As an official, what's wrong with raising a few monsters?

Chapter 315 His Majesty Has Grown Up

During the daytime grand ceremony of offering sacrifices to Heaven, golden carp leaped through the Heavenly Gate, merits were rewarded, and officials were bestowed titles and honors.

Perhaps something unusual happened again at night in the palace where no one was watching.

The ministers were unaware that their emperor had grown even more on this day.

With the sun high in the sky, the court officials outside the palace were getting impatient, as there were many matters to discuss.

They looked at each other, bewildered, not knowing what had happened.

His Majesty the new emperor is a very diligent person. He rises early and retires late, working hard in government affairs. He can stay up longer than them, and he has never been late.

I don't know what's wrong with me today, I'm late.

Yesterday, we held a ceremony to worship Heaven and bestowed titles and honors upon everyone. Everyone was in high spirits and full of energy. Today, we've postponed the morning court session and ordered everyone to stand at the gate as punishment. What is the meaning of this?

Is this meant to give them a warning?
Isn't it necessary?

Could it be that the process was delayed because Yueyang was unfamiliar with the palace?
Trying to decipher the emperor's intentions is a habit of officials.

The officials pondered to themselves.

One person was missing from the crowd.

Of the four most honorable dukes who were recently bestowed titles—Feng Xiaozhong, Xiao Ling, and Ling Yu—three were present, but the most special and highest-ranking Duke of Anguo, Mingchen, was missing.

Yesterday, he was personally bestowed with honors by the emperor, receiving the highest honors.

Why didn't he come the next day?

However... thanks to his long-standing laziness, he hadn't attended many times anyway, so it seemed natural for him not to attend the morning court, and the officials didn't think there was anything wrong with it.

Whether there is a morning court session or not makes no difference.

After waiting for a long time, the guards finally opened the door and summoned the officials into the hall.

The group marched in a large procession.

In the main hall, His Majesty, clad in imperial robes, sat regally on his throne, exuding an air of elegance and nobility. Compared to Ji Qu's palace, this palace was far more magnificent and imposing.

The ministers present were all shrewd and astute.

Reading between the lines is a basic skill, but I don't know if it's just people's imagination.

I felt that His Majesty's face was rosy and his eyes were glistening with moisture today. He looked radiant and full of energy.

It didn't seem like he was in a bad mood at all; quite the opposite. It was as if a long-accumulated knot of frustration had been untied all at once.

The ministers seemed to have never seen His Majesty in such good condition before.

"May Your Majesty be well!"

The ministers, each with their own thoughts, bowed and paid their respects.

Xiao Xinyue smiled and waved her hand gently: "Rise, all of you."

She appeared to be trying hard to remain calm, but in reality, she was on the verge of falling apart.

Of course, although I was physically exhausted, I was mentally very excited.

She seemed a bit out of sorts today.

He was still in the imperial court, but his thoughts were still lingering on last night.

Having tasted the sweetness, she now knew what kind of life General Ling had been living all these years.

That villain really knows how to cause trouble.

And what's with all that cryptic talk about royal robes and the death of Prey?

Without realizing it, she glanced at Ling Yu in the main hall.

Coincidentally, Ling Yu was also looking at her.

The two exchanged a glance, revealing a secret known only to them, as if everything was already known and understood without words.

In the future... I won't be dipping beans in the same sauce as His Majesty, will I? What kind of expression should I make then?

Xiao Xinyue is just a level one newbie, while the silly older sister is a veteran warrior who has mastered countless skills and experienced countless battles.

Sister Dai pursed her lips, looking at the high and mighty emperor, but then she thought of another scene.

This idea is somewhat absurd and unprecedented, but... it seems that it is not far from being realized.

In what was clearly a court setting to discuss state affairs, these two women in high positions were thinking about things they shouldn't have.

Xiao Xinyue shook her head. "In one's position, one should fulfill one's duties."

Gather the jumbled thoughts in your mind and return yourself to the role of the emperor.

"What do you gentlemen wish to report?"

Apart from Ling Yu, none of the courtiers knew what Xiao Xinyue was thinking.

The purpose of the imperial court is to discuss matters of state.

A general stepped forward and reported to Xiao Xinyue: "Your Majesty, good news from the south! General Shao has captured all nineteen cities in Cangzhou."

Xiao Xinyue was already in a good mood, and upon hearing the good news, she laughed heartily, "Hahaha, excellent! General Shao is truly a tiger general of our dynasty!"

