The Emperor muttered to himself, "What does Lian'er want with me so late?"

He then said, "Very well, the moonlight is beautiful. Let Lian'er accompany me to enjoy delicious food and admire the moonlight."

Eunuch Qi led Qiao Lian'er into the Imperial Study.

Qiao Lian'er saw that on the emperor's desk were durian, milk and coconut water, lychees, and a roasted chicken that was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, sprinkled with cumin and scallions. The sweet and roasted aromas mingled together. From this position, one could see the bright moon rising higher and higher, shining brightly and enveloping the red walls, eaves, long corridors, courtyards, and palaces.

The view from the emperor's position was excellent.

"This old man really knows how to enjoy life," Qiao Lian'er thought to herself.

After exchanging greetings, the emperor immediately asked Eunuch Qi to bring over a chair.

"Lian'er, sit down and chat with me about something lighthearted." The emperor's brows were full of pleasure.

Indeed, the world is at peace now, the people live and work in peace and contentment, the emperor has few worries, and he has delicious food every day. He thinks he should be the happiest emperor.

Qiao Lian'er obediently sat down.

The emperor had a chicken leg cut off for her.

On the stove next to him, several durians were roasting on a sheet of tin foil. They had already developed a deep orange crust, and the aroma wafting out filled the Imperial Study, turning it into a foodie's paradise.

This is also a way of eating that Qiao Lian'er taught me, and she also provided the tin foil.

Busy at home to see the emperor, Qiao Lian'er hadn't actually eaten much and still had room in her stomach. She picked up her third chicken leg of the day, took a bite, and felt the hot, fresh aroma spreading in her mouth. She said, "Your Majesty, I have come to see you because I have something to ask of you."

Upon hearing the words "ask for something," the emperor paused in his act of eating a roasted durian: "Lian'er rarely asks anything of me. Since he has spoken, it must be something important."

His tone carried a hint of indulgence and pampering.

Qiao Lian'er said, "This humble woman wishes to recruit a female soldier team. I wonder if Your Majesty would grant permission?"

"Female soldiers?" The emperor seemed somewhat unfamiliar with this term, and a little surprised.

He couldn't immediately connect the woman's identity with the words "soldiers," because in this dynasty, or rather in almost all dynasties, female soldiers were not recruited.

What Qiao Lian'er mentioned may seem like a small matter, but in a bigger sense, it's not easy to make a decision.

The emperor pondered for a moment, then said calmly, "Since ancient times, it has been natural for men to protect their homes and defend their country, while women stay at home to farm and weave. This mutual cooperation is a matter of course."

"There are certainly talented women among women. If they can break through and have an undeniable brilliance, they will not be denied a chance, just like Princess Feiluan. But most women adhere to the traditions that have been passed down since ancient times."

"This is not a bad thing for them. In times of war, staying at home can save their lives. What is more important than living? Everything has two sides. They do not have much room to maneuver, which also protects their safety to a certain extent."

Qiao Lian'er listened attentively and said, "What Your Majesty says makes sense. Your Majesty has a heart full of love and care for all your people, which is truly touching."

"However, I believe that as Your Majesty's subjects, under Your Majesty's protection, the people live in peace and are grateful to all. Some people are eager to repay Your Majesty's kindness, including not only men but also women. They also want to dedicate their lives to repay Your Majesty's boundless grace, even regarding it as more important than their own life's major event, and taking it as their life's belief. Some even go on hunger strikes and become depressed because of this. I beg Your Majesty to grant their wishes."