The originally scattered light snow, I don’t know when, turned into heavy snow, flying down one after another, covering the ground in an instant.
The Wuying Palace was warm as spring, but the atmosphere dropped to freezing point.
Seeing the emperor's face so gloomy that he was about to shed tears, Yu Shiyue was complaining in his heart.
Why did this situation suddenly get to this point?
Yu Qian is so stubborn!
Isn't it just a matter of transferring troops and changing people? Why is it so tense?
Of course, Yu Shiyue is not completely incomprehensible.
From Yu Qian's point of view, he originally disapproved of the emperor's decision to change the commander-in-chief at this time, thinking that doing so would outweigh the gains and losses.
Differences in political views are inherently prone to friction and conflict.
However, the emperor, who has always been lenient to his ministers, didn't know what happened today. His words were so fierce, and he even pointed out that Yu Qian, the Minister of War, had neglected his duty.
Yu Qian believed that what he said was out of a public spirit, but he was so criticized by the emperor. It was normal for him to act like this out of anger.
But in Yu Shiyue's view, this was too impulsive.
After all, the matter of Miao land is just a corner of the world.
To put down a rebellion, delay more time or less time, spend more money and food, or spend less money and food. It is far less important than the stability of the court and the harmony between the monarch and his ministers.
Since the Emperor is determined to do this, then let him hold off for now. If he can't hold off any longer, then let him go along with it. There is no need to get into such a stalemate with the Emperor.
But now...
Several elders knelt on the ground and exchanged glances, finally falling on Chen Xun from the Ministry of Works.
With so many people present, he and Yu Qian were the only ones ranked among the Seven Ministers. In addition, Chen Xun had been in the cabinet before and was regarded as an attendant, so his relationship with the emperor was relatively good.
Now that the Heavenly Official and the Chief Assistant are not here, it is most appropriate for him to step in and ease the atmosphere.
However, Mr. Chen also looked like he wanted to cry without tears.
Until now, he had not thought about what this kind of military matter had to do with him being the Minister of the Ministry of Industry.
From the moment he entered the palace, Mr. Chen kept silent. He thought he was a transparent person, but in the end he was pushed out inexplicably.
In desperation, Chen Xun had no choice but to turn his head and face Yu Qian.
"What are you doing here, Yu Shangshu? We are discussing political affairs. Even if you acted inappropriately for a moment, your majesty will be merciful and will forgive you. How can you impulsively resign because of a momentary conflict? Why don't you retract your preface and apologize to your majesty?"
Yu Shiyue also followed closely and said: "Yes, Yu Shangshu, the government affairs have not been finalized yet, so there is no talk of disobedience. What you are doing now is very inappropriate. Fortunately, your majesty is kind and will not criticize you harshly.
Please admit your mistake to Your Majesty soon."
The two men persuaded Yu Qian, and Gao Gu also persuaded the emperor, saying:
"Your Majesty, please do not be angry. Yu Shangshu is also dedicated to serving the public good and has no intention of offending."
"It is precisely because your Majesty treats your ministers with kindness and kindness that you can speak freely now. Your words in the Minister's Book may have been inappropriate, but please forgive me and do not offend you."
With a few people trying to smooth things over like this, the atmosphere in the palace was barely getting better.
But obviously, some people don't want to step down from this step.
Yu Qian straightened up and said expressionlessly.
"Although it was a political discussion, His Majesty insisted on it, and the cabinet did not dissuade him. The edict was issued immediately, which is no different from the sacred order."
"Your Majesty is arbitrary in his principles and is a minister of others. If he cannot be dissuaded, he is incompetent. If he resists the decree and fails to follow the truth, it is disloyal."
"Yu Qian has no power to remonstrate with the emperor, and he is guilty of resisting and disobeying the decree. Dismissal from office is an exemption. I hope that your majesty will not be stubborn."
As he spoke, Yu Qian sighed heavily, looked up into the emperor's cold eyes, and said.
"Your Majesty, Wang Ji is not a rebellious person. Even though Your Majesty is worried about the people of Miao land and cannot bear to let them fall into the flames of war, all he needs to do is issue an order to order Wang Ji to send troops immediately. Why is it that such a large-scale war, thousands of miles away, is difficult for the commander-in-chief? "
"The imperial court is already in dire straits. The treasury is stretched thin. The army has been mobilized and money, food and weapons have been wasted. I know that Your Majesty has the idea of rebuilding the canal next year. Now it is more difficult to recruit troops. This is time-consuming and labor-intensive, and will also increase the uncertainty of the Miao land war situation. , This is not a good idea, Your Majesty!"
Putting his official hat beside him, Yu Qian took a firm attitude and once again stated his interests to the emperor with sincerity, hoping that his words and actions could calm the emperor down.
But it was obvious that his actions not only failed to calm the emperor's anger, but had the opposite effect.
After Zhu Qiyu heard what he said, not only did he not calm down, but he became even more angry and sneered.
"So, I want to trap the people of Miao land in turmoil? You, Yu Tingyi, are a loyal minister who cares about the people and the country and the people?"
"In that case, why are you resigning?"
"I don't dare to remove you, a loyal minister who is devoted to the country and has violated Yan's direct advice. I should give you a promotion, right?"
This is obviously irony!
Everyone present swallowed their saliva, they had never seen the emperor so furious.
It seems that this time, the emperor is really angry.
They wanted to open their mouths to persuade, but when they looked up and saw the emperor's cold expression, they all closed their mouths in unison.
On the contrary, Yu Qian, the one who was scolded, was not afraid at all and kowtowed again and said.
"I dare not, and I have no intention of trapping Your Majesty into injustice. Your Majesty cares about the people, and everyone in the world knows that I am guilty. I asked you to go. I am unworthy of Your Majesty's kindness."
