Is that so... The ministers looked at each other, as they were not knowledgeable about cultivation matters.
Zhao Douan coughed lightly and succinctly said:
"In short, now is not the time to celebrate. Although His Majesty has returned, the rebellions in various places will not disappear immediately. Overthrowing Li Yanfu only eliminated the disloyal elements within the court. The primary task now is to quickly suppress those rebellious vassal kings and reclaim lost territories.
Of course, the good news is that those rebels will likely cease attacking the Capital and instead turn to holding their territories. In other words, in this second half of the game, they are in defense, and we should counterattack."
Grandmaster Dong nodded. He had recovered from his initial joy, and despite some exhaustion from the intense emotions, his thinking was still clear:
"Junior Guardian Zhao is correct; the worst is over. Next, the court should spread the news that His Majesty has advanced to Heavenly Human and is seated in the Capital to stabilize public sentiment.
Meanwhile, His Majesty should issue an edict declaring these rebels as traitors...
Humph, these rebels are now claiming to rescue the king, coupled with their imperial bloodline, which is why local court officials surrendered so quickly and effortlessly along the way. Once labeled as rebels, local officials and generals will surely strive to stabilize the situation."
Though his words seemed somewhat scholastic, Zhao Douan agreed.
Once defined as rebels, any local official thinking of surrendering would have to consider whether their name would stink for generations or even cause their family to suffer for disloyalty.
Zhao Douan rationally analyzed:
"Given the current situation, in the north, Yanshan King is blocked by Luo kedie of Jubei City. In the west, Xiping Road has Duke Tang leading the border army to suppress Prince Hejian. In essence, the primary threats are Prince Jing and Mu Prince.
Since Minister Xue has already moved south to guard Linfeng, the structure will likely temporarily stabilize as the news of His Majesty’s return spreads."
The Minister of Revenue suddenly spoke:
"Junior Guardian Zhao, do not forget the Qingzhou Army outside the city."
The Minister of War snorted coldly and said:
"Prince Heng is ambitious yet lacking talent, thinking he could station in the Capital after inciting the Qingzhou military mansion. Previously, with His Majesty absent, the Capital Camp could not act against the Imperial Family, keeping them at bay outside the city. Now with His Majesty back, there are no more concerns; the Capital Camp’s strength is enough to repel the enemy."
Yuann Li suddenly reminded:
"Gentlemen, do not be careless. Although the Qingzhou Army is not as powerful as the Jiancheng or Yunfu rebel armies, they can advance to threaten the Capital or retreat back to Qingzhou. Though easy to repel, I’m afraid that if you don’t kill the bandits, once Prince Heng retreats to Qingzhou, what then?
If the Capital Camp advances into Qingzhou and Linfeng’s forces become critical, how would we reinforce? It must be known that Linfeng Road’s troops are insufficient to counter two rebel armies simultaneously!
Yet if we cannot annihilate the Qingzhou Army, once they retreat, they will remain a perpetual threat to the Capital, potentially allying with Prince Chen of Marine Road, which could turn into a major peril."
This... The Minister of War was at a loss for words. The Qingzhou Army is not strong, but they are indeed a troublesome matter to handle.
Zhao Douan sat beside the Empress without speaking, but suddenly had an idea:
Thinking back, it’s been a while. I wonder how the mass production of the new weapons in the Divine Mechanism Camp is progressing...
If they are already usable, perhaps testing their power against Prince Heng’s army in this era is a good option.
"Alright, regarding the Qingzhou Army, there’s no urgency today; it can be discussed tomorrow." Xu Zhenguan spoke:
"The immediate priority is to resolve the disturbances within the court and society caused by the Li Party’s rebellion. Those fallen officials held critical positions, and people need to be appointed to ensure the court’s central functions as usual.
Additionally, as per the Grandmaster’s words, the Xiuwen Pavilion should draft a proclamation against the rebels, swiftly informing various regions to classify the rebels as traitors, and at the same time, hunt down the monks associated with the Divine Dragon Temple and the martial artists from the East Sea Green Mountain lineage. It is time to announce to the world, my return."
The ministers all stood up, clasped their hands, and said: "We obey Your Majesty’s orders!"
Xu Zhenguan nodded and waved, indicating the ministers to turn and leave.
Zhao Douan also stood up, intending to return home briefly, but was suddenly called by the Empress:
"Mr. Zhao, I almost forgot something. I need you to take care of it."
"What is it?" Zhao Douan was taken aback.
Xu Zhenguan’s eyes were calm: "Eliminate the Divine Dragon Temple. After today, there will be no more Divine Dragon Temple in the Capital!"