Gu Qian stated bluntly: "The most direct method is to send an imperial envoy to change this situation."

The entire Dongjin border region, especially the borders of Northern Qi and Western Qin, suffered severe damage to its city walls due to the war.

Gu Qian's thought was to have His Majesty reinforce the border walls.

Although the expense may seem substantial in the short term, it will bring long-term stability and security.

In this way, the barbarians can be kept out, preventing them from seizing the initiative.

Finally, we'll wipe them all out in one fell swoop.

However, even this 10% expense was beyond He Lin's means.

As the country grows larger, the required funding becomes astronomical.

"Does Prime Minister Duan have anything to add?" He Lin readily agreed with Gu Qian's suggestions.

When he asked the question, his gaze also fell on Duan Xiang.

Duan Xiang said, "I believe that one imperial envoy is not enough; at least two are needed so that they can check and balance each other."

"Oh?" He Lin nodded, indicating that this method could be successful.

"Does Prime Minister Duan have someone in mind?"

Prime Minister Duan turned around, looked at the ministers behind him, and finally said with certainty:

"Your subject is willing to go there personally with General Gu."

Gu Qian… his expression immediately changed.

He knew that sooner or later he would have to go to the border and wipe out those barbarian tribes.

But he doesn't want to go now.

"General Gu, what are you thinking?" He Lin's gaze shifted to Gu Qian.

Gu Qian pursed his lips, paused, then clasped his hands in a fist salute and said:

"Your Majesty, Prime Minister Duan holds a high position. If he were to go to the border, who would manage the affairs of the prime minister?"

He Lin was fully aware of the conflict between Gu Qian and Duan Xiang.

He curled his lips into a smile, his eyes growing more amused.

"Of all my beloved ministers, who is still willing to go?"

After he finished speaking, the ministers looked at each other.

No one stepped forward.

He Lin's face darkened instantly, but when he turned his gaze...

His eyes still held a smile.

When they have nothing to do, they all talk a lot and are very eloquent.

Now that they are asked to serve the country, not one of them is willing to step forward and take up the post.

The border region is bitterly cold, and no one wants to go there.

Although doing well can lead to promotions and higher ranks.

However, even a powerful dragon cannot suppress a local snake.

If things are not done well, the situation on the border will not improve in the slightest, and His Majesty may demote me by three ranks in a fit of anger.

He Lin's gaze swept over all the officials.

Everywhere you looked, everyone had their heads down, not daring to meet your gaze.

The military officers all stood ramrod straight.

There's no way they would be chosen to be imperial envoys.

Of course, General Gu is an exception.

Just as He Lin was deep in thought, he saw someone step forward.

Then, he cupped his hands and said:

"Your Majesty, I am willing to go."

The speaker was Liang Yuchen.

Like Qin Susu, he was driven almost crazy by the rumors and gossip all day long.

But Qin Susu was different. Ever since that day when she had a conflict with the two concubines she had caused, she never set foot in the Liang family again.

However, Liang Yuchen was unwilling to humble himself and take her back to his residence.

Over the years, their relationship has become increasingly strained.

He had always known that Qin Susu looked down on him.

"Granted!" He Lin carefully examined Liang Yuchen. Several years ago, this man had passed the imperial examination with flying colors.

Having seen his exceptional talent, he was appointed as the Vice Minister of Rites, working under Minister Sun.

Liang Yuchen has been in office for several years and has been quite diligent. However, he is somewhat aloof, rarely interacts with officials, and never speaks in court.

Today, He Lin has been relieved of his immediate crisis.

No, his urgent problem didn't actually need to be solved.

Because he had already made up his mind...

"Thank you for your great favor, Your Majesty!" Liang Yuchen kowtowed in gratitude and returned to his seat.

But then He Lin said something else.

"Prime Minister Duan, you shall go with him."

Duan Xiang's heart tightened: "Then General Gu..."

He Lin: "I still need to discuss this matter with General Gu. You go to the Northern Qi border first. As for other places, I will have Bu Ling send people."

Since the number of court personnel was limited, He Lin thought he should first promote some promising individuals.

Right now, his primary task is the Northern Desert.

Gu Qian remained silent, listening quietly.

It sounds nice, so I'm going to discuss it with him.

He Lin's primary purpose in sending Duan Xiang there was not merely because he thought Duan was quite capable.

Of course, there are other reasons as well.

After the morning court session ended,

Gu Qian walked slowly and listlessly through the inner courtyard of the palace, his mind heavy with worries.

Turning around, he saw He Lin approaching him, so he stopped and turned to look at him.

“Gu Qian, the barbarians are brave and skilled in battle. Only you can fight against them.”

Over the years, the person He Lin has trusted the most has always been Gu Qian.

Gu Qian: "I've only been in Shangjin for a few months, and you're already thinking of sending me out to protect your country? Let someone else go, I'm not going."

He was really worried about his wife at home.

His concern for Yan Yan stemmed primarily from the Duan family.

Even if he himself doesn't admit to having any connection with the Duan family,

However, the moment Duan Xiang became a general, he had already added his name back to the Duan family genealogy.

Duan Xiang and Qin Shi were accustomed to using filial impiety to condemn him.

After all, apart from himself, few people knew about the humiliation he had suffered back then.

He wasn't afraid of being criticized by the world; he was only afraid that Yan Yan would be implicated.

Therefore, what he needs to do now is to completely sever ties with the Duan family.

"I don't need you to be stationed here year-round. As long as you fight against the Northern Desert and win, we will have no worries about you. At that time, you can stay with your wife at home forever. Who else can do this for you?" It was because of this that He Lin searched for Gu Qian for seven years.

In addition to Gu Qian's own abilities, Gu Qian also has access to sources of saltpeter.

Even though Gu Qian had told He Lin the gunpowder formula several years ago, the raw materials that He Lin had were already being used on the battlefield within seven years.

Therefore, the leaders of the Northern Desert never confronted their enemies head-on, but only launched surprise attacks from behind.

Gu Qian remained silent for a long time, refusing to reply.

He knew, of course, that He Lin had already decided on him.

He Lin shook his head inwardly.

“Gu Qian, I know you are concerned about your wife at home, but this is a matter of national importance, especially concerning the border regions. As the commander-in-chief of the three armies, you cannot refuse.”

"Is it feasible to set off tomorrow?" He Lin was already impatient.

"No," Gu Qian shook his head, thinking of the palace examination in two days.

"Your Majesty, farewell."

After saying this, Gu Qian turned and left.

He Lin shook his head at his retreating figure, then said in a deep voice,

"Five days. We'll depart in five days, Qian'er. I want you to go and return as soon as possible."

Unable to get a reply from Gu Qian, he went to the East Palace.

The imperial examination is the day after tomorrow, and he wants to know if Jin'er is slacking off today.

Gu Qian walked slowly back to the General's Mansion.

All the way there, he kept thinking about how he should tell the young lady about this.

When Gu Qian returned home, Qiu Yan was not there.

At this moment, she is warmly welcoming customers at her newly opened jade shop.

Ling Qi and Ling Ba followed secretly as usual.