In the grand hall.

Xiao Luming’s expression is cold, while Xie Qianyun wears an expression of martyrdom.

The two remain in a standoff.

Wu Huahao is truly frightened out of his wits by Xie Qianyun.

In the military camp, she may not fear the Great General, after all the General is her own mother, and at most she could be beaten but not beheaded. But here, accompanying the Emperor is akin to staying with a tiger, should he be displeased, this is practically sending oneself to the Yama Hall!

The silence is suffocating.

Seeing Xiao Luming delay in responding, Xie Qianyun speaks loudly again, her attitude firm, "Your Majesty, it matters not whether you lead the expedition personally, but please allow this consort to accompany Wu Huahao to the border to repel the Tartar!"

"Empress and Wu Huahao, withdraw for now. Whether the Empress goes to the border will be reconsidered," Xiao Luming says coldly.

Xie Qianyun still wants to say something.

"Madam, the Emperor is busy with governance and has many considerations. Please don’t disturb His Majesty. He will surely give you a definite reply once he has carefully considered the matter," the eunuch hastily says.

He fears this obstinate little mistress, while the Emperor values his reputation greatly; putting him in a difficult position would bring unforeseen consequences.

"Indeed, madam, let the Emperor consider further, for the Empress leading an expedition is indeed significant," Wu Huahao echoes under the eunuch’s gaze, hastily advising.

Xie Qianyun bites her lip.

Understanding Xiao Luming’s supreme authority, with so many watching beneath him, any decision made must be well-considered, she concedes.

She respectfully says, "Then this consort shall not disturb the Emperor further."

Xie Qianyun stands, decisively leaving.

Indeed, she is clean and efficient, without any hesitation or reluctance.

After Xie Qianyun departs.

Xiao Luming has no heart to continue reviewing memorials.

Upon receiving Xie Ruotong’s battle report, the current state of war at the border is indeed no longer as complacent as years past, when none dared infringe upon Daxuan. Due to many years without a true military campaign, the Tartar has begun to covet Daxuan’s vast resources, frequently causing trouble in the Hebei region.

Without driving the Tartar from Hebei, Daxuan Kingdom cannot truly be at ease.

Xiao Luming, like any other, wishes to fully reclaim the Hebei area, yet war is indeed as brutal as Xie Qianyun described.

The longer the battlefront, the longer the days, the more unspeakable the horrors.

"Do you think I should allow the Empress to go?" Xiao Luming suddenly asks the eunuch.

The eunuch is slightly taken aback.

Then respectfully says, "Madam has a mind for securing the nation and its people, the servant believes the Emperor should give support."

Xiao Luming’s Adam’s apple rolls.

"The Empress has spent her childhood in military camps and has often achieved feats. If she can accompany the Young Master to assist the Great General, driving away the Tartar would certainly yield double results with half the effort. Of course, Your Majesty has your own considerations, and this servant merely thinks that if the Empress leads an expedition, it would certainly boost military morale and win the favor of the people," the eunuch provides a very fair suggestion.

"I’m not talking about whether or not I allow the Empress to go to the border. I meant, should I, unlike my father, personally lead the expedition!" Xiao Luming states slowly.

The eunuch is slightly surprised.

So His Majesty means he has agreed to the Empress going to the border; now he merely hesitates about personally going to fight.

The eunuch dares not answer.

After all, His Majesty is the ruler of a nation; unless absolutely necessary, of course he cannot personally risk danger.

Yet, what the Empress said is quite true.

Without His Majesty personally experiencing an expedition, how can he truly comprehend warfare?

And military power is the most crucial existence for a nation; only after His Majesty personally experiences it can he better govern and stabilize the nation.

...

Xie Qianyun leaves the grand hall, feeling somewhat melancholic.

Based on her understanding of Xiao Luming, that rules-bound and utterly by-the-book person would surely find it difficult to agree to her going to war at the border.

But she truly doesn’t feel reassured leaving Wu Huahao to lead troops alone, plus her mother is not young anymore, should a large-scale war erupt, she’s worried her mother’s health couldn’t handle it.

Such anxiety surfaces.

"Wu Huahao, when will you leave?" Xie Qianyun suddenly asks.

"Tomorrow. Tonight, I must accompany my family for a reunion dinner," Wu Huahao replies.

"I will leave with you."

"What do you want to do?" Wu Huahao is scared such his legs nearly give way.

Xie Qianyun isn’t thinking of sneaking out of the Imperial Palace, right?!

Would taking the Empress on an escape be considered a grave crime?!

Would his family face total extermination?

Xiao Luming may not be a terrible ruler, but he is inflexible and highly principled; would offending him truly ignore familial bonds!