Fighting Bloody Battles To Defend The Border, The Love-Brained Empress Ordered The Troops To Withdraw? - Chapter 32

Xiao Mingzhao, clearly furious, snapped at Yang Huibin, “Enough! Don’t say another word!” His voice cut through the air as he dismissed Yang Huibin without giving him a chance to defend himself. “You’re more concerned about this? I’m the one who doesn’t know what I’m doing? I’m disappointed in you!”

Yang Huibin opened his mouth to argue but was quickly escorted out by the guards, leaving him standing alone in the cold, the wind biting at him as his heart ached with frustration.

He had spent his life in service to the Dayu Dynasty, grateful for the opportunities it had given him. But now, under Xiao Mingzhao’s rule, everything seemed to be unraveling. The dream of a “love-centered” kingdom was an illusion—impossible to achieve. Yet, the emperor remained obsessed with it, and Yang Huibin couldn’t help but feel that the very foundation of the dynasty was crumbling.

“I just want to help, to share the burdens of the throne,” Yang Huibin thought bitterly.

As he mulled over his frustration, he noticed a eunuch rushing past him, carrying a message from the emperor. His instincts told him that something serious was unfolding, and he quickly followed the servant.

“Lord Yang!” the eunuch called as he hurried along. “I’ve been sent to invite Prime Minister Qin to see His Majesty.”

Of course, Yang Huibin realized. Whenever something critical needed addressing, Xiao Mingzhao always turned to the treacherous Qin Hui. What kind of disaster would this man bring upon the kingdom now?

Yang Huibin’s eyes blazed with determination. He knew that this was likely the moment when Li Yunfei’s fate would be decided. With Li Yunfei at the borders, the security of Shanhe City and the entire empire rested on his shoulders. He couldn’t let Xiao Mingzhao undermine him.

“I’ll risk everything to protect Li Yunfei,” he vowed to himself.

Meanwhile, Qin Hui arrived at the palace and bowed respectfully to the emperor. Xiao Mingzhao, looking weary, sighed as he expressed his distress. “Li Yunfei loves me too much. He killed Yi Yang over his jealousy, and now he’s murdered the military censor. This situation is unbearable!”

Qin Hui’s eyes widened in disbelief. “General Li Yunfei killed Yi Yang? And the military censor too? This could be the start of a rebellion!”

The thought struck Qin Hui like a blow. If Li Yunfei was indeed planning to rebel, how would the barbarians be kept out of Shanhe City? How could the emperor’s plans for his marriage to Tuoba Hao proceed?

Qin Hui immediately offered his advice. “Your Majesty, Li Yunfei’s actions are truly reckless. He cannot be allowed to continue. If he’s allowed to stand in your way, how will you fulfill your promise to Tuoba Hao? Shanhe City must be handed over, and your marriage cannot be delayed.”

Xiao Mingzhao, already in a state of anxious urgency, nodded in agreement. “You’re right, Qin. I cannot afford further delays. Shanhe City must be delivered, and I must marry Tuoba Hao.”

Qin Hui then suggested a drastic solution. “If Li Yunfei continues to resist, Your Majesty, the only way is to strip him of his military power. If he has no troops, he can’t stop you.”

The emperor hesitated, clearly distressed at the thought of punishing someone so loyal. But after a moment’s reflection, he gave in. “You’re right, Qin. We cannot wait any longer. I’ll take action immediately.”

“But who will take over Li Yunfei’s position?” Qin Hui asked, raising an important point.

Xiao Mingzhao considered it for a moment. “What about General Du Yuetao? He’s a hero and an experienced commander. He can handle this.”

“Du Yuetao is a strong choice, Your Majesty,” Qin Hui acknowledged, but then added, “But he’s not in the capital. He’ll be returning tomorrow.”

“Then tomorrow it is,” Xiao Mingzhao said, relief flooding through him. “Once he’s here, we’ll send him to handle Li Yunfei.”

Meanwhile, Yang Huibin was taking his own actions. He met with other veteran officials, sharing his deep concerns about the emperor’s decisions, including the matter of Shanhe City. To them, giving away such an important city to the barbarians was unthinkable. They could not allow it.

“I will risk everything to protect Li Yunfei,” one old minister vowed. “With him, Shanhe City stands a chance!”

The ministers were determined to confront Xiao Mingzhao the next day, to plead their case. They could not stand by as the emperor’s reckless decisions threatened the dynasty.

As the night deepened, the palace was quiet, but the undercurrent of unrest was palpable. Everyone knew that tomorrow would be a decisive day. The fate of the kingdom, and of Li Yunfei, would be decided.