At this rate, we'll be able to unify the Qian Yuan Dynasty soon.

After reporting on a few other miscellaneous matters.

"Your Majesty, everything is fine in Yueyang. The people are united, and the military and civilians are of one mind... I believe that Your Majesty should reconsider the matter of moving the capital?"

An old minister stepped forward and spoke respectfully.

"Oh?"

The decision not to move the capital and to continue with Jiqu was something that had been agreed upon beforehand in Jiqu, and there were many voices of opposition at that time.

Now that they have arrived in Yueyang City, everything seems to be much better than they had imagined, and the ministers naturally have another plan.

Most people have already achieved their ultimate goal: to live a peaceful and stable life in Qian Yuan, dominating the region and recovering as much lost territory as they can. They have no intention of engaging in a contest with Bei Lie.

In comparison, this ancient capital with its five hundred years of history is certainly better.

Having witnessed the prosperity and grandeur of Yueyang City, some people are unwilling to return.

Xiao Xinyue tapped the throne and narrowed her eyes: "Lord Zhang is right. What other opinions do you all have? Please speak freely."

She has already decided to establish her capital in Ji.

However, just as the minister presented his memorial, she seemed to have thought of another aspect, a plan.

She and Mingchen discussed the issue of the three passes in the northern border yesterday.

The three passes in the north are now under the control of the Northern Lie. However, the Northern Lie has just completed the canal and its national strength still needs adjustment, so it is certainly not ready to march south.

Should she pretend to hesitate, stay in Yueyang for a while longer, and lure Bei Lie into a hasty southward march? While Bei Lie is rushing south, should she take the opportunity to ambush him before he can establish a firm foothold and seize the three passes in the north?

Her political center headquarters was quite tempting, especially since the north was a plain with little defense.

Who knows, Bei Lie might risk a military campaign?
Sitting in this seat, she couldn't rely on Mingchen for everything; she made most of the decisions herself.

"Your Majesty, you mustn't! The foundation of our dynasty rests on Ji Qu. Moving the capital rashly would likely cause chaos."

"Why not? The foundation of our dynasty lies in Jiqu, but the foundation of our Qianyuan dynasty for five hundred years has been in Yueyang! The hearts of the people are with Yueyang, which is far more important than Jiqu. Yesterday, there was a strange phenomenon of a golden fish leaping into the sky and transforming into a dragon. It must be an omen from heaven. Our emperor is the destined ruler, and Yueyang is an auspicious place."

"Lord Liu, you are mistaken. Jiqu is also an auspicious place for our dynasty. Have you forgotten that when His Majesty ascended the throne, there was an auspicious omen of a phoenix singing in Jiqu?"

Several ministers remained on the surface, unaware of Xiao Xinyue's true thoughts. They argued back and forth, each sticking to their own version of events, until the debate reached a fever pitch.

This has always been the prevailing trend in the new dynasty.

Xiao Xinyue encouraged these people to speak.

The meritorious officials had just been rewarded, and everyone's enthusiasm was even higher. As long as they felt it was beneficial to the country, they would compete to speak up in the court.

Everyone was just discussing the matter at hand.

Which side is better for the country's future?

This is a healthy atmosphere.

Just then, a middle-aged general with a serious expression stepped forward: "Your Majesty, the northern border of Qian Yuan is weak and indefensible. The three passes of the northern border have been occupied by the enemy. If we remain in Yueyang, I am afraid that the enemy will harbor wolfish ambitions and send troops south to besiege Yueyang City. At that time, our dynasty will have no way to retreat and the situation will be critical."

That seems to hit the nail on the head.

The court was silent for a moment.

The new dynasty recovered lost territory, and a thriving scene unfolded.

In recent years, Bei Lie has also kept a low profile and quietly continued to build canals, and the two countries have remained committed to their alliance and will not invade each other.

Everyone seems to have forgotten about this incident. They're only thinking about the benefits and have forgotten about the dangers.

Xiao Xinyue looked down at the assembled officials and gently waved her hand: "Let me think about this matter some more."

A sudden flash of inspiration is bound to have many problems.

Xiao Xinyue didn't want to make any definitive statements. She wouldn't reveal her true thoughts in court and planned to discuss them privately with Mingchen and the others afterward.

Small meetings are held for big things, and big meetings are held for small things.

Xiao Xinyue paused, then said to the last general to speak, "General Song is right. Our northern border is in grave danger. No matter where the capital is located, we must govern the northern border!"

