What are you doing here?
Xiao Mei stared coldly at her fifth brother.
Xiao Qing's expression remained unchanged upon hearing this.
"If my elder brother can be here, why can't I be?"
Xiao Mei was speechless for a moment upon hearing this. She glanced at Xiao Qing, who had a slight smile on his face, snorted coldly, and then turned and left.
Xiao Qing turned around, cupped his hands, and watched Xiao Mei's figure disappear into the distance.
Until the voice of Eunuch Cao came from behind.
"Your Highness Prince Jin, please come in."
After straightening his clothes, Xiao Qing strode into the Hall of Mental Cultivation.
Xiao Yu was somewhat puzzled today, as his sons were not usually this attentive.
Xiao walked to the center of the Hall of Mental Cultivation and bowed respectfully.
"Your Majesty, I humbly request permission to go to the battlefield to serve!"
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yu's expression changed slightly.
"Oh, you also want to go to the battlefield?"
Xiao Qing nodded upon hearing this.
"One who receives the king's bounty must serve the king faithfully."
"Your subject is also a member of the Great Li! It is my duty to defend our land and resist the enemy!"
"With the Zhao-Zhou allied forces coming with overwhelming force, how can I remain in the capital and let my soldiers shed blood on the frontier?"
Having said that, Xiao Qing knelt down on both knees.
"Your son has been diligently practicing martial arts in the palace these days. If I were to go to the battlefield, I would be able to personally kill a few enemy soldiers and uphold the prestige of our Great Li!"
"Therefore, I humbly request Your Majesty's permission today to allow me to serve the country."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yu slowly closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
At this moment, he could keenly sense the intensity of the struggle for the crown prince position.
Whether it's Xiao Qing or Xiao Mei, their talk of serving the country is nothing but a high-sounding excuse.
Their real goal was that vacant position within the Eastern Palace.
Although he figured out the trick, he couldn't stop the struggle for the crown prince position.
This is an inevitable trend, and even the emperor cannot change it.
Since it cannot be stopped, it would be good to properly select a crown prince who is truly capable.
With this thought in mind, Xiao Yu slowly opened his eyes.
At this moment, however, there was no emotion in Xiao Yu's eyes, only the indifference of an emperor.
"I am deeply gratified that you have this intention."
"In this battle between Zhao and Zhou, I will have you two each lead an army to the battlefield."
"King Qi, I have granted his permission to go to the battlefield in Zhao. Now you shall lead your troops to the battlefield in Zhou."
The current situation is like a cricket fight; whoever wins will become the crown prince.
Upon hearing this, Xiao Qing bowed again.
"Your Majesty, I thank you!"
"Now I have one more request, and I ask that Father Emperor grant it."
"explain."
Xiao Yu was quite tolerant of her son.
Xiao Qing, who was kneeling on the ground, took a deep breath, as if he had made up his mind, and then spoke.
"Your subject wishes to request that the Duke of Zhenguo accompany him into battle. I humbly request Your Majesty's permission."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yu's gaze towards Xiao Qing changed slightly.
"If I am not mistaken, the Duke of Zhenguo did humiliate you when he smashed up the Ministry of Revenue."
"Could it be that you intend to use this opportunity to harm the Duke of Zhenguo?"
Upon hearing this, Xiao Qing immediately lowered his head even further.
"The Duke of Zhenguo and his two generations of loyal and virtuous officials are the cornerstone of the nation. How could your son dare to have any intention of harming them?"
"Your subject simply believes that the Duke of Zhenguo is a man of great wisdom and skill in both literature and martial arts. If he were to lead the troops into battle, he would surely be able to dampen the empire's spirit and enhance the prestige of our Great Li Kingdom."
Xiao Qing's words were firm and resolute. Xiao Yu stared intently at his son, as if trying to discern something from him.
The hall remained silent for a long time, and cold sweat streamed down Xiao Qing's face as he knelt on the ground.
The idea of having Mu Zi'an accompany Xiao Qing was naturally suggested by Zhou Hong, Xiao Qing's advisor.
In Zhou Hong's view, Mu Zian's rapid rise in a short period of time demonstrates his considerable strength and influence in the military.
There was actually no real conflict between Xiao Qing and Mu Zi'an.
The two are in a mutually beneficial situation. The second prince, Xiao Zi, holds the status of the eldest son, and if Xiao Qing wants to defeat him, he needs to win over as many people as possible to his side.
Mu Zian is undoubtedly the most dazzling and influential figure in the entire Dali court at present.
Therefore, even though there were some unpleasant things between the two sides, they were all insignificant for the sake of the crown prince's position.
"I will grant you permission for this, but whether you can persuade the Duke of Zhenguo is up to your own ability."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Qing's face lit up with joy, and she quickly replied.
"Thank you for your permission, Father Emperor."
"Your subject takes his leave."
Having achieved her goal, Xiao Qing turned and left the palace.
Upon seeing Xiao Qing return from the Fifth Prince's carriage, Zhou Hong hurriedly asked.
"How is His Highness Prince Jin?"
Xiao Qing straightened his robes and sat down, saying...
"Just as you predicted, the King of Qi did indeed go to the Emperor to request permission to fight."
Zhou Hong's expression remained unchanged upon hearing this.
"With Chu Fu's talent, he could naturally see that this battle was definitely a good opportunity to make a name for himself."
"Once this battle is over, the position of Crown Prince will be decided!"
"How could the Duke of Zhenguo not know what His Majesty said?"
Upon hearing this, Xiao Qing sighed deeply.
"Father has agreed, but I need to personally go and invite him."
To be honest, it would be quite difficult for Xiao Qing to swallow her pride and beg Mu Zi'an.
Seeing this, Zhou Hong smiled slightly.
“Those who achieve great things do not concern themselves with trifles. Besides, His Highness Prince Jin and the Duke of Zhenguo have no blood feud, so a little friction is nothing to worry about.”
"This battle concerns the position of the Crown Prince. I urge Your Highness Prince Jin to be tolerant."
Xiao Qing nodded in agreement.
"I'm sorry to trouble you with your request, sir."
"Drive the carriage; I will personally go to the Duke of Zhenguo's residence."
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