Throughout history, emperors have more or less personally led expeditions, but going to war means stepping onto the battlefield, which always involves some danger. Moreover, Luming has been in the Imperial Palace for so many years. He has seldom set foot outside, let alone fought in a war; his entire focus has been on handling state affairs, outsmarting the civil and military officials, and dedicating himself to governing the country.

Suddenly talking about going to war? Setting aside whether Luming’s theoretical knowledge is practical on the battlefield, she’s even worried that Luming might not be able to adapt to life outside the palace at all.

"Mother, do you think I’m incapable?" Xiao Luming looked at An Ning’s expression and asked.

"No, it’s just too sudden. I am wondering, with you going on an expedition, who will manage court affairs? Before, when your father went to war, he left the governance to Princess Hezhen and Marquis Wu Xufan. If you leave..."

"Isn’t father right here in the palace?" Xiao Luming stated bluntly.

An Ning was taken aback, left speechless.

The implication was to have Xiao Jinxing govern the country again.

Xiao Jinxing has been away from court affairs for so many years?!

Can he still do it?!

An Ning looked at Luming, sensing a hint of retaliation from Luming!

Back then, Xiao Jinxing had handed the entire Daxuan Kingdom over to Luming.

He had enjoyed life carefreely for so long, and now the consequences were coming.

"Mother, do you think it is feasible?" Xiao Luming asked again.

An Ning pressed her lips together, "Luming, you are the ruler of this nation, and you have your judgment and decisions to make. As long as you have thoroughly considered and are determined, as your mother, I will certainly give my full support."

"Thank you, Mother." Xiao Luming, rarely, smiled.

He was actually very worried that his mother would refuse his expedition due to the dangers of war, but in reality, his mother was very open-minded and saw the bigger picture.

After all, in the face of national interest, any personal feelings are insignificant.

...

The news of Xiao Luming’s decision to personally lead an expedition quickly spread throughout the entire Daxuan Kingdom.

Of course, there were many voices of opposition among the civil and military officials, all of which were decisively suppressed by Xiao Luming.

Xie Qianyun learned that not only did Xiao Luming agree to her suggestion of going on an expedition, but he was actually going to lead it himself?!

When did Xiao Luming become so obedient? It startled her into a shiver.

Indeed.

Her suggestion wasn’t thoughtless or carelessly made.

She genuinely believed that the Emperor had been in the Imperial Palace for too long and should go out to see the larger world, broadening his horizons, which would be more beneficial for governing the country.

However, her belief didn’t mean everyone shared it.

Xiao Anqi vehemently opposed Xiao Luming’s personal expedition.

In her view, the Emperor only needed to command from within the palace; matters of war were something generals should handle. Understanding and empathizing with the people should be the role of ministers and officials. The Emperor merely had to manage the generals and ministers.

Thus, Xie Qianyun watched Xiao Anqi fervently advising Xiao Luming against the expedition.

She didn’t want to be the third wheel here, but Luming had come to Jingxiu Palace to discuss arrangements for the expedition, and then Xiao Anqi arrived.

From the start, she was asserting her points with righteous conviction.

Xie Qianyun quietly listened from the side.

Xiao Luming didn’t stop Xiao Anqi from speaking. Although he did not agree to Anqi’s suggestions, his attitude was exceptionally good.

He continually assured her that there would be no danger in this expedition.

Xiao Anqi, perhaps, had spoken herself hoarse without convincing Xiao Luming. She turned her gaze toward Xie Qianyun, who was cracking sunflower seeds beside her.

Feeling Xiao Anqi’s gaze, Xie Qianyun immediately stopped her actions.

She quickly composed herself, looking exceptionally obedient.

"Empress, the Emperor is going on a personal expedition. Why aren’t you advising against it? The border is so dangerous, what if something happens to the Emperor? What will become of Daxuan Kingdom? As the Empress, you should consider the kingdom, not just accompany the Emperor on such risky endeavors." Xiao Anqi spoke with a reproachful and severe tone.

Xie Qianyun bit her lower lip, unsure how to respond to Xiao Anqi.

She didn’t quite agree with Xiao Anqi’s perspective, but as the Emperor’s favorite, she didn’t dare offend her.

So, she remained awkwardly silent.

"Also, for so long, where have the etiquette lessons I taught you gone?! If you want to eat sunflower seeds, you can have the Palace Attendant crack them for you. As the dignified Empress, spitting seeds everywhere—such conduct is unsuitable!"

"..." Even the seeds are off-limits?!

Xie Qianyun hurriedly motioned for the Palace Attendant to take the seeds away.

She couldn’t be more respectful to Xiao Anqi.

Thinking that since she was soon departing the palace for war, Xiao Anqi couldn’t "torment" her anymore.

Now everyone seemed agreeable to her.

"Elder sister, my decision to go to the border has nothing to do with the Empress. It is my decision. I have also stated that there will be no danger, so you don’t need to worry excessively." Xiao Luming reiterated.

Xiao Anqi pressed her lips together.

Since Luming had said this much, she indeed couldn’t say more.

But, just now, was Luming speaking up for Xie Qianyun?

"If there’s nothing else, Elder Sister, please return. I still need to discuss matters of the expedition with the Empress." Xiao Luming spoke again.

Xiao Anqi looked at Xiao Luming.

They were to set off tomorrow, and it was unclear when he would return.

Didn’t Luming want to spend more time with her?

"Empress, you must prioritize the Emperor’s safety during this first expedition." Xiao Anqi advised.

"Rest assured, Princess, I will certainly ensure the Emperor’s safety." Xie Qianyun promised.

After all, outside the palace gates, he is the Sovereign, and she is the subject.

As a subject, she must swear to protect the ruler.

"Take care of yourself, Your Majesty. I take my leave." Xiao Anqi bowed.

Xiao Luming acknowledged with a sound.

Xiao Anqi departed.

Xiao Luming watched her back, his eyes clearly holding some emotion.

Xie Qianyun pondered, if he was so reluctant, why did he dismiss Xiao Anqi so quickly?

Sometimes Luming’s self-discipline bordered on self-punishment.