It's almost half noon.
Just in the Mobei grassland with the scorching sun hanging high in the sky.
People, horses, cattle, sheep, etc. are all sleepy.
Chang'an, the capital of the Great Zhou Dynasty, was only two thousand miles apart under the same sky.
But it was already dark as night.
Boundless black clouds shrouded deeply over Chang'an City.
It seemed vaguely that it wanted to completely collapse the entire sky.
The ensuing dull and hot atmosphere forced thousands of people in Chang'an City to put down their work one after another.
Then he walked out of the room to find a spacious and ventilated place.
So as to avoid the dull and hot breath that makes people restless.
For a while.
At least more than 70% of the people in Chang'an City hope that the storm will come sooner.
So that the dull and restless atmosphere can be completely driven away.
Just as countless people in Chang'an City were walking out of their rooms to escape the dull and hot atmosphere.
The imperial study room of the Zichen Palace in the imperial city symbolizes the core of a country's power.
But it gives people a cold feeling like falling into an ice cave.
In the past, there were all powerful dignitaries in the Great Zhou Dynasty, such as the cabinet bachelor, the six ministers, etc., who all held great power and could not change their expressions even if the mountain collapsed.
At this time, everyone was sweating on their foreheads, and even worse, their legs were trembling slightly.
There is no trace of the aristocratic attitude of the past.
In the Imperial Study Room of Zichen Hall in the Imperial City.
Emperor Zhengde sat on the dragon chair with a slightly pale complexion.
He looked at the powerful dignitaries of the Great Zhou Dynasty, such as the cabinet bachelors and the six ministers, who were listed on the left and right sides of the lower head with an expressionless expression.
Waiting for everyone to express their opinions and offer suggestions to the country.
However.
Emperor Zhengde waited and waited, but could not wait for anyone to come forward to give advice.
See this situation.
Although Emperor Zhengde did not show it on his face, he was already burning with anger in his heart.
Since the cabinet received Li Guangli's memorial at around 6:00 p.m.
Emperor Zhengde began to issue orders to convene a group of powerful officials and dignitaries to discuss matters.
Calculate the time.
Ever since a group of powerful officials and dignitaries arrived in the Imperial Study Room of Zichen Hall.
It was already more than half an hour.
And in this more than half an hour.
Except for Jin Wang Xu Zhen who once came out to give advice.
No one among the others dared to speak out.
"Are you all mute?!"
Emperor Zhengde took a deep breath quietly, and then asked in a deep voice full of coldness.
As soon as this statement came out.
Including the prince Xu Yong, the bachelor of Wenyuan Pavilion Shangguan Lu, and the bachelor of Jinshen hall Yao Yanjin.
As well as a number of powerful officials and dignitaries of the Great Zhou Dynasty, including Wang Fuchang, the Minister of War, Tian Yichu, the Minister of Household Affairs, and Cao Wen'an, the Minister of Industry.
All of them bowed their heads and treated each other with silence.
After more than ten breaths.
After the lingering sound of Emperor Zhengde's previous questioning completely dissipated from the imperial study room of Zichen Palace.
The huge imperial study room of Zichen Palace once again fell into a dead silence that could hear a needle drop.
"Okay! Okay! Okay!"
"It's so good! It's so good! It's so good!"
"This is my civil and military officials! These are the parents and officials of millions of people in the Great Zhou Dynasty!"
"Everyone, please step back! Everyone, please step back! Please step back!"
A blush suddenly appeared on Emperor Zhengde's slightly pale face, and then he slowly stood up from the dragon chair.
He stared at the powerful officials and dignitaries on the left and right sides of his head with an extremely cold gaze, and laughed angrily.
"Father, calm down."
"I must have pretended to be deaf and dumb and kept silent on purpose."
"It's true that I suddenly heard about this incident and I don't have a good plan in mind."
Seeing Emperor Zhengde's rage, the frightened Crown Prince Xu Yong quickly knelt down and explained.
"His Majesty."
"The peace negotiation is related to the destiny of our country."
"The trouble is serious, I dare not speak lightly."
"Your Majesty, please allow me some time to think about my strategy."
