Chapter 302 The Emperor's Personal Expedition
The next day, in the Golden Palace.
Huo Lin, dressed in a dragon robe, sat high on the dragon throne, his face cold and stern.
The debate over the war in the North and how to deal with it had been going on for nearly an hour, with an invisible tension hanging in the air.
The pro-peace faction, led by several senior officials, cited classical texts and argued vehemently about the advantages and disadvantages.
"Your Majesty, the Northern Di have clearly come prepared this time. If we act rashly just to vent our anger, we may suffer heavy losses!"
An elderly official stepped forward, his voice trembling with worry for his country and its people.
Another minister immediately chimed in: "Indeed, Your Majesty, the national treasury also needs time to replenish its supplies. Negotiating peace and delaying the war is the best course of action."
"Is your best strategy to keep ceding territory and paying reparations? In the end, are you going to cede even the capital city?"
The pro-war generals immediately refuted the claims, and several young generals, led by Vice General Li, were particularly agitated.
"The shame of Chiyun can only be avenged in blood. If we retreat an inch today, the Northern Barbarians will dare to advance ten feet tomorrow. We are willing to fight to the death!"
The two factions argued endlessly, their voices growing louder and louder, almost lifting the dome of the main hall off.
Just as the debate was reaching its climax, Huo Lin suddenly raised his hand and waved it lightly.
With just a simple movement, the entire hall fell silent instantly, and all eyes were focused on him.
He slowly stood up, his posture upright, his sharp gaze sweeping across the entire hall. His voice was not loud, but it resonated throughout the entire hall.
"There's no need to argue anymore."
He paused, his gaze lingering for a moment on the faces of the pro-peace old ministers and Huo Ting, causing them to subconsciously lower their heads.
“Negotiation and delaying tactics may bring temporary peace, but the Northern Barbarians are greedy. If they cede five cities today, they will cede ten more tomorrow. Sooner or later, war will break out again.”
His gaze swept over the assembled officials below, who were holding their breath in astonishment. His figure remained composed: "Therefore, we must fight."
"Not only will we fight, but I will also personally lead the army!"
"Your Majesty! You mustn't!"
"Your Majesty, please reconsider. Your health is of utmost importance; the country cannot be without a ruler for even a day!"
"A personal expedition is no child's play; how can His Majesty risk his life!"
...
Huo Lin's words caused an uproar throughout the court.
The two sides, who had been arguing fiercely just moments before, suddenly knelt down in unison, their cries of alarm and pleas for dissuasion rising and falling. Even Li, the vice-general who advocated for war, was stunned.
A royal expedition is no small matter; if it fails, it will shake the very foundation of the nation.
Huo Ting stood at the front of the officials, a strange glint flashing in his lowered eyes, before he also put on a worried look.
He bowed and said, "Your Majesty, leading the army in person is a matter of great importance. I urge Your Majesty to consider this matter carefully, prioritizing the well-being of the nation!"
He said that, but he didn't really think so.
The new weapons of the Northern Di people were no joke; arrows flew everywhere on the battlefield, and who knew what unexpected things might happen?
It's best if he never comes back; it's time for someone else to sit on this dragon throne.
Huo Lin took in the reactions of everyone below, especially Huo Ting's momentary loss of composure.
Ha, he's quite the actor for being a loyal and filial son.
In fact, they wished he would set off immediately, preferably to die under the barrage of arrows from the Northern Barbarians.
He sneered inwardly, but his expression grew even more resolute.
"My mind is made up, there is no need to persuade me further!" His voice was deep and cold, his imperial authority leaving no room for doubt: "Ministry of War and Ministry of Revenue, immediately prepare provisions and weapons. The army will set off in three days."
"Court adjourned!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Huo Lin ignored the kneeling and pleading ministers behind him, turned around, and strode away.
The news quickly reached Weiyang Palace.
Jiang Huan was trying out a new pastry recipe in the small kitchen when she heard a palace servant's hurried report, and the dough in her hand fell back into the bowl with a thud.
"What? The emperor himself is leading the expedition?" She stood up abruptly, the color draining from her face instantly.
Swords and blades are silent; this is no joke.
He's just an emperor, not a superman. If he really went on that trip, he'd be lucky to escape with his life.
Jiang Huan was extremely anxious and instinctively wanted to rush to the Imperial Study to find Huo Lin.
But as soon as he took a step, he abruptly stopped.
She knew Huo Lin; he was never one to cling to life or fear death.
Since he has already made it public in court, he has truly made up his mind, and it is not something she can change with a few words.
Moreover, he is the ruler of a country, and the nation is currently mired in difficulties; he has his responsibilities.
But rationality is one thing, and emotion is another.
That new weapon can even breach cities; how could a mortal body possibly withstand it!
Jiang Huan's heart clenched, and she paced back and forth in the hall, all sorts of terrible thoughts uncontrollably creeping into her mind.
No, she couldn't just wait around; she had to do something.
We must at least find a way to increase his chances of survival, even if it's just a little bit.
Otherwise, before the inevitable death two years later arrives, the odds will be against him.
In a flash, an idea suddenly popped into her mind.
Oh right, how could I forget that I still have He Ling, my lucky charm friend!
That lousy system was a real pain, but the shop did have a lot of good stuff.
Who knows, you might be able to exchange it for something like an invincible shield or a legendary sword that can save your life.
Thinking of this, Jiang Huan could no longer sit still, and she lifted her skirt and rushed out.
Rushing to the gate of Changchun Palace, she didn't even bother to have the palace servants announce her arrival; she simply pushed open the door and barged inside.
He Ling came out to greet her when she heard the commotion. She rarely saw Jiang Huan so energetic and was quite startled.
"What's wrong, Your Highness? Have all the vegetables in our fields died overnight?!"
Normally, Jiang Huan would definitely praise her for her dedication.
But now, she was out of breath from running and had something more important to do.
"He Ling, help me! Help me see if there's anything in the system shop that can save my life?" Her voice trembled with urgency, her eyes filled with anxiety. "The war in the Northern Border is raging, and the Emperor... he's going to risk his life on the battlefield!"
He Ling suddenly realized what was happening, and after a full two seconds of stunned silence, she quickly called upon the system.
[System! System! Did you hear what the Empress said? Quickly! Search the shop!]
The system's electronic voice carried a hint of resentment.
"You only remember me when you need me..."
"Instruction received, searching..."
Jiang Huan stared nervously at He Ling, holding her breath. He Ling also held her breath and frowned.
A few seconds later, the system voice sounded again.
"Beep—Search complete. Item: Life-Saving Charm. A one-time use item that automatically triggers absolute protection upon encountering fatal danger, capable of withstanding any form of fatal attack."
Jiang Huan's eyes lit up instantly; this was it.
"How many favor points do we need to exchange?"
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