Chapter 116: Let Him Lay Down His Arms

Listening to the Minister of War's words, the officials also came to understand; in such an event, what exactly is hidden?

Furthermore, if Prince Pingxi stays in the capital, he can meet the Emperor anytime, to relieve the Emperor's brotherly longing.

The Minister of War spoke again; a single sentence made all the officials' hearts tremble once more.

These matters, it seems, are already clear to everyone.

In the words, every sentence praises Prince Pingxi, but in reality they directly let the Emperor strip Prince Pingxi of his military authority.

Of course, such matters often—indeed, it is highly likely—stem from the Emperor's own intention!

Otherwise, such a steady minister as the Minister of War would never rashly propose such a suggestion—that would truly be a grave violation.

"Your words, beloved minister, are reasonable."

Yun Fengyun appeared thoughtful; after a moment, he still unconsciously nodded.

Yang Ye gave a cold laugh.

He certainly could see that a Minister of War would never have any difficulty with him.

That night, Yun Fengyun proposed discussing with him the matter of letting him remove his armor and return to farming.

Back then I refused, but now it has become even more different.

Yun Fengyun here clearly intends to use the Minister of War's mouth to say such words.

Thinking of this, Yang Ye let out a cold snort and stepped forward.

"Where I choose to spend my old age—what business is it of yours to interfere?"

Yang Ye coldly rebuked; in a single sentence, his powerful aura surged fiercely toward the Minister of War.

At this moment, the Minister of War had no defense; struck by that aura, he was instantly flung away, fell to the ground, and spat out a mouthful of blood.

Even so, the Minister of War managed to struggle up, kneel, and respectfully salute Prince Pingxi again.

"I have spoken rashly; please forgive me, Your Majesty, and please calm your anger, Prince Pingxi!"

Fear filled the Minister of War's eyes.

Prince Pingxi possesses astonishing martial prowess; whatever he attempts, others cannot defend against.

Even if the Minister of War holds high rank and great authority, he is utterly unable to match him.

"Brother-in-arms, my meaning is the same—will you stay in the capital to keep me company?"

"As for marching and fighting, you've spent most of your life at it; it's time to rest and leave it to others."

Yun Fengyun also understood that Yang Ye was resisting, dissatisfied.

But now that I have drawn this bow, there is no turning back.

In this moment, the matter is natural and should be carried out.

"My decree: effective immediately, Deputy Commander of the Imperial City Guard, Zhou Tian, shall serve as acting commander-in-chief of the Prince Pingxi's forces."

"Acting for Prince Pingxi, he shall control the western military authority, resist all border incursions, and defend the home and nation!"

Emperor Yun Fengyun announced this in a firm tone.

Hearing Yun Fengyun's words, the officials dared not believe it.

Everyone turned their gaze toward Zhou Tian.

It seems the Minister of War's move was merely laying groundwork for this matter.

Is the Emperor's seizure of military authority truly just to let Prince Pingxi enjoy his twilight years?

Zhou Tian was also dazed; the matter was so sudden that he, shocked to the extreme, trembled all over.

Especially his hands within his sleeves, they shook with excitement.

The Emperor favors me, but that does not mean he can grant me such great authority.

Now all this is truly happening before his eyes—how could he not be shocked?

Zhou Tian wanted to laugh loudly, thinking he would not be a loser.

Even if the Sixth Princess were married to Zhou Tian, it would merely be a marriage, not a fact.

I still have something to fight for!

Nowadays, having received such an honor, if I wish to obtain all this, in the officialdom I will surely surpass Yang Jun!

Yang Jun relies on nothing more than Prince Pingxi's authority.

Now that Prince Pingxi has lost his military authority, can I not act as I please?

At this moment, Zhou Tian felt only a refreshing sensation in his heart.

But soon he realized, these matters are not that simple.

Prince Pingxi is deeply entrenched in the court; even if the so-called military authority is gone, it does not mean he has lost his influence.

Most importantly, the Pacified West Army's hearts should be loyal solely to Yang Ye!

Only after considering this did Zhou Tian feel a sense of unease.

Now it seems that this acting general business is overly sensitive.

One could even say this is not a hot potato; it is clearly the Emperor putting me on the fire to roast.

"Congratulations, General Zhou."

"Congratulations, General."

"General Zhou's martial skill surpasses others; now you will stabilize the west, and everyone will feel at ease."

"General Zhou, why not gather together today to celebrate your promotion?"

"General Zhou was never ordinary; I could tell at a glance."

The Minister of Rites was greatly excited, as if Zhou Tian were his own nephew.

"Yes, General Zhou's personal strength—how could others lightly compare with it?"

"How wonderful—having General Zhou in the court is a blessing for our Great Xia!"

Just then, the officials all spoke up again, one after another, continuously congratulating Zhou Tian.

Zhou Tian was very happy; who wouldn't like such a situation?

Amid the officials' congratulations, his gaze turned to Yang Jun.

Yang Jun, at this moment, actually showed an indifferent attitude, standing there, even reaching out his hand—was he picking his nose?

Yang Jun even chuckled lightly, "What is this Yun Fengyun up to?"

This matter is really too low-class.

Look, what kind of nonsense is this?

Yang Jun glanced at Zhou Tian—on what basis?

Did he just want to replace his own father, the king?

Perhaps Zhou Tian is still a bit lazy.

This time, Yang Ye returned to the capital with only a small force—just a few hundred men.

With just these few hundred men, Zhou Tian probably couldn't suppress them.

"Father, let's go home; this place is boring."

Yang Jun patted his father's shoulder, while Zhou Tian saw everything that was happening here.

Such a scene made his heart even more anxious.

This father-son pair really doesn't play by the rules.

Furthermore, if Yang Ye were to explode, beating him as he did the Minister of War, what would I do?

Can I withstand it?

Amid Zhou Tian's worries, this father-son pair of Yang Ye and Yang Jun actually strode away.

Zhou Tian let out a soft sigh; fortunately, what he had feared did not happen.

But he still felt anger inside.

Yang Ye taking off his armor? This military authority really means little to him.

Because the Pacified West Army fundamentally does not obey orders from the tally; they only recognize persons.

It's probably not that easy for me to control the Pacified West Army.

Moreover, there is another crucial issue: Prince Pingxi's control over the Pacified West Army is too strong.

If Prince Pingxi rebels, then the Pacified West Army will surely rebel as well—there is no doubt about that!