"Zi Qiu, is there some conflict between you and Grand Tutor Deng..."
"Teacher, it’s nothing serious. I’ll handle it, you don’t need to worry." Chu Heng said.
Lord Huo sighed helplessly, "You child, you’ve always been like this. I understand you want to do things for the people, but don’t be hasty. Grand Tutor Deng is currently favored, let’s avoid confrontation for now, there’s no need to clash with him at this moment."
Chu Heng didn’t disagree with this point of view, only that his perspective differed from his teacher’s.
"Teacher, I understand." Chu Heng nodded.
But he did not respond to his words.
How could Lord Huo not discern his meaning, he sighed somewhat helplessly, "You child, well, truthfully, I too can’t stand him."
"I trust you, do what you need to do, but prioritize your safety above all."
Chu Heng rarely showed a hint of a smile.
This was the teacher he had known in both lifetimes.
"Teacher, thank you."
There was no need for excessive words, both understood each other’s meaning.
With not much time, Lord Huo didn’t linger long, lifting his foot, swiftly entered the hall.
Chu Heng followed behind, walking in slowly.
Today was the Great Court Assembly, most of the capital officials had arrived.
The entire grand hall was bustling.
As the hour approached, Emperor Xuanming in a bright yellow court robe arrived, sitting at the top, making it hard to discern his expression.
Chu Heng noticed his plexion was somewhat pale.
His brow furrowed slightly and imperceptibly.
As the court assembly officially menced.
Each department began reporting state affairs to Emperor Xuanming.
Among them were Minister Qi and Elder Zhong, discussing the Beirong Prince issue, deliberating on the stance towards Beirong.
"Reporting to the Emperor, this old minister received a memorial sent from Beirong, mentioning recent disturbances from Beirong, suggesting they might harbor some intentions. This old minister remends seizing the opportunity to strike, pletely defeating Beirong’s army, only then will they be pacified." Elder Zhong’s voice lacked strength, tinged with an aged tone.
Minister Qi, after Elder Zhong finished speaking, also stood forth: "Your Majesty, I oppose. Currently, we are in peace talks with Beirong. If we strike hastily, we breach the treaty first, giving Beirong a reason to attack Great Chu, and it will be the people of Great Chu who suffer."
"I second that." Some military officials stationed in the capital stood along.
This time, Grand Tutor Deng unusually remained silent.
He merely whispered discussions with some officials nearby, in effect observing from the sidelines.
Elder Zhong, hearing Minister Qi’s words, was so angry his beard bristled and his eyes widened: "Great Minister Qi, it’s not about a large-scale attack, merely finding an excuse for a small engagement with Beirong. Excuses for warfare are easy to find."
"Currently, Beirong suspects our Northern Region army is problematic, which is why they are making moves at this time. If they truly believe such a notion, they will surely march south. Now being the season of grain harvest, Beirong has been recuperating and rejuvenating this year; right now, their forces are robust and vigorous. If they suddenly move south, even if we win, it will cause significant losses."
"If we can conduct a small-scale attack, letting Beirong understand that the Northern Lands Army is unharmed, they will instead not dare to act rashly, hence avoiding a war!"
Elder Zhong spoke vehemently, and after finishing, ignored Minister Qi, analyzing the merits to Emperor Xuanming.
Minister Qi had already been suspecting if the Emperor harbored doubts about his loyalty due to not seeing his face recently upon entering the palace, making his mood even more gloomy.
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