The first minister of the court, Grand Bachelor of Wenyuan Pavilion, followed closely and bowed deeply, bowed his hands, and then spoke sincerely.
"Your Majesty, I second the proposal."
"Your Majesty, I second the proposal."
"Your Majesty, I second the proposal."
"His Majesty......."
When the remaining powerful officials and dignitaries saw this, they all bowed deeply and bowed their hands, and then spoke in agreement.
"Zhan Zhu."
Emperor Zhengde took several deep breaths silently, and then looked at the palm eunuch Zhan Zhu who was not far away.
"His Majesty."
"My slave is here."
Upon hearing this, the palm eunuch Zhan Zhu quickly bowed and saluted.
"A decree."
"Tomorrow's meeting is cancelled."
Emperor Zhengde calmed down for a moment, and then issued an order in a deep voice.
"According to the order."
Hearing this, Zhan Zhu quickly bowed again to accept the order.
The words are over.
Emperor Zhengde just once again looked at the powerful officials and dignitaries of Zhou Dynasty who could not afford to pay homage to them.
"Tomorrow Tatsuki."
"I am waiting here for your advice!"
Emperor Zhengde issued an ultimatum in a deep voice with no expression on his face.
"I would like to thank Your Majesty for your kindness."
Shangguan Lu, Yao Yanjin, Wang Fuchang, Tian Yichu and other powerful officials and dignitaries stood up immediately after hearing this.
Then he leaned down deeply and bowed his hands in a big salute.
"You get up too."
Emperor Zhengde looked down at Prince Xu Yong, who was kneeling on his knees and bowing in obeisance, expressionlessly, and then spoke.
"My dear father, I thank you for your kindness."
When Xu Yong heard this, he immediately kowtowed heavily and then slowly stood up from the ground.
"I'm tired."
"Everyone, please step aside."
Emperor Zhengde waved his hand slightly and then spoke.
"My son, please retire."
"I'll take my leave."
Xu Yong, Shangguan Lu, Yao Yanjin and other officials and dignitaries bowed and left after hearing this.
Not long after.
Xu Yong, Shangguan Lu, Yao Yanjin and other officials and dignitaries disappeared completely outside the Zichen Hall.
at the same time.
Emperor Zhengde, who was watching the officials and dignitaries leave coldly, suddenly had a blush appear on his pale face again.
"A group of unfamiliar white-eyed wolves, moths, and beasts!"
Emperor Zhengde cursed in a low voice and slowly sat down on the dragon chair.
Although he continued to curse in a low voice.
But in his heart he knew the current situation of the Zhou Dynasty better than anyone else.
It's no exaggeration to say so.
Nowadays, Da Zhou, who is suffering from internal and external troubles, is like that terminally ill old man.
There are constant natural disasters, and unruly people gather in crowds to rebel, which is becoming more and more intense.
The Xiongnu were watching from outside, and Li Guangli and Xia Houdong, who were entrusted with important tasks, suffered consecutive defeats and continued to lose troops.
Now tens of thousands of troops and tens of thousands of civilians are trapped in one place, completely destroying the majesty of the Great Zhou Dynasty.
As a result, half of the thirty-six countries in the Western Regions were ready to take action.
Every time Da Zhou takes a step now, he may face the risk of collapse.
Thinking about this.
The red color on Emperor Zhengde's face suddenly increased a little.
"It's okay to have different thoughts."
"Afraid of bearing the name of country subjugation."
"This is no reason for you to shrink back and say nothing!"
Emperor Zhengde's hands hidden under his sleeves were clenched into fists.
His eyes were full of coldness as he looked towards the black sky outside the Imperial Study Room that seemed to be about to fall at any moment.
And this look.
That's a full quarter of an hour.
A quarter of an hour later.
Emperor Zhengde slowly withdrew his eyes and looked at the dark sky outside the royal study.
I already have the final decision in my mind.
"Zhan Zhu!"
Emperor Zhengde calmed down for a moment, then called out in a deep voice.
"His Majesty."
"The old slave is here!"
Zhan Zhu, the palm eunuch who was always at the side, quickly bowed and saluted after hearing this.