"How about this, General Song? I'll send 8,000 elite troops north in three days to reclaim the lost territory. What do you say?"

I didn't expect to receive a job so suddenly.

The general paused, then asked repeatedly, "May I ask Your Majesty, which army do I... lead?"

The northern border is now a desolate wasteland, all unclaimed land, teeming with bandits and plagued by famine; its recapture will not be difficult.

But three days is far too short.

Their current location is in Yueyang, and there's no way they can transfer troops from the corps thousands of miles to the southwest.

Xiao Xinyue raised her head and said calmly, "Are there not enough soldiers in Yueyang City for you right now?"

Upon hearing this, the court fell silent for a moment, and several ministers' expressions changed: "This... Your Majesty, this is unacceptable!" "If these Imperial Guards are dispatched, who will protect the capital?!"

Immediately, several court officials spoke urgently to Xiao Xinyue.

Returning to the old capital, Xiao Xinyue brought her core team. With the situation in the east in chaos, security had to be absolutely foolproof. Ten thousand elite guards were selected to protect the city, and they were equipped with the latest firearms.

Now they're actually sending 8,000 to reclaim the northern border? What about the safety of Yueyang City?
There are still many rebellious forces within Qian Yuan territory that have not been eradicated!
Moreover, if we were to return to Jiqu, could the remaining few thousand people fulfill their responsibility of protection?
"Gentlemen, are you afraid?"

Xiao Xinyue raised her head and spoke calmly, asking the several anxious ministers a question in return.

What are you afraid of?
Rebellious forces? Bandits and outlaws? Or the Northern Fiends from the north?

"I will share life and death with you, what is there to fear?"

"When Dong Zhuo usurped the country, he was wanted throughout the country. I only had three hundred men, but I still managed to survive and establish a new dynasty."

"We still have two thousand men left, and the situation in the country is excellent. What are you all afraid of?"

"Now we are fighting against an enemy nation, and the three passes have already fallen. Every day we delay, the northern territory may be lost. I am willing to take the risk rather than let the northern lands and people fall into enemy hands."

Xiao Xinyue's voice was loud and clear, echoing in the hall, and the ministers who had spoken earlier fell silent.

People tend to become complacent in a life of wealth and security, forgetting the hardships they once endured.

At this moment, everyone clearly felt the unwavering resolve of this young monarch.

They realized that Xiao Xinyue might not just want to reclaim the rightful position of Qian Yuan.

She wanted to reclaim all lost territory; she wanted to dominate the world.

For a moment, no one tried to persuade Xiao Xinyue anymore.

Seeing that the court was quiet, Xiao Xinyue lowered her eyes, her voice becoming calmer as she looked at the general: "General Song, I am entrusting the guards to you!"

"I hope you will not fail my trust and will reclaim the northern territory as quickly and thoroughly as possible, and station troops in Xingyue City to prevent enemy invasion."

Meeting the Empress's gaze, the general trembled and fell back to the ground: "Your subject...will give his life for you, Your Majesty, and will not fail your trust!"

In a sense, Xiao Xinyue has entrusted her life and fortune to him.

"it is good!"

"On the day of departure, I will personally see you off, and all the generals and soldiers off."

These 8,000 troops, once dispatched, will likely be the first to make contact with Bei Lie.

Unlike the Qi, Chen, and nomadic Xiongnu, the Northern Lie were formidable and troublesome enemies with fatal weaknesses.

Xiao Xinyue hopes that these people can show the brilliance of Qian Yuan.

Don't dwell on the past, when you were beaten so badly you couldn't even lift your head.

The general trembled, his eyes filled with fervor, and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty!"

The emperor himself officiated!
Mingchen never received this kind of treatment before!
……

"call……"

While Her Majesty the Empress was holding a meeting with her ministers in the court, a certain Duke, who was second only to the Empress and above all others, scaled over the palace wall and sneaked away like a thief.

The thief went to the palace but didn't steal any valuables; he only stole a heart.

"Has His Majesty truly triggered these auspicious omens? A fish leaping through the heavenly gate? It even seems to have transformed into a dragon? This is truly an auspicious sign!"

"Our Emperor is truly a wise ruler. The proclamation has been posted, rewarding those who have rendered meritorious service and granting a general amnesty!"

"Sigh... Is Your Majesty really not planning to make Yueyang the capital?"

"I don't think so! Perhaps His Majesty will change his mind when he sees that our Yueyang City is still prosperous. After all, this is the capital of the Qianyuan era, which lasted for five hundred years."

