Gong Ting Dian exploded with protests and shouts.
The Minister for War, Master Wan, threw himself on his knees. The men around him did the same on the left side of the assembly space.
"You cannot, Majesty!" Master Wan cried. "You only just took over for a week - we cannot risk hurting your golden body!"
Zheng rubbed his mouth as he watched the older man grovel on his feet a distance away.
"Our armies are well-rationed and well-trained. Almost all warriors from Ping He and Chang Jie have already volunteered to fight, and will be joining the 10,000-strong Royal army marching northwards."
Northwards, because we would be meeting Emperor Lang's men on the march to Tong Zhen.
Even if Tong Zhen had as many men as we did, having Yin Shang on our side would form twice the force.
"Your Majesty, let your subject lead the army instead!" One of the higher-ranked Generals, who stood a row in front of Yi Fu's oldest son, said loudly.
