Such a major incident at the camp gate was something Zhao Ji, the former emperor, could not have failed to hear about.
However, upon hearing that Li Gang had even brought the spirit tablets of Emperor Taizu and Emperor Taizong, he found himself truly hesitant to act.
He, a former emperor, knew Li Gang's temperament all too well. Moreover, his own actions in this matter had been rather unsavory.
If he dared to show himself now, it was likely that this southern tour would be completely ruined.
"Your Majesty, how do you propose we handle this matter?"
Listening to the clamor outside the camp gate, Liang Shicheng, who had been serving him closely, quickly lowered his head.
"What else can we do? That damned Tong Guan, unable to handle even such a small matter, what use do I have for him!"
"Your Majesty, Minister Fan's arrival is likely for these 100,000 troops! If you ask me, perhaps we could take a smaller contingent?"
After a moment of hesitation, Liang Shicheng tentatively suggested.
"But if there's no army to accompany me, my safety..."
The dispatches from the front lines in recent days had completely shattered Zhao Ji's confidence. At this moment, all he wanted was to flee south.
To ask him to give up the troops he commanded now would be incredibly difficult...
Compared to the panicked Zhao Ji, Liang Shicheng was much calmer.
It was obvious to everyone that the influential figures in the court were all staunch advocates of fighting to the death.
Even if the situation in Hebei and Hedong had not completely collapsed, even if it did, these people would not abandon Bianliang City.
If these troops were not left behind, even the former emperor Zhao Ji might find himself trapped in Bianliang City, unable to move.
In the past, when Zhao Ji was emperor, if he couldn't solve certain problems, he could eliminate those who raised them. But now, as a former emperor, his authority was diminished. Trying to contend with these chancellors would be truly foolish!
After thinking this through, Liang Shicheng cautiously tried again:
"Your Majesty, the Great Song Dynasty lacks for nothing but not for troops! Once we reach Bozhou, we can continue south. Han Mo is a man you promoted yourself. Once he transfers the accumulated funds from the Maritime Trade Bureau to you, will you still lack for an army?"
"You speak too easily. But the distance from Bianliang to Bozhou, and then from Bozhou to Hangzhou, is hundreds of miles!"
"Your Majesty, that's not how you should put it! It's still the middle of the night, and Minister Fan hasn't brought too many men. If we wait until dawn, all the officials will be blocking your path, and you won't be able to leave Bianliang City again!"
"This..."
Zhao Ji was stunned by his words.
Right!
He had indeed forgotten about this. If he were truly confined to Bianliang City, and something were to happen, he would be finished.
Hadn't he abdicated the throne to the Crown Prince precisely so he could leave Bianliang City smoothly?
"Go tell them that I must take at least 10,000 men!"
After pacing back and forth for a few moments, Zhao Ji finally made up his mind.
"Your Majesty, even 10,000 might be too many. If we take a large army, we'll need to prepare provisions along the way. I suggest we take only 5,000 elite troops from Hedong. What does it matter if the rest remain in Bianliang?"
"Five thousand... Five thousand it is! If they agree, we leave today!"
Taking a deep breath, Zhao Ji looked at Liang Shicheng.
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
Seeing that he had agreed, even Liang Shicheng felt a sense of relief.
After all, Zhao Ji was now a former emperor. Trading such a devalued former emperor for 95,000 elite soldiers, and given his relationship with Fan Zhengjie, Fan Zhengjie wouldn't refuse him.
Although Tong Guan held a military rank and was accustomed to military life, eunuchs were inherently weaker than normal men, and he lived a life of luxury. In contrast, Fan Zhengjie, while not trained in martial arts, had never let go of his archery skills under his father's influence.
With Li Gang present to maintain order, the soldiers nearby dared not interfere in the affairs between the chancellors...
By the time Liang Shicheng reached the camp gate, as soon as he stepped out, he saw Fan Zhengjie pinning Tong Guan to the ground and beating him severely.
"Minister Fan! Minister Fan! What are you doing?"
Seeing Tong Guan's blood-covered face, Liang Shicheng was startled.
Although Tong Guan was incompetent and truly deserved to die, he was the only one by Zhao Ji's side who could lead troops.
If Fan Zhengjie were to kill him, they would be in even greater trouble tonight.
"Grand Commandant Liang, do not stop me. I, Fan Zhengjie, will rid the country of this villain who speaks deceitfully and flatters the emperor, even if it costs me my head!"
Upon seeing Liang Shicheng, Fan Zhengjie's expression finally softened slightly.
After all, Liang Shicheng had played some part in many of the matters planned by that young man Han Mo. He still owed him some favor.
"Minister Fan, why bother? He is mud that cannot be plastered onto a wall. Why stoop to his level?"
Liang Shicheng spoke while quickly reaching out to feel Tong Guan's breath.
Fortunately, the man was not dead, and his breathing was still strong.
"I have something important to discuss with you. Shall we talk while walking?"
With great effort, Liang Shicheng finally managed to separate the two of them.
"What are you standing around for? Hurry and help him see a physician!"
Looking at the deputy generals standing by watching the spectacle, Liang Shicheng was furious. If he had arrived any later, Tong Guan would have been beaten to death right before their eyes.
"Minister Fan, I know why you have come today. Let's speak frankly. The former emperor is determined to leave. If you continue to block him like this, the scene that follows might not be very pleasant!"
Pulling him aside, Liang Shicheng lowered his voice and said.
"Since you have put it that way, I will be upfront with you as well. The former emperor may go, but these 100,000 troops cannot be taken."
Glancing back at Bianliang City, Fan Zhengjie also lowered his voice and said.
"I know you have your difficulties. I will not take all 100,000 troops. I will only take 5,000 soldiers and half a month's provisions for them. They will escort the former emperor along the way. What do you say?"