The empress disliked my achievements for overshadowing her own, so she turned her attention to the N

"Does Your Highness intend to slaughter all of us civil officials who disagree with the defense of Suzhou today?"

Among the civil officials, Changsun Du was the first to speak; he knew he could no longer remain silent.

Civil officials are already somewhat weaker than military generals. In the eyes of the other civil officials, Yang Sen was killed by Chen Nan because he followed his lead.

If he doesn't seek justice for the other party, I'm afraid no one will want to associate with him in the future.

Unfortunately, although his voice was loud, it lacked confidence and sounded somewhat weak.

Upon hearing his words, Chen Nan shifted his gaze from the corpse to Changsun Du's face, a smile playing on his lips.

"I have said that Su City must be defended."

"If the Right Chancellor wants to challenge my bottom line, then continue with your reasons."

"I would like to remind the Right Chancellor that you should consider the consequences before giving your reasons."

Chen Nan's voice was very low, but no one dared to disregard it or interrupt him.

After he finished speaking, Changsun Du, who had been looking down on him just a second ago, narrowed his eyes, crossed his left and right hands, and rubbed them together.

Chen Nan has already made his point very clear. The other party has given him the opportunity to explain his reasons, but he needs to consider the consequences.

As for what the outcome would be, Yang Sen had already shown him, so he naturally knew.

He never expected that his simple desire to save face would leave him in such a predicament, caught between a rock and a hard place.

If he dares to take another step now, he could be Chen Nan's next target.

If he had taken a step back, he would have certainly survived, but his position as Right Chancellor would have been rendered meaningless.

Changsun Du glanced back at the civil officials and found that everyone's eyes were on him.

When he turned around, he found that Chen Nan was also looking at him, with a subtle smile on his face.

A bitter feeling welled up in his heart, and he regretted it a little, regretting that he had eaten the pie in the sky that Qin Qingmin had painted for him.

Originally, if he had simply followed Chen Nan's arrangements, although he might not have made a name for himself in history, he could at least have left a better impression on the Empress Dowager after she woke up.

Now things are really messed up; not only is the good impression gone, but there's also a chance I might lose my life.

As everyone watched him, Chen Nan slowly drew his sword.

The sound of a sword being drawn echoed throughout the silent hall, and it also stirred Changsun Du's heartstrings.

Changsun Du's Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed hard. He knew this was Chen Nan's countdown plan for him.

……

The sound of the sword being drawn grew louder and louder, and Changsun Du's gaze involuntarily turned to the light sword that was gradually being drawn.

He only felt that the blade was so sharp and so cold.

He swallowed again, then looked up to meet Chen Nan's cold gaze.

He couldn't help but give a bitter laugh: "Your Majesty..."

He had already made up his mind, but he was just reluctant to say it.

Rather than saying he was unwilling to make a choice, it would be more accurate to say he was reluctant to give up such a high position.

For more than a decade, he has been on a pedestal, but today he is about to fall from grace.

The most ridiculous thing is that he himself created this result.

He could have had a better, more perfect ending; he could have even risen higher in his official rank, perhaps even been granted a title and honors.

Unfortunately……

With a ripping sound—

The blade was eventually pulled out.

Chen Nan lifted his foot and walked forward step by step.

Changsun Du's breathing became heavier and heavier, one breath, two breaths, three breaths.

In the end, the two were only a sword's length apart.

Chen Nan slowly raised his right hand, which was holding the sword blade, and finally placed it on Changsun Du's neck.

"Your Highness, I... no, I agree to defend Su City."

This sentence seemed to drain all of Changsun Du's strength.

After saying that, he collapsed to the ground.

He didn't even dare to look back at the expressions of those civil officials. Even without looking, he knew that they must be filled with disappointment and resentment.

His move not only signaled the end of his official career but also drastically diminished the status of civil officials.

Chen Nan smiled gently: "Congratulations to Prime Minister Changsun for choosing such a correct outcome."

The tone changed: "But I feel that the Prime Minister seems to be ill. What does the Prime Minister think?"

Changsun Du replied repeatedly, "Your Highness is right. I am indeed ill and wish to rest at home for some time."

"During my recuperation, I hope Your Highness will continue to take care of the position of Right Chancellor."

"Hiss~ Does Prime Minister Changsun mean to appoint me as the Right Prime Minister? Doesn't the Prime Minister fear that I will make a decisive move?" Chen Nan mocked.

Changsun Du shook his head and gave a bitter smile. At this moment, he had no time to care whether Chen Nan would act arbitrarily or not; he was just glad that he had survived.

"Your Highness is too kind. I also wish to do my last bit of effort for Northern Wei, but I am unwell. The position of Right Chancellor needs to be filled."

"After much thought, I still believe that Your Highness is the most suitable candidate. I urge Your Highness not to decline."

Chen Nan nodded: "In that case, I will keep an eye on the position of Right Chancellor for the time being. Once the Chancellor is well enough to serve the court, I will return all the power of the Right Chancellor to him."

Among the civil officials, Qin Qingmin, who had been watching this scene, was breathing heavily.

Behind him were the other people who had discussed things together in the secret room that day.

They never imagined that not long after they finished their discussion, Yang Sen would die in front of them, and Changsun Du would even claim to be seriously ill.

"Gentlemen, I would like to know if there are any ministers who have different opinions on the strategy for Su City?"

"I'm giving you this chance. Step forward and give me a reason."

Chen Nan's gaze swept over the assembled officials one by one.

However, whenever he looked at a minister, that man would lower his head.

At that moment, they didn't even have the courage to look Chen Nan in the eye.

At first, all the civil officials disagreed with Chen Nan's strategy, and even two people insisted on disagreeing.

The result was that one died, and the other, who was in very good health, claimed to be seriously ill.

The rest? They were nothing but subjects.

Is it really worth risking one's life for the court and for the Northern Wei?

"Since everyone agrees with my strategy, then let's proceed accordingly."

"By the way, the position of Treasury Officer will be temporarily filled by Qin Xueyuan," Chen Nan suddenly changed the subject.

This statement thrust Qin Qingmin, who had previously been invisible, into the public eye.

Not to mention the others, even Qin Qingmin himself was shocked. He couldn't believe that the position of treasury keeper had fallen to him.

It's worth noting that not long ago he even considered refusing to participate in the morning assembly due to illness.

He wouldn't have attended today's court assembly if his grandson hadn't done something foolish.

Amidst those surprised looks, Chen Nan chuckled wickedly, "What? Is Qin Xueyuan also seriously ill?"

Seeing that look in his eyes, Qin Qingmin had no choice but to swallow the words that were on the tip of his tongue.