After Rebirth, She Becomes the Revenge Queen-Chapter 597 - 373 Do You Want Him to Live?_3

"Because he is my son! He is my flesh and blood!" the Empress replied, "From the moment I sensed him in my womb, I had feelings for him. I fed him bit by bit, and I have felt his joys and sorrows entirely!

"I think, no matter what urgent situation I face, I cannot abandon him. Even if the whole world scolds me for being too sentimental as a woman, as a mother, I will never abandon my own son!"

Tears glistened in the Empress’s eyes, but she still stood strong, as if even the falling sky couldn’t crush her.

The Emperor couldn’t meet her gaze, clenching his fists tightly and turning his face away: "Did you hear something?"

The Empress took a deep breath, enduring the heat in her eyes, and shook her head: "No. I just miss him so much. For twenty-four years, he has been neither alive for us to see nor dead with a body to bury. Even when I die, this will be my regret."

"You..."

The Emperor uttered this one word but couldn’t continue speaking.

"I gave birth to two sons, raised three, yet one died, the son we’ve cared for all these years is unrelated to either of us, and one is missing. Even if I am honored with lavish rituals in death, what’s the point?"

The Empress’s murmuring voice was like the raindrops dripping from the eaves on a cold night, each sound piercingly clear, yet chilling to the bone.

The hall was as silent as if no one existed, until the eunuch reached the entrance, summoning the courage to speak:

"Your Majesty, Your Highness, General Pei requests an audience."

This announcement saved the Emperor, as if a fish out of water were suddenly thrown back into it. He lifted his head, glanced at the eunuch, and then slowly straightened up:

"Summon, summon him in."

As Pei Zhan stepped into the Qianqing Palace, he saw the Emperor and Empress seated on either side of a low table. Even if the Emperor appeared as usual, and the Empress remained kindly and gentle, he still sensed an inexplicable oppressive atmosphere permeating the room.

"Your Majesty, the people previously sent to explore Dongzi in the northwest have reported back. I have received a transcription from the Ministry of War, and I have urgent information to submit."

The inconsistency between the Emperor and Empress remained unknown to Pei Zhan, and naturally, he couldn’t show curiosity. Addressing state matters promptly was the priority.

The Emperor, as if grasping at straws, gathered his full spirit to confront the issue: "What other news is there, report it all."

The military report from the Ministry already reached the palace. He casually picked the document up from a pile of memorials reviewed earlier, accurately locating the military report from the northwest.

Pei Zhan recited the military report and also included the information gathered by Chen Song.

The Emperor’s brow furrowed tightly: "This Lian Yang is ambitious, a growing threat. His father was defeated by you, so how could our Great Zhou tolerate his insolence at our gate?"

The Emperor looked up: "That is how it is, but sending troops would be damaging, and the national treasury is strained. Do you have a strategy to win without fighting?"

Pei Zhan replied: "I haven’t been to the northwest myself, so anything I say is mere theorizing. However, this hidden danger was not completely resolved when I entered the Dayue Royal City with the army, which is my fault. I am responsible for going to settle matters.

"As for military funds, there are several hectares of land in my manor. I can raise funds for the army myself if necessary."

The Emperor looked at the Empress with furrowed brows, asking: "What is the Empress’s view?"

"This significant matter should be discussed with the Ministry of War and high courtiers. How dare I speak rashly?"

The Emperor pursed his lips, then waved his hand: "Immediately summon the Ministry of War, and call the Great General stationed in the capital to the palace for a meeting."

After sending the eunuch away, he lowered his head to scrutinize the military report, while the Empress was already standing.

The Emperor closed the document: "Where are you going?"

The Empress’s voice was steady, but after the earlier exchange, her calmness inexplicably seemed cool. "With national affairs pressing, even General Pei is determined to finance the nation’s defense himself. I will return to the palace to help in preparations."

After speaking, she glanced at Pei Zhan, who watched the floor without a word. Her voice was deep and powerful: "General Pei, you have my full support to make bold decisions. The remnants of Dayue will not be eradicated, and I too will not rest!"