The urgent message sent back by General Meng over 800 miles away, in addition to explaining the battle situation, also requested food and weapons, and also required local conscription of soldiers to make up for the losses.
After all, it was the beginning of spring, when farmers had just started to plant crops and the army was also maintaining basic consumption, so there was not much food in stock. However, if they were to fight, they had to feed the soldiers, otherwise they would not even have the strength to hold a sword, so how could they fight? That would just be sending their heads off!
After receiving the urgent military report from eight hundred miles away, the emperor was furious. He immediately ordered a battle and asked General Meng to counterattack. This time, he must defeat the Qiang Wolf tribe and scare them, not giving them the chance to make a comeback.
Afterwards, the emperor ordered the Ministry of Revenue to raise food and fodder, and the Ministry of War began to mobilize garrisons from nearby cities for support. The entire court was mobilized, money was spent like water, and the Minister of Revenue's face became uglier day by day.
That day, the three children finished their morning classes and came to pay their respects to Lianyi, and talked about the war with the Qiang Wolf Tribe.
"Mother, my grandfather is a general guarding the pass. Isn't that impressive?"
The second princess asked curiously.
"Your grandfather is still strong and healthy. If he wins this battle, he should retire to the countryside."
Lianyi answered her second daughter's question very seriously.
"Mother, grandpa did not let the Qiang Wolf Tribe take advantage and withstood their first wave of attacks. This was grandpa's credit, but some people in the court said that grandpa had been prepared. What does this mean?"
The eldest prince was precocious, and some people had already begun whispering in his ears, so he asked this question.
After hearing this, Lianyi's face darkened and she asked directly:
"Who told Hongji this?"
"Mother, I shouldn't ask this."
The eldest prince noticed his mother's displeasure and immediately replied.
"It's not your fault. If someone hadn't mentioned it to you, you wouldn't have thought of asking these questions."
Ripple waved her hand.
"Hongji, it takes a thousand days to raise an army but only a moment to deploy it. The duty of the border generals is to defend the borders. This is their duty, and what they do is just the most basic. But just because General Meng is the father of your mother, some people maliciously instigate and plant the seeds of doubt in your father's heart at this time. What do you think will happen in the future?
"Gossip can melt metal, and constant criticism can destroy a person. We were fighting normally and even won a victory, but some people said it was like we were well prepared. Do you know how it will be distorted in the end?"
Lianyi did not criticize her children, but provided guidance at the right time.
"Mother, I was not thoughtful enough. My tutor told me these things with bad intentions. I shouldn't have asked you this."
The eldest prince's face turned red. He realized that what he asked was inappropriate and made his mother angry.
"Hongji, you have been in school for eight years. You should have your own judgment. Don't just follow what others say. The most unpopular thing for a superior is to have no opinion. You should listen more, think more, and observe more, and then make your own judgment. If you encounter something you don't understand, you can ask your teacher or ask the Queen Mother."
Lianyi smiled and patted Hongji's shoulder.
"Yes, I've made note of it."
"There is no rush for these things. They all need to be accumulated slowly. No one is born with the ability."
Lian Yi calmed down the eldest prince, looked at the third prince who had remained silent, and asked:
"Hongye, what are you thinking about?"
"Mother, I feel that Zhao Shidu, who spread rumors to my elder brother, has bad intentions. He looks generous and open-minded on the surface, but he often provokes me secretly, and then pretends to be innocent in front of my elder brother. Many times, my elder brother protected him and didn't let me deal with him."
The third prince curled his lips and said.
"Third brother, is this true? Why didn't you tell me?"
Hongji's expression also changed.
"But you only believe what you see and you defend him. What can I do?"
Hongye said nonchalantly.
"Big brother, third brother, that Zhao Sihao often talks to Lele who is by my side, but I don't like him and don't let Lele associate with him. Lele is a little unhappy."
Lianyi listened to what the three people said without interrupting. It was obvious that the three children had realized something. She believed that her three babies would be able to handle it.
Sure enough, Hongji winked at his sister and brother, first apologized to Lianyi, and then left with Yunshan and Hongye.
Lianyi turned around and told Nanny Sun to guard the entrance to the harem and wait for the emperor to return to the palace before inviting people to Fengqi Palace. Nanny Sun immediately took the order and left.
After the emperor finished dealing with the memorials related to the border war, he felt a little dizzy. Quanfu immediately stepped forward to persuade him:
"Your Majesty, please take care of yourself. It's getting late, you should rest early!"
The emperor rubbed his brows and felt a little sleepy. Because of the recent wars at the border, he had to read twice as many memorials as usual.
"Let's go! Go back to the bedroom."
"yes!"
The emperor was originally planning to go to Fengqi Palace. After all, his father-in-law was guarding the border for him. If he stayed with other concubines, it would be too disrespectful to the queen.
Lianyi prepared a midnight snack and softly persuaded the emperor to eat some. Then, while undressing the emperor, she spoke:
"Your Majesty, after we defeat the Qiang Wolf Tribe this time, I would like to ask Your Majesty to allow my father to retire from the army."
The emperor was a little confused at first, but after hearing this, he suddenly perked up:
"Lianyi, why do you say that?"
“Your Majesty, I am a woman and do not understand the affairs of the court. However, the eldest son came to ask me today whether General Meng was prepared for the quick response to stop the Qiang Wolf tribe’s invasion.
What a wicked remark! Isn't it implying that my father is in collusion with the Qiang Wolf Tribe? In the final analysis, it is directed at me. If I have a traitorous father, what will the three children bear in the future? Your Majesty must know it!"
Lianyi stopped what she was doing and said with red eyes, as if she had given up.
The emperor's eyes flashed, and he said insincerely:
"Lianyi, don't worry, I won't believe these nonsense. General Meng has been guarding the border for many years, and has made great contributions. He is a mortal enemy of the Qianglang people. How could he be connected with them!"
"Your Majesty, I am the daughter of a general. I understand some things. In the final analysis, it is the military power that is at work. Rather than going through calculations again and again and letting Your Majesty plant the seeds of doubt, it is better to hand over the military power in my hands early so that my father can live out his days in peace.
After years of fighting, my father's health had already deteriorated. I just didn't want to tarnish the reputation of the Great Sheng Dynasty, and I also wanted to support my daughter, but now none of this matters. I just want my parents and brothers to be well."
Lianyi said this while wiping her tears, expressing her worry as a daughter and her helplessness as a queen.
"Forget it. Since ancient times, it has been difficult to be both loyal and filial. I understand your concern for your family. Let's talk about these things after this war is over!"
"Yes, I thank your majesty for your love."
Lianyi immediately bowed and then helped the other person to go to bed. After turning off the lights, Duoduo threw her under the bed as usual.
"Master, when will we start?"
"When General Meng goes to the capital to receive the imperial edict and express his gratitude."
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