Taiji Hall
Han Congsheng knelt on the ground, not daring to look up until the Emperor spoke, "Rise."
"Your subject thanks the Sage."
"Do you have any grievances about me relieving you of your post?" The Sage's tone was ordinary, betraying no emotion.
Han Congsheng, like Song Wei, was a trusted confidant of the Sage. For years, one had managed the Southern Bureau and the other the Northern Bureau.
Especially the Northern Bureau, though not by the Sage's side for protection, controlled all the capital's military power. It was of utmost importance, and only a confidant could hold such a position.
"Your subject dares not. This was my dereliction of duty. It is already a great grace that the Sage spares my life," Han Congsheng said sincerely.
The Sage took a sip of tea before speaking slowly, "Xizheng (courtesy name), the capital is not as peaceful as you see it. You thought I entrusted the Northern Army to you, truly placing the safety of half the Great Wei's territory in your hands. But what did you do? You didn't even know there were spies in the Northern Army. This capital is not as peaceful as you imagine; you were too careless!"
"We grew up together. Back then, you and Song Wei were my guards. We faced life and death together. That time you accompanied me to Dingzhou to investigate a case, we were ambushed on the way back. You were injured saving me, nearly to the heart, and only woke up after more than a month in a coma. In my heart, you are not my subject, but my brother. There are capable people in court, but I trust you the most."
Hearing the Sage speak of the past, Han Congsheng almost wept and knelt again, "It is I who have disappointed the Sage. I deserve death."
He had indeed been negligent this time. If he knew which scoundrel had betrayed the Northern Army, he would tear him to pieces.
"How could I bear to let you die? Xizheng, you still do not understand my intentions for you," the Sage sighed.
Zhang Ying ran to Han Congsheng's side, "Great General, please rise quickly."
This address of "Great General" made Han Congsheng even more ashamed. "Your subject wishes to atone for his crimes. Even if I were just a common soldier, I would charge to the front and kill that dog-like villain, Xiao Changgong."
"Killing Xiao Changgong is easy, but it is difficult to bring peace to the hearts of all under heaven. By keeping you alive, I have more important matters to assign you," the Sage's gaze fell upon Han Congsheng.
Since being relieved of his post, although not imprisoned, Han Congsheng had found his days at home more difficult than being in jail.
Today, summoned by the Sage, he thought the Sage would hold him accountable. He never expected to be reused. Han Congsheng could hardly believe it.
"The Luo family's rebellion has been quelled, and the military power of Youzhou has been recovered. However, Youzhou is located on the northern border of our Great Wei, adjacent to Khitan. Although Khitan claims fealty, they have always harbored ill intentions. I need a trustworthy person to guard Youzhou. Are you willing to go?"
The Luo family and Khitan had been playing a game of war for years, extorting large sums of military funds from the court, which ultimately ended up in the Luo family's coffers.
However, when the Luo family was investigated and executed, this military funding was not found. It must have been hidden elsewhere by the Luo family.
Youzhou was still unstable; such a situation where weeds could regrow after being burned by fire must not happen.
The marriage between Luo Lingyi and the Seventh Prince must continue. If the Luo family still had hidden confidants who knew this secret, they would surely come to the capital to find her.
Or, perhaps she herself already knew that secret. Her good elder sister had indeed left a contingency.
"Your subject will die without regret and will not fail the Sage," Han Congsheng said with an expression of utter devotion, entrusting his life to the Sage.
"I do not want you to die without regret. Guard Youzhou well and atone for your sins. However," the Sage paused, "before you leave the capital, I have one more matter that requires your cooperation."