Qian Ning was beaten, which seemed very unfair to him, but in the eyes of Zhang Yuan, Xiao Taozi and others, it was a self-defeating.

Zhu Houzhao could still clearly distinguish between rewards and punishments in this regard. Whoever messed with him ended up miserably. Because just under the emperor's nose, even if Qian Ning was the commander of the Jinyiwei, those Jinyiwei dared not cheat, and each military stick was beaten "crackling".

After being beaten, Qian Ning couldn't walk anymore and even lie on his tummy when he was beaten.

After venting anger, Zhu Houzhao called Xiao Tiaozi, Zhang Yuan, Dai Yi, Gao Feng and others to discuss the next plan.

Qian Ning, the favorite minister, was beaten, and no one dared to speak casually, especially if he didn't understand Zhu Houzhao's true intentions.

In terms of thinking, even if you often accompany the little knives, Zhang Yuan and others around Zhu Houzhao, you can't speak and do things much more restrained than Liu Jin at the time.

Zhu Houzhao paced back and forth without saying a word, and glanced at the anxious eunuchs from time to time. But a stick of incense passed, and there was no one who dared to speak. They were all standing there waiting for others to speak, and they wanted to mingle among the crowd and follow the crowd.

Zhu Houzhao finally couldn't help it and said, "Mr. Chen led his troops away like this. He originally hoped that Qian Ning would take back the people and then set off to Xuanfu together, but it was ruined... Let's talk about it, what can I do to transfer Mr. Chen back as soon as possible?"

No one responded. At this time, including Zhu Houzhao, he couldn't help but look at Zhang Yuan. It seemed that everyone felt that Zhang Yuan was the chief inspector of the Sili Supervisor and should stand up and take the lead. The higher the identity, the greater the responsibility.

Seeing that Zhang Yuan had no intention of replying, Zhu Houzhao widened her eyes and asked annoyedly: "Where are you deaf in your ears?"

Zhang Yuan was shocked. He knew very well that even if Zhu Houzhao didn't say this to him clearly, if he didn't reply, he would have great trouble. He stammered:

"Your Majesty, look at the Datong where Shangshu Chen went to, which is not far from Xuanfu. Your Majesty sent someone to pass on the message. Shangshu Chen may not agree. He has a very bad temper..."

"What do you mean?" Zhu Houzhao's face turned evil.

Zhang Yuan said: "Your Majesty, what do you think about this? Let's go directly to Datong Town with your troops. The place where the troops are sent will be determined in Datong... Why do you have to go to Xuanfu Town?"

"Um?"

Zhu Houzhao obviously hadn't thought about this before. She was reminded by Zhang Yuan and was stunned immediately, as if she was thinking about the feasibility of this suggestion.

Dai Yi was helping out: "Your Majesty, this idea is good, so we just go to Datong Town. We have to send troops, so where is it not possible? As long as we choose the right direction and hurry up, we will not delay major events."

Gao Feng seemed very cautious and persuaded: "Your Majesty, it is much longer from Juyongguan to Datong than to go to Xuanfu, and it is even more dangerous along the way. If something happens, I am afraid there will be no one to help... It would be better to go to Xuanfu, as His Majesty is there, and everything will be more convenient."

Zhu Houzhao frowned: "It's not impossible to go to Datong, but with the speed of my men's marching, it's a delusion to catch up with Mr. Chen halfway through... Furthermore, as Eunuch Gao said, Datong has no palace, and the environment there is a simple one. What's the difference between it and Juyongguan?"

Zhang Yuan originally wanted to continue to make a proposal, but when he heard that Zhu Houzhao had no intention of adopting it, he immediately fell silent.

"Your Majesty asked me to make suggestions, and I did as I did, but your Majesty did not accept them... This has nothing to do with me, anyway, I have used my brain."

Zhu Houzhao said: "The road is blocked, what else is there? It is best to find Kuaima to tell Mr. Chen, let him return, or turn to Xuanfu."

Xiao Zhuozi asked, "Have you sent out a fast horse?"

Zhu Houzhao frowned: "Shouldn't you do this kind of thing? Why do you still have to worry about me? I asked Qian Ning to go there before, but you also saw it. Not only did you finish the errand, but even the path where Mr. Chen walked was speculation. What's the use of keeping this kind of bastard?"

Xiao Tiaozi saluted: "Then your Majesty should send people to chase you immediately. Send more people to fight for a few people on each road... In this way, even if Lord Shen's troops march faster, it is still much slower than Yima, and it is not difficult to catch up..."

Zhu Houzhao nodded, "It's not too late to repair the sheep. Even if I didn't catch up with me once before, it should be too late to send someone to chase me again this time, so someone will come..."

Just as Zhu Houzhao was about to order someone to chase Chenxi back, a voice from Concubine Li suddenly came from the inner room: "Since Lord Shen has made careful arrangements, why should Your Majesty forcefully change?"

While talking, Concubine Li walked out of the inner room.

Zhu Houzhao turned her head and looked at it. Seeing that Concubine Li was wearing a blue shirt, she looked like a gentle scholar with a small round hat on her head, looking elegant and elegant, her eyes lit up.

