Chapter 280 Chapter : Forced to Abdicate (Two Chapters in One)

"Your Highness Prince Huai, I don't know how to deal with this matter. Should we ask our father to come out so that everyone in Daliang can be settled immediately and we can concentrate on resisting foreign enemies." Prince Yu bowed and said to Prince Huai.

Everyone knew that this was more to be said to Shen Qingzhou than to Prince Huai. Shen Qingzhou had been in power for more than eight months, and Prince Huai trusted him very much. Most importantly, he had to trust him. Prince Huai himself knew that if Shen Zheng resigned today, he would be driven out of the position of regent that same evening.

All the civil and military officials in the hall were not convinced of him, but Shen Qingzhou was too capable, and he did things to perfection, as if there was nothing in the world that could be more difficult for him.

"Lord Shen." Prince Huai asked without hesitation. He also knew that Prince Yu and the Crown Prince had not attended court for some time, so why did they come today?

"Your Highness, all the countries are making unusual moves at the same time. There is a high probability that there is a middleman in contact, trying to split up Daliang. We should act carefully so as not to cause a major chaos." Shen Qingzhou said.

"What a joke! Lord Shen is too optimistic. Now, with troops from various countries at the gates of our city, we only have 200,000 soldiers available for combat in Daliang. Moreover, Yeqin is in rebellion, tying down the Qingli Army, which in turn has to suppress rebellions in surrounding areas. With an army of 150,000, internal and external troubles and enemies on all sides, it's inevitable that there will be chaos." Marquis Huaiyi said.

This is a military officer. According to the military system of Daliang, those who can go to the court must be military marquises. He spoke at this moment, obviously blaming Shen Qingzhou for not understanding the military system.

"What does Marquis Huaiyi think?" Shen Qingzhou asked.

"Lord Shen is a man of great literary talent. When it comes to politics, everyone respects him. But when it comes to military affairs, it's not that easy. During the Yeqin Rebellion, Duke Heng was there to contain it. The Jicheng Army had never thought of attacking the city at the beginning. But now, the situation is different from before.

When two armies are fighting, they can occasionally launch surprise attacks, but when the nations come prepared, it is not so easy to repel them."

"Yes." A group of people agreed.

"Lord Shen, now we have no choice but to ask the emperor to come out. Although he has been ill for a long time, he knows that Daliang is facing such a crisis. I think he will definitely return to court. When he comes to court, the internal troubles will surely be settled." The prince also said.

Nowadays, the reasons for the rebellion in the prefectures are very consistent. Shen Qingzhou, the powerful official, has placed Emperor Liang under house arrest in order to purge his court. The appearance of Emperor Liang must not have this reason. The major prefectures may not really want to rebel, but are just using this excuse.

"Father is not feeling well." Prince Huai said hurriedly. He knew that as long as Emperor Liang came to court, the power in his hands could be taken back openly, unless he rebelled, which he could not do.

"Sixth brother, the situation is urgent now. I don't think father will blame us." Prince Yu interrupted.

The civil officials said nothing about this. In the war, it would definitely be a battlefield for the military and the nobles, but everyone hoped that Emperor Liang would be able to come back.

Shen Qingzhou put too much pressure on people. They were worried that the bailiffs would rush in to arrest them at any time, so they dared not do anything wrong.

"You gentlemen are worrying too much. The Ministry of Revenue has sufficient money and food, and the Ministry of Works is constantly updating its war preparations day and night. We will definitely be able to win over all the countries. What do you think, my lords?" Shen Qingzhou asked directly.

"This." All the military officers were very hesitant. One was unsure, and the other did not want to go. Shen Qingzhou was clearly asking everyone to lead the troops into battle.

"Lord Shen, now that the war has just started, it is really difficult to deal with it comprehensively at the moment. I and your humble servants still advocate peace, and we should send someone to negotiate first." said a military marquis.

"We must never advocate peace. It has always been the military generals who advocate war. Why is it the opposite in Daliang?" At this moment, Prince Jing had forgotten that Mei Changsu had specifically looked for him before going to court and asked him to just listen and not speak in the court today.

He was not fond of Prince Huai, and he also knew the current situation of Emperor Liang, but when faced with such a request for peace, he could no longer tolerate it. He was a man who had led troops and fought in wars.

Although he himself wanted Emperor Liang to come back, he could not accept asking for peace.

"Prince Jing, it's not that I'm afraid of fighting, but we only have 150,000 soldiers. We have to face Dayu, Donghai, Beiyan, and suppress the rebellion in Zhou. This force is really insufficient." Marquis Huaiyi bowed to Prince Jing and said.

"There is no shortage of troops. The real shortage is the commander-in-chief. As long as there is a commander who is capable of taking on the task, this limited force can unleash extraordinary combat effectiveness. My fellow generals, now is the time for you to share the country's worries and establish military merits. I wonder which general is willing to volunteer?" Shen Qingzhou said in a deep voice.

