"The girl couldn't bear the humiliation and hanged herself. That's why the State of Qi came to us to demand justice."

"So? Then how does the Emperor plan to deal with this matter?"

"We were at fault from the beginning to the end, so naturally we should apologize."

"Even if we have to go to war, there should be a legitimate reason. We can't start a war between two countries just because of a beast who deserves death. It would be hard to explain to the soldiers, and Zhao Ling can't afford to lose face."

Qin Qingyao nodded. It seemed that the emperor was a very reasonable person. This made her feel relieved.

"It's better not to fight!"

"Are you so afraid of me going to war?"

"Of course I'm afraid. Fighting is so hard and dangerous! You already have scars all over your body. Don't add another one. Do you understand me?"

Dugu Yu hugged Qin Qingyao and rubbed her neck, like a big, spoiled dog, "Yes, I heard it."

…

Ling Jingxuan went to the palace to see the emperor, but did not complain directly.

He was very clear about the ins and outs of the whole matter, and naturally knew that as long as Qi did not send troops on a large scale, there would be no war this time.

He simply took out a few notes filled with words like "According to Miss Lin", "The Crown Prince told the Concubine", "News from the Crown Prince's Mansion", and handed them to the Emperor.

Then she told the emperor about her experiences in love and romance, and expressed her concerns in a tactful way.

"The people only know one side of this matter now, but not the other. It's all spread all over the place, and some are even clamoring for King Wu Ling to guard the border."

"I think it would be best for Your Majesty to reach a conclusion and put an end to this matter as soon as possible. Otherwise, if someone takes advantage of this opportunity to stir up trouble and provoke a war between the two countries, the consequences will be immeasurable!"

"Hmph!" The emperor slammed his fist down. "This is ridiculous! Someone, call the prince over here!"

"At his age, he actually discussed court affairs with a woman, adding fuel to the fire and spreading rumors. This is simply outrageous!"

…

At the morning court the next day, the emperor directly announced that he would transfer General Sun and his family back from the border, pending investigation. Once the matter was clarified, he would punish them severely!

All the officials were very supportive of this decision. After all, this matter was too embarrassing. No one would feel comfortable leaving that disgraceful General Sun at the border.

If you can’t even take care of your own son, how can you lead soldiers!

"But after General Sun is transferred back, who should be sent to garrison Jiayi Pass? Do you have any ideas?"

After the civil and military officials murmured among themselves for a while, General Gu stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, I've been wandering around the city these past few days and have heard the people discussing the great achievements of King Wu Ling!"

"It seems that King Wu Ling's strict military discipline and mastery of military tactics have earned him the unanimous approval and absolute trust of the people!"

"Furthermore, the reputation of King Wuling must be familiar to the State of Qi. Therefore, I dare to suggest that the person stationed at Jiayi Pass should preferably be one of King Wuling's subordinates!"

"Firstly, we can use your great reputation to intimidate the State of Qi. Secondly, we can use an elite army to vindicate the millions of soldiers of Zhaoling and restore the reputation lost by General Sun!"

The emperor narrowed his eyes, his emotions unremarkable. "Is that so? What do you think, my dear Qin?"

When Minister Qin stepped out, he glanced at Dugu Yu secretly and saw Dugu Yu nodded to him.

Then, Minister Qin confidently expressed his opinion, "Your Majesty, I believe General Gu's words are reasonable, but there are many capable people in the court. It is not only the soldiers under King Wuling who can intimidate Qi and bring glory to Zhaoling."

"This is like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut. Isn't it flattering the State of Qi?"

"Hahahaha," the emperor suddenly laughed out loud, "You old fellow, you have great confidence in your son-in-law!"

Asking his men to guard the border is not asking him to go, so why is he using a butcher knife to kill a chicken? How can he be praised for Dugu Yu?

"Prince! Who do you think is suitable to replace General Sun?"

When the emperor named the prince, General Yang's heart skipped a beat. Sure enough, the prince did not disappoint his "expectations" and nominated one of his generals.

General Yang closed his eyes and really wanted to kick him twice. Is there something wrong with his brain?

It wasn't enough that you harmed Jin Yongde last time, and this time you're trying to drag his men into this. Do you think you have an endless supply of people around you who can be used?

It is obvious that the emperor has already made a decision on this matter. He asked for your opinion just to test you. You fell into such an obvious trap?

Why are you just messing around? You might as well stand at the door of the Golden Palace and shout to the sky that you want the border and you want the throne!

This is not the way to seize power!

The emperor's expression remained unchanged as he asked again, "General Yang, what do you think?"

"Your Majesty, I believe General Gu is absolutely right. It's not that I'm reluctant to let go of anyone, but the mediocre people under my command are no match for the fierce and powerful army under King Wu Ling!"

The Emperor slammed the table, "Hmph, what are you talking about? Am I short of yours? Food, clothing, weapons, funds, are you any less than Prince Wu Ling's troops? You've raised a bunch of mediocre people for me, and you still have the nerve to say that!"

