From cute to empress

Chapter 199 Worries in the Imperial Garden

As night fell and the sky was dotted with stars, Zhen Youcai and I stood side by side in the pavilion of the Imperial Garden, admiring the beautiful night view.

"Youcai, tell me, have we really achieved the final victory?" I looked at the flickering lights in the distance, and a sense of uneasiness suddenly arose in my heart.

"Your Majesty, now the world is at peace and the country is prosperous and the people are safe. Isn't this the result you have always wanted?" Zhen Youcai held my hand and said softly.

"But..." I turned to look at him, my eyes filled with complicated emotions. "I always feel that this is just the calm before the storm. Will this world really be peaceful forever?"

Zhen Youcai didn't say anything, just staring at me quietly. His deep eyes seemed to hold a thousand words. He pulled out a parchment map from his bosom, slowly unfolded it, pointed to a spot on it, and said to me, "Your Majesty, look..."

I followed his finger and saw an uncharted region, located in the southwest of the continent. Surrounded by mountains, the terrain was complex. "This region is easy to defend but difficult to attack, a battleground for military strategists throughout history. It's also…" Zhen Youcai paused, his tone growing more serious. "It's also where the previous dynasty collapsed."

I was startled, a chill running through my heart. Yes, even if we defeat the enemy before us, there are still countless unknowns and challenges waiting for us in this world. How long can this world truly remain peaceful?

The next morning at court, I spread the map on the court and ordered Prime Minister Li and Minister Wang to the Imperial Study to discuss matters.

Prime Minister Li advocated war, advocating to take advantage of the enemy's recent defeat and low morale to march south in one swift move, incorporating the southwest into the empire and eradicating future threats. Minister Wang, however, believed that after years of fighting, the people were exhausted and the treasury was empty, and that the country should rest and recuperate, proceeding steadily and cautiously, rather than rushing into battle.

"Your Majesty, I think what Prime Minister Li said is absolutely right! Our army's morale is high now. If we don't send troops now, when will we send them?" General Sun, who was a military commander, was the first to stand up and express his support for Prime Minister Li.

"General Sun is wrong! The art of war says 'surround them if there are ten of them; attack them if there are five of them'. Our army is short of troops now, and the transportation of food and grass is also a problem. It would be unwise to send troops rashly!" Minister Wang retorted.

For a while, the debate in the Imperial Study raged, each side holding its own opinion, neither willing to give in. I sat on the Dragon Throne, listening to their argument, feeling increasingly irritated.

"Enough!" I slammed the table, stood up, and paced back and forth in the imperial study. The words of Prime Minister Li and Minister Wang kept echoing in my mind... Prime Minister Li and Minister Wang were still arguing, each refusing to give in. It was making my head spin. I rubbed my temples, took a deep breath, and tried to calm myself. They both had a point. What should I do?

"Your Majesty, I believe that the most urgent task is to recuperate and comfort the people. When the treasury is full and the army is strong, it will not be too late to pursue hegemony!" Minister Wang spoke sincerely, and every word touched my heart.

Yes, after years of war, the people have long suffered unbearably, and the national treasury has been emptied. Continuing to engage in excessive military spending will only plunge the country into greater crisis. I had already made up my mind, and my gaze swept over the still-arguing crowd, finally landing on Minister Wang.

"What Minister Wang said makes sense. I have made up my mind. From now on, we should recuperate, develop people's livelihood, and consolidate border defense. Violators will be severely punished!" I said in a firm tone, leaving no room for doubt.

"Your Majesty is wise!" Minister Wang and a group of pro-peace ministers knelt on the ground and shouted "Long live your Majesty!"

Although Prime Minister Li and General Sun were somewhat unwilling, they also knew that my decision could not be changed, so they could only sigh helplessly and retreat to their own camps.

I turned to look at Zhen Youcai, who had been silent the entire time. He didn't show any dissatisfaction at all, but instead a pleased smile. "Youcai, come here," I waved to him.

Zhen Youcai walked over to me and knelt on one knee, "I am here."

"Although the world is now at peace, we still need to guard the borders. I order you to go to the military camp immediately, train the new recruits, intensify the training, and make sure to build an invincible iron army!" I put a tiger talisman in his hand and said solemnly.

"I obey your order!" Zhen Youcai took the tiger talisman with both hands, with a determined light flashing in his eyes.

"Your Majesty, I have something to report..." Minister Wang suddenly stepped forward, seeming to want to say something but stopping himself.

"What's the matter, Lord Wang? Feel free to tell me." I motioned for him to continue.

"Your Majesty, I would like to ask Princess Zhao to assist me in handling internal affairs. What do you think?" Minister Wang's voice was a little hesitant.

I was slightly taken aback. Princess Zhao, a descendant of the previous royal family, had been well-read and talented since childhood, making her the perfect choice to handle government affairs. But… a flicker of doubt crossed my mind, and I turned a questioning gaze to Minister Wang. "Why did you propose this, my dear Lord?"

Minister Wang looked up at me, then quickly lowered his head and said respectfully, "Your Majesty, I... your servant..."

A bad premonition suddenly seized me. Before Minister Wang could finish, I abruptly stood up and demanded, "Tell me! What's going on?" Minister Wang fell to his knees, trembling, but he remained silent. The feeling grew stronger, like the calm before a storm, suffocating me.

