Fighting Bloody Battles To Defend The Border, The Love-Brained Empress Ordered The Troops To Withdraw? - Chapter 33

Early the next morning, the imperial court convened as usual.

As empress, Xiao Mingzhao had always been deeply invested in managing the empire’s affairs. She aspired to elevate the Dayu Dynasty to new heights and took pride in diligently handling state matters every single day without ever growing lax.

Even amid preparations for her marriage to Tuoba Hao, she remained laser-focused on governance, never letting personal matters cloud her sense of duty.

This day was especially crucial — a replacement needed to be selected for Li Yunfei, who had been stationed in Northern Xinjiang. Xiao Mingzhao, prepared and punctual, had already taken her seat, awaiting the arrival of her ministers.

As the ceremonial whips cracked thrice, officials filed in, forming their usual ranks: civil officials on one side, military on the other.

A eunuch stepped forward and announced, “All those with memorials, speak; if not, the court may be dismissed.”

At once, the ministers exchanged glances. Many were eager to speak — they had already prepared their arguments the night before and were only waiting for someone to break the silence.

Just as Xiao Mingzhao opened her mouth to declare she had something to address, the Minister of War stepped forward, bowed, and interrupted:

“Your Majesty, I have a matter to report.”

Seeing that it was the Ministry of War, Xiao Mingzhao inwardly sighed — a headache was surely incoming — but she still nodded. “Speak, Minister.”

The Minister raised his voice: “The Ministry has received troubling news. Li Yunfei, the garrison commander of Shanhe City, has executed two officials — Hu Leqi, the military censor, and Yi Yang, the grain transport officer.”

Gasps echoed through the hall. The court erupted into hushed chaos. Many ministers were hearing this for the first time.

“Executed a censor? Who gave him such authority?”

“Killed the grain officer as well? Is Li Yunfei rebelling?”

“Unbelievable. How lawless can he be?”

The eunuch called for silence, and the murmurs slowly faded.

The Minister of War continued: “After reviewing the memorial, I believe Li Yunfei’s actions, though extreme, were justified.”

“Hu Leqi compromised the army’s communication systems over a barbarian girl.”

“Yi Yang committed blatant corruption, swapping 800,000 tons of military grain for potted plants.”

“This kind of betrayal is unforgivable.”

“While Li Yunfei violated strict protocol, the situation demanded urgent action. I believe he acted in the empire’s interest.”

“Therefore, I urge Your Majesty not only to absolve Li Yunfei, but to recognize his merits.”

“I also suggest that the crimes of Hu Leqi and Yi Yang be formally declared, and their clans be held accountable!”

Other ministers quickly chimed in:

“Agreed! These two endangered the nation!”

“They should be executed and their clans eliminated!”

“One-tenth of the court chanted in agreement.”

Xiao Mingzhao frowned. She recognized these ministers — they were always the ones opposing her policies, no matter the topic.

So she responded firmly: “I understand your reasoning, but such hasty measures do not align with the broader strategy I must uphold. There will be no further discussion on this matter.”

To her surprise, the Minister of War didn’t press further. He simply bowed and said, “If Your Majesty has spoken, I will not push. However, there is one more matter…”

He continued, “I’ve heard that Your Majesty intends to include Shanhe City in your marriage alliance with Tuoba Hao, the sixth prince of the northern tribes. I believe this is highly inappropriate—”

The court burst into a second uproar.

Give Shanhe City to the barbarians?

That was unthinkable!

Shanhe City had been established under Emperor Wu, who even left an inscription forbidding barbarians from ever setting foot in it.

And now it was to be handed over?

Yet despite their outrage, most officials held their tongues. They knew Xiao Mingzhao’s reputation — she did not tolerate dissent lightly. Some were even considering how they might support her decision, hoping to curry favor.

But Xiao Mingzhao’s face darkened. She had kept the dowry negotiations secret for fear of backlash — and now that the truth was out, opposition was exploding just as she feared.

Still, she was unwavering.

She stood her ground: “The matter is settled. Shanhe City has been promised to Tuoba Hao. I gave my word — and as ruler of this empire, I must uphold it.”

“How could I face my people, or stand before this court, if I break my promises?”

“I will not discuss this again.”

She had denied them twice already. Surely, no one would dare push further.

But then Yang Huibin, another Minister of War, stepped forward and said sternly, “Your Majesty denies this and that — do our voices mean so little?”

“I still have one proposal.”

He paused, then delivered it:

“General Li Yunfei, who defended Shanhe City so valiantly, should be rewarded.”

That, Xiao Mingzhao could accept. She nodded. “What sort of commendation do you suggest?”

Yang Huibin replied, “Li Yunfei should be promoted. After all, he drove back an 800,000-strong barbarian force — a feat deserving recognition.”

“Approved,” she said.

“And,” Yang Huibin added, “he must be resupplied. Without fresh provisions, not even the most capable general can hold the front.”

“Agreed,” Xiao Mingzhao said. “The Ministry of Household Affairs will coordinate with speed.”

“And one more thing,” Yang Huibin said. “I propose that Li Yunfei be permanently stationed in Shanhe City. His presence alone ensures its safety.”

That was the real intent.

The court fell still.

Everyone immediately understood — if Li Yunfei was stationed long-term in Shanhe City, no matter what dowry arrangements were made, the barbarians would never actually gain control of it.

The empress’s promise would amount to little more than empty words.

Xiao Mingzhao’s face darkened.

But before she could respond, a wave of officials dropped to their knees.

Led by the Minister of the Household Department, nearly a tenth of the court prostrated themselves in unison.

“Please, Your Majesty, appoint General Li Yunfei to guard Shanhe City!”

“We beg this of Your Majesty!”

Their united voices echoed like thunder through the great hall.

And with that, Xiao Mingzhao found herself cornered — no longer by individual voices, but by the pressure of a court determined to hold the city, no matter her intentions.