ebookland Chapter 961 Can’t delay any longer
Chapter 961 Can’t delay any longer
In Kyoto, in the Prime Minister's office, the atmosphere was so heavy that water could almost freeze. Outside the window, the occasional sound of gunfire and the smoke in the distance all indicated that the city was facing an unprecedented crisis. Watanabe Motoyasu hurriedly opened the door of the office and walked in with heavy steps.
"Prime Minister," Watanabe Motoyasu's voice was filled with a hint of anxiety that could not be concealed, "The latest battle report from the front line has arrived, and the situation is extremely critical. Gaosi and Nandan have fallen one after another, and our reserve forces have suffered heavy losses, more than 100,000 people. Now, we have no defenses, and the Chinese army is approaching Kyoto without stopping."
Takehide Tojo, the prime minister once known for his iron-fisted approach, seemed unusually silent at this moment.
After hearing the news, the pen in his hand fell to the table with a snap. Tojo Yuei stared at Watanabe Motoyasu, as if trying to find a glimmer of hope in his eyes, but was disappointed in the end.
"The situation... is it really that bad?" Tojo Takehide's voice was low and hoarse. He swallowed hard, trying to calm his inner panic.
Watanabe Motoyasu nodded heavily, his eyes full of helplessness and despair: "Yes, Prime Minister. We must face the reality. The strength of the Chinese army is far beyond our imagination. If we don't take action, Kyoto may..."
Tojo Yuei took a deep breath, as if he wanted to absorb all the fear and anxiety into his chest, and then slowly exhaled. He stood up, walked to the window, and stared at the sky in the distance that was shrouded in war, with mixed feelings in his heart.
"We can't delay any longer," Tojo Yuei finally spoke, "We must act immediately and send the royal family to the Kanto region. It is relatively safe there, and there are abundant resources and manpower to ensure their safety."
Watanabe Motoyasu understood that this was the only feasible option at the moment and was also their responsibility as subjects.
"Yes, Prime Minister. I will immediately arrange personnel to ensure the safe transfer of the royal family. At the same time, I will do my best to make the final effort for the defense of Kyoto." Watanabe Motoyasu replied respectfully.
In the Yangshen Hall of the Emperor's Palace, the flickering candlelight illuminates the simple and solemn decorations inside the hall.
The air is filled with a light scent of sandalwood, which makes people feel peaceful. The translucent gauze curtains sway gently, adding a bit of mystery and solemnity to this ancient palace.
Rendong, the Emperor of Fuso, was half-lying on the dragon couch at this moment, holding an ancient book in his hand, which was a classic on Fuso's history and culture. He seemed to be trying to find the answer to the current crisis from the wisdom of history.
Despite the war outside, he looked pretty good.
At this moment, Tojo Takehide, the Prime Minister, walked in respectfully. His steps were steady, but his eyes revealed a trace of fatigue and anxiety that was difficult to conceal.
He sorted out his thoughts and feelings, strode towards Rendong, then knelt respectfully in front of the dragon couch and spoke in a low voice: "Your Majesty, I feel ashamed of your Majesty. Although we have assembled 300,000 reserve troops and sent them to the front line, we are still unable to stop the Chinese army. Now, the entire Jingdu Prefecture is in danger, and we must act."
Rendong gently closed the book in his hand and looked at Tojo Yuei with a gentle gaze, as if he had already expected that he would bring such news. He smiled slightly and said, "Mr. Yuei, don't blame yourself. In war, the outcome is unpredictable. You have done your best, and I see it all."
When Tojo Takehido heard this, he felt a warm feeling in his heart, but at the same time, it also strengthened his determination.
He continued, "Your Majesty, for the continuation of the royal bloodline and for the future of Fuso, I would like to arrange for someone to escort Your Majesty, the prince, and the royal family to Kanto. It is relatively safe there, and has abundant resources and manpower to ensure the safety of the royal family."
After saying that, Tojo Yuei carefully observed Rendong's expression.
Given Ren Dong's current physical condition, he absolutely cannot be provoked. But the situation is critical, so he can only tell him the plan in full, hoping that Ren Dong can understand and accept it.
However, Rendong's expression was surprisingly calm. He spoke slowly, with an indescribable calmness in his voice: "Lord Xiongying, I appreciate your kindness. But as the emperor of Fuso, I am the symbol of the country and the hope of the people. I cannot leave Kyoto at this critical moment, disappoint the people, and let the country lose its last dignity."
Hearing this, Tojo Yuei was shocked. He did not expect Rendong to make such a decision. He quickly advised: "Your Majesty, your health..."
Rendong gently waved his hand, interrupting Tojo Yuei's words: "I know my own health. I have decided to stay in Kyoto and live and die with the people. As for the princes and royal family members, I'll leave it to Lord Yuei. You must ensure their safety and make them the hope of Fuso's future."
Hearing this, Tojo Yuei's eyes moistened slightly. He bowed deeply to Rendong and said with a choked voice, "I obey your order. I will definitely live up to your majesty's trust and ensure the safety of the prince and the royal family. Your majesty, take care. I will take my leave now."
The sound of Takehide Tojo's footsteps gradually faded away in the corridor of the Yangshen Palace until it disappeared completely, and the entire palace returned to tranquility again.
Emperor Jindong's expression remained calm, but his eyes became unusually deep, as if he could penetrate time and space and see the distant past and the unknown future.
He slowly turned his head, his eyes falling on the sky outside the window that was red with war flames, and murmured to himself: "Is this day finally coming?"
A complex emotion flashed in Rendong's eyes, which was a remembrance of the glorious past years and a deep worry about the current predicament.
Suddenly, Rendong's emotions burst out like a flood. He cried loudly, with endless sorrow and self-blame in his voice: "My ancestors, I am ashamed of you! I failed to preserve the foundation of Fusang and let this land fall into war and conflict. I am the sinner of Fusang!"
Tears slid down Rendong's old face and dripped onto the dragon couch, making a subtle and crisp sound.
His cry echoed in the empty Yangshen Temple, as if even the air was moved. At this moment, Rendong was no longer the high and mighty emperor, but an ordinary person who was burdened with heavy responsibilities and endless pain.
However, the emotional catharsis did not last long. Rendong gradually calmed down his crying, took a deep breath, and wiped the tears from his face with trembling hands.
"Eunuch," Ren Dong's voice was hoarse but full of power, "Bring me my dragon robe. Even if I have to face death, I must maintain the dignity of an emperor."
Upon hearing this, the eunuch immediately responded, walked quickly to the wardrobe in the hall, and took out the dragon robe that symbolized the emperor's authority and dignity.
He held the dragon robe carefully, walked to the dragon bed, and presented it to Rendong respectfully.