The eunuchs present lowered their heads when they saw Concubine Li come out, and did not dare to greet them casually... After all, Zhu Houzhao did not make any public statement about taking Concubine Li on the battle. Even if they saw that the person in front of them was Concubine Li, they still pretended not to know him.

Zhu Houzhao said: "What are you doing here? I am discussing military and national affairs."

Concubine Li said: "Your Majesty wants to ask for advice, and everyone around you can make suggestions, right?"

Zhu Houzhao then remembered that the reason why she agreed to Concubine Li to follow the battle was to hear different opinions, especially some unpleasant and honest advice.

Zhu Houzhao couldn't help frowning, a little annoyed... In fact, he kept Concubine Li by his side mainly for fun. As for advice, with his usual male thinking, he did not want to listen to women.

Concubine Li did not give Zhu Houzhao a chance to repent and analyzed: "Your Majesty has changed his itinerary several times after leaving the capital, which has an extremely adverse impact on the overall progress of the war. If Your Majesty leads troops to Xuanfu at this time, it will be time for him to arrive in Datong. When the troops of the Xuanfu were about to be sent, the Xuanfu army had not yet taken place and the nine sides could not cooperate, which would likely lead to a major defeat!"

Zhu Houzhao's face became even more ugly.

His request for Concubine Li's advice does not mean that Concubine Li can accuse him in public. Even if the teacher Chen Xi said nothing, he didn't want to hear anything, let alone Concubine Li, a woman who was just a vase in his eyes.

Several eunuchs felt like they were thorns on their backs, and they lowered their heads and kept silent. The scene was stagnant.

Zhu Houzhao said: "I just changed my plan slightly and asked Mr. Chen to go to war with me. There were no major changes in other things. Why did the situation worsen if I didn't do my job properly? It's best to think clearly before you speak!"

Concubine Li said unyieldingly: "Your Majesty, please think twice before you act. The plan has been drafted long ago. Your Majesty also agreed at that time. If there is a temporary change, would you ask Your Majesty if you have considered the consequences?"

"Shangshen Chen came to Xuanfu, who will be in charge of Datong's troops? How can the two soldiers and horses echo each other? Lord Shen originally wanted to use his body as bait to lure Di Yi to invade. If Your Majesty and Lord Shen are in the same army, will it greatly increase Your Majesty's danger coefficient? What if the Tatars saw that the Ming Dynasty's troops were strong and retreated quietly?"

Concubine Li’s problems one after another. Zhu Houzhao was stunned when she heard this, and the eunuchs present were also stunned.

Zhu Houzhao originally wanted to scold Concubine Li for meddling in other people's business, but after Concubine Li's questions were expressed, she was speechless for a moment. Concubine Li was considering very comprehensively, which made him feel powerless to be willing to give in.

Finally, Concubine Li summarized: "Mr. Shen was able to return triumphantly after fighting against the Tatars several times because he was under very little restraint. This goal was more magnificent than before. Of course, it would require a complete layout. If it changes temporarily, it would disrupt the previous deployment and eventually fail. I beg Your Majesty to put the overall situation first and go to Xuanfu earlier according to the previous marching plan."

Zhu Houzhao said with a dark face: "I haven't considered it clearly yet. I can only use your opinion as a reference."

Concubine Li suddenly stepped forward to Zhu Houzhao, and in the curious eyes of several eunuchs, he leaned into Zhu Houzhao's ear and said a few words. After hearing this, Zhu Houzhao's face changed. As for whether he was going to get angry or what, the eunuchs could not predict, because Concubine Li's appearance was beyond their expectations, and her performance was even more surprising.

After saying that, Concubine Li stepped aside. Zhu Houzhao waved her hand. Concubine Li retreated to the back hall after giving the salute.

Zhu Houzhao stood there, as if she had made a decision.

Zhang Yuan asked for instructions: "Your Majesty, will you send someone to pursue Shangshu Chen?"

"Don't worry."

Zhu Houzhao said, "Actually... ahem, my adviser was right. If you just change your plan, it may cause unnecessary trouble. If the situation deteriorates, everyone in the world will put the blame on me, and I can't explain it clearly at that time."

Zhang Yuan and others looked at Zhu Houzhao with horror as if they were terrified.

Such a willful emperor would be moved by a woman. This was something they could not have expected. Zhu Houzhao was usually stubborn and could not even pull back a few cows.

Zhu Houzhao continued: "I am not a foolish monarch, I have a clear understanding of the situation. Now it seems that I should speed up my trip and arrive at Xuanfu earlier... I will send troops early tomorrow morning!"

Zhang Yuan said anxiously: "Your Majesty, this imperial lord hastily left the customs and his troops are not well prepared. You might as well take a few days off."

Originally, whether to march or not was irrelevant in Zhang Yuan's eyes, but even if he had decided to cooperate with Chen Xi, he didn't want to cooperate too much. Now Zhu Houzhao was suddenly moved by Concubine Li. No matter what method he used, Zhang Yuan felt that it was inappropriate. He was already very wary of Concubine Li and couldn't help but want to stop something from happening.

