"Grandfather, Grandma, Miao'er will take you back to Kunning Palace and give you something delicious to eat."
Xia Miaoyuan grabbed the corners of Prince Xiao and his wife's robes, one in each hand, and ran towards Kunning Palace.
My second uncle Xiao Yicheng and my third uncle Xiao Licheng and his family followed behind, and everyone's faces were filled with joy.
"Slow down, Miao'er, let your grandparents ride in the sedan chair!" The queen trotted behind, holding the phoenix robe, with a reproachful tone in her voice.
At dinner time, two tables of family banquet had already been set up in Kunning Palace.
Although the dishes at the family banquet were not as grand as those at the palace banquet, most of them were specialties of the northern border and looked very delicious.
The empress, the crown prince, the second prince, Xia Miaoyuan, Prince Xiao and his wife, and Xiao Yicheng and Xiao Licheng's family of five were all present.
This can also be considered a reunion dinner.
Because the leader of the Xiao Lin tribe was away on a long journey, the tribe had to be left without a leader, so the queen's eldest brother Xiao Decheng and fourth brother Xiao Rencheng stayed in the capital.
"Grandma, what is the Northern Frontier like?" Xia Miaoyuan sat between Prince Xiao and his wife, pestering them to talk.
"Northern Xinjiang is so vast and beautiful, with endless grasslands and herds of horses, cattle and sheep. If there's a chance in the future, grandma will take you to visit Northern Xinjiang."
"Grandma, I want to go to the northern border to play too!" said Xia Miaoyuan's younger cousin Xiao Wanyin.
Then, he pointed at his younger brother Xiao Yi who was in his mother's arms, "Big brother and Ayi want to go too!"
Xiao Yi was only a few months old at this time and was still a baby.
Princess Xiao smiled kindly and said, "Okay, okay, I'll take you with me too. I'll treat you equally!"
King Xiao said, "When the time comes, I'll pick out the best horses and give one to each of you. Let's see who rides the best!"
"Great! Riding a horse! Riding a horse!" Xia Miaoyuan shouted excitedly.
Xiao Wanyin also joined in the fun: "Riding a horse is fun! I want to ride a horse!"
The family dinner was carried out in the midst of laughter and joy. King Xiao and his wife had endless things to talk about with their grandchildren, and no one had time to eat.
At the end of the family dinner, Xia Zhengqi quietly called his father-in-law, the crown prince, the second prince, and his two uncles to go to the inner room of Kunning Palace.
Prince Xiao immediately realized that Emperor Mingxi must have something very important to discuss with him.
"Today I want to discuss an important matter with you." Xia Zhengqi looked solemn.
The palace maids and eunuchs in the room had already been sent away.
"According to reliable sources, the Da Wa tribe has appeared to be content with the status quo over the past two years, but in reality, they are recuperating and planning a larger war."
As soon as the words fell, everyone present showed surprise on their faces.
Xia Zhengqi continued, "The Dawa tribe has been secretly recruiting soldiers and hoarding food for the past two years."
"They plan to annex the other tribes in northern Xinjiang in one fell swoop, unify northern Xinjiang, and become the overlord of the grasslands."
Xiao Yicheng was shocked and said, "The ambition of the Dawa tribe is so great!"
The Crown Prince and the Second Prince also echoed.
King Xiao frowned and said, "If the Dawa tribe really wants to unify the northern border, it's not surprising. After all, their new king is an extremely ambitious man."
"But, if they want to unify the northern border, what will happen to the Xiaolin tribe?" King Xiao's brows were filled with worry.
Xiao Yicheng said: "Yes. My Xiao family and the Dawa royal family have been enemies for a long time. When the time comes, it will be either him or me who will die!"
The Second Prince stood up and patted his chest. "Grandfather, don't worry. If they attack Xiao Lin's tribe, you can send a message to the capital, and the emperor will definitely send troops to help."
The Crown Prince glanced at the Second Prince and said, "Why are you still thinking like a child? The Northern Frontier is so far away from the capital. By the time the reinforcements arrive, it will be too late."
"Oh, I was negligent." The second prince scratched his head embarrassedly.
Xia Zhengqi waved at his sons, signaling them to be quiet.
"I have thought of a way."
"Since we've already learned of the Dawa tribe's plan, rather than being passive, we should take the initiative, strike first, and unify the northern border."
After Xia Zhengqi finished speaking, he looked around at everyone.
Everyone's faces were shocked at first, and then they all showed admiration.
Prince Xiao bowed and said, "Your Majesty, this is a good idea, but Xiao Lin's troops are limited..."
After all, King Xiao is the leader of the Xiaolin tribe. Although he looks a bit rough, his mind is not simple.
Just after Xia Zhengqi mentioned taking the initiative to attack and unify the northern border, King Xiao had already anticipated Xia Zhengqi's plan, so he deliberately mentioned that Xiao Lin's troops were weak, waiting for Xia Zhengqi to take the initiative to offer support.
Xia Zhengqi's lips curled up slightly: "Father-in-law, I am willing to support and help the Xiao Lin tribe become the overlord of the northern border."
After saying that, Xia Zhengqi stepped forward, grabbed King Xiao's hand and held it tightly.
Prince Xiao said in a loud voice, "Excellent! If Your Majesty helps my Xiao Lin tribe achieve its grand ambitions, I, Xiao Tiehan, will lead my descendants to be loyal to Daxia for generations to come and defend Daxia against the Dada people's cavalry!"
King Xiao's voice was deep and powerful, striking people's hearts and making their blood boil.
Half a month later, after several meetings and discussions, the specific matters were finalized.
Emperor Mingxi issued an edict, appointing the Minister of War Baili Hua as the Grand Marshal and the Second Prince as the Vanguard General, leading an army of 200,000 to the northern border to assist Xiao Lin's troops.
When Xia Miaoyuan learned the news, the Xiao family and the second prince had already set off with the army.
The Emperor has improved tremendously, and he's so decisive and efficient in his actions. So admirable!
The queen listened to her daughter complaining in her heart and covered her mouth with her hands while laughing.
…
After the Qingming Festival, groups of students traveled long distances to the capital.
Within half a month, all the hotels in the capital were full.
Especially in the Yongping Lane area of Dongcheng District, the streets were full of groups of students.
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