——Adding insult to injury!
This sudden bad news instantly disrupted Gu Xi’s relief efforts.
The public sentint, which had just slightly stabilized, beca restless again upon hearing this news.
A major shock throughout the court and the country!
The term "major defeat" had almost beco unfamiliar to the Great Han.
Even the ministers had forgotten how long it had been since they last heard such news.
Ever since Gu Cheng swept through the Western Regions back then.
The prestige of the Great Han had reached the heavens.
All neighboring countries had submitted.
But now...defeated just like this?
In the past, the entire Great Han would have been in a fervor, showing those re Barbarians what true imperial might ans.
But now, it’s different.
The continuous natural disasters combined with this sudden major defeat are bound to affect the ministers’ hearts.
Emotions like anger and panic surged in their minds.
In the court, ministers held onto their own opinions, arguing continuously.
So were filled with righteous indignation, firmly advocating for military action.
After all, the Great Han’s prestige cannot be defiled;
So felt that with the continuous natural disasters,
If war is waged again at this ti, any defeat could shake the foundation of the state.
But for both Deng Sui and Gu Xi, there was only one choice.
——Fight!
This was an unavoidable reality for the Great Han, a challenge that must be faced.
Moreover, in Gu Xi’s view, this matter was not entirely negative.
As long as a great victory can be achieved, it would be enough to quickly stabilize the people’s hearts!
This is a risk, but also an opportunity!
.....
Chongde Hall.
Solemn and dignified, all the officials gathered in one place.
Gu Xi stood proudly at the top of the grand steps, his eyes sharp like a keen sword, sharply scanning the ministers, his voice ringing with power, resonating with authority:
"Fight!"
"In any case, it must be fought!"
"Now, the hearts of our Great Han are unsettled."
"This provocation by the Barbarians is a heaven-sent opportunity to stabilize the hearts of our Great Han!"
"With just one great victory!"
"The hearts of our Great Han can be stabilized!"
As he grew older,
Gu Xi exuded an awe-inspiring authority.
His gaze was like a knife; whenever he looked at a minister, that minister would involuntarily lower their head.
Liu Hu stared intently at Gu Xi, the admiration in his eyes growing ever deeper.
From a young age, Liu Hu had been cherished by Liu Zhao and naturally had nurous encounters with Gu Xi.
He had always been in awe of Gu Xi’s talent and wisdom.
Now witnessing Gu Xi commanding the court, his heart filled with intense admiration.
Oh, how wonderful...when can I be like that?
Liu Hu couldn’t help but think, just as he was about to voice his agreent.
At that mont, Deng Sui’s solemn and authoritative voice slowly rose beside him:
"The Grand Tutor is right, how can the Imperial Majesty of our Great Han be humiliated?"
"Since the days Emperor Guangwu took in the Southern Xiongnu."
"Our Great Han has always extended benevolence to the Southern Xiongnu."
"Yet now, when our Great Han suffers calamities, Chuci Chanyu ignores our gratitude and rebels against us."
"This act cannot be forgiven!"
"In any case, it must be fought!"
Deng Sui’s tone was firm, leaving no room for doubt.
She slowly stood up, her gaze sweeping across the ministers, her eyes seemingly able to see through everyone’s thoughts.
Seeing the silence of the crowd, she finally set her gaze on Gu Xi, asking:
"Who does the Grand Tutor intend to appoint as commander?"
Gu Xi, without hesitation, as if he had already considered thoroughly, directly replied: "I intend to lead the expedition myself!"
The gravity of the matter was too great, leaving it in others’ hands would make him uneasy.
For this battle, he desired nothing less than a great victory!
Just like the great triumph Gu Cheng achieved when he pacified the Western Regions in the past.
Although his command might not match that of Gu Cheng’s at the ti.
But as a versatile warrior, Gu Xi could apply military matters to politics, not rely for combat.
Being able to completely stabilize the hearts of the people was also his goal.
Upon hearing this, the ministers were all shocked.
The Grand Tutor to personally lead the expedition?
Deng Sui also furrowed her brows, not expecting Gu Xi to have such intentions.
But before anyone could speak,
Liu Hu’s panicked voice suddenly rang out.
"The Grand Tutor wishes to lead the expedition himself?"
"Absolutely not!"
"The Grand Tutor is a vital minister of our Great Han, a pillar of the court. How can we let him take such risks personally?"
His tone was extrely anxious, and as he spoke, he directly stood up, his face filled with fear.
This sudden change instantly drew everyone’s attention.
Seeing the fear on Liu Hu’s face, and his avoidance of Deng Sui’s gaze, Gu Xi imdiately guessed so of the reasons.
But he did not voice it, only bowing to Liu Hu and said: "Your Majesty, there’s no need to worry."
"I have already made thorough preparations."
"In any case, it will bring a great victory to our Great Han!"
Liu Hu looked at Gu Xi in a daze, his eyes full of reluctance and concern, still unwilling to let Gu Xi take the risk.
But feeling Deng Sui’s sharp, thorn-like gaze upon him,
He was at a loss for words, internally struggling for a while, finally nodding helplessly.
Deng Sui quietly observed Liu Hu, her gaze calm like still water, without any ripple of emotion.
Seeing Liu Hu refrain from speaking further, she shook her head slightly, seemingly a bit disappointed in Liu Hu’s response.
Then she looked back at Gu Xi, saying: "Is the Grand Tutor resolute in his decision?"
Gu Xi nodded slightly.
"Very well!"
Deng Sui, without any hesitation, waved her hand and said loudly: "Since the Grand Tutor’s mind is set, I will say no more."
"The disaster relief efforts will be entrusted to I, and there won’t be any mishaps."
"The Grand Tutor may proceed with peace of mind."
She knew Gu Xi’s character so well.
Since Gu Xi had made such a decision, it ant he had planned everything thoroughly, so there was no need to say more.
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