latelenovela Chapter 186 Decision-making
Chapter 186 Decision-making
The news shocked the people of the capital, but at the same time they silently prayed that the regent would continue to perform such a heroic act.
Persistence pays off. After only two or three months of fierce fighting, Bei Li finally succumbed to the pressure and chose to surrender. He then sent peace officials to the capital to begin negotiations.
This arduous and protracted war finally came to an end, with both sides reaching a consensus and signing a century-long peace treaty, promising never to invade each other's territory again.
This means that the two countries will achieve long-term peaceful coexistence.
Now, someone actually dares to compare Zuo Xin with the Regent, which is simply a desecration of the Regent.
Ji Bailin grew angrier the more he thought about it, and couldn't help but shout, "How dare you people compare Zuo Xin to the Regent? The Regent is a man of immense stature, far beyond what Zuo Xin can possibly be compared to!"
Even now, these treacherous barbarians dare to openly break the treaty, launch attacks without authorization, and constantly harass the people on the border.
However, the achievements of the regent back then are still indelible.
If it weren't for the fact that the regent had stayed at the border for two whole years without leaving until the late emperor passed away, he wouldn't have had the opportunity to return to the capital and ascend to the supreme position of regent.
Otherwise, given Bei Li's shamelessness, he probably would have already wanted to start a war.
Just then, Ren Zhong finally broke the silence and said, "General Ji, it seems you have some dissatisfaction with this Grand Tutor!"
He slowly turned around, staring at Ji Bailin with a sinister gaze.
Feeling his murderous gaze, Ji Bailin's heart trembled and his body couldn't help but shudder slightly.
His fist clenched unconsciously at his side, and he forced himself to remain calm as he replied, "Lord Ren, you must be joking. How could I possibly have such audacity?"
"You dare not? You've been going against me at every turn today, are you harboring selfish motives?"
Ren Zhong narrowed his eyes slightly, a cold smile playing on his lips. This Ji Bailin was truly an old stubborn man; he must be colluding with the Regent in private, and he shouldn't think he didn't know.
They might be plotting something.
Today, his repeated obstruction reminded him of the news that person had told him—the Regent was not dead.
Why was he protecting him so fiercely? Did the Regent really not die? However, he still trusted the assassins he had trained for many years. He didn't believe that the people he had painstakingly cultivated over decades couldn't even scratch the Regent.
Moreover, the Regent has not appeared in public for a long time. Could it be that he is seriously injured and unable to move? That must be it!
Ji Bailin is currently stalling for time for the Regent. If he waits until the Regent returns and he still hasn't obtained military power, how can he protect himself?
Thinking of this, Ren Zhong suddenly felt that time was passing slowly. He looked at Ji Bailin nervously, but his eyes couldn't help but look elsewhere.
He winked at one of the ministers, who immediately understood and stepped forward, pointing at Ji Bailin and saying, "General Ji, don't think I don't know what you mean."
"They're simply trying to seize military power while the regent is away. You want to rebel?"
The man's words were clearly accusatory, which startled everyone present.
Ji Bailin frowned, his eyes turning cold as he glared fiercely at the minister.
Ji Bailin stared wide-eyed in disbelief, his expression as if he had heard something unbelievable; he even doubted that he had misheard!
But seeing the shocked expressions on the faces of those around him, he knew it was all true.
He felt incredibly angry and helpless, almost to the point of laughing in exasperation. How could these people think he wanted to seize military power?
He sneered inwardly: Who knows who really has this idea?
These civil officials usually only talk about theory and know nothing about military affairs, yet they are pointing fingers at him here. It is utterly ridiculous.
"If you keep spouting false accusations, I'll beat you to death."
Ji Bailin was furious. He rolled up his sleeves, looking like he was about to fight, which frightened the civil official into backing away.
Seeing this, the emperor frowned in displeasure and said in a deep voice, "Enough! What kind of behavior is this, making such a racket in the main hall?"
His voice carried a hint of authority, which silenced the officials present.
"Your Majesty, please make a decision quickly," Ren Zhong said again.
"I second the proposal."
"I second the proposal."
"I second the proposal."
As Ren Zhong finished speaking, almost half of the people in the court echoed his sentiments.
The emperor's expression was not good. After a moment of silence, he said, "My dear minister, I think we should find an experienced general, otherwise I will not feel at ease."
His gaze swept across the assembled officials below, seemingly searching for a suitable candidate.
Ren Zhong suddenly knelt down and cried out, "Your Majesty, time waits for no one, and tens of thousands of soldiers at the border cannot afford to wait. Are you really going to disregard their lives because of a few words they just said? This would surely be condemned by the people of the world..."
Before Ren Zhong could finish speaking, the emperor's face darkened, and he said coldly, "Minister Ren, do you know what you're saying?"
Ren Zhong raised his head, his eyes filled with determination and resolve: "Your Majesty, I know, but the situation on the border is critical at this moment. Countless soldiers may sacrifice themselves every moment. If we delay any longer, the consequences will be unimaginable! Please think it over, Your Majesty!"
The emperor's gaze sharpened. He stared intently at Ren Zhong, and after a moment of silence, slowly said, "Ren Zhong, do you know your place? How dare you put such pressure on me!"
Ren Zhong's expression changed slightly, but he did not back down. Instead, he straightened his back and answered loudly:
"Your Majesty, I am well aware of my position, but I am doing this for the country and for the people! If hesitation leads to the sacrifice of more soldiers, then I am willing to risk my life to remonstrate!"
The emperor's eyes flickered uncertainly, clearly indicating that he was struggling internally.
At this moment, the ministers on the side knelt down and begged the emperor to make a quick decision.
However, the emperor remained silent, simply observing the crowd.
Just then, the Imperial Censor suddenly stood up, pointed at Ren Zhong, and loudly rebuked him: "How dare you! Ren Zhong, how dare you slander His Majesty like this!"
Ren Zhong's face instantly darkened. He glared at the Imperial Censor and said through gritted teeth:
"I am not speaking ill of Your Majesty, but only stating the truth! The border is now in dire need of action. If Your Majesty does not make a decision soon, you will lose even more territory and soldiers!"
The Imperial Censor snorted coldly and said disdainfully, "Hmph, Ren Zhong, don't spout nonsense! His Majesty is an enlightened ruler and will naturally make wise decisions. What are you trying to achieve by pressuring His Majesty like this?"
Ren Zhong took a deep breath, deciding not to argue with the Censor-in-Chief, and turned to the Emperor, continuing, "Your Majesty, please make a decision as soon as possible! Time is of the essence, we cannot delay any longer!"