Chapter 524: Iron-Fisted Marquis Zhu Wushi! Cao Zhengchun!

When Zhu Houzhao informed the Iron-Fisted Marquis, Zhu Wushi, of his thoughts, the latter quickly spoke up: "Reporting to the Emperor, in this humble official's view, this is indeed an opportune moment to deploy troops."

"However, I fear this news may be false! There is a high probability that the Jin Kingdom is staging this performance themselves, so... I implore Your Majesty to think twice before acting!"

Zhu Wushi was an extremely cautious man; he never fought a battle he wasn't certain of winning. Although his disciple, Duan Tianya, had also obtained intelligence regarding the fall of the Jin Kingdom's Northern Capital, Zhu Wushi remained highly wary.

Upon the dragon throne.

After hearing Zhu Wushi's words, it was evident that a look of displeasure crossed Zhu Houzhao's face.

The Great Eunuch, Cao Zhengchun, standing beside Zhu Houzhao, keenly sensed this.

Thus.

Cao Zhengchun quickly spoke up: "Iron-Fisted Marquis, are you saying that you do not believe the intelligence obtained by His Majesty?"

It was obvious.

Cao Zhengchun had only one purpose: to irritate Zhu Wushi.

At the same time, Cao Zhengchun took the opportunity to sow discord between Zhu Houzhao and Zhu Wushi.

Zhu Wushi, naturally, was well aware of Cao Zhengchun's petty schemes. Therefore, he quickly addressed the eunuch: "Eunuch Cao, I fear you are overthinking things."

"This King has never disbelieved His Majesty. It is simply that I find this matter far too suspicious. Since His Majesty intends to use military force, we must naturally investigate thoroughly before a decision can be made."

"If we were to fall into a trap set by the Jin Kingdom, then what would be done?"

Cao Zhengchun immediately retorted to the Iron-Fisted Marquis: "Marquis, the Jin Kingdom has always been the hegemon of the north. Furthermore, in recent years, they occupied many of our Ming Kingdom's northern cities. Now that the Jin Kingdom is finally in trouble, this is naturally the opportunity for our Great Ming!"

"We should naturally support His Majesty's idea and deploy troops immediately!"

However.

At this point.

Zhu Houzhao, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke: "All of you, shut up!"

"I invited you here to provide counsel, not to bicker."

"As for whether or not to deploy troops, we shall not discuss that yet. What puzzles me greatly is that the mysterious army that breached the Northern Capital is said to be flying the banners of the Great Ming!"

"You all tell me, what is the meaning of this?"

As soon as Zhu Houzhao finished speaking, the expressions of the civil and military officials in the hall changed drastically. Simultaneously, both Zhu Wushi and Cao Zhengchun were somewhat caught off guard; after all, this was indeed too strange.

"The banners of the Great Ming? This... how is that possible!"

"Indeed, our Great Ming has not deployed troops during this period!"

"What exactly is going on?"

"Could it be that another country's army is impersonating our Great Ming?!"

For a moment, the officials erupted into discussion. Clearly, no one knew why the Great Ming's banners would appear.

At this moment.

Sitting upon the dragon throne, Zhu Houzhao kept his gaze fixed on the Iron-Fisted Marquis, Zhu Wushi, and Cao Zhengchun.

"Cao Zhengchun, you speak first!"

"What exactly is happening!"

As the Great Eunuch of the Ming Kingdom, Cao Zhengchun did not hesitate. He quickly spoke to Zhu Houzhao with utmost respect: "Reporting to His Majesty, this old servant also believes that this must be an army from another country impersonating our Great Ming!"

"They must be trying to kill two birds with one stone! The priority now is to investigate this matter immediately! Additionally, we could send someone to the Great Capital to clarify things with the Jin Emperor!"

"After all, the Jin Emperor surely believes that our Ming Kingdom has launched the attack. If the Jin Kingdom seeks revenge against our Great Ming, they might launch a direct offensive..."

Once Cao Zhengchun voiced his thoughts, Zhu Wushi let out a cold snort, his expression one of utter disdain.

Zhu Wushi said directly: "Your Majesty, this official believes this matter is not so simple!"

"It does not seem like another country is impersonating us at all."

Seeing Zhu Wushi deny his view, Cao Zhengchun was naturally enraged. He immediately snapped back: "May I ask the Marquis, if it is not another country impersonating us, then is it truly our Ming Kingdom's army? But His Majesty has issued no mobilization orders recently!"

"Could it be that the Marquis himself sent people to attack the Jin Kingdom?"

It had to be said, Cao Zhengchun's ability to provoke people was quite extraordinary.

This sentence nearly caused the Iron-Fisted Marquis to lose his composure.

