After grasping the clues, Su Ran knew time was of the essence. He made an immediate decision, summoning the most powerful ministers of the imperial court to a quiet, concealed chamber within the palace to discuss a strategy to overcome the complex and dire situation.
The atmosphere in the chamber was heavy. The flickering candlelight cast moving shadows across the men's faces, reflecting their grave expressions. Su Ran’s gaze was sharp; he swept his eyes slowly over everyone present and spoke with a firm, steady tone: "The truth behind these events is gradually coming to light. We must not act rashly. We must plan thoroughly before we move, seizing the right moment to deliver a fatal blow to the enemy, and only then can we completely turn the tide."
No sooner had he finished speaking than Li Xuan stepped forward, unable to contain his impatience. With a passionate demeanor and forceful words, he declared, "Your Majesty, in my view, military action should come first. The rebels at the border are in collusion with foreign powers. We should secretly mobilize our superior forces and, while they are caught off guard, strike like a thunderbolt from the sky to destroy the strongholds they have painstakingly built at the border. Let them pay a bitter price for their provocations and experience the formidable power of the Great Qing military firsthand."
Chapter 149