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

At the same time, Emperor Jingsheng's mind raced, thinking about how to deal with the attack from Wu Xun's side during the Jingnan Campaign and how to protect Jia Jing.

Although Jia Jing possessed the imperial sword, his direct execution of a second-ranking official would inevitably attract numerous impeachments from military commanders and censors.

"Your Majesty! What should we do now? Marquis Jingwu killed Marquis Linchuan and also injured and captured Marquis Zhongqin and others. Now, the Jingnan Wuxun faction has probably received the news and will likely not let this go!"

Xia Shouzhong's expression was somewhat solemn, clearly indicating that he felt this matter was thorny and that if not handled properly, it could cause turmoil in the capital.

Those military commanders who held power during the Jingnan Rebellion were not to be trifled with; if provoked, they would dare to mobilize troops recklessly.

Upon hearing this, Emperor Jingsheng frowned and angrily said:

"So what if they get the news? I don't believe they'll dare to act recklessly!"

"The Marquis of Linchuan, the Marquis of Zhongqin, and others have been drawing salaries without working, exploiting soldiers, reselling military equipment and provisions, and engaging in smuggling for years. Relying on their military power, they have committed numerous violations of law and order within the capital. I have tolerated them for far too long!"

"Given the crimes they committed, even confiscation of their property and extermination of their entire families wouldn't be excessive!"

"What am I afraid of? Let them come, I'd like to see what they can do!"

Emperor Jingsheng's face was cold and hard. He knew the crimes of Marquis Linchuan and others like the back of his hand, which showed that he had already investigated the situation of Wu Xun of the Jingnan Campaign.

"Your Majesty! That may be true, but after all, a second-rank military officer of the court has died this time. If the case is tried and the three judicial departments determine the crime and sentence, that would be fine."

"But Marquis Jingwu killed him directly, which is somewhat inconsistent with the imperial system. I'm afraid the Jingnan Wuxun will use this as an excuse to attack Marquis Jingwu."

"At that time, there will be much discussion in the court. Not only will it be difficult for the Marquis of Jingwu to keep his position as the military governor of Ba Shang, but the military power of Ba Shang will probably return to their hands."

Xia Shouzhong quietly analyzed the situation for Emperor Jingsheng.

Although Emperor Jingsheng was an emperor, not everything could be done according to his wishes.

After all, he was not a military emperor like Taizu or Chengzu, who enjoyed great prestige, held military power, whose words carried the weight of the law, and who was the sole ruler.

Although Emperor Jingsheng has gained some prestige and secured his throne over the years.

However, in actual handling of court affairs and military matters, there was still the constraint of court officials, and the will of the people had to be taken into account; one could not be too autocratic.

Upon hearing Xia Shouzhong's words, Emperor Jingsheng's face darkened and his brows furrowed.

He certainly knew that what Xia Shouzhong described was very likely to happen.

Given the Marquis of Linchuan's status and position, it would be inappropriate to execute him directly without solid evidence or a heinous crime sufficient to deliver a definitive verdict.

Originally, high-ranking military officers of the imperial court had a certificate of merit that exempted them from the death penalty, and they could also reduce their punishment by giving their noble titles in exchange for their crimes.

Now that Jia Jing has directly killed the Marquis of Linchuan, it is, in principle, against the regulations of the imperial court.

However, knowing this was one thing, Emperor Jingsheng could not stand by and watch Jia Jing be attacked and blamed by Wu Xun of the Jingnan Campaign.

Not to mention that he was determined to gain military power in the Ba Shang camp, Jia Jing was also a trusted and important minister whom he cared about greatly.

They were counting on him to train a strong army so that they could eventually sweep away the barbarians and create a prosperous era together!

These are loyal ministers and capable generals he discovered himself; how could they be harmed?

Emperor Jingsheng walked into the main hall and paced back and forth, thinking about how to handle the aftermath.

His purpose in recalling Jia Jing was to reclaim military power in Ba Shang Army Camp, train a strong army, and clear obstacles for the new policies.