"Four dukes were conferred titles in one go yesterday!"

"Who's here? Who's here? Where's Lord Ming?"

"Lord Ming has definitely been granted a title, and it was His Majesty himself who bestowed it upon him! Duke of Anguo, the highest honor and the highest status."

……

With Xiao Xinyue's return, Yueyang City now has a new master.

During the sacrificial ceremony, a celestial omen occurred, and for a moment the entire city of Yueyang seemed to come alive.

The city was becoming more lively, with pedestrians coming and going on the streets, and everyone's face was filled with excitement and anticipation.

Everyone was talking about it, and they were all discussing the hot topics.

The country has been in chaos for several years. Peace, stability, and a wise ruler are what everyone desperately hopes for.

Unbeknownst to anyone, a handsome young man with a small red bird perched on his shoulder hurried past.

No one knew that this was the newly appointed Duke they were all talking about, the most respected figure second only to the emperor.

No one knows what kind of outrageous crime this man committed in the palace last night.

On the street, Mingchen let out a soft breath.

This is truly a crime of deceiving the emperor.

My feelings are somewhat mysterious.

Even if he had personally helped him rise to power step by step, he was still His Majesty, the emperor who ruled the world. The excitement brought by that status never faded.

He's just a mortal man too!
He never expected that Xiao Xinyue would give her heart to him at this time.

He has gained another girl he loves, and the world has gained another person to care about.

Sister Dai has her own beauty, the little bird has its own beauty, and Your Majesty has your own beauty.

Everyone is unique to Mingchen.

Unlike Lingyu, unlike the little bird.

His Majesty probably only has half his heart with him.

She dedicated the other half to her ideals and responsibilities.

Xiao Xinyue has the country on her mind, so she is destined not to be like a little bird, circling around him every day.

However, it's nothing; that's part of Xiao Xinyue's charm, and Mingchen respects her.

"Young master, young master~"

"Where shall we go for a stroll? Let's go to a restaurant, let's go to a restaurant~ Fuyao is hungry!"

The little bird perched on his shoulder, its eyes sparkling, and spoke to him.

Mingchen: ...

This hurdle is insurmountable now, isn't it?!
"Why go to a restaurant?! Aren't you even hungry?"

Do you really want to eat when you go to a restaurant?

I'm almost embarrassed to say anything to you!
Mingchen grabbed her and said fiercely, "I'm warning you, you're not allowed to go!"

The little bird covered its face with its wings, looking as if it was about to cry: "Waaah~ Young Master is abusing Fuyao! Young Master won't give Fuyao any food~"

This kid is getting more and more mischievous.

Mingchen rolled his eyes at her and casually pointed to a restaurant: "Okay! Let's eat at this place then!"

"Oh dear, young master, this restaurant isn't very good. I think our own restaurant is much better."

Mingchen glared at her and said irritably, "Don't even think about it! You're not allowed to go!"

"Did you try to peek through the window again last night?"

The imperial palace clearly couldn't stop this powerful divine beast, the phoenix.

Last night, Mingchen could clearly feel that this guy was peeking out the window again!

Who would dare to peek through the emperor's window!
This is the only one I can get!
"So what's wrong?"

The little bird raised its head, showing no shame whatsoever at being caught, and said matter-of-factly, "What about you, young master, haven't I seen before?!"

What's wrong with peeking out the window?
Let's meet up with our future friends!

We all sleep under the same blanket, so we can learn from each other and make progress together!

There's nothing to be embarrassed about.

She was afraid of frightening His Majesty, otherwise she might have joined the battle.

The little bird discovered yesterday that its young master seems to really like special clothes.

This is a milestone achievement.

Mingchen: ...

This unlucky guy has completely gone astray.

These thuggish lines sound like they should have come from him, right?

"In a little while, fly to the northern border and find out who the guards sent by Beilie to the three passes are."

To prevent this guy from secretly listening to audiobooks.

Mingchen thought for a moment and assigned her a small task: "The military formation has a great suppressive effect on you. If you sense anything is wrong, run immediately, understand?"

The little bird often did this kind of work, and nodded gently in agreement: "Oh, okay!"

"give it to me!"

The little bird looked at Mingchen expectantly: "Now that I've completed the task, what reward do you have for me, young master?"

"I'll tell you a story, and you'll get some delicious food!"

The little bird giggled, "Hehe~ No, no~ Young master, I want..."

(End of this chapter)