Dream of the Red Chamber: Start by gaining Zhao Yun's martial prowess, and be ennobled in a sin

In the main hall of the Qianqing Palace, Xu Qianxue angrily spoke out because of Zhang Tingyu's advocacy of war, accusing him of being a treacherous minister.

Zhang Tingyu glanced at Xu Qianxue with an indifferent expression, his gray eyebrows furrowing slightly, but he didn't rush to refute him.

Everyone in the hall turned their surprised and suspicious gazes toward Xu Qianxue, wanting to hear what he meant by that.

If you resort to personal attacks simply because of differing political views, then that's just too low-class!

Xu Qianxue's face froze, and he cupped his hands to Emperor Jingsheng, saying:

"Your Majesty! When the court discussed the Northwest, Zhang Tingyu did not say a word. At that time, he did not say that Marquis Jingwu could defeat the enemy, nor did he support the war effort."

"On the contrary, after many days, news of defeat came from the Northwest, the situation on the border was critical, and even the national strength of our Han Dynasty would be affected."

"But he paid lip service to the cause, disregarding the safety of the nation and the reputation of His Majesty, and stood up to resolutely advocate war."

"In reality, he isn't genuinely in favor of war; rather, he wants to shift all the blame for peace talks onto His Majesty and us, while he himself gains a reputation for being upright, unyielding, and of impeccable integrity!"

"The wickedness of this person is unparalleled, even among the most treacherous traitors who appeared loyal throughout history."

Xu Qianxue's words were forceful and well-reasoned, eliciting a variety of reactions from the audience, including agreement, disdain, and surprise.

Zhang Tingyu remained expressionless, his heart devoid of joy or sorrow.

He paid little attention to Xu Qianxue, for this man was ignorant of the emperor's mind and the general trend, and only knew how to use words to his advantage.

He's just a clown, not worth mentioning.

Zhang Tingyu is not the kind of person who values ​​empty fame over practical matters!

The reason he did not express his support for war during the initial discussions was mainly because he was worried that if Jia Jing won another great victory, his power would be too great to control, and that military men would bring disaster to the country.

But by this time, the front lines had already suffered a defeat, and the situation was in dire straits.

Even if Jia Jing is exceptionally brave and capable of reversing the decline in the Northwest, it would be difficult for him to achieve a great victory. There is no need to worry about his outstanding military achievements overshadowing the emperor.

Therefore, if Jia Jing continues to win, Zhang Tingyu should be more wary of him.

However, the defeats at the front made Zhang Tingyu even more reassured and determined to support the war effort.

Moreover, with the court in such a critical moment and the people's hearts unsettled, he, as a cabinet minister, must share the burden of the court and help His Majesty overcome the difficulties.

He believed that His Majesty needed someone to stand up and support him at this time.

only……

Zhang Tingyu frowned and glanced casually at Emperor Jingsheng's expression.

Seeing that his expression was unusually calm, he couldn't help but feel a chill.

His Majesty's behavior today seems somewhat unusual!

Logically speaking, the Northwest War is a matter of national importance. If Yulin were to fall and countless people were to die, His Majesty should not be so calm!

He understood Emperor Jingsheng's temperament; he was a man of strong emotions, yet today he seemed unusually calm, which was rather strange!

Is it...

Zhang Tingyu's aged eyes were filled with surprise and doubt... This is unlikely!

The hall was quiet for a while. Seeing that Emperor Jingsheng did not speak, and that Zhang Tingyu seemed to be lost in thought, he appeared to have no regard for him at all.

Xu Qianxue, kneeling on the ground, couldn't help but continue:

"Zhang Tingyu, as a cabinet minister, disregards the safety of the nation, speaks recklessly and disrupts the government; he is a great traitor disguised as a loyal minister!"

"Your Majesty, I humbly beg you to swiftly punish Zhang Tingyu, so as to unite the hearts of the court and the people, and to preserve Your Majesty's virtue!"

Zhang Tingyu's gray eyebrows twitched, his thoughts disrupted by Xu Qianxue, and a cold glint flashed in his eyes.

