si-mexico Chapter 178 Black Armor Guard
Chapter 178 Black Armor Guard
"Your Highness has been unwell recently. I grant you permission to return to your residence to recuperate. You may leave now."
The emperor waved his hand wearily, and immediately someone came forward to take the crown prince away.
"Father, I was just momentarily distracted. Please forgive me, Your Majesty!"
The crown prince looked terrified. He knew that the previous incidents had caused him to lose the emperor's trust, and if he went back like this today, he would probably never have a chance to rise again.
The emperor closed his eyes and leaned back on the dragon throne. Eunuch Gao quickly gave a signal to the Imperial Guards, and two Imperial Guards grabbed the crown prince and carried him out.
"Since Minister Ren has said he wants to investigate, why don't we entrust this matter to you? As for General Ji's request to provide support, why don't you..."
The emperor looked at the crowd below and slowly began to speak.
"Your Majesty, only the Imperial Guards remain in the capital. If we send troops to reinforce them, how will the capital be defended?"
Ren Zhong spoke at the opportune moment, breaking the silence in the court and drawing everyone's attention to him.
The emperor's expression grew even more unpleasant, a flash of anger and dissatisfaction crossing his eyes. He looked at Ren Zhong with a sinister gaze, as if trying to see right through him.
However, Ren Zhong was not intimidated by the emperor's gaze. He raised his head without fear, met the emperor's eyes, and continued, "The loss of the rear defense is a major taboo in military strategy. I urge Your Majesty to reconsider."
His tone was firm and serious, revealing an attitude that left no room for doubt.
As soon as he finished speaking, a group of people from the Grand Tutor's faction echoed him, shouting in unison, "Your Majesty, please reconsider!"
The sound was deafening, and their shouts echoed throughout the entire court.
The emperor's face grew increasingly grim; he clenched his fists, his heart filled with anger and helplessness.
Faced with pressure from his ministers, he felt his authority was being challenged, but he was unable to make a decision easily.
Seeing this situation, Ji Bailin knew that he could not delay any longer, so he stepped forward again to try to persuade the emperor.
He said, "Your Majesty, the Regent's Black Armor Army is just eight miles outside the city."
He hoped to bring up the matter in order to change the situation.
However, an official behind Ren Zhong immediately retorted, "Nonsense! The Regent is dead, and the Black Armor Token is missing. How can it be mobilized!"
His words were sharp and resolute, leaving Ji Bailin speechless and at a loss for words.
The imperial court descended into chaos and arguments, with various factions arguing endlessly for their own interests.
The emperor sat on the dragon throne, his face solemn, his mind filled with hesitation.
He knew that this debate concerned the safety and future of the nation, but he also understood that the consequences of making the wrong decision would be unimaginable. "Your Majesty, I believe General Ji is right. All under heaven is but yellow earth. Since the Regent has passed away, his Black Armor Guards should naturally be under Your Majesty's command. If so, there will be troops available."
Ren Zhong suddenly changed his mind and respectfully bowed to His Majesty.
General Ji's face lit up with joy, and he was about to agree when he suddenly sensed something was amiss. He swallowed the words that were about to come out and decided to wait and see.
The emperor hesitated, seemingly deep in thought, and was unwilling to answer.
"Your Majesty, the Black Armor Guards are stationed outside the city, which is also a hidden danger within the country. If we can subdue them, why should our country fear the Northern Li?"
"Yes, Your Majesty, I believe this is a good opportunity to take down these black-armored guards."
"I second the proposal."
The scene was the same again, the emperor's brows furrowed more and more tightly, "Let me think about it."
The crowd exchanged bewildered glances, wondering why the emperor was so hesitant.
“Your Majesty, our country’s military strength is currently depleted. If we can subdue the Black Armor Guards, we can not only strengthen the nation but also eliminate internal threats,” Ren Zhong continued to persuade.
"But..." The emperor hesitated, seemingly having some concerns.
"Your Majesty, do you have any other concerns? Why not share them so we can discuss them together?" Ren Zhong asked.
After a moment of contemplation, the emperor finally spoke: "The Black Armor Guards are only loyal to the Regent, and it will not be easy to subdue them. Moreover, we cannot be sure whether they are willing to submit."
"Your Majesty, time is of the essence, and the tens of thousands of soldiers at the border cannot wait any longer."
Ren Zhong stepped forward, his gaze falling on the emperor, his expression unreadable.
"Minister Ren, you just said you wouldn't care about the border soldiers, why are you in such a hurry now?" The emperor spoke slowly, his fingers tapping the golden nanmu wood table with a dull thud. His eyes were cold and sharp, as if they could see through everything.
"Your Majesty, I was not thorough in my considerations earlier. Now I think that what Lord Ji said is not without merit."
Ren Zhong slowly put his hands behind his back, speaking in a tone that was neither humble nor arrogant.
He lowered his head slightly, but his eyes were not on the emperor. Instead, he stared at the ground, a barely perceptible sneer on his face.
"Are you forcing me?"
The emperor leaned forward abruptly, his gaze sharpening as he looked down at the people below, his imperial aura unmistakable.
His voice was deep and authoritative, making people feel immense pressure.
However, Ren Zhong didn't care at all, saying, "This old minister dares not."
He straightened his back, a faint smile still on his face, and a determined light shining in his eyes.
"Dare not? I see you have nothing you dare not do!" The emperor slammed his hand on the table, glaring at Ren Zhong, a flash of anger in his eyes.
His voice became high-pitched and angry, and the entire palace was enveloped in his rage.
The emperor's eyes were deep and his sharp, sword-like gaze was so intense that no one dared to look directly at him.
He clenched his fists tightly, veins bulging, as if he might explode at any moment.
"Your Majesty, these are just my heartfelt words."
Ren Zhong casually flicked his robes, his face still showing disdain.
His attitude was arrogant and confident, and he completely disregarded the emperor.
The emperor slowly clenched his fist, the air pressure in the arena intensified, and the crowd below dared not even breathe.
They watched the standoff between the emperor and Ren Zhong with bated breath, their hearts filled with fear and unease.
"Then let's do as you say, and entrust this matter to you, shall we?" The emperor's voice carried a hint of weariness and helplessness.
After a while, the emperor's expression suddenly relaxed, and he looked at Ren Zhong with a smile.
Ren Zhong laughed smugly, a triumphant smile flashing in his eyes: "Yes, sir."
The man on the high seat stood up abruptly, his movements swift and decisive.
He strode away, leaving a group of ministers behind him dumbfounded.
The atmosphere in the hall instantly became relaxed, and people couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief, as if a huge weight had finally been lifted from their hearts.
As everyone watched Ren Zhong's retreating figure, they couldn't help but sigh inwardly: Ren Zhong is incredibly bold! He dared to offend the emperor so blatantly, yet the emperor let him off so easily.
This tolerance led them to have a higher opinion of Ren Zhong.
A group of officials who followed Ren Zhong stepped forward one after another, showering him with flattery.
They surrounded Ren Zhong, their faces beaming with obsequious smiles.
Ren Zhong simply gave a cold laugh, said nothing more, and turned to leave.
Inside the Grand Commandant's residence, all was quiet and peaceful. Sunlight streamed through the windows, illuminating every corner of the room.
"Mother, don't worry, Father and brothers will be safe and sound." Su Fuying gently comforted Madam Pei, her eyes filled with concern.