With a "pop" sound, the exquisite tea cup fell next to Yu Qian, making a crisp sound and shattering into several petals.
Yu Shiyue looked on, feeling frightened.
He could see clearly just now that the tea cup fell against Yu Qian's body, and if it was a little farther away, it was about to land on top of his head.
Yu Qian is the first person to make the emperor so angry.
Fortunately, after entering the palace for a long time, the tea in the tea cup was almost cold and flowed on the ground, only soaking Yu Qian's robe. Otherwise, he might even get burned.
However, Yu Qian acted like a normal person, kneeling on the spot, just kowtowing deeply to the ground, neither admitting his mistake nor arguing.
Seeing the emperor's angry look, Yu Shiyue kept praying in his heart, Your Majesty, please don't be like this guy.
If Yu Qian is really dismissed, it will really be a major event that shakes the entire court.
You must know that when you reach the level of Qi Qing, every move you make is a major matter that affects the government, and you cannot be dismissed casually.
What's more, Yu Qian had contributed to the establishment of the emperor and participated in the battle to defeat the Oara. Although he was not the first to contribute, he was still a minister of the country.
Now it's just a matter of political disagreement, and I haven't made any major mistakes of principle.
If he was dismissed just like that, the whole court would have to make trouble with Zuo Shunmen again.
By then, let alone this year, this whole year will not be good!
I don’t know if Mr. Yu Ge’s prayer worked.
Fortunately, the emperor still has some sense.
Looking at Yu Qian who was kowtowing deeply to the ground, Zhu Qiyu sneered and said.
"Yu Tingyi, don't think that I can't do anything to you if you resign like this. I'm telling you, even if the edict is inappropriate, the rejection is still a matter of six subjects. It's not your turn, the Minister of War, to resign and resist.
.”
"You want me to remove you from office so that you can fulfill your reputation and integrity? You are dreaming!"
As he spoke, Zhu Qiyu seemed to be unable to control his emotions. He stood up from the throne and walked around the palace.
After going back and forth for several times, he stopped in front of a group of ministers and pointed at Yu Qian.
"Aren't you going to violate Yan Zhijian? I failed to fulfill your wish!"
"Since Cheng Jing, he immediately sent an order to the military department. He has lost his manners in front of Lord Qian, relied on his favor to become arrogant, disrespected his superiors, and betrayed my great trust."
"From now on, we will be banned from the mansion for one month. No one is allowed to visit. All affairs of the Ministry of War will be handed over to the Minister of War, Yu Gang."
After a brief pause, he turned to Yu Shiyue aside and said.
"As for the Miao land matter, there is no need to discuss it. Since the cabinet has been locked up, Yu Qing, you can draft the edict here!"
"The order is passed, and Baoding Bo Liang Yue is ordered to be the chief military officer of the southern expedition. He will lead the Beijing camp with 20,000 officers and soldiers to succeed Wang Ji and quell the rebellion in Miao. He must set off within three days and cannot be delayed!"
As he said that, the emperor waved his hand, and several servants from behind quickly came forward and placed the pen and ink and the yellow silk used for imperial edicts in the middle of the hall.
Immediately, the emperor flicked his sleeves, turned around and returned to the throne.
Since things had reached this point, Yu Shiyue naturally did not dare to say anything more. He stood up respectfully, came to the hall, and splashed ink.
Not long after, a neatly written and detailed edict came out.
Mr. Yu Ge glanced at Yu Qian, who was still kneeling on the ground, looking at him as if he were a stranger. He sighed, took out the seal from his sleeve, stamped it heavily on the imperial edict, then respectfully picked up the edict and handed it over.
It arrived in the hands of the chamberlain who had been waiting for a long time.
The chamberlain handed the edict to the imperial desk. The emperor glanced at it, nodded, rolled up the edict, and handed it to Cheng Jing aside, saying.
"Cheng Jing, you personally take this edict to Shangbao Division for sealing, and then send it to the Sixth Section for countersigning. Before sunset, I want this edict to be delivered to Baoding Uncle Mansion!"
Cheng Jing cupped his hands and said, "I obey."
After saying that, he took the edict, saluted several ministers, and hurried out.
After Cheng Jing left, the emperor turned his attention back to Yu Qian, who was expressionless, and said.
"Yu Qian, don't worry, I won't depose you. You want to be a critic who speaks out and sheds blood, but I don't want to be an innocent and ignorant emperor."
"Take a month to think about it carefully in the mansion. Think about it seriously. You don't have to attend the grand meeting tomorrow. Just step aside!"
The emperor made it so clear, Yu Qian said no more, picked up the official hat beside him, but did not put it back on, leaned over and bowed, saying.
"I accept the decree and thank you for your grace."
After that, he stood up, bowed again, and exited the hall with his head held high.
Seeing Yu Qian's imposing manner and not seeming to admit his mistake at all, Zhu Qiyu rubbed his temples and said with a helpless look.
"Yu Qing, you will accompany Yu Gang to the Yu Mansion later and ask him to hand over the military affairs that need to be handed over to Yu Gang. Don't delay any political affairs."
"As for the Beijing camp, Shi Jing, you go and take charge of it first, and we'll talk about it after the New Year."
"Everyone, please step back."
Yu Shiyue and Shi Jing leaned over and said yes, then wiped the sweat from their foreheads and exited the hall one after another.
When they arrived at the entrance of the palace, Yu Qian had already walked away.
Heavy snow fell on his shoulders, covering the footprints behind him. The official hat was still on his right hand, but he still didn't put it back on.
Wearing a dark red official robe, Yu Qian walked alone in the white snow, with his back straight, like a proud warrior.
Several elders looked at each other and saw the wry smile on each other's faces. They each saluted, and Yu Shiyue hurried in the direction where Yu Qian left...