"At this time of autumn harvest, the people can safely collect grain and store it for winter, and the granaries in various places can also receive grain smoothly. This bandit suppression can be described as a good thing that benefits the country and the people!"

"Your Majesty, I suggest that the Prince of Zhenbei be granted the title of 'General Who Pacifies Bandits' and that a reward be issued. This would demonstrate the court's intention to suppress bandits, and the people would know that His Majesty rewards meritorious service, thus showing the Emperor's boundless grace!"

Upon hearing this, Huang Long's face immediately darkened.

He wanted to refute it, but Zhang Li's words were impeccable. He winked at Wang Yong, hoping he would speak up.

Seeing Huang Long's disapproving look, Wang Yong realized what he could say.

It is an undeniable fact that Qin Ze wiped out more than 10,000 bandits. The people are praising it now. How can you say that it is a trivial matter at this critical juncture?

He pretended not to see Huang Long's gaze and remained silent.

On the dragon throne, Jin Fengluan glanced around before slowly speaking:

"What Minister Zhang said makes sense."

Jin Fengluan said this very reluctantly, but as the ruler of a country, she knew that Qin Ze's move was indeed a good thing for the country and its people.

The bandits in Beiliang became more and more rampant each year, and the local troops repeatedly failed to suppress them.

In less than half a month, Qin Ze wiped out tens of thousands of bandits. In comparison, his actions were clear to everyone in the world.

If I don't reward them, wouldn't that discourage the people?

Thinking about this, Jin Fengluan felt frustrated. Why was it Qin Ze who was the one who was tasked with suppressing the bandits?

Anyone else would have been happy to reward those who had contributed, but Qin Ze...

The Qin family is a thorn in my side.

Gathering her thoughts, Jin Fengluan said in a deep voice:

"As Minister Zhang has suggested, we shall bestow upon Prince Qin Ze the title of 'General Who Pacifies Bandits' and award him a thousand taels of gold!"

Jin Fengluan reluctantly issued the imperial edict.

"Your Majesty is wise!"

Jin Fengluan's lips curled into a sneer, her pretty face already covered in frost, but since the ministers were all speaking with their heads down, no one saw it.

"Is there anything else important to report? If not, the court may adjourn!"

Just then, Huang Long's eyes darted around, and the contents of the secret letter he had received yesterday surfaced in his mind. A cold glint appeared in his eyes as he spoke:

"Your Majesty, I have an important matter to report!"

"Speak."

"The Hu Rong Pass on the border of Beiliang has been under constant attack by the Hu cavalry for days, and the people are suffering greatly. The local commanders are also short of troops. Your Majesty, I think that you have killed tens of thousands of bandits in just a few days. You are so brave and fierce. Why not send you to quell the Hu cavalry rebellion?"

"With the Prince of Zhenbei taking action, these bandits must be terrified and collapse at the first blow!"

After saying this, Huang Long's face was full of sinister intent.