"It is said that Cheng Tong Shiwen, the imperial censor, will enter the palace immediately!"
Emperor Zhengde issued the decree in a deep voice with no expression on his face.
"Crack!"
Emperor Zhengde finished his words.
Suddenly a huge lightning flashed outside Zichen Palace.
Even the brightly lit imperial study room of Zichen Palace inevitably lit up for a moment.
Zhan Zhufang, the palm eunuch who always served Emperor Zhengde, wanted to speak out and lead the order.
Thunder followed by lightning suddenly exploded over Chang'an City.
The sound was so fierce that Zhan Zhu could not help but tremble in fright.
"Old slave obeys the order."
Zhan Zhu forced himself to calm down, bowed to Emperor Zhengde again, and then slowly backed away.
After Zhan Zhu's figure completely disappeared from the imperial study room of Zichen Palace.
Emperor Zhengde slowly stood up from the dragon throne again.
Then he walked to the bookshelf on one side.
A rosewood treasure box was taken out from it.
Then he took out a dark pill from it.
Once you get the elixir recipe.
Emperor Zhengde immediately turned around and walked to the imperial case again.
Then he swallowed the dark elixir in his hand with warm tea.
After the elixir is completely absorbed into the abdomen.
Emperor Zhengde immediately put down the tea cup in his hand, closed his eyes and carefully felt the warm and comfortable feeling after the elixir entered his stomach.
Nearly a quarter of an hour passed.
Emperor Zhengde opened his eyes just now, still not satisfied.
"The National Master will not deceive me."
"It's really miraculous to use a hundred-year-old dragon as an elixir."
"It's a pity that the existing dragon pods are only enough for three months."
Emperor Zhengde looked outside the royal study room where the wind was blowing with a complicated expression.
Thirty-one years since entering Zhengde.
In order to find a hundred-year-old dragon to make elixirs.
At least tens of thousands of "fishermen" have died in the unpredictable seas in the counties and counties along the coast of the Great Zhou Dynasty.
That's why.
Thirty-one years since entering Zhengde.
The rebellions of unruly people in counties and counties along the coast of the Great Zhou Dynasty have never stopped.
In just half a year.
More than thirty people, such as county guards and county magistrates, died at the hands of the rebellious people.
To suppress the rebellion.
In order to ensure that there are enough manpower to go out to sea to capture dragon worms.
And to ensure that the captured dragons can be transported to the capital Chang'an on time.
Emperor Zhengde did not hesitate to mobilize 50,000 troops and horses to the coastal counties.
All suppressed and captured rebels were expelled into the sea.
In addition, Zhenhai General Mu Gongming and his 10,000 naval troops were dispatched to the sea for surveillance.
To prevent the captured traitors from slacking off or absconding secretly.
Calculate carefully.
Since nearly half a year.
The simple matter of refining alchemy caused the rebellion of the people and the suppression of the army.
It has already consumed nearly 30% of the annual tax revenue of the Zhou Dynasty.
And this does not include the internal expenditure of Emperor Zhengde.
If the expenditure of Emperor Zhengde's internal funds is also included.
All the things caused by the matter of refining alchemy alone.
This would consume at least nearly 40% of the Zhou Dynasty's annual tax revenue.
Since nearly half a year.
It was not that there were no "upright" officials admonishing Emperor Zhengde about refining elixirs.
Unfortunately.
Any official who mentioned alchemy in court.
Afterwards, he was always exiled to the border county because of his property being confiscated.
after that.
No one in the civil and military court dared to mention the word alchemy in the court hall.
...
...
In the Imperial Study Room of Zichen Hall in the Imperial City.
Just as Emperor Zhengde looked at the strong wind outside the imperial study with an extremely complicated expression.
Suddenly, several flashes of lightning flashed across the sky, which was so dark and heavy that it seemed as if it was about to fall at any moment.
After counting the interest.
A series of dull thunders exploded over Chang'an City.
Raindrops as big as soybeans followed and fell to the ground.
Sparking raindrops on the dry earth.
Just thirty or forty breaths of time.
It is already difficult to find a dry place outside Zichen Hall.
