"Yes!" Several Hall Guards acknowledged the order and hurried out of the royal hall.
"General Wen Feng..." the prime minister called again.
General Wen Feng hurriedly rose and cupped his fists with both hands. "This general is here!"
"Take the Military Tally and mobilize the troops from all regions. Hold the territories we have already conquered. Make no moves for now and await the monarch's next command!"
"This general obeys the decree!" General Wen Feng answered and departed.
The prime minister called again, "General of Cavalry..."
"This general is here..."
"Lead the troops under your command to guard the vicinity of the Royal Palace. Beware of the Jiang Kingdom remnants launching a surprise attack amid the chaos..."
"Yes..."
"General Hao Hu..." Just as the prime minister was about to issue another order, the monarch spoke first. "Lead all my ministers to Qingxin Hall to rest. Then join the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Revenue in discussing countermeasures. I will first discuss matters with the prime minister and will come shortly after!"
"This general obeys!" Having received the command, General Hao Hu placed a hand on the treasured sword at his waist, strode first to the hall doors, and coldly swept his gaze over the officials.
Seeing that the monarch had returned to normal and was issuing orders calmly, a smile appeared on the prime minister's face. He slowly sat back down in his brocade chair.
The many ministers all crawled to their feet. Some wore puzzled expressions, some looked panicked, some seemed to have everything under control, and some remained as calm as ever. Slowly, they withdrew from the royal hall and followed the crowd elsewhere.
"You may all withdraw!" The monarch glanced around at the Hall Guards, as well as the trembling palace maids and eunuchs. With