"This." The major military marquises nodded in agreement but did not speak. The Crown Prince and Prince Yu looked at each other, showing a rare tacit understanding.

"Lord Shen is the number one expert on the Langya List. He is proficient in both literary and military strategies. I believe he must have studied military formations. Lord Shen can be the commander-in-chief." Prince Yu said. Okay, this is to let Shen Qingzhou leave Jinling. In that way, no one can suppress Emperor Liang. Everyone knows that Emperor Liang can appear at any time, but Shen Qingzhou suppressed this possibility with his powerful ability.

"This." Prince Huai was very worried.

"In that case, I will take over the position of commander-in-chief. From now on, I will be solely responsible for military affairs." Shen Qingzhou's words made many people feel familiar. This was how he managed the six ministries before.

Nowadays, even a capable minister like Shen Zhui of the Ministry of Revenue does not have as detailed control over the Ministry of Revenue as Shen Qingzhou. The Prime Minister and Xiao He are not kidding you.

"This." All the officials were a little hesitant. You are alone, without a military commander to lead you, and your troops are few in number. Except for the southern border which is suppressed by Princess Nihuang, the rest are in trouble.

This is not a game among the countries. If they march straight in, it will be dangerous. Prince Yu and the Crown Prince did not expect that Shen Qingzhou would be so selfish.

However, we are still in the preparation stage, and we must find a way to contact Emperor Liang.

……

The Ministry of War and the Recruiting Office must recruit soldiers. With the strength of one country, they will conquer the world. In Shen Qingzhou's plan, this is not resistance, but taking this opportunity to conquer all countries.

"My man, why don't you take Wu Gou and collect the fifty states in Guanshan? Please go to Lingyan Pavilion for a while, like a scholar with ten thousand households?"

In Jinling City, there was suddenly an excited voice. Shen Qingzhou didn't make many moves, but many people knew about this peculiar skill. When he made a move, he knew who he was fighting against.

However, many people immediately realized that this was not a fight, but a recruitment propaganda. Please go to the Lingyan Pavilion and see, which scholar could be canonized as a marquis with a fief of ten thousand households?
Lingyan Pavilion, as everyone knows, there were bound to be casualties during the defense of Nanjing. Some people who made great contributions had their names engraved in Lingyan Pavilion. It was ordered by Shen Qingzhou and was built specifically for the soldiers. There is also a huge monument in front of Lingyan Pavilion, on which are engraved many fallen soldiers.

Two days later, hearing the voices of many children outside the wall asking why boys should not wear Wu Gou, in the Su Mansion.

"What a heroic poem! I can't help but join the army." After hearing the voice, Mei Changsu felt a surge of heroism in his chest.

This poem is an aspirational poem. Reading it on the battlefield can boost the morale of the soldiers.

"Mr. Su, maybe I have to go to the front line." Prince Jing also heard it. He seemed to have made a decision that Daliang could not be destroyed. Even a rough man like him knew that Daliang's life was getting better and better. Now, there was a war, and there was no shortage of military supplies, and there was no pressure at all. This was the foundation laid by Shen Qingzhou. Many people had to admit this. This time, the court only talked about the military strength and the commander, not the logistics. This was Shen Qingzhou's credit.

"I knew you wouldn't be able to help it." Mei Changsu said. Although he wanted to overturn the verdict, Daliang was his hometown and he would not allow outsiders to invade. What's more, he clenched his fists, feeling a little comforted and a little regretful in his heart.

He received a letter by carrier pigeon.

"Brother Lin Shu, I am writing to you. Nihuang knows your wish very well, but Daliang is in danger and other countries are ready to make a move.

I have also heard about Brother Shen's affairs in the southern border. Although I don't want to interfere in the affairs of the court, I believe that Brother Shen is an upright person and must not be a powerful official. There must be another hidden story. After the crisis, I am willing to go to Nanjing in person to persuade Brother Shen.

But now is a critical moment. I am guarding the southern border, and Yeqin is suppressed by Duke Heng and Shen Sanyang. However, the East China Sea navy is invading the coastal islands. I know that Wei Zheng under my brother Lin Shu is good at naval battles and will definitely be able to repel the East China Sea navy.

Prince Jing will surely be able to repel Tuoba Hao of Northern Yan, and the crisis of all countries will be resolved. I also ask Brother Lin Shu to have mercy on the people of Daliang. "

Princess Nihuang wrote a letter to Mei Changsu, which was actually to get rid of Lin Shu and let Wei Zheng appear. She also wanted him to persuade Prince Jing, or in other words, not to stop Prince Jing. Nihuang also knew Prince Jing's character.

As for the rebellions in various continents, Nihuang did not say anything, but she believed that Shen Qingzhou should have the ability to do so. She even thought that when Shen Qingzhou could leave Jinling and Emperor Liang was restored to the throne, she would risk her life to repay Shen Qingzhou's many favors.

At this moment, Shen Qingzhou and Prince Huai were on the city wall of Jinling.

