There is no doubt that in the face of this formidable enemy, everyone in the imperial court was busy.
The arrogant generals need to be appeased, the army's food and grass need to be mobilized, ordnance needs to be built and distributed...
All aspects are urgent matters, and Qian'an Palace has to deal with thousands of things every day.
But today, in front of two cabinet ministers, as well as the ministers of the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of War, Zhao Weilong was only discussing one thing.
"In the Jishui army, various departments are constantly at odds with each other, and the superiors and subordinates have different opinions. Zhu Chengming has not integrated his subordinates well since he took office..."
The imperial court has always been aware of and paying attention to the internal conflicts between the government and the army.
However, Zhao Weilong believed that this was a normal phenomenon for the newly formed army, and Zhu Chengming could calm him down.
However, Zhu Chengming disappointed Zhao Weilong, and the conflicts within the army became more and more intense, reaching the point where the supervisor requested a change of general.
Walking down the imperial steps, Zhao Weilong said with a serious expression: "Everyone, now the rebels have all reached the Jishui River!"
When he said this, Zhao Weilong also felt deeply regretful. He should have mobilized all his strong troops to block Yong's army to the west of the Han River.
The tens of thousands of imperial troops in Hanshui were defeated, and the most capable army of the imperial court was destroyed. This was a huge blow to the imperial court and Zhao Weilong.
"This matter must be resolved as soon as possible. What can you do?"
Regarding the countermeasures, Zhao Weilong has discussed with Huang Zhicheng, the Minister of Civil Affairs, who suggested using veteran Lu Liqing.
The previous Western Front Army was led by Lu Liqing, which shows his qualifications and abilities.
However, Lu Liqing was kicked out by Zhao Weilong, and it would be embarrassing to use him again, so the court meeting was called.
It would undoubtedly be much better to re-activate Lu Liqing by letting the ministers discuss it through public discussion.
At this time, Huang Zhicheng said: "Your Majesty, I believe that since Zhu Chengming is unable to restrain his generals, the imperial court should send an experienced and prudent person to take over his duties in organizing military affairs!"
Zhao Weilong then asked: "Is there anyone who can choose Aiqing?"
Huang Zhicheng replied: "I think we can send Duke Cheng Lu Liqing!"
Having said this, the first half of the play is over.
Zhao Weilong glanced at the other ministers in the palace.
"My dear friends, what do you think of what Huang Qing said?"
In this regard, Xie Takata, the second assistant, was completely indifferent, so he stared at the floor.
Wang Tinghe, the chief assistant, thought for a while and said: "Your Majesty, it is taboo to change generals before a battle!"
It's not that he doesn't agree with the change, he just thinks that there are risks in changing the general.
Therefore, Zhao Weilong glanced at Wang Cunzhang, Minister of War, whose opinion was very important at the moment.
"Which is the lesser of two evils, Your Majesty... I agree with Mr. Huang's opinion!"
Hearing this, Zhao Weilong breathed a sigh of relief, and the matter was finally settled.
"In that case, let's make this deal!"
Immediately afterwards, Zhao Weilong glanced at Wang Tinghe and said, "Mr. Wang Ge, what do you think?"
"Your Majesty!" Wang Tinghe nodded.
There is really no good solution at the moment, we can only take one step at a time.
"Well, this matter has been settled. The cabinet will draft the edict as soon as possible and hand it over to the supervisor for sealing, and then the Ministry of War will send someone to deliver the edict!"
"yes!"
Having discussed the most important matters does not mean that the court discussion is over.
Everyone discussed in the main hall for nearly an hour before exiting one after another.
After everyone left, Zhao Weilong screened away the others in the hall.
Looking at Huang Zhicheng standing not far away, Zhao Weilong sighed: "Sir, the bandit army is so powerful that I can't sleep or eat well!"
Faced with these words, Huang Zhicheng was also very helpless, and he was struggling to support himself at the moment.
Immediately afterwards, Zhao Weilong said: "It is said that... a gentleman does not build a dangerous wall, sir... I was thinking if I could... temporarily avoid the enemy's attack!"
It was very difficult for Zhao Weilong to say this sentence, and it even seemed difficult to say it.
Of course, what he wants to say next is really difficult for a king to say.
Before Zhao Weilong could say anything, Huang Zhicheng spoke first: "The emperor wants to move the capital?"
The matter of moving the capital was mentioned as early as two years ago, and both Emperor Tai'an and Zhao Weilong expressed firm opposition to it.
Once the capital was moved, the prestige of the imperial court was greatly reduced and it was impossible to control the southern counties.
Compared to two years ago, the current situation is even worse. Moving the capital will lead to the collapse of the imperial court, which is basically a certainty.
