Firefly Journey

Chapter 293 The World's Attack on Chu (3)

Emperor Zhuang's attitude was very firm.

I called this person here. The saying goes, "If you use someone, don't doubt them; if you don't trust them, don't use them." Since he's standing here, there's no room for doubt.

Xue Ruyue and others have earned their current status through countless battles. In their eyes, regardless of whether Simpson has the ability or not, it is somewhat unreasonable for him to rise to such a high position overnight.

Not only them, but Zhao Zheng and Du Fufeng also achieved their current positions through hard work and struggle in the officialdom, and were by no means parachuted in.

Bringing in someone whom none of the ministers knew and entrusting him with an important task was something the Chu court had never done before.

A similar case recently involved Lin Yuanran, but the situation was different. Lin Yuanran was a classmate of the Crown Prince, and the position he sought was merely a junior official in the Ministry of Rites. Although it was against the rules, it wasn't an important position, so it was given to him and it wasn't a big deal.

In his subsequent performance, Lin Yuanran's professional skills were also quite good. At least he completed the task given by Emperor Zhuang, and Xue Ruyue and others had no objections.

But Simpson Budd, an unknown guy, what makes him so special that he's on equal footing with Zhao Zheng right away?

Xue Ruyue and the others were extremely dissatisfied. Even though Emperor Zhuang was adamant, they still wanted an explanation.

"Your Majesty! At this critical juncture, the entire Chu Kingdom should unite as one to resist the foreign enemy. Rashly appointing an outsider would likely be difficult to gain popular support. May I ask Your Majesty, what position do you intend to bestow upon this gentleman?" Xue Ruyue asked.

When Emperor Zhuang chose to use Simpson, he foresaw the current situation. Xue Ruyue and his ilk are capable, but they are stubborn and somewhat xenophobic.

A person's abilities can only be demonstrated after they take office. No matter how eloquently you speak beforehand, people will still not believe you.

Emperor Zhuang did not expect them to believe it.

At times like these, the emperor's authority is of utmost importance.

Faced with the incomprehension of Xue Ruyue and his fellow civil and military officials, Emperor Zhuang did not want to explain further. His eyes were sharp as knives, and he said in a stern voice:

"You've all seen it, so why ask any more questions? Prime Minister Zhao has worked diligently for our Great Chu, but as he gets older, he feels he can no longer handle many matters, so he has decided to retire."

Though I am extremely reluctant, I know that a forced marriage will not be happy. With Prime Minister Zhao stepping down, someone naturally needs to fill his place.

Emperor Zhuang spoke casually, but the assembled officials immediately erupted in uproar.

Zhao Zheng proposed retirement many times before, but you wouldn't allow it. Now that it's a critical moment, it's really inappropriate to let him leave!

Moreover, even if Zhao Xiang retires, his successor cannot be an outsider. How can Simpson, with no connections, establish himself in the Chu court and gain the trust of the people?

Originally, Du Fufeng was the clear choice to succeed Zhao Zheng as the Left Chancellor. However, only Emperor Zhuang and Zhao Zheng himself knew who should actually sit in that position.

In peacetime, Du Fufeng's abilities would be more than enough to make him the Left Prime Minister. The key issue is that the Seven Gods Alliance is currently pressing in, and at this critical juncture, someone must step forward to shoulder this immense pressure.

Du Fufeng's talent is sufficient for governing a country, but he is somewhat lacking in the ability to help those in distress. This is something that not only Emperor Zhuang and Zhao Zheng are aware of, but Du Fufeng himself is also aware of, which is why he remained silent when Simpson arrived.

One should take on responsibilities commensurate with one's abilities. Du Fufeng is a smart man and will not compete for them.

Forcibly vying for the position of Left Prime Minister would be a grave crime against the country and its people; coordinating and managing affairs from the rear is what he should be doing.

Seeing that Emperor Zhuang was determined, Xue Ruyue and the others wanted to persuade him again, but their efforts were extinguished by Emperor Zhuang's powerful words.

"My mind is made up, no need to say more."

"From this day forward, Simpson Budd shall be the Left Prime Minister of my Great Chu, the head of all officials. Your decrees shall be obeyed. If I hear any rumors, I shall deal with them in accordance with the laws of Chu!"

Despite his approachable demeanor, when Emperor Zhuang got serious, no one wanted to mess with him.

The emperor's command is the nation's decree. Xue Ruyue and the others clasped their hands in a deep bow and returned to the ranks.

