"This subject is willing to go to Shuofeng."
The moment these five words left his lips, everyone was shocked.
Even though they had anticipated that today's court assembly might have something to do with Wei Wusheng, no one had imagined that the person being sent to his death would be the Emperor's own son.
Even if he wasn't loved by the Emperor.
Yet the officials also felt this was an excellent solution.
Shuofeng was beyond saving—it was a city destined to fall. Zhao Xiang had to hold his position and die in battle.
If he abandoned the city and fled, the Emperor would certainly strike him down without mercy.
A legitimate descendant of a founding meritorious noble would thus become a sacrificial offering.
But this alone wasn't enough to demonstrate His Majesty's determination to "yield not an inch of territory"—it only showed his intolerance for defeat.
Therefore, the Emperor's own son was being sent to the battlefield.
How could the others sit by and watch?
How could the hearts of the people across the realm not be stirred?
Faced with Wei Wusheng's request to fight, the Emperor didn't immediately agree. His expression remained blank, as if deep in thought.
"If our forces are defeated and the city falls, this subject will never surrender or cling to life—I will certainly die to apologize to the realm!"
Wei Wusheng declared resolutely, his voice ringing out.
Witnessing this scene, all the princes felt somewhat shaken.
As sons of the Emperor, as long as they didn't make mistakes, they would never die by the blade in this lifetime.
Yet here was someone eagerly rushing to his death...
The princes all developed a measure of 'respect' for this Wei Wusheng.
But it was minimal.
He could go, he could die gloriously in battle, but if he returned alive...
Then he could no longer be treated as the dispensable Wei Wusheng.
"Approved."
The Emperor gazed down at Wei Wusheng, seemingly devoid of emotion, and declared: "Commander-General Wei Wusheng is hereby promoted to Prefect of Shuo Commandery. In three days, assemble one thousand Imperial Guards at the training grounds and depart for Shuofeng to replace Zhao Xiang."
From Fourth Rank from the Bottom, directly elevated to Senior Third Rank.
In just two days, Wei Wusheng, who had held no official position, had leapt to become a Third Rank official of the court!
This rapid promotion speed was somewhat absurd even among the princes.
Of course, that was because none of them had started from zero.
After Wei Wusheng started from zero, he would soon return to zero.
No one understood the Emperor's psychology better than Sima Yu.
At the very beginning, the Emperor had wanted to execute Wei Wusheng without any excuse, all because of a dream.
Now, if he wasn't absolutely certain he could send him to his death, how could His Majesty risk strengthening this 'dream-fulfilling rebel who might seize the succession and kill his brothers'?
Only now did Sima Yu realize that this dream was too heavy a burden for him to bear.
He was keeping the greatest secret under Heaven.
If he didn't take the dream with him to the Yellow Springs, then his entire family would go to the Yellow Springs with him!
"This subject thanks Your Majesty!"
Wei Wusheng rose and expressed gratitude for the Emperor's grace.
Then he withdrew back to his position in the ranks.
After making this decision, the Emperor continued: "Xia Chun, it's not yet April, and the Yizhou rebels have already been suppressed. There are still several hundred thousand displaced people—you will go collect these refugees for military farming."
Hearing this, the gentry clans had already guessed the general trend.
If this battle was won, all well and good. But if it was lost, then military farming would definitely be implemented swiftly.
Currently, the Emperor spoke of military farming in Yizhou, a single province rife with refugees.
But anyone with eyes knew that the military farming policy would inevitably spread nationwide and would still encroach upon the interests of the Jiangnan gentry.
It was just giving them psychological comfort, temporarily postponing it for a year.
"Your Majesty!"
But Xia Chun resisted this even more than the gentry clans did. He spoke earnestly: "Could this general not serve as vanguard under General Xiao's command to resist Ji Yuan instead?"
He understood very well in his heart.
Military farming meant reusing old, weak, sick, and disabled soldiers.
It also meant reusing marginalized old generals.
But Your Majesty, this subject is in his prime!
"Killing enemies serves the nation, and military farming also serves the nation. Restrain yourself and do it," the Emperor said, unwilling to give him this opportunity.
The Emperor understood Xia Chun's character—he was strict in military discipline, magnanimous as a person, much loved by soldiers, and also possessed a rare sincere loyalty to sovereign and nation.
One could say that aside from constantly losing battles, he had no flaws whatsoever.
But at this critical juncture, they couldn't afford another defeat.
"...As you command."
Xia Chun had no choice but to accept this appointment.
At the same time, he was forced to accept his fate in life.
There were generals who had spent decades on military farming—such things weren't unheard of.