"Your Majesty... once the capital is moved, the morale of the army will be greatly disturbed. Yong's army will cross the river effortlessly, and then the imperial court will be in trouble!" Huang Zhicheng persuaded with great earnestness.
As a teacher, he understood Zhao Weilong's worries and fears, but as a minister, he must assist the monarch to make rational and correct decisions.
Of course, just admonishing him directly was not enough, he also had to let the emperor see hope.
"Your Majesty, there are nearly 200,000 officers and soldiers now, of which 100,000 elite soldiers are waiting for work, and Jishui is a natural barrier to resist the enemy. This time I have the advantage!"
Speaking of this, Huang Zhicheng went one step further and said: "The emperor's use of veteran generals like Cheng Guogong will definitely enable our army to cooperate sincerely, let alone defend Jishui... Even if it is to confront the rebels head-on, it is not necessarily impossible."
Fight and win!"
I have to say that Huang Zhicheng's words were very effective, at least they made Zhao Weilong feel a lot more at ease.
In fact, Zhao Weilong did not want to move the capital, but planned to go out of Beijing for a "southern tour". Of course, there is essentially no difference between the two.
Just when Huang Zhicheng was about to strike while the iron was hot, he heard a report coming from outside: "Your Majesty... Grand Tutor Fang Hongji is asking for an audience!"
Mr. Fang, who came from the south, was awarded the title of Taifu by Zhao Weilong half a month ago to show his extraordinary respect and win over the hearts of the people in the south.
"please!"
"According to the order!"
Seeing that Zhao Weilong wanted to see other people, Huang Zhicheng immediately said: "Your Majesty, please step aside first?"
"Sir and Mr. Fang are both upright and fair people, there is no need to avoid them!"
Huang Zhicheng did not argue about this. He was also curious about what Fang Hongji was doing here.
After a while, Fang Hongji, who was nearly eighty years old, walked into the hall tremblingly.
"Old minister, I pay homage to the Emperor!"
"Old sir, no courtesy!" Zhao Weilong stood up in person and helped Fang Hongji up before he knelt down.
In the whole world, Fang Hongji is the only one who can enjoy the emperor's support and treatment.
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Fang Hongji's voice was hoarse.
"Mr., do you have something important to do here?" Zhao Weilong asked.
Just listen to Fang Hongji say: "Your Majesty, although I am old and decayed, I still have the ambition to serve the country..."
After hearing this, Zhao Weilong said: "If the old gentleman is willing to come to the capital to teach me, he is already sharing the country's worries!"
Huang Zhicheng on the side also said: "What the emperor said is absolutely true. The old gentleman is already taking care of the country and has made great contributions to the imperial court and the country!"
Fang Hongji shook his head and said bluntly: "Your Majesty, the rebels are rampant now. I am willing to send an envoy to the traitor camp to inspire them with love and reason, and to persuade the rebel soldiers to abandon the secret and turn to the light!"
Hearing this, both Zhao Weilong and Zhao Weilong thought that the old man was crazy and ran to join the rebels at a young age. Wasn't this looking for death?
Zhao Weilong said quickly: "I am very touched that the old gentleman has this intention, but after all, he is old..."
Before Zhao Weilong could finish his words, Fang Hongji said: "Your Majesty, although I am old, I can still walk the right path!"
"Rebellions are rampant, the world is in trouble, and the imperial court is in danger. How can I sit idly by and watch!"
Hearing that Fang Hongji wanted to continue talking, Zhao Weilong glanced at Huang Zhicheng, hoping that he would also help persuade him.
The latter readily understood and immediately said: "Old sir, the traitors are cunning and cunning, with the heart of a snake, a scorpion and a wolf. Going deep into the den of thieves, old sir, is like a sheep entering a tiger's mouth!"
"The old man is seventy-nine, and half of his body has been buried in the ground. Does Mr. Huang think that the old man is afraid of death?"
Fang Hongji wasn't even afraid of death, and nothing else seemed to scare him, so much so that Huang Zhicheng didn't know what to say.
Fang Hongji continued: "Your Majesty, I have a group of disciples and grandchildren. If I die in the bandit camp, they will work together to avenge me, and they will definitely become a great help to the court!"
These words really moved Zhao Weilong's heart.
He wanted to win over Fang Hongji because he wanted to use his extensive influence in the south to strengthen the centripetal force of the southern counties towards the imperial court.
If Fang Hongji died in the hands of the Yong army, several counties in the south would definitely hate Zhao Yanxun, which would be of great benefit to the court.
So, should he agree to Fang Hongji's request? Zhao Weilong was a little confused.