The morning court session arrived quickly the following day…

The ministers were still lingering outside the palace, waiting for the announcement to begin the court session.

Lord Zhang glanced in Yi Zexuan's direction and sighed softly. Perhaps this would be his last bit of confidence.

"Attend court!" the raspy-voiced official shouted, and the ministers lined up and entered the main hall.

The lord asked his ministers if anything was amiss, but as was the case in the past, no one spoke; it was all trivial matters.

After they had all finished speaking, Lord Zhang stepped forward.

"Your Majesty, I have something to report."

"What is it, my dear minister?"

"I have recently heard that the people in the streets are celebrating the arrival of the princess, which has made the streets and alleys very lively, just like the New Year."

The lord laughed twice: "Indeed, that's exactly what I wanted. It was to welcome the princess that I issued the order to make the whole city lively."

"I believe this is unacceptable."

Upon hearing this, the lord narrowed his eyes slightly, his smile gradually freezing, and he asked in a cold voice, "Why?"

"Making such a big fuss is a waste of manpower, material resources and money. Although it is a good thing to welcome the princess, it is not necessary to do so. The border soldiers are in a difficult situation. It would be better to use all this money to improve the soldiers' food and strengthen their weapons. It would also let the soldiers know that you have plans for them. By taking the reason of the princess's arrival, you can comfort the soldiers and achieve two goals at once."

The lord sighed softly. According to what he said, it seemed that he hadn't thought about the warriors before. Yes, he was just a foolish ruler who only knew how to seek pleasure.

"Furthermore, I overheard that the princess also has this idea, which I find incredible. If that is true, the princess is thinking of us too, and she truly deserves to be the future regent's wife."

Upon hearing this, everyone was puzzled and began to whisper among themselves.

"The news has even reached Lord Zhang's ears. Indeed, the princess had the same idea. She didn't want to make a big fuss, and even wanted to add some money to provide for the refugees, to set up tents and distribute porridge."

Upon hearing Yi Zexuan's words, the crowd's initial doubts and skepticism turned into praise and agreement.

"I second Lord Zhang's statement." Someone took the lead in seconding it, and the crowd joined in the chorus of agreement.

The lord gritted his teeth inwardly and then said, "I also think that what Lord Zhang said makes sense, and it coincides with what the princess thought. So I will improve this approach and simply carry it out as before, then provide the soldiers with extra food and embroidered clothes, and reinforce their weapons. Now that it's autumn, it's time to give the soldiers a new set of clothes."

"Your Majesty is wise," everyone said in unison.

"Let the court adjourn." With that, the emperor rose and left, and the ministers followed suit.

"Alas, if it weren't for this inside information, I'm afraid Lord Zhang wouldn't have dared to submit such a memorial." On the way back, several ministers accompanied Lord Zhang, their purpose being to learn from his experience.

Lord Zhang gave a wry smile: "You're right. If it weren't for this inside information, I really wouldn't have dared to say it."

Upon hearing this, the man continued, "This princess must have been having a private conversation with the prince. How did you get this inside information?"

"Then you must have a daughter like mine, who can play with the princess enthusiastically, and who the princess can talk to."

Upon hearing this, everyone's lips twitched; these words were more or less exaggerated.