Jingtai was furious, wishing he could execute Chen Yuan on the spot. This was clearly a complete disregard for him, daring to stir trouble at such a critical ti.
His words were sincere, but his ambition was as clear as day!
Now, Jingtai only regretted not keeping him in the Capital. Who could have predicted that in just a few short months, such a significant upheaval would occur in Liangshan!
This caused his plans to fail, and the prestige of the imperial court suffered greatly.
"Your Majesty, has sothing significant occurred?"
Standing nearby, Cao Zhengxian noticed the anger on Jingtai's face and couldn't help but ask.
He was the Emperor's personal guard, almost always by his side, and most of Jingtai's actions wouldn't be hidden from him.
Jingtai took a deep breath and tossed the docunt in his hand to Cao Zhengxian for him to read.
Receiving the docunt, Cao Zhengxian's eyes quickly scanned over it. When he saw that Chen Yuan had made a bold decision to initiate a massive slaughter in Shuzhou, even Cao Zhengxian was taken aback.
It seed unthinkable that Chen Yuan would dare to defy the imperial court!
Truly... what audacity!
He had long noticed that Chen Yuan was not soone who would remain subordinate for long. He acted ruthlessly and cunningly, yet always claid to uphold justice, building a vast reputation for himself.
The Emperor had positioned him as a blade, a loyal dog of the throne.
But his situation was entirely different from a re hound!
It was evident that after making his move, he gradually distanced himself from his past affiliations.
"Your Majesty, Chen Yuan's actions may very well be a test for the imperial court," Cao Zhengxian said after hesitating for a mont, speaking in a serious tone.
He had a personal grudge against Chen Yuan, but now was clearly not the ti to settle personal scores. Consideration of the imperial court's interests and stance was essential.
"What do you think should be done?" Jingtai took a deep breath, gradually calming his anger.
"I believe that we cannot act against Chen Yuan just yet," Cao Zhengxian continued.
"Hm?" Jingtai seed surprised, casting a glance at Cao Zhengxian. He was aware of the enmity between Cao Zhengxian and Chen Yuan; his adopted son had once been beaten half to death in public.
The Imperial Supervision Bureau and Heavenly Patrol Bureau also had irreconcilable animosities, although these were results of his own strategic planning.
"Once Chen Yuan left the Capital, he beca like a bird in flight, difficult to restrain. Now, appointed to govern the Southern, he is seen by the world as a regional governor.
Even if we could manage to suppress him, rely making a move against him might imdiately plunge Shuzhou into chaos, a single strand pulling and moving the whole body. Should that happen, Your Majesty must be prepared for national turmoil...
Moreover, Chen Yuan's sudden ergence could indicate soone behind him is instructing him. Otherwise, given his cautious nature, he wouldn't take such a bold lead even with ulterior motives.
Cao Zhengxian laid out his reasoning and suggestions to Jingtai in one breath.
Acting against Chen Yuan now would be equivalent to announcing internal strife within the imperial court to the world. It would be instantly perceived as weakness, and predicting the outco would be difficult.
"Are you suggesting that I should tolerate this?" Jingtai fixed his gaze on Cao Zhengxian.
"I believe that the focus should remain on the major issues. Although Chen Yuan has stepped forward now, he is rely a pawn, and the true stance of the imperial court should not be exposed to the outside world currently.
Additionally, Your Majesty's plans require ti, and perhaps Chen Yuan doesn't harbor rebellious intentions. The burgeoning arrogance of Jianghu forces, repeatedly challenging the imperial court's limits, might have compelled him to act against certain individuals."
Cao Zhengxian pondered briefly before continuing:
"Chen Yuan's actions might not necessarily be a bad thing."
"What do you an?"
"After the defeat at Liangshan, the forces of Jianghu have grown increasingly brazen, and there must be no leniency toward these disorganized bands. The more we show restraint, the more arrogant they beco, convinced of the court's weakness.
Taking a firm stance to suppress so individuals, to demonstrate the court's position, might... indeed be a good thing."
Jingtai furrowed his brows, then gradually relaxed them, understanding that there was logic in Cao Zhengxian's words. The Sima Family's base was located in the state near Central State.
The South harbored a complex web of intertwined forces, even the Buddhist sect could not penetrate. Naturally, the court's control there was weak, leaving it be or even severing a limb to save the body were scenarios he had predicted.
It was just that being defied by soone who once seed so promising, viewed as an ant or a pawn at such a crucial ti, made decisions of his own, perhaps harboring ulterior motives.
Jingtai felt his anger flare!
Unfortunately, action could not be taken now. To do so would trigger unpredictable consequences. For now, he aid for stability, and there would be opportunities to deal with this person in the future!
"Send a decree saying that I approve all of the Marquis of Wu'an's proposals, advising him to proceed with caution and avoid excessive slaughter. However, for those traitorous ministers and rebels, annihilate their entire clans, and exterminate their nine generations!"
"Also, grant him Spirit Wine, Spiritual Tea, and Spiritual dicine to convey the court's goodwill."
Jingtai's fists clenched beneath his sleeves, determined to summon Chen Yuan and eliminate his concerns in a single move when his plans succeed. If Chen Yuan refused to co, a True Monarch of the court would surely descend!
"Your Majesty is wise!"
...
...
The reason Chen Yuan presented such a morial to Jingtai was because he was confident that, despite Jingtai's anger, he would not reprimand or apprehend him now.
A single strand pulling and moving the whole body, that was the current state of the world.
As long as Jingtai wasn't fully prepared, he wouldn't act against those outside. Even if angered, he would wait until the end to resolve everything one by one.
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