Yan Zheng did not even lift his eyes. "I would like to hear Duke Zou's esteemed opinion."
Duke Zou's aged face flushed crimson, while Prince Yu snapped beside him, "What kind of time is this, Marquis of Anning? You’re still holding onto old grudges? The son of a great general, yet so indifferent to the greater good?"
These words made Cao Yang and others inwardly shake their heads.
When earnest advice was given, no one listened. Now that disaster had struck, why resort to invoking the "greater good" to pressure others?
Yan Zheng remained unmoved, casting a cool glance at Prince Yu. "Then I invite Your Highness to lead the troops and repel the enemy."
"You—!" Prince Yu’s eyes widened, and he immediately knelt before the emperor. "Elder Brother, this subject knows nothing of leading armies—I am truly powerless to help—"
"Enough!" The emperor slammed the table, his expression a storm of emotions. "With a formidable enemy at our gates, you still have the leisure to bicker here? Is there no one who can share my burdens?"
An official from the Ministry of War stepped forward. "This subject humbly requests Your Majesty to grant Marquis of Anning command of the army!"
Prince Yu hastily echoed, "Yes, yes! Elder Brother, Yan Xu fought the southern barbarians for twenty-three years—no one understands their tactics better than the Yan family. Let Marquis of Anning lead the troops! Victory is assured, and we will reclaim Tiger Prison Pass!"
Many ministers frowned at this. Then, Dou Sicheng, the Minister of Justice, stepped forward. "Your Majesty, this old subject believes it is unwise. Not only is Marquis of Anning the last heir of the Great General, but his legs remain crippled. Are we to send a disabled man to lead our armies? Would that not invite ridicule from the world?"
At this, Yan Zheng shot him a glance.
So, this Minister of Justice was also one of An Sheng’s men.
A censor added, "Indeed! Doing so would only prove that Great Xia has no capable generals left, making us a laughingstock!"
The court officials murmured in agreement. The emperor pinched his brow. "If that’s the case, Ministry of War—who else can lead the troops?"
The ministers lowered their heads in silence.
Great Xia had many generals, but those truly fit for battle could be counted on one hand.
The late Great General Yan was one. Feng Huan, the Northern Garrison General, was another. The Mei father and son, stationed far at Xiao Pass, could also be considered. Beyond them, only five or six others remained.
But among these, aside from the Great General, who could confidently claim to defeat the southern barbarians?
The court fell into dead silence.
Finally, the emperor swallowed his pride and turned to Yan Zheng. "Marquis of Anning, give me the truth—is Amuze truly invincible?"
Yan Zheng’s lips parted, but before he could utter a word, Duke Zou suddenly interjected, "Your Majesty, this old subject recalls someone who is undoubtedly fit to lead!"
The emperor’s spirits lifted. "Speak!"
"Prince Qin! He is well-versed in military strategy and currently oversees the three armies. He is the ideal candidate!"
The emperor’s eyes brightened. "Yes, my ninth brother! How could I have forgotten him?" He scanned the hall but found no sign of him. "Yin Shun, what’s the matter? Did I not order all officials to attend?"
Yin Shun lowered his voice. "Your Majesty, Prince Qin is with the Empress Dowager. The matter at Yu Xiu Palace has been clarified—it was..."
He summarized briefly. The emperor’s heart sank with foreboding. Sure enough, Old Censor Yu stepped forward. "Your Majesty, this must not be! This subject was about to impeach Prince Qin for defiling the inner palace and tarnishing his virtue! Last night, he was caught in Yu Xiu Palace with a palace maiden—a scandalous and disgraceful affair! This subject and fellow censors implore Your Majesty to investigate thoroughly!"
A group of censors knelt in unison.
Chu Huaishan’s face darkened. The emperor was livid. "Was this not already investigated? He was framed! Moreover, the Empress Dowager has already decreed their marriage!"
Old Censor Yu stiffened his neck. "If so, why fear further investigation? This subject believes the Empress Dowager’s decree is but a cover-up! Prince Qin has long been acquainted with that maiden—now that the truth is exposed, he sought the Empress Dowager’s intervention! Your Majesty must uphold ancestral laws and not condone such a crime!"
Another official added, "Old Censor Yu speaks rightly! Moreover, if Prince Qin is indeed innocent, how can he be sent to lead troops with his wedding imminent? Have you forgotten the precedent set by Marquis of Anning?"
The emperor froze.
Back then, Yan Zheng had also been on the verge of marriage to the Chu family’s eldest daughter—only to return from battle crippled...
It wasn’t that he feared Prince Qin would suffer the same fate, but among his brothers, only Prince Qin could shoulder this responsibility, especially concerning military authority...
The emperor fell silent. Yan Zheng’s lips curled into a cold smile.
So this was their game.
No wonder An Sheng had been so "generous" in facilitating Prince Qin and Chu Ruoyin’s match—it was all a ploy to exploit the censors’ outrage and block Prince Qin’s path to command!
"Enough! If this won’t work and that won’t work, then propose something that will! I give you two hours. If no candidate is named, Duke Zou, you shall prepare to lead the troops yourself!"
Duke Zou paled and hurriedly convened discussions.
Yan Zheng wheeled himself out of the hall, where Chancellor Gu, Cao Yang, and Chu Huaishan intercepted him.
"What counsel do the three esteemed ministers have for me?"
His tone toward Chu Huaishan was markedly warmer and more respectful than before.
Chu Huaishan nudged Cao Yang, who reluctantly spoke. "Marquis of Anning, as civil officials, we lack your understanding of the southern barbarians. We seek your insight—will they press northward and seize more of Great Xia’s territory?"
"No." Yan Zheng’s reply was firm. The three men exchanged puzzled glances.
Chancellor Gu asked, "Why are you so certain, Marquis?"
Yan Zheng did not answer immediately, instead smoothing his sleeves. "Winter approaches. They will seek peace talks."
With a slight nod to Chu Huaishan, he turned and left.
Chancellor Gu remained baffled, but Chu Huaishan and Cao Yang shared a knowing look. "Of course. As winter nears, the cold grows unbearable—not just for soldiers, but for horses as well. They cannot sustain prolonged campaigns."
"But why did he mention peace talks?"
Cao Yang chuckled. "Chancellor, are you not seeing clearly? If the southern barbarians wish to cease fighting yet hold Tiger Prison Pass, why would they not leverage it for greater concessions?"
Chancellor Gu grasped the implication. "So from the start, they never intended to wage a prolonged war—only a swift strike to seize the pass and force favorable terms!"
He gazed in the direction Yan Zheng had departed. "Marquis of Anning’s foresight rivals even the Great General’s in his prime! What a pity about his legs..."
Had he been able to stand, would he not have been another god of war?
Meanwhile, Yan Zheng left the palace and headed straight for the side gate of the Duke of Chu’s Mansion.
Once again, Meng Yang scaled the wall to deliver a letter. Soon after, Chu Ruoyan slipped out in secret.
Her heart raced at the sight of Yan Zheng’s carriage. She hurried inside. "You’re too bold! What if Father finds out—"
Before she could finish, a pair of broad hands reached for her—originally aiming for her waist, but settling on her wrist.
His slender fingers rested on her pulse, feeling its quickening rhythm. A faint smirk touched the corners of his eyes.
"Ruoyan... you’re nervous?"
