Chapter 328: Taking Credit from Lord Lin? I Shall Avenge Lord Lin!
As a result, an imperial edict was issued to the northern regions.
It commanded the Prince of Northern Hebei to surrender his military power and jurisdiction over the northern lands, then relocate with his family to the capital for retirement.
Upon the release of this royal decree, the entire realm was shocked.
“The court intends to deal with the Prince of Northern Hebei!”
“It’s about time! The Prince of Southern Jiang and the Wuxi Duke have already been dealt with, leaving only the Prince of Northern Hebei! The court is achieving continuous victories, with high morale and strong forces. If not now, then when?”
“It’s a difficult situation for the Prince of Northern Hebei! Accepting the decree means losing everything and becoming a powerless noble. Refusing the decree would lead to the court sending troops to deal with him. Can the Prince of Northern Hebei stand against the court?”
“The Great Xia Dynasty lost, the Prince of Southern Jiang lost, the joint forces of Wuxi and Dayue lost as well. What capabilities does the Prince of Northern Hebei have left? His military strength is lacking, his financial resources are insufficient. Can he rely solely on those martial artists from the Jianghu?”
“I’m afraid it’s dire for the Prince of Northern Hebei!”
…
In the land of Northern Hebei, within the royal palace.
The Prince of Northern Hebei received the imperial decree with a grim expression, gritting his teeth and saying, “The court is forcing me into a corner!”
The military strategist, Mr. Zhuge, sighed bitterly, “Currently, the court has achieved consecutive victories, reclaiming the territories of Southern Jiang and Wuxi. With high morale and strong forces, their decision is only natural!”
“Fortunately, we’re not without resistance!”
Mr. Zhuge said with excitement, “Currently, we possess an army of 300,000, tens of thousands of peak-stage martial artists, and the support of three grandmasters. We are fully capable of contending with the court! Your Highness, the time to rise in arms is now. When else?”
The Prince of Northern Hebei was also very excited, “Advisor, you’re right. The time to rise in arms has come! With 300,000 soldiers, tens of thousands of peak-stage martial artists, and three grandmasters, we’re more than capable of standing proudly in the world. It’s time to change the course of the Dragon Court! Let’s take up arms!”
And so, the Prince of Northern Hebei tore apart the imperial decree and issued a proclamation.
Corrupt officials are in power, misleading the emperor, harming loyal subjects, and the people are suffering!
It’s not that I desire rebellion, but the court has become corrupt and is harming the realm. We must rectify this!
For the sake of the Great Wu’s sovereignty, for upholding the righteous path, for the dawn of the common people, as a member of the Great Wu’s royal family, I have an unshirkable duty to rise against a tyrant ruler and restore a flourishing world!
I hope that the heroes of the realm will join forces against this cause!
In the proclamation, the Prince of Northern Hebei also listed the various wrongdoings of the court officials.
Every act of wickedness was detailed, arousing intense anger and resentment among the readers.
“These corrupt officials, embezzling and distorting the law, causing harm to the loyal subjects, are utterly despicable. They all deserve to die!”
“No wonder the Great Wu is in such turmoil. It’s all because of these corrupt officials!”
“These individuals won’t find peace until they are eliminated!”
“Your Highness, you’ve done well. We all support you!”
“They must be eliminated!!!”
…
Instantly, his call garnered unanimous approval.
It must be said that the Prince of Northern Hebei was much wiser than the other two kings.
Instead of directly targeting the emperor, he aimed at the officials under her!
This target was exceptionally precise because those officials truly were corrupt and treacherous, having siphoned off countless resources from the people and caused untold harm to loyal subjects!
This is all witnessed by the common people with their own eyes and heard with their own ears, felt deeply and personally. Therefore, upon reading this proclamation, their anger and discontent were all ignited. Some joined in assistance, while others cheered and rallied, fueling the Prince of Northern Hebei’s ambitions and cloaking them in the mantle of justice.
However, the court officials were driven to madness!
To actually label them as corrupt officials and traitors in front of the entire world!
Yes, we might be corrupt or treacherous, but what about the contributions we’ve made? Do you turn a blind eye to them?
Without us controlling the court, the country would have collapsed long ago. Would you have the good life you enjoy today?
It’s one thing to accuse us of being corrupt officials and traitors, but why do you turn a blind eye to the biggest corrupt official and traitor of them all?
Lin Beifan is more corrupt than us, amassing piles of gold, silver, and jewels at home without any pretense. Why spare him?
Lin Beifan is more treacherous than us, even us treacherous officials are afraid of him. Why not condemn him?
The more the court officials thought, the more indignant they became!
It’s truly unreasonable, a travesty of justice!
“Nephew, I entrust this battle to you! The Prince of Northern Hebei has gone too far, showing disrespect to the sovereign and slandering us as corrupt officials and treacherous ministers. This is unacceptable! You must march to the Northern Region, capture the Prince of Northern Hebei, and bring him to justice!” declared Gao Tianyao, the Minister of Personnel, with malevolence.
“Exactly! Nephew, the Prince of Northern Hebei must not be spared so easily!” said Qian Yuanshen, the Minister of Revenue, clenching his teeth, “I’ve led a clean and blameless life, never having embezzled even a bit of the people’s resources. He actually claims our court is monstrously corrupt? Pure defamation! It’s best to eliminate his supporters completely, so he knows the consequences of offending us!”
