Chapter 343: Chapter 343 Several Small Countries at the Border Are Stirring (2)
Picking up the medicinal porridge on the table, she took a sip and discovered that it was not made by Dugu Chen, so she asked Baihe with confusion, "Is the Prince not in the residence?"
"The Prince went to court early this morning." Baihe, seeing that the bowl of medicinal porridge for the princess was finished, opened the pot to prepare another bowl for her.
"I’m full, I won’t eat anymore." Since Dugu Chen had returned, he rarely went to court, so why would he go today?
Frowning in thought, she asked, "Which guard stayed in the residence today?"
Baihe furrowed her brow in thought, "It should be Xuan Yue and Di An in the residence." Tian Yi and Huang Yi left in the morning, so it should be the two of them staying behind.
"Call Xuan Yue to the study."
"As the princess wishes."
Wrapping herself in a cloak, she opened the palace doors. In the distance, a vast expanse of white covered the rooftops, and a layer of white snow still clung to the branches. She exhaled, and the white mist of her breath was visible in the air. The snow on the ground had been neatly shoveled away, and Yingsu, standing guard outside the palace, stepped forward to help the princess by the hand, slowly descending the stairs.
Sitting at the desk, Feng Xuxu looked at the message Xuan Yue had brought her, her expression unconsciously turning solemn.
"How could this be?" Several small nations had banded together to attack Xueyan Country; small as they were, their combined forces amounted to more than a million. Although Xueyan Country’s military was strong, the territory was vast, and the troops were spread thin, unlike these nations, which could rapidly amass such a large force.
"The report is an urgent document sent by Hou Wei, covering eight hundred li. The Prince went to the Imperial Palace as soon as he got the report before dawn."
"Understood, you may go."
Jinluan Hall was eerily quiet.
The Emperor glanced over the civil and military ministers standing below, "Well, isn’t anyone going to speak?"
The Prime Minister glanced sidelong at the enticing Prince opposite him, then stealthily raised his eyes to the Emperor. Seeing that the ministers were all silent, he stepped forward.
"Your Majesty, this humble servant recommends that the enchanting Prince lead the troops into battle."
Dugu Han narrowed his eyes to look at his uncle, Xiao Yiran, then turned to observe the calm and collected Dugu Chen, and upon seeing the other ministers remaining silent, his hands clenched tightly on the armrest of the Dragon Throne. Without changing his expression, he asked the minister below, "Does anyone have a different opinion?"
The Minister of War, Chen Ke, noticed the Emperor asking again and stepped forward with a spin of his eye, "This humble servant recommends Hou Wei lead the troops into battle."
"Minister Chen, state your reasons." Dugu Han on the Dragon Throne turned his gaze toward Chen Ke below.
"Responding to Your Majesty, General Hou Wei is originally the commanding general guarding the northern frontier. He knows the area like the back of his hand, which is one reason. General Hou has led troops in battle for many years, and if the commander is replaced at this time, wouldn’t it affect the morale of the soldiers? That’s the second reason." He stealthily glanced at the Emperor, then covertly eyed the enchanting Prince, his heart feeling unsettled.
The Prime Minister saw the Emperor deep in thought, furrowing his brow at Dugu Chen, unable to understand what was happening between the two brothers.
The other princes stood quietly in their places, heads bowed, eyes lowered, not voicing any opinions.
"Your Majesty, this humble servant—"
"I concur with the Minister of War’s suggestion."
Before the Prime Minister could finish, Dugu Chen cut him off, turning to address Dugu Han on the Dragon Throne.
Seeing the enchanting Prince stand forward to speak, the ministers, one by one, stepped forward, all agreeing with his words.
"I agree with Hou Wei leading the troops."
"I second that."
"I also second that."
Dugu Han watched the ministers below. Although he had obtained the outcome he desired, his heart was still filled with indignation. His gaze towards Dugu Chen also deepened, knowing that if it weren’t for his support for Hou Wei, this bunch of old foxes definitely wouldn’t have spoken up.
