Fighting Bloody Battles To Defend The Border, The Love-Brained Empress Ordered The Troops To Withdraw? - Chapter 34

Xiao Mingzhao looked out at the ministers kneeling in the grand hall.

These weren’t ordinary courtiers — they were the empire’s backbone, the seasoned officials and generals who held up the state.

That so many were opposing her decision… Even after twelve years on the throne, such open resistance was rare. For a brief moment, she faltered.

Just then, Qin Hui stepped forward.

“Your Majesty,” he said respectfully, “General Li Yunfei has rendered outstanding service. Precisely because of his accomplishments, he should be brought back to the capital and assigned more critical responsibilities.”

“To continue having him defend the border — a place of bitter winds and constant bloodshed — is hardly fitting for someone of his merit. If Your Majesty truly wants to show appreciation, then let him return to Kyoto.”

Xiao Mingzhao exhaled quietly, a trace of relief passing through her eyes.

She gave Qin Hui a grateful look.

This, indeed, was the loyal minister she could always count on — wise and reliable, always stepping in when she needed it most.

Without giving others a chance to argue, she quickly responded, “Prime Minister Qin speaks wisely. Li Yunfei has done much for this nation — if I continue to station him at the frigid, dangerous front lines, wouldn’t people say I mistreat my loyal subjects?”

“I strive to rule justly. How could I allow that?”

“Therefore, I’ve decided to replace him.”

Her gaze swept the court before stopping on a figure among the generals.

“Du Yuetao,” she declared, “will take his place in Shanhe City.”

“I’ve made my decision — it’s final.”

She’d hoped this sudden move would catch everyone off guard and prevent further argument. But how could she expect the matter to end so easily?

The Minister of War and several others immediately showed visible outrage.

What?!

Du Yuetao replacing Li Yunfei?

Absolutely not!

With a heavy thud, Yang Huibin dropped to his knees and bowed deeply.

“Your Majesty, you must reconsider!”

“General Li Yunfei has not expressed any desire to leave his post. If he is given adequate supplies, I’m confident he would gladly continue defending the border.”

“I dare stake my life on it — Li Yunfei is the best choice for Shanhe City.”

Yang Huibin then shot a sharp glance at Du Yuetao, standing tall among the generals.

His voice was full of scorn: “And Du Yuetao? A man who treats the people as if they’re expendable — how could such a person be entrusted with a city as vital as Shanhe?”

“I cannot support this.”

One after another, officials joined Yang Huibin on their knees.

“We object!”

Their voices thundered in unison.

Qin Hui stepped forward again, speaking firmly, “General Du Yuetao is the top-ranking hero in the capital, a man trusted by His Majesty with many victories under his belt. Why is he unworthy?”

“Why shouldn’t he take over from Li Yunfei?”

The answer was clear to many in the hall — they remembered Du Yuetao’s infamous incident in Southern Xinjiang.

When his wife fell ill, he abandoned the region and returned to her side, leaving the border vulnerable. The result? A massacre of hundreds of thousands.

Could such a man be relied on to hold Shanhe City?

Yang Huibin opened his mouth to speak, but Xiao Mingzhao cut him off sharply.

“Yes, Du Yuetao left the battlefield temporarily,” she said, her voice cold and measured, “but once his wife recovered, he returned and fought fiercely, reclaiming the lost territory.”

“His courage, his skills, and his deep devotion moved me. That’s why I placed him first on the Heroic Roster.”

“A general with both strength and heart — why shouldn’t he be given such responsibility?”

To her, he was the perfect choice.

Yang Huibin was beside himself with fury.

This was absurd.

Du Yuetao’s so-called “devotion” had cost countless lives. He had once openly said: “If the people of Southern Xinjiang must die for my wife, so be it.”

Such a man replacing Li Yunfei?

Outrageous.

The court turned into a battlefield of words. Both sides refused to yield.

Xiao Mingzhao grew more impatient by the moment, ready to enforce her will through royal decree.

But before she could, Du Yuetao himself stepped out from the ranks.

His expression was cold, almost indifferent, as he bowed.

“I thank Your Majesty for the honor,” he said calmly, “but I must decline.”

“I’ve just returned from a long journey — my wife’s birthday is approaching, and I wish to spend it with her.”

“I’ve already set aside all my military duties for this occasion. If I leave now, there’ll be even less time for us.”

“I’m afraid I cannot accept the appointment.”

The entire court fell silent.

After all the arguing, Du Yuetao himself turned it down?

Yang Huibin and his supporters were stunned at first, but soon relief crept into their expressions.

Well… that solved the problem, didn’t it?

Even if Du Yuetao’s reason was infuriating — skipping a national assignment for a birthday? — none of that mattered now.

What was important was this: he wasn’t going.

No replacement could rival Li Yunfei in capability. Unless the aged General Qin came out of retirement — and even that was highly unlikely.

Yang Huibin felt the whole affair had ended in an oddly roundabout way… but at least the result was in their favor.

Court was dismissed shortly afterward.

The ministers left the hall in a procession, heads held high, triumphant as if returning from a battlefield victory.

But Empress Xiao Mingzhao returned to the palace deeply unsettled.

It wasn’t Du Yuetao’s rejection that frustrated her — on the contrary, his reason touched her. A man who loved his wife so deeply… such loyalty was admirable.

No, what disturbed her was this: she had no one left to send.

She had considered asking the elder General Qin, but ultimately dismissed the idea.

Just then, Qin Hui — ever reliable — stepped forward.

“Your Majesty, perhaps there’s another way. You need not be concerned.”

“Oh?” Xiao Mingzhao’s eyes lit up. “Then speak — I’m listening.”

Qin Hui bowed. “General Du Yuetao’s loyalty to his wife is commendable, but it was precisely this personal attachment that caused the defeat in Southern Xinjiang.”

“Military protocol doesn’t allow family members at the front. But if Your Majesty were to grant special permission — allow him to bring his wife with him — then perhaps he would reconsider.”

“Even if the journey to the northern frontier is long and harsh, I believe it is still possible to persuade him.”

“What’s more,” Qin Hui added, “I am willing to personally visit his residence and speak to him on Your Majesty’s behalf.”

“Du Yuetao is a man of reason. I believe he will understand Your Majesty’s difficulties, as well as your intentions in marrying Mr. Tuoba. He will agree.”

Xiao Mingzhao’s face brightened.

“If Prime Minister Qin can accomplish this, I will be most grateful.”

“Then I leave this matter in your hands.”

Qin Hui bowed again and accepted the task with solemn pride.

“I will not fail you, Your Majesty. I will persuade Du Yuetao to take up the assignment and ensure General Li Yunfei returns to the capital — so that Your Majesty’s wedding may proceed without delay.”

With that, he turned and departed — heading straight to Du Yuetao’s residence.