While some were rejoicing, others were mourning. When news of the suppression army's defeat reached the capital, Emperor Cui Jie almost suffered a cerebral hemorrhage in anger. He immediately summoned several trusted ministers, including Changsun Tai, to the imperial study for discussion.
Changsun Tai put on a sorrowful expression, lamenting, "How could this happen! Your Majesty is the true dragon emperor, protected by divine power, yet we lost to a bunch of rabble! This is a national tragedy!"
The ministers remained silent, heads bowed. Changsun Tai continued, "We sent out an army of 200,000, while the Wu King had less than 40,000 men. How could we lose so easily? There must be something fishy going on! The soldiers didn't fight wholeheartedly, and fled at the first sign of trouble. General Shi Bangze, as the main commander, bears primary responsibility, and Deputy Commander Rong Hai is also partly to blame. Please punish them severely to uphold military discipline!"
Guo Mao held his tablet tightly, watching Changsun Tai sympathetically. Unaware of the impending disaster, Changsun Tai continued, "Your Majesty, the suppression army was well-equipped and provisioned. Only poor leadership could lead to such a crushing defeat—"
"That's enough!" Emperor Cui Jie roared, throwing a teacup at him.
Caught off guard, Changsun Tai fell unconscious, bleeding profusely. The ministers knelt down in unison, trembling. A eunuch carried the injured minister away for medical attention. Emperor Cui Jie's face darkened, eyes fierce, glaring at the cowering officials.
"You all claimed that 200,000 troops were enough to crush the Wu King. Yet, you were defeated by fewer than 40,000 rebels! Explain yourselves! Why did this happen?" Enraged, he swept his arm across the table, shattering priceless blue-and-white porcelain pieces.
He bellowed, "Speak up! You're usually so eloquent, why are you silent now? Are you all mute? Have I been raising a bunch of useless mouths?"
An elderly minister trembled, bowing, "Your Majesty, please calm down! The suppression army's defeat must have a reason. Perhaps the rebels used witchcraft, summoning storms and creating soldiers from beans…"
Emperor Cui Jie glared at him, "Do you believe your own words, Minister Ma?"
The old minister bowed lower, retreating. Guo Mao glanced at him, stepping forward, "Your Majesty, having more troops doesn't guarantee victory. Allow me to review the battle report before making judgments."
Emperor Cui Jie nodded, and Fude handed over the report. Guo Mao bowed and began reading carefully.
The report detailed that Generals Shi and Rong led 200,000 troops to occupy Xuanzhou, gradually reclaiming several cities. However, they were ambushed from behind, resulting in Xuanzhou's capture overnight. Rong Hai's negligence led to his troops being trapped, and he himself went missing. Zhong Yuanshan pursued the remaining suppression army, forcing Shi Bangze to retreat southward, where he was ambushed again, suffering heavy losses.
After calming down with some tea, Emperor Cui Jie asked, "What do you think?"
Guo Mao respectfully returned the report, "The report is vague and seems to shift blame. I cannot fully understand it, but I can offer some analysis for your consideration."
Emperor Cui Jie's expression softened slightly, sitting on the throne, "Proceed."
Guo Mao nodded, "Xuanzhou's capture overnight wasn't due to witchcraft but because Generals Shi and Rong fell for a diversionary tactic. As a strategic location, Xuanzhou should have been guarded by a deputy commander. Losing it meant losing control over supplies, leading to inevitable defeat."
"I know that," Emperor Cui Jie said coldly, "I want to know why they fell for the trick. Before departure, I repeatedly emphasized the importance of holding Xuanzhou. Did they ignore my orders?"
Another minister, after reading the report, suggested, "Perhaps General Rong disregarded orders and chased after the Wu King's provocations, leaving Xuanzhou undefended. The report states that Xuanzhou's loss was due to Rong Hai's negligence. Had he followed orders, this wouldn't have happened."
Another minister chimed in, "Your Majesty, General Rong often acted recklessly, leveraging his relationship with the Empress Dowager. His disobedience caused the defeat."
Emperor Cui Jie frowned, deep in thought. Guo Mao continued, "Let's set aside Xuanzhou's loss and focus on General Shi's actions afterward. With half the army still under his command, why didn't he attempt to recapture Xuanzhou instead of retreating southward, falling into another ambush?"
The same minister interrupted, "Your Majesty, General Shi couldn't possibly lose to Zhong Yuanshan's smaller force unless Rong Hai betrayed us, revealing our strategies. Thus, General Shi had no choice but to flee."
Another agreed, "Indeed, Rong Hai's betrayal led to General Shi's downfall. Combined with the Wu King's formidable combat skills, who could stand against such forces?"
Guo Mao frowned, "That's not entirely accurate."
However, the room was filled with voices eager to pin the blame on Rong Hai, ignoring Guo Mao's arguments. Finally, he gave up, falling silent.
After a long pause, Emperor Cui Jie dismissed everyone, "That's all for today. I'm tired."
As the ministers left, only Guo Mao remained. Emperor Cui Jie asked, "Do you have something else to say?"
Guo Mao earnestly advised, "Your Majesty, the Wu King and Governor Zhong Yuanshan are formidable foes. If not dealt with promptly, they will become a greater threat. Rong Hai is a valuable general. We cannot afford to lose him."
Emperor Cui Jie sighed, "Guo Ziyang, I heard that Mother's headaches improved thanks to the Tianma you presented."
Guo Mao knelt, "Your Majesty, I am loyal to you alone. Concerned about your worries over the rebellion, I offered Tianma to the Empress Dowager to ease her pain. Please understand my intentions!"
Emperor Cui Jie stared at him, "Guo Ziyang."
"Your Majesty."
"You are intelligent, and I value that intelligence, promoting you accordingly."
Guo Mao sweated profusely, maintaining composure, "Your Majesty's trust means everything to me. I wish to serve you wholeheartedly, though it's hard to repay your kindness."
Emperor Cui Jie brushed his boot, "It's comforting to see your dedication. But remember, sometimes being too clever isn't beneficial. Balance and restraint are essential to becoming a wise minister."
Guo Mao bowed deeply, "I will heed your teachings."
"Dismissed."
Guo Mao quietly left.
Fude remarked, "Your Majesty, Guo Ziyang is quite naive, thinking you don't see through the report's inconsistencies. Everyone blames Rong Hai, yet he defends him, inviting trouble."
Emperor Cui Jie sneered, "Guo Ziyan is too clever and likes to show off. He needs to learn to read situations better."
Fude flattered, "Of course, Your Majesty is the Son of Heaven, ruler of all. Ministers should follow your wishes, assisting you in achieving your goals. They shouldn't act independently like him."
"For now, he's useful. Let him be. But if he remains stubborn, he will face consequences," Emperor Cui Jie's eyes flashed menacingly.