"My dear Wang, you and I have been king and subject for many years, and I have treated you well. Why are you hesitating? What exactly happened?!" I asked coldly, suppressing the anger in my heart.

"Your Majesty, please forgive me! This old minister...this old minister had no other choice!" Minister Wang burst into tears. He trembled and pulled a letter from his sleeve, presenting it with both hands. "Your Majesty, please read this!"

I took the letter, opened it, and instantly turned pale. This letter was from the king of an enemy nation. The arrogant words in the letter claimed that our dynasty had been at war for years and our national strength was exhausted. If I wanted to protect the people, I would have to cede land, pay compensation, and send Princess Zhao as a bride!

"How unreasonable! This is too much!" I slammed the letter on the table, burning with anger.

"Your Majesty, please calm down! The enemy country has evil ambitions and is just trying to test our strength. You must not agree to it!" Prime Minister Li stood up and said.

"Prime Minister Li is right, Your Majesty. Our soldiers fought bloody battles and finally conquered this country. How can we hand over the fruits of victory to others?!" General Sun also said indignantly.

I took a deep breath and tried to calm myself. The enemy was coming with such force, clearly premeditated. If I rashly sent troops, I'd be playing into their hands. However, if I agreed to their terms, ceding territory, paying compensation, and sending Princess Zhao off to marry, how could I be worthy of the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for their country, and how could I be worthy of the people of this world?

"Your Majesty, I think the most urgent task is to stabilize the enemy country and not act rashly." Zhen Youcai, who had been silent all this time, suddenly spoke.

"Oh? What do you think, my dear?" I turned to him, hoping that he could come up with a foolproof plan.

"I suggest that we first agree to the enemy's request for marriage and send envoys to negotiate in order to delay time. At the same time, secretly dispatch troops and strengthen border defenses to prevent surprise attacks from the enemy." Zhen Youcai said calmly.

I nodded. Zhen Youcai's proposal was exactly what I wanted. The only plan now was to stabilize the enemy country first, and then slowly make plans.

"My dear Lord Wang, I order you to draft an edict immediately to confer the title of Princess Zhao as 'Princess Anguo' and to choose a date to travel to the enemy country to marry her." I said in a deep voice.

"I obey your order!" Although Minister Wang felt a little reluctant, he still accepted the order and retreated.

"General Sun, you will lead the vanguard and immediately proceed to the border to garrison. Keep a close eye on the enemy's movements. Report any unusual activity immediately!"

"I obey your command!" General Sun clasped his fists and turned to leave.

"Your Majesty, regarding the internal affairs..." Minister Wang asked cautiously.

I pondered for a moment and said, "Let Princess Zhao assist you in handling this matter. Make sure to ensure the stability of the country's rear."

"Your Majesty...Your Majesty obeys." Minister Wang was stunned for a moment, seeming a little surprised, but he still retreated respectfully.

I looked at the empty court, feeling a mixture of emotions. Was this war ultimately unavoidable?

"Come, prepare the imperial study..." I whispered, a hint of fatigue in my voice. After Zhen Youcai withdrew, I rubbed my aching forehead. The marriage is merely a temporary solution. The enemy nation is ruthless and ambitious. This concession will only embolden them. I know that only by completely defeating them can we achieve lasting peace.

"Someone come here!" I called out in a deep voice.

"What does Your Majesty want?" My personal maid Xiaolian came in immediately.

"Pass the order down. Three days from now, I will hold a meeting in the court. All ministers must attend on time."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Xiaolian took the order and left.

Three days later, all civil and military officials gathered in the imperial court. I, clad in dragon robes, sat upright on the throne. My gaze swept over the crowd below, and an air of authority naturally emerged.

"My dear ministers," I began slowly, "the enemy is eyeing us covetously, and our borders are being repeatedly harassed. What good plans do you have for this?"

Minister Wang stepped forward and said tremblingly, "Your Majesty, I believe that peace is the most important priority. We can send envoys to the enemy country again to negotiate with them and strive for a peaceful solution..."

"Peace?" I sneered, interrupting him. "Lord Wang, have you forgotten that not long ago, the enemy invaded our territory and slaughtered our people? Now, we've merely sent a princess to marry, and they're so greedy and pressing us. Do you really think they'll coexist peacefully with us?"

Minister Wang was speechless after hearing my question, so he lowered his head and said nothing more.

"Your Majesty," Prime Minister Li stepped forward and spoke passionately, "The enemy's evil ambitions are obvious. A marriage alliance is merely a temporary solution. Only a proactive attack can completely resolve the future threat! I suggest that we immediately dispatch troops to attack the enemy!"

As soon as Prime Minister Li finished speaking, there was a burst of discussion in the court, and most ministers expressed their agreement.

I looked at the indignant crowd and nodded inwardly. For many years, I have been committed to developing national strength and training the army, all for this day.

"Alright!" I stood up suddenly and said loudly, "Since that's the case, then let's do as Prime Minister Li said and send troops to attack the enemy country immediately!"

"Your Majesty is wise!" all the ministers shouted in unison.

I looked around, and my gaze finally fell on Zhen Youcai. He looked calm, with a confident smile on his face.

"You have talent," I said in a deep voice, "You will be in charge of this expedition..."

Before I could finish my words, a soldier covered in blood suddenly stumbled into the throne room...