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Qutu Tong no longer insisted and simply advised, "Han Wang, regardless of the circumstances, since the court has issued an edict, you should comply."
Yang Liang was in tears, his expression conflicted. He was not a strong-willed person; otherwise, he would not have voluntarily stepped back during the struggle for succession.
However, a weak person fears death even more. He probably already guessed what had happened and thus dared not gamble on whether his ruthless second brother would show him mercy.
Unable to make a decision, he ordered the guards to take Qutu Tong away for strict supervision and urgently summoned Han Wangfu's Confidant Civil and Military to discuss matters.
Soon, seven or eight people entered to pay their respects. Yang Liang eagerly laid out the entire situation, and the others were shocked, quickly inquiring about the details.
The most capable under Yang Liang were Wang Yi, son of the great general Wang Sengbian of the Liang Dynasty, and Xiao Mohe, a general from the Chen Dynasty. After exchanging glances, they clasped their hands and said, "Your Majesty must not comply with the false edict. The tragic fate of Prince Fusu of the Qin Emperor is a warning; how can one risk their life on such a precipice?"
The others shared this sentiment, except for Dou Lu Yu, the brother-in-law of Han Wang, who opposed: "No, it is easy to defy orders, but what will happen when the imperial army arrives? Will we rise against them?"
"Your Highness, even if you are unwilling to enter the capital, you should send envoys to explain your reasons. Seeking peace is the right path; you cannot be confused."
Yang Liang instinctively nodded; he also believed he could not withstand an attack from the imperial army.
Wang Yi sneered, "What happened to the deposed Crown Prince and deposed Shu Wang?"
Dou Lu Yu pointed at Wang Yi and Xiao Mohe, saying to Han Wang: "These two are ambitious; due to their family background, they are not favored by the court and wish to use Your Highness for their own ambitions. You must not trust them."
Ignoring him, Xiao Mohe addressed Yang Liang: "Your Majesty commands military forces across fifty-two states of old Northern Qi. Under Bingzhou The General, there are tens of thousands of loyal soldiers willing to risk everything for you. Together, we could muster two or three hundred thousand troops. While the court is still unprepared, we might achieve a great undertaking!"
At that moment, Governor Sima Huangfu Dan spoke up: "Your Majesty, do not act recklessly. An unjustified war leads only to defeat. I urge you to think carefully!"
After hearing this, Yang Liang felt even more conflicted, yet his ambition was also ignited; however, due to fear, he still did not dare to make a decision.
He dismissed the arguing crowd and sat down with his head in his hands. One moment he thought about his own demise; the next moment he considered himself wearing a dragon robe...
After Wang Yi and Xiao Mohe left, they said, "We cannot delay; we must help His Majesty make a firm decision."
A few hours later, a group of children suddenly appeared outside the palace, riding bamboo horses while singing: "One piece of paper, two pieces of paper, little children become emperors."
The Chief Minister of the Prince's Residence hurriedly reported this to Han Wang. Upon hearing it, Han Wang murmured to himself: "My childhood name is A Ke; 'Ke' sounds like 'Liang.' I am the youngest in the royal family; could it be that heaven favors me?"
The Chief of the Jin Prince's Office knelt down without hesitation and proclaimed, "Long live the Emperor."
Yang Liang was startled, and outside the door, Wang Yi, Xiao Mohe, and others rushed in, also kneeling down without hesitation. Yang Liang's expression gradually became resolute.
In the Capital City, Li Jian Cheng thanked his master, the Empress, sat down, and picked up a teacup. He said to his mentor, Li Jing, "I predict that Han Wang will rebel."
Li Jing was somewhat skeptical, but after such a long time together, he had grown accustomed to Li Jian Cheng's accurate predictions. He became interested and replied, "Han Wang is young and of ordinary talent; it is unlikely he will amount to much. However, suppressing a rebellion is no easy task; Han Wang's family background is too strong."
"Jian Cheng, if we could request a military order from His Majesty to lead troops to quell the rebellion..."
