Zhao Zhan now wields immense power in the court. If it weren't for the Empress Dowager's help in keeping him in check, Zhao Changli would be completely unable to handle the situation. If Zhao Changli were to go on an expedition at this time... would he ever return?

So I quickly said, "The ministers only want war, not necessarily war in the Western Regions. Otherwise, we could send troops to suppress the pirates, or go north to find the tribes of the Yedan remnants and disperse them. As long as we don't send troops to the Western Regions, it won't be a huge undertaking. I'm sure Your Majesty can accept that?"

The Empress Dowager's expression softened somewhat, and she said, "That is indeed a solution. Hmm, you rebellious son do have some brains."

I had just breathed a sigh of relief, thinking that I had finally gotten through this ordeal, when Zhao Changli suddenly shouted loudly.

"No!"

The Empress Dowager and I both looked at him in surprise.

"It's only been ten years since Father Emperor unified the world! What Father Emperor wants is decades of peace and tranquility. How can we go against his wishes now? Go against the wishes of the people?"

Seeing the Empress Dowager's rapidly changing expression, I realized I was doomed.

"Yuan Gang, you can go out now."

After I left, I didn't know what happened inside, but the next day the emperor issued an edict to suppress the pirates.

I wasn't surprised by this decree; I knew it was the Empress Dowager who 'persuaded' the Emperor.

But what puzzled the courtiers and me was the choice of commander to suppress the pirates.

Marquis of Lingshan, Yuan Wuyou.

A leisurely marquis who has never been to the battlefield.

A month later, Yuan Wuyou returned in triumph, and the people of Changsui lined the streets to welcome him. They all praised him as a worthy descendant of the champion king, a born commander, and a pillar of the Zhao Han military system in the future.

I know that many people must have come to visit Yuan Wuyou these days, but I'm too lazy to join in the fun.

A week later, I arranged to have drinks with him that night.

But as soon as I stepped into the Marquis’s mansion, I heard screams coming from inside.

"Something's happened! The Marquis is dead!"