Chapter 513

Prime Minister Song, Jiang Honghao and the others were scared to death during the siege a few days ago. Later, they heard that Xie Xuanchen had captured Ye Luji, not hesitating in the slightest to provoke the Beirong people to force Ye Luyan to retreat. The royals and ministers in the capital had originally complained that Xie Xuanchen was too reckless. Later, they heard that Xie Xuanchen told Ye Luyan that if it came down to it, he would go on a killing spree and rebuild the capital at worst. Either way, he would never hand over the three towns of Taiyuan, Zhongshan and Hejian.

In fact, everyone knew that it was common for every party to say harsh words to one another at the negotiation table. It was even regarded that the harsh words of an ally shouldn't be taken to heart during this moment. But these words drifted into the ears of Prime Minister Song and the rest of them. So up until now, they were still offended and slighted by the rude remarks.

The higher-ranked the official, the more he feared death. Xie Xuanchen offended many officials in the capital at once with those words, so there was no way he would expect the Chief Ministers to have nice things to say in front of the Emperor. Prime Minister Song was not very happy as he said, "Your Majesty, I heard that Prince An said, a few days ago, that he will not accept the orders of the foreign king. When he said these words, he did so in front of the imperial envoys and all the soldiers. Your Majesty, I know that you have high hopes for Prince An, but a tiger might bite their mothers and a wolf could possibly kill their fathers(1). Your Majesty, you must be on your guard."

(T/N: Implying that sometimes, even the people close to you, particularly a child of your own, can bring you harm if you aren't wary enough)

Jiang Honghao kept his sleeves rolled up and did not express his opinions. When he heard what Prime Minister Song said, he and Xie Xuanji looked at each other. The in-law father-son duo said together, "What Prime Minister Song said is true— Prince An's greedy ambition has been exposed. Your Majesty, you must be wary."

Xie Xuanji also added, "I know that Father Emperor has always valued my Second Brother, but now he is proven to be greedy and obsessed with power, he has gone astray. Please make the decision to bring my Second Brother back to the path of righteousness and stop him from falling off the cliff."

After everyone's persuasion, the Emperor finally said with great sadness, "I had high hopes for him. I have spent many years of hard work and have always intended for him to inherit the throne. Nevertheless, I didn't expect that he would do such a thing and that truly disappoints me. With the people suffering continuously due to his constant mistakes, if I do not punish him, the people would think that I am a cold leader towards them."

Everyone else all raised their hands, "Your Majesty is right."

The emperor's face darkened and he said,"Men, deliver this imperial decree immediately. Prince An has repeatedly refused to comply with the imperial decrees and disregarded the imperial authority, which is contrary to the duty of a General. This time, he has committed a crime by mobilising the border troops without permission and leaving the border without permission either, which is a big taboo. Since he was still young and ignorant, I endured his mistakes again and again. Unexpectedly, things got worse and he showed no repentance. Therefore, I immediately revoke all the rights of Prince An and summon him to return to the capital alone. Otherwise, he will be punished for treason. Zhongshan and Hejian's Generals knowingly committed a crime and did not report it, so they are to immediately resign from their positions. After being relieved of power, their fate shall await the imperial court's decision."

Prime Minister Song, Jiang Honghao and the other officials lowered their long sleeves in front of them and bowed, "Your Majesty is wise."