The Emperor has been actively preparing for the expedition these past two days. No matter how much the ministers tried to dissuade him, it was all in vain. In the harem, no one dared to persuade him, and when the Empress tried once, the Emperor flew into a rage, leaving all the concubines silent.
What about the Empress Dowager?
The Empress Dowager smiled warmly and praised the Emperor’s armor as powerful and imposing. The Emperor felt flattered; Mother truly has the best taste.
Amidst the ministers’ and concubines’ worries, the Emperor prepared for the expedition. But on the day before the departure, they received urgent news from the front lines.
The enemy army retreated.
And it’s not just a simple retreat.
The king of the enemy nation suddenly died of a serious illness, and several princes began to fight over the throne, causing chaos.
The General leading the troops was the eldest Prince’s uncle, who hurriedly led the army back to help the eldest Prince seize the throne. On the way back, they encountered an avalanche, burying most of the soldiers. Although he led the remaining soldiers to help the eldest Prince ascend the throne, their forces were greatly diminished.
After ascending the throne, the eldest Prince feared that the Emperor here would settle scores with him, so he promptly surrendered and admitted vassal status, and that’s not all; soon he would send his own younger sister for a political marriage. With such a blow to the enemy nation’s strength, it would take more than a decade to recover.
Thus, a war dissipated like smoke.
The Emperor stared at the urgent report, dumbfounded.
In the great hall, the ministers were all beaming, almost bursting into cheers.
Why didn’t they cheer aloud? Because they saw the Emperor’s not-so-pleased expression. The Emperor, ambitious and eager to set out on the expedition, now felt like he hit a cotton ball, with nothing left for him to do.
Meanwhile, all the concubines in the harem were at the Empress Dowager’s palace to pay respects, and upon receiving the news, they all had radiant smiles. This was truly great news. The concubines discussed how it’s wonderful that such a thing happened. In their hearts, they all felt relieved and fortunate that the enemy nation fell into internal strife during this time, withdrawing troops and encountering an avalanche. However, the prospect of sending a Princess for a political marriage wasn’t as joyous.
Tianmiao remained composed with a smile. Her son’s luck was extraordinary; such outcomes were a regular occurrence.
After dismissing court, the Emperor came to the Empress Dowager to pay respects. Seeing the room full of joyful concubines, he waved them to leave directly.
"Mother, I can’t go on the expedition. At first, I felt a bit disappointed, but now thinking about it, it is indeed a good thing. If war breaks out, there will inevitably be casualties, and the ones suffering would be the common people." The Emperor sat down, smiled, and spoke to Tianmiao.
"It’s great that you think this way." Tianmiao also smiled, "Considering you feel a bit disappointed, let’s have something delicious tonight."
"Oh? Does Mother have some new dishes from her cook?" The Emperor finally got animated and asked happily.
"Yes, you’ll know when you eat tonight." Tianmiao looked at the seemingly plumper Emperor with compassion and said, "We’ll have seafood tonight, won’t put on weight."
"Ah..." The Emperor unconsciously pinched the fat around his waist, recalling some things Lin Daying had told him indirectly. One shouldn’t be too overweight; otherwise, it would lead to many risks and future illnesses. Perhaps he really should pay attention to his diet?
...
The enemy nation named Shala Country is a land full of exotic charm. The hair and eye colors of Shala Country’s people differ from those of this country. When the people of Shala Country entered the capital, they attracted the curious eyes of the local people along the way.
The Princess sent over was said to be the most beloved daughter of the former king, a beauty of national grace and heavenly fragrance, skilled in singing and dancing, having many admirers in Shala Country.