EBE Chapter 944 The final retreat
Chapter 944 The final retreat
Seeing this, Tojo Takehiro and Watanabe Motoyasu hurried forward to support Emperor Jinto, calling his name, trying to wake him up. However, Emperor Jinto seemed to be trapped in endless darkness, and no matter how they called, there was no response.
At this moment, the imperial study fell into deathly silence, with only the faint breathing of Emperor Jinto and the hurried footsteps of Tojo Takehide and Watanabe Motoyasu echoing.
In the Yangxin Hall deep in the Imperial Palace, the flickering candlelight illuminated the pale face of Emperor Jinto. He slowly opened his eyes, which were once sharp but now full of fatigue, as if telling of endless pain and helplessness. Tojo Takehiro and Watanabe Motoyasu stood anxiously beside the dragon couch, looking at the symbol of the country with concern.
"Your Majesty, you are finally awake!" There was a barely perceptible choke in Tojo Takehide's voice. He held Emperor Jinto's hand tightly, as if he was afraid that he would leave at any time.
Emperor Rento smiled slightly, but that smile was full of bitterness: "It seems like I have slept for a long time." His voice was weak and hoarse, as if it could be blown away by a gust of wind.
"Your Majesty, please don't speak for now. It is important to take care of yourself." Watanabe Motoyasu added, his eyes full of worry.
Emperor Rento shook his head slightly, as if he was gathering his last bit of strength: "I know my own body well. I'm afraid I'll never get better from this illness." There was a hint of determination in his tone, as if he had already made plans for the worst.
Hearing this, Tojo Yuei's eyes suddenly moistened: "Your Majesty, please don't say that. You are the symbol of the country and the hope of the people. As long as you are still here, there is still hope for Fuso."
Emperor Jindong sighed slightly and turned his gaze to the silent Watanabe Motoyasu: "Motoyasu, do you think I can hold on?"
Watanabe Motoyasu took a deep breath and answered firmly: "Your Majesty, no matter what decision you make, I will follow you until death."
Emperor Jindong nodded with satisfaction, then slowly turned his gaze back to Tojo Takehide: "Prime Minister, I have only one wish now, and that is not to let Fuso perish. My prince Jinyu is still young and cannot shoulder this responsibility alone. I hope you can assist him in the regent for the time being, and you must persevere no matter what."
Hearing this, Tojo Yuei's eyes filled with tears. He knelt down in front of the dragon bed and said in a firm and powerful voice: "Your Majesty, rest assured. I will do my best to assist His Royal Highness the Prince and stay with the Empire until my death!"
Emperor Jindong nodded with relief: "With you here, I feel relieved. Remember, no matter how difficult the future may be, you must keep your faith and fight to the end for Fuso and the people."
In the Yangxin Hall, the flickering candlelight illuminated Emperor Rento’s face, which was as pale as paper. He fell into a deep sleep again, his breathing weak and slow, as if every breath was a fight against death.
Tojo Takehisa stood beside the dragon bed, his eyes fixed on the face of Emperor Jinto. His eyes, once sharp but now dull, made him feel heartbroken. He knew that the symbol of the country had come to the end of his life.
"Imperial Physician, what is the condition of His Majesty?" Tojo Takehide turned around and looked sharply at the imperial physician standing beside him, his voice filled with unquestionable majesty.
The doctor shuddered slightly when he heard this. He lowered his head and said in a low and heavy voice, "Prime Minister, the Emperor has become ill due to overwork, excessive pressure, and mental and physical exhaustion. In addition, he is anxious and angry. I am afraid that he cannot be saved. Now, he can only hang on to his life and live one day at a time."
Hearing this, Tojo Yuei felt as if his heart was being cut by a knife. He clenched his fists and tried hard not to lose control of his emotions.
He knew very well that at this moment he was the last pillar of the country. He could not fall down, nor could he let Emperor Rento's sacrifice go to waste.
"Imperial Physician, please do your best to treat His Majesty, no matter how much it costs."
The doctor nodded and said he would do his best. However, his eyes revealed a hint of helplessness and despair. He knew that he was powerless to treat Emperor Rendong's condition.
At this time, Watanabe Motoyasu came over and whispered to Tojo Takehide, "Prime Minister, Osaka has now become a ruin, and the enemy army is approaching Kobe and will threaten Kyoto soon. Why don't we arrange for His Majesty and the royal family to leave the dangerous area first to ensure the continuation of the royal bloodline."
Hearing this, Tojo Yuei struggled in his heart. He knew that Watanabe Motoyasu's suggestion was out of consideration for the country's future, but he could not accept the fact that he had to give up Emperor Jindong.
"Yuan Tai, I understand your intentions. But His Majesty is the symbol of the country and the spiritual pillar of the people. If he leaves at this time, how much of a blow will it cause to the people? We can't do this."
Watanabe Motoyasu was silent for a moment after hearing this. He was well aware of Tojo Takehido's concerns, but he also knew that the current situation could not be delayed. He spoke again, with a hint of urgency in his voice: "Prime Minister, I understand your concerns. But the situation is critical now, and we must make the wisest choice. Kyushu and Shikoku have already fallen one after another, and Honshu is no longer safe. The only safe place, besides the Kanto region, is Hokkaido."
Hearing this, Tojo Yuei fell into deep thought. He knew very well that what Watanabe Motoyasu said was true. Now, Kyoto was under the threat of the enemy. If he didn't make a decision quickly, it might affect the entire royal family. He took a deep breath and tried to calm himself down.
"Yutasu, I will seriously consider your suggestion. But before that, we must ensure His Majesty's safety. I will immediately dispatch the most elite troops to escort His Majesty to the Kanto region or Hokkaido Island. But before that, we must first discuss with the royal family members and ensure their consent." There was a hint of determination in Tojo Takehide's voice, as if he was cheering himself up.
Watanabe Motoyasu nodded in agreement.
Hokkaido Island, a place once considered a remote place, has now become a safe haven for the Fuso royal family and their only choice to escape the war.
However, this decision is extremely difficult. Once the royal family members choose to leave Honshu Island and seek refuge in Hokkaido, it means that they will abandon the remaining hundreds of millions of people in Fuso to some extent. These people are also the people of Fuso and the foundation of the royal family. Abandoning them is undoubtedly a huge test of the royal family's responsibility and commitment.
Tojo Yuhide felt mixed emotions. He knew very well that this decision not only concerned the safety of the royal family members, but also the future of the entire country.
He closed his eyes, as if he could hear the calls of the people on Honshu Island. Those helpless and desperate voices made his heart ache.
"We can't just abandon them like this." Tojo Takehiko whispered to himself. The existence of the royal family is not only a symbol, but also a responsibility and commitment. They can't choose to escape and give up in the most difficult times.
However, the reality is cruel. The flames of war are ruthless, and the enemy's iron hoof is approaching step by step. If the royal family members continue to stay on Honshu Island, they will not only be unable to protect the people, but will also face great danger at any time.
Takehiro Tojo fell into deep contradiction and struggle.
This decision will be the most difficult one in his life. He must weigh the pros and cons and make the most wise decision to ensure the continuation of the royal bloodline while leaving a glimmer of hope for the future of the country.