Tang Youyou also heard their conversation. She looked towards Prime Minister Song and noticed that he seemed much older than before. He was no longer as imposing as he used to be.
"What has Prime Minister Song been up to these past two years? His hair has turned so gray," Tang Youyou said.
Rong Xun explained, "Although he returned to his hometown later, he didn't idle around. Whether it was dealing with the bandits in the mountains or the refugees fleeing from famine, he took charge personally. The local officials were more than happy about it. They regarded him as a free advisor."
Hearing this, Tang Youyou thought he was just like the real-life Hai Rui.
"But is such a person suitable to be the emperor of a country?" Tang Youyou had some concerns. In her understanding, those who could sit on the throne of a country should have certain power and ambition. Otherwise, they wouldn't be able to manage their subordinates.
A kind and honest person like him was most likely to be bullied. Not to mention the turbulent court, both openly and secretly. Could he handle it?
Rong Xun saw what she was worried about. "I understand your concerns. Actually, we can't judge a person by just one side. Some people may not seem very assertive in normal times, but when they want to achieve something, they can be more ambitious than anyone else."
"Now we only need one more step, which is to make him interested in the throne of the Ming Dynasty."
This was the first time Tang Youyou had heard such a view. Everyone wanted to be the emperor of a country, and there were quite a few people eyeing that throne.
"Although the throne is very noble to many people, not everyone wants it. For example, if you offer it to an ordinary commoner, do you think he would prefer to live an ordinary life or sit on that restricted and constrained throne?"
The answer was definitely the former. Because they didn't have the matching ability and strength. Even if they sat on that throne, they wouldn't know what to do. In the end, they would surely become someone else's puppet.
Just as they finished talking, Song Xumo, who was not far away, suddenly saw the group over here.
When he saw Rong Xun, he was slightly stunned for a moment. Then he immediately reacted and stepped forward to confirm.
When he got closer and saw Rong Xun's face clearly, Song Xumo immediately bowed down to pay his respects, but was stopped by Rong Xun in time.
"Prime Minister Song, what are you doing?"
"Your Majesty."
"Prime Minister Song, the former emperor of the Ming Dynasty is no longer alive. You don't need to pay your respects. Please get up quickly."
After Song Xumo stood up straight, he then saw Tang Youyou beside Rong Xun and was also quite surprised.
"Y-Your Majesty the Queen?"
Tang Youyou gave him a sweet smile. "I'm no longer the queen of the Ming Dynasty. I'm just an ordinary person now. You can just call me Miss Tang."
"That's not appropriate."
Tang Youyou said, "Prime Minister Song, the Ming Dynasty has changed a lot. You know who the current emperor and queen are. You don't need to worry about these formalities."
These words dispelled some of Song Xumo's concerns.
"Okay, Miss Tang, Mr. Rong. You've all seen the current situation. The whole Ming Dynasty is in a state of panic. The common people are living in fear all day long. It seems that Rong Jiangyu is about to attack the imperial city. What should we do?"
Rong Xun said, "This is not a suitable place to talk. Let's find another place."
So they went to a relatively well - preserved inn. Rong Xun noticed that Song Xumo had lost a lot of weight in the past two years because of his concern about various matters.
"Prime Minister Song, there's something I'd like to discuss with you."
Rong Xun didn't put on airs. Instead, he took a humble stance when talking to him.
"Please go ahead."
"The current situation in the Ming Dynasty is very unstable. Once Rong Jiangyu captures the imperial city, the whole Ming Dynasty will fall into his hands. If this person becomes the emperor of the Ming Dynasty, will the common people have a good life?"
After Rong Xun finished speaking, he watched Song Xumo's reaction. It was almost as he expected, but the fire in Song Xumo's heart wasn't burning strongly enough yet.
"I understand what you said. If the Ming Dynasty falls into his hands, the common people will surely suffer a lot. But who can take control of the situation?"
Rong Xun immediately followed up, "Prime Minister Song, you are the one who can take control of the situation."
Hearing this, Prime Minister Song almost jumped up from his chair, but was held back by Tang Youyou.
"Prime Minister Song, don't be in a hurry. Listen to what we have to say first."
Only then did Song Xumo realize that his coming here was all within their expectations.
"Prime Minister Song, to be honest with you, we've already discussed this before coming here. In the future, the Ming Dynasty must not fall into the hands of an outsider. Although Rong Jiangyu was the former crown prince, he is now the king of the Western Regions and has nothing to do with the Ming Dynasty anymore."
Rong Xun continued, "Moreover, you must have seen what kind of person and what kind of emperor he is these past two days. We've also walked through other towns. Along the way, we've seen and heard a lot. Everyone is looking forward to having an emperor who can whole - heartedly think about the people in the Ming Dynasty, rather than a cruel emperor like him."
Rong Xun's voice gradually became louder. Even Tang Youyou beside him felt like she wanted to raise a flag and start an uprising.
Under Rong Xun's persuasion, Song Xumo was gradually tempted, but he wasn't completely convinced yet.
"I'm not the right person for this. The throne is more suitable for someone like Your Majesty."
Rong Xun said earnestly, "Prime Minister Song, during my reign, I've always thought highly of you. Whether it was building dams or suppressing bandits, your deeds have been seen by the world. Some people even built a temple for you. Aren't you the kind - hearted person that the common people talk about who thinks about the people?"
"If you were on the throne, who would allow outsiders to rebel? The whole country would work together, and there would be no chance for these barbarians to invade."
Tang Youyou nodded vigorously. If she were Song Xumo, she might have been convinced by Rong Xun long ago. She really admired the prime minister's perseverance.
But it was also obvious that if this person could ascend the throne, he would surely be a good emperor who cared about the country and the people.
At this time, Wen Xue came in from outside. He leaned over and whispered something to Rong Xun. Rong Xun's expression immediately became very serious.
"I have some bad news. Rong Jiangyu has already arrived near the imperial city and is preparing to attack it tomorrow."
As soon as these words were spoken, everyone present fell into silence.
Tang Youyou didn't expect Rong Jiangyu to act so quickly. According to the original estimate, it would take him at least two more days to attack the imperial city.
"Actually, I have a candidate. There's still one person who is currently putting up a tenacious resistance against Rong Jiangyu. That person is General Xu, who is still in office."
Rong Xun had actually thought about this person before, but General Xu was too ambitious. Moreover, he used to serve under Su Jin, so he couldn't be fully trusted.
"Although General Xu served under Su Jin, his character is good. I can guarantee that. He is a descendant of Duke Xu. However, he was later squeezed out of the Central Plains and had to live in exile."