Li Jian Cheng shook his head. "I believe in my master's abilities, but this is the most critical battle since His Majesty ascended the throne. He needs to prove himself to stabilize the realm. With Yang Su, a commander who has never suffered defeat, His Majesty cannot take any risks by trying us out."
Li Jing sighed upon hearing this. This was one of the reasons he had struggled for over a decade without recognition; there were too many capable generals in the court. Even without Yang Su, there were still Gao Shan and He Ruobi to protect Eryu Juluo.
Li Jian Cheng continued, "Not only must we not seize this opportunity, but we must also actively recommend Yang Su as the commander; otherwise, we will appear ungrateful in His Majesty's eyes."
Li Jing sighed again. The benefits of this approach were clear. If Li Jian Cheng hadn't mentioned it, he might have thought of it himself but would have subconsciously overlooked it and certainly wouldn't have acted on it.
The two discussed the current political situation. Although there were frequent changes, the main positions had largely been settled.
The Ministry of Rites naturally belonged to the Left Minister Yang Su. It was heard that His Majesty intended to promote him to Minister of Rites due to his unparalleled contributions during the struggle for succession and His Majesty's ascension.
Meanwhile, the Right Minister Suwei was promoted to Grand General to assist the Minister of Rites.
Yang Yue served as Minister of Internal Affairs, overseeing the Department of Internal Affairs. Clearly, His Majesty was very pleased with the execution of the former crown prince and thus elevated him.
Yang Da held the position of Minister of the Interior; he was one of the few capable members of the Royal Family. However, it was rumored that His Majesty intended for the current Minister of Civil Affairs, Yang Wensi—who happened to be Yang Su's uncle—to take over as Councilor.
From this, one could see how favored Yang Su was by the Emperor. This truly illuminated his family's reputation; every member was prominent, with former officials scattered throughout various states and counties.
Yet even Li Jing could see that this was not necessarily a good thing. The Emperor's rewards were like punishments; they left no room for excessive evasion.
Duke of Bao, Yuwen Shu, was promoted to Left Guard General of the Third Rank and re-titled Duke of Xu. Even Yuwen Huaji managed to become Secretary of the Fifth Rank.
Li Jian Cheng's position had not been promoted; he remained the General of the Fifth Rank, Charioteer, but he had also taken on the role of Crown Prince's Inner Attendant, once again becoming an official under the Crown Prince's Residence.
After finishing their tea, the master and disciple entered the palace to meet the emperor. Coincidentally, Yang Su, Yang Yue, Yuwen Shu, and Xiao Cong were all present, discussing the possibility of Han Wang rising in rebellion.
Regardless of what they were deliberating, Li Jian Cheng entered and paid his respects before expressing his own views, praising Yang Su with a tone that suggested a sense of helplessness for the common people if a noble did not step forward.
Yang Su looked at Li Jian Cheng with a complex expression reminiscent of his past self as Gao Shan and sighed, "The younger generation is indeed formidable."
Though he did not explicitly say that Li Jian Cheng was only one step away from death, his words pushed him toward that fate.
Xiao Cong might not have cared about much else, but he felt compelled to support his son-in-law. He believed that if anything were to happen, Yang Su was indeed the best choice. Thus, he recommended Yang Su and shifted everyone's attention toward him.
Yang Guang's gaze fell upon Yang Su, forcing him to publicly remove his clothing to reveal his scars. "Your servant is old and frail, plagued by old ailments. I truly have the will but lack the strength; I fear I may hinder Your Majesty's Great Undertaking!"
Having reached this point, Yang Su could hardly imagine what rewards the emperor could bestow upon him if he were to achieve further merit.
However, Yang Guang smiled as he approached and said to him, "I have already issued an edict for renowned physicians from across the realm to come to the capital to treat Yang Gong. Without your assistance, how could I enjoy my Peace?"
With no choice left, Yang Su slowly put his clothes back on. His fingers trembled slightly, but this did not evoke any pity in Yang Guang; instead, it only intensified the oppressive threat surrounding him.
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