If the enemy supports it, you have to oppose it.

Zhu Houzhao said: "My words are military orders! Go out immediately to issue an order. I will send troops tomorrow morning. The march must be more than 60 miles a day. If someone delays halfway... Humph, all military law will be dealt with!"

Several eunuchs looked at each other. Zhu Houzhao's attitude changed too much. They couldn't adapt for a while, but they had to accept the fact that Zhu Houzhao's favor for the women around him was higher than those of them.

For Xiao Taozi, Dai Yi and others, although they didn't know what Zhu Houzhao talked with Concubine Li and had no idea of ​​inquiring, Zhang Yuan was different. When he left Zhu Houzhao's residence, he thought to himself: "What did Concubine Li say in front of His Majesty? No, I have to test it and see how she reacted... Didn't she say that she wanted to cooperate? It would be no harm to herself when she asked clearly."

Zhang Yuan had a wishful thinking in his heart, and immediately called Zang Xian after he went back.

"...Eunuch Zhang, what you mean is that Concubine Li will change her mind and decide to send troops immediately?" Because Zhang Yuan is not capable and likes to make a spell in front of his hands, so what he said requires Zang Xian to understand carefully before he can understand the meaning of it.

Zhang Yuan frowned and asked, "What do you think that woman will say?"

Zang Xian knew Zhang Yuan’s usual arrogance. Except for Zhu Houzhao and Empress Dowager Zhang, no one took it in his eyes. He slowly speculated: “The reason why Your Majesty changed his mind was probably because Concubine Li’s words catered to His Majesty’s preferences, or what he said was reasonable. After all, only by rushing to Xuanfu can the situation of the war not change. Your Majesty actually hopes that his subordinates will say some unpleasant words when they give advice, so…”

Zang Xian had a good analysis, but when he looked up and found that Zhang Yuan looked over and saw that the gaze was a bit unfair, he knew that he had lost his words and quickly lowered his head and stopped talking.

Zhang Yuan said: "This woman is becoming more and more unpredictable. She has not been in the leopard room for a long time, but she can be so favored by His Majesty. Among so many women in the leopard room, she is the most likely to enter the palace to be a concubine. His Majesty may enthrone her as a formal concubine..."

"Disaster!"

Zang Xian shook his head and said, "As far as the villain knows, this matter is not entirely decided by His Majesty. It also requires the approval of the Empress Dowager and the Empress. Do you think the two nobles will agree to let the woman outside the palace enter the palace? No one knows what Concubine Li is from now on. The villain has tried hard, but he can be said to have no idea about her situation before entering the leopard room. This woman seems to appear out of thin air..."

Zhang Yuan said angrily: "If you ask you to do something, can this woman jump out of the crack of the stone?"

Zang Xian said embarrassedly: "Eunuch Zhang, if His Majesty issued a thorough investigation, it should be possible to find it. But now the factory guards are slandering, what can you do to me? I heard that Concubine Li is an outdoor room raised by a wealthy family in the capital, but there are many such women, and there are many wealthy families. Where can I check it?"

"This woman... could not be his way to put her to His Majesty?" Zhang Yuan suddenly muttered, because his voice was very small and his pointing was not clear. Zang Xian didn't hear it clearly at all. He asked curiously: "What did Eunuch Zhang say?"

Zhang Yuan waved his hand: "No matter whether the origin of this woman is, it's not simple. She has shown kindness to our family before. It seems that she also thinks Qian Ning is not trustworthy... Since she has the ability to go with Your Majesty to fight and can still change Your Majesty's mind, then it should be no harm in using her, right?"

"Uh...this is hard to say."

Zang Xian said pertinently, "Since even Eunuch Zhang thinks that Concubine Li is not simple, there is no problem of who can use whom. Perhaps she also wants to use your power to eliminate dissidents, such as those women who compete for favor with her in the leopard room..."

Zhang Yuan immediately thought of Concubine Hua, and also thought of Concubine Hua's previous show of affection for him, and immediately frowned, "The women in the leopard room seem to be asking for help from people outside. If these women want to enter the palace, and the pheasant turns into a phoenix, they must contact the eunuch in the palace or the minister outside... Before, Concubine Li had Qian Ning to help him, but now Qian Ning is arrogant. This is the main reason why she wins over me, right?"

Zhang Yuan said: "Our family is going to see Concubine Li once and find out some news from her. What are your suggestions?"

Zang Xian didn't expect that Zhang Yuan was so dependent on him and came to ask for countermeasures no matter what he did. In addition to feeling honored, Zang Xian also felt a little uneasy in his heart, because it meant that Zhang Yuan could not take on the responsibility alone, which was not a good thing for someone like him who was dependent on Zhang Yuan.

Zang Xian made a few suggestions pertinently with a complicated mood. Zhang Yuan nodded repeatedly, looking suddenly, but Zang Xian was unsure. I wonder if Zhang Yuan had listened to it.
Chapter completed!