“It’s not enough that he only accuses you of being corrupt officials! That old fool accuses me of debauchery, saying I’ve been with ten thousand maidens! Damn it, do I even have the capability? Even if I did, I wouldn’t have the time!” exclaimed Li Kaiguang, the Minister of War, trembling with anger. “He must be captured, I need to vent my anger!”
“You should capture him! That old fool accuses me of indulging in improper relationships and same-sex love. People look at me strangely on the streets, avoiding me by three steps!” roared Zhao Jinli, the Minister of Rites, with intense indignation.
“Nephew, we entrust this task to you. You must fight fiercely. I wholeheartedly support you! The more arrogant he is now, the harder he’ll fall!” added Wang Rushui, the Minister of Works.
…
With the support and endorsement of the officials, Zhao Kuo was full of confidence. He proclaimed loudly, “Uncles, please rest assured. A mere Prince of Northern Hebei is inconsequential! I will lead a great army to march into Northern Region and capture the Prince of Northern Hebei, letting you all vent your frustrations!”
“Very well, very well!” everyone exclaimed in agreement.
Then the tone shifted.
“But, Nephew, I entrust my young son to you. When there’s a chance to accomplish something, don’t forget him!”
“Nephew, don’t forget my son! He’s been in the military for years, and he has the ability, but he lacks an opportunity to showcase it! So, you must give him plenty of guidance!”
“Nephew, my son is quite capable. Don’t forget him!”
“Nephew, my son has never been in a battle before and is even afraid of killing a chicken. So, I’m not asking for much! Don’t let him go into danger. Just ensure he returns with some merits!”
…
The officials weren’t assisting Zhao Kuo out of mere goodwill but rather to secure accomplishments for their own descendants through him. Both sides were benefiting each other, mutually fulfilling their needs.
Zhao Kuo was somewhat troubled, but he had to respond with a smile, “Uncles, please rest assured. I will definitely take good care of them. If they contribute, I won’t forget them!”
“Very well, very well!” the officials laughed, leaving in high spirits.
Since the Prince of Northern Hebei tore up the imperial decree, clearly defying the order and preparing to rebel, the court naturally had to take action. They appointed Zhao Kuo as the General of the Northern Expedition, leading a force of 400,000 to capture the Prince of Northern Hebei.
This news stunned the realm.
“It’s not the Loyal and Brave Duke or Lord Lin of the Capital?”
“Yes, I find it odd too! Logically, Lord Lin’s leadership has defeated the Great Xia, the Prince of Southern Jiang, the Wuxi Duke, and the joint forces of Dayue. His military prowess is exceptional, even worthy of the title ‘God of War.’ Sending Lord Lin would be the most suitable choice. How could this…”
“But Zhao Kuo isn’t ordinary either! He comes from the military aristocratic family, the Zhao clan, and is the most outstanding among the younger generation. He’s deeply immersed in the study of military strategy and tactics from a young age. That’s why he gained the unanimous endorsement of the officials!”
“But what use is his excellence? Warfare isn’t child’s play. What qualifications does a young man without battle experience have to lead troops into combat? Is the court looking down on me by sending him to lead the troops?” the Prince of Northern Hebei grew annoyed.
Strategist Zhuge immediately reported, “Your Highness, based on the message from Miss Rushuang, the initial choice for military leadership was indeed Lord Lin! Lord Lin originally intended to lead the army in surrender, allowing Your Highness to march straight into the capital and change the dynasty!”
“But unexpectedly, both civil and military officials intervened and insisted on Zhao Kuo, clearly attempting to snatch Lord Lin’s credit. Lord Lin protested based on reason, but in the end, he couldn’t overcome the court’s treacherous ministers!”
“So, these corrupt officials have interfered, ruining Lord Lin’s plan!” the Prince of Northern Hebei gnashed his teeth, “Once I’m in control of the capital, after I don the imperial robe, none of them will escape my grasp!”
“You’re absolutely right, Your Highness. We can’t let them get away!” Mr. Zhuge nodded.
“Lord Lin’s loyalty is commendable, but it’s a pity that these corrupt officials have hindered him and sabotaged his efforts. However, this injustice must not go unanswered. I will avenge Lord Lin!” the Prince of Northern Hebei stood up for Lin Beifan, “Strategist, I entrust this matter to you. You must help me and Lord Lin vent our frustrations!”
Mr. Zhuge smiled, “Your Highness, if Lord Lin knew you were standing up for him, he would surely be deeply grateful. He would be touched to his core, bowing down in utmost devotion, serving you till the end!”
The Prince of Northern Hebei smiled and nodded. That was his intention—to gain Lin Beifan’s unwavering loyalty through this method.
Subsequently, a wave of public opinion began in the land of Northern Hebei and quickly spread throughout the realm.
“What is the court thinking? They’re sending a kid who hasn’t even grown a full beard to lead troops in battle?”
“It’s clearly a matter of nepotism. Is the court truly bereft of qualified individuals? They’re becoming increasingly inept!”
“If it were the Loyal and Brave Duke, we’d still have some respect for him! But what can we expect from a second-generation heir who relies on family connections? Don’t wet your pants on the battlefield and become the laughingstock of the world!”
“War isn’t child’s play. Go back to nursing. That’s where you belong!”
“Hahaha!!!”
…