He didn't try to explain, he just asked calmly:

"A great villain disguised as a loyal minister? Does Grand Secretary Xu even know how to write the character for 'villain'?"

"..."

Zhang Tingyu's words almost broke Xu Qianxue's defenses.

A smile flickered in the eyes of everyone present, as if they were recalling the scene in the same hall when Jia Jing rebuked Xu Qianxue.

Xu Qianxue's face darkened instantly, and a layer of shame and anger covered his aged face!

For some reason, the words Jia Jing used to question him spread very quickly, almost becoming a topic of conversation among officials and scholars.

Colleagues often tease him about this, and he's almost developed a stress reaction to it!

How do you write the character for "adultery"?

I wrote&……

Just as Xu Qianxue was furious and preparing to continue his memorial,

"cough……"

Emperor Jingsheng put down his teacup, coughed lightly, and had a general idea of ​​the ministers' attitudes and opinions. There was no need to continue testing them.

Emperor Jingsheng frowned, his expression hardening, and he said in a deep voice:

"When did I say that Yulin City had fallen into enemy hands? As court officials, can you please refrain from believing everything you hear?"

Emperor Jingsheng first shifted the blame to others.

He then glared at Xu Qianxue and Wang Ziteng with hostility, thinking, "These two are still too inexperienced. Even if I give them a chance, it won't be of any use."

My generals have already won at the front, and you are still here advising me to negotiate peace!

If I had listened to your foolish words back then, Yulin City would probably have really fallen by now, and I would have nowhere to cry!

A bunch of incompetent idiots who hold positions without doing any work!

How can one shoulder the responsibilities of a high-ranking official of the nation!

Emperor Jingsheng was beginning to regret sending Prince Teng to reorganize the Beijing garrison. He worried that, as Jia Jing had said, the garrison would become spineless.

Emperor Jingsheng stared at Prince Teng and Xu Qianxue for a while, then looked away and glanced at Zhang Tingyu with a hint of satisfaction.

Heng Chen was loyal to the country and had the ability to recognize talent.

At such a critical moment, he was able to step forward, resolutely advocate for war, and acknowledge Zijie's abilities, knowing that he could defeat the enemy.

This is truly my trusted minister, a pillar of the nation who understands the big picture and prioritizes the overall situation!

Xu Qianxue and Wang Ziteng felt a chill run down their spines under Emperor Jingsheng's gaze. They looked at each other in bewilderment. Hadn't the city gates already been breached?

It hasn't fallen yet?

When did Marquis Ji'an become such a formidable fighter?

Xu Qianxue had a slight bad feeling, but he still stood up, cupped his hands, and said:

"Yulin City has not fallen? That must be because Marquis Ji'an has lived up to expectations, leading the entire city's soldiers in a valiant resistance. Our Great Han has such a capable general; I congratulate Your Majesty!"

Marquis Ji'an was a military hero of the Jingnan Campaign and also a ally of the retired emperor. He also had a good personal relationship with Xu Qianxue.

Xu Qianxue hoped to make up for his hasty words earlier with some congratulatory remarks.

"Congratulations for what? You probably think you're congratulating me!"

Emperor Jingsheng's good mood was finally ruined by Xu Qianxue's few words. His face suddenly darkened, and he shouted angrily at Xu Qianxue.

Xu Qianxue was startled by Emperor Jingsheng's angry shout. He was a veteran official of three reigns and a leader of the literati.

Emperor Jingsheng had always treated him with great courtesy, which was why he dared to speak frankly and without thinking. He never expected His Majesty to suddenly lose his temper like this today!

He couldn't quite figure out what he had said wrong that had enraged the emperor!

Emperor Jingsheng gazed at Xu Qianxue for a while, remained silent for a moment, and then suddenly asked:

"Xu Qing, I remember you're sixty-five this year, aren't you?"

Upon hearing this, Xu Qianxue's aged body trembled, a wave of sorrow washing over him, and he said in a hoarse voice:

"This old minister is only sixty-two years old this year!"