Chapter 38: The Scoundrel Princess's Daily Slacking Chapter 38: Yan Duiduidu Goes Online

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Protagonist:

Yan Qianqian

Today's imperial court was abuzz with unusual fervor. Officials whispered among themselves and debated heatedly, all because the matter reported by the Minister of War was truly shocking—a horrific massacre of an entire village had occurred in Zhuo Zhou, located at the border between Nanliang Guo and Dachang Kingdom!

According to the urgent memorial from the Inspector of Zhuo Zhou, in a single night, the entire village was slaughtered, not a chicken or dog left alive. Fortunately, a remarkably clever child in the village hid inside a water vat, escaping the murderer's notice, and survived to recount what he had seen and heard.

It turned out that those who committed such atrocities were actually a band of thugs from Nanliang Guo. They not only slaughtered every villager but also looted all the grain, and as they left, they insanely set fire to burn down the entire village—crimes so heinous they outraged both men and gods.

When the Minister of War finished speaking, the Emperor flew into a rage, slammed the table, and rose, shouting loudly: "I want to send troops immediately and march straight on Nanliang Guo, to make these wicked thieves pay with blood for blood!" His voice was like thunder, echoing through the imperial court.

However, at this moment, several civil officials stepped forward from the crowd, kneeling to remonstrate: "Your Majesty, you absolutely must not act rashly! Although our Dachang Kingdom is currently the strongest under heaven, the other four kingdoms are also formidable, presenting a balance of power like a tripod with four legs. Pull one hair and move the whole body; if we recklessly start a war, it will surely bring suffering to the people and leave them unable to make a living!"

The Emperor suppressed his anger and asked with a gloomy expression: "Then according to your esteemed councilors, how should this matter be handled?" One civil official, trembling with fear, wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and carefully replied: "Your Majesty, your subject believes that the current plan should be to first strengthen border defenses, to prevent Nanliang Guo from invading again. At the same time, envoys can be sent to Nanliang Guo to demand a reasonable explanation and compensation for our losses. This way, war can be avoided while our nation's dignity is upheld."

Hearing this, the Emperor turned his gaze to the Minister of War and said in a deep voice: "Esteemed councilor, what do you think of what the civil officials have said?"

Minister of War Ai Sheng spoke to the Emperor with a solemn expression: "Your Majesty, Nanliang Guo has always harbored wolfish ambitions. Even if we can defend against them for a time, we cannot guard against them forever. Moreover, our Dachang Kingdom is situated in a central position, and the other three surrounding countries eye us covetously. If we now recklessly concentrate our forces around Zhuo Zhou, we fear it will give the other three countries an opportunity to invade our borders. In your subject's opinion, the most proper course now is to take the initiative and send troops to attack Nanliang Guo, crush them in one blow, and make them fully submit. You must know, the Ten-Year Peace Treaty previously signed with Nanliang Guo is about to expire; precisely because of this, Nanliang Guo dares to act so restlessly. Therefore, the urgent matter now is to sign a long-term valid peace treaty with them once again."

At this time, a civil official stepped out from the ranks, cupped his fists, and said: "Your Majesty, your subject believes that our Dachang Kingdom is currently in a period of rest and recuperation, and it is truly unwise to easily start a war. We should focus on strengthening defenses and send envoys to Nanliang Guo to try to resolve the dispute through diplomatic means."

Hearing these words, An Wang standing beside them could not help but sneer: "Hmph! This official speaks so lightly. Since your tongue is so sharp, why not beg the Emperor to send you personally as the envoy? Only, I wonder if this official thinks how much compensation could make up for the lives of all the innocent commoners in an entire village?"

Being questioned by An Wang like this, that official immediately turned ashen, his body trembling slightly, and dared not say another word. The Emperor suddenly became interested, for he knew that An Wang was usually a man of few words; whether to fight or not, this was the first time he had so publicly insulted someone.

The Emperor asked An Wang, "An Wang, what do you think should be done?" An Wang replied, "The Minister of War speaks with reason." The Emperor was delighted and asked the Minister of War, "Esteemed councilor, who do you think should be sent to lead the troops into battle?" After a moment's thought, Ai Sheng cupped his fists and replied: "I report to Your Majesty, Zhuo Zhou is strategically important, easy to defend but hard to attack. To ensure victory in this war, a general with rich experience in commanding troops and profound knowledge of military strategy should be selected. In your subject's opinion, General Weiyuan is the only choice."