Now Jia Jing has made his move without any scruples, directly killing the Marquis of Linchuan. Although his actions were a bit rash, his loyalty is commendable.

A minister who is devoted to the court and to sharing the burdens of the emperor, without considering his own gains or losses, is one he should naturally protect.

Now that the Marquis of Linchuan is dead, it is certain that Wu Xun, the leader of the Jingnan Campaign, will not let this go.

Emperor Jingsheng pondered for a moment, then coldly ordered:

"Otomo! Immediately order the Imperial City Guard to closely monitor the movements of Wu Xun, the commander of the Jingnan Army. If any unusual activity is detected, arrest him immediately!"

"Furthermore, send someone to inform Niu Jizong to immediately go to the Beijing garrison and be prepared to await my orders!"

"This time I will not compromise! I want to tell everyone that this is the kind of man I am, this is my nature, this is the kind of emperor I am. As long as the subject does not betray the ruler, the ruler will never betray the subject."

Emperor Jingsheng's decree stunned Xia Shouzhong. It was clearly a defensive strategy to prevent the Jingnan rebels from resorting to desperate measures.

It seems that this time, His Majesty is serious!

Even if it means using force, we must protect the military power of Ba Shang Camp and Marquis Jingwu!

Jia Jing is truly favored by the Emperor; we should strive to cultivate a closer relationship with him in the future!

Xia Shouzhong bowed and accepted the order, then cautiously asked:

"Should we send someone to check on the Ba Shang camp? If a mutiny occurs, I'm afraid..."

Emperor Jingsheng waved his hand and said:

"No need, I trust Minister Jia to handle it well!"

……

"Bang!"

A loud crash came from inside the Five Armies Commandery, as if something had been slammed heavily to the ground.

The current Right Commander-in-Chief of the Five Military Commissions is no longer the Duke of Zhao, but the Duke of Cheng, who is now confined to his home reflecting on his mistakes.

Currently, within the Right Vice-Commander-in-Chief's office, besides the Duke of Cheng, there are also Marquis of Yongjia Zhu Zu, Marquis of Nanxiong Zhao Yong, and several other nobles who participated in the Jingnan Campaign.

At this moment, the Duke of Cheng was furiously slamming the teacup beside him to the ground, his face ashen as he stared at the intelligence report in his hand.

Such a commotion naturally attracted the attention of the other military heroes who had fought in the Jingnan Rebellion. Marquis Yongjia, Zhu Zu, stepped forward and asked with a smile:

"What has made you so angry? Has another victory been won in Liaodong?"

Although the Marquis of Nanxiong and the others did not speak, they all turned their gazes toward the Duke of Cheng.

Cheng Guogong is usually very composed, so this must be because something serious has happened to cause him to lose his composure like this.

The Duke of Cheng did not speak, but simply handed the intelligence in his hand to the Marquis of Yongjia.

The Marquis of Yongjia and his companions went over to take a look, and their expressions immediately changed drastically. They shouted angrily:

"That Jia Jing brat, he's asking for death!"

The men were enraged, their faces flushed red, as if they wanted to devour someone.

The hot-tempered Marquis of Nanxiong got up and left, shouting sternly:

"I will gather troops and kill that brat Jia Jing today to avenge the Marquis of Linchuan."

The intelligence report stated: "Marquis Jingwu, Jia Jing, entered the Ba Shang camp, killed Marquis Linchuan, and injured dozens of people, including Marquis Zhongqin, General Zhonglang, and Colonel Zhong, and captured and interrogated them all!"

But before the Marquis of Nanxiong could leave, a shout came from behind him:

"stop!"

Marquis Nanxiong stopped in his tracks, turned around, looked at the crowd, and shouted:

"How arrogant this brat is! Not only did he insult the Duke of Zhao in the Qianqing Palace a few days ago, but now he dares to kill the Marquis of Linchuan! How domineering he is!"

"When did the founding lineage dare to shit on the head of the Jingnan lineage! If we don't retaliate fiercely, how will the Jingnan Wuxun lineage have any face to stand in the capital!"