The officials understood the benefits of the emperor personally leading the expedition, and their opposition was merely out of a duty as subjects. Since the emperor insisted on this, they had no choice but to comply.

Although the emperor has not yet come of age, no one can defy him at present.

Soon, the imperial court approved the decision for Liu Hong to personally lead the expedition.

"In that case, let us issue a decree to the world, choose a day to launch an expedition, and crush Goguryeo."

After speaking, Liu Hong strode away from Chongzheng Hall and headed towards Changle Palace.

He managed to appease all the officials, but the two mothers in Chang Le Palace were not so easy to talk to.

Inside Chang Le Palace, Dou Miao and Lady Dong looked at their son, who had worried himself sick over the Han Dynasty, with pity on their faces.

"Hong'er, in this vast palace, with only us, mother and son, for company, what would I do if something happened to you?"

With red eyes, Dong held Liu Hong's hand, her voice trembling with a sob.

Dou Miao chimed in, "Yes, Hong'er, the Han Dynasty has finally shown some signs of improvement. If something unexpected were to happen, how could I face the previous emperors?"

Liu Hong looked at Dou Miao and Madam Dong and comforted them, "Mother, Mother, you don't need to worry. With so many soldiers protecting you, I will be fine."

"Mother, Mother, this expedition is no ordinary one. You should know what I will be doing in the future..."

Liu Hong then truthfully explained the pros and cons, as well as his own thoughts, to Dou Miao and Dong Shi.

“Hong’er, I am very pleased that you have such ambition, but it is still not enough.”

No matter how much Liu Hong pleaded, Dou Miao remained unmoved.

"Mother, Mother, please forgive your unfilial son, but I must go to the expedition this time, no matter what."

Seeing that he couldn't reason with them, Liu Hong had no choice but to act stubbornly, looking at his two mothers with a defiant expression.

Seeing this, Dou Miao and Dong Shi couldn't help but exchange a glance.

Dou Miao said in a deep voice, "It's not that Hong'er can't go, but there's one thing that must be decided first. If you don't agree, then your mother will definitely not agree either."

"What is it?"

Upon seeing Dou Miao agree, Liu Hong's face lit up with joy.

"Bring the girls that your mother and I have chosen for you to the inner palace."