At this moment, Li Xuanwu’s gaze fixed on Ye Zhenghuai, carrying a hint of murderous intent.

It was these cowardly scholars who were ruining the country and its people!

In the past, these good-for-nothings would only privately slander the emperor. Now, they dared to openly advocate for surrender during court sessions—this was unforgivable!

The Emperor, Xiao Wu, fell silent for a moment, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.

It seemed that the difference between this father and son was as vast as heaven and earth…

He had called on Ye Zhenghuai to speak earlier because he had hoped to hear from Ye Chuan. Despite his youth, Ye Chuan had written such magnificent poetry, full of passion and insight. Xiao Wu, in his mind, thought that perhaps it had something to do with the way Ye Zhenghuai had raised him, so he had secretly hoped for more.

But Ye Zhenghuai’s attitude crushed all of his hopes and made him realize that Ye Chuan’s excellence had nothing to do with him!

“Oh… so this is your opinion, my minister…” Xiao Wu’s eyes swept over the civil officials, “Are there others here who share the same view?”

“Your Majesty, I second it!”

“Your Majesty, I also believe that Ye Shilang’s words are reasonable!”

“Your Majesty, I support the idea of negotiating!”

One by one, several officials rose and knelt alongside Ye Zhenghuai.

They were all civil officials.

Xiao Wu glanced around and realized that even two of the ministers were among them, which made him sneer inwardly.

So, these worthless people were willing to kneel so quickly in front of the enemy!

They had no issue fighting amongst themselves for power and position, but when faced with an external threat, they were all spineless!

Such worthless scholars!

It was time.

Xiao Wu made up his mind, he would strike hard at these cowards.

The poem Ye Chuan had written yesterday was the perfect opportunity.

Just as Xiao Wu was preparing to signal the eunuch to bring forth the poem he had written yesterday, his satisfaction grew at the thought of shaking the ministers’ faith.

Just wait until they see this magnificent poetry and feel embarrassed.

“Your Majesty, I have something to say!”

At that moment, General Li Xuanwu stepped forward and spoke loudly.

Xiao Wu was a bit surprised. “General Li, please speak.”

“Your Majesty, I came across a poem yesterday, and I believe it is highly relevant to today’s situation. I present it to Your Majesty!” Li Xuanwu said, respectfully kneeling with a scroll in his hands.

Xiao Wu’s eyelids twitched when he heard this, narrowing his eyes.

Could it be…?

“Bring it forth!”

The eunuch hurriedly took the scroll and presented it.

Xiao Wu opened it, and his pupils contracted.

He recognized the words immediately.

They were eerily familiar.

It was just like the thousand taels of gold he had spent yesterday!

So this old man!

A small flame of anger sparked in Xiao Wu’s heart.

He had bought this poem with gold, and now Li Xuanwu could recite it so easily!

It couldn’t be a coincidence!

He had deliberately interrupted my grand moment to prevent me from showing off my work!

This old man was truly courting death!

Xiao Wu almost tore the scroll to pieces in his fury.

Li Xuanwu, kneeling below, stole a glance at the Emperor’s expression and immediately felt triumphant.

Oh, are you uncomfortable now?

Didn’t you force me to attend court? Well, now that I’ve come, you don’t seem too pleased!

In truth, among all the court officials, only Li Xuanwu dared to act this way.

Although his title was only that of a General of the North, he was no less respected than those at the top. He and Xiao Wu were childhood friends and had known each other for many years.

In fact, Li Xuanwu’s military achievements were more than enough to make him a prince and a great general, but he had always refused those titles, vowing to never accept an official position unless the northern border was fully secured.

Now both men were over fifty, but they still maintained a playful rivalry, always finding ways to get on each other’s nerves. Despite their jabs, they were the closest of friends.

Xiao Wu’s sharp eyes caught the smug expression on Li Xuanwu’s face, and something stirred in his heart.

No… This old fool is much smarter than I gave him credit for!

Such a move is not like him at all.

Then Xiao Wu suddenly remembered the whispered conversation between Ye Chuan and Li Xuanwu yesterday at the General’s residence.

This clever kid!

The realization hit Xiao Wu like a slap to the face, and he almost laughed in frustration.

So, this was the plan!

You sold the poem to me and passed the scheme to the old fool!

Such boldness!

In one swoop, they had earned two thousand taels of gold!

Damn it, no one in the entire country is as greedy as this!

Xiao Wu’s face was dark and complex as he handed the scroll to the eunuch. “Read it aloud!”

The eunuch quickly obeyed, taking the scroll and reading the poem out loud, each word punctuated with a beat.

“The ancient rivers and mountains, where are the heroes to be found? Li Pingbei stood here, in a place of joy and song, yet the wind and rain blow away all the grace! The slanting sun, the grass and trees, in every street, the generals once walked here! How many years ago, iron and steel clashing, his power swept across the land like a tiger!”

“Riding through the battlefield, conquering the northern lands, the enemy looks back in fear. After forty-three years, I still remember the fire of war! Looking back, beneath the Hu slaves’ temple, the crows cry. Who will ask, General Xuanwu, though old, can he still feast?”

When the poem finished, the hall fell into a heavy silence.

After a long while, someone clapped and exclaimed, “What a brilliant poem! It’s majestic, full of passion, and speaks of high ambition, it’s exquisite!”

Soon after, the applause became a wave, with all the officials praising it.

The praise was genuine.

Although many of these officials had weak spines, they were all well-educated and had a strong appreciation for literature.

“Wonderful! The style is grand, each word like a gem!”

“This old man could never have written something like this in my lifetime!”

A senior scholar from Wenhua Pavilion couldn’t help but give the highest praise.

As expected, the poem created a great effect, and Xiao Wu was satisfied with how things were going.

He hummed lightly, “Ministers, do you all agree this is a fine piece?”

“Your Majesty, not just a fine piece! It is truly unparalleled!”

Xiao Wu smiled. “Then, gentlemen, tell me, what is the meaning behind this poem?”

At once, the court fell silent. Everyone instantly became quiet, understanding the implication in the Emperor’s words.

What does the poem mean?

It praises General Li Xuanwu’s military feats, his contributions to the nation, and his unwavering strength despite his age.

But deeper than that?

The Emperor’s intentions were clear—he favored war!

It turned out that both Li Xuanwu and Xiao Wu were in sync, playing this trick on the court.

For a moment, all the civil officials fell silent, their faces pale with fear.

Meanwhile, all the military officials stood tall, some even with tears in their eyes.

Though the poem praised General Li Xuanwu, it resonated with all the soldiers’ hearts as well.

In the past, they fought with weapons, their spirits fierce like a tiger!

It felt exhilarating!

It felt damn good!

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