"It's also the Grand Tutor's fault for not knowing how to speak properly. Everyone knows that the Prince of Zhenbei has made great contributions to the reconquest of the grasslands. Even if she is not a wife or mother, she is still a great asset of our Great Yan."

That's the advantage of the Emperor; even if I'm the one who tells you to do something, you still have to speak your mind.

"However, it is indeed inappropriate for the Imperial Concubine to lead an expedition. There has never been such a precedent since the founding of the Great Yan Dynasty."

“Your Majesty, rules must indeed be followed, but with the nation’s borders about to be breached, rules are not so important.”

Chen Yunsong stepped forward and succinctly pointed out the current situation, almost as if he were telling the emperor directly: do you want those so-called face, or do you want the country's borders? The choice is yours.

Yuwen Xuanhong rubbed his temples. At this moment, Lu Kai stepped forward. The master's meaning was not too clear: he did not want to see these people anymore, so he should quickly leave the court.

The emperor waved his hand and spoke.

"Tomorrow, the Prince of Zhenbei, the Grand Tutor, and the Prime Minister will come to the Imperial Study to discuss this matter. Let's rest for today."

"—Court adjourned."

"Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"

Huo Xiaolong and the Prime Minister walked at the end, while Grand Tutor Xu was carried directly to the Imperial Hospital.

The old man and the young girl exchanged glances, and then the girl slightly curled the corners of her lips.

How can it not be considered premeditated?

Last night, the group from Fengyuelou had already anticipated that the Emperor would absolutely not allow them to send troops to help.

If that's the case, why not get Xiao Lanhua out of the capital?

Every bit of leverage we lose is a bonus. As long as Sister Ruyi is with her, she will definitely not leave unless Huo Xiaolong does. The young woman is confident in protecting all her sisters.

"Your Highness, I can try going to the Prime Minister."

A sharp sword emerged from behind the girl, bowed, and said...

“There must be someone in the court to speak on our behalf. It is unreasonable for the Imperial Concubine to go on a campaign. If you go to the court yourself, it will make you appear isolated and helpless.”

"But during the grand court assembly, Lord Chen rarely spoke. Why would he help us?"

The young lady was like a pine tree, her long hair cascading down her back like a waterfall. Three hairpins held her hair up neatly, just like her—neither humble nor arrogant, always knowing when to advance or retreat.

"Let's do him a favor. My grandfather and he are old acquaintances. Even if it doesn't work out, we won't lose anything."

At this point, we can only try, as their foothold in the capital is too shallow.

Those ladies and young women wouldn't help them just because they frequented brothels, unlike the old customers in the border town, whose friendships were based on genuine, life-or-death bonds.

The only place Cen's mother could reach was the inner palace, so she could only take things slowly.

Huo Xiaolong nodded in acknowledgment.

"If it doesn't work out, it's alright. There's always a way out."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Li Jian was escorted to the Chen residence under cover of darkness, with Lou Qingming following along.

The main problem is that we don't talk about serious matters; we just want to go and be a bit cheeky.

My granddaughter is already able to help the prince smooth things over, what is your grandson doing?

You're not going to spend your family's money on your studies, are you?

"I never expected that Your Highness would have such achievements at such a young age. Time really does wait for no one."

Huo Xiaolong smiled modestly, and then said...

"Thanks to your help, sir, otherwise I would have been punished today."

The old man waved his hand and replied.

"It's just a matter of saying a few words. Even if I'm on your side, the Emperor might not grant your wish."

The girl's eyes gleamed with cunning; she knew, of course, that the Emperor wouldn't release Xiao Lanhua from the palace just because of a few words from others. The girl in the python robe smiled brightly, her eyes crinkling.

"That's because it's not the right time yet. Anyway, thank you."

"polite."

The palace doors were already closed. Huo Xiaolong turned his head, trying to see through the door at the powerful figure panting on the dragon throne.

The reason you're thinking about all these rules and regulations now is because you're not in a hurry.

Do you think Xiao Lanyi would risk his life to guard the country's borders? If you delay a bit longer and carefully consider the matter, you'll eventually find a suitable candidate.

No, Grandfather, you need to get serious.

The premise is that no one nags him anymore.

"Grand Tutor Xu can't get out of bed now. I saw you were holding back, and there were so many people supporting him. How could he not get out of bed?"

Huo Shuwen couldn't understand it.

"So you just stood there watching your daughter make a move in court?"

He Yi was amused by the eagle's relaxed attitude. "You and your sons are really something, not one of you has moved at all, huh?"

"No, I was thinking that if the Imperial Guards all went up to pull her away, I would take action and kick them all outside."

"..."

"That's the imperial court, not a martial arts arena!"

"Dad, didn't you hear that he twisted his back? I guess those people didn't lift him properly when they took him there."

Erhei was cracking walnuts. Walnuts are good for the brain. His wife bought them for the family, and he had to peel more for his mother, otherwise she wouldn't have the strength to use a hammer.

The man replied while still kneading the object.

"Mother, it's alright. There are fights every day at the Grand Court Assembly. I've been to the Grand Court Assembly three times already, and they've fought each time. This time, I was the least injured; there wasn't even any blood."

Erhei was kneading the dough while Huo Xiaolong ate, his mouth agape like a little squirrel, all the while watching He Yi with amusement.

He Yi resignedly closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

What can we do?

The offspring of eagles are not very bright, and even the later ones inherited this trait!

"Now that Grand Tutor Xu can no longer stand up, who is left?"

"Empress Dowager, I heard from the Consort that the Emperor listens to you very much. She's really annoyed by that book I wrote."

The people from Fengyue Tower, who had been listening to the commotion, arrived just in time. Fen'e sat up from her recliner, looked at Long'er, and said...

"Is Master Miao going to the palace again today?"

Huo Xiaolong wasn't quite sure, so he looked at Liu Xu.

"Probably. He found out about Consort Qing's antics at the He residence that day, and went to the palace that very night. I heard she used some kind of drug on you. It wasn't serious, but the slap mark won't fade. He'll probably have to repeat it today."

“I have a stick of incense here, which was blended from flowers picked from our Prince’s Mansion. Doctor Gu said that this incense is not something that ordinary people can diagnose. Even if they can, it will only cause dizziness and coldness. This stick should last for half a day.”

The beauty took out a purple spice the size of a pill from her purse, placed it on the table, and smelled it herself. Fen'e nodded, "Not bad, this scent is not mixed, and it can be directly overwhelmed by other fragrances when placed in the incense burner."

"Then I'll have to trouble Master Miao for the next few days," Fen'e said to Liu Xu with a smile.

"It's no trouble at all, they're all our own kids."