For a time, the news spread throughout Central Capital.
The Astronomical Bureau divined that the Northern Rong raising troops was an omen of great misfortune.
The Empress Dowager of Jin felt inwardly alarmed and hastily summoned the nobles and ministers to deliberate in the Taiji Hall.
"The Northern Rong has been pillaging and plundering at our Dajin's northwest frontier, extorting and harassing us. What plans might you all have?"
The court was abuzz with discussion.
Having just concluded the war with Nanqi, and with the Emperor dead, the court was in total chaos. The invasion by the Northern Rong at this critical juncture was adding fuel to the fire.
A group of officials were condemning and cursing the Northern Rong, adding insult to injury.
Li Zongxun petitioned, "With a land so vast, we cannot be without a successor. To respond to this urgent military situation, I request that the Young Emperor be installed as the new sovereign."
"Ridiculous!"
