ng Lao Zhou's attention and saying:"Master, there is a female visitor outside the door. She says she has entrusted Chao Yang to your care and wants to come in for a visit. Should I let her in"Lao Zhou...General Meng's urgent dispatch from 800 miles away, besides explaining the battle situation, was also requesting food and weapons. He also demanded local conscription to replenish losses.
After all, it's the start of spring. Farmers are just beginning to cultivate their fields, and the army is also maintaining basic supplies. There isn't much grain in stock. But if you want to go to war, soldiers can't be hungry, or they won't even have the strength to wield a sword. How can they possibly fight Wouldn't that just be handing over their heads!
After receiving an urgent military report from 800 miles away, the Emperor was extremely furious. He immediately ordered a counterattack and demanded General Meng lead the charge. This time, they had to cripple and frighten the Qianglang tribe, leaving no chance for them to regroup.
Subsequently, the emperor ordered the Ministry of Revenue to gather grain and provisions, while the Ministry of War began mobilizing troops from nearby cities for support. The entire court was in motion, with money flowing out like water, and the Minister of Revenue's face grew increasingly grim day by day.
On this day, three children finished their morning lessons and came to visit Lian'er. They began talking about the battle with the Qiang Wolf tribe.
"Mother, my maternal grandfather was a general who guarded the gate. Wasn't he very imposing"
The second princess asked curiously.
"Your grandfather is still strong and capable. If he wins this battle, he should be able to retire."
Liàn yǐ very seriously answered the second daughter’s words.
"Mother, my grandfather stood his ground against the Qianglang tribe's first attack and prevented them from gaining an advantage. This is all thanks to my grandfather's efforts. However, some people in court say that my grandfather was well-prepared beforehand. What does this mean"
The eldest prince was intelligent and precocious, and some people had already started whispering in his ear, which is why he asked this question.
Ripple's face darkened after hearing this, and she directly asked:
"Who told you this about Hon Ki"
"Mother, my son should not have asked this."
The eldest prince, noticing his mother's displeasure, immediately replied.
It's not your fault, you wouldn't even remember to ask these questions if no one had mentioned them to you.
The ripples waved goodbye.
“Hongji, a soldier is trained for thousands of days to be used for a day. The responsibility of the generals on the border is to defend the country. This is their duty, and what they do is only the most basic. But just because General Meng is your mother's father, some people will maliciously sow discord. At this time, they plant seeds of doubt in your father’s heart. How do you think things will go in the future”
A single voice can't wear away gold, nor a multitude of voices break down bone. It was a normal battle, and we won. Yet, in the mouths of some people, it becomes pre-planned. In the end, it gets twisted into something unrecognizable. Do you know what I mean"
Instead of criticizing her children, the ripple makes timely guidance.
"Mother, it was the child's thoughtlessness to have you read to me like this. Your heart wasn't in it and I shouldn't have asked you."
The eldest prince's face flushed red. At this point, he realized his words were inappropriate and had angered his mother.
"Hongji, you've been studying for eight years now, you should have your own judgment. Don't just follow the crowd. Those in higher positions most dislike those who lack their own opinion. You should listen more, think more, and observe more, then make your own judgments. If there are things you don't understand, you can ask your teachers or come ask your mother."
With a smile, Lian Yi patted Hong Ji's shoulder and said.
"Yes, my son has taken note of it."
"These things are not urgent, they all take time to accumulate. No one is born with them."
With ripples calming the eldest prince, she turned her gaze to the silent third prince and asked:
"Hongye, what are you thinking about"
"Mother, my son feels that Zhao Shidu, who delivers messages to the elder brother, is not sincere. Although he appears detached and magnanimous on the surface, he frequently provokes me in secret and then pretends to be innocent in front of the elder brother. On several occasions, the elder brother has protected him and prevented me from disciplining him."
The Third Prince curled his lips and said.
"Third brother, is this true Why didn't you tell me"
Hongji's face also changed.
But you only believe what you see, and you even defend him. What can I do
Hong Ye said nonchalantly.
"Big brother, third younger brother, Zhao Sihao still often talks to LeLe. It's just that I don't like him and don't let LeLe associate with him, and LeLe is a little unhappy."
Ripple listened to the three people's words and didn't interject. Apparently, the three children had already realized something, and she believed that her three treasures would handle it well next.
As expected, Hongji gave his sister and brother a wink. He first apologized to Lianyi, then left with Yunsan and Hongye.
Liàn Yī turned her head and instructed Sun Māmā to stand guard at the entrance of the inner palace. Upon the emperor's return, she was to invite the person to Fèng Qī Gōng. Sun Māmā immediately took her orders.
After the emperor had finished dealing with the memorials concerning matters at the border, he felt a little dizzy. Quan Fu immediately stepped forward and advised him:
"Your Majesty, please take care of your health. It's getting late, it's best to rest early!"
The emperor rubbed his temples, feeling a bit weary. Lately, because of the war on the border, he had been reading twice as many memorials as usual.
"Let's go! Back to the dormitory."
"Yes!"
The Emperor was planning to go to the Phoenix Nest Palace anyway, after all, his father-in-law was guarding the border for him. If he stayed at another concubine's place, it would be disrespectful to the Empress.
Ripples prepared a night snack and softly persuaded the Emperor to eat some. Then, when she was helping the Emperor take off his clothes, she finally spoke:
"Your Majesty, after repelling the Qianglang tribe this time, your servant would like to request that you allow her father to return home and farm."
The Emperor was a bit muddled at first, but after hearing this, he suddenly perked up.
"Ripples, where did you hear this from"
"Your Majesty, I am but a woman and unfamiliar with court affairs. However, today, the Crown Prince came to me and asked about General Meng's swift response in repelling the Qianglang tribe's invasion. Could it be that General Meng had already made preparations"
How dare you speak such vile words! Are you insinuating that my father colluded with the Qiang people This is all aimed at me, isn't it If I had a traitor for a father, what burdens would my three children bear in the future Surely Your Majesty knows this.
Liàn Yī stopped her hands, eyes red-rimmed, and said, as if she had made up her mind.
The emperor's eyes flashed, and he said insincerely:
"Ripples, rest assured, I won't believe these baseless rumors. General Meng has guarded the border for many years, working hard and making great contributions. He is even sworn enemies with the Qianglang people, so how could he collude with them!"
"Your Majesty, I am the daughter of a general. I understand some things. It all boils down to military power. Instead of going through endless schemes and planting seeds of doubt in your Majesty's heart, why not hand over my military power sooner That way, my father can enjoy his retirement."
After years of warfare, my father's body has long been compromised. He refused to show weakness for the sake of Da Sheng's reputation and to be a pillar of support for me, his daughter. But now none of that matters. All I want is for both my parents and my brothers to be well.
Ripples, wiping away tears, expressed the worry of a daughter and the helplessness of an empress.
"Alright, since ancient times it has been difficult to balance loyalty and filial piety. I understand your worry for your family. Let's talk about this after the war is over!"
"Yes, your servant thanks Your Majesty for your kindness."
Rins immediately bowed, then helped the other party get into bed to rest. After the lights were out, as usual, she was thrown under the bed by Doudou.
"Master, when shall we make a move"
When General Meng arrived in the capital to receive his imperial decree and express his gratitude., so I sold myself and left the village. After traveling to many places, I finally arrived here."Ripple shook her head, didn't say much, but waved directly. She shook down a shower of leaves from the...