kingnovel Chapter 447 I thought you meant to say that I was abusing my power
Chapter 447 I thought you meant to say that I was abusing my power
There was a depressing and dull atmosphere in the palace of the imperial capital.
Ludwig sat high on the magnificent throne, like an eagle overlooking all living things, his sharp eyes swept over the trembling ministers and generals below. He was dressed in a gorgeous royal robe, inlaid with countless precious gems, each of which sparkled with dazzling light, as if showing his supreme authority to the world.
He raised his head slightly, holding a document in his left hand, his slender fingers gently pinching the edge of the document.
He looked at the document quietly. After a long while, he slowly put the document on the table aside with a slight "pop" sound, as if announcing that the meeting had officially begun.
Ludwig turned his deep gaze towards the ministers and generals below and said coldly:
"I don't understand. I have distributed most of the benefits of the empire to my vassals in the south, but they actually allowed a Mitlan army that was defeated by the Kushans to march on the territory of my empire."
His voice was low and powerful, like the beating of a dull war drum, which frightened everyone present.
After that, he looked at the Minister of Seals, his eyes as sharp as a sword, and slowly opened his mouth and said:
"As the Minister of the Seal and also my vassal, I would like to ask what you think."
After hearing this, the Minister of the Seal felt a strong sense of uneasiness in his heart. He knew that he could not hide in this storm at all, so he could only bite the bullet and say:
"You vassals may not be unwilling to send troops. On the one hand, although the Midland army is a defeated army, it has at least 10,000 soldiers. The nobles from various places cannot resist it alone."
He lowered his head slightly, not daring to look directly into Ludwig's intimidating gaze.
"Secondly, because of your order, most of the troops in the empire were transferred to the eastern and western borders. The number of standing troops in the country is seriously insufficient, and some places are even unmanned, so this situation has occurred."
The Lord Chancellor continued to explain, with a hint of helplessness in his voice.
The corners of Ludwig's mouth slightly raised, revealing a barely perceptible sneer. He looked coldly at the Minister of the Seal and asked:
"You said that my order was wrong?"
The Minister of the Seal was startled and immediately knelt down to beg for mercy, saying:
"No, that's not it, Your Majesty."
He didn't dare to look up, and silently prayed in his heart that Ludwig would let him go, but the trembling in his voice could not hide the fear in his heart.
Seeing him like this, Ludwig couldn't help but chuckle a few times. The laughter echoed in the empty palace, like the whisper of a devil, making people shudder. Then, he lazily sat back on the throne, as if everything just now was just a game. He stretched and said casually:
"You don't have to be so nervous. I'm not blaming you. Today, you are innocent. You can speak without worry."
The Minister of the Seal heaved a sigh of relief after hearing what Ludwig said, but the nervous expression could not be wiped off his face. He knew very well that this might be his last chance to survive in this storm.
Seeing Ludwig's assurance, the Minister of Seals felt relieved and gradually mustered up his courage and said:
"Your Majesty... I think there is something wrong with the orders you issued recently."
Ludwig frowned slightly, a hint of displeasure flashing in his eyes, but he still didn't get angry.
The Minister of the Keeper of the Seal took a deep breath and continued:
"Although large-scale taxation and military expansion have enabled the empire to obtain a large amount of funds and manpower, this is not a long-term solution."
"Without those civilians, who will farm for us and pay taxes?"
The Chancellor spoke cautiously, not daring to look directly at Ludwig.
Ludwig's eyes suddenly turned cold, and that look seemed to be able to freeze the Minister of the Seal instantly. He laughed in anger:
"Oh, I thought you meant to say that I was abusing my power without restraint."
The laughter echoed in the palace like thunder, shaking everyone present.
"Well, there is indeed..."
Before the Minister of the Seal finished speaking, Ludwig's face had turned livid. He slammed the armrest of the throne and roared:
"Who told you that I was abusing my power?"
His voice was like a gust of wind, sweeping across the entire palace.
"Guards, drag the chancellor out and behead him at noon tomorrow!"
Ludwig said angrily, his eyes filled with murderous intent.
"No, no, no... Your Majesty, didn't you say that the speaker is innocent?!"
The Chancellor argued loudly and hurriedly, trying to grasp the last glimmer of life and shouting desperately.
However, he could not change his fate at this time. The guards rushed up like wolves and tigers, dragged him up from the ground, and walked towards the palace gate. The cries and struggles of the Minister of Seals echoed in the palace, which made people feel unbearable.
Ludwig seemed not to have heard it. His eyes were still cold as he looked in the direction where the Chancellor was dragged away, as if he was enjoying a perfect performance.
Ludwig took advantage of the situation and shouted at the ministers and generals:
"I don't care what method you use! You must wipe out this Midland army!"
He stood up and looked down at everyone present. His majestic aura made people dare not look directly at him.
"Send me all the troops in the country, surround them, and kill them one by one!"
Ludwig's voice was like a thunder, exploding in the palace. Every word was filled with murderous intent, frightening everyone present.
At this time a general said:
"Your Majesty, the situation in the country is not very stable right now. Most of the troops have been transferred to the border. If we send out a large number of troops at this time, I am afraid it will cause unrest in the rear."
Ludwig's face became increasingly gloomy, and he glared at the general, but he also knew that if he killed the general, there would be no one to lead the troops into battle.
"When is it your turn to interfere in my affairs? My orders are orders. Anyone who disobeys will be killed without mercy!"
The ministers and generals all lowered their heads, not daring to say anything more. They knew very well that His Majesty would not listen to any different opinions at this time, and his arrogance and temper had shrouded the entire palace in a haze.
Ludwig strode through the palace, his eyes sweeping across everyone's face, as if he was examining his subjects. He was filled with arrogance and self-confidence, as if he was already the master of the world, and no one could stop him.
"Everyone, get back and prepare! If we still don't see the news that the Midland army has been annihilated, I will let you all go to the Minister of the Seal to reminisce about the past!"
Ludwig said viciously, his eyes flashing with madness.
Ministers and generals left the palace one after another as if they had been pardoned. They left the palace with their hearts full of worry and anxiety. They did not know what impact this storm caused by Ludwig's arrogance would have on the future of the empire.