Chapter 453 Attacking the State of Chu
The news of the crown prince's death shocked the court and the public.
The Empress was so devastated by the bad news that she did not attend court.
The emperor's face also showed a hint of sorrow.
An assassin from the State of Chu launched a surprise attack on the Eastern Palace on a rainy night.
They assassinated the Crown Prince and the Imperial Grandson with the most devastating casualties.
Inside the main hall, the crowd was filled with indignation.
"Your Majesty! The State of Chu is a wolf in sheep's clothing, daring to break the alliance! This is utterly outrageous! I propose that we immediately send troops to Chu!"
"I second that proposal!"
"I second that proposal!"
It was rare to find all the officials in the imperial court united as one.
Sending troops to the State of Chu was imperative.
The emperor declared emphatically, "The Chu Kingdom broke the alliance, killed my son, and disregarded the safety of the people. Their actions are worse than those of pigs and dogs. This war must be fought!"
Qin Ye, who had not attended court for a long time, stepped forward and said, "Your subject, Qin Ye, is willing to lead troops to attack the State of Chu. I swear I will not return to court until the State of Chu is defeated."
The emperor looked at Qin Ye, a hint of struggle flashing in his eyes.
“Prince Zhenbei, you are getting old, and the battlefield is dangerous. You have fought for the Jin Kingdom for many years, and it is time for you to enjoy your retirement.”
If others took these words to heart, they would think that His Majesty was wary of Qin Ye.
But everyone in the court knows that the Prince of Zhenbei is now very old, and the battlefield is a place where swords and spears have no eyes. If he goes there, it is questionable whether he can return.
Qin Ye said, "I am old, but I still have a legacy. Even if I fall on the battlefield, my granddaughter will still be able to carry on the banner of the Zhenbei Army!"
These words shocked all the officials.
Qin Ye actually wants to take Princess Jinzhi to the battlefield!
Qin Jinzhi did not attend court today.
Everyone who saw the empty seat thought Qin Ye had gone mad.
Princess Jinzhi purged corrupt officials in the imperial court.
She had already earned the respect of all the officials.
Having strategies is one thing, but going to the battlefield is another.
Princess Jinzhi was, after all, a noblewoman raised in the capital; how could she possibly go to the battlefield?
On the battlefield, a moment's carelessness can mean the loss of your life.
Even Wei Cha somewhat disagreed with Qin Ye's words.
He stepped forward and said, “Prince Zhenbei, the court still needs talented young people like Princess Jinzhi. The matter investigated by the Investigation Department is not yet over. Is it too early to send the princess to the battlefield with you now?”
He didn't look down on Qin Jinzhi because she was a woman, but the Qin family only had this one child left.
Out of personal motives, he did not want Qin Jinzhi to go to the battlefield.
As soon as Wei Cha spoke, many officials echoed, "Lord Wei is right, Your Highness, please reconsider."
These people were either worried about Qin Jinzhi's safety, or concerned that the unfinished business she left behind would affect them, or that it was inappropriate for Qin Jinzhi, as a woman, to appear on the battlefield.
Qin Ye looked at his granddaughter and felt very proud.
He stepped forward. "Qin Jinzhi, she is still surnamed Qin. There are no cowards in the Qin family."
Upon hearing this, Wei Cha turned his gaze to the emperor.
The emperor was unusually quiet.
Normally, she would have already started arguing with Qin Ye.
Wei Cha had a bad feeling.
Amidst the murmurs of the crowd, the emperor spoke:
"The State of Chu has repeatedly provoked us, and its wolfish ambitions have become rampant."
I hereby appoint the Prince of Zhenbei as the Grand Marshal of the Pacification of Chu, to lead the Zhenbei Army in conquering the Chu Kingdom.
Princess Zhenguo was appointed as the vanguard of the campaign against Chu, assisting the Prince of Zhenbei in conquering the enemy state.
On the day our army returns to the capital in triumph, the Empress and I, along with all the officials, will greet the army at the city gate.
Qin Ye clasped his hands in a fist and bowed, “Qin Ye receives the imperial decree!”
The officials looked at the emperor with disbelief in their eyes.