Emperor Zhengde stood outside the imperial study room in Zichen Hall.
He looked at the earth that was completely wet by the rain with an extremely complicated expression.
Not long after.
The complicated color on Emperor Zhengde's face gradually disappeared.
Instead, there was a slightly ferocious look of determination.
"I am the Emperor of Zhou Dynasty!"
"Since ascending the throne!"
"Drive out the Xiongnu! Take the Western Region! Pyramid South Vietnam! Conquer Goguryeo!"
"I will use my power in one lifetime to achieve eternal success!"
"I just asked a group of untouchables to get me some elixirs from the sea!"
"I just want to protect this great country and the people of the world for a few more years!"
"I am worthy of the conscience of heaven and earth!"
"I am worthy of the common people!"
"What's wrong with me?!"
"What's wrong?!"
"Why are you rebelling against me?!"
"Why are you rebelling against me?!"
"Trickster!"
"A bunch of thugs!"
Emperor Zhengde stared hard at the outside of the royal study room in Zichen Palace where the wind was blowing and the rain was pouring.
His face gradually became more ferocious.
He kept asking questions in a low voice.
It seems that he wants to take advantage of the strong wind and heavy rain to vent all the boredom and dissatisfaction in his heart.
...
...
Just when Emperor Zhengde was alone in the imperial study room of Zichen Palace, he took advantage of the strong wind and heavy rain to vent his boredom and dissatisfaction.
Shangguan Lu, the bachelor of Wenyuan Pavilion, Yao Yanjin, the bachelor of Jinshen Palace, and Xu Zhen, the king of Jin.
As well as Wang Fuchang, the Minister of the Ministry of War, Tian Yichu, the Minister of the Ministry of Households, and other powerful officials and dignitaries of the Zhou Dynasty.
Finally, he was led by a team of palace eunuchs.
Wearing a raincoat, we walked slowly to the Meridian Gate of the Imperial Palace.
"Summer rain comes and goes quickly."
"Gentlemen, you might as well take shelter here from the rain."
"Wait until the rain stops."
The first middle-aged eunuch stopped in front of the Meridian Gate, then bowed slightly and made some remarks.
"Thank you, Eunuch Chen, for your help."
"We have important things to do."
"I won't linger any longer."
The chief minister, Shangguanfu, who was over fifty years old, slightly cupped his hands and bowed in return.
Then he turned around and strode into the violent storm.
"Thank you, Eunuch Chen, for your help."
"Thank you, Eunuch Chen, for your help."
"Thank you, Eunuch Chen, for your help."
「……」
Yao Yanjin, the scholar of Jinshen Palace, Tian Yichu, the minister of the Ministry of household affairs, Wang Fuchang, the minister of the Ministry of war, Cao Wen'an, the minister of the Ministry of industry and other powerful officials and dignitaries of the Zhou Dynasty followed closely and returned the salute slightly.
Then he turned around and strode into the violent storm.
Not long after.
royal palace
Among the dignitaries in front of the Meridian Gate, only Jin Wang Xu Zhen was left.
"His Royal Highness King Jin?"
Seeing this scene, Eunuch Chen, the eunuch who served as the Supervisor of Ceremonies, couldn't help but bowed and asked in a low voice.
"The old wounds on my legs hurt when exposed to wind and rain."
"Just rest here for a while."
"Eunuch Chen, there is no need to worry about it."
Xu Zhen grinned and then spoke.
"Your Highness, Prince Jin, please wait a moment."
"Slave, please go ask the doctor right now."
Eunuch Chen quickly spoke after hearing this.
"No need to go to such trouble."
"It's an old problem, just take a rest."
"Eunuch Chen, please go and get busy."
Xu Zhen waved his hand and then spoke.
"Then please take care of yourself, Your Highness Prince Jin."
When Eunuch Chen heard this, he didn't want to bother him too much. He bowed slightly and saluted, then turned and left.
"Chang'an City is probably going to be very lively tonight."
After Eunuch Chen and his party completely left.
Xu Zhen, standing outside the Meridian Gate, looked deeply at the direction Shangguan Lu and his party were leaving, and murmured with a heavy heart.