General Yang fell to his knees and said, "Your Majesty, I deserve death!"

Seeing that the emperor was about to sentence General Yang first, Dugu Yu stood up.

"Your Majesty, I agree with what General Gu said!"

As soon as these words were spoken, the whole court fell silent, and the emperor was waiting for his next words.

"It's just that General Sun has been stationed at Chiayi Pass for six years now, and many of his soldiers haven't been able to return home for years. Many are probably old, sick, or disabled, with low combat effectiveness, or even too old to marry."

"Therefore, I boldly request that the Emperor allow General Sun to return to the court with a group of veteran soldiers. I am willing to hand over the command of General Wu Shifeng of the Northwest Camp and his 50,000 troops to replace General Sun and his veterans at the Chiayi Pass!"

Handing over the military power means that those people will no longer obey his command. From now on, General Wu and his 50,000 soldiers have nothing to do with King Wuling!

All their initiative and control are in the hands of the emperor, so the emperor does not have to worry about who will take control of the border and who will tamper with it.

Such a sensible minister is both comforting and worrying. He is definitely a rare genius that appears only once in a hundred years. It's a pity that his surname is Dugu, not Ling!

When he said this, everyone was shocked. King Wuling actually voluntarily handed over his military power? What was he doing?

Although there are only 50,000 of them, the 50,000 elite troops under his command are enough to make others drool!

The emperor looked at the military token Dugu Yu presented with both hands. He couldn't help but feel moved. However, he asked calmly, "My dear Dugu, you always carry the military token with you when you go to court. Could it be that you have thought of this long ago?"

"Your Majesty, I have always kept such an important item as the military talisman close to my person and never left it."

Ling Jingxuan had been waiting for Dugu Yu to release the people, and had been waiting to see how he could legitimately get Wu Shifeng and his men into General Gu's hands.

But he didn't expect that Dugu Yu could give him such a big surprise.

Not only did he let Wu Shifeng go, he also gave him a full 50,000 soldiers and a ready-made Chiayi Pass!

So what if the military token was given to the emperor? He just couldn't mobilize Wu Shifeng's troops without it, but that didn't prevent Wu Shifeng from continuing to serve him!

"Your Majesty, I believe that King Wu Ling's actions are truly righteous for the country and the people. The soldiers at the border have worked hard and made great contributions. It is indeed time for a rotation. Year-round garrisoning has many drawbacks. It is time to inject new troops to ensure the border's combat effectiveness!"

Yes, the emperor also felt that Dugu Yu was really righteous today. The prince was trying hard to snatch something, but he took the initiative to avoid suspicion.

You give me the general and the soldiers, but I don't want the border. How noble and considerate!

Everyone present was thinking about the balance of interests, and he also took into account the survival and recuperation of the soldiers on the border.

He is really ruthless in fighting, and he is also really kind and righteous in raising soldiers.

No wonder the soldiers under his command are different from others!

"In that case, Chen Xi, go and fetch King Wu Ling's military token!"

"yes!"

Dugu Yu handed over the military command without hesitation, without any sign of greed for military power. The matter was resolved better than the emperor had initially expected, and he was very pleased.

"King Wu Ling is so generous, I won't ask for anything in vain. Just tell me what you want, and I will grant you one wish!"

"Is your Majesty serious?"

"Sir, I'm not kidding! How could I possibly lie to you in front of this entire court?"

"Thank you, my emperor! Long live the emperor! I would like to take a month off."

All the civil and military officials in the court: "..."

You should at least get yourself a death-proof gold medal or something to justify your decision! You want a month's vacation? Are you crazy?

Even Minister Qin felt dizzy before his eyes. What on earth did King Wu Ling want to do?

Seeing that the emperor remained silent, Dugu Yu realized that he had asked for too much. "How about half a month?"

The emperor was so angry that he laughed. Why did he feel that King Wu Ling was increasingly regarding power as dirt?

The Prime Minister was punished to reflect on his mistakes at home for a month. His subordinates were frightened all day long, fearing that the monkeys would scatter when the tree fell. But he, with such a good opportunity, wanted to take a holiday without asking for anything?

"Lord Dugu, could you please tell me what you plan to do if I grant you leave?"

"Your Majesty, I have heard that the lotus flowers in Luocheng are the best in the world. Now it is July, the season when the lotus flowers are in full bloom. I would like to take the princess to see them."

Prince Wu Ling spoke in a serious and unobstructed manner, leaving the entire court stunned and blushing with laughter. Accompanying the princess to view the lotus flowers? Was Prince Wu Ling joking?

The emperor's face twitched uncontrollably at his excuses. "Ask the emperor for leave to go home and accompany your wife to see the flowers? You're the first one in the world to do that!"

"Prince Wuling!" The emperor's expression suddenly turned serious and he shouted angrily, "The court is busy with government affairs, and you command hundreds of thousands of troops. How can you indulge in your children's personal affairs and neglect your duties? What kind of example are you setting for my people?"