We have fought to the Arctic Circle, and you want me to inherit the throne?

Seeing Zheng Mao frightened like this, Emperor Wenchu ​​was also stunned.

He originally wanted to strike a balance and share some of the pressure with Du Fuchen, but he didn't expect Zheng Mao to react like this.

Looking at Zheng Mao's pus-filled appearance, the sense of accomplishment in playing power games that had just risen in Emperor Wenchu's heart disappeared in an instant.

Du Fuchen closed his eyes silently, sighing inwardly that it was a pity.

It seems that the plan of letting Zheng Mao, this useless person, lead his troops to deliver his life has failed.

Qin Huizhi curled up the corner of his mouth in a sneer. The more unbearable Zheng Mao was, the more correct his negotiation strategy seemed.

Emperor Wenchu ​​froze there, not knowing how to step down, and his gaze involuntarily turned to Zhai Yan on the other side.

Everyone in the hall followed the emperor's lead and focused their attention on him.

The aristocratic families forced the emperor to abdicate and all the military heroes were on opposite sides, resulting in Emperor Wenchu ​​having no generals to use.

At this moment, there seems to be no other choice except Zhai Yan.

Emperor Wenchu ​​took a deep breath and spoke softly: "Lord Zhai..."

Zhai Yan met the emperor's gaze, her heart full of contempt.

The court is full of those who are greedy, cowardly and afraid of death.

You are my limbs when I need you, but I will discard you like a worn-out shoe once you fail.

Now that there is no one available, you think of him, an outsider?

But Zhai Yan did not lose his composure like Zheng Mao did. Instead, he looked at Emperor Wenchu ​​calmly, without hiding the arrogance in his eyes.

Emperor Wenchu ​​felt a little guilty when Zhai Yan looked at him, but he still said, "Zheng Aiqing is not feeling well and it seems that he is unable to take on such an important responsibility."

"Such an important task is bestowed upon none other than Lord Zhai. I will, as you requested, appoint you the rank of General Suppressing the Rebellion, commanding the Imperial Camp, the Southern Army, and all other military affairs in the southwest. All operations north of the Yangtze River will be under your command."

"I hope you will understand my feelings, share my worries, and quickly prepare the army to resist the powerful enemy."

Zhai Yan sneered inwardly, then slowly clasped his fists and bowed: "General, I obey your command."

Although I feel disdainful in my heart, I still have to take this job. Holding the military power in my hands is the real thing.

As long as he has soldiers and can keep the Fengtian Army north of the Yangtze River, the person sitting on the dragon throne may not be named Zhai!

The officials present all looked unhappy. They all knew that the military power had finally fallen into the hands of this military man whom they both relied on and feared.

Emperor Wenchu ​​secretly breathed a sigh of relief when he saw Zhai Yan accept the order.

He waved his hand and said weakly, "Since that's the case, please proceed as agreed."

"Retreat."

. . . . . .

Du Fuchen walked out of the Xuanzheng Hall. The summer sun was dazzling, but he felt cold all over.

Looking back at the towering palace, he knew that this might be his last time here as the Left Prime Minister.

After returning to his residence after court was dismissed, Du Fuchen ordered his personal servant, "Go and find that rebellious son for me!"

"No matter where he is in the brothel, he must be brought back immediately!"

The old servant saw that the master was in a very bad mood, so he didn't dare to ask more questions and quickly took his people out.

About half an hour later, Du He, who was drunk, was half pushed and half shoved in by two servants.

"Dad, why are you in such a hurry to call your son back? I'm listening to Xiao Taohong singing..."

Du Fuchen said in a deep voice, "Pack your things and leave the capital with me tomorrow."

"Leaving the capital?" Du He was still a little confused. "Where to?"

"Go north and go on a mission to Fengying." Du Fuchen said in a cold tone.

"What? Go... go to see that evil star?" Du He was so scared that his face turned pale. "Dad! I won't go! What kind of place is that? Swords and guns are blind. What if..."

"Shut up, you evil creature!"

Du Fuchen's pent-up anger suddenly erupted. He swung his arm and slapped Du He hard in the face with a loud slap.

Du He was hit so hard that he staggered and stood there with his hands covering his face. He was almost sober.

Although his father was strict, he never hit him when he was growing up.

"Idiot! If you stay in the imperial capital, you'll die!"

Seeing his father's unprecedented stern expression, Du He was speechless.

Although he was very reluctant, he did not dare to refute and could only go back to his room to pack up in shame.

After sending his son away, Du Fuchen took a deep breath and summoned all the servants left in the mansion to the front hall.

Looking at these old people who had followed the Du family for many years, a trace of pity flashed through his heart, but he still asked someone to carry out a small box containing gold, silver and other valuables that had been prepared long ago.

"I'm on a diplomatic mission under imperial order, and my return date is uncertain." Du Fuchen's voice was calm. "The situation in the capital is turbulent and uncertain. You don't need to guard this mansion anymore."

"Take this money and divide it among you, and each of you shall find a way to make a living."

Upon hearing this, the servants were all horrified and fell to their knees.

"Master! Are you going to drive us away?"

"Master, why is this?"

"No, sir. If we leave, what will happen to this mansion?"

Du Fuchen looked at them, a complex expression flashing in his eyes. "No need to say more! Remember, after leaving the mansion, each of you must behave yourself. Don't consider yourselves to be members of the Du Mansion anymore, and don't come back here."

He personally distributed the gold and silver to everyone with a resolute attitude.

Seeing that Du Fuchen had made up his mind, the servants could only kowtow with tears in their eyes and disperse one after another.

The huge prime minister's residence became empty in an instant.

. . . . . .

The next morning, a small delegation gathered outside the city gate.

Du Fuchen looked calm, while Du He followed him reluctantly.

Unexpectedly, Qin Huizhi came in person to see him off.

"Prime Minister Du, you've come on this journey with great responsibility entrusted to you by the court. You've had a lot of hard work." Qin Huizhi bowed, then glanced at Du He, "Oh? Your nephew is going too?"

"The north is a harsh place. I'm afraid your precious body can't bear it, nephew?"

Du Fuchen remained expressionless, "Prime Minister Qin is thoughtful. My son is a stubborn child. If he stays in the capital, he might cause trouble. Bringing him with him and disciplining him strictly will also give him some experience and allow him to see the bigger picture of the world."

A hint of doubt flashed in Qin Huizhi's eyes, but Du Fuchen's reason was reasonable and he could not find any fault with it.

He could only smile and say, "Prime Minister Du has a good way of educating his children. It's admirable."

"Then I wish Prime Minister Du a smooth journey, and that he will soon reach a peace agreement and return triumphantly."

"I borrow the auspicious words of Prime Minister Qin."

Du Fuchen responded indifferently, then said no more and turned to get on the carriage.

The convoy started slowly, drove out of the city gate, and disappeared at the end of the official road.

Qin Huizhi stood there, the smile on his face gradually faded and his brows furrowed slightly.

He always felt something was wrong.

Du Fuchen left so abruptly that he even took his son with him...

After returning to the mansion and thinking for half a day, Qin Huizhi felt more and more uneasy.

Early the next morning, he immediately called his confidant and whispered, "Go, keep an eye on the Du Mansion and see if there's any movement."

In less than an hour, the confidant hurriedly reported: "Prime Minister, the Du Mansion is empty!"

"Last night, all the servants in the mansion were dismissed, and all the gold, silver, and valuables were distributed. Now the mansion door is closed, and no one has left!"

"what?!"

Qin Huizhi was struck by lightning and his face turned pale in an instant.