Fortunately, the Marquis did not erupt in rage. Instead, he continued to speak patiently to Zhu Houzhao on the throne: "Your Majesty, think about it. The Jin Kingdom's Northern Capital is located at the northernmost edge of the Jin, almost at the northern frontier. To the west of this frontier lies the Great Grasslands. Aside from the armies of the Mongols or the Liao, it is impossible to cross the grasslands and reach this Northern Capital!"

"Even if the Mongols or Liao were impersonating the Great Ming to attack the Northern Capital, with their strength, they would have no way of breaching it in such a short amount of time!"

"Furthermore, whether it is the Mongols or the Liao, they rely primarily on cavalry. They lack strong siege capabilities and, naturally, possess no artillery!"

When Zhu Wushi presented his doubts to the Zhengde Emperor, Zhu Houzhao fell into deep thought.

At this time.

Cao Zhengchun added: "Marquis, you shouldn't be so absolute!"

"What if it really is the Mongols or the Liao impersonating the Great Ming to attack the Jin? Although they are not skilled in sieges, that does not mean they are incapable of breaching the Northern Capital!"

Having said that.

Cao Zhengchun turned back to Zhu Houzhao: "Reporting to His Majesty, this old servant still leans toward the idea that this is the work of the Mongols and Liao! They wish to kill with a borrowed knife! The current priority is to clarify things with the Jin Kingdom immediately!"

At this moment.

Everyone's eyes were fixed on the young Zhu Houzhao.

After a moment of contemplation, Zhu Houzhao addressed the crowd: "I believe you both have your points. Before the situation is clarified, the Ming Kingdom naturally cannot act rashly."

Zhu Houzhao continued: "In that case, we shall investigate further!"

"Someone, come forth!"

As soon as Zhu Houzhao finished, several members of the Jinyiwei appeared before him.

With a solemn tone, Zhu Houzhao spoke to the Jinyiwei: "Go to the Jin Kingdom immediately and investigate this thoroughly!"

"You must uncover the truth!"

"I want to know who is pulling the strings behind this!"

As Zhu Houzhao's voice fell, the Jinyiwei members did not hesitate and accepted their orders.

"As you command!"

Afterward.

Zhu Houzhao spoke to the officials in the hall: "Everyone, please return."

"Once the Jinyiwei brings back the latest intelligence, I will make my decision!"

"Dismiss the court!"

With that, Zhu Houzhao stood up, and the other officials, seeing this, followed suit.

"Your servants obey! We respectfully see off His Majesty. Long live the Emperor, long live, long live!"

...

Dragon Protection Villa.

When the Iron-Fisted Marquis returned from the Imperial Palace, the Imperial Secret Agents had already arrived.

The four great secret agents—Tian, Di, Xuan, and Huang—arrived before the Marquis almost simultaneously!

Cheng Shifei was the first to speak: "Marquis, what exactly happened? Is the Emperor going to attack the Jin Kingdom?"

Zhu Wushi slowly sat in his chair and said to the four agents: "The matter is not yet entirely clear."

"The Emperor has not sent troops to attack the Jin, but has instead dispatched the Jinyiwei."

Hearing that the Emperor had sent the Jinyiwei, Duan Tianya quickly asked: "Marquis, could the intelligence be false?"

Zhu Wushi waved his hand and said unhurriedly: "It is not yet certain."

"However, since the Emperor has sent the Jinyiwei to investigate, it means that deep down, he does not particularly believe the current reports."

"But the Jinyiwei alone are not enough. I am considering sending you all to the Jin Kingdom as well!"

To be honest, for Zhu Wushi, he did not fully trust the capabilities of the Jinyiwei. After all, the Jin Kingdom was quite dangerous, and the journey was long.

With only the mediocre skills of the Jinyiwei, they might be killed by martial artists before they even reached the Jin Kingdom.

Therefore.

At the critical moment, the four great secret agents had to be deployed!

Upon hearing that the four agents were to go to the Jin Kingdom, Cheng Shifei was quite excited.

"Great!"

"I've stayed in this Dragon Protection Villa long enough; I finally have a chance to get some activity!"

However, Shangguan Haitang said in a nervous tone: "Cheng Shifei, don't take the Jin Kingdom so lightly! Their strength is quite formidable, and they have many peerless masters. If I remember correctly, the Western Poison, Ouyang Feng, is currently the Jin Kingdom's National Preceptor!"

"If Ouyang Feng discovers us, the consequences will be unthinkable!"

As soon as Cheng Shifei heard the name Ouyang Feng, his face visibly tightened with tension!

"The Old Poisoner, Ouyang Feng!"

