latelenovela Chapter 479 Seeking peace?
Chapter 479 Seeking peace?
In October, the capital of Dayong was filled with a chilling atmosphere. As the autumn wind blew, yellow leaves fluttered down all over the city, and the air was unusually cold. The capital city still looked peaceful and serene, but a thousand miles away on the border of Dayong, in the heartland of Yanmen Pass and Yannan City, a great deal of trouble was brewing.
Half a month ago, the Great Zhou army stationed outside Yanmen Pass on the border of Dayong suddenly launched an attack on Yanmen Pass. More than 200,000 troops swiftly defeated the Yanmen Pass garrison, killing nearly 60,000 royal soldiers and capturing as many as 30,000.
After the Great Zhou captured Yanmen Pass, without allowing the army to rest, the Great Zhou commander Feng Yang ordered them to continue advancing northeastward towards the Great Yong. The army moved with lightning speed, catching the Great Yong army off guard. Less than five days after capturing Yanmen Pass, they also forcefully captured Yannan City of the Great Yong.
When this news reached the imperial court, it caused a great shock throughout the country and the public!
No one expected that Emperor Beizun would make a move against Dayong so quickly!
They originally thought that Emperor Beizun had just gone through such a long battle with Tiansheng, and would need to rest for a while before he could take advantage of the victory to attack Da Liao. They never expected that their target would be their Dayong!
Feng Yang directly carried out Emperor Bei Zun's orders, leading an army of over 200,000 men to advance directly towards the capital of Dayong. Their advance was aggressive, and their intention was clear: to directly attack the capital of Dayong. At the same time, the army led by the Wing King of Da Zhou also approached Hangu Pass, attempting to form a pincer movement with Feng Yang's army and swallow Dayong.
With the flames of war reignited, the Great Yong Dynasty was plunged into panic, especially after learning that Emperor Beizun had destroyed Tian Sheng. People were filled with unease and had a bad feeling. They could almost foresee the future fate of the Great Yong Dynasty—it would probably become the second Tian Sheng and be wiped off the face of history!
The army of the Great Zhou was fierce and brave, and with the use of new weapons, it was almost invincible. Wherever it went, the army of the Great Yong had almost no way to resist. In just half a month, a large area of Yannan City in the southeast fell one after another.
Emperor Da Yong and his ministers were greatly surprised. The news coming back from the front lines was getting worse and worse. Having long heard of the terror of the Great Zhou army, they naturally couldn't care less about anything else and hurriedly organized their ministers to discuss countermeasures day and night.
"Your Majesty, this humble general suggests that we immediately issue an imperial edict to Grand Secretary Ji and Minister of Works, ordering them to lead their respective troops to Yannan City at top speed to block the Great Zhou's attack and consolidate our forces within the southwestern border. Any later and it will be too late!"
The one speaking was Zhu Si's father, General Zhu.
"Your Majesty, how can we expect a traitor like Sikong Jin to fight? He betrayed the Great Yong and defected to the Great Zhou long ago! Besides, those rumors aren't unfounded!"
Liu Changyue strongly opposed it.
"Do you have evidence that he rebelled?"
"His defiance of the imperial decree is the evidence!"
"A general in the field may disobey the emperor's orders; does Lord Liu not understand this?"
"Hmph, General Zhu, you're clearly trying to exonerate Sikong Jin, and also your son, aren't you? Your Majesty, in such a critical time, to stabilize the morale of the army, this old minister suggests that the General be temporarily detained and kept under guard. Firstly, to prevent any unforeseen events, and secondly, this old minister is also thinking of General Zhu's well-being. The Northern Emperor's army is no ordinary force. The General is unwell today; if something were to happen to him on the battlefield, that would be disastrous!"
"Lord Liu, I don't like hearing your words. If an old man like you has such a heart to resist foreign enemies, what about me, a general commanding an army of 100,000? Moreover, my loyalty to the Emperor is as clear as day. What you're saying makes it sound like I'm a traitor. What do you mean by that?"
"You probably know better than anyone what I mean! I've heard your son is doing quite well with the rebel Sikong Jin! Who knows what you might be up to!"
"Old man, I advise you not to push your luck! If you've got the guts, lead your Liu family army into battle; if not, shut your mouth! Do you have any evidence to prove they're traitors? You idiot!"
"Alright! Stop arguing! Let's see what we can do now!"
Emperor Yongzheng was also having a headache from the two arguing, so he spoke up to stop them.
"My lord, this humble general made the suggestion just now. The Great Yong Dynasty is now in dire straits. Every citizen of the Great Yong Dynasty has a responsibility to protect the land beneath our feet. We should stop all internal strife, stabilize the court, and prevent the army from uniting against external enemies!"
General Zhu clasped his hands in greeting.
"Your Majesty, this old minister does not think the general's plan is feasible. Be careful that you might be stabbed in the back, and that would make you a sinner for all time! This old minister suggests that the troops near Yannan City be mobilized to reinforce Yannan City as soon as possible. In addition, the royal army in the north should also be transferred to Yannan City to actively prepare for war."
Liu Changyue also clasped his hands in a gesture of respect and offered his suggestion.
"Your subject agrees with Lord Liu's method!"
"I second the proposal!"
"This old minister also agrees!"
As soon as Liu Changyue finished speaking, several court officials stood up to express their agreement. Liu Changyue listened and glanced triumphantly at General Zhu, whose face was gloomy.
"Lord Sikong, what suggestions do you have?"
Xing Qiyu, standing above, stared at Sikong Shu, who had remained silent, and spoke.
Upon hearing this, Sikong Shu's aged face darkened considerably. After pondering for a moment, he clasped his hands in a fist and bowed, saying, "Your Majesty, this old minister suggests that we seek peace with the Great Zhou!"
"What? A peace treaty!"
"This is impossible! Lord Sikong, are you scared?"
As soon as Sikong Shu finished speaking, the group immediately started discussing among themselves.
"The Northern Emperor probably won't accept peace talks either. The Great Zhou's iron cavalry is advancing aggressively, and their advance is already approaching our Great Yong Imperial City. Even if we want to make peace, he probably won't agree unless we offer some exorbitant terms. Just look at what happened to Tian Sheng!"
"Your Majesty, this old minister agrees with Minister Wang's words. Seeking peace is clearly futile; it's not a good solution! The Northern Emperor's intention in sending troops this time is very clear: he wants to pacify the world. Therefore, he will not negotiate peace with us. We have no choice but to fight!"
These court officials were clearly not fools; they immediately saw through Emperor Beizun's decision to send troops.
As soon as he finished speaking, Xing Qiyu's brows furrowed even more deeply. After thinking for a moment, he looked at Sikong Shu and asked, "Lord Sikong, do you have any other suggestions?"
As soon as he finished speaking, Sikong Shu hurriedly bowed and said, "Please forgive this old minister's incompetence!"
Sikong Shu said this and then stepped aside.