He couldn't help but feel a bit envious of the Sixth Prince, who could sacrifice himself for the nation.
"That settles it then."
After arranging everything, the Emperor announced: "Xiao Qun, Chen Ling, go wait at the Grand Council chambers. Xia Chun, Wei Wusheng, remain. Everyone else, court is dismissed."
Thus, the court assembly ended.
Within the great hall, only Wei Wusheng and Xia Chun remained.
"Take these—'Strategy for Military Farming' and 'Five Strategies for Military Farming to Relieve Disaster'—and study them. Within three days—no, seven days—you will submit a comprehensive plan for Yizhou military farming," the Emperor instructed.
Then Eunuch Xi from the Ceremonial Office presented the two policy essays before Xia Chun.
After receiving them, Xia Chun wanted to speak but held back.
But there was nothing he could do. His Majesty's mind was set. He could only express thanks before withdrawing from the hall.
Finally, only Wei Wusheng and the Emperor remained.
This father and son pair who had never before exchanged words.
"This trip to Northern Liang..."
Looking at him, the Emperor said mildly: "What do you want?"
Wei Wusheng answered without hesitation: "This subject is grateful for Your Majesty's trust and dares not ask for anything more."
"Then if you win this battle, what reward do you want?"
The Emperor knew this battle couldn't possibly be won.
"Being able to serve Great Yu is already a grace."
Wei Wusheng once again tactfully declined.
"Is there truly nothing you want?"
The Emperor's brow furrowed slightly as he asked solemnly.
At this question, Wei Wusheng slowly knelt on the ground and removed the crown from his head.
His deep black hair gradually fell down.
"This subject goes now, perhaps to die without even a burial place."
Wei Wusheng raised his head and sincerely requested: "I pray Your Majesty will establish a cenotaph for this subject, to be buried beside the tomb of Late Imperial Consort Zhang."
"Approved."
........
After the court was dismissed and the officials exited the palace through the corridors, they all boarded carriages to return to their respective estates.
Minister Sun found Minister of the Secretariat Ouyang Ke.
"Lord Sun." Ouyang Ke hurriedly returned the courtesy.
Although Minister Sun held the rank of one of the Three Excellencies, the Minister of the Secretariat was the head of the Nine Ministers and held the most actual power among civil officials, so he didn't put on any airs and responded politely as well: "Lord Ouyang."
"What brings the Minister here?" Ouyang Ke asked.
His expression darkening, Minister Sun's 'petty-mindedness' immediately flared up: "Does the Minister of the Secretariat know about that Jieyuan's behavior at my estate?"
Hearing this, Ouyang Ke couldn't help but laugh as he raised his hand: "Who doesn't know? Who hasn't heard?"
"That Jieyuan reports to the Secretariat for his appointment ceremony the day after tomorrow," Minister Sun said.
"What instructions does the Minister have? Please speak plainly."
Ouyang Ke's expression became extremely serious as he spoke.
"Then I won't mince words."
Maintaining his anger, Minister Sun declared directly: "This young man is far too arrogant. On the day of his appointment, he'll certainly choose some poor, remote county magistracy. Since that's the case, why not let him go to Cangxia to pursue his 'grand ambitions'?"
Hearing this, the Minister of the Secretariat looked around in all directions, and seeing no one nearby, said seriously: "I understand, but the Minister never spoke these words to me."
"This old one will also never mention this matter to anyone."
The two men thus reached a tacit understanding.
After bowing to each other, they parted ways.
A while later, a man of about thirty-five with thick eyebrows, large eyes, and regular features approached.
Secretary Yu Xiu.
"Teacher, did Minister Sun come about Song Shi'an's matter?" Yu Xiu inquired.
"He asked me to assign Song Shi'an to Cangxia."
"Cangxia?" Hearing this, Yu Xiu muttered to himself, "And just now when leaving the hall, Vice Minister Cui of the Right requested that Song Shi'an be sent to Chong County."
After analyzing this, he asked in confusion: "Teacher, what should we do?"
"Wait until someone comes from the palace."
With that, Ouyang Ke prepared to board his carriage.
Yu Xiu quickly supported him, helping him up, and asked: "But what if no one comes from the palace in the next two days?"
"Then we'll listen to what Song Shi'an himself wants."
After boarding the carriage, looking down at Yu Xiu outside, Ouyang Ke said earnestly: "If the palace gives no instructions, we should neither kill him nor protect him."
"Understood, Teacher."
Before departing, the curtain fell.
However, suddenly Ouyang Ke lifted the curtain again and said to Yu Xiu: "But I observe this man may be able to accomplish great things. Privately, you may become close with him."