Xie Wanyun said, "These grassland peoples are naturally fierce and value the use of force. The gentleness and humility of us Central Plains people won't work with them. If we don't subdue them, they will continue to cause trouble."
Renzong nodded. "Miemei is right. We can't just tolerate them; we must use both kindness and force. We just negotiated peace a few days ago and sent so many gifts, yet it hasn't been long since they've returned."
"Does the emperor want to use military force?" Xie Wanyun's eyes lit up.
"Father, Queen Mother!" Crown Prince Li Jinbai strode in. "Greetings to Father, Queen Mother."
"Jinbai is here? What have you been busy with these days? You don't even come to see mother." Xie Wanyun said angrily.
"Your son and I have been busy training the troops these days. Just now, your son heard the Queen Mother say that she wants to use the troops? Where to use the troops? Mobei, or Wusun? It's time to teach them a lesson." Li Jinbai's eyes sparkled.
"You kid, why do you like fighting and killing? Weapons are weapons of destruction, not..."
"It should not be used unless absolutely necessary. Father, I understand." Li Jinbai said with a smile.
The couple looked at each other and shook their heads helplessly.
Renzong said, "However, troops must be used when necessary. I intend to bring this up at court tomorrow, but I'm still undecided about who to appoint as commander."
Liu Sheng was injured in the Battle of Mobei and had been recuperating at home. The entire court, whether civil or military, was unable to find a suitable candidate.
Renzong couldn't help but sigh.
Li Jinbai suddenly said, "Father, I have been a hostage in Mobei for many years. I have established good relations with the hostages from Wusun, Loulan, and other countries, and I understand their national conditions. I also participated in the last battle in Mobei. Let me go."
Renzong was stunned for a moment, then shook his head repeatedly. "Being a commander isn't just about fighting your own battles. You have to manage the overall situation, plan and make decisions. You need to be both cautious and bold. One mistake could lead to total defeat. Father knows you're a good person, but you still lack experience."
"Father! Please believe me! I can do it!" Li Jinbai was anxious.
Xie Wanyun had been silent the entire time, but suddenly said, "Your Majesty, Jin Bai is young and inexperienced, so let me go."
Both father and son were stunned.
"Meimei, what are you talking about? How can you lead troops to fight? Absolutely not." Renzong flatly refused.
"Mother, I also don't agree."
"Don't worry, listen to me. I'm a descendant of the Xie family. I grew up in the military and am familiar with Mobei and the countries of the Western Regions. I'll be the commander, Jinbai will be the vanguard, and Junhao and Silong will be his lieutenants. We are confident of victory in this battle."
Renzong was silent. He knew that what she said made sense, but it was unheard of for the queen to be the commander.
Li Jinbai's eyes lit up, and he exclaimed, "Your Majesty, you are right. Father, think about that rescue battle between me and you at Blue Moon Pass. I fought the enemy at the foot of the mountain, while you, Your Majesty, came down from above. We, mother and I, attacked from both inside and outside, and finally defeated the Mobei people. That one battle determined the outcome! Your Majesty, please agree to your promise, Your Majesty, and your promise to me."
Renzong's face was stern. "How dare you say that? That incident was so dangerous that I still feel scared when I think about it. Fortunately, General Liu Sheng arrived in time, otherwise the consequences would be unpredictable."
"Father, don't worry. I will definitely protect you," Li Jinbai said confidently.
Xie Wanyun smiled and nodded, "Your Majesty, just agree to our request. The Queen is the commander and the Prince is the general. This is a good story."
"Meimei, do you still care about these false reputations?" Renzong was a little surprised.
"This is not an empty reputation, it is a real good reputation." Xie Wanyun said with a smile.
"..." Renzong sighed as he looked at the expectant faces of the mother and son. "I really can't do anything with you. If I don't agree, you'll make me restless. Okay, I agree. But there's one thing: no greed for merit, no lingering in the battle. Protect yourself first and foremost."
"Don't worry, Your Majesty!" the mother and son said in unison.
At the morning court the next day, Renzong proposed the idea of sending troops to Mobei and Wusun.
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