign, he would surely be able to eliminate the Eastern Hu bandits. I am merely stating a hypothetical situation; His Majesty is the foundation of our Great Qin and must not take such a risk