"How could I forget that old fellow! Marquis, is it truly necessary to go to the Jin Kingdom?" Clearly, Cheng Shifei seemed to regret it the moment Ouyang Feng was mentioned.

The Iron-Fisted Marquis said expressionlessly: "It is precisely because I know Ouyang Feng is stationed in the Jin Kingdom that I am sending you!"

"The four of you will go together this time! You must bring back detailed information. Additionally, you may head directly to the Northern Capital."

"In short, this matter is extremely important! It concerns the national destiny of the Great Ming."

"Failure is absolutely not an option!"

After Zhu Wushi finished speaking, the four agents exchanged glances and said in unison: "Please rest assured, Marquis, we will certainly investigate thoroughly!"

Zhu Wushi nodded with satisfaction and continued: "There is no time to lose. Go now, and return as soon as possible!"

"Remember, prioritize safety. If you encounter Ouyang Feng, do not linger to fight; retreating is the best strategy!"

As the Marquis's voice faded, the four agents—Tian, Di, Xuan, and Huang—vanished without a trace.

...

Meanwhile.

Inside the Eastern Depot of the Ming Imperial Palace.

The face of the Great Eunuch, Cao Zhengchun, was quite grim.

He paced back and forth within the hall, looking extremely nervous.

To be honest.

Although Cao Zhengchun was dissatisfied with the Iron-Fisted Marquis, he was indeed fiercely loyal to Zhu Houzhao. Now that the Ming Kingdom had been falsely accused, inciting the hatred of the Jin Kingdom, Cao Zhengchun knew very well that if the Jin Kingdom truly sought revenge, the Ming Kingdom would certainly face a fierce battle.

And it would be a battle taken upon themselves for no reason.

In fact, with even a slight misstep, the Ming Kingdom could fall!

This was certainly not the outcome Cao Zhengchun wished to see!

After thinking for a moment, Cao Zhengchun finally decided that he must also send someone to the Jin Kingdom!

Not long after.

One of Cao Zhengchun's subordinates, the Thousand-Faced Gentleman, appeared before him!

"This subordinate greets Eunuch Cao. May Eunuch Cao live for ten thousand years!"

When Cao Zhengchun saw the Thousand-Faced Gentleman, he said coldly: "Currently, the Jin Kingdom's Northern Capital has been breached by a mysterious army, and the Jin Kingdom is enraged. It is said that the army flies the banners of the Ming military. His Majesty has already dispatched the Jinyiwei to investigate."

"However... the Jinyiwei are nothing but a bunch of useless gourds. Sending them to the Jin Kingdom will certainly yield no results."

"You will personally head to the Jin Kingdom!"

"You must uncover the full truth of this matter!"

However.

Upon hearing that he had to go to the Jin Kingdom, a hint of panic appeared on the Thousand-Faced Gentleman's face.

"Eunuch Cao, the Western Poison Ouyang Feng is the National Preceptor of the Jin Kingdom. If he discovers me, I fear..."

Before the Thousand-Faced Gentleman could finish, Cao Zhengchun interrupted: "You are a master of disguise; what is there to fear!"

"Even if Ouyang Feng finds you, won't you just run away!"

Cao Zhengchun said with dissatisfaction: "For this mission to gather intelligence in the Jin Kingdom, you are the most suitable!"

"This subordinate... obeys!" Although the Thousand-Faced Gentleman was quite wary of Ouyang Feng, he ultimately agreed to go.

At this time, Cao Zhengchun added a reminder: "If this official hasn't guessed wrong, the Iron-Fisted Marquis will surely send people as well. Perhaps even the four great secret agents will go to the Jin Kingdom! When the time comes, be clever and do not let the four agents discover you!"

"Understood!"

...

Meanwhile, within the Northern Capital.

The Northern Capital had now become a military supply transit station for the Great Ming Empire.

Through its [Spatial Portal], the Great Ming Empire was continuously transporting supplies into the Northern Capital from the Great Ming World.

Various cannons, tanks, and even airplanes!

They were countless.

This left the Han people living in the Northern Capital greatly astonished!

"What kind of weapons are these? They can actually travel through the sky and the earth! This is simply incredible!"

"Indeed, I have never seen such weapons! This is too terrifying!"

"Has the strength of the Ming Kingdom become this great? It feels unreal."

"Inside those golden-shining city gates, it seems as though there are endless weapons and grain..."

...

At this moment.

Under the leadership of Zhu Ying, the army of the Great Ming Empire was already slaughtering its way through the northern regions of the Jin Kingdom!

Essentially, they were killing gods and Buddhas alike!

After all.

The soldiers of the Great Ming Empire were all equipped with modern weaponry, while the Jin soldiers relied primarily on cold weapons. Naturally, they were no match.

... (End of Chapter)