The Dreamer in the Spring Boudoir

Chapter 222: Don't give away your heart

Ning Yuxuan didn't provide a follow-up answer. His mind was already a mess. He didn't dare to imagine what had happened before Zhao Zhe came here. Clearly, he should have made it in time. Why...

Next to him, Nie Qingyun saluted with his hand and said, "We were just discussing who should lead the reinforcement troops. Yuzhen's border is very close to Jing Province. This subject was lucky enough to have met a few generals in Jing Province that would be suitable to take on this heavy responsibility. This subject specially came here to recommend them to Your Majesty."

"Oh?" Zhao Zhe glanced at Ning Yuxuan, then pursed his lips and said, "Although Yuzhen was an ally, they were the ones that broke our alliance first by invading the borders. This emperor thinks that although there aren't many troops at the border, they should be able to hold off for at least a year. Thus, it's not necessary to look for reinforcement troops that are near to the border. It's better to find troops that will be the most useful."

Ning Mingjie furrowed his brow. "Your Majesty, speed is the most precious thing in war. Why would that proximity not be the most useful aspect?"

"This emperor thinks that although it would be convenient to dispatch troops from Jing Province, it won't be sufficient in expressing the imperial court's fury with Yuzhen for tearing up our alliance agreement. Out of all the generals, this emperor trusts the three of you the most. However, General Ning has to stay in the capital to guard it, and General Nie has to return to the Jing Province to guard it as well. How about having the marquis take command of the army that will retaliate against Yuzhen?"

Ning Mingjie and Nie Qingyun were both stunned. Ning Yuxuan has always been in charge of the Six Ministries. He should be considered a civil official. When did he become a general? Moreover, if he went on an expedition to Yuzhen right now, what would happen to Sangyu?

Marquis Moyu lifted his robe and knelt down. "This subject is lacking in the ability to assume such a heavy responsibility. Your Majesty, don't treat the affairs of the state as child's play. A person with more experience should be chosen to take command."

Zhao Zhe laughed. "Marquis, there's no reason why you can't serve as a general. Didn't you devise a plan for how Zhangjun's army would seize the capital? You've already accomplished many great achievements. From the perspective of this emperor, the marquis is well-versed in the art of war, as well as having courage and the ability to plan well. It's only providing assistance to a border position. You're more than qualified for this task."

Ning Yuxuan's complexion was ashen. He almost got up and left in a huff. Ning Mingjie, who was next to him, quickly reached out and stopped him.

The mood in the great hall was somewhat tense. Zhao Zhe straightened his originally disheveled robes, then insincerely smiled and asked, "Marquis, are you not willing?"

"This subject isn't..."

Nie Qingyun felt cold sweat gathering on his back and quickly interrupted him, "Yuxuan." Had he lost his mind? If he showed his disobedience right in front of the emperor, he would be convicted of a crime. Yuxuan was someone that knew propriety and was very smooth and evasive in his speech. Why was he so muddled-headed today?

Ning Yuxuan took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and said, "This subject won't disappoint Your Majesty's expectations."

"Excellent!" Zhao Zhe loudly laughed. He walked down from the throne, patted Ning Yuxuan's shoulder, and said, "Beloved subject, you really know how to share and alleviate this emperor's troubles."

Marquis Moyu contemptuously smiled. He lowered his head and stayed silent.

---

Ji Man remained in Shen Youqing's palace in a daze.