The ministers also appeared aged overnight, their spirits and appearances in disarray.
However, when they saw the Emperor emerge, they still rallied their spirits and knelt, saying, "Your Majesty, please reconsider—"
The leading minister, Jiang Chongyu, advised, "Qu Zhi has rebelled and gone to Beiqi. The battle between the two armies has brought disaster to the people of Jizhou, scattering them far and wide. We hope that Your Majesty will prioritize the larger situation. Even Lady would not wish for you to inspect the Southern provinces at such a time."
He Ying remained silent but walked over and helped them all up.
The ministers: "..."
The Emperor was proud and assertive; previously, not scolding them would have been considered merciful, but now he had actually helped each of them up.
What did this mean?
A conciliatory policy?
Was he inexplicably considering a compromise?
The ministers each had their own thoughts.
