"Xu Yingyi and the others are planning to use the other party's methods against them this time."
Meng Qingbin and Cen Bo, who were likewise standing at the forefront of the court officials, exchanged a glance. Each saw something in the other's eyes and knew they were thinking the same thing.
"Previously, Xu Yingyi and the others repeatedly signaled those below them to submit memorials attacking Qiu Yan's military reforms. But because the realm was unsettled and the army had to be deployed, coupled with the recent pacification of the Northern Frontier, where many tribes had yet to fully submit and often rebelled anew, Qiu Yan was invisibly given a talisman of protection, preventing his military reforms from being destroyed by rumors and slander..."
As he thought this, Meng Qingbin's gaze swept over Qiu Yan, a contemplative look appearing in his eyes.
"The new army Qiu Yan established already had many soldiers who had followed him through campaigns north and south serving as its backbone, men with real combat experience. Now, after several major battles in quelling the rebellions of Qi-Lu and Hebei Circuit, it had long since made its name. How could Xu Yingyi and the others possibly succeed with their scheme? These military achievements have also made Qiu Yan's footing in court ever more secure."
The same thought lingered in Cen Bo's mind as well.
As the leader of the New Party, his power could not compare with Wang Fu's, but as the highest-ranking figure in the New Party, his vision still surpassed that of the others. Naturally, he understood the venomous intent hidden behind this proposal to have Qiu Yan accept the bandits' surrender. As he thought this, Cen Bo's gaze fell upon Xu Yingyi, who stood before the emperor.
Xu Yingyi's face was as still as