Hearing these words, the Emperor slowly turned his gaze to General Weiyuan and asked gently: "Esteemed councilor, are you willing to personally lead the great army to Zhuo Zhou?"

Hearing this, General Weiyuan secretly rejoiced in his heart. He unhurriedly stepped out from the ranks, then knelt on both knees and said respectfully: "I report to Your Majesty, this subordinate is naturally willing to share Your Majesty's burdens, but this subordinate feels that compared to An Wang, whether in combat experience or ability to command troops, I am lacking. Moreover, An Wang has long been on the battlefield with brilliant military achievements. For this expedition to Zhuo Zhou, it should be An Wang who takes command to ensure absolute success."

After speaking, General Weiyuan slightly raised his head and secretly glanced at the Minister of War beside him, a hint of smugness flashing in his eyes. It turned out that this General Weiyuan and the civil official who had just spoken were cousins.

Previously, because An Wang's residence had several young sons needing care, the past few times the Emperor wanted to send An Wang to lead troops, he had politely declined. General Weiyuan figured that this time An Wang would surely refuse as usual, and then he himself would step forward, expressing willingness to lead the army, thereby highlighting his own importance and putting the Minister of War in an embarrassing position.

However, to everyone's surprise, An Wang, who had been silent all along, suddenly spoke at this moment: "Imperial Brother, your younger brother is willing to take on this heavy responsibility and lead troops to Zhuo Zhou! However..." An Wang changed the subject, his gaze sharp as he swept over the officials present, then continued: "Now in the imperial court, there are some people who clearly have no real talent or learning, yet climb to high positions by relying on nepotism. Such incompetent people would be better off dismissed and investigated early, lest they mislead the country and harm the people! Imperial Brother, what do you think?"

Hearing these words, the Emperor was shaken all over, his face showing astonishment. He thought to himself: "What on earth is wrong with An Wang today? Why are his words so sharp, actually openly insulting the court officials? Could he have been stimulated by something? But no matter what, An Wang volunteering for this expedition truly shows loyal and brave spirit, which is indeed comforting."

Thinking this through, the Emperor composed himself. Only to see the Emperor with a smile on his face, speaking gently to An Wang: "Imperial Brother, these words are wrong! General Weiyuan is a man who has long been on the battlefield with brilliant military achievements; he is merely humble."

After speaking, the Emperor turned his gaze to General Weiyuan, his eyes full of trust and expectation, and continued: "General Weiyuan, do not belittle yourself. For this expedition, I have decided to entrust you with commanding the troops. Tomorrow morning, you need to set out with the two hundred thousand great army. I believe that with your talent and experience, you will surely return in triumph and establish great merit for our Dachang Kingdom!"

Hearing this, General Weiyuan's face instantly turned red, and he could only cup his fists to receive the order: "This subordinate receives the order!" Then he turned and strode away.

Immediately afterward, the Emperor glanced over the officials in the imperial court and said: "Esteemed councilors, if there are no other matters to report, you may retire from court. After the morning court ends, An Wang, come to my Shufang."

For a moment, the imperial court was silent as a grave, no one speaking. Eunuch Sun standing beside them, seeing this, shouted at the top of his lungs: "Court adjourned!" With this shout, the officials, as if waking from a dream, began to slowly move outward. Not long after, the originally solemn and dignified Jinluan Hall became sparsely populated.

After leaving Jinluan Hall, General Weiyuan had a gloomy face, staring fixedly at the Minister of War, and said in an unfriendly tone: "Thank you for your 'kindness,' Minister of War. This general truly never expected that An Wang would speak up for you at this moment!"

Facing General Weiyuan's questioning, Minister of War Ai Sheng hurriedly cupped his fists and bowed, smiling apologetically: "General Weiyuan, you flatter this humble official. This humble official's actions were also for the sake of the state. You are highly respected and have superb martial skills, truly the only choice. As for An Wang, he naturally puts national interests first and is not deliberately targeting you, General."

However, General Weiyuan obviously did not buy it. After a cold snort, he flicked his sleeves and left, leaving only Ai Sheng standing alone in place, watching his departing back, shaking his head helplessly...