The invading barbarians have captured eight cities in succession, injuring twelve border guards and causing heavy casualties among the soldiers.
The emperor looked at the urgent document of 800 miles and was furious. He threw the document to the ground and glanced at the civil and military officials in the court. He scolded: "How can a great country like the Celestial Empire be bullied to this extent by a small barbarian tribe? Do you still have the face to serve in the court?"
The court was completely silent, and everyone was too timid to speak.
Mu Jingrui lowered his eyes and thought.
Before this, the Ministry of War had not received any news of war on the border. It was not until the cities were lost one after another and the losses were irreparable that the memorial was sent directly to the emperor.
This in itself is not normal.
"Your Majesty, the most urgent task right now is to send more troops to support the border and recover lost territory." As the prime minister, Shangguan Yue was also worried about such a big thing.
The emperor's anger subsided a little.
In fact, he had already thought of the problem, but the biggest problem was who would go to the battle.
In the past, the best candidate would have been Zheng Binghong.
Not only is he calm and introverted, he also has rich combat experience and is almost invincible in every battle.
but……
The emperor was a little embarrassed at this time.
After all, he had just thrown Zheng Binghong into jail for some unfounded trivial matters. Everyone in the court was a shrewd person, so who could fail to see his little tricks?
The people in Yiyonghou Mansion are not stupid, so they naturally know it.
If Zheng Binghong or anyone else from the Zheng family were sent to be executed at this time, wouldn't it be telling everyone that he really couldn't leave the Zheng family?
The emperor was somewhat unwilling.
Besides, Zheng Binghong and Xiao Qingyu had just gotten married, so how could they have the heart to fight? His beloved sister would definitely not agree.
"Of course I know this. So, my dear ministers, who do you think can take on this important task and lead the troops to war?"
The atmosphere fell into silence again.
Shangguan Yue wanted to recommend two other brothers-in-law, but he swallowed the words back.
During this sensitive period, let’s say less and make fewer mistakes.
"Your Majesty, I request your permission to go."
A loud voice sounded, and everyone's eyes were focused on Mu Jingrui.
He was a general of the Shenjinying Camp and concurrently served as the Minister of War, the youngest senior official in the court.
He had just taken office, and the old foxes in the court were all observing him. No one could figure out which faction Mu Jingrui, who was promoted so quickly, belonged to.
"You?" The emperor looked at Mu Jingrui seriously.
He seemed to see the shadow of his father in Mu Jingrui.
"Do you know how dangerous it will be to go to the border this time?"
"Of course I know."
Mu Jingrui is young after all, and the emperor is still a little worried about handing the military power into his hands.
"Your Majesty, I have been following my father in the battlefield since I was a teenager, and I know the cruelty of war best. I request to go and recover the lost territory. If I cannot return victorious, I am willing to sacrifice my life for my country."
Mu Jingrui's powerful words made everyone look at him with admiration.
The emperor pondered for a while and decided to take a risk.
After all, he needed someone who could replace or counter the power of the Yiyong Marquis' Mansion in the court.
"Okay, I will now appoint you as the Grand Marshal of the Army of the Nation, in charge of the troops of the court. All the garrisons along the way will be at your disposal, and you will lead 200,000 troops of the court, and you must recover the lost territory in the shortest possible time."
"Your Majesty, I obey your order."
Shangguan Yue looked at Mu Jingrui who received the order and his brows furrowed.
The news that Mu Jingrui was about to lead his troops to fight the barbarians spread like a gust of wind, and in just one morning it spread throughout the streets and alleys of the capital.
"Brother, you really don't want me to go with you?" Mu Jingyan followed Mu Jingrui like a tail the whole morning, pestering him. "I can help you carry the flag, I can help you cook, I can also..."
"You'd better stay at home and wait for me to come back." Mu Jingrui's mind was a little wandering, and Shangguan Wanning's figure flashed in his mind from time to time.
How should I explain this matter to her?
"I won't. In case anything happens to you..."
"If something really happens to me, even if you are by my side, it won't change anything. Xiaoyan, if I can't come back this time, the court will give you a pension. From now on, you can make your own decision and find a good family to marry."
Mu Jingyan was so angry that he almost jumped up.
"Sir, Miss Shangguan is here." The butler came in and reported.
Mu Jingyan saw a trace of helplessness flash across his brother's face and suddenly felt relieved.
"You refuse to explain yourself to me. Well, now someone who can deal with you is here. Let me see what you can do."
After Mu Jingyan finished speaking, he turned around and went back to the inner hall.
In fact, she was a little afraid to face Shangguan Wan Ning, because she knew that Shangguan Wan Ning must have known that she and Xiao Yujue were hiding behind the rockery that day in the Princess's Mansion.
She was still somewhat embarrassed.
Shangguan Wanning went out to buy bird's nest for her mother. When she heard everyone discussing this matter, she couldn't help but get furious. She tightly clenched her handkerchief and her face turned pale.
She ignored the proper modesty a girl should have and came straight to question him.
"Coming?"
Mu Jingrui was a little flustered at first, but the moment he saw Shangguan Wanning, he became very calm.
He waved his hand to dismiss the servants serving beside him and gently held Shangguan Wanning's hand.
Shangguan Wanning pulled her hand back in anger. "Master Mu, please respect yourself."
Mu Jingrui didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
"Are you mad at me?"
"Why did you volunteer to recover the lost territory?" Shangguan Wanning asked angrily.
"Do you think I'm doing something wrong?"
Shangguan Wanning was speechless for a moment.
Actually, there doesn't seem to be anything wrong.
"Ning'er, I know you're worried about me and afraid that I'll be in danger if I go on the expedition. However, as a military commander, I have the responsibility to defend my country. Now that foreign tribes are invading, how can I stay out of it?"
Shangguan Wanning looked at Mu Jingrui and couldn't help being a little dazed.
In her previous life, she had come into contact with Mu Jingrui after Xiao Zhenting ascended the throne. In her impression, Mu Jingrui had a cold and even somewhat cruel personality.
It was difficult for her to equate the man in front of her who was full of justice and ambition with the bloodthirsty god of war in her previous life.
"What's more," Mu Jingrui stepped forward and held Shangguan Wanning's hand again, "I also hope that when I return victorious, I can marry you in a grand ceremony. By then, I want you to be my imperial consort."
Shangguan Wanning lowered her eyelids, shyly hiding her happy smile.
"Who wants to marry you..."
Mu Jingrui smiled gently and took Shangguan Wanning into his arms. "It's not up to you. If you don't agree, I will lead my troops to the Prime Minister's Mansion to grab you out."
Shangguan Wanning leaned on Mu Jingrui's chest, feeling a little sad.
"Jingrui, you must come back safely."
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