Chapter 517: The Demon Lord Princess's Slacking Daily Life Chapter 610: Ouyang Chengqi

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Protagonist:

Yan Qianqian

This shout rang out like a thunderclap, reverberating through the great hall. Hearing it, everyone dropped to their knees in unison, crying out in one voice: "Long live the Emperor, ten thousand years, ten thousand times ten thousand years!"

Ouyang Chengren knelt along with the crowd, his movements swift and crisp, without the slightest hesitation.

Immediately after, Ouyang Chengqi appeared, clad in a bright yellow dragon robe, walking slowly in through the Jinluan Hall entrance.

His steps seemed rather slow, as if each one bore endless majesty.

Everyone kept their heads lowered, not daring to look directly at this Nine-Five Supreme, afraid the slightest misstep might offend the Dragon Countenance.

Ouyang Chengqi walked slowly toward the Dragon Throne, each step appearing exceptionally heavy.

Some ministers below secretly grumbled: the Emperor's figure seemed to grow fatter by the day, his walk slower and slower; every morning they had to kneel here for a good long while.

Finally, someone felt their legs going numb, and just then Ouyang Chengqi's voice came from above: "All beloved ministers, rise."

"Thanks for the sovereign's grace!" The crowd, as if granted amnesty, all rose and returned to their places.

Just then, Eunuch Cheng standing to the side suddenly shouted in a high voice: "Those with matters, present them; those with none, withdraw from court!" That one cry, like a great bell, echoed through the imperial court.

No sooner had the words fallen than a minister stepped forward briskly, clutching a memorial tightly in his hand, as if it contained something of utmost importance.

This minister reached the center of the hall, first saluted Ouyang Chengqi, then began to expound at length.

Meanwhile, Ouyang Chengqi on the Dragon Throne appeared somewhat absent-minded.

His obese frame occupied half the Dragon Throne; were the throne not wide enough, he would likely have trouble sitting steady.

Looking at the bright yellow dragon robe he wore, it too was a specially made oversized version, clearly tailored for him by the Shangyi Bureau. Ouyang Chengqi grew fatter and fatter, which also made him lazier and lazier.

Ouyang Chengqi listened to the ministers' reports while secretly pondering in his heart.

Most of what these ministers spoke of were trivial, unimportant matters, which left him feeling somewhat irritable.

After listening to one or two, he simply stopped listening and cut in directly: "Today, We have an important matter to discuss with all of you; other unimportant matters can wait until after court, and We will review them slowly then."

Hearing this, everyone immediately pricked up their ears, afraid to miss what Ouyang Chengqi would say next. After all, anything the Emperor announced so solemnly could not be trivial.

Seeing this, Ouyang Chengqi did not keep them in suspense, but spoke directly: "All beloved ministers, you surely know that in ten days the peace treaty between our Xishang Kingdom and Beilin Kingdom will expire.

We urgently recalled the Zhenxi General precisely to discuss this matter. Should we continue sending envoys to sign a peace treaty, or directly conquer Beilin Kingdom?"

As Ouyang Chengqi's words fell, the court fell instantly silent, everyone mute.

Seeing this, Ouyang Chengqi continued: "All beloved ministers, no need for reserve; speak freely, express your opinions and views."

No sooner had he finished than, after a moment, a man slowly stepped forward — the Minister of Rites. He bowed and said: "Your Majesty, this old minister believes that once the two nations go to war, other countries will likely take the opportunity to make trouble, which would be disadvantageous to our nation.

Therefore, the best course is still to continue signing a peace treaty, to safeguard the nation's peace. Moreover, this old minister believes this should be proposed by Beilin Kingdom on their own initiative; that way our side will not appear overly passive."

Ouyang Chengqi nodded slightly, expressing agreement: "Mm, beloved minister's words are quite right."

However, just then the Minister of War suddenly stood up and declared loudly: "Your Majesty, this minister believes the Minister of Rites is mistaken. Our Xishang Kingdom has always been powerful; Beilin Kingdom simply cannot contend with us.

Even more so now. Why should we sign a peace treaty with them and still demand they cede territory, pay indemnities, and offer tribute? It is far too troublesome. In this minister's view, better to dispatch troops directly and take Beilin Kingdom in one stroke; that would not only display our nation's might but also eliminate future troubles once and for all."

Ouyang Chengqi listened to the Minister of War and nodded again, expressing approval: "Beloved minister's words also have some merit."

As the crowd argued incessantly, Ouyang Chengqi finally turned his gaze to Ouyang Chengren and asked: "Imperial Brother, what is your view on this matter?"

Ouyang Chengren rose without hesitation and answered loudly: "This younger brother believes this war is inevitable! Beilin Kingdom has repeatedly invaded our borders, burning, killing, looting, committing every evil — they are a great scourge to our Xishang Kingdom.

If we do not punish them severely, where is our Xishang Kingdom's majesty? How can the people's peace be guaranteed? Therefore this younger brother requests to lead troops on campaign, to conquer Beilin Kingdom and uphold our Xishang Kingdom's mighty name!"

Hearing this, Ouyang Chengqi was overjoyed; he slapped the Dragon Throne hard and exclaimed: "Good! Worthy of being our Xishang Kingdom's Zhenxi General! With such heroic ambition, why worry Beilin Kingdom won't fall!

In that case, We appoint you as Commander-in-Chief of this campaign against Beilin Kingdom, to lead the three hundred thousand Qi Family Army; you will set out the day after tomorrow and must capture Beilin Kingdom in one blow, raising our Xishang Kingdom's martial wind!"

Ouyang Chengren hurriedly knelt and thanked him: "This younger brother thanks the sovereign's grace! This younger brother will surely do his utmost, not disgrace the mission, and return victorious soon!"

Ouyang Chengqi nodded with satisfaction: "Very good. Well then, We have other matters to attend to; today's court session ends here."

The words had barely fallen when Eunuch Cheng's sharp thin voice rang out: "Court dismissed!" Immediately after, Ouyang Chengqi rose and left his seat, walking slowly out of the court.

Seeing the Emperor depart, all ministers bowed in salute, then began whispering among themselves. Ouyang Chengren, after the Emperor left, also followed and left the court.

This was something the two of them had already discussed last night. Ouyang Chengqi knew well that if he directly proposed launching a war, it would likely cause misunderstanding and discontent, painting him as someone who disregarded the people's lives and insisted on provoking conflict.

So he needed to find a suitable person to speak for him — someone who could command respect and had sufficient prestige and influence.

After deep consideration, Ouyang Chengqi decided to let Ouyang Chengren play this role. Ouyang Chengren enjoyed high prestige in the court, deeply respected by ministers and beloved by the common people.

With him proposing the war, ministers would naturally have few objections, and the people would more readily accept the decision due to their admiration for Ouyang Chengren.

After Ouyang Chengren left the Jinluan Hall, he could not help recalling the words Ouyang Chengqi had spoken to him last night. Those words echoed in his ears, making him realize this battle could not be avoided.

Ouyang Chengren left the Imperial Palace and rushed without pause to the General's Mansion. Meanwhile, Qianqian was still immersed in last night's incomparably comfortable sleep. That bed was soft as if made of clouds; the moment she lay down she felt wrapped up, completely unwilling to get up.