"You're going to lead troops into battle, and when you return to claim your merits, you'll have to visit the national treasury?"

In the imperial court, Shang Xiche and the court officials were astonished by the bold proposals of Ji Chenhai and his son.

Even Shang Xiye's lips twitched, speechless as he looked at his naive father-in-law and brother-in-law.

He volunteered to lead the army in the northwest to fight for him, and then returned to the capital to claim credit and request to visit the national treasury.

Do you think no one knows you were bandits and that you've already set your sights on the national treasury?

Do you really think your heads are made of gold and that the Emperor wouldn't have the heart to cut them off?

These two probably don't know that Shang Xiye is already the first prince of the Great Zhao Kingdom, holding a large army, so all his relatives and friends can no longer be given real power.

"Military campaigns are no child's play, and the military power and the tiger tally already belong to their respective owners. Unless there is a major event, I cannot arbitrarily deploy them," Shang Xiche said in a calm tone and with a vacant look in his eyes, revealing that he was not in a good mood.

"What's so difficult about fighting? It's just like robbing. My brother-in-law has soldiers, and we're not short of manpower. When the time comes, all the brothers will grab their weapons, shout 'Charge!', and rush in to chop them down. Can those unruly people in the Northwest be as cunning and difficult to kill as those greedy corrupt officials who value their lives?" Ji Fengming said with an air of ease.

Ji Chenhai chimed in nonchalantly, "That's right, we don't need Your Majesty to give us troops. My son-in-law, the Ninth Prince, has some of his men stationed in the Northwest. My son and I can just go there lightly equipped. It just so happens that my son-in-law is still recovering from his serious injuries and can't go on the expedition to take charge. This is perfect, a win-win situation!"

He spoke with a smug look on his face, calling the Ninth Prince "son-in-law" repeatedly, treating him like his own son.

Shang Xiche looked up at Shang Xiye.

Shang Xi sat upright in front of the palace at night: "..."

Who am I? Where am I? What am I doing? Why don't I go home?

The entire court: The Ninth Prince seems rather pitiful.

If it weren't for the critical importance of the war in the Northwest, Shang Xiche would have agreed to Ji Chenhai and his son's request based on Shang Xiye's expression alone.

“Although the Ninth Prince is recuperating in the capital, changing commanders on the eve of battle is a major taboo in military strategy. Besides, you have only just arrived in the capital, so you should familiarize yourselves with the capital first, and consider other matters later.” Shang Xiche remained rational for once.

Upon hearing this, Shang Xiye pinched a large clump of wool between his fingers and plucked it all off.

Upon hearing this, Ji Chenhai looked extremely annoyed.

Ji Fengming immediately exploded in anger, complaining, "Your Majesty, you have no idea how unbearable it is for my father and me to stay in this capital. Before, we were always running up and down the mountain. Now, we're stuck here all day, practically bored to death. We want to go out and have tea with you gentlemen, to chat, but they all either lie and say they're not here or claim illness. Since Your Majesty's officials are so unfriendly and unwelcoming, I think we should just go back to Vulture Village and be our mountain kings again."

The ministers: "!"

Your Majesty, they are bandits! Who would dare let them in? Your Majesty, please investigate!

Shang Xiye also looked wary: You two better not come and cause trouble for my Prince Su's mansion.

Shang Xiche looked at the two unruly and unrestrained men in the hall with great interest, a smile he couldn't hide on his lips: "My dear ministers, is this true?"

The ministers bowed their heads, none of them wanting to be unjustly accused of "lack of unity and benevolence."

"Heroes have always been regardless of their origins. Since we are serving in the same court, we should treat each other with the utmost respect," Shang Xiche said calmly.

Ji Fenghai and his son immediately beamed with joy and loudly thanked him: "Your Majesty is wise, Your Majesty's words are very reasonable. From now on, if any minister refuses to see us, we will certainly report it truthfully!"

The ministers all wore bitter expressions, their resentful eyes practically flooding the Golden Palace.

Your Majesty, please reconsider! They are bandits!