CHAPTER 239: CHAPTER 227 WHY ARE YOU WASTING WORDS WITH HER!_2

Chu Yang’s face slowly darkened.

At this moment, an official stepped out from the ranks on the other side. It was Mao Xiao Yi, Director of the Imperial Secretariat. With a serious expression, he said, "General Wang, even we civil servants know that winning without fighting is the best strategy, but it can’t be forced. All battles inevitably result in casualties, but as long as victory is achieved and the court regains lost land, it is a merit. Although the Assistant General lost a few battles before, he recaptured Xingluo Granary. This is an unprecedented merit for the court. Why has such solid merit become a ’treacherous plot’ in your words? Does this not dishearten the soldiers at the front line?"

As soon as these words were spoken, those around nodded in agreement.

Wang Shaoji sneered, "Mr. Mao only knows one part and not the other."

Mao Xiao Yi replied, "Oh? Then what does General Wang know that we don’t?"

Wang Shaoji only glanced at him but no longer addressed him, instead turning to Chu Yang and loudly said, "Your Majesty, just before the court session, I received news from the front line sent by the Imperial Guard—Yu Wenye has betrayed the nation and defected to the enemy, even killing Military Supervisor Kou Junliang, appointed by the Emperor; now, commanding the remaining over ten thousand soldiers to guard Xingluo Granary, his intentions are unclear!"

Upon hearing this, the entire court fell silent.

Chu Yang’s expression also changed, "What did you say?"

Wang Shaoji said, "Yu Wenye has rebelled!"

This statement was like a huge stone dropped into a pond, immediately causing the entire court to explode in chaos. Civil and military officials on both sides began to argue loudly, some demanding Yu Wenye be punished immediately, some suggesting investigation, and some even petitioning the Emperor to exterminate the Duke Sheng’s entire family. There were also those who immediately pledged with their lives and families that the Yuwen Family would never betray the court.

In a moment, the entire court was thrown into turmoil.

Chu Yang’s face constantly changed, sometimes panicked, sometimes sullen, as he looked at the quarrelling people below, his face turned livid, and his eyes even began to redden.

Wang Shaoji once again stepped forward and loudly said, "Your Majesty, Yu Wenye has long harbored rebellious intentions. This act of chaos cannot be tolerated!"

At the same time, another person stepped out from the ranks of courtiers.

This person was about thirty years old, with a handsome appearance and a calm demeanor; it was Doctor of Righteous Discussion, Guan Ao. He earnestly said, "Your Majesty, in my opinion, whether it’s merit or crime is too soon to conclude. Hastily deciding is likely to overlook something."

Upon seeing him stepping out, Wang Shaoji quickly sneered, "Lord Guan is Duke Sheng’s nephew and a relative of Yu Wenye. Naturally, you would protect him; Your Majesty, his words cannot be easily believed."

Guan Ao didn’t even look at him and continued to say, "Your Majesty, what I say is all for Your Majesty’s sake."

"Oh?"

Chu Yang slightly raised an eyebrow and said, "What considerations does Guan Aiqing have?"

Guan Ao replied, "Yu Wenye’s great victory is a fact and killing the supervisor is also a fact. But the situation at the front changes rapidly; these merits and faults perhaps have their reasons. If we convict such hard-working and highly-merited generals without understanding the reasons, it would dishearten the soldiers at the front and be disadvantageous to the public sentiment. Rather, summon the Assistant General, understand the reasons, then decide merit or crime without delay."

Wang Shaoji sneered, "Yu Wenye has troops and granaries. Summon him back, probably inviting a calamity!"

Hearing this, Chu Yang’s eyebrows furrowed once again.

Even among the courtiers, some showed a nervous expression—it’s known that killing an official appointed by the Emperor is tantamount to rebellion. Since Yu Wenye dared to do this, he is disregarding the imperial command, what else wouldn’t he dare to do? Moreover, he now has over ten thousand soldiers given by the court as well as Duke Sheng’s own troops, and he has captured the entire Xingluo Granary; if he truly intends to rebel, summoning him back might mean losing the Eastern Capital City.

Thinking of this, immediately a group of officials submitted petitions, "Please, Your Majesty, consider carefully."

"Yu Wenye’s intentions are unclear, we must guard against."

"This matter requires careful deliberation."

Seeing everyone around starting to oppose, Guan Ao’s expression became increasingly grave, but he didn’t immediately refute. Instead, he raised his head and looked towards the front of the ranks at a familiar tall figure.

No one else but Duke Shenwu—Dong Bizheng.

He is also the first husband of Duke Sheng, Mrs. Dong’s elder brother. At this moment, this Commandery Prince was frowning, as if entangled with some problem but remained silent.

This made Guan Ao appear even more isolated amidst the voices of opposition.

Wang Shaoji said coldly, "The returning Imperial Guard mentioned that the Assistant General went to war this time with his wife. A general leading an expedition with a female companion—isn’t this already a guard against the court?"

Chu Yang’s brows twisted immediately, "What?"

Upon hearing this statement, even Guan Ao’s expression changed.

Everyone knows that when a general goes to war, female companions must not be present in the camp. It’s not only due to concerns of disrupting morale and delaying the battle; more importantly, leading troops and supplies is a threat to the enemy, and also a threat to the court. If soldiers at the front intend to revolt, then the court’s troops can also become a sword against the court.

Therefore, a general’s female companion must stay in the city when departing for war; this is an unwritten rule.

Unexpectedly, this time, Yu Wenye brought his wife to the expedition!

Regardless of the outcome, for those in the court above, this is already a precursor to rebellion!

Wang Shaoji loudly said, "I request Your Majesty to immediately dispatch troops to besiege Xingluo Granary and execute Yu Wenye!"

At this moment, Guan Ao also became anxious and hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, do not do this!"

Chu Yang remained silent, only coldly looking at them. Those slender phoenix eyes slightly closed, revealing a chilling aura inside, making everyone feel fearful, as if waiting for his final verdict.