Chapter 2045: Chapter 27: Emperor Jiaping’s Fury

While Zhou Xueli was anxiously looking toward the city walls, Huayang City was also tense due to the Beiyan attack. Although Huayang was not directly on the front lines, the enemy’s fierce offensive had caused a severe lockdown throughout the city.

Huayang City, still far from the battlefield, was nevertheless affected. On the battlefield, where the armies clashed, tensions were even higher. Beiyan’s relentless attacks left the troops with inadequate supplies of soldiers and provisions, requiring urgent replenishment.

Urgent reports repeatedly arrived at the court, making Emperor Jiaping Zhao Mingjun extremely angry.

Prince Wei declared himself Emperor in the south; his actions were downright shameless, seizing the tiny bit of Jiangnan and proclaiming himself ruler. Ridiculous, utterly ridiculous.

Ironically, Jiangnan boasts the best supply and richest resources, now completely occupied by Prince Wei.

Prince Wei was an issue, but that accursed Regent King of Beiyan, Jhin Mo, was even more detestable, pushing with his wolf-like troops, capturing numerous cities.

That detestable Jhin Mo, was he trying to drive him to ruin?

"...Useless, all useless!" Emperor Jiaping angrily smashed the White Jade Dragon Cup on the floor, shouting, "I could always see the wolfish ambition in Prince Jin of Beiyan’s eyes, even when he was here during the former emperor’s reign. And his Princess Consort is no good either, betraying their nation, a nest of snakes and rats, all of the same ilk."

No one dared to make a sound in the vast hall.

"Someone, draft a decree, strip County Magistrate Ruifu of her title and reduce her to a commoner, punish her entire family." Emperor Jiaping decreed angrily.

"Your Majesty, County Magistrate Ruifu already has no remaining relatives." The favored concubine, Consort Hua, said coolly: "County Magistrate Ruifu only had one brother, who also went to Beiyan. Whom will you punish?"

Emperor Jiaping paused, saying: "The Wu Family, her mother’s family..."

"County Magistrate Ruifu severed ties with the Wu Family when she was titled by the former emperor. Forcing matters now would likely prompt criticism." Consort Hua blew on her freshly painted nails, saying: "As for her mother’s family, it’s said her mother’s background is unclear. Raising issues with the deceased compromises Your Majesty’s wisdom."

Emperor Jiaping’s mouth twitched: "You’re saying I can’t do anything about her?"

Consort Hua cast him a sidelong glance, approached him, letting her ample bosom brush his arm, and pulled him to sit down, saying: "Stripping her title and reducing her to common status suffices for appearances. Beyond that, there’s no need, lest others see Your Majesty as petty."

As she spoke, she handed him a cup of tea.

Emperor Jiaping took a sip, his anger slightly relieved, saying: "You may have a point. Still, this matter unsettles me deeply. My dear consort, the Shu region keeps sending requests for more troops and provisions. How do I acquire the necessary resources?"

Consort Hua snorted coldly: "Your Majesty, isn’t this cause for the Fan Family’s headache? The Fan Family has taken advantage of Your Majesty for many things. Now that issues have arisen, they’re hiding behind excuses? No way."

Emperor Jiaping said: "Indeed, this matter falls to Prime Minister Fan to resolve."

Consort Hua lowered her eyes, a hint of a smile playing on her lips where Emperor Jiaping couldn’t see.

"My dear consort, rest. I shall return shortly." Emperor Jiaping stood up.

Consort Hua curtsied: "I duly bid farewell to Your Majesty."

Emperor Jiaping hastily left.

Consort Hua waited until he was out of sight, then turned back to the palace, yawning, and instructed: "Lock the palace doors; I am weary."

"My lady, didn’t His Majesty say..."

Consort Hua cast a glance at the palace maid, who immediately fell silent and mumbled her assent.

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