MM Racing Chapter 74 Taking Action
Chapter 74 Taking Action
Qian Xiangzu understood immediately and stepped forward, his tone laced with sarcasm: "Your Majesty is mistaken. The peace treaty between the Song and Jin dynasties has been discussed in the court for several months, and most officials are already clear on the details. Therefore, Your Majesty need not state it publicly again."
"It is understandable that Your Majesty is preoccupied with cultivating the Dao and refining elixirs, and has no time for anything else, so it is understandable that you are unaware of the details."
He paused, his tone becoming even more sarcastic: "But matters of state are of great importance, involving countless details, unlike the ethereal and elixir-making of Taoism. Your Majesty would be better off focusing on your cultivation in your residence and not getting involved in these mundane affairs, lest you neglect matters of state."
These words were laced with barbs, the subtext being that if Zhao Yu wanted to cultivate Taoism, he should focus on it and stop interfering.
The officials inside the hall all lowered their heads, not daring to speak, but they all pricked up their ears, waiting to see Zhao Yu's reaction.
Upon hearing this, Zhao Yu sneered and straightened up.
His gaze swept over Qian Xiangzu, then turned to Zhao Kuo on the throne, and he said loudly, "Oh? I see. No wonder Minister Shi found another uncle from the Jin Kingdom to represent me. This matter is indeed of great importance. How could I, a mere idle person who only knows how to cultivate Taoism and refine elixirs, possibly understand it?"
"boom!"
These words were like a thunderclap, exploding within the Chui Gong Hall.
The officials' expressions changed drastically, and they all raised their heads, looking at Zhao Yu with shock.
Is this a sign that things are about to fall apart?
"Third Brother!" Zhao Kuo slammed his hand on the armrest and roared, "Stop spouting nonsense during the court assembly! Get out of here at once!"
His face flushed red, a mixture of shame and anger.
Recognizing the Jin emperor as his uncle was the greatest humiliation of his life and the thing he least wanted to mention.
Now that Zhao Yu has exposed him in public, he has lost all face.
Zhao Yu didn't even glance at him. Turning around, he faced the assembled officials, his voice growing louder: "You are all pillars of our Great Song Dynasty, receiving the emperor's bounty and bearing his burdens. Today, you accompanied His Majesty in recognizing the Jin emperor as your uncle. I wonder if tomorrow you will accompany His Majesty in recognizing a few more elders?"
After a pause, Zhao Yu's gaze fell on Shi Miyuan, his tone icy: "Back then, Qin Hui murdered Yue Fei on trumped-up charges, ruining the promising situation of the Northern Expedition and leaving a lasting stain on his reputation."
"Now, Minister Shi is wholeheartedly emulating Qin Hui, making peace with the Jin Dynasty, ceding territory and paying reparations, thus losing sovereignty and humiliating the nation. I wonder when you all plan to restore Qin Hui's titles and posthumous honors? After all, without Qin Hui, there would have been no Shaoxing Peace Treaty; without Minister Shi, there would be no Jiading Peace Treaty today. How can such a meritorious official, who is 'beneficial to peace between the two countries,' not be commended?"
"Insolence!" Zhao Kuo trembled with rage, pointing at Zhao Yu and shouting fiercely, "This is not the place for you to slander ministers! Guards! Drag the Prince of Yongjia away and send him back to his residence to reflect on his actions! Without my decree, he is not to step out of the residence even once!"
The hall was deathly silent.
The officials had various expressions; some were shocked, some were terrified, some were secretly pleased, and some even had a hint of admiration in their eyes.
Shi Miyuan's cronies stepped forward one after another.
"Your Majesty is wise! Prince Yongjia has disrupted the order of the court and should be severely punished!"
"We beg Your Majesty to issue an imperial decree to strip the Prince of Yongjia of his title and place him under house arrest!"
"We implore Your Majesty to make a wise judgment!"
Immediately, voices of agreement rose and fell.
