The deputy cabinet leaders and commanders of various departments were seated in the front row below.

To Sikong Jin's right was Liu Zhang, the deputy head of the Military Intelligence Bureau, and to his left was Ji Wuge. Ji Wuge used to work for the General Affairs Department, and then for the Judicial Department. Tang Jingyao, who had been the acting head of the Judicial Department, had been officially appointed. He was now sitting in the front row of the upper row, next to Ji Jiucheng and Sikong Shu.

First, Lord Ji Jiucheng, the Grand Commander of the Military Intelligence Bureau, gave a brief report on the border defense deployment, followed by the General Affairs Department, and then the Judicial Department's report...

A long, tedious, formulaic report made Sikong Jin drowsy. It was raining outside, and the weather was quite cool. She had grabbed a cloak when she came out, since it was cool and perfect for sleeping.

While the people above were talking non-stop, Sikong Jin below had already fallen asleep, her body slightly curled up, covered with a large cloak, sleeping soundly.

When Ji Wuge turned her head to look, she could vaguely see that there was still a glint of tears on the corner of her mouth. She shook her head helplessly, smiled to herself, met Tang Jingyao's gaze from in front of her, shrugged, took the cloak from her lap, and casually draped it over her shoulders.

Liu Zhang gave a chilling smile, the sinister look in his eyes sending a shiver down one's spine.

Ji Wuge glanced at him, ignoring him, her eyes filled with disdain.

Such an attitude naturally made Liu Zhang's face turn cold. He gritted his teeth and stared at the two of them, thinking to himself, "You idiots, you'll be crying soon!"

His fight with Sikong Jin a few days ago left him bruised and swollen, and he also suffered a great loss of energy when he got back. He is still feeling weak and powerless. Sikong Jin is looking for an opportunity to take revenge and make him lose face. This debt will be settled soon!

The council finally discussed military power and personnel transfers. At this moment, the previously quiet hall was suddenly filled with whispers. Finally, Prince Lie, who had remained silent until now, spoke up.

"Regarding the issue of transferring military power, I also have some doubts and opinions. Imperial Uncle, you have been stationed in Hangu City for many years, and your body is exhausted. A few days ago, I heard that you summoned a physician, and only after inquiring did I learn that you had a health problem."

King Lie smiled as he looked at the silent Prince Duan, Lord Xingqi Tian, ​​with a tone full of concern that sounded very sincere.

"Oh? I have a health problem? Who told you that?"

Koki Ten smiled gently, his eyes radiating a warm glow, but his face was somewhat pale, and anyone with eyes could see that he looked very tired.

"If there hadn't been a problem, why was the Ninth Princess so anxious to summon the imperial physicians just a few days ago? Uncle, you've been stationed at Hangu Pass for many years now, and Father is very concerned about your health. You're getting on in years; wouldn't it be more pleasant for you to stay in the capital, drinking tea, listening to music, and painting every day? Father often misses you too. This time, we all hope you can stay in the capital. As for Hangu Pass, I will naturally send capable men to manage it. Father and I are very worried about you having to work so hard..."

Upon hearing these words, the crowd below was stunned, thinking they had misheard. This was a veiled demand that Yukichi Ten relinquish his military power!

The entire hall fell into a terrifying silence. Everyone instinctively stared intently at Xing Yilie and Xing Qitian above them, and no one dared to speak.

The eight Grand Secretaries and the heads of the families above remained silent.

Ji Wuge's face immediately darkened, and he looked at Lord Yukisaki Ten with concern.

"However, I still miss Hangu City more."

Kosaki Ten remained calm and composed, showing no sign of panic.

"Uncle, why must you be so reckless? Wouldn't it be better to save some of your energy for enjoying life and thinking about the Ninth Princess? She is your only daughter. You have already let her down enough over the years. Father's wish is for you to stay in the capital to help him with some government affairs and enjoy time with your children. As for matters outside, leave them to us younger generation. Uncle, please don't let Father's good intentions go to waste... What do you all say?"

Xing Yilie looked at Xing Qitian with a forced smile, while giving Liu Changyue beside him a wink. Liu Changyue immediately understood and took over the conversation.

"Your Highness, the Emperor is doing this for your own good. Look how weak you are now. You've been working too hard and your health has collapsed. You only have the Ninth Princess as your daughter. If you don't take advantage of this time to enjoy your retirement, I'm afraid..."

Liu Changyue said with a sinister smile.

Upon hearing this, a commotion immediately arose below. Some officers of the Second Army Corps who had returned with Yukichi Ten stood up, feeling extremely angry at Liu Changyue for insulting their superiors in this way.

Even Ji Wuge couldn't help but clench his fists, veins bulging on his forehead, his dark eyes burning with anger. He was about to stand up, barely able to suppress the rage in his heart—

"Report——"

A loud announcement broke the commotion, and a guard rushed in, sweating profusely, carrying an urgent document.

"Commander, Hangu Pass is under attack!"

It was Yukichi Ten's personal bodyguard; his anxious voice caused a moment of surprise in the hall.

Xingqi Tian took the document from the guard, opened it, and immediately his gentle face fell silent. He slammed the document shut and stood up abruptly.

"Where is Imperial Uncle going?"

Xing Yilie also stood up immediately, looking at Xing Qitian with a half-smile.

"I have no time to fight you. Hangu Pass is under attack. I must return to Hangu Pass immediately, or it will be too late!"

A slight hint of displeasure appeared on Kosaki Ten's face.

“Uncle, someone will be going to handle the matter at Hangu Pass soon, but shouldn’t we continue this council meeting now?” Xing Yilie sneered, his face icy cold. “When did the soldiers of my Great Yong become so unruly? How dare they interrupt such an important meeting? What should their punishment be?”

Xing Yilie coldly glanced at the guards beside him. The two immediately understood and stepped forward to grab the guard who had just delivered the message. Just as they were about to drag him away, the Hangu Wangzhou officers below, who had been holding back for a long time, could no longer sit still and stood up angrily.

"unacceptable!"

Ji Wuge was panting heavily, his eyes bloodshot as he stared intently at Xing Yilie on the stage.

'Bah! '

The teacup in Liu Zhang's hand fell to the ground and shattered.

'boom! ’

A sudden explosion rang out, followed by a series of chaotic and heavy footsteps. The tightly closed doors of the hall were flung open, and a group of guards armed with spears and crossbows rushed in, their menacing aura surrounding the entire venue. A row of archers at the entrance aimed their arrows at the Hangu Wangzhou officers who had stood up.

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