Chapter 544: Xiaoyao, my child, the opportunity has arrived

In the Imperial Study, Li Chen was discussing some matters regarding northern military affairs with Prime Minister Zhao Wenyuan and Grand General Guo Guo Po Yun.

Guo Guo Po Yun spoke first; the voice of this veteran general who had experienced a hundred battles was as loud as a bell: "Your Majesty, the border troops of the Great Luo Dynasty have repeatedly provoked us recently, from initial brawls between soldiers to now developing into armed fights between officers. I suggest we launch a northern expedition immediately; it is the perfect time to let those northern tribes who have submitted to our dynasty achieve merit!"

Before his voice had even faded, Zhao Wenyuan had already stepped forward with a frown.

This old Prime Minister with white hair and beard stroked his long beard: "I believe this is inappropriate."

"The Emperor of Great Luo, Luo Hou, has always been cautious. Their army has no advantage once they leave the northern snow plains. There must be something fishy about this matter; I fear someone is deliberately provoking us."

Guo Guo Po Yun's thick eyebrows stood up: "Prime Minister Zhao, your words are wrong! The border troops have been humiliated; how can we sit idly by? Those northern tribes are brave and skilled in battle, and now they are all requesting to fight. It is the perfect opportunity to deploy troops!"

Zhao Wenyuan became uncharacteristically firm: "General Guo, your words are wrong! Military mobilization is a waste of manpower and money; to go to war over such trivial matters is truly not the act of a wise monarch!"

Li Chen listened quietly to the debate between his two heavyweights, a hint of contemplation flashing in his deep eyes.

The Great Luo Dynasty and Tian Ce had never had any dealings, after all, they were separated by the Snow Eagle Royal Court.

Now that they were suddenly causing trouble at the border, it was indeed suspicious.

If they rashly started a war, they might fall right into someone's trap; but if they ignored it, it would damage the majesty of Tian Ce.

To fight or not to fight had become a dilemma.

Li Chen pondered for a moment and said: "I will write a letter, and we shall see how Luo Hou responds."

He dipped his brush in ink and wrote a few lines in a flowing, dragon-like script on the imperial gold paper.

Seeing this, Zhao Wenyuan breathed a sigh of relief, and although Guo Guo Po Yun was unwilling, he dared not say more.

After finishing, Li Chen put down the imperial brush and looked up at the two of them: "There is another matter; I will be heading south in a few days."

As soon as these words were spoken, the two old ministers' expressions changed. Zhao Wenyuan said urgently: "Your Majesty, state affairs are busy, you..."

"My mind is made up." Li Chen interrupted him, took out the newly developed mobile phone from his sleeve, and shook it. "If there is anything urgent, contact me at any time."

Guo Guo Po Yun still wanted to persuade him: "Your Majesty, the border..."

"Matters at the border will be handled by Han Wu. I have important business on this trip south. You two ministers need not say more." Li Chen rose, his black dragon robe shimmering with dark patterns under the candlelight.

Seeing the Emperor's firm attitude, Zhao Wenyuan and Guo Guo Po Yun looked at each other and had no choice but to bow and withdraw.

Walking out of the Imperial Study, Zhao Wenyuan sighed in a low voice: "His Majesty has been leaving the capital frequently lately; such hard work truly makes one emotional."

Guo Guo Po Yun also sighed: "I feel the late Emperor was already very diligent, but now it seems the current Emperor is even more so."

The main thing was, every time Li Chen went out to do something, he wouldn't say what it was.

But every time he returned, there would be gains.

So everyone naturally felt he was going out to handle affairs, working hard for the country.

Therefore, every time he went out to fool around, his prestige in the court increased by a point.

The two of them walked further and further away, while inside the Imperial Study, Li Chen was already preparing to leave the capital.

To head to the Eternal Day Empire, he naturally needed capable hands by his side to serve him.

Li Chen thought it over and finally selected Xuan Ji.

Not only was she exceptionally strong, but more importantly, her skills in serving others were top-notch.

Since submitting to Li Chen, she had been loyal and efficient, winning Li Chen's deep trust.

Learning that she would accompany the Emperor to the Eternal Day Empire, Xuan Ji had been working exceptionally hard these past few days.

She spent all day in the Library Pavilion, flipping through classics about the Eternal Day Empire, even carefully studying the local customs and etiquette.

At this moment, she was kneeling before the desk, her silver hair tied up high, focused on making marks in a book titled "Eternal Day Customs and Scenery."

Sunlight spilled through the window lattice onto her exquisite profile, outlining a beautiful silhouette.