The big bandit in the Red Mansion robbed Lin Daiyu at the beginning

Even though all the reasons in Wang Ziteng's report seemed so reasonable and impeccable.

But the emperor was also furious.

However, considering that Wang Ziteng had already stated it in his report,

Wang Shoude, the commander of Zhenjiang Prefecture, was killed on the spot. Zhenjiang Prefecture was close to Yangzhou and was heavily infiltrated.

Jinling has already made preparations to dispatch 30,000 troops to retake Zhenjiang Prefecture.

The retired emperor then managed to suppress his anger and prepared to let Wang Ziteng go again.

At the same time, we were also waiting for good news from Nanjing.

Therefore, two days later, the report from Nanjing was submitted to the capital again.

The Emperor immediately predicted that this must be a report of victory in Nanjing.

Therefore, he convened a grand court meeting, presided over it personally, and had someone read the memorial directly in the court.

The original intention was to announce the victory report in court to boost morale.

After all, the rebels in Yangzhou have caused panic among many people in the capital these days.

The emperor also intended to use this good news to warn some people.

Just as all the court officials including the retired emperor were about to listen to Jinling's report,

However, as expected, an accident happened.

Although the report from Nanjing arrived, it was not the victory news that everyone had imagined.

It was a report of defeat. Niu Ben and Shi Lei, the sons of two noble dukes, led an army of 30,000 to retake Zhenjiang Prefecture.

Who knew that when we were halfway there,

They were ambushed by the Qingfeng Village troops and captured in one fell swoop.

The retired emperor's eyes went dark and he almost fainted.

"The Sheyang camp was lost because of the incompetence of the defending commander. I don't blame Wang Ziteng and will let him go."

"Zhenjiang Prefecture was also lost. Considering that he had just arrived in Nanjing and was taken advantage of by the rebels, I did not blame him and let him go."

Immediately, the emperor became furious in front of all the civil and military officials in the court.

"But today, the army marched out to recapture Zhenjiang Prefecture! And yet, we delivered another 30,000 heads to the rebels!"

"What does Wang Ziteng do for a living? That's 30,000 pigs. It would take Qingfeng Village three days and three nights to catch them all!"

"Does Wang Ziteng think that I am letting him go?"

Afterwards, the emperor gave a direct order.

"Pass on my decree to remove Wang Ziteng from office and strip him of his title, and bring him to the capital to be interrogated!"

"All matters concerning Jinling will be immediately handled by Duke Li of Jinling, Liu Biao, who will return to Jinling to take full responsibility."

Faced with the wrath of the retired emperor, the Crown Prince, the King of Chu, and other court officials were all trembling with fear.

Even the four kings and eight dukes who have close ties with the Wang family,

No one dared to step forward and plead for Wang Ziteng at this time.

But before the imperial edict was written,

Another urgent report arrived from Nanjing, eight hundred miles away.

Duke Liguo Liu Biao was sniped and killed by rebels with powerful firearms on his way south to Anqing Prefecture to take over the army. Half of his head was blown off on the spot.

On that day, the rebels attacked Suzhou and Hangzhou prefectures, and then lost both prefectures.

After seeing this expedited document of 800 miles, the emperor was completely paralyzed.

From the time he became emperor to the time he abdicated until now, he has experienced countless ups and downs over the past few decades.

But he had never seen such a terrible war.

It hasn't started yet.

First, they lost nearly 100,000 troops and lost a state and several prefectures.

Even one of the generals designated to lead the army died before he could achieve his goal. He was assassinated before he even reached the battlefield.

Moreover, this expedited response was clearly arranged by Wang Ziteng, who intentionally reported it in sequence.

Its purpose is self-evident.

The court officials all denounced and criticized the anti-traitor behavior.

"A traitor is a traitor. They are a scumbag who only knows how to assassinate and steal!"

"That's right! Duke Liguo has made countless military achievements, how could he die so pathetically? How can I ask the Emperor to issue an immediate decree to wipe out the rebels in Yangzhou!"

"I second the motion! The rebels' actions clearly indicate their intention to target Nanjing, and then take advantage of the situation to spread and plot against Jiangnan. At this moment, the imperial court must act decisively and not give the rebels any breathing space!"

"Not bad!"

"..."

The next target of Qingfengzhai must be Nanjing, this is the consensus of the court officials.