amaotonovel Chapter 121: Border War
Chapter 121: Border War
His Majesty looked at Concubine Su, who was still sound asleep. Her delicate face was like a flower blooming in spring, so endearing. He gently kissed her forehead, not wanting to disturb her sweet dream, and quietly got up to change clothes and go to court.
In the morning, sunlight streamed through the window lattices like golden swords, piercing the solemn and dignified court within the imperial palace. The bright light failed to dispel the solemn atmosphere, but instead illuminated the anxious expressions of the ministers even more clearly.
A deep silence fell over the court, like the calm before a storm. An urgent report from the border, like a thunderclap, suddenly exploded in the stillness. The soldier who delivered the message, breathless, his face etched with exhaustion and terror, knelt on one knee and shouted in a trembling voice, "Your Majesty, fighting has suddenly broken out at the border! The enemy launched a surprise attack in the dead of night, with such force that our army was caught off guard and suffered heavy losses!"
As soon as these words were spoken, the court erupted in an uproar. The ministers looked at each other, their eyes filled with shock and fear. Some gasped, some clenched their fists, and some shook their heads and sighed.
At this moment, the arrogant words of the enemy general seemed to echo in everyone's ears: "The great Yan Empire has no men, and women have turned the world upside down. Today, I will destroy you, rebuild the world, and save the people from the dire straits." These words full of provocation and contempt were like sharp blades, piercing everyone's self-esteem.
The conservative minister, Shangshu Wang, immediately seized the opportunity. His gray beard trembled slightly, and he knelt with anger on his face and remonstrated, "Your Majesty, this is an ominous sign! Ever since Noble Concubine Su came to power, she has advocated reforms, disrupted the government, and violated the rules passed down by our ancestors. Now, the barbarians are taking advantage of the situation and invading. This is a warning from heaven. We must swiftly imprison Noble Concubine Su in the Heavenly Prison to uphold the laws of the land. We must not let these foreign barbarians make fun of us, otherwise, what will become of the reputation of the Great Yan Empire?"
Minister Li beside him also echoed, "Yes, Your Majesty. The laws of our ancestors cannot be violated. Women interfering in politics will bring disaster to the country and the people. Now that the border is in danger, it must be the fault of Concubine Su."
For a time, the court was outraged, and calls for the punishment of Concubine Su were heard one after another.
However, at this critical moment, most of the concubines in the harem did not sit idly by. There was a jingle of bells and pendants, and a group of concubines dressed in gorgeous palace clothes, surrounded by palace maids, hurried into the court. The leading Concubine De had a dignified face and a firm gaze. After a slight bow, she said in a loud voice: "Your Majesty, the sisters heard about the war on the border and were extremely anxious. Today, with the reform, the people live and work in peace and contentment. This is a fact that everyone can see. The barbarians can't bear to see our dynasty become strong, so they are naturally waiting for the opportunity to reform and transform to make trouble. You gentlemen may have never been to the border like us women. Now, we don't want the people to be displaced. In the face of enemy invasion, we swear to defend our homeland to the death. You gentlemen blame us. Is it a great rebellion for us women to protect the people and defend your Majesty's Great Yan Empire? Although I am a woman, I also have the heart to serve my country. Today, my harem is willing to do our best for the border. I am willing to go to the frontier and defend my homeland to the death!"
The concubines behind her, such as the virtuous concubine and the virtuous concubine, echoed in unison, their voices uniform and firm: "We are willing to do our best for the border, willing to go to the front line of the border, and defend our homeland to the death!" There was no fear in their eyes, only loyalty to the country and anger towards the enemy.
Concubine De continued, "Your Majesty, the reforms implemented by Concubine Su have enabled women in the society to display their talents. Now that the country is in trouble, it is time for women to step forward."
The virtuous concubine also stepped forward and said, "Though we are in the harem, we also know that the rise and fall of the country is the responsibility of every citizen. Do not listen to those conservative words and let loyal ministers be wronged."
Concubine Su stood aside, her expression calm. She looked at the concubines defending her, a flicker of emotion in her eyes. But facing the accusations of the conservative ministers, she did not retreat. Instead, she stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, everything I do is for the prosperity of our country. Now that the enemy is invading, we should unite and resist them together, not blame each other."
His Majesty sat on the Dragon Throne, his face so gloomy it looked as if water could drip from it. His heart was filled with anxiety and conflict. On the one hand, he faced the majesty of the ancestral law and the strong demands of the conservative ministers. On the other, he faced the unwavering determination of the concubines in the harem and the insistent arguments of Concubine Su, as well as the urgent battles at the border. He gripped the armrests of the Dragon Throne tightly, his knuckles turning white from the strain.
At this moment, a young general, General Zhao, stepped forward. He clasped his fists and said, "Your Majesty, I believe that the most urgent task is to deal with the border war, not to debate the rights and wrongs of Concubine Su. The enemy is now advancing aggressively, and we should quickly mobilize troops and strengthen our defenses."
A civil official, Lord Sun, also stood up and said, "Your Majesty, I think the patriotism of the concubines in the harem is commendable, but the battlefield is dangerous, and women may have many inconveniences in going there."
The debate in the court became increasingly fierce, and the views of all parties were deadlocked.
At this time, General Lin, a highly respected veteran, slowly spoke up, "Your Majesty, I have fought on the battlefield for many years and understand the cruelty of war. The situation is critical now, and we should be open-minded and employ only the most capable. While Concubine Su's reforms are controversial, they have also brought some new ideas. Perhaps we can give women a chance to contribute to the defense of our country."
The old general's words brought some peace to the court. His Majesty pondered for a moment before finally speaking, "I have decided to deal with the border war first. Noble Concubine Su will remain in the palace for the time being, and I will make a final decision after the truth is revealed. I am aware of the patriotic feelings of the concubines in the harem, and I will consider the appropriate arrangements."