His Majesty actually agreed to send the princess to the battlefield!
Wei Cha's eyes were constantly sending signals.
But the emperor did not respond to him.
When Cui Ying arrived at the Zhenbei Prince's Mansion, she was panting heavily.
Qin Jinzhi was sitting in the courtyard watching Feiyan, who wished she could move the entire palace away.
A maid at the door announced, "Princess, Deputy Commander Cui requests an audience."
Qin Jinzhi watched as Cui Ying, covered in sweat, rushed into the courtyard.
"The Crown Prince is dead!"
Qin Jinzhi nodded.
Cui Ying stood in front of Qin Jinzhi, her eyes fixed on her. "You're going to the battlefield."
Qin Jinzhi nodded again, "As the next successor of the Zhenbei Army, I must go to the battlefield to attack the Chu Kingdom."
Cui Ying shouted, "But the battlefield is so dangerous! If you're not careful, you could lose your life!"
Qin Jinzhi smiled at her, "Don't you already know where I really went during those three years at Baique Temple? I didn't die three years ago, and I won't die now either."
Cui Ying quickly stepped forward, "Aren't you going to take care of things in the capital?"
Qin Jinzhi said leisurely, "I will submit a memorial to His Majesty, requesting that you be appointed as the Chief Envoy of the Thousand Birds Bureau. From now on, the Thousand Birds Bureau will be completely under your control."
Cui Ying asked anxiously, "What about the Inspection Department? Official evaluation, law revision, the imperial examination system—aren't you going to take care of any of these things?"
Qin Jinzhi asked her to sit down and pushed the pastries in front of her.
“I am not the only capable person in Jin. Once I leave the capital, someone will naturally take over these matters.”
Cui Ying looked at Qin Jinzhi without saying a word, remained silent for a moment, then turned and left.
Feiyan watched Cui Ying walk over from the side and said, "Princess, why does Lord Cui seem angry?"
Qin Jinzhi sipped her tea, "Maybe it's because I didn't say goodbye to her beforehand."
Feiyan blinked after hearing this, "Princess, can I take this pot? The kitchen nanny said it's the best for making soup."
Qin Jinzhi was speechless; Feiyan had taken all the kitchen utensils from the small kitchen.
"Feiyan, we're going to war, not to go sightseeing."
Feiyan said matter-of-factly, "If the princess doesn't have enough to eat, how can she have the strength to fight?"
Qin Jinzhi chuckled, "Bring them all, bring them all."
Feiyan's eyes lit up, and she quickened her pace to start packing.
Qin Jinzhi got up and went to the stable.
Liu Yun and Zhen Zhu stood in the stable, their colors distinct.
Qin Jinzhi walked over to Liuyun and picked up a brush to groom its fur.
She couldn't help but exclaim, "Our Liuyun's fur is still the best, unlike those stone ones, whose fur is as hard as stone."
Liu Yun stamped his foot and barked twice at Pearl.
Pearl simply turned its rear end towards it slowly.
Qin Jinzhi then took the brush and came to Pearl's side.
I brushed its fur. "I'm going to the battlefield and can't take you with me, but I've found you a good place."
Qin Jinzhi turned and left the palace.
After that autumn rain, the city became very dry and cold.
Qin Jinzhi entered the Imperial College through the main gate for the first time.
Many students were shocked when they saw Qin Jinzhi.
The students here are either relatives or high-ranking officials and dignitaries.
Many people had seen Qin Jinzhi at palace banquets.
Qin Jinzhi walked into Changfeng Daoren's courtyard with a carefree air.
Many people speculated that the princess's visit to the Imperial Academy was for some important matter.
When Changfeng Daoist returned to his courtyard, he did not see Qin Jinzhi.
He opened the door and saw Qin Jinzhi leisurely flipping through his annotated copy of the Book of Songs.
Seeing Changfeng Daoist return, Qin Jinzhi tilted her head and looked towards the door. "Master is back?"
Daoist Changfeng raised an eyebrow. "Why didn't you climb over the wall today?"
Qin Jinzhi smiled and said, "Why would an apprentice climb over a wall to visit his master?"
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