Lu Yanzheng's army split into eight routes and headed towards the capital. Such a large commotion naturally aroused the court's extreme suspicion. However, the Northwest Army did not say anything, leaving the court completely unable to guess what Lu Yanzheng was up to.

Almost any time, whenever war breaks out, the side that initiates the war will find a plausible reason for itself.

But this time, Lu Yanzheng didn't even mention condemning the court for taking action against civilians. He silently led his men towards the capital. Naturally, the court was filled with apprehension, since the rumors about the Northwest Army's gunpowder weapons were so incredible that no one was unafraid.

Due to the distance, by the time the imperial court received the news, Lu Yanzheng's army had already clashed with the imperial garrison.

"Damn it! Lu Yanzheng has absolutely no respect for the court. Does he really think I'm a pushover?" Emperor Jingqing paced back and forth, furious and annoyed, crumpling the letter in his hand into a ball.

The ministers below were in a daze, and some were tempted to step forward.

"Your Majesty, Lu Yanzheng is too arrogant, but his departure with his men is a good thing for the court. I urge Your Majesty to order Prince Yong to take advantage of this opportunity and capture Yongzhou as soon as possible!"

"Lord Zhang, you are mistaken. This time, it was Prince Yong who disregarded human ethics and ruthlessly slaughtered innocent civilians, angering Lu Yanzheng. I believe the court should take a stand and negotiate peace with the Northwest Army..."

"Yes, yes, Your Majesty, this old minister also believes that we should negotiate peace..."

Only a very small number of people in the court were willing to fight against the Northwest Army and supported Prince Yong to send troops immediately. The majority of the rest did not want to fight and supported peace talks.

Emperor Jingqing was extremely agitated. He looked at this person and that person, and finally turned to Prime Minister Su and asked, "What does Minister Su think?"

Prime Minister Su stepped forward, bowed respectfully with his eyes downcast, and said, "This old minister's thoughts are the same as Your Majesty's."

Emperor Jingqing choked, inwardly cursing the "old fox," but said aloud, "Prime Minister, there's no need for this. I want to hear the truth."

"What this old minister said comes from the bottom of his heart. I beg Your Majesty to see the truth!" Prime Minister Su was like a stubborn mule, refusing to talk about serious matters or agree with Emperor Jingqing.

It's hilarious! He had already moved the elderly and children he cared about to a safe place. What did their lives have to do with him?

He no longer cares about whether there will be a war or not. After all, anyone with a brain knows that the imperial court is no match for the Northwest Army. Even if they use human lives to overwhelm them, they still can't defeat them.

What's more, that idiot Prince Yong actually went and massacred the village at a time like this! Anyone would fight back fiercely if they saw their own people being massacred, let alone Lu Yanzheng who was armed with gunpowder weapons.

Emperor Jingqing's face was extremely ugly. He looked at the people below and sneered, "I didn't expect to hear any good ideas from you. Since that's the case, then let Prince Yong decide for himself!"

After saying that, he waved his sleeve and headed towards the inner palace.

A new concubine recently arrived in the palace, which brought back memories of his youth. These past few days, he's lost his appetite for alchemy and can't be bothered to argue with these ministers!

Prime Minister Su shook his head inwardly as he watched Emperor Jingqing's retreating figure. "A ruler who has lost his country is still unaware of his own fate!"

Looking across the world, Lu Yanzheng is undoubtedly the one who can conquer the land, but he and Lu Yanzheng are not on the same path. It is still not too late to find a way to extricate himself now, otherwise... he cannot predict the consequences.

...

In Dingshui Village, Lu Qingsheng received a notice that he would be working there in the future, leaving him completely bewildered.

"Your Highness will actually be staying in a village from now on?" Lu Qingsheng was a little incredulous and deeply puzzled.

Although he had never been to Dingshui Village, he had been to other villages. Putting aside how inconvenient the villages were, he just couldn't get used to those country roads.

Seeing his reaction, Lu Wanqing covered her mouth and chuckled, then said to him, "Father, this is the Prince's decision. Can you possibly change his mind?"

She would never tell her father that Dingshui Village had changed dramatically. Not only were there wide roads, but the newly built village was no worse than the houses in the county town.

There's also the government office that's under construction. She'd seen the design plans by chance when the princess asked her to. She'd say that once it's built, everyone would want to live there.

Lu Qingsheng choked; he truly couldn't change it.

But... sigh, forget it. With his current status, he probably doesn't even have the right to meet Lu Yanzheng. How can he ask for so much?

Lu Wanqing had just returned to the Lu residence in Yongshan County yesterday. She thought it would be difficult to visit the Princess again, since her family had already moved to Yongshan County and it would be inappropriate for her to stay at the Princess's residence.

As a result, someone came to her father's door today, telling him to report to Dingshui Village tomorrow. Only then did she remember that all officials who would be stationed here long-term would have to work in Dingshui Village.

That's great! This way, she can talk to the princess more often.

The next day, Lu Qingsheng arrived at Dingshui Village. After handing over the responsibilities to the officials who received him, he took his things and went to Jiang Qinyu's house.

He wanted to see Lu Yanzheng last time, but unfortunately he didn't get the chance. Today is a good opportunity to come and express his gratitude, and maybe he can finally meet him.

When Jiang Qinyu heard that Lu Qingsheng was requesting an audience, she was originally too busy to deal with anyone, but considering that he was Lu Wanqing's biological father, she still made time to go to the flower hall to see him, just to give herself a rest.

Lu Qingsheng exchanged a few pleasantries with Jiang Qinyu, feeling a little regretful that he didn't see Lu Yanzheng. Thinking of what Lu Wanqing had said before, he still mustered up his courage and asked, "I wonder if His Highness is at home?"

"Unfortunately, His Highness went to Qiongzhou a few days ago," Jiang Qinyu said simply, without suspecting anything.

This is no secret; Lu Qingsheng would know immediately if he were working in the village office.

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