"Brother Shen, what should we do?" Privately, Prince Huai also called him intimately.

"Your Highness, don't worry too much. Everything is fine. But I just want to ask you, do you have the ambition to ascend to the throne? Now, you and I are enemies from all sides, but crisis is also an opportunity." Shen Zheng asked.

"Brother Shen, you say." Although Prince Huai didn't have much ability, he had one advantage: he knew who he could rely on. He quite liked this kind of life where he held great power but did not have to worry about anything.

Moreover, he sometimes fantasized that Shen Qingzhou would suppress the old man to death and that he would be able to ascend to the throne.

"Your Highness did not have a good reputation in the past. In the eyes of officials and the people, Prince Yu and the Crown Prince were quite frivolous." Prince Huai felt a little embarrassed when he heard this. He knew his reputation.

"However, a prodigal son who returns is worth more than gold. If Your Highness can lead the troops to repel the powerful enemies along the way, you will definitely be able to turn the tide." Shen Qingzhou said.

"Hey, Brother Shen." Xiao Jingli looked as if he was joking.

"Your Highness, this opportunity must not be missed." Shen Qingzhou said.

"Okay, Brother Shen is a man of many plans, and I know that if Brother Shen leaves Jinling, I will not be able to suppress my brother, let alone my father. However, please teach me, Brother Shen." Prince Huai said seriously.

He understood that if he didn't go, Shen Qingzhou would definitely leave Jinling, and it would be a worse outcome for him than to leave Jinling.

He had a good idea. Maybe Shen Qingzhou was giving him advice. With soldiers, he had military power. It would be best if he could win. If he couldn't win, he wouldn't come back and he would have the capital to run away at any time. Now the crisis was too big. He didn't dare to trust Shen Qingzhou as much as before, mainly because the surrounding countries had all used military force.

"Don't worry, Your Highness. I'll take care of everything." Shen Qingzhou also knew that Prince Huai had misunderstood, but let it be. Prince Huai was qualified enough to be a mascot.

Three days later, the court meeting began.

"With the tax reform, the border areas have sufficient food and grass, and the conscription effect is remarkable. We are recruiting 20,000 troops from the surrounding continents. Which military officer is willing to take on this important task?" It is easy to recruit new soldiers, mainly because their benefits are not low. However, the combat effectiveness of new soldiers is different from that of old soldiers.

"Lord Shen, you are joking. Although we have a large number of people, fighting a war is not just about numbers," said a military marquis.

"Sir Shen, you are the commander-in-chief. Troops from various countries are at the gates of the city. The situation is imminent. Have you thought about this, Sir Shen?" Prince Yu asked.

"I have already made arrangements for this matter."

"Sixth brother, I am willing to lead the troops north." The taciturn Prince Jing suddenly said. When he said this, many people frowned.

"I know a rare scholar named Su Zhe, who is very capable. He is just outside the palace and may be able to help us in the war." Prince Jing said again, Mei Changsu was about to take action.

"Please come in." Prince Huai said. Mei Changsu, alias Su Zhe, everyone knows that he is very capable. He used to make things difficult for Prince Yu and made the Crown Prince very uncomfortable. No, isn't he Prince Yu's aide? Why is Prince Jing saying this? Prince Yu seems to have known it for a long time.

This is Mei Changsu. It's not difficult to play with Prince Yu. Maybe Prince Yu thinks he is still helping him.

Shen Qingzhou didn't care, he had already made up his mind, so let's start the war. He could leave this world at any time now, but he stayed for the sake of his talent.

"Greetings to His Royal Highness Prince Huai." Mei Changsu saluted. Now, Prince Huai represented Emperor Liang.

"Mr. Su is a guest official appointed by our father, so there is no need to be polite. My seventh brother said that you can be of help to the war, I wonder if you can teach me." Prince Huai acted as if he was respecting a wise man. He didn't have the ability, but he could do the superficial work.

"I am not very strong, but if necessary, I will do my best." Mei Changsu would naturally not take action directly, so he had to see what Shen Qingzhou planned.

He already had a plan. He could go together with Meng Zhi, and Wei Zheng would be there for the naval battle. As for Prince Jing, he did not want him to leave. In his plan, Shen Qingzhou had no choice but to suppress the group himself, and Prince Jing could only be in Jinling City.

He and Meng Zhi can deal with Dayu, who poses the greatest threat. Nanchu has Princess Nihuang, Donghai has Wei Zheng, and only Beiyan has others who have no confidence in Shen Qingzhou, but he does.

Until now, he has not seen through Shen Qingzhou's ability, but he believes that Shen Qingzhou must have a way to deal with Tuoba Hao.

He has the strongest power in Tanzhou and has been an official in Tanzhou for nine years. With everyone in Tanzhou united, it will certainly not be difficult for him to resist Tuoba Hao.

"Lord Shen, do you have any arrangements?" Prince Yu asked. This time, Shen Qingzhou must be forced to leave Jinling City.

(End of this chapter)