"At such a time, to neglect military affairs—how could that be lightly forgiven?"
Zeng Shilin narrowed his eyes and looked toward Liu Chengqian.
Liu Chengqian met his gaze calmly.
"Heh."
Zeng Shilin sneered. "Why is Minister Liu in such a hurry? Could it be that you wish to personally lead troops to the front and kill the enemy?"
"Your Majesty, since Minister Liu possesses such resolve, I humbly request the honor for him. When the army is formed, let him take command. If Minister Liu is the commander, everyone in the Ministry of War will give him our full cooperation and never slacken!"
Zeng Shilin's expression remained calm as he bowed to Emperor Jianhong.
Liu Chengqian's expression shifted slightly.
Make him lead troops into battle?
"Minister Zeng, what we are discussing here is Zeng Anmin's method of training troops. Since when did this become a battlefield? You have put the cart before the horse."
Liu Chengqian drew a deep breath. Steady-eyed, he looked toward Emperor Jianhong and said,
"Your Majesty, my concerns are by no means groundless. Rumors have already spread from the southern bank of the great river, claiming that Minister Zeng and his son harbor the wolfish ambitions of wild beasts and intend to defect to the demons."
"The Dragon Survey Map was lost. On the surface, Duke Huang failed in his duty of guarding it, but the hidden danger had already been planted when Minister Zeng served as Governor of Fengqi Road."
"If the Demon Race had not lain in hiding for so long, how could they have suddenly emerged?"
"In my view, the rumors may not be true, but certain people's wolfish ambitions are becoming plain for all to see."
"Damn you, say that again?!"
Zeng Shilin suddenly raised his voice, glaring hard at Liu