The Cousin Is About to Marry，The Abstinent Young Lord Loses Control-Chapter 209: Making Amends with Merit

The news of a rebellion in the south spread, shaking the court and the public.

Minister Xu suggested in the morning meeting to give Xie Yunzhen a chance to redeem himself through meritorious service.

"In a rebellion, it is the common people who suffer. Xie, the Princely Heir, has a record of outstanding military achievements, never having lost a battle. If he is sent south, he will surely be able to eliminate the rebellious traitors and bring the chaos to an end!"

Grand Tutor Du’s expression changed; he had assumed that he and Minister Xu were allies on the same path.

If Xie Yunzhen was given a chance to redeem himself, wouldn’t all the previous efforts be in vain?

Given Xie Yunzhen’s vindictive nature, if he returns to the court, won’t it cause a great upheaval!

He was the first to stand up against Minister Xu’s proposal.

"There are others in the court capable of leading troops into battle besides Xie Yunzhen. Such an opportunity to build achievements should not be given to someone who has made mistakes."

After listening to Grand Tutor Du, the military generals were eager to take on the task.

Minister Xu coldly retorted, "This is no trivial matter and must be suppressed by an experienced general. While the court does not lack military generals, who can compare to Xie Yunzhen in terms of troop deployment and strategy!"

The Grand Tutor was displeased, "How can you know others can’t compare to Xie Yunzhen if you don’t give them a chance?"

"That is a battlefield, not the usual training ground! If those sent out can’t suppress the rebellion, who will take responsibility? And what of the common people suffering in distress, waiting for the court’s aid? Not deploying the most capable general means letting the army bleed in vain and further prolonging the people’s suffering!"

Minister Xu spoke righteously and sternly, "You refuse to let Xie Yunzhen lead the army south due to personal motives, viewing the lives of the people and soldiers as worthless. Can you truly bear the responsibility of being a teacher and model, Grand Tutor Du?"

Grand Tutor Du bristled, "Does this mean the court cannot function without Xie Yunzhen? Or are you insulting the generals present here as incompetent?"

The generals collectively turned to look.

Those with a quick temper started cursing aloud.

"Who among us has not bled and fought on the battlefield to earn our place here? Minister Xu, I advise you to speak cautiously!"

With those words, someone stirred the fire.

"Minister Xu’s son merely toured the military camp and never saw the battlefield; yet he’s now in the Ministry of War, isn’t he?"

Xu Zhou is now just a minor sixth-rank official but has the right to attend court meetings.

With fire reaching his own family, Minister Xu’s face showed displeasure, "The matter of the rebellion is urgent, I ask everyone to discern priorities carefully!"

The new Emperor looked serious, "Minister Xu’s suggestion is good, but the Grand Tutor also makes a valid point. If we deploy Xie Yunzhen, won’t it give the impression that our dynasty lacks capable generals?"

With the new Emperor siding with him, Grand Tutor Du’s frown eased slightly.

He performed a grand gesture of respect and proposed, "Young General Xiao is currently in the capital; why not let him quell the rebellion? He grew up in the military camp and has rich practical experience, his strategic capabilities are not inferior to others."

Minister Xu clenched his teeth, restraining his urge to burst out cursing.

Young General Xiao returned to the capital ostensibly for a wedding but was actually meant to stay and cooperate with subsequent actions.

At this time, their faction must stand united and absolutely not divided!

"I still propose giving Xie Yunzhen a chance. He is a rare military talent, and even if he made mistakes in a moment of folly, he should not be negated for it."

"I second this!"

"I also believe the Princely Heir is the best candidate!"

"..."

Those aligned with Minister Xu naturally followed his stance unconditionally.

Meanwhile, those on Xie Yunzhen’s side were also scheming to return him to the court.

Going south to quell the rebellion was indeed an opportunity.

However, since Minister Xu brought it up, it gave the impression that he harbored no good intentions.

After hesitating for a moment, it was Princess An He’s brother who stood forward first.

"Ah Zhen was spared by the Emperor’s mercy, keeping his life. Now that the people are in trouble, it is fitting for him to rescue the common folk from their plight to repay the Emperor’s benevolence!"

More and more people in the court joined in agreement.

Even some neutral officials thought sending Xie Yunzhen to quell the rebellion was the best choice.

Rescuing people is as urgent as fighting a fire; delaying any further, let alone the rebels capturing more cities, the common people can wait no longer.

The majority supported Xie Yunzhen.

The new Emperor allowed a small, almost imperceptible smile to form, "Approved!"

...

Setting out to quell a rebellion isn’t something that happens instantly.

Before the troops move, logistics must be handled first.

The Ministry of War was fully responsible for this matter.

Xie Yunzhen was appointed as the General of the Southern Expedition, ordered by the new Emperor to lead an army of 200,000 to suppress the rebellion.

The rebel traitors were to be killed without mercy!

Some thought such a large force was unnecessary to quell the rebellion.

But others said this was the first military campaign since the new Emperor’s ascension.

It could only be won, not lost.

Otherwise, it would undermine the foundation of the nation.

The more soldiers, the greater the chances of victory!

Xie Yunzhen went to the military camp to muster his troops, while Mingzhu packed his luggage for him.

The trouble in the south didn’t seem as severe as previous battles, but every war should never be underestimated.

Mingzhu was actually nervous inside.

Amidst her anxiety, she also had a sense of anticipation.

As long as she took down General Xiao and Minister Xu, her father’s matters could be brought to light.

Those who harmed the loyal and stabbed others in the back must pay the price!

She didn’t know when Xie Yunzhen would return, but knowing the weather could turn cold, she had made him warm winter clothes days ago.

This was the perfect opportunity to bring them.

Gold wanted to help but Mingzhu refused, "He’s done so much for me, and all I can do for him are these minor trivial tasks."

"That’s not true! You’ve stabilized the household for the Young Master, allowing him to focus on his battles outside. Without you, he wouldn’t have that fighting spirit."

"Well said, reward him!"

Under the dusk, the armored man strode in briskly.

The clanking of his armor caused an involuntary tremor in the heart.

Gold bowed his head and withdrew, knowing the Young Master would soon leave the capital and surely had much to say to his wife.

This was the first time Mingzhu saw Xie Yunzhen in armor.

His broad shoulders, upright figure, and the sword in his hand made him appear formidable and imposing.

Coupled with his sharply defined features, it inexplicably evoked a sense of awe.

"Why aren’t you saying anything?"

Xie Yunzhen looked at her, "After tonight, we won’t see each other for a long time."

Mingzhu shook her head, "I don’t know what to say."

Telling him to take care of himself, be safe... she had already said similar things when he received the appointment.

Though her expression was calm, Xie Yunzhen sensed confusion in her.

He walked over and gently stroked Mingzhu’s head, "Don’t be afraid, this will all soon be over."

Mingzhu leaned on his shoulder, "Then promise me, you must come back safely."

Xie Yunzhen wasn’t afraid of going to the battlefield or bleeding and sacrificing himself, but sensing Mingzhu’s unease suddenly made him a little frightened.

He had to come back alive.

There were still people waiting for him at home.

He kissed Mingzhu’s forehead firmly, moving his large hand to her abdomen.

"Zhu Zhu, your period is five days late."

His Adam’s apple moved, his eyes full of reluctance.

"If the child truly comes, donate a thousand taels of silver to the alms house on my behalf, no need to write to me."