"Alright, with a formidable enemy at hand, our Chu Kingdom must unite as one and not allow any unforeseen complications." Emperor Zhuang's expression was stern. "From this day forward, Xue Ruyue will be the Marshal of our Great Chu, with the authority to mobilize the entire nation's troops. Three days from now, we will march out to meet the enemy!"

"I heard that Henry I went to the front lines in person. If he can come, I cannot be left behind. In this battle, I will personally lead the expedition."

“During my personal campaign, the affairs of Danyang were handled by the Crown Prince, assisted by Chancellor Zhao.”

"Mr. Simpson accompanied me on the expedition, in charge of the allocation of supplies and providing advice."

"My lords, the State of Chu is now at a critical juncture of life and death. At this critical moment, I hope that you will put aside your prejudices, work together with me, and continue the dynasty's prosperity."

"Your Majesty, may Your Majesty live ten thousand years! May the Great Chu Dynasty live ten thousand years!"

The Tianqi Hall instantly erupted in chaos, everyone filled with righteous indignation and anticipation for the upcoming confrontation.

Only Simpson remained silent, his expression melancholy, slowly turning his head to look westward.

It's easy to say, but hard to do. He was appointed to this critical mission, but he was controlled by the officials of Chu and threatened by the Seven Gods Alliance. He was destined to have a heavy responsibility and a long way to go.

……

……

Lü Jianming was left in the capital.

He felt a little regretful because he couldn't take up his sword and go to the front lines to kill the enemy.

However, this is unavoidable. Since ancient times, when the emperor personally led an expedition, the crown prince had to oversee all domestic affairs.

He found Lin Yuanran carrying a bucket of wine, and immediately began to complain, saying that Lin was much better.

Lin Yuanran smiled and said, "What's so good about me?"

Lü Jianming said, "Anywhere is fine."

"No, are you scared?" Lin Yuanran teased.

“No.” Lu Jianming shook his head. “I have long known what kind of people the Seven Gods Church are. They claim to be doing good for the people, but in reality, they are doing it for their own selfish desires. They are afraid that their church will fall behind others and lose its power and status in the future.”

"I just feel it's a pity, a pity that I can't carry 'Han Guang' and stab the false faces of those hypocrites one by one."

Lin Yuanran said, "Don't worry, things will get better. You have to trust your father and your uncle."

Lu Jianming took a sip of his drink and laughed: "Since you're so optimistic, why don't you do me a favor?"

"Just tell me." Lin Yuanran had a general idea of ​​what it was, but he couldn't bring himself to refuse.

Lü Jianming said, "Night Salt is the name of my personal guard regiment. Originally, they were led by General Li, but now that they need men, General Li has returned to the army, and they are leaderless."

I'm staying in Danyang; it's safe here. They don't need to protect me all the time. I hope you can take them to the front lines.

Lin Yuanran frowned and said, "I am a citizen of the Duchy, from the Holy See of Light. Aren't you afraid something will happen?"

Lu Jianming laughed loudly: "I don't care what country you are from. I only know that you and I are both students of the teacher, and the teacher will never let this happen."

Lin Yuanran remained silent for a while. Not long ago, Cassius sent a letter via a small clay figure, indicating that while the empire's main force was campaigning eastward against the Chu Kingdom, the Wagri Alliance he led would march south to harass the empire's rear.

Even if it's not particularly useful, it still makes the empire struggle to manage both ends.

Lin Yuanran didn't want to get involved in this matter because his ultimate goal was just to go home; anything else would only waste his time.

But his time at St. Louis College would undoubtedly be one of his fondest memories. Since the teachers had done so, he had no reason to run away.

"It seems you need a compelling reason to go."

Lu Jianming smiled and said, "According to the intelligence sent back from the front, the person in charge of the Dark Temple of the Seven Gods Alliance is Feng Ling."

"What kind of reason is that?" Lin Yuanran chuckled. He knew about Feng Ling's trip to Chu even before Lü Jianming, despite their frequent contact, but that didn't mean he had to see her, or at least he didn't need to rush.

"You haven't seen each other for more than three years, have you?"

"So what."

"Alright, then you can stay in Danyang. I'll take good care of you and make sure you have plenty of good food and drink."

Lin Yuanran gave up his stubbornness and said, "Fine, as a student of my teacher and an official of the State of Chu, this is my duty."

Lu Jianming scoffed: "They exposed themselves far too quickly."

"Shut up, or I'm not going."

"Alright, alright, I'm begging you, esteemed Mr. Ario Morris, for the sake of the continuation of the Chu Kingdom, for the sake of peace on the continent, please take action!"

"That's pretty much it."