Shi Miyuan stood still, observing coldly without saying a word.
But just then, another voice suddenly rang out.
"Your Majesty, I believe this is unacceptable."
Everyone turned to look at the source of the voice and saw Xia Zhen, the Commander of the Palace Guards, slowly stepping forward: "What the Prince of Yongjia said may have been somewhat extreme, but it is not entirely without reason. The terms of the peace treaty concern the fate of the nation and should be made public for all officials to discuss. I request Your Majesty to publicly announce the terms of the peace treaty for all officials to examine!"
"What?"
The hall erupted in chaos instantly.
The officials stared at Xia Zhen in disbelief, as if they didn't recognize him.
Everyone knows that Xia Zhen is Shi Miyuan's confidant. It was he who led the Imperial Guards to help Shi Miyuan kill Han Tuozhou, and that's how he got the position of Commander of the Palace Guard.
Now, he actually stood up in public to speak up for Zhao Yu and oppose Shi Miyuan?
This is like the sun rising in the west!
Shi Miyuan's composure vanished without a trace. He abruptly turned his head, staring intently at Xia Zhen, his eyes filled with shock and anger.
He couldn't understand why his trusted confidant, whom he had personally promoted, would betray him at this moment.
How exactly did Zhao Yu do it? What was he trying to do?
Shi Miyuan had a bad feeling.
Zhao Kuo was also stunned. He narrowed his eyes, stared intently at Xia Zhen, and then looked at Zhao Yu, who was standing calmly to the side. He instantly became alert.
He was completely unaware that his third brother, who had always been indifferent to politics, had somehow managed to win over Xia Zhen, who was in charge of the Three Imperial Guards.
This is by no means a trivial matter.
"Silence!" Zhao Kuo shouted sternly. "Gentlemen, there's no need for further discussion. The Prince of Yongjia holds no real office; how dare he interfere in court affairs? Send him back to his residence immediately!"
But after he gave the order, there was no response from outside the hall.
No guards rushed in, and the entire Chuigong Hall seemed to be isolated.
Zhao Kuo's anger froze instantly, and he couldn't utter the rest of his words.
Zhao Yu chuckled and stepped forward: "Second Brother, aren't you surprised? Where are the people you called? Why didn't anyone answer?"
Upon hearing this, everyone turned around sharply to look at the entrance of the hall.
The palace gate was deserted; the palace guards who were supposed to be there had vanished without a trace.
Shi Miyuan's expression changed drastically. He abruptly took a few steps back, pointed at Zhao Yu, and said, "Prince Yongjia! Are you planning a rebellion?"
"Rebellion?" Zhao Yu strode towards the imperial steps. "No, no, no, Prime Minister Shi is mistaken. A rebellion is only called a failure. If it succeeds, it's called restoring order."
"You...you dare!" Zhao Kuo sat on the dragon throne, trembling, yet still maintaining a semblance of composure. "Third Brother, you've always been exceptionally intelligent since childhood. I've always thought you were a sensible person, but I never expected you to be so foolish today. Did you think that by winning over Xia Zhen, you could usurp the throne?"
Having said that, he suddenly clapped his hands: "Guards, protect the emperor!"
As soon as he finished speaking, two dark figures shot out from behind the screen behind the throne and rushed straight at Zhao Yu.
Each of the two men held a long sword, their moves ruthless, aiming straight for Zhao Yu's heart and throat, clearly intending to kill him.
Zhao Yu remained calm and composed, not even faltering in his steps.
Seeing the two approaching from both sides, a disdainful smile curled at the corner of his mouth.
In this martial arts world, it's impossible for the royal family to be without highly skilled guards; he had already anticipated this.
However, true masters are never bound by rules, and none of them would willingly stay in the palace as a guard at the beck and call of others.
The people under Zhao Kuo's command are not even as good as Qiu Qianren, let alone the Five Greats. In his eyes, they are no different from ants.