She Came to Heal, Stayed to Conquer

At this moment, in the Imperial Study Room, the candle flames flickered, casting shadows on Emperor Jing’s furrowed brow.

On the desk, the memorandum from Cao Xiong of Beiguan lay quietly, its contents seemingly bearing immense weight.

The memorial stated: Recently, the Turkic people have been persistently staging small-scale raids. Although they have not caused significant casualties, they have exhausted the soldiers at Beiguan, leaving them in a state of unrest. They dare not relax for a moment, as no one knows when the Turkic will transform these minor raids into a full-scale attack.

"Alas! Prime Minister, why do you think the Turkic have repeatedly violated our border this year? They are becoming increasingly rampant." A trace of worry flickered in Emperor Jing’s eyes.

Beiguan is the gateway to the north of Daxia, and if it falls, the consequences would be unimaginable.

In the past, with Zhao Zun and his father guarding Beiguan, Emperor Jing hardly needed to worry about the military affairs there.

Now that Zhao Zun has withdrawn his military power and returned to the capital, idling at home, these concerns naturally fall onto him, the emperor.

Beside him, Prime Minister Wei paused slightly, unable to hide the worry in his eyes.

"Your Majesty, though I am not versed in military affairs, I suspect the Turkic have learned of Zhao Zun’s return to the capital without military power. The change of command at Beiguan is undoubtedly a golden opportunity for the enemy. However, they are unsure of Cao Xiong’s strength, and given the harsh winter, they merely engage in probing provocations. If by next autumn the Turkic forces are strong and Cao Xiong proves inadequate, they will seize the right opportunity to launch a full-scale assault."

Prime Minister Wei, dressed in regal attire, showed the majesty of a high-ranking official, but the occasional flicker of malice in his eyes sent a chill down one’s spine.

"Hmm! I think the same way." Emperor Jing raised his head, his sharp gaze fixed on Prime Minister Wei.

"Although Beiguan is temporarily secure, with spring approaching, we must have a solution in case the Turkic raids intensify."

"For such significant matters, why not wait until the court session for the civil and military officials to discuss together?"

"It is a period of rest, and if we wait until the court resumes after the New Year, it might already be too late."

"This..." Prime Minister Wei was troubled, as a civil servant, what can he suggest about frontier warfare?

However, suddenly the image of Wei Dabao’s battered appearance from yesterday flashed in his mind.

Servants said that in Tengyun Building, Prince Xiaoyao Zhao Zun had beaten him.

Prince Xiaoyao, freshly returned to the capital, causing troubles and disregarding even him, the Prime Minister, second only to the emperor. Such a man only knows how to speak with his fists.

If Prince Xiaoyao is allowed to remain in the capital, their future days could be difficult.

Given the chance from the Emperor, why not use this opportunity to send him far away? Out of sight, out of mind.

With this thought, Prime Minister Wei bit his lip, glanced at Emperor Jing’s face, then said, "Your Majesty. Since we cannot wait until the court resumes, I do have a stratagem that might ease Your Majesty’s burdens."

"Oh? Let’s hear it." Emperor Jing’s eyes lit up.

"Your Majesty. For years, Zhao Zun’s formidable reputation has deterred the northern foes. Why not send Zhao Zun back to Beiguan? It might compel the Turkic people, Ala, and Meng Country to behave."

"No!" Emperor Jing’s face darkened, rejecting the idea outright. "Nonsense! After finally reclaiming military power from Zhao Zun, why would I hand it back to him? If he builds influence in Beiguan again, it could prove difficult to control in the future."

"No rush, Your Majesty. I understand your concerns," Wei chuckled darkly. "My strategy doesn’t involve granting Zhao Zun military power."

Hearing this, Emperor Jing’s expression eased slightly.

"Then explain in detail."

"Your Majesty, Beiguan falls under Canzhou’s jurisdiction. Prince Xiaoyao, renowned for his martial prowess, if Canzhou were to be his fiefdom, and he sent to Canzhou, the three northern nations would not dare act rashly. Moreover, his mere reputation would keep enemy nations at bay. If a true invasion occurs, a mere imperial edict can appoint Prince Xiaoyao, nearby, as Cao Xiong’s vanguard to battle—wouldn’t that be ideal?"

Emperor Jing, hearing this, exhaled softly, contemplating it inwardly.

Prime Minister Wei seemed to grasp Emperor Jing’s thoughts, continuing to persuade.

"Rest assured, Your Majesty: Prince Xiaoyao may be brave, but lacks military power. The soldiers at Beiguan remain under Cao Xiong’s command. Without war, Zhao Zun is merely the idle King of Canzhou. With war, he becomes a fierce general under Cao Xiong. Thus, he serves the state while curbing any rebellious intent."

Upon hearing this, Emperor Jing felt subtly moved.

Prime Minister Wei’s words indeed struck the core of his concerns.

By allowing Prince Xiaoyao to harness his potential in Beiguan without worrying about his challenge to imperial authority, it seemed a perfect solution.

"Hmm, the Prime Minister’s words are reasonable." Emperor Jing slowly nodded, a playful glint in his eyes.

"In these past days, observing Zhao Zun, he is indeed skilled in leading troops. Yet, ordinarily, he is but a debauched scion. A man indulging in bird trapping and pleasure seeking. Oh, and he’s enamored with beauty, as evidenced by his admiration for Miss Han."

"Ha-ha, Your Majesty is not mistaken," Prime Minister Wei agreed with a laugh.

Emperor Jing cast a meaningful look at Prime Minister Wei, "I also heard that yesterday, at Tengyun Building, he fought for that Miss Han. Do you know about this?"

"Uh..."

Prime Minister Wei, hearing this, was at a loss.

He lowered his gaze, quickly replying with filled with fear, "My son was indiscreet; I have failed to teach him properly. I will enforce strict discipline upon my return."

He was aware of Emperor Jing’s suspicious nature, having his eyes and ears everywhere in the capital, trusting not even his confidants.

Unexpectedly, even he, a former imperial tutor, had unclean associates!

"Ha-ha, no need to overthink, Prime Minister. I was just speaking of Zhao Zun." Emperor Jing chuckled lightly, "I’m contemplating that someone like Zhao Zun, who fights for a woman, when placed in a barren, poverty-stricken land like Canzhou, without military power, would likely cause no ripple."

At this sensitive point, Prime Minister Wei remained silent, standing obediently.

He feared a wrong answer might make the Emperor think he acted out of resentment over his son’s beating, planning to send Zhao Zun to Canzhou. The Emperor would surely accuse him of using public office for private gain.

At that moment, Emperor Jing shifted the topic again, confounded, "But I have already promised Princess Changle to betroth Zhao Zun to her. Prime Minister, what should I do?"

Since Emperor Jing had pointed him out, Prime Minister Wei had to reply, opaquely saying, "The matter of Princess Changle is but personal affections. However, Your Majesty, as ruler, should prioritize state affairs."

"Indeed! I am the Emperor of Da Jing; all should be for Da Jing’s sake."

Emperor Jing gazed into the night outside the palace gates, murmuring, then slowly stood.

"Draft the decree! Then we’ll go; let’s not keep them waiting, lest they think something extraordinary has happened in Beiguan!"

After speaking, Emperor Jing, alongside Prime Minister Wei, proceeded towards the Food Official Hall.